Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 November 1807
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Olden barneveld 1 Nov. 1807.

Much time has elapsed indeed, Since you have favoured me with your last Letters—and more, Since I dropt to you my last line—I do not plead another excuse than my particular Situation—Tho at times I was not in want of leisure, to acquit meself of an incumbent duty, but then mÿ mind was not often enough composed, and a numerous correspondence within and without this continent imposed imperiously duties which I could not delaÿ. Since the Last wounds inflicted upon my too feeling heaart—not yet healed—I Suffered a new Lately by the disease of dear ones—cut of in the prime of their Lives, leaving worthy parent’s in anguish. Mrs Tongerard in France—the eldest Daughter of the excellent Mad. La Roche—honoured, when She resided in this Countrÿ with Mr and Mrs’s Adams—condescending attention at Philadelphia—is no more—She was only 28 years of age—and left an Orphan of five years behind her. Since, the tidings of the fatal event, by which my worthy and ever honoured Luzac was taken from this world—I received perticular tidings, from that devoted Country. He was just then visiting a female frend—Mad. Bennet, Born Tak—before whose door he fell—She was once one of my pupils, and loved and esteemed me—Her Husband was at the Hague—She, with her Domestic, and house was crushed by that terrible explosion—
Mrs Tak—her niece—Sister to my frend Le Pole—mÿ amiable Eleve, and intelligent Correspondent, was, while her only daughter of Sixteen was to Church—of which posponement She, by neglect, hath not been instructed, burried with her Domestics and house burried by the Same Catastrophe. Consider that Darling daughter returning to the ruins, and crying with anguish for her mother—in the dusk of the evening, and flying—inconsolable to her uncle Le Pole, if there She might find a mother—and finding no mother—and an Uncle with his familÿ—crÿing—for a Sister—for a Mother for a niece in undescribable Sorrow. O Adams! your heart can place itself in my Situation—even now—I can not express what I feel—and—when I Silently adore the ways of Providence my voice is Stiffled. What a remaining blessing—that So manÿ worthies—that here mÿ familÿ are Safe—that you—who, So condescendinglÿ, Stooped to pour balsam in the wounds of mÿ deep afflicted heart—are yet Safe. Oh! may your days be prolonged—long—long—for your family—for your frends—for my dear—dear—floating Countrÿ—Could it be bought with a part of mine—God knows—how willingly I would part with it—to prolong your precious life! by but God knows what is best He is wise—and powerful and good. This is a consolation—Nothing can prevail against his will—and America—Shall not be doomed to destruction, whatever Severe discipline may Stand at her doors, to correct her follies and errors.
I am a new—nearly above mÿ present circumstances—involved in European and American Literarÿ correspondence—on multivarious Subjects. If I Live—I must devote this winter to accomplish any of its objects, but how can I dive in the woods into the dephts of Similar pursuits withouts Sufficient aid—with only a Scanty provision of my own materials?
Did I know—that Select parcels from Luzac’s Socrates—would be acceptable to the Anthologÿ—I would bring them in order—to honour my worthy friend—and instruct her Readers—But too manÿ here dare not, too manÿ will not be wise.
With anxiety I wait now for European accounts from the Seat of war, and with greater anxiety yet, if possible, if our administration Shall be wise enough not to Scorn to accept the offer of peace—May the Councils of Achitophel’s be turned into foolishness—and may our infatuated nation repent, while the day of her Salvation is yet at hand.
De Gyzelaer Survives John Luzac—is his administrator and the Guardian of his Sons—You have, long Since, done homage to that—Virtuous Statesman—that enlightened frend of John Luzac—if real meritts have a claim with the Bostonian Academicians, whom you honour by your presidencÿ—what men worthy member can fill withe dignity the place of John Luzac—except it was another of his warm frends Theophilus Parsons—and I know—your high Character too well, than to Suspect, that this hint could be deemed an intrusion—Luzac would have given me his Sincerest thanks for this proof of my frendship towards him—
Permit me, to recommend me in to your continued remembrance—how would it flatter—how would it exalt me in my own eyes—if, thro you, I participated a Small Share of that of mrs Adams—tho not a john—Luzac—tho Scarce known to her in person;—But did I not owe to my frend Luzac too, that you deemed me not unworthÿ your attention—upon his recommendation?—
I am with the highest consideration and respect / Dear Sir! / Your most obed. and obliged Sert.

Fr. Adr. van dr Kemp.


Title: From John Adams to Rev. John Disney, 9 November 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Disney, Rev. John

Dear Sir,
Quincy near Boston Novber. 9th. 1807.

I was agreably surprised, the last week on receiving a very kind and obliging letter from you, dated at the Hide near Inglestone the 24th. of Augst. a seat where I had formerly passed many agreable hours with a Gentleman whom I esteemed as a man of sense and letters and as a Friend of Liberty and Humanity.—It is true that several Letters have passed between me and Mr. Brand Hollis: I have but a confused recollection of their Contents, and if I preserved any Copies of mine, which I cannot determine by my memory, I have not time at present to search for them among my old papers and Letter Books long since laid aside; I have no hesitation however to confide to your discretion, to make any use of them you may think proper.—Mrs. Adams desires me to say to you, that she has  so much respect for your Judgment that she is willing you should make what use you please of hers, though she had no remembrance of any part of what they contain and had even forgotten, that she had ever written—to Mr. Hollis.—Had not the French Revolution prevented; you would have found a more numerous Collection of Letters from me to Mr. Hollis.—That terrible event and the furious spirit of Party which it diffused through, rendered all Correspondence useless and in my situation dangerous both to me and my Friend.
As it was impossible to write freely, I determined not to write at all —and consequently discontinued all Correspondance with any part of Europe: This I considered as a Misfortune, as it certainly was a great Mortification and self denial to me.—From the first symptoms of a Revolution in France, even from the first assembly of the Notables, I dreaded the Consequences not only to that Nation but to England and all Europe as well America and have never had any other but one opinion of it from that time to this—I knew the Men who were to be foremost in it, and that they had neither Experience among a free People nor any correct notions of a free Government.
As it has been the most cruel—so it might be made the most instructive Example that has occured in the History of the World, but unhappily I see no disposition to make the proper inferences from it.—If Atheism and Infidelity if superstition and Hipocricy; if Corruption and Immorality, if Despotism and Arbitrary Power, if the Aristrocracy of Birth and Wealth, if the cruel, bloody and merciless spirit of Democracy, should fall into Disgrace in Consequence of it, and a well regulated mixed Government, come into Esteem, Mankind might derive a Consolation for the many inexpressible horrors of it.—But I see no apperiance of any such Things—I see nothing but false inferences drawn from it in any Country. It is to be wished that when a calmer time shall come, more independent and sagacious Reflections may be made upon it.—But in General Mankind will not tolerate, free and upright discussions on the subject of Government—
The situation of our two Countries is a source of Grief to me: not that I am very apprehensive of an immediate War: but discussions and Resentments are afloat, which will produce injuries and offences, and keep alive a spirit of Ill will on both sides——France wishes us at War with England, and England wishes us at War with France—I am for good will to all nations, and see no reason why we should be subservient to any.—Some pretended Friends of England however took offence at my impartiality, and contributed to throw all power into the hands of Men who were not so impartial as I was.—I have not so much knowledge of Mr. Buckminster as I hope to have soon.—He is a young Gentleman who stands at least as high in the Estimation of his Country as any one of his age——He is much pleased with his Visit at the Hide and is gratefull for your Attention to him.—He Delivered me a message from your Gardner, with which I was much pleased, as I was with him and his family, when I was at Mr. Hollis’s seat. Please to present my regards to him—I rejoice, that my Countrymen the two Pine Trees, together with the Garden and seat of my Friend Hollis are in the Hands of so worthy and finally a keeper, and that they, (the garden and seat I mean) may long remain a Comfort and an honour to yourself and Family is the wish of mine as well as of your obliged Friend /  and servant

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 11 November 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

My dear Phylosopher and Friend
Quincy November 11 1807

I have, long before the receipt of your favour of the 31 of October, supposed that either you were gazing at the Comet or curing the Influenza: and in either case, that you was much better employed than in answering my idle Letters. Pray! have our Astronomers at Phyladelphia, observed that Stranger in the Heavens? Have they noted its Bearings and Distances, its Course and progress! whence it came and whither it goes.? or are Astronomers in America as rare as they are in other Parts of the World? Franklin has Several times related to me an Anecdote concerning Astronomers in England. Government had an occasion to send an Astronomer abroad upon Some Service. The Ministry asked the Royal Society to recommend one: they appointed a Committee to enquire for a Suitable Character. Franklin who was one of the Committee, Said that he and all his Colleagues, upon looking over the List of the Society were astonished to find, how few, had ever studied that science. I am very much afraid that our Scientific Societies in America, are at least as deficient in Numbers of Students of the Universe and the Sum of Things as England.—Have our Physicians in Phyladelphia made any new observations on, that horrid Endemical Distemper that has employed you so much. It Seems to have become, a Complaint of every year, and of two or three times in a year. This last has been the most universal and most irksome and the most unmanageable of any I ever knew.
I presume the Lawyer whom you mention has founded his opinion upon that of Rochefaucault, Mandeville Hobbs, Machiavel, and I had almost Said Tacitus, that there is no Such thing in Nature, actual or possible as a disinterested Action, and that the Testator must have been non Compos, when he supposed such a Thing possible. Brother Lawyer! Thou art not Sound. Thou hast no Faith in Virtue! Butler, Hutchinson or even Shaftesbury might have taught thee Better. Perhaps you will say that God alone can judge, what is or is not a   disinterested action. Though this is true in an absolute sense, yet Men can judge according to their best information and discernment, and if the Testator made his Executor the judge, he must determine according to his own understanding and Conscience. I should deprecate a Solemn Judgment of any Court, that such  Legacy was void.
Self taught or Book learned in the Arts, our Hero, was much indebted to his Talents for “his immense elevation above his Fellows.” Talents? You will Say, what Talents? I answer. 1. An handsome Face. That this is a Talent, I can prove by the Authority of a thousand Instances in all Ages: and among the rest Madame DuBarry who said Le veritable Royaute est la Beauté 2. A tall Stature, like the Hebrew Sovereign chosen because he was taller by the Head than the other Jews. 3 An elegant Form. 4. graceful Attitudes and Movements. 5. a large imposing Fortune consisting of a great landed Estate left him by his Father and Brother, besides a large Jointure with his Lady, and the Guardianship of the Heirs of the great Custis Estate, and in Addition to all this, immense Tracts of Land of his own Acquisition. There is nothing, except bloody Battles and Splendid Virtues, to which Mankind bow down with more reverance than to great fortune. They think it impossible that rich Men especially immensely rich Men, Should submit to the trouble of Serving them but from the most benevolent and distinterested Motives. Mankind in general are so far from the opinion of the Lawyer, that there are no disinterested Actions, that they give their Esteem to none but those which they believe to be Such. They are oftener deceived and abused in their Judgments of disinterested Men and Actions than in any other, it is true. But such is their Love of the Marvellous, that they will believe and such their Admiration of uncommon Generosity that they will believe extraordinary Pretensions to it and the Pope says si bonus Populus vult decipi, decipiatur. Washington however did not deceive them. I know not that they gave him more credit for disinterestedness, than he deserved though they have not given many others so much. 6. Washington was a Virginian. This is equivalent to five Talents. Virginian Geese are all Swans. Not a Bearne in Scotland is more national, not a Lad upon the High Lands is more clannish, than every Virginian I have ever known. They trumpet one another with the most pompous and mendacious Panegyricks. The Phyladelphians and New Yorkers who are local and partial enough to themselves are meek and modest in Comparison with Virginian Old Dominionism. Washington of course was extolled without bounds.
Washington was proceeded by favourable Anecdotes. The English had used him ill, in the Expedition of Braddock. They had not done Justice to his Bravery and good Council. They had exaggerated and misrepresented his defeat and Capitulation: which interested the Pride as well as compassion of Americans in his favour. President Davis had drawn his Horroscope by calling him “that Heroic youth, Col. Washington.” Mr Lynch of South Carolina told me before We met in Congress in 1774 that “Colonel Washington had made the most eloquentt speech that ever had been Spoken upon the Controversy with England, viz That if the English Should Attack the People of Boston, he would raise a thousand Men at his own expence and march at their head to New England to their Aid.” Several other favourable Stories proceeded his appearance in Congress and in the Army. 8 He possessed the Gift of Silence. This I esteem as one of the most prescious Talents. 9. He had great Self Command. It cost him a great Exertion sometimes, and a constant Constraint, but to preserve so much Equanimity as he did, required a great Capacity. 10. Whenever he lost his temper as he did Sometimes, either Love or fear in those about him induced them to conceal his Weakness from the World. Here you see I have made out ten Talents without saying a Word about Reading Thinking or writing, upon all which subjects you have Said all that need be Said.—You See I Use the Word Talents in a larger sense than usual, comprehending every Advantage. Genius Experience, Learning, Fortune Birth, Health are all Talents, though I know not how, the Word has been lately confined to the faculties of the Mind.
Did not Ratcliff Give a Library to the University of Oxford?—He had Wit at Will. Riding one day by a new brick building, he saw the scaffolding give Way under a Mason who was laing Bricks and the Work which had been laid following the scaffold, buried the Workman and crushed him to death. Ratcliff cried out before the Man or the Bricks had reached the Ground “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord for they cease from their Labours, and their Works shall follow them.” a thousand other stories are told of his Wit. Whether he read or not he affected to be a profound Metaphisician. I read in England, at Mr William Vassalls of Clapham, in Manuscript, a Demonstration of Atheism written by this Dr Ratcliff, as abstruce and profound as the Writings of Condorcet. The Writer at least seemed to think it profound, or to wish that others might think it so: but it was a miserable Piece of Sophistry, worthy of Diderot.
I admire the Subject of your intended Lecture. A Story goes of our Universalist Murray It is said that more than twenty years ago he preached upon the Subject of Animals in a future state and asserted that they would all be saved, even down to the Ladies Lapdogs. He told the Ladies they need not fear the loss of the favourite Animals, for he could assure them that even Bounce should wag his Tail in Glory.—I once told Murray the Story and asked him if it was true? Ah, Said Murray you will hear a thousand Such Stories about me.
Pray cannot you contrive to get the Trees and Plants into a future State too? I Should like to think that Groves and Forrests, Apple Peach Pear and Plumb trees oranges &c. might be seen in the Abodes of the blessed. The Earl of Shelbourne’s Bishop Watson, while he was a Chymist, which I wish he had been to this day printed a very respectable Pamphlet, to shew that Vegetables were animated. He did not publish it, but I made interest enough with him to obtain a Copy of it. Who knows but Vegetables and Animals are all in a course to become rational and immortal. There is room enough in the Universe. Hershell digs up Starrs in the heavens, fixed Starrs, all Suns with Planetts Satilites and Comets, layer after layer and Stratum under Stratum, ten million times faster and more numerous than my Men dig Potatoes out of the Earth. Why Should We Set limits then to our benevolence, or the predominant benevolence in the Universe. Let Sensibility Animation, Intelligence Virtue and Happiness be universal; with all my heart. Think not that I am laughing. I assure you I soberly approve your Subject and your manner of treating it, as far as you have communicated it to me.
Now for that resolute Word. “No.”...I ought to have said No to the Appointment of Washington, and Hamilton and some others: and yes to the appointment of Burr, Muhlenburg and some others. I ought to have appointed Lincoln and Gates and Knox and Clinton &c But if I had said Yes and No in this manner the Senate would have contradicted me in every Instance. You ask what would have been the Consequence. I answer Washington would have been chosen President at the next Election, if he had lived, and Hamilton would have been appointed Commander in Chief of the Army. This would have happened as it was, if Washington had lived and this was intended. With all my Ministers against me, a great Majority of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives, I was no more at Liberty than a Man in a Prison, chained to the floor and bound hand and foot, an Idea that was once held up by a Parson Burr of Worcester an Anceter of Aaron as I suppose, as an illustration of human Liberty. I was perfectly at Liberty to stay there. I have given you Paradoxes enough under this Word No. But I will justify any of them if you desire it. Washington ought either to have never gone out of Public Life, or he ought never to have come in again.
I have a great Curiosity to know what Richard saw and heard at Richmond which it is not lawfull to tell. Symptoms of a Corruption, allarming to the Friends of rational Liberty, appear in every Part of our Country. They will have their usual Course and their usual termination. We are like other Men

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Abiel Holmes, 11 November 1807
From: Holmes, Abiel
To: Adams, John

Novr. 11, 1807.

Mr. Holmes, presenting his respects to President Adams, takes the liberty to ask of him an account of General Oglethorpe, and particularly of what passed between the general and him in the interviews when the President was in London after the Peace of 1783. Mr. Holmes has noticed in Boswell’s Life of Johnson mention made of a MS. Memoir of Oglethorpe, and does not despair of obtaining it. He hopes yet to see a full account of that extraordinary man.


Title: From John Adams to Abiel Holmes, 14 November 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Holmes, Abiel

Dear Sir
Quincy November 14. 1807

I am Sorry it is not in my power to give you much information relative to General Oglethorpe in complyance with your desire in your favour of the Eleventh of this Month.
Recovering from a great Sickness in Paris in the Fall of the year after the Signature of the Definitive Treaty of Peace in 1783 I was advised by my Phesicians to take a Passage to Bath in England, for the purpose of Using the Waters for the restoration of my health which was reduced very low. In London, General Oglethrope came twice to my Lodgings at Mr Stockdales in Piccadilly to See me, but as I happened to be out I had not the honor to see him. Summoned immediately to Holland, by the pressing Necessities of my Country I was obliged to leave England, not only without returning the Visit of General Oglethorpe, but without Tasting the Waters at Bath, though I went there and Staid at least one night. Mr Robert Morris had been bold enough to draw upon my Banker’s for fifteen hundred thousand Guilders, when there was no Money in their hands, the Bills had been protested for Non Acceptance, and I was obliged to go over to Amsterdam, to borrow the Money necessary to prevent their Protest for Non Payment, an Event which would not only have involved the United States in an immense Loss of Interest and Damages but would have been a fatal blow to American Credit. Although I was extreamly weak and greatly exhausted I performed the Voyage and the Journey in the frozen month of January 1784: a Boisterous Stormy Voyage of three days across the Channel, and a wearisome Journey, over the Island of Goree in Boors Waggons, i.e. Horse Carts, over the Rivers and Arms of the Sea in Iceboats. Thus with infinite fatigue and at the hazard of my Life,  I Saved the Credit of my Bills of Exchange. But I heard no more of General Oglethorpe, till Midsummer 1785 When Congress Sent me to England as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James’s. Within a Day or two after my Arrival in London had been announced in the Newspapers, a Servant announced General Oglethorpe. From my Chambers in the Bath Hotel I went to the head of the Stairs, intending to go down to the Front Door to receive but him: but I met a tall upright elderly Gentleman running upstairs with the Agility and Vivacity of a youth of five and twenty. He took a Seat with my Family, was very polite and complementary, “had come to pay his respects to the first American Ambassador and his Family whom he was very glad to See in England, expressed a great Esteem and regard for America, much regret at the Misunderstanding which had existed between the two Countries and was very happy to have lived to see the termination of it.” He asked many Questions concerning America, and concerning General Washington, was very talkative and facetious, said a good deal about himself, and particularly that his Friends had lately joked him about his being in Love. He Said he begged them to look in his Face and See if they could not see traces of Age, that was Superiour to all the Charms of Love &c &c &c. All this time, Although I Saw he was advanced in years I had no suspicion of his real age.
In due time I returned his Visit; and supposing his Visit to me to have been a mere Ceremony I expected only to have left my Card, but he was at home and insisted on my coming into his House, where I found him Sitting at his Table, with the Cloth not removed, with a Lady two decanters of Wine, one of Port and the other Madeira and some Glasses. He gave me a very warm and cordial Reception, entertained me an hour or two, Was very fluent and animated, rambled all over Europe, and gave me a great deal of friendly Advice concerning the Policy of my Country. I heard him with great pleasure and Silent Attention. Indeed he Scarcely allowed me time to put in a Word. His Advice was either common place Opinions Such as every American was familiar with, or Ideas that I could not perceive to be of any use to Us, Such for Example as an Alliance between the United States and Switzerland. I had as much Esteem and regard for Switzerland at that time as the General had but I could not see in what manner that Country could be very beneficial to Us, nor how We could promote the Interests of Switzerland, though I made no Objections to any of his Plans but heard them all with patience and Attention.
He Said much about himself and his Enterprize in Georgia, but mentioned no particulars of any Consequence which I remember, except that he had entered very early into the Army had been early a General Officer, and particularly that he had been a General Officer under the Duke of Marlborough. This convinced me that he must be very Aged but I did not yet realize his true Age. I Saw no more of General Oglethorpe. In about a month the Newspapers informed Us of his Death at his Country Seat, at the uncommon age of one hundred and four Years.
Looking over this Letter I am ashamed to see So much more about myself than about General Oglethorpe: but this is all I know about the latter and you may burn the former if you please.
With great Esteem I am Sir your very friendly
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Amos J. Cook, 21 November 1807
From: Cook, Amos J.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Fryeburg Novr. 21. 1807.

Having the honor to be Preceptor of the Academy in this place, and feeling interested in the diffusion of science and literature in general, I am respectfully led to request the favor of your sending me by mail, or otherwise, as you may think proper, a specimen of your handwriting, to be preserved in the cabinet of curiosities, collecting in our Institution for the benefit of students.—I need not add how highly such a favor wou’ld be prized; nor how time would be continually rendering it more and more valuable.
Your personal acquaintance and intimacy with General Washington induces me to suppose it in your power, likewise, to furnish a specimen of his writing; and perhaps that of others, whose characters are to be respected, so long as virtue should be rewarded.—
Impressed with sentiments of respect, permit me, dear Sir, / to subscribe myself your much obliged and very humble / servant,

Amos J. Cook.


Title: From John Adams to Amos J. Cook, 30 November 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Cook, Amos J.

Sir
Quincy November 30th. 1807

I have received the favour of your letter of the 21st. day of this month, and have complied with your request so far as to inclose with this letter, a Copy in my hand writing, of some Latin Verses, which I copied into my Pencil Book, in December 1779 from an inscription over the Door of the Cell of a Monk in Corunna in Spain.—The moral is so good, that they are worth the attention of the young Classical Gentleman under your instruction, and I should like to see a translation of them into English Verse or prose by one of your schollars. With my best Wishes for the success of your Labours and the reputation of the Academy at Fryeburg, I have the hounor to be Sir your most obedient servant

J. AdamsHere follow the Verses –
Si tibi pulchra domus, si splendida mensa, quid inde?
Si species auri, atque argenti massa, quid inde?
Si tibi sponsa decens, si sit generosa; quid inde?
Si fueris pulcher, fortis, divesve, quid inde?
Longus servorum, si serviat ordo: quid inde?
Si doceas alios in qualibet arte; quid inde?
Si rideat mundus; si prospera cuneta; quid inde?
Si Prior aut Abbas, si Rex, si Papa; quid inde?
Si rota fortunæ, te tollat ad astra; quid inde?
Annis si fœlix regnes mille; quid inde?
Tam cito praetereunt, hæc omnia, quæ nihil inde?
Sola manent Virtus, quâ glorificabimur inde:
Ergo Deo servi; quia sat tibi provenit inde,?
Quod fuisse volens in tempore quo morieris
Hoc facias juvenis, dum corpore Janus haberis
Quod nobis concedas Deus noster. Amen.


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 December 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir,
Quincy December 1st. 1807.—

I sympathize with you in all your Expressions of grief in your favour of Nov. 1st. at the melancholly Catastrophy of so many worthy persons your friends at Leyden and elsewhere.
You derive consolation from the only source from which it can be drawn.—If I knew of any other I would joyfully administer it to you, as well as to myself.—
Hunc solem et Stellas et decedentia certis
Tempora momentis, sunt qui formidine nulla
Imbuti spectant.
This Vault of Air, this congregated Ball
Self center’d sun and stars that rise and fall
There are my friends whose Philosophick Eyes,
Look through and trust the Ruler with his Skies.
You have very much obliged me by the information you have given me concerning our friend De Gyzelaer. I rejoice that he is Administrator on Mr. Luzars Property and Guardian of his Children.—I pray you to write me, as soon as possible, the Christian Name, the place of Abode and the present and passed Titles & office of this our very deserving friend De Gyzelaer.—Parsons is a member of the Academy, and has been such from its first incorporation—I never knew however that he had any correspondence with Luzac or any knowledge of him.—The hint you give me is so far from being an intrusion, that I thank you for it, and if you give me the necessary information, I hope you will one day hear more of it.—
I think as little as possible and say less of our public affairs, because it would be useless to speak or think.—The best and ablest men are neglected, despised, and insulted, the worst are applauded, honoured, and trusted. The best measures are unpopular, and such as are not best are adopted; But even these are not popular, because they are not the very worst that could be persued.—I have no more to say.—
Nihil tam incertum nec tam inæstimabile est, quam Animi multitudinis. Livy and all the other Historians may say what they will: but they are not regarded any more than Experience. Atheniensis literis verbisque, quibus solis volent, bellum adversus Philippum girabant.—Nec unquam ibi desunt lingua promptu ad plebem concitandam: quod genus, in omnibus biberis civitatibus tum præcipue Athenis, ubi oratio plurimum pollet, favore multitundinis alitum.—The history of Sparta and Athens, after they began to love money, and had become commercial and grown rich, should be read, though it will not be regarded by us.—We were commercial and rich too before our Democratical Goverments were instituted, and we have immensely increased both in trade and wealth since. Our Merchants are Princes and our Trafickers the honorabl of the Earth—So were those of Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah.
Let me hear from you as soon as possible, especially relative to De Gyzelaer.—

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to William Heath, 14 December 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Quincy December 14. 1807

As I did not wish to oppress you with my Letters I have not acknowledged the receipt of your favour of the 18th of May, though I received it in due Season and esteemed it very highly.
I have seen lately in the Chronicle, that like the good Steward you bring out of your Treasury Things new and old, and in very good Season. The Military Countryman written five or six and thirty years ago I have relished like the best of old Wine. I seemed to be conversing with an old Friend, whom I had not seen for an Age: and was agreably surprized to find so compendious an Abridgment of the Art of War, so comprehensive and yet so concise, produced by a young Officer of our own so long before the revolutionary War commenced. I have Seen among the Writings of Jean Jaque Rousseau an Epitomy of the Art of War, drawn up with long Study and great Labour, and embellished with all the ornaments of his enchanting Eloquence which I should be very glad to compare with yours. But I know not where to find it. The Editor of a Collection of Tracts in which I read it, observed that there was nothing comparable to it in Marshall Saxe or the Chevalier Folard.
It is very fashionable to impute all Wars to the Ambition of Kings. Is this conformable to Truth? Does not the History of all the Republicks of the World shew, that they have been as ambitious, as Monarchies. Even the most democratical Republick of Athens Antiquity Athens, was a perfect Hotspur. Even our People in America, have been more inclined to a War, than their Government for these fifteen years past. There has been no year within that Period when they would not have gone to War with England with pleasure. There is always in a Democracy some Themistocles or Pericles, some Alexander Hamilton or Aaron Burr, weary of the dull pursuits of civil Life and impatient to be at the head of affairs. We have not only such Causes within ourselves, but others from abroad, which will not suffer us to enjoy a perpetual peace. We seem to be upon bad terms with France and Spain as well as England and have too many causes as well as motives of War against all the three Powers. I fear We cannot reasonably hope to preserve our tranquility very long. England is jealous of our Commerce our Capitals and our Seamen. She envies and dreads Us and would willingly give Us a Severe Check. All these and a thousand other Considerations concur in demonstrating the Wisdom of your Sentiments, and the merit of your patriotick Zeal to arouse a military Spirit among our fellow Citizens, and to encourage the Study of all the Sciences Subservient to the Defence of the Nation, as well as the Prepartion of the Means.
Napoleon who is not only possessed of consummate military Talents but of great historical Knowledge, Seems to have learn’d a Lesson from those ancient Parthians who cutt off the head and hands of Crassus, and totally defeated and ruined the finest Army that Rome ever had assembled. The Velocity of their Motions, was one of the principal Causes of their Tryumph. They were Troops not to be escaped when they pursued, nor overtaken when they fled. France owes a great part of her Successes to the same rapidity. The March of their Armies is like Lightning and their Artillery flies as fast as their Men and Horses. We must adopt their Policy. We ought every where to be provided with all the apparatus of a flying field Artillery. I perfectly approve of all your Ideas on this Subject and have long been convincd of their propriety and Necessity. I wrote to McHenry, when I was President and he Secretary of War, to prepare a Report to me of a System for Such a flying Artillery to be laid before Congress. But whether his Idol Hamilton did not approve it, or whatever other reason he had for the Neglect, it was not done.
I am happy too to find that We agree so well in the Utility and Necessity of military Accademies. This is a very old favourite of Us both. In 1777 I believe it was I moved and carried in Congress Several Resolutions recommending to the States to establish military Accademies for the Instruction of youth and the Formation of officers. But I believe nothing was done in any one State. And I fear your recommendation will not have the Influence it deserves, because We too much resemble the Miser who kept his Guines in his old Shoes under his bed, exposed to be Stolen by his own Domesticks or any other Thieves because he loved his Money too well to afford a trifle to purchase a Strong Box.
In the Journal of Congress 1: October, 1776, I find it
“Resolved that a Committee of five be appointed to prepare and bring in a Plan of a military accademy at the Army: The members chosen Mr Hooper, Mr Lynch, Mr Wythe, Mr Williams and Mr J. Adams.”
Do you remember whether any thing was ever done in it, at Head Quarters?
I am Sir, with much Esteem your old Friend / and most humble Servant
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Robert Smith, 15 December 1807
From: Smith, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Navy Department 15th Decr 1807

I have the honor of herewith transmitting to you, for your acceptance, an impression of the medal, presented, to the late Commodore Edward Preble, in pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 3rd March 1805.
I have the honor to be,  / with great respect, / sir, yr. mo. ob. st.

Rt Smith


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 28 December 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

My dear Philosopher and Friend
Quincy Decr. 28, 1807

I thank you for your printed lecture on the humanity Economy and other virtues, which require of us, more attention to our domestick animals, and especially to their diseases. We see our horses, horned cattle, sheep, swine and other species, as well as our cats and dogs, sick or wounded and no body knows what to do with them or for them, so that a broken bone or a fit of sickness is almost certain death. The animal Economy in all of them is in general, I suppose nearly the same in them as in us, and the Sciences of anatomy and medicine might be studied in the same manner in their cases and in ours.
The clamour of your city is too late. Pennsylvania may thank herself for the evil she feels. She has not only established the permanent residence of Congress at Washington, but she has established a perpetuity of absolute Power at the Southward of Potomack, under which, however she may complain she must suffer. The union is not a palace of ice, nor a Castle of glass. There must be an intense heat to melt it, and very hard blows to break it. One war will not dissolve it, Deep and strong are its roots in the judgments and hearts of the people. A dozen Hamiltons & Burrs will be killed in duels or hanged, before the union will be broken. Washington beleived, bona fide the Federal City would be the Nexus utriusque Mundi, and bind together not only the Northern and Southern States, but the Transalleganians with the Atlantic states. How far his interests and the consideration of the rise in the value of his lands might influence him in the formation of this opinion, I leave to the Searcher of all hearts. My Judgment was in favour of an unshackled residence at Philadelphia; and I consequently voted against every project of a permanent residence and a federal City, till mr. Robert Morris deserted me, and left me in a minority or rather made a majority in Senate, and left me without a vote.
“Great abilities” “extraordinary abilities,” “Great talents,” “Brilliant talents” “Splendid talents,” “extraordinary man,” “The most extraordinary man that this or any other age has produced,” “acute and elegant mind,” “able and eminent man,” “overwhelming eloquence” &c &c &c are the modest epithets, which become the common place expressions concerning every Virginian from Patrick Henry and R. H. Lee down to J. Randolph and Mr. Munroe. Huzza for Virginia!
Knowing as I did the humanity, delicacy and piety of your sentiments on the Subject of duels; I felt so much distress for you and your family that I could not write you, for fear of renewing your grief. I rejoice with you in the alleviations of it, you have received. Your Son was remarked, when he was in Boston, for his manly discretion among his brother officers, Instances of which were repeated to me, by a gentleman who was once present, and observed it with pleasure, The custom is too much considered as a law, especially in the Army and Navy. It is certainly a remnant of a barbarous superstition, but whether the world will ever be rid of it, I know not.
The resemblance you remark between the arguments in 1774 and 1775, and this time really exists. Who will argue, and what will be the arguments in favour of the Sovereign of the World to apply to Napoleon, the Epithet which Dryden applies to Alexander in his Feast? The Dutch once declared war against England, France, and Spain all at once, and fought them all with great intrepidity. Shall we follow their example? fight them all with 240 Gunboats?
I wish you would cure our Rulers of the Hydrophobia! Yet, if they should get well of it now, it seems to be almost too late. I suppose they have thought with Gen. Lee that Prudence was a rascally virtue. I wish their inattention and want of foresight may not expoze them to Capture and imprisonment by the enemy, as his did him. If ever a nation was guilty of imprudence, ours has been so in making a naval force and maritime preparations unpopular. But any thing, no matter what, to turn J. A. out, and come under the Dominion of Virginia. Huzza again for Virigina! Hail Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania! Sacrifice, loyally your Commerce and clank your chains in harmonious concert with Virginia! She tells you that commerce produces money, money luxury; and all three are incompatible with republicanism! Virtuous, simple frugal Virginia hates money, and wants it only for Napoleon, who desires it only to establish freedom through the world!
My friend the times are too serious. Instead of the most enlightened people, I fear we Americans shall soon have the character of the silliest people under Heaven.

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Robert Smith, 28 December 1807
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, Robert

Sir
Quincy December 28. 1807

I have received with pleasure, the letter you did me the honor to write me, on the fifteenth of this month: and pray you to accept my thanks for the impression of a medal, presented to the late Commodore Edward Preble in pursuance of the resolution of Congress of the third of March, one thousand eight hundred and five. This medal, in honor of the Commodore and in commemoration of a Splendid Event in the early History of our Naval Exertions, becomes more interesting by the unfortunate loss of that brave and able officer. The Design is ingenious and the execution respectable. The Portrait is an exact resemblance: and the Reverse will light up the fires of Ambition in the breast of every American Seaman. May they become a flame of Glory that Shall Shine more and more untill the perfect day. I have the Honor / to be, with much Esteem, Sir your most obedient / and humble Servant

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Heath, 28 December 1807
From: Heath, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Roxbury Decemr. 28th. 1807

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your highly esteemed favor of the 14th. current, and to ask your pardon for not doing it sooner, which has been prevented by particular engagements,
In my attempts to arouse the military genius of my fellow Countrymen, your declarations of approbation and coincidence of sentiment, are no Small encouragment and Support.
I do not recollect, to have seen the epitomy of the art of war, which you mention, unless under a nother character—The French have many books on the subject,—The British but few on the art of war, but many on military discipline, Capt. Otway, indeed, favoured the British with the translation, of a very excellent essay from the French of the celebrated Count Turpin, and a nother English officer with a translation of the “regulations for the Prussian Infantry”, and also of the “military Instructions of the King of Prussia”, this translator does not speak highly of the performance of the Chevalier Folard, who he saies was beyond doubt a man of much military erudition but intolerably prolix, full of repetition, and extravagantly chimerical—we must observe that one was a frenchman, the other an Englishman,—the latter goes on to observe that if the few practical Instructions of the King of Prussia, are properly attended to, will be of more real use to an officer, than all the ideal, impracticable manœuvres, of all the french writers that were ever published,—I fully agree, with him in estimation of the Prussian Instructions, which I think are the best extant but in all the others, there are some things worthy of notice.
Different nations, at different times, have appeared to excel in the Art of war, as great geniuses have sprang up among them,—to say nothing of the ancients, in more modern times, the Spanish army was once considered as a military school,—at a nother time that of the Dutch, when enterprising geniuses went to acquire a knowledge of the art of war, in Flanders under Prince Maurice of Nassau, who was frequently stiled by the military writers of his time, the reviver of the discipline of the ancients,—was in Some degree eclipsed by the great Gustavus Adolphus, whose exploits were more brilliant, and his successes more rapid,—had Gustavus lived, he would probably have exhibited greater stretches of genius,—to the world;—you will recollect that after fighting two memorable Battles he was killed at Lutzen,—but the Swedes after loosing him maintained their reputation for valour and discipline for many years, which proves that during the short time Gustavus lived, he had formed many excellent officers.
Lewis the 14th. of France employed Monsieur Martinet, to regulate the discipline of his Infantry after the Dutch manner, Martinet was killed at the Siege of Doesburg,—The Prussian System under the great Frederick Second, whose genius was displayed over the “regulations for the Prussian Infantry”. a work of his fathers (that extravagant lover of tall men) who was better qualified for a drill Adjutant than a General, brought the Prussian Armies under the highest State of discipline to the former, who knew how to improve them and arrested the attention, and admiration of all Europe, Marshal Saxe, was appointed by the King of France to give his Opinion on Several plans of exercise drawn up for the practise of the french armies,—Saxe, gave his opinion in favor of that which was the most like the Prussian, and this seems to have (at least as a ground work) prevaild almost throughout Europe.
Napoleon has now rushed to view, (like a Comet among the sphere’s) on the theatre of the world, and the world Seem to be Standing as on tiptoe astonished at his career, the science of war you know, is a boundless Space where genius Soars, on her own pinions and higher, or lower, according to their length, and Strength,—on those Napoleon Sports, by those his furious Car is wafted.
Mankind have pretty nearly the Same dispositions whether they live under a monarchy, or in a republick,—They are more Curbed in the former, while like a Hamilton, or a Burr, they venture to discover them in a republic
Your observation of the Jealousy of great Britain on our growing Commerce, and Capitals is Just, it is a subject which I have frequently revolved in my own mind,—we are not to expect disinterested friendship from any nation on Earth, I hope our country will never be entangled by, or put herself in the power of any of them, but wisely provide for our own defence,—I am happy that we so fully agree and that you have done so much to introduce military academies in the United States—You must persevere, they must be adopted,
Nothing was done at the head Quarters of the American Army in the case which you mention that ever came to my knowledge. our revolution was not an Era, remarkable for the brillancy of military discipline, although astonishingly fortunate in its Issue. wishing you long life, health and prosperity / I have the honour to be /  with the highest respect & esteem /  Dear Sir /  your old friend and humble servt

            W Heath


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 18 February 1808
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My venerable & dear friend
Philadelphia Feb: 18th 1808

I have escaped for ten minutes from the pressure of business, lectures–pupils, and the Charge of the Pennsylvania hospital, to drop you a few lines which I beg you will consider as the preface only of a longer letter a few Weeks hence, when I shall be relieved from three fourths of my present labors.
Our Citizens are making great preparations for celebrating the birth day of the first President of the United States. Is this not a Unique in the history of nations–thus to perpetuate the memories of their benefactors and deliverers? I exclude from this Question the homage that has been paid by all nations to the birth day of the Saviour of the World. By such Acts we Shall gradually be prepared for much higher degrees of devotion to the name of our great man. What do you think of hearing the Clerk minister of your Church seven years hence begin public worship by saying “Let us sing to the praise & glory of Geo:”?
Great Clamors are every where excited against the embargo. How different were the feelings and Conduct of our Citizens in 1774 upon the Subject of the more oppresive non importation Act of that memorable year! The Clamors against the embargo originate in our Cities, and chiefly among one Class of Citizens. “And he causeth all, both small & great, rich and poor, bond & free to recieve a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads and that no man might buy or sell, save he  had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the Number of his name.” It is easy to tell who are the persons alluded to that have received this mark, as also the nature of the impression made by it upon the hand, or upon the forehead (Dollars.  an eagle and the figure of liberty.), but who is the beast that has imposed this mark upon the buyers and Sellers of our Country? Is it Napolion?—or is three the number of his name–that is George the third? or is it by the the Lord and master of them both, Lucifer the first?—
What monuments of ignorance, folly & pride will Congress leave behind them, Should they finally escape from the City of Washington?!—
With Affectionate regard to Mrs Adams in which my Dear Mrs Rush joins I am Dear sir your /  sincere & obliged friend

Benj’n Rush


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 25 February 1808
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

My dear Philosopher
Quincy Feb. 25 1808

Your two last Letters have puzzled me. In one you tell me that your Citizens are clamorous against the Residence of Congress at Washington. Now Washington was the Father of the Columbian Territory, the City of Washington and the Residence of Congress in it: and Washington Jefferson and L’Enfant were the Triumvirate who planned the City the Capitol and the Prince’s Palace. In your last Feb. 18 you tell me, that your Citizens are making Preparations for celebrating a kind of Adoration to Divus Washington. How can these two Clamours be reconciled? The Celebration of the Birth day I can account for, by Blounts Motion to repeal the Funding System, because Hamiltons adulation can be Supported only by Washingtons Adoration. Another Obvious Motive is to cast disgrace, upon Washington’s two Successors, Adams and Jefferson. Similar Motives have produced a Phenomenon in Boston. On the fourth of July, Washingtons Picture is placed behind the Table of the Principal Magistrates, Hamiltons opposite to him in the most conspicuous Spot in the whole Hall while the Pictures of Samuel Adams and John Hancock are crowded away in two obscure Corners. Thus is Fanuel Hall which ought to be as Sacred in Boston, as the Temple of Jupiter was on the Capitol Hill in Rome, made the Head Quarters of Fornication Adultery Incest, Libelling and Electioneering Intrigue. Yet Boston is the head Quarters of good Principles. One of the most Superb Blocks of Brick Buildings, too, erected lately by the Richest Man in the Town is which called Hamilton Place, and twenty other proud Palaces deserve the name as well.
The Clamours against the Embargo are no doubt intended to disgrace Jeffersons Administration. France and England had embargoed our Trade before We embargoed it. No prudent Merchant would Send a Ship to Sea, unless She had the Mark of one or other of the Beasts, perhaps both, for Some are capable of making their Court to both.
My old Acquaintance King George has broke his Word. He promised me he would be the last to disturb our Independence. But his Tyrannical Proclamation for impressing Seamen from our Merchant Ships is a flagrant disturbance of our Independence. He has Selected the hereditary Remnants of the old Butran Administration for his Ministry and they are reviving his old feelings. We must revive ours.
Charge as much Ignorance Folly and Pride as you please upon the City of Washington. But lay none of it to me. Not one Shilling was spent upon it, by me. I could not get Bells Wires put up, to my Bells, when I lived in the Royal Palace.
You ask how different were our Feelings and Conduct in 1774? Different indeed. We then loved Liberty better than Money. Now We love Money better than Liberty. Then Liberty meant Security for Life Liberty Property and Character. Now the Word has changed its meaning and Signified Money, electioneering Tricks and Libels, and perhaps the Protection of French Armies and British Fleets.
I am, dear Rush Still
J. Adams

When my Parson Says “Let Us Sing to the praise and Glory of G. W.” your Church will adopt a new Collect in its Liturgy and Say “Sancte Washington ora pro nobis.”
But you know that all this Adulation in the Leaders of it, is Shearly hypocritical. It would have added at Washington a Mausoleum of an hundred feet Square at the base, and an hundred feet high to the other Monuments of “Ignorance Folly and Pride” to be left in that place when Congress shall remove from it. I told my Friend Powell of Virginia at my own Table, that if that Bill for a Mausoleum passed I should be obliged to do the most unpopular Act of my whole unpopular Life, by Sending it back with a Negative and Reasons. Oh! Said Powell I hope not! I hope that when Anarchy shall invade Us, it will Stumble on that Rock and break its Shins.
At the time of Hamiltons Death, the Federal Papers avowed that Hamilton was the Soul and Washington the Body, or in other Words that Washington was the painted wooden head of the Ship and Hamilton the Pilot and Steersman.
Thus the World goes, has ever gone, and ever will go. And so let it go

            J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Guest, 28 February 1808
From: Guest, Henry
To: Adams, John

Honorable Sir
Brunswick 28 Febuary E—Jersy 1808—

Your Letter of 18 January 1806 Per post Came duly to hand and I Assure you that it gave Me greate pleasure,—for which be pleased to Except My Most Greatefull Thanks—until Very Lately I had no Subject that I thought Worthy of my the Notice of your Superior Mind—The Rever John Murry of Boston Lately paid Me A Short Visit As An Old frind that took him by the hand When he Was A Strainger in this Country—I Asked him what Was Our friend Mr. Adams About in this Critical time of Our Country—His Answer—He is about his Farm mending up his fences &c &c—So far so good Was my thought I Dair Say his Mind was Not Idly for the Salvation of his Country as his Second Self is high in the Estimation of his Fellow Citizens His Fathers Expierence and Advice, is Not Wanting to him—of this I was fully Sensible,—When I Read his Repourt of the 31 of December Last to the Senate, in the Case of John Smith of the State of Ohio—I Congratelated our Country that We had a Man of Such Superiour powers in that Honorb. Department of Our Government and heartly Wished That At the Next Election He Might be Brought forward to fill the Vice Presidants Seat at Least. And As I am informd He is about the Middle Age, hope he May rise to that of the Highest honour Our grateful Country has it in their Country to Give—
Sir It apears there has been Consultations at the Seat of Govern. Whom to nomenate at the next Election and that this forwardness is Much Dispised by Men of Superior Understanding—I trust the Sons of Our Eastren States Will Come forward and Claim A right to Nominate and Suppourt one at Least of the Candidates As that Most respectable part in Our Government Certainly was and Ought to Come forward for that purpose—Nither Do I think that the honist parts of Our Country Will be Sattisfied if one of the hiest Departments is Not fixed in one of the Eastren States
Sir My pen has Carried its ink Much farther than perhaps four Score Years Should have gone in this Vale of Struggle I trust that your Superior Knoledge will pardon All that is not Agreable to your Piercing Eye—
Yours Most Affectionately—

Henry Guestpost. please to turn over.
When Mr Murry Made the Answer As in the Enclosed I rose and got My Cane that is Made of true American grought 4 feet 6 inches Long and Desired him to prefetch it to you, But on Examining it found Some of the Varnish Worn off, Which was A Disappointment to Me, and He Excepted it. This thought Struck Me that As it Could Not be Broke It Might Serve you to Kill the Stoutest Serpent that was among the grass as Well as to Support Your tottring Limbs if You reached My Age, Some times Our Disappointments turns Out to Advantage Let Me try this point. I have Another Made for you, and As Your Son Will Come by My Dore on his return home Will You be So good as to desire him to Call on Me for it As I Shall be greately pleased to See one of our Most Superior Men before I go to the World of Spirits or if it is Not too Much for Me to Ask for him to Stay one Night With Me, He shall have A Clean Bed And if A Dry Excalent Soft Water I dare Say As good as That of Father Jacobs well that So Much is Said of it in times of old—Most heartily Wishing You health and As Much happyness As this Lower Region Can Affoard
I Am Hond. Sir your Most Humble Servt—
Henry Guest


Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 10 March 1808
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston March 10th 1808.

Hoping to have, very speedily, an opportunity of testifying my Esteem of you, at your own house, in propria personâ; I now take the freedom of making a previous intreaty that you would find from Judge Cranch the origin of the Katascoptic Club; which met at the Chamber of Edmd. Quincy 3. times in a Chamber at in the Widow Salter’s House where Gl. Donnison now lives; – in 1756 or 57.
I beg you also to consider whether you have, in your Library, any continuation of what is historically inserted in your “Defense” respecting Bologna;—as I shall put into my Pocket a silver Medal the Legend of which I cannot decypher with any tollerable accuracy, without further assistance.
With cordial Regards for your Lady, I am as ever to You
James Lovell


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 17 March 1808
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Olden barneveld 17 March. 1808.

I flatter me Self with the fond hope, that mÿ old and high-revered friend Shall not, after Such a long Silence, be displeased by mÿ intrusion. I can not bear it longer, to withold me Self the Satisfaction—of assuring you once more of mÿ warm attachment, and unabated respect—tho I must appear before you with empty hands—So empty—as not to defraÿ the loss of you precious time, in the perusal of these few lines. I might yet have delay’d this Letter a while, had I, as usuallÿ, Seen the annual proof of your continued health in the Public-papers; but even this had been witholden—and now I can alone appeal—to your condescending kindness—with which You have favored me, nearlÿ 28 years—to inform me—at your leasure—with a few words, that Mr and Mrs Adams enjoÿ—in their advancing age—health and contentment. Maÿ the Almighty preserve it to your Both un-interrupted, as far human nature allows and with your final happiness is compatible, till the last breath of your Lives—and may these be prolonged, till I Shall be no more!
 I dare not touch anÿ political Subject—tho manÿ—in these days of darkness have occupied my mind—as I am apprehensive that you maÿ have been disgusted too much by Similar topics—thro the forlorn Situation of our countrÿ. God forbid, that you Should deem it desperate, tho I fear that lenient measures Shall in vain be applied for its recoverÿ—the time is, I am apprehensive, fast approaching—that no cure is to be expected—without applying the extremes of Hippocrates ense—and if that is not powerful enough—igne. I presume howewer, that, if the Severe rod of chatisement must be inflicted upon us, you will devoutly wish with me, that we maÿ fall in—and rather be chastised by God—than by man—The worst I dread deprecate is that the angel of perdition—who desolates Europe—maÿ not be permitted, to Stretch his Sword to this continent—then I Should Scarce witthstand the desponding apprehension, that this nation was devoted to destruction even in its youth—Excuse me, worthy man! I did not intend to touch this String.
I have Spend the best part of this winter in revolving Plinÿ and Cicero—and am now advanced in the later’s Philosophical works—what a vast deal of knowledge is accumulated by the first! how far does he excel the host of our modern Philosophasters—who often plume themselves with his feathers, and give it for modern discoveries—to an ignorant crowd. How much might be learned by our modern Orators—and Speech-mongers from Tullÿ! I lament that So few Study him—even in a translation—But they are, generally, So enlightened—So original—that they Scorn Similar aids—and—with a little of it, they often would escape manÿ blunders. I perused this winter a well-written pamphlet upon our foreign relations—in which—to my Sensible mortification—as I had admired it through-out—I found Eaton compared with Mithridates—Had the first page been Sullied with this comparison, I Should Scarce have possessed courage enough, to read it to the end.
I perused this winter Marshall’s life of Washington—and have been highly gratified with it—tho’ I consider the first vol. as the less Significant—and Should not have complained, if it had received no imprimatur. In my opinion—it would have had a better if not greater affect—to have taken Robertsons Introduction for his pattern—and have delineated with a philosophical acutenes from the then Situation of Europe and America generally, and especially from the individual nations, concerned in that high contest—the outlines of a grand Tableau—bÿ which the grand events of the 18 & 19 Cent.—might have been illuminated—
I had no tidings from Holland Since mÿ worthÿ frend’s decease—this alone—I cannot forbear transcribing from a Letter of mÿ Son at Philadelphia to his mother, as I know—you feel for that devoted Countrÿ—The Dutch had been Severilÿ handled in the Moniteur—the following was the replÿ of Le journal Politique de Leÿde:
“L’on a lu icÿ avec le plus vif Sentiment de peine l’article inserée dans le Moniteur du 11 de ce mois. Depuis la paix continentale, et principalement depuis le retour du notre Roi, nous avons eté temoins des mesures rigoureuses, que l’on a introduites pour la Stricte execution du Blocus. Nous Souffrons avec patience, esperant que le Grand Napoleon nous Sçauroit gre de notre devouement a la cause commune, et de notre constante admiration pour lui: aussi nous esperons, qu’il Soutiendra notre courage, en ne donnant pas creance a des reproches, que nous ne meritons pas. La meilleure preuve, qu’il n’existe aucune Correspendence entre L’Angleterre et la Hollande, c’est, que les Lettres passent par Hambourg: qui pourroit empecher qu’on ne lui addressat des lettres? S’il etoit besoin, de citer d’autres preuves de la rigidite extreme, que l’on port au Blocus, nous dirions, que plusieurs batimens avec des cargaisons considerables se sont echoués sur nos cötes, par le refus, qu’on a fait, de les admettre. Que les Proprietaires  des fonds Anglois n’en recoivent  rien  depuis longtems, et qu’enfin nos propres denrees Coloniales ont eté confisques. Mais nous esperons, que le grand Genie, qui preside au destinée de l’Univers, Sçaura gré un jours de Sa constante loÿauté, de Sa fidilite, et de Son devoument a un Peuple, qui possede moins qu’un autre peut-etre l’art de bien exprimer, ou d’exaggerer Ses Sentiments, mais qui depuis douze ans fait profession d’une profonde admiration pour le plus grand des Mortels”
If the Dutch, Says my Son, had not, l’art de bien exprimer ou d’exaggerer Ses Sentiments, theÿ begin to learn it—
Alas poor Dutchman! but does the American name Stand higher—at present? or is it rather a Subject of Scorn and contempt? and can truth Sanction the assertion—that the fault is that of the Administration—When the People at large continue to Support it—notwithstanding they are brought on the brink of perdition?
Permit me—to recommend once mor an old affectionate and devoted frend to your kind remembrance. I Shall remain / with high respect your obliged friend and St—

            Fr. Adr. v. d. kemp

            P.S. having Spent a part of the winter in researches—appartening to Euly: historÿ—at the Request of Correspondents—I have now finished a Sketch of the life of Servetus—I would have Send it, could I have expected—that you were not averse from Similar discussions—the newness might perhaps recommend it. If So, and you—wish to See—a Single word of command—and I Shall conveÿ it the instant it is returned by a Literarÿ frend?