Title: To John Adams from Andrew Nichols, 15 February 1820
From: Nichols, Andrew
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Danvers. Feb 15th 1820

				As a trifling testimonial of the gratitude and respect which I feel for you, who have conferred so many blessings on Our common Country—more especially on account of the approbation and patronage which you have liberally bestowed on Institutions of Benevolence since your retirement from public life, my address on Intemperance is respectfully presented. Wishing  you all the blessings and felicities which an aged patriarch can enjoy, in reflecting on a life well spent—in viewing the silent Operation of those principles which he has through life most zealously inculcated, everywhere promoting the prosperity and  Glory of his Country. I / remain Yours &c

					Andrew Nichols


Title: To John Adams from Elihu Marshall, 16 February 1820
From: Marshall, Elihu
To: Adams, John

					Friend Adams—
					Saratoga Springs, 16th:, of 2nd: 1820

				As it is customary for the Authors of Literary works to ask the opinion of the judicious respecting the propriety of their performance I thought I should not act amiss if I should ask thee to give thine on mine. Therefore if it be not inconsistent with thy feelings & leisure wilt thou please to give the American Tutor’s Assistant a review & send me thy ideas as soon as thou canst conveniently.I am thine &c

					Elihu F. Marshall


Title: To John Adams from James Ronaldson, 16 February 1820
From: Ronaldson, James
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Philadelphia, Feby. 16th. 1820

				In the generation that follows the Heroes and statesmen of the Revolution, General Andrew Jackson is a most distinguished character, one who has laid aside all personal consideration when the interest of his country required the sacrifice.Under the belief that there exists a fellowship of feeling between strong minds; men who  acted on the theatre of War & politics; when , life and reputation were at stake, that they take great interest in each other;—I have taken the liberty of presenting you a Bust of Genl. Jackson, which, I hope will be considered worthy your acceptance; at all events, it is offered as a mark of esteem, gratitude and respect to one who sturdily advocated, signed and uniformly has defended the independence of these states.It is the work of Rush of Philadelphia; an exact likeness of the original, and a proof that the United States will rank as high amongst the Nations in Arts & Sciences, as in Arms—With most sincere prayers that you may long enjoy health, happiness and independence, / I am Respectfully

					James Ronaldson


Title: To John Adams from James Monroe, 20 February 1820
From: Monroe, James
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir–
					Washington Feby 20. 1820.

				I have the pleasure to forward to you by the mail of this day, a copy of the journal of the convention, which form’d the constitution of the U States. Congress having appropriated a copy for you, one for Mr. Jefferson, and another for Mr. Madison, I have chargd myself with the execution, of so much of the resolution, as relates to each of  you.This instrument–having secur’d to us and to our latest posterity, as I trust and believe, the great blessings of the revolution, I always look with profound respect & regard, to those who contributed so much, to the accomplishment of that great event.I avail myself of this opportunity to acknowledge your kind attentions on many occasions, & to assure you of the great interest which I take, in the preservation of  your health and happiness, being with the highest respect & most sincere regard / dear Siryr. very obedient servant

					James Monroe


Title: To John Adams from Robert J. Evans, 21 February 1820
From: Evans, Robert J.
To: Adams, John

					Honoured Sir,
					Philada. February 21. 1820

				Your letter of the 14th. current is before me. Be pleased to accept my sincere thanks, for that and other favours of the kind, which were as unmerited on my part, as they are valuable and interesting in themselves.The real character of an action, is always ascertained by the character of the motive, which led to it. Notwithstanding therefore, you may regret the part you took in first introducing Paine into publick notice, there can be no self crimination connected with it. The object of your exertions on that occasion, was not only to render service to a fellow creature who appeared to stand in need of assistance; but also to enlist his talents as a writer in behalf of your country, when she was assailed by difficulty and danger on every side. It is really to be regretted, that “you have not the means to put in writing,” what beyond all question, would be read with great interest and advantage, not only by the present generation, but also by posterity. Your estimate of the publications in the Boston Patriot, during the period alluded to, is below their real value. Events of importance, and the conduct and sentiments of eminent men in relation to them; narrated by one who was so conspicuous an actor himself in the scenes which he describes with such perfect fidelity, must be to the historian the greatest desiderata.You have not forbidden me, to give publicity, to what you have been so obliging as to honour me with;—it would not I hope be disagreeable. I cannot avoid considering every thing derived from such a source, as belonging to your countreymen in general.Sincerely desiring that you may enjoy the most cheering consolations and substantial blessings of Divine Providence, / I remain your greatly obliged friend / and most obedient Servant

					Robert J Evans

					Strange doctrines have been broached in Congress during the discussion of the Missouri question. Can it be possible that the principles of the revolution are already out of fashion, and to be discarded? I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of Chief Justice Tilghman’s address to our Agricultural society recently delivered.


Title: From John Adams to Aaron Clark, 23 February 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Clark, Aaron

Sir
Montezillo February 23d. 1820

Accept my thanks—for your favour of the 16th. and for the prospectus—of a most magnificent Publication—which if it can be accomplished must be a Magazine of important Documents for the Study of Posterity— I hope Judge Vanderkemps translation of the early records of the Dutch Languages will be a part of great Collection but my forces are two far Spent to contribute anything, but my good wishes towards it— I thank you Sir for your Civilites to me—and / am your obliged humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Andrew Nichols, 23 February 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Nichols, Andrew

Sir
Montezillo Febry 23d. 1820

I owe you many thanks for your favour of the 15th. and espicially for your address which abounds with excellent observations on a Subject in which the health and happiness of the people of America the Principles and system of our free Constitution of Government and the future fortunes of Posterity were are greatly and deeply interested— accept my by best thanks and bestwishes for your success macte virtute esto

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William S. Cardell, 24 February 1820
From: Cardell, William S.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					New York 24th Feb: 1820

				I shall need no apology for addressing you on a subject which you will not deem unimportant as connected with the best interests of our country. This is the association of the leading Belles Lettres scholars throughout the United States as a national Philological Academy.To settle at once a point on which some differences might arise it is not designed independently of England to form an American Language farther than as relates to numerous and constantly increasing names and terms peculiarly American; but to cultivate a friendly correspondence with any similar association or distinguished individuals in Great Britain who may be disposed to join us in an exertion to improve our common Language.The objects of such an institution which directly present themselves are to guard against local or foreign corruptions, or to correct such as already exist; to settle varying orthography, determine the use of doubtful words and phrases, and generally to form and maintain as far as practicable an English Standard of writing and pronunciation correct fixed and   uniform throughout our extensive territory. Connected with this and according to future ability may be such rewards for meritorious productions and such incentives to improvement in the Language and literature of our country and in the general system of instruction as existing circumstances may render proper.These objects will not be thought trifling by those who have spent much time in the cultivation of literature or attended to its influence on society. Such persons need not be told how directly they are connected with our improvement in general knowledge and with our public reputation, or that their influence may extend from social to national intercourse and to our commercial prosperity.  Perspicuity in Language is the foundation basis of all science.  The philosophy that professes to teach the knowledge of things independent of words needs only to be mentioned among Enlightened men to be exploded.Most of the European nations have considered the improvement of language as an important national object and have established Academics with extensive funds and privileges for that purpose. A Governmental interference has perhaps been omitted in England from a singular and rather accidental reliance on the acknowledged superiority of a few leading individuals and so long as all the literature in the English language had its origin and center in London there was less danger from thus leaving it to the guidance of chance. Our scholars are not drawn by accidental circumstances to a virtual and national   association without the form. It is very justly said of France that its literature has frequently saved the country when its arms have failed.The advantages resulting to that nation from the exertions of a few academicians have been incalculable, and may serve to show in some degree what such a confederacy of scholars is capable of performing. The effect of their influence was not barely to elevate France in the literary world, and to improve its leaning within itself; but to spread their language throughout Europe; to introduce at the expence of other nations, their books, their opinions and, in aid of other causes, their political preponderance. With how much greater force does every consideration connected with this subject apply in a free country where all depends on the virtue and intelligence of the great body of the people.   Without dwelling a moment on invidious comparisons between Great Britain and the United States, the time appears to have arrived in reference to ourselves when, having acquired politically a high standing among nations, having succeeded in a fair trial of the practicability and excellence of our civil institutions, our scholars are invited to call thier convention and to form the constitution of national literature.We have some peculiar advantages in an attempt to establish national uniformity in Language: Happily for us, our forefathers came chiefly from that part of England where their language was most correctly spoken, and were possessed of a good degree of intelligence according to the learning of that time. Though in a country as diversified as ours, there are from various causes, many particular corruptions, we hardly find any thing that can properly be called a provincial dialect. We  have at present no very inveterate habits to correct, where gross barbarisms through extensive provinces Districts are to be encountered. The attempt therefore, seasonably and judiciously made holds out a prospect not only of success, but of comparative facility. Our scattered population seem only to want, from a competent tribunal, a declaration of what is proper to guide them in their practice. Presidents Jefferson and Madison, the Secretary of State, several of the leading presidents of colleges, the professors of  Rhetorick, and other gentlemen most distinguished as elegant scholars, are  consulted respecting the proposed arrangement, and it is hoped there will be a general concurrence of our most eminent literary men, in favour of a measure so completely national, promising so many advantages, and to which so little can be objected.It is deemed unnecessary to go into arguments in favour of the utility of such an institution in the present circumstances of our country, or to dwell on the details of the plans which probably will not be difficult to settle, if the leading  principles are generally approved.How far our constituted authorities will aid such an attempt you Sir can judge better than almost any other individual. If they cannot make a positive grant perhaps at least they will exempt from postage all letters to and from the corresponding Secretary, and as the business must be done chiefly by writing, this trifling item alone would be some relief. There is good reason to believe that there will be enough of active talents to give to the association when organized a very creditable effect.Your answer, Sir, with your general impressions on this subject or any hints which may occur to you respecting its practicability and the best means of making it effectual will confer a great obligation on the gentlemen concerned  and particularly on / Your respectful Friend / & Fellow Citizen,

					William S. Cardell

					The following schetch is given as the general basis of the association, subject of course to such variations as may be thought to increase the prospect of its utility.To be called the American Philological Academy. Not to exceed 100 Regular members. nor more than 20 honorary members. A greater number would lessen the credit of membership and lessen  Diminish rather than increase its authority.To be located in the city of New York where accommodations will be furnished for it free from expenceOfficers to consist of President 3 Vice Presidents Corresponding and Recording Secretary and treasurer and 9 councillors of whom the president and corresponding Sec shall be 2. To be chosen first Monday in August annually. All members out of the city of New York allowed to vote by proxy, or by writing.As soon as organized a respectful communication to be sent to such literary  gentlemen in the British Dominions as may be thought proper, unfolding explaining the design and inviting their cooperation.Every disputed point relating to language may be made a case, subjected to rule as far as possible and brought to a decision, endeavoring if possible to have this decision concurrent  between the British and ourselves.It is particularly important to us in the present state of this country to settle the new words as names of places &c chiefly aboriginal concerning which so much difference exists among our writers. The unprofitable disputes upon the different systems in our numerous elementary books would be obviated at once, and authors and teachers be brought to a uniform standard.It would be desirable that an adequate fund should be provided by the public. Should this fail, it would be improper to lay a burthensome expence on the members. Expenditures to any considerable amount are not considered absolutely  necessary for though individuals may not be able to effect all that would be desirable, much may be done with very little actual expence.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Herttell, 25 February 1820
From: Herttell, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Much respected Sir—
					New York Feby: 25th: 1820—

				I am conscious that I ought before now to have apologized to you for permitting your letter to me of the 18th: of November last to be published without first asking and obtaining your assent—My almost constant attention to public business, has more than any other cause occasioned this involuntary omission—I entertain a confidence that your liberality will not only induce you to accept my excuse for this seeming neglect, but will appreciate my motives and palliate and probably forgive the indiscretion of giving publicity to your letter without your previous approbationIt is so common a practice to endeavor to shift the blame of our transgressions from our own to the shoulders of others—that excuses of such a nature a very liable to loose half their force, even when founded on fact—I should therefore rather than offer such an appology, willingly have incurred the whole blame of for publishing your letter, could I have done so without violating the truth—My friend Judge (Sylvanus) Miller of this City, whose benevolent disposition prompts him to take an interest in whatever measures may tend to the ameliorate the condition of his fellow men, selected your letter from a number of others of the same import, which I had the honor to receive from distinguished characters, and requested permission to publish it, in the hope that by connecting with my book the weight and influence of your name and character, it would be more noticed, more read and its object be thereby essentially aided—The effect was immediate and such as was expected—the book was sought with more avidity, read with more interest and valued more highly for having been honored with your approbation—I must however confess that I felt somewhat mortified when I saw your letter in a Boston paper, without the introduction (written by Judge Miller) and which accompanied its original publication in the New York papers—The almost naked manner in which it appeared in the Boston papers, seemed to leave room for the erroneous idea, that it was published with a view to aid the sale rather than further the object of the book—whereas the truth is that no one but the printer had any pecuniary interest in its sale, and he  only to the amount of his labor in printing it— and so little concern did he feel on that account, that he before paying himself his bill for printing, he distributed the copies gratis by the dozen and even by the hundred—The Paper was given to him—I have sent you the inclosed that you may see the manner in which your letter was first introduced to public notice in the New York papers—I confidently hope you will not be displeased with the use that has been made of it—With repeated wishes prayers for / your health & hapiness— / I have the honor to be / venerable / Sir / yours &c

					Thos: Herttell


Title: To John Adams from David L. Morril, 1 March 1820
From: Morril, David L.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Washington City. March, 1st. 1820.

				I do myself the honor to enclose to you, the substance of some remarks, which I made in the Senate of the United States, on the Missouri Question.I have the honor to be, with high / consideration and respect, your / most obedient, and very / Humble Servant.

					David L. Morril—


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 March 1820
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Olden barneveld 1 March 1820.

How can I, in any manner, reciprocate your kindnesses? I know I can not, and yet I feel cordially thank full—I received both your Lett. at the same instant. How I could wish, that I was at liberty, to communicate to my frend Tyng—these great Characteristic Strokes, by which you delineated S. E.’s character! he would be delighted with these, as they are correct—and designate the masterly hand of my frend. But you know that man—and it was chiefly owing to your distinguished recommendations, that I was treated by that family with Such kind courtesy. As I can not recollect, I could have attracted much less deserved his notice—that remembrance certainly was an unequivocal proof, that I Shared in his esteem. But he is gone—we both Stand on the brink, and, if you leave me, By whom Shall—can you be replaced—Is it not Some what Singular in my fate—that the moment an Eliot is gone, a Bayard arises, and Sends me a present of exquisite Hermitage—to cheer the cottager’s Spirits! So there were allways raised—during my eventful life, to Strew roses on my path—and—when I did bid farewel to Europe and my European connections—An Adams Stept foward to Smooth my path in the wilderness.
It was with regret, that I discovered—that the Slave trade was exercised and protected here under the colonial Government, under the patronage of the West Indian Company—Happy indeed—that your State did not Share in it.
Our National Records contain a treasure of high value in many respects—I am not however without apprehension, that I Shall have lost my eyes before I Shall have accomplished the task—But do not fear my Dear Sir! that I Shall give up the Ship—I trust, you can not even Suspect it.
I mentioned, I believe, about two years past—the publication in London of the Second part of the Amboina Tragedy—of which I now discovered the whole—which I may now communicate to you, through the aid of my Amanuensis, my Daughter Bartha. If our frend Tyng visits you, gratify him with a glance over it.
It must give you pleasure, that mrs de Wint is beloved and respected by her neighbours—"She is an amiable pious woman very much esteemed by all, who know her" in this manner writes her Pastor. I certainly Shall visit that family If I ever am permitted—to make that journey once more—But I must first See Cambridge—Boston—and Montezillo—and try, if I can yet be recognised—mean while I remain confident, that you continue to be the warm frend of him, who is with unabated respect / Your devoted and / obliged frend

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp.


Title: To John Adams from William Wood, 2 March 1820
From: Wood, William
To: Adams, John

					Boston—March 2. 1820

				The Committee for receiving Donations for the Apprentices’, Library acknowledge the recpt. of Mr Adams’ noble present of the Sixty Four Volumes, of “Universal History” a work, which will be of the greatest utility to our Young Readers, they indeed are, a Library of themselves, and give a value to the collection which our warmest wishes & hopes have not dared to expect.—it would charm your noble Heart. Respected Sir, to witness the popularity this humble attempt to disseminate knowledge enjoys, The hour, which brought your obliging Note gave us a similar one from Mr Gore of Waltham which does Honor to his feelings & Heart,—the “Universal History” is placed upon the principle Shelf of the Library surrounding the Bust, of the Donor, who appears to look with satisfaction upon our attempts to soften the rigors of existence, among the mechanic, & needy Youth of Boston.In behalf of the Committee / I am Your / faithful Servt

					Wm: Wood


Title: From John Adams to William S. Cardell, 3 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Cardell, William S.

Sir
Montezillo March 3d. 1820

I have received and read with more pleasure than I can express your polite and elegant Letter of the 24 Febry—The plan of a Philological Academy is so extensive and magnificent that though I am excedingly delighted with it—I have not sufficient knowledge—nor at my Advanced Age the patience of the thinking necessary to consider it in all its parts—and to foresee all the difficulties that may attend its mature accomplishment—but I am very sure I wish it all the success that you can desire The plan is worthy the adoption of the National Government and it will be an immortal honor to our to our Congress to incorporate, to Establish and endow it with sufficient funds to defray all its necessary expences—
Men of Letters in all Europe have long expressed their wonder—that the British Parliament have been so inattentive—to the Cultivation of their own Language—while all the World acknowledge the unexampled additions that have been made to science and Literature by individuals of that Nation—The Government have instituted nothing for the improvement of their language—Even the synonomous words of that language which require the profoundest knowledge in Philosophy and Metaphysics; as well as Philology to discriminate with precision—have been left to the talents and application of a Lady—But the work, would have been worthy of all the talents and Industry of a Swift, a Johnson a  Hume a Robertson a Gibbon and a Dugald Stuart—I have through my   I have through Life been sensible of the truth of the adage—“studium sine Calame somnium” but I was never so fully impressed with the importance of it—as since I lost the use of my own pen—a pen seemes to me now as necessary to thinking as words are represented by Metaphysicians to be, to memory, reasoning, and other operations of the mind—
I thank you sir for the honour you have done me by this Communication—but have the misfortune mortification to believe that nothing but good wishes can be contributed to the execution of the Plan—by your / obliged friend and most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Russell, 3 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Russell, Benjamin

Sir
Montezillo March 3d. 1820

I send you a Box of Books, which I pray you to present for me to the Apprentices’ Library—with my best wishes and Respects / from your friend and / most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Monroe, 6 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir.
Montezillo March 6th. 1820

I ought not o have delaid an acknowledgement of your favour of February 20th. and the Volume of the Journal of the Federal Convention which attended it—The Volume shows that our present inestimable Constitution cost the Venerable Characters who composed it—much anxiety, debate, and difficulty—But a Candid and liberal disposition on all hands resulted in the—“preclarum singulare quiet”—which we now so happily enjoy, may it be perpetual—
I think it impossible that the present question concerning Missouri can shake its solid foundations—which way so–ever the question may be Constitutionally and legally determined, I hope all will submit, and acquiesce in it kindly—But I am trespassing beyond my boundary line—with entire satisfaction in your Public Administration—and / great and sincere Esteem for your Person— / I have the Honor, to be Sir / your most obedient & / most humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to William Wood, 6 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Wood, William

Sir—
Montezillo March 6th. 1820

I thank you for your letter of the 2d of this Mongth, and for the Catalogue for the apprentices’ Library—I am highly gratified to see that it already amounts to so respectable a number—as I do not see in the list a Naval History of the United States—I take the Liberty to send you a Copy of that Work—which is at once a Monument to the Glory of our Naval Heroes and a proof of the inattention of this Nation to its most essentiall Arm of Defence—
I am Sir with my best Respects to the / Committee—and much Esteem for / yourself—your humble Servant
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to Robert J. Evans, 8 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Evans, Robert J.

dear Sir.
Montezillo March 8th. 1820—

I have received your letter of the 21st. of Febuary I have no scruples of conscience, and no reproaches to make to myself, for my conduct for first introducing Paine into public service—The abandoned viciousness and Proflagacy of his Character, was then totally unknown to me—and in truth—I did not give credit to Dr. Witherspoons accusation of Intemperance—because it was contradicted by Generall Roberdeau and others—who knew him personally better than the Dr did—After the experience that I have known of his subsequent Life—my opinion is deliberately fixed—That he did infinitely more harm than good in every Country in which he ever showed his head—In this Country of ours his writings were more mischievous than useful—in Politicks and Legislation—In this I know I differed in opinion from very worthy Men—who are abler and have more authority than myself—therefore I do not think it advisable to publish my letters because I do not think it worth while to raise a Controversy upon such a Subject—though I think I could support my own opinion, with facts and arguments which his admirers would not easily answer—even his Common Sense contributed more to devide than to unite us—and by bringing out Dr Smith with his plain truth which formed a party against us—and along drove off to the Enemy many Characters who had gone along cordially with us—and would have gone on quietly—if the business had been left in the hands of Congress—
I was informed—last Evening—that the Missourians have got their Negroes at last—
I am Sir your friend and— / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Monroe, 8 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Monroe, James

					dear Sir
					Montezillo March 8th. 1820

				I ought not to have delaid an acknowledgement of your favour of February 20th. and the Volume of the journal of the Federal Constitution Convention which attended it—the Volume shows that our present inestimable Constitution cost the venerable Characters—who composed it—much anxiety and debate and but a Candid and liberal disposition on all hands, resulted in the “preclarum singulare quid”—which we now so happily enjoy—may it be perpetual—I think it is impossible that the present question concerning Missouri can shake its solid foundations which may sever the question may be constitutionally and legally determined I hope all will submit, and acquiesce in it kindly—But I am trespassing beyond my boundary line—With entire satisfaction in your public Administration—and great and sincere Esteem for your person—I have the honour to be Sir / your most obedient / humble Servant

					John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 12 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Niles, Hezekiah

Sir
Montezillo March 12th 1820

I have not seen one of your Registers, these twelve months—the fifteenth Volume is the last I have received—which comes down only to March 1819—I sent you a long time ago a few original papers which I desired you to return to me—I hope to receive soon, the papers, accompanied with the additional Volume or Volumes which have grown since the third Volume of the new Series which is the 15th volume of the Old—
I esteem the Work so much that I have regreted the privation of it now for a whole Year—
I am Sir with much Esteem / your humble servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Robert J. Evans, 13 March 1820
From: Evans, Robert J.
To: Adams, John

					Honoured Sir,
					Philada. March 13th. 1820.

				I have again the gratification, of acknowledging the receipt of a letter from you; a gratification, which with the utmost sincerity I assure you, is of no ordinary kind. The opinions relative to Paine, and his infamy of character, are it is beleived, perfectly coincident, with those of the wise and good, wherever this disturber of the peace of nations, and this enemy to social happiness was known; but agreeably to your intimation, the useless controversy, which their publication might possibly produce, shall be avoided.Missouri, it is true, has “got her negroes at last.” Whether the fundamental principles of our government, and those of religion and virtue, which are still more sacred, have been violated or not, is quite another question. Submission to the laws of the land, is, however, the duty of every good citizen. May heaven, avert from our country those signal chastisements, which she has so justly merited!As your life has been devoted, so efficiently and so steadfastly, to the prosperity and welfare of your country; your fellow-citizens will be pleased at all times to hear of your health and happiness; and by few of them, will intelligence of this description, be more heartily welcomed, than by  / Your truly obliged friend / and most obedient Servant

					Robert J. Evans


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1820
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello Mar. 14. 20.

				A continuation of poor health makes me an irregular correspondent. I am therefore your debtor for the two letters of Jan. 20. & Feb. 21. it was after you left Europe that Dugald Stuart, concerning whom you enquire, and Ld. Dare, second son of the Marquis of Lansdowne came to Paris. they brought me a letter from Ld. Wycombe whom you knew. I became immediately intimate with Stuart, calling mutually on each other and almost daily, during their stay at Paris, which was of some months. Ld. Dare was a young man of imagination, with occasional flashes indicating deep penetration, but of much caprice, and little judgment. he has been long dead, and the family title is now, I believe, in the 3d son who has shewn in parliament talents of a superior order. Stuart is a great man, and among the most honest living. I have heard nothing of his dying at top, as you suppose. mr Ticknor however can give you the best information on that subject; as he must have heard particularly of him when in Edinburgh, altho’ I believe he did not see him. I have understood he was then in London superintending the publication of a new work. I consider him and Tracy as the ablest Metaphysicians living; by which I mean Investigators of the thinking faculty of man. Stuart seems to have given it’s natural history, from facts and observations; Tracy it’s modes of action and deduction, which he calls Logic, and Ideology: and Cabanis, in his Physique et Morale de l’homme, has investigated anatomically, and most ingeniously, the particular organs in the human structure which may most probably exercise that faculty. and they ask Why may not the mode of action called thought, have been given to a material organ of peculiar structure? as that of magnetism is to the Needle, or of elasticity to the spring by a particular manipulation of to the steel. they observe that on ignition of the needle or spring, their magnetism and elasticity cease. so on dissolution of the material organ by death it’s action of thought may cease also. and that nobody supposes that the magnetism or elasticity retire to hold a substantive and distinct existence. these were qualities only of particular conformations of matter: change the conformation, and it’s qualities change also. mr Locke, you know, and other materialists have charged with blasphemy the Spiritualists who have denied to the Creator the power of endowing certain forms of matter with the faculty of thought. these however are speculations and subtleties in, which, for my own part, I have little indulged myself. when I meet with a proposition beyond finite comprehension, I abandon it as I do a weight which human strength cannot lift: and I think ignorance, in these cases, is truly the softest pillow on which I can lay my head. were it necessary however to form an opinion, I confess I should, with mr Locke, prefer swallowing one incomprehensibility rather than two. it requires one effort only to admit the single incomprehensibility of matter endowed with thought: and two to believe, 1st. that of an existence called Spirit, of which we have neither evidence nor idea, and then 2dly. how that spirit which has neither extension nor solidity, can put material organs into motion. these are things which you and I may perhaps know ere long. we have so lived as to fear neither horn of the dilemma. we have, willingly, done injury to no man; and have done for our country the good which has fallen in our way, so far as commensurate with the faculties given us. that we have not done more than we could cannot be imputed to us as a crime before any tribunal. I look therefore to that crisis, as I am sure you also do, as one “qui summum nec metuit diem nec optat.” in the mean time be our last as cordial as were our first affections.

					Th: Jefferson


Title: From John Adams to Joshua Cushman, 16 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Cushman, Joshua

dear Sir
Montezillo March 16th. 1820

I thank you for your Speech upon the great question—which I have read with at least as much interest as any one that I have seen—there is as much good sense in it—as in any of them—and as well expressed—though some critics may say there is less Art, and Oratory—this I hold in small estimation in the discussion of great National questions—I am very much pleased with your Euloguiams on Mr King, and Mr Holley, and many other fine passages too many to be here enumerated—
Upon the result of the long Debate I do not think it prudent for me to say anything only that I wish the Legislature of Missouri or the Convention, may have the Wisdom to prohibit Slavery of their own accord—for I am clearly convinced it would be as much for their interest, as for their honour—for a Slave holding State will never increase so fast in Population Wealth, and Comfort, as one in which the Word Slave is not permitted to polute its pages—
I am Sir your assured friend / and most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 March 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

my dear Sir
Montezillo March 16th. 1820

I thank you for your favour of the first of the Month—We have had for some time, no subject of Conversation here—except a phenomenon in Nature unpresidented in any former moment of our History—a Violent rain falling at a time of extreeme cold here below, covered the Earth with polished Silver; and the Trees with Millions & Millions of Diamonds—the scene was almost too splendid for the Eyes to Contemplate—It lasted two or three days—But we paid very dearly for all the sublimity of prospect for the immense weight of the Ice broke the Forest Trees, Fruit Trees and Shrubberys to pieces—
We have now a new theme, the Death of the Duke of Kent, and his Father—The former a kind of friend to my Son—and the latter an old acquaintance of mine—though the Demise of the old Monarch can be no loss to him or to any body else—yet I cannot help feeling some disagreeable sensations when I recollect a series of three years of his good humoured Chit, Chat interspersed with a number of wise and useful observations—I know not what Character, will be given to this Prince by Historians—But his private Character, his domestic Character from all that has appeared was amiable and exemplary—I hope his reign will not be the ultimum Britainorum but there Constitution seemes to be tottering to its Base—
Our Friend Tying does not Visit me—he is too much occupied—and I am too Stationary—May incidents of good fortune Multiply upon you in your old age—as those of Adversity have upon me—I veryly believe I am some what of a Philosopher for I have determined, that nothing external shall disturb my Intellectual or Moral tranquillity—and hitherto I have succeeded—I still read Ciciro de Amicitia, and de senectute with as exquisite pleasure as ever—and as I am as Old as Cato I think myself as wise, and Bless my existence as sincerely—
I am much concerned an account of my dear Caroline and her Family for fear there should be great Sickness among them—For though we have written many letters and made many anxious enquiries—without receiving any answers for two or three Months—she used to be very punctual in writing every week—If you can give me any information concerning them, it will much / oblige your friend & humble / Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Willis, 27 March 1820
From: Willis, William
To: Adams, John

					Respected & Dear Sir
					Richmond 3 Mo 27th 1820

				On my arrival at this place I address’d to you a letter And am now very concious that I made in it a very improper request which was a letter of introduction to Judge Marshall and am the more fully Confirm’d in this, by not receiving itOne of my objects by the present letter is to bring to your view the cruel causes of my present unfortunate State, with respect to property; and shall make my narrative as short as possibleYou need not be inform’d of my having had the honor of being appointed under your administration, Consul of the United States, for Barcelona in Spain. On my arrival at that City, I found a knowledge of the United very limitted among the Citizens; and even Among the Officers of Government, as but three vessells belonging to the Citizens of the United States had visited that place from the commencement of our revolution, to that period. And I found a very strong opinion prevailing there, that the Citizens of the United States were in some degree under the controul of the King of Great Britain, with whom they were then at War. My first care was to remove this prejudice, in which I succeeded beyond my expectationsMy next care was to obtain, and communicate all the information to my country men, that could be useful to them, and the commerce of the United States. And by these means drew about eighty sail of American Vessells there annually. and was so happy as to be able to relieve many of my countrymen from those distresses which were incident to the then State of the American MarinersHaving establish’d an active Commercial House in Barcelona, I had a large share of the best business done there. And among others, invited to my House and Table Benjamin B Mumford Agent for the House of Murray & Mumford of New York, who was entertain’d as a friend by me for near two years, during which time I made large advances to him and his employers. But I too late found that  both him, and his employers, were availing themselves of my hospitality, to ruin meBeing called on necessary business to London and the United States, I met in the hands of Murray & Mumford of New York accounts attested by my book keeper at the instigation of their agent, which I settled with them. But on my return to Barcelona I found that part of my books had been destroyed and the other part Mutilated in such a Manner as to invalidate them. And that after this work of wickedness, My book keeper had gone off with this B B MumfordI found also on my return that my Official Seal and Signature had been Counterfeited as well as the Signature of the President and officers of State and while I was investigating all these attrocities I received Anonymous threats, that if I did not desist my life would be in danger. But regardless of threats I persevered in the investigation until my health was destroyed by poison, and I too late found that the Combination in the works of wickedness was much greater than I had expected. But all perhaps were not equally wicked. as the objects of some of them might have been limited to plunderWhile these attrocities were going on a report was rais’d to destroy my domestic comfort: which was that I had three wives then living in the United States. Overwhelm’d with all these afflictions, and reduced to a low State of health, I prepar’d to return to the United States by resigning my office as consul, and advertising in the public papers, that I was prepar’d to meet as a private individual, all those who had claims against me. After this I remaind upwards of three months, and then again, about a month before my departure, notified  the public that I should leave that City, in a few days; and requested all those who had any demands against me to call at my house at fixd hours, and on the Exchange at the customary hours of the Meeting of the merchants.I then travell’d by slow stages to Madrid where I remain’d two or three weeks, and from thence to Lisbon, where I took passage for the United States; and on my arrival, proceeded to the Seat of Government. And from thence to Boston, where, new trials still awaited me.I was there arrested at the suit of Murray & Mumford of New York for twenty five thousand dollars, and treated with all the severity in their power. They expecting no doubt, all the advantages that could be derived from the destruction of books, and my absence from the place where the transactions, on which they attempted to raise their claim, took place. And seem’d to anticipate the ruin of my Character as well as estate. And for this purpose avail’d themselves of the testimony of their agent B B Mumford, as well, as of my unprincipled book keeper, W B Bowen, and others. And so sanguine was Murray who attended the trial, which was before Referrees under Rule of the Court, that he wrote them a letter, of which the following is the concluding paragraph.“We have also alleged that the account filed in Court by Willis, is false, and fabricated, this to be sure may be considered as going very far but to believe him capable of such an act were any thing further necessary than the testimony already adduced, we have only to peruse the affidavits of Thomas Lewis & William Baker which accompany this.—for a further elucidation of this point, I must beg the Referrees to go over the evidence of Wm. B Bowen respecting it & the very material light it will throw on the whole affair. With Sentiments of Respect I am &cSigned, John B Murrayfor self & John P Mumforddated, Boston March 7th. 1806To Joseph Foster Stephen Codman & Joseph Hall EsqresBut notwithstanding the malicious charges of Murray. He was inform’d by the referrees that I had Completely refuted them, and all the testimony he had brought against my Character, and that they were ready to give me a Certificate to that effect, which when I calld on them for they readily complied with and gave me the followingBoston August 26th 1806At the Request of William Willis Esquire. We the Subscribers late Referrees on the Case between him as defendant and Messrs Murray & Mumford plaintiffs in which we awarded a balance against him, we Certifie that we had no cause to doubt his honor and integrity after the Most particular & thorough examination of the papers, books & Allegations & proofs in the Case.Joseph HallSigned S CodmanJoseph Foster*This ballance was nine hundred & sixteen dollars altho the writ stated. “Twenty thousand dollars had and received and five thousand dollars damages”Murray & Mumford had procur’d about four hundred pages of testimony, against me, and had their agent present at the trial but all their arts and wickedness in attempting the ruin of my Character were defeated, as appears by the Certificate of the Referrees. But altho defeated, and overwhelm’d with disgrace, neither themselves, nor their malice are dead. They still live, and aided by the Monsters in wickedness, who were their ready instruments, they have done me much injury by private methods.I am aware, Sir, that all these things may be unpleasant to you to peruse but as have inform’d you of my present situation I am anxious to convince you that it is caus’d by the wickedness of others and not by any thing that I could foresee or prevent. And in order to prove to you that my adersaries would stick at nothing I enclose the Copies of two letters which my book keeper was seduced to write to Murray & Mumford and their Agent Benjamin B Mumford which were  filed in the case and which it clearly appears a work of Concerted deception.You may Observe, Sir, that Bowens letter (No 1) to Benj B Mumford is dated Providence August 26—1803 in which he pretends to divulge to him the most abominable  frauds &c. You may then, Sir, Observe that Bowens letter (No 2) to Murray & Mumford is dated 20th October following in which you will in the 1st & 2d line, of the 4th page find that he tells them that “these things have been kept secret from M B M.” But altho this Clearly proved that the Collusion and that the letter to B B Mumford as well as the other was an abominable fabrication. Yet by getting extracts from the records they have had it in their power to injure not only with private individals by with the government also, And which is most afflicting to me is that it deprives me of the power of being able to me the demands against me, which adds bitterness to the cuts of affliction which has fallen to my lot.The Subject agitates me so much, that I fear it will be difficult decypher my letter.I have taken the liberty to enclose a letter to your Son. Which you will oblige me much by delivering to him.I Request You Sir to accept my best Wishes for Your health and happiness and to / believe me With Sincere Respects & Esteem / Your Assured friend

					Willm Willis

   This ballance was nine hundred & sixteen dollars altho the write stated “Twenty thousand dollars had and received and five thousand dollars damages”


Title: To John Adams from Isaac Gomez, 28 March 1820
From: Gomez, Isaac
To: Adams, John

					Dr. Sir,
					New York March 28th. 1820

				Pardon the liberty I take in addressing You a Gentn. with whome I have not the honour of a Personal acquaintance, but knowing the high rank you bear in the Literary World has induced me to request Your polite acceptance of a work I have just published under the title of “Selections of a Father for the use of his Children, which have the goodness to give a reading, & Sir shall fell highly gratified to be favd with your oppinion of the same, and the more so should such oppinion meet my wishes having formed & published the work for the purpose of giving support to my amiable family a matter in my mind of the highest importance to me as a Husband & Parent, therefore Your recommendation my Dr. Sir (should my work merit it) would add greatly to my Interest in this affair.With wishing prosperity & life to you Sir that You may continue to see & receive the blessings of  our Dr. Country for which you have done so much / I have the honour to be / with due respect / Dr. Sir / Your friend & very hum. servt.

					Isaac Gomez Junr


Title: To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 31 March 1820
From: Niles, Hezekiah
To: Adams, John

					Honored Sir,
					Balt. Mar 31. 1820

				The 16th vol. of the Weekly Register was sent, I believe to Boston for you & the 17th, (up to the 1st of this month) is only just bound. However, finding that they are franked to you, I have put those volumes in separate packages, & sent them by the mail.I had the pleasure when last at Washington to pay my respects to your son, the secretary of state, & was much gratified with my visit.Be pleased to accept the honest assurance of my respect & esteem—perhaps I might, add, of my veneration.

					H. Niles


Title: From John Adams to William Willis, 4 April 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Willis, William

dear Sir
Montezillo April 4th 1820

your appointment to a Consulate in Spain was a full proof that you was then Esteemed to be a Gentlemen of Intelligence Integrety, information and Ingenuity, and I have never seen any reason to alter that opinion of your Character from that time to this I was very much pleased with your address before the society for preventing intemperance in New Bedford—
I have renounced all interference in public affairs for a long time past and it is utterly impossible for me to investigate your affairs, or even to read your papers. I therefore return them to you as I received them—with the best wishes for your health & happiness—from your humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Isaac Gomez, 10 April 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Gomez, Isaac

Sir
Montezillo April 10th. 1820

your selection of a father for the use of his Children, are worthy to be presented by every father, to every Child—and deserve a place in every family, there is not an impure or mean thought in the whole Book—there is science Literature and taste in it enough to form the best Characters of Men and Women— It is a Collection of the Wisdom of Ages, and, of Nations—But I regret that you have wholly omitted Cicero whose works abound in the most excellent moral Political Philosophy especially his Offices—His Essay on old age, on Friendship—his dream of Scipio his Letter to his Brother Quintus about to take upon him the third time the Government of Asia—Tully deserves as conspicuous a place as Pythagoras—Plato Aristotle—or any others from whom you have extracted so many beautiful morsels—You have been a little too severe on the Law and Lawyers—you might have been as much so with as much propriety on Physicians or Divines, Merchants or Farmers—We can no more live without the Law, and Lawyers—than we can without air; Water,  fire, or Earth, we feel the benifit of them every hour of lives—You might as well satirize the air for its Storms, the Water because it sometimes rocks a Ship—the fire because it once burned buried Herculaneum—or the Earth because it sometimes quakes—I wish you had more generally refered to your Authorities—these however are very trivial faults—the Book has solid merit, and I wish it were in the hands of every Child who can read it—to me it shall be a Manual on my table—in which I can constantly find almost any of the most beautiful morsels, ancient and modern which would take me hours in rummageing Volumes to find without it—
Accept my best thanks for your valuable present, and my best wishes for your success—in the publication—I am Sir your humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Isaac Gomez, 17 April 1820
From: Gomez, Isaac
To: Adams, John

					Dr Sir
					New York April 7th: 1820

				I was made happy in having the honour of receivg: Your polite and much esteemed favour of the 10th: Inst: in answering to mine on the subject of my Publication, for the high encomium you are pleased to pass on my work, accept Dr Sir my most sincere thanks as well as for the friendly & Parental manner in which You are pleased to state Your Regret at my having omitted Ciciro &c: I regret it myself since I have recd Your valuable opinion, but had I have gone into the great field of Literature much more than I have done, I would have formed too voluminous & expansive a work for which it is intended and therefore must content myself in even permitting it to pass without having added to it the valuable authors you mention which should certainly have had their place had I have been honour’d by You on the subject at an earlier period.I observe You consider me a little too severe on the Law & Lawyers, Permit me to say I had not the most distant Idea of offending the Gentn of the Law when I placed those pieces in my Book, and I agree with You that Physicians, and Divines—Merchants or Farmers are & frequently deserve to be noted for their faults, for there is no Man or sett of men who are faultless for it is the imperfection of Man which causes us to know the difference between Our great Creator, and the Creature the One is Pure and Perfect, the other impure & imperfect—poor short-sighted mortals which had it not been so with me I should have been able to have placed and omitted such things as your valuable notice now places before meI shall feel a Pride in placeing amongst my list of recommendations your polite mention of my publication and which I feel assured will not only add a lusture to my Book but will also I trust be beneficial to my Interest in the sale of my labourous production.With the hope of not being considered too intruding in again addressing You—I have only to add that my Prayers are—that You may at all times be protected by the Great Monarch of the Universe & remain / Respected Sir / Yr Obliged friend & / Very huml servt:

					Isaac Gomez Junr

					PS Respected Sir In extracting from Your amiable letter the recommendation You are pleased to give to my work I have taken the liberty of omitting the parts where You notice the Authors & Subjects—You are pleased to regret my not having noticed, as well as the Idea on the subject of the Law &c. In doing which I hope I may not   offend as the extracting the other parts will be perfectly sufficient for the purpose of my benefit which probably might prove otherwise was I to exhibit its faults when kindly noted by such an excelent Judge as Your good self


Title: To John Adams from Abiel Holmes, 27 April 1820
From: Holmes, Abiel
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Cambridge 27 April 1820.

				When I asked your acceptance of a copy of American Annals, I requested the favour of any strictures that might occur to you in the perusal. If you have made any remarks with your pen or pencil, may I permitted to see them? if you have not, I should still esteem it a great privilege to have your advice respecting any improvements, of which I may avail myself in a future edition. To solicit what would give either labour or care to one who has so fair a claim to ease and repose, were a violation of that respect and duty which we all owe to the patriot and statesman, who has devoted a long life to the service of his country. Should it not be laborious to you to make a brief memorandum of any errors or omissions, or of any additional authorities, or of any thing which may improve the work, it would be highly estimated and duly acknowledged.I purpose soon to pay my respects to you at / Quincy, and, in the mean time, remain, / Sir, / Your very respectful / and most obedient servant

					Abiel Holmes


Title: From John Adams to Abiel Holmes, 1 May 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Holmes, Abiel

dear Sir.
Montezillo May 1st. 1820

I have received your kind letter of the 29th. April with much pleasure—When I received the favour of your two Volum’s of American Annals—I read them with greatful sentiments for the rich present.—and with great satisfaction in the enjoyment—and pleasure, and instruction they afforded me Though the British reviewers say we have no literature—
yet I say that this work is of more importance to mankind than their adored Robertsons history of Scotland—or than Humes history of England—and whenever the time shall come in America—when a Prophet shall rise not be without honor in his own Country—These Annals will be estimated at their just high value
I am ashamed to acknowledge though I must acknowledge that I am by no means learned in the History of my own Country—and the small collection I once had of Books upon this Subject has been so scattered and dispersed that I am utterly destitute of means to assist you with any improvement of your next Edition—and if I had the means, I am neither able to read or write with any long attention to any subject—You apologize for your numerous references and quotations—I hope you will not omit any of these, for it ought to be a principle with every writer who treats of times and Countries—in which he never lived—To refer to the Authority on which he grounds every fact—If my memory does not deceive me—I once intimated to you an omission of the suppression of Friese’s high handed riot and rescue—which in my opinion was sufficiently punished by the fine’s and imprisonments which that german blockhead and his Ignorant Associates finally suffered—for you may tell the World and Posterity—that it is my deliberate and solemn opinion that their Crime did not amount to Treason—and that if they had been Executed— I should have carried their Blood upon my Soul to my grave—Let that mad faction who thirsted for their Blood answer for themselves as well as they can
There are two Characters in History against whom I have so strong prejudices’s—that I suspect myself of partiality and too much jealousy when I read or hear their Names—One of them is Cardinal De Lorain—The other Arch Bishop Laud— in reading the Works of Morton—of Mare Mont—Mount Horab—Merry Mount—or Mount Wollaston—for by all these Names it has been called—which I think he calls the history of the New Canan—I found great cause to suspect that he and Weston and Sir Christopher Gardiner—where all employed by the Arch Bishop for the express purpose of destroying the Infant Puritanical Settlements—in New England—I wish you would examin the New Canan with attention—
I am Sir with your sincere friend / with great Esteem and high Esteem / your most obedient / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from J.B. Binon, 2 May 1820
From: Binon, J.B.
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur
					Boston le 2 Mai 1820.

				La derniére fois que j’eus l’honneur de vous voir, vous parutes desirer de faire quelques essais, pour etablir la difference qu’il y a entre le plâtre crû et le calciné. je viens d’en faire remettre une barrique, de ce dernier, à Mr James Foster qui a bien voulu se charger de vous la  faire passer; puisse-t-il avoir les mêmes effets que dans les riches plaines du Languedoc, de la Bresse et de la Bourgogne. quoique plusieurs fermiers persistent a croire qu’il n’est d’aucun effet sur les terres Voisines de la mer, je n’ai aucun doute qu’il n’y reussisse parfaitement et qu’il vous sorte du prejudice que vous avez toujours eu contre cet utile engrais; j’ose vous le recommander comme le meilleur, ainsi préparé, pour toutes les especes de prairies naturelles ou factices, les farineux et toutes les herbes potagéres: je ne m’hasarderai point à vous indiquer le maniére de l’employer, parce que vos connoissances en agriculture passent les mienes de beaucoup.J’espere dans la courant de la belle saison avoir l’honneur d’aller vous presenter mes hommages, et voir une partie de ses resultats; je m’estime trés heureux d’avoir apporté dans ces contrées, cette nouvelle branche d’industrie que je pense est d’une grande utilité pour l’agriculture.Veuillez, Monsieur, recevoir les respectueux hommages de votre trés humble et obeissant / serviteur.

					J.B. BinonSculpteur


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

dear Sir
Montezillo May 12th. 1820

I have received with great pleasure your favour of March 14th. Mr Ticknor informes me that Dugald Stuart was not reduced to a state of Idiocy as I had been informed—but that he was in bad Health—and by the advice of his friends and Physicians to remove to Devenshire in England in hopes by the change of air tranquil repose and retirement from the irritation of society he might recover his health—But he said there was something mysterious in the business and the gentlemen in Scotland did not love to converse upon the subject, but chose to wave as well as they could, questions concerning it—That he had not been in London superintending any work.
This account leaves ample scope for all our conjectures, but in all events it is very melancholy that so profound a genius should be obliged to retire before he had exhausted all his speculations for the Illumination of his Species; for, indeed, all his writings are melancholy; they are humiliating; for they show us our ignorance, and the utmost limits to which the human understanding may hope to go in this Inferior World. They ought, however, to be consolatory, because they furnish us with abundance of your pillows of Ignorance—an expression that I very much admire—on which to repose our puzzeld heads—
The question between spirit and matter appears to me nugatory because we have neither evidence nor idea of either—all that we certainly know is that some substance exists, which must be the cause of all the qualitys, and Attributes which we perceive Extension, Solidity, Perception, memory, and Reason, for all these are Attributes, or adjectives, and not Essences or substantives
Sixty years ago, at College, I read Berkley—and from that time to this I have been fully persuaded that we know nothing of Essences—That some Essence does exist, which causes our minds with all their ideas—And this visible World with all its wonders—I am certain that this cause is wise Benevolent and powerful, beyond all conception I cannot doubt—but what it is, I cannot conjecture—
Suppose we dwell a little on this matter—The Infinite devisibility of it had long ago been demonstrated by Mathematicians—When the Marquis De L’Hospital arose and demonstrated that there were quantities and not infinitely little—but others infinitely less than those infinitely littles—and he might have gone on for what I know to all Eternity demonstrating that there are quantities infinitely less than those last infinitely littles—and the Phenomena of nature seems to coincide with De L’Hospitals demonstrations.—For example Astronomers inform us that the Star draconis is distant from the Earth 38,000,000,000,000, miles. The Light that proceed’s from that Star therefore, must fill a Sphere of 78,000,000,000,000, miles in diameter—and every part of that sphere equal to the size of the pupil of the human Eye—light is Matter and every ray—every pencil of that light is made up of particles very little indeed—if not infinitely little—or infinitely less than infinitely little—If this Matter is not fine enough—and subtle enough to perceive to feel and to think—it is too subtle for any human intellect or imagination to conceive—for I defy any human mind to form any idea of any-thing so small—however after all Matter is but Matter—if it is infinitely less—than infinitely little—it is incapable of memory; Judgement, or feeling, or pleasure or pain as far as I can conceive—yet for any-thing I know it may be as capable of Sensation and reflection as Spirit—for I confess I know not how Spirit can think feel or act any more than Matter—In truth I cannot conceive how either can move or think—so that I must repose upon your pillow of ignorance which I find very soft and consoleing—for it absolves my conscience from all culpability in this respect—But I insist upon it that the Saint has as good a right to groan at the Philosopher for asserting that there is nothing but matter in the Universe—As the Philosopher has to laugh at the Saint for saying that there are both Matter and Spirit—Or as the Infidel has to despise Berckley for saying that we cannot prove that there is any-thing in the Universe but Spirit and Idea—for this indeed is all he asserted for he never denied the Existence of Matter—After all I agree that both the groan and the Smile is impertinent—for neither knows what he says—or what he affirms—and I will say of both as Turgot says of Berkley in his Article of Existence in the Encyclopedia—it is easier to despise than to answer them—
Cabanis’s Ignition can destroy nothing in the Magnet—But motion magnetism Electricity Galvanism, Attraction, Repulsion, are nothing but motion—and have no more relation to Analogy or resemblance, to memory, Perception, Conception or Volition, than black has to white, or falshood to truth—or right to wrong—When two Billiard Balls meet and repell each-other we know nothing of the cause—Contact or repulsion than we do of Spirit We see nothing but motion in the Case—and what motion is—we know not—
Oh delightful Ignorance—when I arrive at a certainty that I am Ignorant and that I always must be ignorant while I live I am happy for I know I can no longer be responsible—
We shall meet here after and laugh at our present botherations—
So believes your old Friend—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Plumer, 3 June 1820
From: Plumer, William
To: Adams, John

					Dear sir,
					Epping June 3d 1820

				I take the liberty to send you enclosed a copy of my remarks on the Missouri question, which I  pray you to accept as an acknowledgment, however inadequate, of the respect & veneration, with which I am, Dear sir,Your obliged & very humble servant

					William Plumer Jr


Title: To John Adams from Vine Utley, 5 June 1820
From: Utley, Vine
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Lyme County of New London Conn. June 5th: 1820.

				Your letter of Sept. last came duly to hand; but I have neglected to answer it till this late period, being loath to put you to the trouble—of writing, me again, in your feeble and advanced period of life. However, as you have given me a partial history of your Physical habits, I take the liberty to request of you a little further, account, if you feel able for I consider such habits as yours, (being within the bounds of strict temperance, and Sobriety.) of the utmost importance, as an example to the rising generation, who are, I know, by occular demonstration, be runing into habits of the most extravigent intemperance in the use of both distilled and fermented liquors the strong wines, at this day, are only Grog in disguise. Mankind at this day, make use of too much animal food.—It becomes us to be moderate in the indulgence of any, appetites; which are the lowest and most animal principles in our nature, and peculiarly liable to be viciated or imparred by excess. By improper indulgence we not only deprave our appetites, but create a desire of that kind which nature never gave; such as the passion for tobacco, and for intoxicating liquors, one of the most pernicious indulgences, to which the weakness of man has ever induced him to give way?—Sir, I take the liberty to request you to send me your profile, on a small scale that I may put it into a frame, and  place give it a place on the wall of my Parlour, with others of the worthy Patriots of America such as Washington Franklin, and Jefferson and some others.Your system of rules which has which has preserved your health, and life so long a time, I think, will apply to the most part of mankind. strict regard to temperance is, I believe, the only sure means to promote longevity. Will you, sir, have the goodness to inform me whether longer life, is still desireable to you. Your trembling hand points out the vale to which you are desending, and it would be gratifying to me, to know whether you follow the index with cheerfulness.—I am Sir, your friend / with the highest esteem

					Vine Utley

					NB Sir, you will recollect that—you observed in your letter to me, that you would give me further account of your Physical habits if I requested


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 10 June 1820
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Albany. 10 June 1820

				In the summer of 1783 being at your quarters I think it was in Oxford Street an elderly Lady came in with a book for sale—It was at the period when you was ambasador at the Court of St. James.When she retired—you informed Me it was the Widow of Carver with her husband’s book of travels in the interior of America.You added—“It is extraordinary altho’ he has wrote so much & so well on the interior of America—yet he never was in that Country, & obtained all his information from traders & Indians”—Pardon my liberty Sir—& I Know you will excuse it when I add it is important to my varacity, to substantiate the fact, & If you should recall it to your mem recollection you will greatly oblige me by a line on the subject. By the first private opportunity I will do myself the honor to transmit for your acceptance my history of Canals & Modern agricultural Societies just published In a Neat quarto Volume of 212 pages embelished with Neat maps—plates &c.It is in refference to that work I Seek the information in respect to Capt. Carver.I am with great respect / Dear Sir / Your H. St.

					Elkanah Watson


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 16 June 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
Montezillo 16 June 1820

I thank you for Dr Ware’s letter to Dr Mc Load which I have read with pleasure, they are worthy of his Father, & his Father in Law—Mc Load’s choice of a Text is in the true Character of a Jesuitical Priest-hood whose maxim is, that it is lawful to lie for pious purposes
You must at least have had a pleasant Eevening, on your return from Montezillo—And I rejoice to hear that none of your days are unpleasant—Mine are like those of Cato Major, in the Dialogue between him, Scipio and Delius, he was a little younger than I am—
I am greatly obliged to Mrs Waterhouse for her Visit to the little hill—She has touched my sinsibility deeply by a delicate Allusion to a fatal event in my Family—too tender for me to dwell upon—I could have wished she had been acquainted in this House as long as you have—
The Judge has fulfilled his promis—What think you of the State of the World—is this Planet the Bedlam of the Solar System—by the Multiplications of Atrocious crimes one would think that the age of Cards was past—And the age of Circences was restored—
Present my Cordial thanks to Mrs Waterhouse for her kind Visit—and pray her to repeat it as soon as your avocations will permit—I am as for forty years your / friend & humble Servant—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 19 June 1820
From: Bradford, Alden
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston June 19th. 1820

				I have the honor to transmit you a card of Invitation for celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of our National Independence, in the establishment of which You performed such a conspicuous and influential part—and of whose disinterested & patriotic services, with those of your associates in this glorious work of freedom, I trust present & future generations will cherish the most grateful & respectful recollections.With great esteem & respect / I have the honor to be / your obt. Servant

					Alden BradfordSecy of Commonwth.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 June 1820
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 25 June 1820

I indulge once more in the gratification—of Sending you a few lines, in the hope, that you enjoy So much health as generally has fallen to my Share—if I except, my weakened Sight, which renders—reading at night nearly impracticable, while it requires my utmost exertions by day light to decypher the Records—and a nearly three weeks confinement, in consequence of a Severe contusion of my right leg—on the ancle—which howewer is again as good as healed: So that I Foster the hope, of meeting you, once more—though it was for the last time—and we may not murmur—when we nearly approach 70—at Quincy—under your hospitable roof. As Soon I receive tiding that my frend Tyng is returned to Boston, and I can accomplish this vol. of Records—I Shall make arrangements for my journeÿ—I had an affectionate Letter of Mrs Eliot—inviting me to her house—and her Son Samuel favoured me last week with a visit of a few hours.
I know, it Shall give you more pleasure, than any thing I could communicate, that the repairs of our humble cottage are nearly finished—that it protect us not only now—against wind and rain, but is comfortable—I have now again a Small room for my Little Library and my Study—and what is more a Small room and bed for a frend or a child—which before I could not admit, as at the expence of Some of us—how gratifying must it be to the widow and Children of Samuel Eliot, that a Husband and Father effected So much good before his death—and to whom as them Should I have been known—had I not enjoy’d the honorable esteem—I may Say more, the affectionate kindnesses of mr. and mrs Adams—yes my High respected Frend! I owe to your recommendations the distinguished attentions, by which I continue to be Honoured.
My frend Tyng—mentioned—that you continued unwearied—in collecting and bringing in order—your vast treasure of papers—and flatters him Self with the prospect—that Sooner or later these Shall appear—I Suppose it possible, that there might be among those Some—which delicacy or prudence—might prevent you, or your Son—to Super-intend the publication—Some, of which you might not be indifferent to witness their reception before your departure—I trust—you know—you can dispose of my hand and aid, on what conditions you please. I thought it desirable, to communicate to you the idea—and if any thing deserves your consideration—I Shall hear from you at Montezillo—where I hope, to See you in July or Aug, and then I Shall enjoy the happiness of assuring you, that I remain—with unabated affectionate respect / My Dear and respected Sir! / Your most obed. and obliged Frend!

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp


Title: From John Adams to George A. Otis, 2 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Otis, George A.

Dear Sir
Montezillo. 2d: July 1820

Thanks for your letter of the 20th. of June and for the first volume of your translation of Botta. I return you one of your proposals with a subscription for a sett.
I have many hard thoughts and dark jealousies relative to this Botta. There are in Paris and in London many decayed noblemen and men of letters who cannot live at home in Italy and who seek subsistence by teaching their language to young ladies & gentlemen in those proud and opulent markets for talents of all descriptions as the Roman empire was for Grecian sophists of old in the times of Augustus, Tiberius, Nero &c. I had one of them in Paris to teach me all I ever knew of a language which I have since forgot. I wish to learn more of the history and character of this Mr. Botta. I suspect him to be an Italian schoolmaster, picked up by the remnants of the Batean administration in conjunction with the Refugees from New-England, New-York, Pennsylvania, Maryland Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia furnished with newspapers and private letters and employed to write a history in his own language of the war of independence.
Affectation and pretensions of impartiality are easily set up, but notwithstanding all these he has given a character of total falsehood to his whole system.
Mr Walsh’s England and America is an infinitely better history and so is the life of the Earl of Chatham in three volumes the seventh edition, corrected and printed in 1810. Botta is an apology for the administration of the Princess Dowager of Wales and the American Tories.—For although my pupil Mr. Poet Trumbull says it is considered vulgar to use the word Tories yet I will be vulgar enough as long as I live to say there is a difference between right and wrong, between Whigs and Tories.
The mercenary scriblers Hume, Smollet, Goldsmith, Francis Mallet, Johnson and all the et ceteras will never convince me that Lord Bute was an honest man or Chatham a corrupt one.
It is very proper however that Botta should have an American dress that Americans may be able to judge him.—
It is a common observation in Europe that nothing is so false as modern history—I should say nothing is so false as modern history except ancient history, and I should add nothing is so false as ancient & modern history in Europe except modern American history. A false construction and a false complexion has already been given to American history. A hundred years hence when private cabinets can be opened with safety some of these errors may be corrected in part but they never can be in whole.
I am, Sir, with much esteem / your friend / & humble servant
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from William A. Colman, 6 July 1820
From: Colman, William A.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					New yorke City July 6th. 1820

				I received from Messrs Gales & Seaton the enclosed bill due for your Subn. to the National Intelligencer from Jany 11. 1817 To Jany 11. 1821 4 years @ $6 per Annum—$24—Being their authorised Agent & they thinking it would be convenient for me to send it by the person in Boston, who is my Agent, (Elijah Morse Esqr atty at Law,) who would be enabled to forward it, or request some person to call upon you at your house in Quincy—You will find my signature Sir, upon the last bill you paid, which was in the fall or winter of 1816 or 17.—if Sir, it is more convenient to send, when your servant goes to Boston, the amount together with the bill to my agent Elijah Morse Esqr opposite the Old Court House, his receipt will be good, or if Sir, you will do me the honor & favor to forward me your check or Bank note, directed to me No. 5. Wm: St. it will be as agreeable, & Sir you will greatly oblige Respectfully, Your Obt. Servant.

					Wm: A: Colmanagent for Gales & SeatonNo. 5. Wm St.


Title: To John Adams from George Alexander Otis, 6 July 1820
From: Otis, George Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philadelphia July 6. 1820.

				The letter you have done me the honour to address me of the 3d. inst. I have this moment receiv’d; and I am glad that you approve of my undertaking to give Mr. Botta an American dress, even although you do not find him altogether accurate. Since his faults are countenanced by all historians ancient as well as modern, I hope you will be indulgent to him for the Sake of his translator. I think you will see also that he lashes Lord Bute without mercy and is not sparing of delicate Satire towards his partisans; that he is not more tender of the tories, whom he takes pleasure to couple with the Savages and runaway negroes: in his account of Lord Dunmore’s attempts; and I venture to hope that when you have found leisure to cast your eye over the latter part of the Volume, you will find less to disapprove. As you are so good as to express an interest in my enterprise so far as to inquire after the character and history of the Historian, I have enclosed an account of him and of his present work, written by my friend Mr. Walsh, whose “England and America,” I am very happy that you approve; as I feel the praises of my friends almost as much as if addressed to myself. As this is a work of much labour and expence, and as your voice will have great effect upon its success I hope it may be as favourable as justice will warrant. The execution of the translation is all I am answerable for, which I have endeavoured to perform as well as I am capable of. If you will pardon the great liberty, I would beg the favour, when you have perused the review of Mr. Walsh, that it might be republished in one of the Boston Newspapers.With sentiments of the / Sincerest veneration / I have the honour / to be, Dear Sir, / Your Mo. Ob. Svt.

					G. A. Otis.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Miller, 7 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Miller, Samuel

Dear Sir
Montezillo July 7th. 1820

You know not the gratification you have given me, by your kind; frank; and Candid letter—I must be a very unnatural Son to entertain any prejudices against Calvinists, or Calvinism, according to your confession of Faith. For my Father and Mother, my Uncles and Aunts and all my Predecessors from our Common Ancestor who landed in this Country two hundred years ago, wanting five months—were of that persuasion—Indeed I have never known any better People than the Calvinists—Never-theless, I must acknowledge that I cannot Class myself under that denomination—my opinions indeed on Religious Subjects ought not to be of any consequence to any but myself—To develope them, and the reasons for them would require a Folio, larger than Willards Body of Divinity—And after all, I might scatter darkness; rather than light—Before I was twelve years of Age I necessarily became acquainted a reader of Polemical writings of Religion, as well as Politics—and for more than Seventy years I have indulged myself in that kind of reading—As far as the wandering anxious and perplexed kind of Life which Providence has compelled me to pursue, would admit—I have endeavoured to obtain as much information as I could Of all the Religions which have ever existed in the World—Mankind are by nature Religious Creatures—I have found no Nation without a Religion, nor any People without the belief of a Supreme Being.—I have been overwhelmed with horror to see the natural love and fear of that Being wrought upon by Politicians to produce the most horrid Cruelties, Superstitions, and Hypocrisy—From the Sacrificesto Moloch down to these of Juganaut, and the Sacrifices of the Kings Whydah and Ashantee, the great result of all my researches has been a most diffusive and comprehensive Charity—I believe with Justin Martyr; that all good Men are Christians—And I believe there have been, and are good Men in all Nations, sincere, and Conscientious—That you and I shall meet in a better World, I have no more doubt than I have, that we now exist on the same Globe—If my Natural reason did not convince me of this Cicero’s dream of Scipio, and his Essays on Friendship, and Old Age would have been sufficient for the purpose—But Jesus has taught us that a future State, is a social State, when he promised to prepare places in his Fathers House—and of many Mansions for his Disciples—
By the way I wonder not at the Petition of the Pagans to the Emperor that he would call in and destroy all the writings of Cicero, because they tended to prepare the mind of the People—as well as of the Philosophers, to receive the Christian Religion—
My kind Compliments to Mrs Miller—and thank her for the obliging visit she made me—I interest myself much in her family—her Father was one of my most intimate friends in an earlier part of his Life—though we differed in opinion on the French Revolution—in the latter part of his days—though, I find that diffences in opinion in Politics, and even in Religion, make but little alteration in my feelings, and Friendships, when once contracted
I have not received Mr Sargents Speech—nor the Sketch—
I am Sir with great and sincere / Esteem, and affection, / your Friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 7 July 1820
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					Geneva—State of New York. 7th. July 1820

				On my return to this pleasant Village from a peregrination in the West, I rec’d Your favor of the 22d June—The ground my friends have assumed as to my projecting—& in co’operation with Genl. Schuyler—my efficient & successful efforts in establishing the Canal policy in this State, & vigorously prosecuting the incipient Step which has led to their present gigantic State—has call’d forth all the vengance, & malignant of attacks of de Witt Clinton—& the Dutch jealousies of the Albanians. In consequence I find myself assailed, in the most outrageous manner in the Albany papers.Previous to my leaving that City 4 or 5 weeks ago, I had directed the book seller to give orders, to the one in Boston to whom he transmitted 20 or 30—to deliver One to You & One to judge Davis. Posibly they   May Not have Yet arrived as they were going by Water. I reciprocate with great pleasure the pleasant & (to Me)—the profitable hours, I have Spent in your Society in Various parts of Europe & America. I hope we shall meet again once more ee’r we wing our flight to the regions of repose.  I hope you will pardon my liberty in introducing some extracts from Your letters to Me while residing in Pittsfield & Linee.  They became necessary, in my historical Sketch of Agricultural Societies.The Canal part of the work I think will deeply Interest You, & unfold Several Interesting facts probably New to You.If not too much trouble, (having recieved Letters from each of the other Presidents of the U. States Now in being) I Shall be highly gratified to recieve & to file your Letter expression of Your opinion of that Work. I am with undeviating Respect / & Affection. Your H. St.

					E Watson


Title: From John Adams to Charles Carroll, 12 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Carroll, Charles

Dear Sir.—
Montezillo July 12th 1820—

Your kind enquiries of Dr Waterhouse concerning my health have excited in me an ardent desire to inform you with my own hand of all the particulars you wish to know— but as the quiveration of the palsy has made my hand disobedient to my will, I am under the necessity of borrowing an other pen.
I enjoy life and have as good spirits as ever I had, but my fabric has become very weak—almost worn out. I still  ramble in my garden and over my little hundred acre farm—And this is my business and exercise. My pleasures are all derived from a voracious appetite for reading—You would Scarcely believe me were I to tell you the number of volumes I have read within a year or two. Cui-bano? You will ask. None at all, I answer that I know of except my own comfort & consolation, and perhaps a little benefit to my children, grand-children and greatgrand-children of whom I have a little host—
Many things I read often remind me of the times when you and I laboured together in a very rugged Vineyard, and I always recollect my conversations with you with great delight.
Our friend Ellery who was eight years advanced before me, as I am, I presume five or six years before you in age, is gone before us. While he lived I seemed to have an advanced guard before me; between me and the end of the mark. But now there is one left of all my old friends. I envy not the glorious figure you made on the fourth of July in Baltimore, I should have felt inexpressible pleasure to have made a similar one in Boston, if I could have accepted the kind invitation of the Government of the State and the Citizens of Boston; but the heat of the Season was Such that I judged my System too feeble to have borne the fatigue. It has given me great delight to hear of your health and Spirits, and I wish you as many additional years as you can possibly wish for yourself.
I am, dear Sir, your unalterable friend & / most humble Servt.
J.A.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dear Son
Montezillo July 13th. 1820

Inclosed is a letter, and an account from Mr. Gales for the National Intelligencer— I am very loth to trouble you—and I must beg the favour of you to pay Mr. Gales his account and take his receipt and his Certificate—My subscription is stoped—for I hereby request, and Order, that it may be stoped—for I never read it—I am overwhelmed with a Cart-load of Newspapers for which I never subscribed—and am frequently dunned with little accounts and demands of pay for papers which are of no use to me—or mine—to these demands I am determined to put a stop And the National Intelligencer I will never again receive—I will repay you the money when you come here as I expect in August—or I will deduct if from my quarterly draft—
do not I pray you disappoint me of your visit this summer—Love where Love is due— / from your affectionate /  Father—
John Adams
P.S. be Paremtory in stoping the subscription


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 23 July 1820
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

					Very Dear & Venerable Sir,
					Boston July 23d. 1820.

				I may be almost afraid after so long an interruption that you may have forgot a correspondent, that you have so kindly aided & encouraged. I make some progress with my biography of James Otis, and it is not wholly my fault that I go on so slow—I wish to give some account incidentally of the Liberty Tree in Boston, which was so famous, and which I presume gave growth to all the others, figuratively as well as really, and also to the vile parody of them in France—I have tried in vain to get satisfactory accounts of the origin of this one in Boston—In this difficulty I venture to turn to you, to ask, if the liberty tree in Boston was the origin of all the rest, what was the manner & the time of its being appropriated in this way, and whether there were any peculiar circumstances attending its consecration. If you can favor me with some information on this subject it will very much oblige me. I remain ever / with the highest respect / Your hble srvt

					W. Tudor.


Title: To John Adams from Charles Carroll, 24 July 1820
From: Carroll, Charles
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Doughoragen 24th. July 1820

				I received yesterday your very acceptable letter of 13th. instant; with pleasure I learn, that notwithstanding the palsey your Spirits are as good as ever, that you enjoy life; that you may continue to enjoy both to its close is my sincere wish. of the 55, who subscribed the declaration of Independance three only survive, yourself, Mr. Jefferson, & myself, all of us advanced in years, & consequently no great way off the end of our journey: happy are they, who if not wishing, can view its termination without dread; vitæ bené ante actæ, says Cicero, jucundissima est recordation—This quotation brings to my mind our departed acquaintance the chearful Ellery, who it is said died reading that great author’s treatise de Officiis—I regret that the weakness of yr. body & state of the weather prevented your acceptance of the invitation of yr. government & the citizens of Boston to attend personally the celebration of the 4th July; the essential services, you have rendered yr. country justly intitle you to the distinction intended to be conferred on you.That yr. appetite for reading is so voracious does not surprise me; in perusing the works of wise men the young acquire knowlege, & the old amusement & comfort: I too have not lost my relish for books, but the management of a complicated estate takes up so much of time as to leave me but little leisure to indulge that inclination; my time perhaps is more profitably employed in the improvement of my estate for the benefit of those, who are to succeed me, than in reading; for to tell the truth at present I derive little advantage from books, except a temporary amusement, for what I read to day, I forget tomorrow, so much is my memory impaired by age, I am now far advanced in my 82 year, & on the 19th. of next Spr. shall enter upon my eighty third.Altho’ my memory is so defective as to recent transactions, the recollection of past events is still fresh, particularly of those during the period of the revolution, and I often think of yours & the exertions of the other patriotic members of Congress & of the difficulties they had to contend with; their strugles have been crowned with success & the Independance of these States established, and with it their liberty: how long will it endure? the territory we possess is vast, when filled with people can the present confedartion manage & controul such numbers & such various & complicated interests? will not a separation of the Atlantic States from those west of the Alleghany become necessary? Is the Constitution of the general government & of the individual States sufficiently balanced to insure the permanence of liberty? should all power be engrossed by one body, should the multitude rule with absolute sway licenciousness will be the offspring of such a state of things; the fate of other governments, which have passed away, proves the co–existence of liberty & licenciousness impossible. But sufficient for the day is the evil therof; let posterity gain wisdom from history, & let those, who come after us provide remedies against the abuse of power in the representatives of the people, or of the people themselves by salutary & timely checks; that such may take place all interested in the real welfare of these United States must earnestly desireYou conclude your letter by wishing me as many additional years as I myself can wish for; I do not covet the prolongation of my life any longer than I can enjoy my present health and Spirits & can be useful to my family; that yours may be extended under the same circumstances and for the benefit of your children & grandchildren is the sincere wish of / Dear Sir / yr. affectionate friend and / humble Servant

					Ch. Carroll of Carrollton


Title: To John Adams from George Alexander Otis, 24 July 1820
From: Otis, George Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philadelphia 24th July 1820.

				Altho I have already once expressed my high Sense of obligation for the very flattering terms in which you were so good as to signify your approbation of my translation of De Pradt’s Europe, yet, as I have been advised by my literary friends in this city not to withhold any longer from the world opinions at once so favourable to the work and to the Translator; which coming from such high authority, expressed with such force of thought and of Style, and pointing out the true policy which this country has so vital an interest to pursue, are in every way deserving of the public attention, I feel bound, while I apprize you of the fact, to renew my sincere acknowledgements for the great honour of being thus introduced to the notice of my fellow-citizens by one to whom they are under so many obligations, who has conducted them to Independence, presided over their counsels in the most critical period of their national existence, and furnished them with the best political work that exists in any language. As it respects the work in which I am at present engaged the translation of Botta’s history of our Revolution, I have already had the honour to inform you that Your Son, the Honorable Secretary of State of the U.S. when I was at Washington in March last, was so good as to encourage me to proceed in the enterprize, and even did me the favour to lend me his French copy of Botta to collate with my Italian edition. He has, on receipt of the first volume of the translation, written me a very kind letter dated the 10th of July 1820., from which I take the liberty to cite a few lines. “I have had the pleasure of receiving your Letter; with the first Volume of your Translation of Botta’s History of the American Revolution for which I pray you to accept my thanks.”“From the cursory perusal which it has hitherto been in my power to give it, I think it will be a valuable acquisition to our literature.”After a few lines, in which he is so good as to caution me against foreign idioms in the progress of my task, he concludes with these words:“As you proceed however with your work you will find the task gradually more easy and when completed, will enjoy the satisfaction of having first exhibited to the People of this Union the best History of their Revolution which has yet appeared.”I am with much respect &c signed”John Quincy Adams.I beg many pardons for taking the liberty to hope, that you will on further consideration of the Volume of Botta, acquiesce in the opinion of your Son, and favour the enterprize in which I was induced to engage entirely by his decisive judgement. With the sincerest veneration, I have the honour to be your obliged and most obedient Servant,

					G. A. Otis.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

my dear Son
Montezillo July 25—1820

I thank you for the promptitude with which you paid my debt to Mr Gales & Seaton—and discontinued my subscription for the national Intelligencer
I beg your Pardon for not answering immediately your letter of the 24th of last Month as I ought—Not being pressed by necessity, I did not draw upon Mr Cruft—Till up he comes with his Lady to make us a very pleasant visit—And tendered me the two hundred and fifty pritty Birds—ready to take to themselves Wings and fly away—Give yourself no trouble kind of concern upon this subject—I shall pay my compliments to Mr Cruft whenever I want—I know he will give me very polite answers—You have thrown a gloom over me, by your doubt—You must clear up that doubt and present your self—your Lady and your Son before me—at all events—in this memorable year 1820—I would not care a farthing about Spain—I would leave the Census to my Clerks—and throw the Weights & Measures up into the Air—and my office too—rather than be the greatest Slave—than the Blackest in Virginia—
One of my labourers broke his Collarbone—and another has had a fever—which has been a great interruption to my Hor Agricultural pursuits—
my most affectionate remembrance to all / from your affectionate father

John Adams