Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 19 January 1821
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin
					Hermitage Jamaica plain 7 oClock Friday Mrng 19 January 1821

				I have sent my Sleigh with Bear skins, & Furs, and as the day is fine and the sleighing never better I hope you will find yourself better for a change of air, and as our Rooms are well air’d, you will find yourself as comfortably warm as you will be, in your own Room—we shall be at home to you & your own Family alone—and every thing done to make you comfortable & at your easeI have procured a fine cask—a princeton Turkey and with the addition of something else—you shall have your Dinner on Table at any hour you may wish—I have also got a warm carriage to take you home again when you say you wish to return after Dinner. my Sleigh has seats for 4 persons wch: can take the 3 Ladies & yourself.—Judge Adams will come in his own sleigh.—My Letter of Wednesday I hope you received, and please to bring the order you are required to sign to get your money from the state TreasurerWe hope to see you all  by Eleven oClock—yours affectionately

					Ward Nichs Boylston

					PS Mr Ignatius Sargent senior Bro’ of the state Treasurer died yesterday, of what is called here a Long fever of 3 days confinement


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 January 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

Honored and dear Father
Montezillo January 22d. 1821

I revoke the appellation of Son—Your conduct to me is more like that of a tender affectionate partial and too indulgent a Father—than like that of a Cousin, or a Brother or a Son
You overwhelm me so with your kindness that I have no expressions adequate to my sense of obligations
I have received the two Barrels of Cider, and the Bottles of Wine which I shall reserve for the best use of which they are susceptible
my best thanks and kindest regards to Mrs Boylston and yourself / from your / dutiful Son
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 27 January 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					(Private)Dear Sir
					Washington 27 January 1821

				I have been so much indisposed it has been almost impossible for me to keep my journal and my family has been too large to admit of sufficient quiet to do any thing but partake of the amusements of the place which however have been but few comparatively speaking. It has been remarked frequently that there has never been so gloomy a session as the present and I doubt if there ever was one which has been so idly spent—The reduction of the Army causes considerable sensation, and the House is divided into prodigals, and Radicals: how in any shape they can acquire the former name it would require a wiser person than myself to understand—but I confess in one point of view it may be admissible, as they appear willing to lop a little from every body but themselves—This is the only sense in which the word can be understood as applicable to Congress who have ever been much more famed for their meaness and parsimony than for their liberality—This curtailing system is absolutely necessary it is said in consequence of the desperate state of our finances, but the remedy appears to me to be some what like many celebrated quack medicines, which relieve for the moment, more effectually to destroy—A number of the Members it is said voted on the idea that the Senate would reject the Bill and that they might obtain popularity with their Constituents without producing any real change in the situation of the Country—This is a new principle of Legislation, and if generally adopted calculated to place us in a very elevated point of view among nations—To natural and unsophisticated beings whose minds are not sufficiently expansive fully to understand these master strokes of policy, there is something truly unpleasant in this sort of double dealing; but ignorance is our shield and we rely on it for our excuse—The plan of Mr. Calhoun was very generally approved but the spirit of intrigue is up and very few understand the game or the stake for which they are playing—  To the astonishment of all the world Mr. Clay who has hitherto been remarkable for his liberality has cut off the pension proposed for the Mother of poor Perry. It is a pity he lost one of the really best traits of his character for the sake of so miserable a pittance which could barely have afforded subsistence to the Mother of the man who largely assisted in saving the Republic from destruction—I wish my Dear Sir our Republic would imitate their predecessors in their virtues and not make the vice of ingratitude the principal object of their example In the hope that your health is perfectly restored I hasten to apologize for the above observations and to assure you of the dutyful affection of your Daughter

					L. C. Adams.


Title: From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 31 January 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, George Washington

my dear George
Montezillo January 31st. 1821

I thank you for your letter of the 31st. as well as for that from New York—I have been reduced so low in health that I have not been able to write answers to letters as I used to—Your letter to Claudious was sent to him, as soon as it was received—I have long been anxious for your Mother—presuming her to be unwell—And rejoice in her Convalescence—
I am impatient to hear Your admiration of the Oratory of Mr Randolph—Our National affairs at present are in an awkward situation—The relation between the Union, and Missouri, is Novel—
We are all pritty well here—The sleighing was never finer—and the weather never Colder—and the sleding is so good that we are able to get a bout a Cord of Wood a day, from the Wilderness—and that is pritty near the quantity we burn a day—We have almost as many fires going as your friend Feron says, I have Rooms in the House—But I can assure him, that I have several rooms that have no fires in them—to be sure, it is true, my House is sufficiently republican—but as my Countrymen give me no credit for that virtue, I am not sorry that Foreigners do—
If I may judge of your taste and feeling, by my own—you must have great delight in hearing the Oratory in Senate, and the house, and the supreme Court—for I spent a whole month in an easy delightful trance—in hearing the innumerable Orators of all sects, parties, and denominations, in our grand Convention—an entertainment which I have not enjoyed for many years—
I am sorry to hear you complaining so often of ill health—I advise you to live upon bread and Water—to make this diet luxury I allow you to put a piece of toasted bread in to the water—with this regimen your head will always be clear—your stomach light, your temper serene and your whole body free from pain—and you will make more improvement in science and literature in one day, than you can in a week, if you eat meat, drink wine, and smoak Cigarrs; you will never be well unless you ride ten miles a day, or walk a mile—If young Men will not learn the necessity of living upon a cooling diet, if they study, they must die—I suppose you will say as most young Men do—I had rather die—but if you are so determined do not blame your / affectionate Grand Father
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 1 February 1821
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear and ever beloved Son
					Hermitage Jama plain 1st Feby 1821

				For such you have allowed me to call you, (the evidence of wch. I shall retain as long as I retain any thing in my possession, and, shall cherish with delight—tho’ rank’d in age with the Patriarchs of the old Testament times—Indeed I think I begin to feel the infirmities of that age by a Rheumatic afliction in both arms, both legs, & indeed universial—or you wou’d have seen me at Quincy before now—I certainly misunderstood you abt. the Post you sent by Mr Foster’s son—I tho’t you had given him an order to receive it—and therefore supposed it settled—untill Mr Foster, told me, the day before yesterday he had a Letter from you at his house wch had lain there some days—I called immediately and yesterday received of the Treasurer #70 in Boston Money which if I am not able to bring myself, will send you by Thomas AlkerMrs Boylston still continues very much distressed by her cough, we hope yours has  totaly left you, with her affectionate regards to you & kind remembrance to the Ladies / I am / your ever affectionate / Father

					Ward Nichs Boylston


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 1 February 1821
From: Adams, John,Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

					My dear Sir
					February 1 1821

				I have received your kind note of this afternoon. Mr De Wint and his family are all in Boston and are engaged there till next Saturday. It is utterly impossible for me to wait upon you in the present state of my health; nor in any case can I go with such an army as you have invited. All the strength nature has left me is not sufficient to endure it. Your kindness overwhelms me. My son said to you what was unfounded (through mistake). I beg you to pardon and excuse me. If there comes a snow or not I presume Mr D will return to New York immediately after his return from BostonI am  Sir / totally oppressed by your kindness and the  obligations you are daily imposing on me / Your perpetually affectionate & loving Cousin

					John Adams Junr.(per order) John Adams.

					Turn Over
				My dear SirIt was undoubtedly through some mistake of my Uncles that what you heard, to use grandfathers words “was unfounded”; and accordingly it is dashed in my Grandfathers letter, being put there by me. Although this disappointment must be born as patiently as possible—you may depend upon my exertions to carry into effect part of your scheme But it must be in private for he will not come with an army as he says. Make no calculations and no preparations for him. If he comes it must be by chance.This addition he knows nothing about and I wish he should not as he might be displeased—with the liberty taken by / Your’s AffectionatelyJohn Adams Junr.


Title: From Henry Clay to John Quincy Adams, 2 February 1821
From: Clay, Henry
To: Adams, John Quincy

					2. Feb. 1821.

				Mr. Clay has the pleasure to accept the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Adams to dinner on thursday the 8h. inst.


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 7 February 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear daughter
Montezillo February 7th. 1821

My thanks are due to you, for your kind favour of the 27th. of January—I am sorry to hear that you have been so seriously indisposed—I have been myself confined to my House since the 18th. of December, thirty odd days in punctual attendance in Convention; And almost as many luxurious dinners in the best of Company in the World—And as many Visits to Widows, as if I was looking out for another Wife, raised my spirits above my strength—and made me so very sick that it is a wonder, that I had not suffered the fate of Voltaire after his last visit to Paris, and Coronation, of the nine muses—I have however recovered all, but my strength—
I want to hear from Mr Randolph my old friend you know; who has honored me for twenty years with so many beautiful figures of his rhetoric, that my ambition craves a few more—by all that I can learn, he has totally neglected me the last session—I am fearful least he should do so in this,—a few sprigs of laurel more from his honourable hand, would be very acceptable—
You mention nothing of your Sons, and we have heard very little from them since they left us—
The public in this quarter, are waiting with some impatience for the Secretary of States reports, upon weights, and Census
 I forgot to tell you, as you desired, that I voted for Mr Monroe and Mr Tomkins, and very much regreted that any of my Colleagues in our Electoral College voted for any other than Mr Tomkins for Vice President—though I very well know the merit of Mr Stockton—The public have lamented the death of your friend, and Pupil, Mr Gallisson, as deeply as any young Man I ever remember—
We go on here in the usual way—I am your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 19 February 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 19 February 1821

				I enclose you a Letter from one of your young correspondents which was received a few days after your departure and which I suppose you would regret very much to lose.In taking the Desk which your Brother lent you I want to know what you did with the papers which were in it among which the two Contracts of Mr. Van Coble were placed and I am very much concerned at not being able to find them any where.Washington has become excessively dissipated and to night we have no less than two Balls one at Mrs: Thompson’s and the other at Mrs. Van Ness’sMr Canning gave a most elegant Ball on friday night at which it is said there were ninety nine Ladies—The House is handsome and what is better comfortable—I am obliged to go out otherwise I would write a longer Letter tell George I shall answer him immediately and if John can condescend to write to me I shall be glad to hear from him in his old style: As he will probably be less under the magic of Cupid he may be able to devote a  leisure moment to his old Mother—Adieu I will send your Trunk as soon as possible as yet there has been no opportunity—Mr de Neuville has brought a charming little Nephew with him about your size who would have been  a charming companion for youYour Mother

					L. C. A


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 24 February 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 24 February 1821

				I yesterday received your Letter dated Quincy and was delighted to find your very formidable journey without accident. I admire very much your kindness in having lengthened your ride, and separated from your Brothers for the purpose of delivering the Letter of your new acquaintance who I think must be exquisitely delighted by this exalted mark of friendship and devotion—I am sorry you could not find the music. I have two charming girls staying with me who are great proficients in Music and who contrive to teaze Johnson so prettily he talks of removing to Illinois where he intends to practice Law and be returned to the Legislature or sent to Congress as soon as possible. I do not much admire the plan and hope it will not be put in execution—Charles read him well and this is only the beginning of his caprices for I fear he is inclined to be restless which I look upon as one of the most fatal maladies a young man can be siezed with in early life well calculated to blast the hopes of future promise—But it is really astonishing how seldom we meet with what I call character among mankind and how much even the best and firmest are mere creatures of circumstances—A weak even silly woman may be the means of either there success or their misery and the most trifling accident destroy their brightest prospects by producing this fluctuating doubting unsettled state of mind and thus teaching us to view every thing through the medium of our senses instead of being guided by reason and reflection—I trust however I shall Keep him here and that you will at least study part of your time together and excite one another to emulation—We are all well and it will give me great pleasure to hear from you frequently either in a sober or chit chat form which will be equally welcome to your Mother

					L. C. A.


Title: From William Pinkney to John Quincy Adams, 26 February 1821
From: Pinkney, William
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Monday. 26. Feby. 1821

				Mr Pinkney presents his Complements to Mr. & Mrs. Adams and accepts with great pleasure the honour of their invitation to Dinner on Friday this 2d. March.


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 10 March 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

Dear Sir
Montezillo March 10th. 1821

I received your letter this morning of March 1st. and congratulate you on the birth of another Son, and condole with you on the illness of your father; we must sing of mercy & judgement together from the cradle to the grave, and we must bend our minds to a perfect resignation; nothing short of this, will procure us the happiness of which our nature is capable in this world.
The name you have given to your child will not be of any injury, though it will do it little good, for notwithstanding the disposition you speak of, to do justice to that name, yet it never was, and never will be much beloved, or esteemed, in this Country; I fear it has been too much slandered, and abused in writings, that cannot all of them perish; it is however a heart felt satisfaction to me to find that my principles, systems, and writings, are now respected in the world, adopted and spreading, because I beleive them calculated for the benefit of mankind; as to me they are of no consequence, for I Shall very soon follow your departed, beloved son, and meet him with his Great Grandmother; and a crowd of other relations, and friends, who have gone before me, where Slander and Panegyric, will be heard no more; Tell Abby not to despair, there is time enough for Daughters.
With respects, and regard, to your family I am / your affectionate Grand Father

John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 11 March 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 11 March 1821

				I will answer your last Letter by saying that your most horrible is altogether thrown away as neither of the young Ladies who remained with us were very beautiful or fascinating but good natured pleasant girls who amused me very much by their musical talents and the eldest by a highly cultivated mind—Their ages would not have frightened you but their tall Grenadier look might have intimidated you a little not being yourself of the Patagonian race The eldest was 20 the other 16. quite as fond of dancing as you are and always inclined to be gay and frolicksome—Georges fit or frenzy will probably be over before we come on and he will be more keenly occupied in preparation for his Commencement—your father begins already to doubt and hesitate about the time of his visit but I think I shall prove restive this time and insist—which you know is quite Congressional in theory but not much in practice the Superior house generally flinching on account of the purse strings being held by the inferior branch of the Legislature—This parallel will not agree altogether in my case but some other power must be excited tho’ it will be difficult to any so well calculated to command—Mrs. Gouverneur has a daughter and there is some disappointment but much rejoicing at the great house—You do not say any thing about Quincy in your  Letter, and I want much to learn how every thing goes on there and how you found your Grand father Write me on this subject as many of my plans will depend upon what I may hear from thence—Colverts Mother is very bad and there is but little hope of her recovery—do not however mention it to him as it would only serve to grieve him—Write me frequently and particularly how Charles is effected by the Climate and believe me ever your affecte. Mother

					L. C Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 13 March 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 13 March 1821

				Your Letter which I received yesterday gave mutual delight to all of us—It was exactly the style I have so often wished you to acquire easy playful and affectionate. This is the peculiar charm of familiar correspondence and worth all the studied phrases and elegant quotations that you could select from the first rate and best authorsI suppose your appointment to be one of the standing committee for future dinners must be a great mark of distinction as a purveyor I think this office would Charles John than you as he is somewhat more of an epicure Yesterday we had the whole corps diplomatique at Dinner which passed off  gaily enough more especially as our dinner was more than usually excellent considering the season—We had two Ladies the hue and cry being so great concerning them I have thought fit to resume my old custom of inviting them; rather late in the day you will say but better late than never—It is said that the Presidents salary will be reduced to 15000 because he will not give the Ladies a dinner this appears to me to be rather an extraordinary mode of promoting tho but perhaps times are about to receed so much that he will be able to give dinners for nothing—We shall certainly have cause to hail the auspicious day come when it will as the rent roll we at present receive is by no means so large as our need—The ambassador seems to wear his dignity hourly and was not so promises to be prominent as he used to be he appears to be too heavily laden and as if he could not long support the load at present carries—She is exactly what she was amiable simple and good, but her head notwithstanding she is of the weaker sex is better ballasted than his and will better sustain the changes of this very changeable world—I am very sorry to lose them as I fear we shall never find any so well suited our Atmosphere—Mr. Canning was courteous and affable—His down-cast look and demure phiz alway remind me a little of Joseph Surface and his high pretension to gallantry à le anglaise always make me smile involuntarily—It is said he was brought up for the Church this may account for the gravity of his demeanor—Mr. Poletica was as usual much absorbed by the good cheer before him and only now and then snuffled agreeable things to the company quite à la Russe—General Vives was as usual almost a silent spectator of the feast cold and grave as a Spanish Grandee should be I suppose on such occasions Mr. Roth was never more literally chargé des Affair and really appeared to be wound up to the highest pitch of garrulity not very much to the satisfaction of Son Excellence who remarked more than once that he talked too much—As dinner is just ready I must conclude this nonsense and bid you an affectionate farewell—

					L. C. Adams—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 20 March 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

				Cpd.
					Dr Sir,
					Washington 20 March 1821.

				The Bearer Dr Charles Caldwell visits Europe for purposes connected with the promotion of Literature and Science in the Western Regions of our Country. The cause claims the helping hand of every patriotic American, and the well known and distinguished merit of the person, will be his most effectual introduction, wherever he may be named. I recommend him and the objects upon which he will visit London, to every attention and kindness, which it may be in your power to shew them.I can only avail myself of the opportunity to acknowledge the receipt of a number of Letters from you, which it has not been in my power to answer.—I am, Dr. Sir, ever faithfully, Yours.—

					John Quincy Adams:


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 22 March 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 22 March 1821

				I feel a little uneasy about you and therefore write you again to give you a timely caution as there are whispers concerning the restlessness of your Class which lead me to dread an explosion Your own sense my dear Boy will teach you how foolish and imprudent it is to run any risk of expulsion or even rustication as the loss of a year to you who are so desirous of obtaining your liberty would be bitterly felt as a punishment and you may rely upon it your spirit would be more deeply wounded than you imagine—The young Ladies who were with me were the Miss Roberdeau’s not first rate beauties by any means but fine Girls and remarkably pleasant and unaffected and really accomplished You may smile but I say really because they are more in the style of the Nicholas’s therefore more to my taste than the extremely artificial manners which I usually meet with among person’s of my own sex who appear to me almost always to be running into the opposite shades of bluntness or affectation—Either noisy or insipid, boisterous or dull, or such perfect automatons that the most you can extract from them is an insip smile or a Languishing drawl just sufficient to evince that they breathe, “live, and have a being”—Those among whom you live and at least according to your account have had the benefit of experiences to fit them for enjoyment—I am surprized I own that with your ardent character and aptness for the belle passion that charms so finished and matured should not have set your young blood in a flame and heated even to poetic phrenzy your imagination—but I suppose your hour is not yet come and you are perhaps waiting an opportunity as favorable as one recently mentioned in the papers which you perhaps have seen “a youth who being himself 29 led to the hymeneal Altar a Virgin no not a Virgin but a Widow of only 85”—If this is your plan I shall receive my daughter with smiles of welcome and do every thing towards promoting your Nuptial felicity—And that you may dream at your leisure of your future Bliss I will hasten to subscribe myself your affectionate Mother—

					L. C. Adams—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 5 April 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 5 April 1821

				Your Letter full of complaints my dear Charles reached me yesterday and I am sorry to see you indulge still in a querrulous disposition but a little intercourse with young men I still flatter myself will cure you therefore I shall say nothing farther on the subject—Your Trunk I sent on about ten days since and hope as it was addressed to the care of Mr Cruft you have received it safe with the Gun and the Violent and the Cloak which I believe I ought not to have sent—I however have such confidence in the superior power of your mind my Son that however painful the effort there are few things I am sure which you could not vanquish once resolved and ere many Months have elapsed I trust you will have recovered as completely as Johnson appears now to be excepting occasionally—He begins to be sensible that beauty is not perfection—Our little friend has derived considerable advantage from the lessons she received in the Winter and I am much more satisfied with her than I ever was before perhaps because I begin to reap the fruits of my labours—She is becoming too much of a belle and I am a little afraid that admiration will undo my efforts to improve her—I write you thus my dear Charles because you must be in the habit of hearing of her and because I would rather you would continue to think of her as she is than to avoid the subject and by that means encourage the passion which you have indulged hitherto but which you may rely on it time will prove is altogether imaginary—Is George as much of an enamorato as ever. He is so fiery I suppose he will be quite overcome by the attractions which dissolved your mighty heart and I expect to be quite perdu with love scenes poetry & c.—after we return from Boston—Adieu my Boy make light of life and do not encourage at your age misanthropical feelings—receive the kindness intended you with kindness and tho’ it may not be displayed in the exact form or manner which is most pleasing to you remember always that the motive which prompts it is amiable and benevolent and that however desirous we may be of avoiding obligation there is frequently more real grace  and goodness elicited by the manner of receiving favours and more real gratification bestowed than by offering them—Throw yourself into the society of young men if they are a little older never mind it—Be assured my dear Boy that your Mother loves you too sincerely to advise any thing unsuitable and it is the conviction of the necessity there is for your future welfare and happiness to shake off the habits you have been acquiring under my roof under my own eye indeed that makes me so urgent and a very little force put upon your inclinations will teach you that much good is to be found in society as well as evil and that with a little discretion we may enjoy the one and avoid the other


Title: From John Adams Smith to Jeremy Bentham, 9 April 1821
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Bentham, Jeremy

					My dear Sir.
					9 April 1821.

				I have read with infinite satisfaction, your observations on the restrictive & prohibitory Commercial system, and thank you kindly for having sent me the pamphlet; and I could wish, that it were possible to open the eyes of the blind, to heal the sick, and relieve the oppressed, under your liberal and generous ideas—With much esteem very Respectfully I am / yr: ob: Servt

					J. Adams Smith


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 25 April 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 25 April 1821

				You become so testy I almost begin to feel disinclined to write to you at all as my Letters instead of contributing to your happiness appear to produce a contrary effect—I do not think you more wild than young men of your age generally are but I think you suffer your passions frequently to master your reason and on this account I have sometimes been apprehensive that you might suffer severely from the consequence of your intemperance—I am happy to find you well employed and hope your critique of Kenilworth will fully answer your expectations and reward your labours—It is remarkably well written but I do not think he has drawn so finished a portrait of Elizabeth as might of been expected—The contrast between the helpless loveliness of the Countess of Leicester and Varney is awfully striking and the character of Leicester is truly contemptible shuffling base and wicked—You have no doubt in your review of the work sought in history for the great proportion of the characters which are prominent and have ascertained the correctness of the facts represented. I expect to be favoured with a sight of the piece when completed and have no doubt I shall be highly gratified with your production—On this day I presume you are occupied in attendance to the exhibition where your brother is again to maintain his reputation as a Speaker. That he will succeed I have no doubt and it will procure him a very great advantage on his entrance into life (that is upon a larger scale) to have gained such a point—Oratory in this Country is a gift and is the real source when well understood and well applied by which Ambition is fed—It is therefore necessary for every young man who has to make his own fortune in the World to devote much of his attention and study to this particular branch of his education and to determine early to baffle all impediments to its acquirement—We have proof, of the possibility of this in the History of Demosthenes who labouring under a natural impediment succeeded in correcting the deficiency by laborious exertion and unceasing application—You have nothing of this kind to apprehend as nature has been bountiful in her gifts and has denied no essential qualification—To Charles I recommend to pay particular attention to these recommendations and to be assured that at his time of life we can if we will mould ourselves to what form we please—But we must not lose the opportunity for want of exertion and supinely sit down with a conviction taken up on the weakest pretences that because we have failed once, twice, nay thrice; we are never to succeed: on the contrary this very want of success in our first attempts should lead us to pursue with ardour to conquer the difficulties and like Demosthenes to acquire greater glory and immortal and unperishable fame for having attained to that which even Nature seemed to deny.Who is the Author of Sukey? Send me the Poem! I am obliged to close my Letter as my paper is out—Adieu—

					L. C. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 29 April 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 29 April 1821

				Mary is amusing me as usual in crying and whining because I suggest to her the necessity of some occupation She has written one page of your fathers Bible Letters and imagines that after such an immense exertion she must rest from her labours altogether. I will leave it to you to decide whether the Sabbath is to be literally understood as a day of total inactivity both of mind and body or whether it ought not to be employed in some advantageous occupation for the mind more especially for a mind so barren and uncultivated and so little susceptible of improvement—It puts me a little in mind of those vast heath’s in England on which much labour of has been bestowed but which after all only produce weeds and fern to repay the pains of the cultivator—There is only the poor satisfaction of knowing that however unproductive the soil may prove no pains have been spared to enrich it and to hope that among the Tares which are so prolific some more valuable seeds may germ and arrive at perfection—This is but a poor compensation but alas it is all I rest my hopes on—Your Exhibition is now over and you have now the flattering prospect of gaining some opportunity of again proving your application and industry if not your native merit. That your exertions may be crowned with success is my anxious prayer as I look upon it as a serious advantage to a young man to leave such an Institution as Harvard with a good reputation and highly calculated to promote his future interests in Society or rather in that large Sphere the world in which as a Lord of the Creation you are bound to play a distinguished part—Did the smiles of the fair crown your last endeavours or did the Snow Storms of your clime make cold still colder by the want of that lovely artificial stimulous the Ladies eyes to witness your performance? experience has taught me how powerful such an incentive proves on such occasions and I prayed that you might be doubly blessed—You are at that happy age when Youth and beauty sheds a magic lustre over your days and when its excitements may become powerful motives for your ambition this is a sentiment dictated by nature itself and is only dangerous when we suffer its magic influence to obscure our reason. It heightens our enjoyments and inspires all the benevolent feelings of our Souls and when youth and beauty are accompanied by sense and virtue it sheds a lustre on the human race which ever leads our thoughts to something far beyond the Sphere in which we live, move, and have our being—Such a picture affords ample scope for heavenly contemplation as it approaches towards those Seraphic beings whom we are taught to believe we shall one day hope to meet in a world to come and such contemplations lead us to aim at such a degree of perfection as will enable us to attain so precious a reward even in this  for  our exertions and teach us to appreciate the value of such a blessing—This is no ideal system many such beings may be found and the best wish your Mother can offer for your future happiness is that you may find one such and be worthy of her and of the large portion of felicity which you in such circumstances must enjoy.Affectionately and Ever Yours

					L C A

					Seek not to cull in haste the roseNor let its fragrance waste in airOft e’er its beauteous buds uncloseIt fades and withers in despair.So youthful love too early soughtMakes every future prospect—nought.To GeorgeSeek not in haste to cull the rose,Nor let its fragrance waste in air;Oft e’er its beauteous buds uncloseIt fades, and withers in despair.The Canker worm has siezed its heart,Its lovely blush, its leaves decay;Pining beneath th’ envenom’d smart,It droops, and gently wastes away—So Youthful love unheeded sought,Blights every promised future joy;Makes ev’ry brilliant prospect nought,And fills each hope with sad alloyOf grief, of poverty, of pain,And evils dire and endless chain.


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Daughter
Little Hill May 3d 1821

I hope We have not forgotten each other! We wait with impatience for the weighty and immeasurable Report. I am afraid I shall not live long enough to read it, if to see it.
Our Harvardinians call upon Us, now and then and are always received with open Arms. George continues to maintain his Character as a Speaker; John is coming to consideration. But Charles is the reserved and the thoughtful one.
I hope you will encourage them all in their Studies of French Litterature. I think it, as usefull as the English. French History is more faithful to the Truth than the English. But all history seems like Romana. It shows Mankind in such a contemptible and odious light that I can hardly believe any of it. Though I cannot keep my Eyes off of it, I am constantly disgusted with it
I long to see, once more my dear Son and Daughter, and depend upon that pleasure, at least in August. If it can be sooner it will be so much, the more delightfull. I am your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 4 May 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 4 May 1821

				You reproach me without a cause and I dare say you got your Letter the very day after you wrote—My time has however been very much occupied in sitting for a picture which is not a quarter finished and which it is probable will employ me the whole summer—You complain without reason of your Letter to me which was by no means bad tho’ it was odd but I do not know what you mean by saying you were not in your proper senses—This admits of an interpretation which would be very painful to me and certainly very disgraceful to you I therefore trust it was only a mode of expression in itself meaning nothing but carelessness which tho’ a fault tis excusable provided you do not repeat it too often—Your brothers success cheered us considerably and the account you give of John is likewise very grateful as we know you would not deceive us by leading us to expect more than was true—In a short time we hope to hear news as pleasant concerning yourself and have no doubt or fears being perfectly assured that you will make every proper exertion to obtain the same standing as your brothers which will be easy to you being gifted by heaven with every means to ensure a good reputation in your Class—I am happy to learn that it is likely to be so promising as it will excite you to emulation and rouse that latent spark of ambition which has apparently lain dormant Ambition used in this sense my Son is honourable to every man as it is only a desire to attain excellence and strive at perfection—You have sometimes appeared to me to understand this term in too limitted a sense and suffered your imagination to dwell only on its political meaning—The scale on which I place it is vast and expansive as the firmament which we behold but which we cannot measure and the excellence which I anticipate leads to that perfection which we are taught to believe exists in a future state—To this Ambition let me exhort you and be assured that we often attain what we believe impossible by our will to acquire it and to despair of conquering.  difficult only indicates a supine and indolent character which seeks not to rise above the most ordinary level and is content to grovel on the earth instead of aspiring to the Skies—You are born for better things determine to be great and good and you have reached almost to the end of your journey as this will make difficulties light and you will asscend the rugged path with ease and fortitude gradually overcoming the little impediments which may occasionally obstruct it and reaping the sure reward of your labours in the road to virtue and science—We are all well. Johnson is gone to Baltimore after his lass who has treated him with scorn for his pains The front of the house is finished and it looks beautiful—Ever yours

					L. C. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Harriet Welsh, 9 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Welsh, Harriet

Dear Mrs Welsh
Montezillo May 9th 1821

You are it seems requested to enquire of me 1. Whether there was ever any “Coolness” between President Washington and me? 2. Whether, there was any difference in Opinion between Us, on public Affairs?
You have not informed me who the inquisitive Person is, or whether his motives are benevolent, or malicious; but as all these points are indifferent to me, I have no reluctance to answer
1. There never was any personal Coolness between Us. The Temperature of the Atmosphere between Us was very uniform from 1774 to his death.
2 The differences of Opinion between Us, were not a few; but I Shall enumerate only two. 1. The Neutrality of the United States. From 1789 to 1793 he was a great Admirer of French Constitutions and Revolution and Strongly inclined to closer Alliance with France. I could approve of neither and had the Utmost difficulty to convince him of the Policy and Necessity of declaring Neutrality. 2. In the organization of the Army, after his retreat We differed in the choice of Officers. I was for selecting the best officers from both Parties. He or his Advisers, were for confining the Choice to Federalists. Thus you have answers enough for the present to your two questions from your humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 11 May 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					Washington 11 May 1821

				Your reproach my dear Sir was very keen and keenly felt because conscience pointed its force and added mortification to its merited sting—To make excuses will not repair the fault and the only rational one I can offer is that I have been waiting impatiently for the publication of the weights and measures and was really entirely decieved as to the length of time that had elapsed since writing to you—We hope my dear Sir to come on in July it is at present Mr. Adams’s intention to meet me at Quincy in August and nothing can prevent it but the negotiation now pending between this Country and France which at present I believe does not wear the most auspicious appearance and is cause of considerable business in the Cabinet—The french Minister seems to be very sick of his Brazillian Mission and would probably be glad of any thing which could prolong his stay in this Country but the Ambassadorial dignity is a strong temptation more especially as besides the rank there is an addition to the financial part of the cituation which having once enjoyed it is not agreeable to resign—This reminds me of Revolutions and these naturally drive us to Europe which appears at this time to be in a state of revolt and confusion between Tyranny and liberty—The struggle is a great one a noble one but alas there is but little prospect of its success—What is your opinion concerning these events? Or do these things no longer interest you as they used to do?We are much gratified by the success of George and look forward with hope and pleasure to the Commencement tho’ we do not expect he will have a conspicuous part—n’importe if he has acquired a reputation as a Speaker it is sufficient to carry him far in this Country in which Oratorical talent is appreciated and valued tho’ I will not always say justly as I have heard some fustian rant pass for excellent—John will I trust also be successful in his studies as it is said he is a good Scholar—As for Charles his character is so strongly marked I scarcely dare give an opinion concerning him. His future life depends on the coming four years and whatever bias he takes will be lasting—My hopes have always been of the most favourable kind but he is thrust into temptation at a very early period of life and with an understanding if I may so express myself at variance with his years which will often lead him into difficulty oftener into mortifications at which his pride will revolt and which may produce the worst consequences for his future fate. That Divine Providence which has hitherto been so merciful to  will I trust protect him from danger and while I have a rock so solid on which to build my faith I will not indulge any fear of evil—God Bless you My dear father give my love to my brother and Sister and to all the members of the family and I trust you will pardon the Sins of omission of your affectionate and respectful daughter

					L. C Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 12 May 1821
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin
					Princeton May 12th 1821

				It is a source of Deep regret and vexation to me, that I was obliged to leave Roxbury without seeing you again—Bad weather, Bad, & sometimes impassable Roads by repeated unusual Snow Storms, together with a Bad cold, & Rhuematic lameness, kept me a prisioner to my House  untill a few days before I came to this place—and being under a previous obligation to be here from the 7th. to 12th of last month on Convention Business as you have been at Quincy, alieved me but a short time to make a number of arrangements in my affairs in Boston & elsewhere prior to my leaving Roxbury, which I was compeld to do  on the 30th ultimo, which if I overstaid this Town woud have lost the benefit of my taxes wch. they depinded on & felt the loss very severely.—It seems by the returns that most of our labours in Convention are not likely to meet wth general acceptance by our Constituents—in this Town they negatived one half—& what was approved was the least important part—we however did what we cou’d as the best we were able to do, where almost every part had been taken to peices by certain compacts & modil’d to their particular views before it was brought forward for disscussion—I do not hower agree with your venerable Bror in opinion in any point. He says you cant speak—hate him, if you please, and all other men will agree in the same opinion, that you spoke with more important effect, than any other member of that Convention—I mean in your reply to General Dearborne on the apportionment  of the Senate—that speech in its effects is worth more than ten times all the Convention cost the State, this is not my partial opinion, (it is universal)—I read it in our town meeting as part of my explanation—I am now transcribeing it to send  to England for republication, as I am sure it will be there valued and preserved as a most important text for present & future Legislators.If I had been capable of makeing such a speech, with yr.   I shd. have tho’t I had engravend my name on the adamantine tablet of human nations—it is not flattery in saying this,  the multitudes who have spoken to me on the subject, have confirm’d my first impression as express’d to you & led me to urge you to give a correct statement of it to the public.As I never mean to appear either in the Character of Moses or Aaron you will never hear me misquoted, or dispraised as a public man—I have made up my mind never to suffer myself to be put up for any Deliberative assembly either as law giver or Legislator—my Alpha & omega was the Convention—I was importuned & urged to be the representative from this Town, & assured of every vote, still they woud persist & put me up—I then told them my reasons for declining, and if chosen I could not, & wouldnt serve them in that character,—& left them meeting before they cou’d make a choiceBy the same post which brought me your kind Letter—I rec’d from Mr Secretary Adams his report to Congress on Weights & measures, from the short opportunity I have had to look into it, it appears to be a most wonderfull Effort of mind, as well as deep & labourious research, which in all ages and Countries will do him infinite honor I shall write him shortly with my thanks & claim his promise of seeing him & Mrs A here before commencement—Mrs Boylston desires her affectionate regards to you & kindest rembrances to evy part of yr family, you will also please to add mine, and belive the assurance of the constant attachment & devotion of / Your obliged & faithfull / Cousin

					Ward Nichs Boylston


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 15 May 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 15 May 1821

				What sort of a Letter was your last and how is it to be answered? to be angry with you is impossible to sympathize with you equally so, and to pity you is showing a degree of contempt for your understanding mortifying to your feelings and wounding to my own. Are you aware that you sent your Letter to the Post without a wafer and that it arrived in that state at your fathers office? do not my Son give way to feelings which would cease to be painful if you did not give them an extensive degree of latitude and for your fathers your Mothers and your own sake beware of indulging in habits which will prove you destruction and destroy the future peace and happiness of yourself and your affectionate parents who have never yet denied you every blessing in their power. exert your natural strength of mind avoid reading publications which excite the senses and do not like a spoilt Child cry for the Moon which it is impossible for you to obtain or for your very best friends to procure for you—rely on it that what we positively will in reason we can atchieve if our resolution is determined, and that we often defeat our best prospects by an idle indulgence of imagination in which we form pictures which never can be realized because it is easier to dwell indolently on such objects than to combat them by exertion—You have much to do to prepare for your examination in which I am sure you will acquire credit for your industry—The vacation will we suppose be passed at Quincy which will make a little variety for you and force your attention from yourself—Not having seen Melmoth I cannot judge of the work but Maturin is always extravagant and unnatural and the vagaries of the wildest brain seem to be more popular now than the great and rational productions of real genius—How did you like Kenilworth I believe you have never mentioned it—We have not fished this year. My Tuesday Evengs. are resumed and my portrait is nearly completed—It is thought the best Mr. King has ever painted and your father is quite charmed at it—Music is going on as usual and I am very sorry to hear that you have abandoned your violin as I think it would make a variety in your occupation and prove a relief from more serious studies—I hope I shall soon hear that you have purchased a music book and that you have resumed it as I assure you we begin to have a great scorn for unaccomplished Gentlemen at our house.Adieu reflect well on this Letter and once more exert the natural energy of your character for be assured nature that nature never intended you to be a ROMEO but cut you out to fill a much higher grade of character, and stamped you with that mark which spite of yourself you must and will carry to your grave, notwithstanding your pretended want of ambition; and the time will soon arrive when you will yourself be anxious to convince this fact to your sincerely devoted Mother

					L. C. Adams

					Major Dix is said to be paying his devoirs at our hour. very well received—tho’ not serious—


Title: From James Monroe to William Steuben Smith, 15 May 1821
From: Monroe, James
To: Smith, William Steuben

					Sir
					Washington May 15. 1821.

				I find, on conferring with the Secretary of the Treasury, that it will proper for me to appoint a naval officer for the customs at Pensacola, and to allow him one thousand dolrs. pr. annm. salary, with the other emoluments incident to the trust. If you are willing to accept the appointment, I will confer it on you, & will direct the commission to be issued immediately. A sloop of war will sail from Norfolk, in about 10. or 12 days for Pensacola, in which I shall endeavor to have you & your Lady accomodated, should you be so disposed. I will thank you for an early answer to this communication.with great respect & esteem / I am yr very obedt Servant—

					James Monroe


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 17 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My Dear Daughter
Montezillo May 17th. 1821

Last night I received and read your lovely Letter of the 11th: As the three Cantabridgeans were here—they and I and all the family Uncle Aunt and Cousins all enjoyed the Luxury of it at Supper. It made a great impression on all of Us, especially upon George who with great dignity enjoined it upon his Brothers to lay the contents of it to heart.
 We all rejoice in the hope of seeing you in July and Mr Adams in August. Mr Boylston claims a promise of a Visit.
France and all Europe may do as their Wisdom dictates and I hope WE shall have Some of our own. Commerce ought not to be crushed. But Manufactures ought to be encouraged. It may be a nice line to draw between them, so as to do no essential Injury to either, but it may be done. Upon the whole I would stint commerce, rather than Manufactures.
The Neapolitan Bubble is burst, and I fear many others will be. Clear Ideas of the necessary organization of a free government are not yet acquired in Europe and there is no People there, as yet capable of it. Liberty and Popery, cannot live together.
Our American Constitutions, indeed, are still in some respects imperfect deficient and erroneous. They must be amended, or We shall never have either a National or a State Government. All will be Governments merely of exclusive and monopollizing Parties if not Factions. It is certainly difficult to convince The People of the Truth, when it interferes with their Prejudices.


Title: From Joseph Anderson to William Steuben Smith, 17 May 1821
From: Anderson, Joseph
To: Smith, William Steuben

					Sir,
					Treasury-Department, Comptroller’s office, 17th. May, 1821

				The President of the United States having been pleased to appoint you to the office of Naval-Officer at Pensacola, your Commission is enclosed. You will take and Subscribe the oath prescribed by Law, and enter into bond, with two or more Sufficient Sureties, in the Sum of two thousand dollars, for the faithful discharge of the Trust. Forms of the oath and bond are also enclosed. When taken and executed, you will transmit them to this office, for approbation, together with the Certificate of the District-Attorney, or of one of the Judges of the District, or of the Clerk of the Court, touching the Sufficiency of the Sureties. You shall then be furnished with the forms and instructions necessary for the due discharge of your official duties.Respectfully

					Jos AndersonComptroller


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 19 May 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					Washington 19 May 1821

				Your last Letter my dear Charles quite revived my spirits as it re-assured me concerning yours which had really alarmed me and your father very much We are in the depths of distress on another account which is the removal of your Uncle and Aunt Smith to Pensacola where he is appointed Naval Officer a place which it is expected will become very valuable at present he is to have 1000 Dollars a year but there are other emoluments which the place hunters here say will make it three thousand in a short time. I am not so sanguine tho’ I have no doubt if Pensacola should be-come a Commercial City that the opening will be very good for a prudent man—If we are fortunate in our present state and future prospects we are at the same time subjected to very severe privations and the loss of two of my Sisters is and must be very severely felt by me.I am too much out of spirits to write much so you must be satisfied for the present with this short Letter from your affectionate Mother

					L. C. Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 22 May 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					Cpd.My Dear Sir,
					Washington 22d May 1821.

				I have been highly gratified in recieving your kind Letter of the 10th. instant.—I hope you will not attribute the infrequency of my Letters to you, to any other than its true cause.The Revd. Mr. Little will deliver you this Letter. He is the Pastor of a small flock of Unitarian Christians, who are gathering in this City, and who need some assistance to enable them to erect a place of Worship suitable for them.—Without enjoying the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Little, I have frequently, and always with pleasure attended his public administrations.—His Character is in the highest degree respectable, and I take satisfaction in this opportunity of introducing him to your acquaintanceI am Dr. Sir, your ever faithful and affectionate / Son,

					John Quincy Adams—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 25 May 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 25 May 1821

				Your Letter caused me some uneasiness perhaps more than was necessary in consequence of your first concealment which though done with the very best motive renders me fearful and suspicious that you still make less of your complaint than is necessary and by this means decieve yourself as well as me as to the care and attention which may be due to remove it—You are at a critical age and caution properly applied may insure you the blessing of health and a good constition and I rely much upon a change of Climate and regular habits for promoting this effect—You will soon cease to be so much exposed to the inclemencies of the Seasons and avoid the violent Colds which have debilitated your Lungs partially but which I hope are not seriously injured—Johnson Hellen who has been so long an invalid appears to be gaining strength and I think will shortly become a hearty man—It appears by the papers that your demy God Mr. Kean has been as usual misbehaving himself to a great degree and will probably return to England to abuse and belie us as most of his Countrymen do to excuse his own impertenence—You Yankees are so apt to run into extremes and extravagance when any thing English and fashionable falls in your way you spoil your pets and then wonder at their presumption—This you have most certainly done to the Gentleman in question who being in his own Country obliged to submit with reverence to his gallery Gods presumes in ours to dictate and chuse his audience and this makes good the old proverb, “set a beggar on horseback and he will ride to the Devil” I might have chosen something more elegant than this to adorn my Letter but the force of the thing is so striking it is more suitable than if it were more choice—As the Post is going out I must hasten to close my Letter and entreat you will not only be particular in the account of your own health but also as it regards that of your brothers which will much gratify your affectionate Mother

					L. C. Adams—

					I am not at all solicitous about your having a very distinguished part at Commencement as I understand the practice of the University too well to think it a matter of any importance as to the real and solid reputation of a Scholar—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 28 May 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

					Dear Sir,
					Washington 28 May 1821.

				The Bearer of this letter, a Mr W. E.  Horner Professor of Anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania visits Europe with views having reference to his profession. Recommended by the respectability of his own character and by the friendship of his relative, Mr Moore, a Member of Congress from the state of Virginia, of which Mr Horner is a Native, I take pleasure in the opportunity of introducing him to your acquaintance, and of requesting in his favour your friendly and obliging attentions.I am, Dear Sir, your friend and faithful / Servant,

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear daughter
Montezillo June 3d. 1821

I am glad to learn from your favour of 25. of May, that you have Seen Mr and Miss Roach. They had Eyes and Ears to perceive the eternal person; but not feelings to Sympathize with the internal Griefs Paines Anxieties Solicitudes and inquietudes within. I will not however complain. No Man had ever more cause of Gratitude. In all the Vicisstudes terrors, Vexations and Perplexities and Agitations of a long Life of danger a kind providence has preserved me to this advanced Age, in Such a degree of health that I have rarely been incapable of business or Study. I am not yet weary of life. I Still enjoy it. When I cease to do So, I will pray to be discharged.
I rejoice that Mr Smith is appointed Naval Officer in Pensacola. With prudence and industry he may be a hapy and a Usefull Man. In that Country a vast Scene is opening. The Acquisition of the Floridas will Signalize Mr Monroe and his Secretary. I dare not look into futurity. I Shudder at the thought of assuming the Character of a Prophet. I Should appear a ranting enthusiast, if I Should open to you or to any one all my thoughts of the importance of this Event and its consequences, prosperous adverse and problematical. As a Source of Naval power the floridas are incalculable; and the Effects of American Maritime Power over the whole Globe no human Wisdom can foresee. Consider the W.I. Islands, S. America the Pacific Ocean India China Affrica. The Missura Negroes may be employed as instruments to civilize their own colour; If I were to let loose my imagination rapt into future times I could paint portraits of Glories and Terrors and Horrors, sublime beautiful and miraculous. But Sacred Authority Says “Lord thou destroyest the hope of Man” So he does the fear.
Your Sisters Seperation from you must tenderly affect you but many Such Scenes have already been your lot and many more must Occur. Your husband can tell you of Adicus, as exquisitely painfull as any that ever fell to the Lot of Humanity.
This not our continuing City! I can no more!
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 3 June 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 3d June 1821

				We yesterday went fishing for the first time and to my great astonishment on looking up our Tackle found your rod or rather part of it as Mr. Philip appears to have injured very much and lost one of the peics—It answered the purpose however very and Mary had the benefit of it—Had I known it was not in your Trunk I should have sent it on with the Gun and am very sorry it was omitted I can find nothing that was omitted excepting one Book a “year and a day” and that I intend to bring with me when I visit Quincy—I wish you would write me some account of your visit there and what you think of mine—It is so long since I have been there I should like to know how things are likely to be and to form some regular plan for my stay—It is my intention at present to leave Washington the first Week in July and as I am to travel in my own Carriage I shall be three weeks on the road so that by the time I arrive Georges vacation will have commenced and I shall have him for a Companion at Quincy altho’ he will I suppose be busily occupied in writing his part for Commencement which he say’s will not be distinguished—I suppose your father will arrive just in time to witness the performances and I much fear his stay will be very short as the pending Negociation with France will oblige him to be in Washington as much as possible—Our visit to Mr Boylston will of course depend entirely on these circumstances as your father you know looks upon all private affairs as very secondary to his public duties—Do you enter this Commencement? are you to chum with Horace Dawes? Mrs. Eliot whom I saw the other day says she is a little afraid of the examination for him—does he appear to have any doubts himself? Be very cautious my dear Child in the choice of your companion, for though I have no doubt of the firmness of your character yet human beings rely so much on one another we are continually led astray without being aware of our danger—Another preaching Letter you will say!—but you know that when writing to my children I am impelled by the force of maternal affection to write the dictates of my heart and as their welfare is the strongest desire which actuates its impulses the thoughts thus inspired are too prompt to be rejected by one who so dearly loves you as your affectionate friend and Mother

					L. C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 5 June 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

					Dr. Sir,
					Washington 5 June 1821.

				Mr. William Beach Lawrence of New York, the Bearer of this letter may already be personally known to you, in which case, it will be superfluous for me to add, that he is a Gentleman of highly respectable character. His Lady who accompanies him on his visit to Europe is a daughter of Mr. Gracie with whose character and person you are well acquainted—I recommend them to any kindness of attention in your power.I am with high regard and esteem, Dr Sir, / very affectionately yours

					John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 8 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, George Washington

My dear George
Montezillo June 8 1821

Though the theory of Government is a nice and dangerous Study as I have found by experience; Yet I am glad to find that the lectures you have attended have drawn your Attention to it—Without Some knowledge it, you will be always in confusion, blown about by every Wind. It is a melancholly pursuit, because it is humiliating to human Nature. Selfishness prevails over benevolence; Knavery over Integrity; Hypocrisy; over Sincerity; imposture over Sincerity and credulity, So generally, that Examples of public Virtue appear, rari nantes in gurgite vasto.
And what is worse, these few are generally unfortunate.
After dinner with forty or fifty of the great ones of the Earth, at the Marquis of Carmarthens, the famous Mr Eden, took me aside to a Window Seat and Said “Mr Adams, it appears to me, that two honest Men might Sitt down together and in a few hours adjust all the differences between this Country and yours.” I replied “I am perfectly of your Opinion, Sir, but this nation does not appear to think So.” This nation think! Said Mr Eden, “this nation thinks, as two or three of Us, would have it think; or at most four or five”! This may be thought Vanity in Mr Eden; but I believe it true, because it is conformable to all that I have ever read or heard or Seen.
I could produce Examples without number at home and abroad ancient and modern. But I will restrain myself at present to L’Esprit de La Fronde, which you know I have been reading for the third time tedious at it is. Mazarine, Gaston, Conde and Gondey, governed France, as absolutely as Mr Eden and his Triumvirate governed England. Mole, with all his faults, was the only Sound consistent and intrepid Character, and even he coveted riches too much. L’Esprit de la Ligue is another magazine of Examples of the Same doctrine. If you like Speculations of this kind I am at your Service.
This Letter would expose you to ridicule and me to Scornful criticism. Show it therefore to none but your Brothers and to them only in confidence, from your Affectionate / Grandfather
John Adams


Title: From Bishop Chevereuse to John Quincy Adams, 8 June 1821
From: Chevereuse, Bishop
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Washington, 8 June 1821—

				Bishop Chevreuse regrets that it will not be in his power to wait upon Mr. and Mrs. Adams, on Monday next, as he will be out of town by previous engagement.


Title: From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 11 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, George Washington

Dear George
Montizello June 11 1821

I have finished the Sprit of the King. About 3400 pages, as romantick as any of Scotts Novels and as ennuiuse as they are Sprightly. The great modern novellist is as true an historian as any We have.
L’Esprit de la Fronde concludes with an Observation which every reader must have made on every page of the Work. It is, “It now remains to profit of a great truth, of which this history is but a devellopement: I will borrow it from an ancient Author, who well knew the human heart, and the Secret Springs which Sett it in motion. Sallust, in his Cataline, a history of a War Sufficiently resembling that which We have been relating, he expresses himself thus: ‘the Specious name of Public Good, was but a Cloak, with which all those covered themselves, who in those times, troubled the State. Under the Pretext of Supporting the Interest of the People, or of procuring to the Senate the greatest Authority: their particular elevation, was the motive of So many combats.’
“We have Seen this Maxim verified, in almost every page of this Work, and it is undoubtably the most solid Instruction We can draw from it. But at the same time that it makes Us deplore the Miseries of civil Wars, in which one part of the Citizens are necessarily deceivers and the other deceived, if they go not So far as to exterminate each other, let us not forget that it is perhaps to these days of darkness and Calamity, that We owe these brilliant times of prosperity, forever to be remembered which followed them, and which would probably appear incredible if as has been wisely remarked before Us, an illustrious Writer the president Henault, that ‘the age of Augustus, in the Same Circumstances, had not So Soon produced the Same results.’
“Who can mistake in Such a revolution, Such an astonishing Vicissitude, that wise Providence, which watches over the Safety of Empires, which even from causes of their ruin, drawing those of their grandeur, as from those of their Aggrandment it draws those of their ruine, causes kingdoms to flourish and decay to live and die, at its pleasure, and operates upon the passions of Men for the Accomplishment of its impenetrable designs”
All this is very wise. you will, neverly less observe my dear George, all along in the mass of the People, a confused general Sense of a common Interest or Public Goods, and to this Sense, all the Intriguers are compelled to have Some regard. Here and there You will find an honest Sincere and consistent Character uniformly aiming at the public good. These you Should Seek out as Jewells of inestimable price be their friend, make them your Friends, and grapple them to your Soul with hoocks of Steel.

John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 12 June 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 12 June 1821

				Poor Mariano is dead. On Sunday Even’—he was sitting reading the new Tragedy of Lord Byron when he laid the Book down and marked the page being as it is supposed siezed with the Cramp and ran  across the street to his friend’s room for assistance across the exclaiming to have his arm cut I suppose meaning to be bled—The people thought him crazy and he died immediately after speaking these words—He was buried yesterday and the Catholicks refused him what we call Christian burial because he had not taken the Sacrement and he was thrown into his grave like a dog without form or ceremony There is something awfully painful to the feelings of any human beings at the idea of cruelty or insult after death and it is impossible to avoid a sensation of  dis—at such conduct among those who profess to be the followers of Jesus Christ whose doctrines they wantonly defy while they pretend to preach them—It is said that he omitted to take the Sacrament at Easter being in a situation in which it was attainable and this according to the Catholick Church was a sufficient reason for his having no decent prayers to usher his Soul into eternity—It is likewise said that he was a nobleman of an ancient family in Italy and that his name was assumed—Mariano being that of the Estate—I cannot vouch for this fact but it certainly adds much to the apparent bitterness of his fate—Bonani is likewise at the point of death and there is no hope of his recovery—This is a melancholy Letter—I last night received yours and am very sorry to understand by it that you have unjustly suspected George of accusing you to me of any thing—He has seldom written to and scarcely ever even mentioned you to me Your own careless and inconsistent Letters gave me the information that your mind at least did not appear to be in a well organized state and I wrote as I did in consequence of these observations—Seek to be just and remember that your brother is entitled to your respect and confidence and that he is fully worthy of your affection being the Eldest Son of your Mother

					L C Adams—


Title: From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 16 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Shaw
Montizello June 16 1821

I believe I have related to you, for Shaw told the Story 100 times, of a very vulgar dialogue between Brigadier Rugles and Counsellor Tyler.
Ruggles was raving against Dr Young. Why! Says Tyler, I consider Young in the Town a I do you in the State. Both necessary in your places. “What do you mean? Says Ruggles" Tyler. Yesterday I saw a Watchmaker in his Shop, putting together the Springs and wheels of a Watch. All parts were bright and clean and nicely fitted to each other. The machine seemed to be perfect, but it would not go. The Artist then poked among some dust, and took out a little pin, and with his thumb and finger screwed it into a little hole, and the Watch clicqued in an instant. Such a dirty pin are you in the Province and Young in Boston.
Rugles, “Since you are upon Clockwork, hear what you resemble. You are a pendulum dismally Swinging from Side to Side, but I will do you the justice to Say I never knew one Swing so dear.”
I have omitted certain expressions of gross vulgarity in which those great men indulged themselves in their jocular and familiar conversations with each other. Providence, my dear William, employs such instruments as it pleases to accomplish its inscrutable designs. May we not consider Alexander Cicero Cromwell Napoleon and even Lord Verulam as little dirty pins in the great Machine. They have all done great good as well as great evil.
Voltaire, for what I know was as great, as useful, as necessary, and as dirty a Pin as any of them.
By this time, I presume you will exclaim “What in the World has put all this whimsical Stuff into the head of my dear Uncle this morning”? I will tell you. Recollect, you asked my opinion of Dr Jarvis’s Discourse on the Religion of the Indian Tribes. It is a pretty book. It is an ingenious and diligent compilation of Authorities and Observations as near the truth as any thing that has yet been discovered. Many Remarks may be made upon it when We meet: but at present I shall confine myself to one. In the 15th. and 16th pages is a note upon Voltaire and Some extracts from him. Dr Jarvis acknowledges his Talents, but condemns him by wholesail, in the sweeping Sintince “His Writings have done more injury  to Truth and to human happiness, than those of any other modern, perhaps I may add of any other being”.
I may grant to Dr Jarvis, that he was as “Dirty a Pin” as Lord Bacon. But he has caused as great a Revolution in Religion as Bacon did in Science. His constant Object was to discountenance Ecclesiastical Tyrany and fanatical persecution. His “caustic sarcasms and the corruscations of his Witt” reinforced by his invincible Arguments caused his Writings to be universally read in all the languages of Europe: and have done more, to introduce and establish that still imperfect degree of religious liberty which mankind now enjoys, than any “other Modern, Perhaps I may add of any other Being”.
I am my dear Nephew, your affectionate Uncle
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 19 June 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 19 June 1821

				I congratulate you upon the recovery of your spirits; and I do not know what to say about Langdon as I doubt if he is as steady and good a boy as Horner, but if Horner does not enter I cannot know of any person better calculated than Langdon for a Chum On your share of prudence you know best how much I can rely and conduct towards your brother George from whom I have not heard for many weeks during his very serious indisposition has hurt and mortified me very much. You my dear Charles of all people should be the first to make allowance for excentricities of character and be and be indulgent to weaknesses of constitution which you are as liable to as any one that I know—Perhaps you are not aware that you are as odd a fish as George ever can be and that it will require a great stock of patience in your Chum to live with you as it does in John to stay with George a thing by the by that John had no great capital to introduce into the firm when he entered into the partnership—In entering the miniature world to which you will shortly belong you must remember the great maxim of do unto others as you would they should do unto you and do kindnesses even if you should have no opportunity to reciprocate them and remember that the stronger your understanding is the more will be expected from you not only in the necessary studies of a collegiate life but in your conduct through the period which must elapse ere you quit it—If you fail in one of the first and greatest duties what am I to anticipate as to the others?I am seriously alarmed concerning George as if your account is correct of his having a very low part the mortification which he will suffer will add much to his indisposition and prey upon his spirits you are therefore bound to treat him with the utmost kindness respect and affection instead of ungraciously sneering at that which may and which will in all probability happen to yourself—To me it makes no sort of difference as it regards George as he has already distinguished himself sufficiently to stamp his reputation and given both his father and myself all the satisfaction we desire go thou and do likewise and you delight and gratify your affection but just Mother

					L C Adams.

					As I am to come on in my own Carriage it will be impossible for me to bring any one home I understand Mrs. Clark expects to return with me—
				I suppose you may board out as your father as said nothing against—Only take care of the expence—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 19 June 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 19 June 1821

				Your Letter pleased and displeased me; the goodness and purity of your motives can never admit of a doubt, but there are ways of doing things which sometimes make them appear harsh and unkind and the general style of your last impressed your father with the idea that you were not so affectionate and kind to your Brother as he could wish for your mutual comfort—Your brothers excentricities of which he has many should not harden your heart towards him for his nature is kind and amiable, and his heart is excellent, formed in natures best mould—Little oddities sometimes worry us but we should reflect on ourselves and remember that we are none of us exempt from peculiarities of which we are not aware and which operate upon others as unpleasantly as theirs do on us—You know this is an old question between us and that I have never been pleased with yours or Charles conduct towards your brother who in all his Letters has invariably spoken only to the praise of you both, and has never even hinted any thing to your disadvantage—Do not think I am displeased at the information conveyed in your Letter on the contrary I am much obliged to you and grateful for the means you put into my power to reason and persuade my poor George into more caution and prudence but in sickness my dear John persuasion and mildness will produce great effects as the mind is always affected in proportion to the weakness of the frame unless in extraordinary instances and it almost always requires soothing and seldom can submit to contradiction which however well meant generally aggravates suffering and encreases instead of remedying that which we wish to alleviate. The time is now very short which you will pass together let me urge you to compassionate his situation and to humour a little his general opinions which nothing but experience can cure and you will much gratify your affectionate Mother

					L. C. A—


Title: From Mary Catherine Hellen Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 June 1821
From: Adams, Mary Catherine Hellen
To: Adams, John Quincy

					June 27th. 1821

				Mrs Porter’s compliments to Mr & Mrs Adams & Miss Helen & requests the pleasure of their company on friday evening


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 2 July 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 2 July 1821

				Your Letter calmed my anxiety concerning your health which had been great and still more so because you are apt to be thoughtless and imprudent and not to pay that attention either to your diet or your exercise which is essential at the present period of your life on which probably your future health and Constitution depend—I shall shortly have the pleasure of seeing you when I hope you will have shaken off (or nearly), your College Labours and you will be able to act as your Mothers beau and protector until your father arrives which will be soon after me as I am delayed by a variety of circumstances one a Ball at Mr de Neuville’s and shall not leave Washington until the ensuing week so that I shall probably not be at Quincy until the beginning of August—No plans are yet formed concerning Commencement and your father is so much engaged in the anticipation of the 4th on which occasion he is to shine not a faint Sattelite at least in my eyes but a bright meteor which like the fabled Comets of the Skies will leave a long and brilliant light behind whose rays I trust will long illumine the path of his Children and produce Sparkles as bright and as durable—Your Uncle and Aunt sailed for Pensacola last Thursday—It is a triste voyage but if it terminates in Independence they will be well rewarded for the inconveniences which they must endure at the outset. Your Aunt Faye’s baby has been very sick and is still very delicate but we hope recovering—My health will be much benefited by my journey more especially if I can pass some time in Boston or Nahant so as to have the advantage of regular Sea Bathing which my Physician strongly recommends—Adieu tell your Brothers I shall write them once more before I start from hence—I got their last Letters yesterday Your Mother

					L. C. A—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 9 July 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

					Dear Sir,
					Washington 9. July 1821.

				I take pleasure in introducing to your acquaintance, and recommending specially to your kind attentions, the bearer, Mr. Waldburg, a Gentleman of highly respectable character and connections, who visits Europe with views of instruction and amusement. I understand it would be agreeable to him to be attached to one of the legations of the United States in Europe, as other young Men have occasionally been, without charge to the Public. As this must always be left to the convenience and sense of propriety of the Ministers themselves, I have not thought myself at liberty to recommend it to Mr. Rush, but if upon Mr. Waldburg’s arrival in England, he should retain that inclination, and you think Mr. Rush would have no objection to it, I will thank you to propose it to him. For this, or any other kindness, which it may be in your power to shew this Gentleman, you will receive my hearty thanks.I am with great regard and esteem, / Dr Sir, faithfully yours,

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 10 July 1821
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin
					Princeton July 10th 1821

				I have been precluded an opportunity of writing, by two circumstances; one the want of eyesight, the other by a Succession of Company from various places and from various objects—we are now alone, and I devote the first interval to enquiries after your health—I have some ground to hope it has not been long interrupted, if I may judge from the very polite Letter written to a widow Lady, in the state of new york, who has that fit to publish it in the news paper, I dont wonder any one should be proud of your correspondence—but it is not usual for Ladies to give copies of Letters they receive from Gentlemen thro’ the medium of news papers—though part of the subject may be a matter of political Interest—however its contents like every thing that drops from your pen, gives light & conviction to every eye that meets them.—I was much pleased with the Sentiment it Containd.—I suppose you are now occupied in the pursuits of yr. Farm as I am here, I commenced by Haying the 25th ultimo, but by checks of rainy weather I have hardly got in one Seventh of my Crop, and I fear from present appearances it will not exceed in quantity the last years—wch. I believe is the Case every where about us. I hope to hear that yours turn out better.—Grain never appeard better—I have piece of Barley wch. I sowed the 2d. of June & on the 7th Instant I measured some of the Blades taken as an average—& found it measured 4 feet 8 Inches, wch. is a growth of nearly a foot per week—Mr Lincoln of Worcester dined with me to day, & thought the whole piece so extraordinary that he was induced to take several Blades to Worcester to shew the Trustees of the agricultural Society at that place—I however promise no grain from it—being too heavy to stand untill ripe, (tho’ now in bloom), but must be Compeld to cut it for fodder, the greater part being above 4 feet 6 Inches high. I have about 30 acres of potatoes planted as a Substitute for Indian Corn, that Grain does not in these high Lands succeed so well as potatoes; your Indian corn I hope promises as well as it does in this vicinity (wch. is abundance)—I have not yet had any answer to my Letter, to Mr Secretary Adams requesting the favr of seeing him & Mrs Adams here on their way to Quincy. I pray that no circumstance may defeat our hopes—I know you will indulge me so far as to resign a day or two of his visit to oblige me, as I have much to say to him on subjects I am unwilling to trouble him with, while he is so deeply engaged in Public concerns.—I suppose you have heard them there is a probability that the Proffessor of Rhetoric & Oratory will be obliged to resign; his situation, being such as renders him useless to the university—I hope the Corporation will not be so precipitate & feeble minded as they were in their last appointment—such a professorship I own is difficult to fill and therefore more time & Investigation of Merits ought to be used in a future choice—Mrs Boylston desires her affectionate respects to you—and joins in regards to the Ladies of yr family—we have been lookg out for Judge & Mrs Adams who promised us a visit when they went to Lunenburgh, if they have not yet been there, they must remember us—whenever they do—With every sentiment of affection and regard respect believe me always— / your obliged Cousin

					Ward Nich’s Boylston


Title: To John Adams from Harriet Welsh, 10 July 1821
From: Welsh, Harriet
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Boston July—10th. 1821.

				As Louisa informs me you choose to have my request addressed directly to yourself respecting a conversation between you Mr. S. Adams and others previous to the nomination of Gen Washington by you to the command of the army, during the revolution, I shall do it very briefly, by asking to have that conversation and the debate which ensued upon the nomination took place in Congress,—recorded by you; in any form you think proper, if it has not already been done.—I am very glad to hear by John that you are better and hope you make generous use of the juice of the grape—& that it may much longer preserve you in strength to be the vintager of that renown which is implanted so firmly—that it must ever increase in strength  / with sentiments of unfeigned respect / & affection believe allow me— / to subscribe myself / your friend

					H Welsh


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 July 1821
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Wilmington 13 July 1821

				Having arrived safely without any “hair breadth scapes” to relate, I have little or nothing to say, but, that we are well, that the Horses were very much frighten’d at their trip in the Steam boat, and that Dash is the admiration of every one; so much so that Joseph is very apprehensive we shall have him stolen—In Baltimore it is said that there is little or no fever—we remained there but an hour, and in that short  space of time saw two funerals, and heard the most horrible accounts of the malignity of the desease while on board the Steam boat; which was crowded with Ladies, all flying on some pretence or other, but really and evidently from this plague which they are unwilling to acknowledge—Capt Tripp did not go on account of his Wifes indisposition which is thought very serious and we were indebted to Mr. Barnum for every attention who placed in the charge of the Capt—and assisted in seeing our Carriage on board &c—When he left us I discovered an old acquaintance in Mr. Strong who politely offered his services and who was very attentive during our short voyage—It would be as diverting as it is impossible to give a description of our company in the Ladies Cabin—there were many would be young Ladies and some really old ones, who amused Mary very much—Two of the former were quite original’s, addressing one another in the most flattering stile; sounding to those who had eyes and ears like absolute mockery; as for instance a Lady of fifty, telling her friend of the same age, that she looked as blooming as a rose—Mary lost all her philosophy and we were obliged to retire to compose our risible faculties, and be pretty behaved—As usual I knew nobody but the Collar of Mr. Dash announces me to all the world, and I am surprized continually by enquiries after your great and mighty self, when I had no idea any one knew who I was, and I was repeatedly informed that the Gentlemen were all ready to offer me their services if I should stand in need of any—That you perceive that with or without you, your name operates as a charm, and ensures attention to your affectionate Wife

					L  C. Adams

					 Johnson Mary has taken cold but is not  shall be at Philadelphia tomorrow God willing


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 16 July 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

				1.

					Washington 16. July 1821.

				I received this morning your Letter from Wilmington, delighted to learn that you had got well on thus far—I send this to catch you at New-York—We are all as comfortably well as we can be without you—Antoine seems pretty well recovered. I got a Letter from W. S. Smith off Cape Henry, dated the 8th. Catherine had had a spice of Sea Sickness and got over it—W. D. Robinson by missing time had caused some detention, and nearly lost them a Midshipman and four men.I enjoin positively upon Mary to write me a Letter at least once a week, until I come to join you—She must understand that I shall take no denial, and forgive no omission—As I have deprived her of the benefit of Madame Grelaud’s Instructions, I intend giving her some of my own—But she must begin and keep up the Correspondence.Ever faithfully yours.

					J. Q. Adams

					We are going this Evening to a Concert of the Columbian Harmonee Society.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 19 July 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					My dearest friend
					Washington 19. July 1821.

				Your Letters from Philadelphia of the 15th and 16th. have come to hand—From the last of them I hope you are by this hour. (6 in the Evening) at New–York. I answered your Letter from Wilmington, by a short one which I hope will overtake you at New–York—Major Grahame from Frederick has been here these three days with Coll. M Pherson a friend of his who wishes to obtain a warrant of Midshipman for a young Son; but I am fearful he will not succeed. Major Grahame brought a Letter for you from Fanny Johnson, which I now enclose; together with one this day received from your brotherHere, we mope, along, as you may readily suppose, in your absence—Johnson, is however very kind and attentiveWe are to dine the day after to–morrow with the Baron—I had thought of sending an excuse; but I was puzzled whether to plead engagement or indisposition, and finally concluded to do neither—Mr Roth embarks for France in a few days; unless the Barron should change his mind, and embark, himself.Bitter Criticisms are falling in upon the Address from all quarters—Never was a fourth of July Oration so belaboured—But there are approvers too, so we go.Adieu my best and fairest of Critics—I hope and trust Mary has entirely recovered, and will be punctual to my injunction.Your faithful husband

					A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 29 July 1821
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					My dearest friend
					Washington 29. July 1821.

				Your two Letters of Journal from New-York were duly received and afforded me much amusement—The illness of the Coachman came so mal  àpropos, that I believe you determined upon the best thing that could be done, including to go in a Packet to Providence—I hope you have long before this safely arrived at Quincy, and that the health of all has been recruited by the Journey.Among the Strangers whom we have had travelling this way, was Mr Phillips, the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts with his Lady. I invited him to dine with me yesterday, with a small party, consisting of the members of the Administration, the Navy-Commissioners, Captain Downes, Messrs. Brent and Bailey, and our neighbour Dr Thornton—also Dr Tucker—Mr Phillips had made his arrangements for leaving the City yesterday, and sent me an excuse—Mr Crawford being unwell did the same—With the rest we had a good humoured, jovial party, in which our friend of the next door did not suffer the conversation to flag.Mr Roth left the City last Thursday to embark in the Frigate Junon at Norfolk for France—On taking leave he requested to be very respectfully remembered to you, and to say that he should be happy to execute any Commission for you at Paris—He told me that he expected and hoped to come back, but the Newspapers announce that he is not to return, and I think it likely that they are well informed.The Baron de Neuville has been suffering with the rhumatism We dined with him last week, at the time which I mentioned to you in a former Letter—We met there Mr Canning, and the British Legation; with whom we were as sociable as could be expected—Mr Canning has since sent me a very civil note, with a copy of a Report from a Committee of the House of Commons to that body upon Weights and Measures.Mrs Frye has returned from Bladensburg, with her child quite recovered—The address continues to be bandied about with praise and blame in the Newspapers, till the public here have got sick of hearing any more about it—The censure generally falls where I supposed it would; upon misconceptions and misrepresentations of its meaning—It has been republished I believe in more than one hundred newspapers, and canvass’d in all sorts of tempers—[For yourself only]I have reason to believe that some suggestion has been rather officiously made to my friend Joseph Hall the Sheriff at Boston, that upon my coming on there, it would be well that some mark of distinction should be shewn me—for example a public dinner—or some other such Show of notice—I intreat you, to take some opportunity to see him, and without letting any one else know any thing about it, tell him that I rely upon his friendship—not only to give no countenance to any such suggestion, but to prevent its being done, if the same suggestion has been made to any one else. I am ever faithfully yours.


Title: From John Adams Smith to Jeremy Bentham, 1 August 1821
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Bentham, Jeremy

					My dear Sir.
					August 1. 1821

				I pray you to accept my best thanks for the tracts you have sent me. There is something in the American Character—I feel it—that makes us as much interested in “Spanish and Portuguese Affairs” approaching to freedom as in our own affairs. I will say almost as much interested—for sake of the Sceptics under despotic governments & Monarchies—who believe it not possible that a town, a country, a State, or a People, should care much for the happiness & freedom of other nations. I believe I need not assure you that I do, and from your acquaintance with the principles & Institutions of freedom in the U.S it will not be a very great stretch of imagination to believe that we, are interested in freedom in every Clime & every quarter of the globe. I am Dr Sir / your very obedient

					J. Adams Smith