Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 11 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Respected Sir
Quincy Augt. 11th 1812

Our country is in a high fever. So in all Europe—so are the four quarters of the globe. Who first contracted, or first generated the disease? Montreal was no sooner surrendered in 1759 than the conqueror of Canada was discarded from the English Cabinet—a simple maniac ascended the throne, and a machivilian maniac who had been his preceptor became his prime minister. The design was conceived of enslaving these Colonies they pretend to favour.
The Colonies resisted, and France assisted, as the vain pedantic, delirious Scott might have forseen if he had possessed Common Sense.
France by assisting America, was taught some confused notions of Liberty, and became delirious in her turn, and her delirium deranged all Europe and all the Globe. What can cure this epidemic?
Dr. Rush says nothing but copious phlebotomy can cure the yellow fever, and almost all the physians are now converts to his opinion.
Who is to blame? Is not Britain the great usurper? and has not France acted on the defensive throughout the whole squabble? These are bold questions which neither you nor I dare answer.
The pretty little innocent, amiable signing bird Fisher Ames could pour out his Notes like a Col O. , and charm the chorus of the forrest while he dogmatitised on subjects which he understood not. But with all my childish vanity I confess myself wholly unable to comprehend this vast system of Providence in which I have been imployed as a feeble instrument for more than fifty years.
As far as my feeble short sighted faculties can reach Great Britain appears to me to have been the principal aggressor and the original disturber of the human race for the last half a century.
   small object to follies subjects that comprehend the scope of your interesting Letter. (Note here follows an intire page, on former attempts to cultivate wheat on the Sea bord of New England—the importance of co’operating in my zealous devotion to get up Agricultural Societies—connected with a Law to give bounties in promotion of agricultural and domestic Manufactures) He proceeds—
“The pure breed of Merino Sheep & the mixture of them I hope will be cherished to the utmost extent—but I hope our Old breed will not be neglected. Super fine clothes are consumed in this country in no such a quantities than coarse cloths,  you may depend on it.  I could say much more in closing, Sir, but perhaps, I should say too much & could say something. Agricultural patriotism is one thing—and mercantile patriotism is another in our dearly beloved Massachusetts. Both equally sincere. both equally bona fide”
Your Berkshire Agricultural society and our older Massachusetts Society for promoting Agriculture will assuredly quarel, and go to war, as naturally as England and the U.S or as England and France unless both are managed with great prudence delicacy and caution, and circumspection.
Sat verbum. How is it? that agriculture and commerce are rivals in France, England, Holland and what tremendous consequences have resulted from these rivalries. The history of mankind might show and a history of this rivalry would be worth more than Thucididen Tacitus Hume & Gibbon.
I am Sir with usual esteem and / regard your Friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Bemis, 11 August 1812
From: Bemis, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Dear & Honourable Sir
Canton 11th. Augt: 1812

Gentlemen of the town of Canton conven’d last evening in order to make an arrangement for the selection of Gentlemen to join the County convention propos’d to be holden at Dedham, the 17th. inst. 9 OClock AM and at Marshe’s Tavern—Having made the aforesd. selection, it was then suggested after honourable mention of your name and appeared to be the unanimous wish of the assemblage that you be made acquainted with the propos’d convention, and that I in the name of the assemblage invite your attendance. Condition’d that your Age, health, weather, and ideas on the Subject generally should not forbid the measure—It was thought by Gentlemen  should you give countenance to sd. convention  presence, it would cheer the hearts of the friends  government, and be a mean in some measure putting down that rebellious Spirit & temper of mind by which many are actuated at this important day: a day in which it behoves us, one and all to cling to our constituted authorities, and join heart in hand in protesting & defending our common country against foreign invasion, and quelling any internal insurrection or conspiracy that may make its appearance against the peace & happiness of the U States. Should You find it convenient to grant your attendance it would be a matter whereof the convention would be greatly pleas’d. But if otherwise it will be imputed to causes such as before suggested—
per order of the aforesd. assemblage. I am / very respectfully Your Hum: Servt.
Joseph Bemis


Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Seaver, 11 August 1812
From: Seaver, Ebenezer
To: Adams, John

Honble John Adams Late President U.S.SirRoxbury August 11th 1812

Since Mr Dearborn and myself vesited you on Saturday last, we have called on General Heath and requested his Attendance with you, at the proposed Convention at Dedham. But from his Rehumatic complaints he declines honouring them with his companey, but this we hope will not prevent your Attendence. if it should, your Opinion on the present state of Affairs, in the form of Resolutions, would be gratifying to the Republicans of this County, especially one relaiting to an Increase of the navy, which I am confident will receive the support of the Gentlemen who will attend from the Town of Roxbury—
With the Highest / respect & Esteem I am / Sir Your Obt. Servt.
Eben Seaver


Title: To John Adams from Catherine V. R. Malcom, 13 August 1812
From: Malcom, Catherine V. R.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Utica August 13th: 1812—

If I have not addressed you before it was not that gratitude did not prompt an expression of the feelings your early patronage & continued kindness had excited—
You are pleased to enquire the name and age of our Child—We have given him his Grandfathers name of William—he is 2½ Years and rather (if a Mother may be credited) promissing than otherwise—
I am proud my dear Sir to find that the advice I have hitherto given Mr Malcom is such as you also have recommend that He should return to the practise of the Law, but it is now no longer easy to do so, his political sentiments; and, shame to the inhabitants of this place, his Gratitude to his early friend, have deprived him of the support of Federal Gentlemen here, who incapable of the enlarged views and sound policy of the once leaders of that Party, are able only to imitate their errors and to trumpet their opinions—proscuting those who will not go all lengths—Under these circumstances, and with a family so small as ours: I could wish that instead of returning to the Bar, Mr Malcom could procure a situation abroad, his genius is perhaps fitted for it & the weakness of my own health seems to require a change of climate—The society of this place is not agreable to a person of liberal education—it consists chiefly of Merchants—A very close attention to Pounds, Shillings & pence is not highly calculated to improve the mind or soften the heart, this however does not prevent their being profound Politicians. the Science of Governing mighty empires being, it would seem more easy to acquire—than any other Art under Heaven.
I anticipate with a great deal of delight a visit to Boston in the Autumn, when I shall be presented to those friends, for whom even Mr Malcom himself entertains not a great veneration than / Your very humble St

Catharine V R Malcom


Title: From John Adams to William Bentley, 13 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Bentley, William

Dear Sir
Quincy August 13th 1812.

Mr Knox, a Son of General Knox, the Bearer of this Letter, was appointed a Midshipman on Board the Constitution fourteen years fifteen years ago, and afterwards a Lieutenant on Board the Chesapeake. He Served in  the Navy about three years, and afterwards made a Voyage to the East Indies. He has lately Studied Medicine and Surgery under Dr Smith at Hanover.
The War has revived his inclination for Service at Sea; and as there is no vacancies in the National Navy, and if there were it would be difficult to obtain a Station that would Satisfy himself his friends or the Officers now in Service; he wishes to try his fortune in a privateer. His Education and Accomplish This Person his enterprize, or his Bravery will not be disputed. Years and experience it is hoped have disapated any redundance of Spirits that in early Youth may have led him into errors, His Education and accomplishments are well known, From a regard to him his Mother and the memory of his Father, From I have written this open letter to you, not having any other corrispondent in Salem, that he may have it in his power to Shew it to any Gentleman you may name to him. With great and Sincere Esteem / I am Sir your obliged Friend—

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Bemis, 15 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Bemis, Joseph

Sir
Quincy August 15th. 1812.

The last Evening I received the favour of your polite and obliging Letter of the eleventh of this month; and the Gentleman of the Town of Canton by their kind remembrance of me, diserves my thanks. My Age and the usual concomitants of Age would render it improper to attend at Dedham, however agreable to my Judgment and Inclination may be the Object of the Matter.
What shall I Say to all Assemblages, Conventions, Cauccuses… The Constitution gives a Right to the People to meet, to consult concerning Grievances, to petition the lawful Authorities, and to instruct Representatives. But when the Object is to oppose the Laws, by any other Means than Petitions and Remonstrances and Instructions, is it not a recurrence to Original Power? Is it not to remove foundations?
The practice, it is true, is contemporaneous with the Constitution and all Parties have adopted it. At present it is assumed in a higher Stile than ever by the Original Advocates and framers of the Constitution; And I know of no other way, of creating a ballance.—
I perfectly concure in the Sentiment, that “it behoves Us, one and all, to cling to our Constituted Authorities, and join heart and hand in protecting and defending our common Country against foreign Invasion, and quelling any insurrection or conspiracy, that may make its Appearance against the peace and happiness of the United States.”—
We must remember, however, that the State Governments are constituted, Authorities as well as the national Government. There is unfortunately a difference of Sentiment between the national Government and some of the State Governments of New England as there was, in 1798 between the United States Government and the State Governments of Pensilvania New York Virginia South Carolina. In such Cases the Utmost Caution, Prudence and Delicacy must be observed.
It has long been my Opinion that nothing can preserve our Union but a maritime defence and a Naval Power. I have so often repeated this Sentiment for Seven and thirty Years, without Effect that I am almost ashamed again to avow it, But I could die, in defence of it.—I am Sir with much respect and Esteem your very humble / Servant.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 16 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Waterhouse
Quincy August 16 1812

You are So waggish and roguish with your Woofs and your Warps and your Webs, that I am almost afraid to write or Speak to you. Yet I wish We were nearer together.
I was a little alarmed at the Story of the pacific Commission. Some body was pleased to call the Sarcasms in the Repertory, “Severe.” They ought to have been called the Snarlings of Park the Puppy, and the Squealings of Park the Pigg.
It is become fashionable to call me “The Venerable.” It makes me think of the venerable Bede, the venerable Mead, the venerable Daniel Burgess, the venerable Savonnarola, the venerable Westley, the venerable Theodore Beza. The Gentlemen of the Navy Yard at Washington have lately called me the modern Nestor. I like that Title much better, Pray change the Title and say the venerable Washington the venerable Jefferson, and the venerable Madison: I have work it too long. It is become threadbare, upon me. Do not however, I pray you call me the “Godlike Adams,” “the Sainted Adams.” “Our Saviour Adams” “Our Redeemer Adams,” our Saviour on Earth and our “Advocate in Heaven” “The Father of his Country,” “The Founder of the American Republic”? “The Founder of the American Empire” &c &c &c These Ascriptions belong to no Man; no! nor to any twenty Men; nor to any hundred Men, nor to any thousand Men.
I am every day more and more Surprized at the Ignorance of my Countrymen of European History. In 1755 The History of Lewis 14th was familiar. Bona has done no more than he did. Swift Bolingbroke &c treat with contempt and Ridicule, the Imputations of Ambition for Universal Monarchy which were made against him by English, Dutch and Austrian Politicians.
The Agent of Louis 14 was Mesanger. His Name and Intrigues are mentioned in the Report of the Secret Committee of Parliamentappointed to enquire into the Conduct of Queen Anns Ministry after the Peace of Utrecht. He afterwards published an Account of his Mission and his Measures. Dr Cooper, I believe had one of them. Whether any Library in Boston or Cambridge now contains it I know not.
Smolletts History gives the War of 1709. 10. 11. 12. and the Exertions of England Holland and Austria in Allyance, to place the grand Duke Charles on the Throne of Spain, in opposition to the King of France who insisted upon placing the Duke of Anjou there and finally prevailed. The Earl of Peterborough and the Earl of Gallway commanded the British Forces. Have you never read of the Earl of Peterboroughs Saying, “Man might run about Spain to all Eternity with an Army at his heels, and drive all before him. Yet he never the nearer being Master of the Country.”?
About three hundred thousand Lives and incalculable Treasures were expended in that Question of Succession. The Allies lost all. France prevailed, and will again. An hundred thousand Monks may be killed in Arms or hanged for taking Arms, as there were then. But France will prevail to Secure the Allyance of Spain as She did then.  If Napoleon dies tomorrow it will make no Odds. Spain is Safer in Alliance with France than with England the real Nation knows it.
I Should like to See Belshams History of Queen Anns War, especially in Spain: but I have it not.
Adieu

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 20 August 1812
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend
Philadelphia Augst 20th: 1812.

My son Ben sent me a quarter Cask of Old muscat Wine as a present from the Isle of Samos. The Vessel on board of which it was sent, to avoid Capture put into Boston where her Cargo is to be sold. I have requested Messrs Walley & Foster merchants of Boston to deliver it to your Order free of all Costs. I beg your Acceptance of it as a small Mark of the gratitude and friendship of Dear Sir / Your Sincere Old / friend

Benjn: Rush
PS I enclose you the letter from the Gentleman by whose order the wine was shipped to me.


Title: To John Adams from Amasa Stetson, 31 August 1812
From: Stetson, Amasa
To: Adams, John

Hon’d Sir,
Dorchester Augt. 31st 1812
Permit me to congratulate you, on this glorious event.
The Constitution Capt. Hull has captured and sunk the British Frigate Guerreer, after a short but Brilliant Action, inclos’d are the particulars.
I have the honor to be, /  with great Respect / Sir / your most Obedt. Servt.

Amasa Stetson


Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, August 1812
From: Anonymous
To: Adams, John

Aug. 1812

Your communication in the  late Chonacle has capt all your other transactions—not content with plunging the Provinces in a wicked and unjust Rebellion against the mother Country—not content with  hagging with the vilest Nation on Earth, when Great Britain offerd every thing that we could wish, yet by the War was  in —Not content after you was forgiven by the Best of Kings & all the true friends of  this once happy land; & raisd to be the first majistrate, not because you desirvd to be—but to prevent a man capable of doing more injury from the election—Not content after your election in deserting the party who rais’d you—whin they were on the point of war with the vilest & Tyrants that ever disgraced the human form—a War which would forever have saperated us from that  abandund & hellish crew—you basely and wickedly sent an agent to submit, which is the cause of all our troubles—You now come forward with unexampled impudence and write the  above communication—This communication is addrest to the patrions of an Ignorant peasentry. and is void of  truth as well as sound sence—You say the war is necessary the merchants one and all—William Gray excepted whose education can not premit Him to judge, thinks different—for the trade to France is good for nothing—and no one will  their his property in the hands of barbarians—even if the mother Country would repeal all her orders & decrees—and suffer us to go  unmolested to that sink of iniquity—You say that it will not injure the pesentry—never were a people happier than they were some years back—they knew little and were easily govern—they thought General Washington & you the greatest men in the world & if you had been true, those Ignorant People would now have been of the same opinion—Such men as I ever   was content, provided they would sell cabbages—Now every Country  Boolie thinks He has as much Knowledge as the first Merchant in  Boston—are they Happier now then formerly, no Sir—to make such men happy they must be kept at hard labour & not suffered to talk about  things above their capacity—You say that War, will encourage manufactorys—never—it will ruin every One concernd—for as soon as a Peice is settled, and it must be settled in a few months, or else an internal War will insue. this country will be delugd with Wollens & Coottin goods, notwithstanding the high Dutys—the capital of the English Merchants is so great, that they can afford to sell them under the Sterling Cost, and will consign goods for that purpose to agents here—this will ruin those Ignorant people who embark their small fortunes in this business—and its best they should be ruined—they will then be obliged to work the ground—they will then discover your Ignorance & wickedness, and use you accordingly—Jefferson never say’d but one good thing—our work shops are & ought to be in England—by this mode you give a large capital to  the Sea Ports—and acquire a Character & respectability abroad— the other  mode & you become a Nation of like the Inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope—never was, nor never will be any free information among the people who work the ground—if they are happy & well fed, its all they can expect—This Country is not to be govirn by such men as you & the vile Party that you incourage—You have deserded  from the character of a gentleman—a character you ought to have maintained from your conniction with the federilist—but you low education &  base mind  prevented you—you have returnd like a Dog to his vomit—to dine &  spend  the day with the lowest of mortals—Such men cannot  direct the  dynesty’s of this country,—It must be the  & patriotick Strong the all accomplished Govr—the profound Pickering—the Eloquent Otis—the sagatious Mason—and the wealthy Thorndike —that will save us—these names well   govern this state, and  other states will join them—Should Madison appose—they will  rise in  their strength & sweep Him from life—but if too well gaurded by his Southern Slaves—you & all your vile party may expect the same punishment for your  manifold crimes for it would be better  if you & they  did not live—than live to do mischief—the least Blood shids  the  better—but should any one oppose the above Gentlemen—they live no longer—


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 4 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

My dear Friend
Quincy September 4. 1812

Little can be added to your distinctions of Principles and delineation of Parties, in your Letter of the 21st of August. Permit me, however to intimate one Idea. The pious and virtuous Hamilton, in 1790 began to teach our Nation Christianity, and to commission his Followers to cry down Jefferson and Madison as Atheists, in league with The French Nation, who were all Atheists. Your “British Federalists,” and your “Tory Federalists,” instantly joined in the clamour; their Newspapers and their Pulpits, at least in New England have resounded with these denunciations now for  many years. At the Same time, Great Britain has been represented as the Bulwark of civil Liberty and the Protestant Religion. All the pious Souls in the World are in England and America. Napoleon is Anticrist. The Milennium is near. You would be utterly astonished to attend one of our Federal Churches on a Fast or Thanksgiving day. Calvinists, Athanasians, Hopkintonians Arians Socinians, Priestleyeans, Horseleyans, Worcestrians all, most harmoniously agree in representing England as Standing in the Breach in defence of Religion and Liberty, and Napoleon and the French as Despot, Oppressors, Tyrants, destroyers of Religion and Liberty, as Sharks Tygers, Wolves, Bears, toads, Aligators and Serpents.
These Things have, affected an intimidated Numbers of Your “American Federalists”.
At the Same time, how Shall We vindicate our Friends Jefferson and Madison? You and I know that they very early read and Studied Fournaux’s Controversy with Blackstone, and Priestleys Controversy with Blackstone, on the Subject of Ecclesiastical Establishment. They read also Blackburnes Confessional. From these and Lock and Price &c they adopted a System, which they had influence enough to introduce into Virginia. They abolished the whole Establishment. This was enough to procure them the Characters of Atheists, all over the World. I mean among the fanatical Advocates for Establishment, and these have been almost universally the fashionable Advocates, till very lately all over the Christian World.
But how Shall We defend their political Administration? For my part I give it up. In every Thing for twelve Years it has been diametrically wrong. Their Friends, (and I am one of them) will plead in their favour, Popular Opinion, general Sense, national Sense, and public Opinion. If by all this is meant the Opinion of a Majority of Numbers, througout the Seventeen or twenty States and Territories, it will not be denied. But as Such Considerations never have been allowed by me to justify myself or reconcile measures to my own Conscience or honour, I cannot admit them in favour of Jefferson and Madison any more than in favour of your British, Tory, or Essex Junto’s.
As if Heaven Spoke in Revelation to Jefferson and Madison in condemnation of their Systems, this Week has brought Us the Story of the two Hulls. Rogers has Shewn the Universe, that an American Squadron can traverse the Ocean, in Spight of the Omnipotence Omnicience and Omnipresence of the British Navy. He has Shewn that American Seamen can manage and maneuvre Great Ships as well as Small ones
I am accused of having Said, in the Beginning of this year, that the Government were beginning the war at the wrong End. Another Edition of the Anecdote, reports the Saying to have been “Tail foremost.” It would not be Strange if a third Edition Should express it in Language Still more Vulgar
The War I justify: but the Conduct of it I abhor. Not a Word Should have been Said about Canada! The whole Resources of the Nation Should have been Sent to Sea. If Canada must be invaded: not a Foot Should have been Set on that Shore, till We had a decided Superiority of Naval Force upon all the Lakes. Trains of Field Artillery, and of heavy Cannon and Mortars. No rotten Carriages. Powder in Abundance. Disgrace after disgrace, Disaster on the Heels of Disaster, Ruin upon Ruin will be the Course. Money, Men Munitions Cloathing, Provisions, every Thing will be wanting if our Government goes on in this Way. Is Dearborne, is Hull, is Van ranselaer, is Wade Hampton, qualified for the vast System of War and Policy they are called to plan and execute? Could not you have Selected greater Statesmen and greater Commanders?
You may Smile, or you may Shudder, my Friend, at the Idea of a Northern Confederacy. But there is more danger of it, than you are aware of.
If a different System is not adopted, a languishing disastrous War and a Shameful disgraceful Peace, will ensue. The Northern States will not bear this, and they ought not to bear it.
I never Saw, Lieutenant Major General, Lieutenant Governor De Wit Clinton, and know nothing of him but from Print and Hearsay. Dr Rush has ten times better pretensions to be President and I would vote for him ten times as Soon. Yet If I knew that Clinton would cordially promote a Naval Power, I would vote for him Sooner than for Rush or Madison, if I only doubted their Zeal or Suspected their Lukewarmness for that essential indispensable Arm.
You misunderstood me. I did not Say that Col Smith is Still his own Enemy. Far otherwise. In total Retirement, in Agricultural Labour and incessant reading, his time is Spent. His Heart bleeds for his Country, and burns to Serve it. To you I will Say in Secret What is Hull, what is Eustis, what is Armstrong, what is Dearborne as Soldiers or as Officers, to him? He is as Sensible of the Justice and Necessity of this War as you and I are, and I fear more Sensible of the improvident unskillfull Conduct of it; because he understands the Subject better than We do. I have no hope that he will be employed: but it is to be regretted that Such Talents, Such Tacticks, Such discipline and Such Experience Should perish and be lost. But So it must be and I must be Silent. He was not a Sagacious Politician.  He has been led astray into Error, by Chancellor Livingston, by Burr, and by Miranda. But who has not? He absolutely refused to have any concert in Burrs Washita Project, and protested against it.
I long to See your Work on the Diseases of the Mind? Have you treated of The Demoniacs, the Maniacs, the Lunatics the Epileptics, the paralytics the Hysterics of the Old and New Testament. If you have I hope you have D read Farmers Hugh Farmers Essay on The Demoniacs of The New Testiment. I read it with the greater Interest, because I have conversed with the very learned Sensible Sociable amiable and agreable old Gentleman not long before his Death.
When writing to you my Pen never knows when / to Subscribe

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Arnold Welles, 5 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Welles, Arnold

                            Dear Sir
                            Quincy Septer. 5th. 1812

                        I have received your kind and obliging Letter of the second of this month encloseing a polite invitation to the Festivities at Fanuel Hall on this day, in Honour of Captain Hull and, the gallant officers and seamen of the Frigate Constitution. The committee will please to accept my thanks for this mark of their attention to me. I had till this morning flattered myself with the pleasing hope and confident intention of doing myself the honour of attending a celebration so conformable to my judgement and so agreeable to my public and private Feelings But as the Weather, has rendered my attendance at my age and, state of health to my great affliction improper—I pray you to present my apology with my best blessing to Captain Hull, his officers and Crew, and with my cordial affection and respects to the company at Fanuel Hall.As it is probable, judgeing of the future by the past that if I had been present I might have been complimented with an opportunity of offering a sentiment, I take the Liberty of encloseing one to your discretion which will be most acceptable to the company, the rest to be suppressedWith the highest respect to yourself the Committee / and the company, I have the honour to be, Sir  / your most obedient Servant

                            John Adams

                     Enclosure

Sentiments
Quincy September 5th 1812
1. May the rising furies of our American Navy continue, in justice and Humanity, no less than in nautical skill, and military heroism: to shine brighter and brighter: till the full Effulgence of the perfect day.
2. May every Commodore in our American Navy soon be made an Admiral and every Captain a Commodore: with Ships and Squadrons worthy of their Commanders, and worthy of the wealth, Power and Dignity of their Country. Proh dolor! Proh Pudor!
3     Unfading Laurels in this life; and immortal Glory in the Poets, Heroes and Christians life to come, to the Heroes of our Navy.
4 The immortal memory of the American Navy of 1775. Manly, Hopkins Talbot, Tucker McNeal, Biddle, Barry, Jones, Gillore, their Colleauges Officers, and Seamen, their Exploits and even their Errors and misfortunes ought never to be forgotten.
5 Talbot Truxton Decatur Little Prebble. Had their Country given them the means, they would have been Blakes, Drakes and Nelsons.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 6 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr 6. 1812

Will your tranquilizing Chair, exorcise Demoniacks? Will it cure the Hydrophobia?
I am Sure Our Country is possessed,—I am almost prone to Say, of The Devil—but Hugh Farmer, my quondam Friend reinforced by Dr Mead and his great Ancestor the Friend and Correspondent of Dr Twiss,—convince me that I ought to Say only,—of a Demon.
If your Chair can cast out Demons, or if it can cure the Hydrophobia, I wish every Man Woman and Child in the United States were set in it long enough to heal these diseases.
That the Nation has one or both these distempers, is most certain from their Abhorrence of a Navy and from their beginning the War upon Land or Sea before they had Army or Navy, or Money, and before they possessed enough of the Confidence and Affection of the each other, to be a able to procure either.
The enclosed Letter from Col. Smith will Speak for itself. I pray you to return it by the Post. Shall I publish it? in his Name and my own?
This Man, and Brooks &c &c &c are neglected: and who and what is not promoted?
I know the Sentiments of European Officers concerning Smith’s Military Talents. There is not an American officer living half So much respected by the British Army as Smith. There is none more esteemed by Military Men in any part of Europe, who have ever heard his Name. I will mention, one instance. Count Sarsefield, a very learned and ingenious Man, greatly esteemed and admired in England and Holland, as well as in France, a military Man from his Youth, who was in the Battle of Minden and Fontenoy, who ranked high in the French Army, a Scientific and a practical Soldier, became intimately acquainted with Col Smith. He told me he had conversed with him frequently, that he had Sounded him thoroughly, that he had put every question to him that he could think off, on purpose to See if he could puzzle him. And he declared to me, that he never had conversed with an Officer in Europe, who was more prompt and ready in his Answers or a more perfect Master of every movement of an Army in grand or in detail. This Man is lost to his Country, and Hull & Wilkinson &c &c &c. are gained. But he is my Son in Law, and that is a Sentence of eternal damnation against him in the Creed of all Parties. Pray return me Smiths Letter, with out loss of time.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Cassandra", 6 September 1812
From: Pseudonym: “Cassandra”
To: Adams, John

SirBoston Septr. 6th. 1812

I offer you a glorious opportunity of adding to the laurels you acquired during the American Revolution—of preserving the Edifice of Liberty, in the erection of which you so ably co–operated.
There appears but one sovereign remedy for the traitorous & nefarious schemes of those apostates who seek to overthrow the glorious form of government we enjoy—& that it to fight them with their own weapons—to form counter associations which shall be equally extensive & equally energetic with their Washington Benevolent Societies—the Cockatrice’s Egg, which if hatched, must produce a most pestiferous brood, pregnant with evils tremendous & innumerable.
I Have the honour to set this association in motion—Let your son follow your example—Once under way it will spread like wild fire. Vires acquirit eundo, will be its motto. My humble sphere of life precludes me from any further honour than the mere suggestion of the measure.
Cassandra


Title: To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 7 September 1812
From: Murray, Judith Sargent Stevens
To: Adams, John

Much honoured and highly respected Sir
Boston Franklin Place September 7th. 1812

By direction of my brother, Winthrop Sargent of the Missisippi Territory, I forward you the inclosed. you will have the goodness to acknowledge the receipt, either to my brother, or to, my self, as may best suit your convenience.
Mr Murray and myself, lament, that in the frequent visits which, as we are informed, you have made to this Town during his calamitous confinement, you have never found a moment’s leisure to look in upon him.
Respect and veneration for you are indelibly stamped upon our hearts.
Please to tender our respectful Compliments to Mrs Adams.
I am, with sentiments of perfect esteem, / Sir / your most obedient / Very humble servant
J. Sargent Murray


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 7 September 1812
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Pittsfield. 7th. Sept. 1812

On my return from a Journey I rec’d your two favours of the 11th & 12th. Ulto.—On the Subject of Siberian wheat—as respects its culture on the Seabord your remarks are doubtless correct—I yet console myself it will be found congenial with the Interior Soil & Climate As proof off which I am promised a bushel from Collo. Whipple Collector of Portsmouth, the only person who retains of that wheat introduced on the Seabord prior to Our revolution: with due difference I think it would be both Interesting to yourself & Our common country should you direct some inquiries into this subject. I am correctly informd they eat excellent bread at Arch angel in about the Lat: 64.—Vessels go there from Boston, is it not possible to procure a Sample?—We are all thunder struck this way about the fate of my friend Govr. Hull—I trust by this you will be in possession of all possible information on that disastrous event—& I was I should be highly gratified to know your opinion in confidence on that Subject. Some of his best friends think it Smells a little off Arnold—often, that his Nerves were unstrung—but I trust & hope—he will come Out with flying Colours. What will be the effect on the affair of Our Nation? we will remember the impressions on the fall of Tycondarogo—& what it led to.
A laughable fact has grown out off it in Canada: Intoxicated with their Success illumations, & great rejoiceings—some of their wise Acres—& their Papers already talk loudly, off confining Our limits to the Ohio—Brocks proclamation, looks a little that way.
Hull arrivd at Montreal the 1st Instant on the same day a considerable body off nd boats landed at Montreal.—the 3d. Inst. 1500 good troops under Genl. Bloomfield Left Green bush for Lake Champlain at and abt 400. Left here this Morning
I confess I wish the War May continue for a year or two—to Chastise the british—to teach the present generation Military Knowledge &c Love of Country—& above all to consolidate If possible National feelings—I should be highly gratified with your reflections on their great points confidential If you so Say—
The Inclosed will show what we are about—altho I have studiously kept my name out off this paper—yet I can assure you—not a leaf moves, but my finger Stir it—& I can also add, altho our premiums will produce great good—we have Not a Cent in Our treasury—& I stand committed to pay the greater part myself—If No relief comes. I consider it hard I am not supported—but I am determin’d If there is no public spirit in Massachusetts to Support such objects—after th I will draw into my Shell, & leave the public. these matters to Jog a’long their old pace.
I am Dr Sir / with profound respect / truly YoursE WatsonIf the Individuals of your Society would raise a small aid to Ours If only 50$—it would do great good


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 10 September 1812
From: Dexter, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Boston 10th. Sept. 1812

You would long since have received my acknowledgement of your very obliging favor of 8th. Ult. had it not been my intention to pay my respects to you in person. Various unexpected calls of business have successively disappointed this hope. It is strong proof that I was not in error in resisting the late proceedings at town meeting that my conduct meets your approbation. For the very Kind manner in which you are pleased to speak of it I return my sincere thanks. The effect I think has been useful, tho’ the effort appeared to fail. The late dinner to Capt Hull & his Officers has done much good in a similar way. I greatly regretted that you could not attend, your excellent toasts in some measure consoled us for the disappointment, But I should have been highly gratified to see you at a lecture so truly American.—It is my intention yet to take my friend  Hall in a Chaise & call on you some pleasant afternoon, as I want some instruction in these bad times from those who have been eminent in worse.—Please to present my respects to Mrs. Adams & accept as also Mrs. Dexter’s & accept the perfect esteem & respect of / Your very ob.

Sam. Dexter


Title: From John Adams to Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 11 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Murray, Judith Sargent Stevens

Madam
Quincy September 11th 1812

I duly received your polite letter of the 7th of this month inclosing valuable communications from his Excellency Governor Sargent, relative to the important subject of the late Earthquakes in and about the Mississipi and the rivers and Countries adjacent to it, or connected with it.
The Governors Statements as far as I can judge from as attentive a perusal as I could give them in a short time are made with the perspicuity and accuracy of an able Philosopher
The facts are so curious in the history of our Globe so interesting and alarming to the inhabitants of all America: that all the societies for the promotion of science and history ought to use their best endeavors to ascertain the facts with precision. I have accordingly sent your Brothers work to Mr Farrar, Professor of Mathematicks and Philosophy at the University and recording Secretary of the American Academy of arts and Sciences that it may be known at the seat of science as soon as possible and communicated to the Academy at their next meeting. I sent it by Dr Waterhouse that he might have an opportunity of reading it. The Academy I presume will acknowledge the receipt of it and I hope print it in their transactions.
I never go to Boston but upon business which employs all my time and this happens not once in two months upon an average in a year I have been under the necessity of neglecting all my Friends, even my natural relations as well as my most intimate acquaintances. I sympathize with Mr Murray in his affliction wishing him every Comfort here and felicity hereafter. I am Madam with much Esteem your most obedient Servant

John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 11 September 1812
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend
Philadelphia Septemr 11. 1812

I will say of the Wine which you have done me the favor to accept, What you said to me when I called to thank you for the Appointment you gave me in the Mint. “You have not more pleasure in receiving it, than I had in giving it to a faithful Old revolutionary Whig.” I hope the wine is of a good quality, and that it will assist the influence of the present times invigorating your body and Mind so as to prolong your life for many years to Come.
I concur in all the sentiments Contained in your letters of Septemr 4th: and  6th: The thoughts upon a navy I had anticipated, and written them to my son. Capt: Hull’s Success strongly points out to us that the Ocean, not Canada Should be the theatre of our War. The Chinese System, so dear to philosophers, and so repugnant to our habits, to good Sense, and the apparently to the Will of heaven, I fear will ruin our Country. I shall not wonder, nor even complain of the a Northern Confederacy if no a Change in Measures should not take place After the next election. Our state it is said will support madison and Gerry. Had the proposed taxes, and a non exportation of flour followed the declaration of war (as they honestly ought to have done) there would have been a total Change in the representation from our state Pennsylvania.
The English and tory federalists who deny that we have any Cause of War, and Who justify all the Aggressions of Great Britain, form a bond of Union to the Democrats. Did they condemn the Conduct of Britain, and Object only to the manner in which the War has been, and is likely to be Conducted, they would carry a great body of the democrats with them at the next election.
I am much Struck with Col: Smith’s letter. Time has verified his predictions. I lamen,t that such talents Should not be employed in the present alarming State of our Country. But—but, but— You can guess the rest—Did you ever hear him Speak of W—— military talents? I never heard any person Speak of them with more Contempt. He illustrated his Opinion of him by Anecdotes. Can this be an Objection to him?—I think not—Otherwise Armstrong would never have been in his present Situation.
My Son Ben is now War-bound at Smyrna. When and how he will return, we know not—Most probably by the Way of England or Halifax. He feels that he treads on Classic and Apostolic Ground. His letters give us great pleasure. He is very dear to his parents and family. His Success in business has exceeded our expectations. The property he has sent home amounts to between 8, & 10,000 dollars.
I have not broken my head unnecessarily by medling with the controversy about madness being a demoniacal disease in my work now in the press. Sir Jno: Pringle & Shakespeare thought very differently from your friend Farmer upon that Subject.
Adeiu! with love as usual. I am / Ever yours—yrs—yrs

Benjn: Rush


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 15 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

Dear Sir
Quincy Seper: 15 1812

I take my pen to acknowledge your favour of the 10th. almost in the moment when I received it
Of your Eloquence in the Boston town meeting I know nothing about but by inference and hearsay: but the reasoning which has been published to the world, tho’ but a Sketch, Sir had a great Effect upon the public mind.
The Stubble was So dry, that you might easily have set the Feild in a blaze. but what would have been the consequence? Another insurrection, like those of Chaise Gallatin and Fries must have been excited: which must at all hazards have been suppressed and two or three Boston rebels hanged under a President of more justice than mercy or pardoned under one of more Mercy than justice.
Nothing could give me more pleasure than this visit you give me cause to hope. But pray come up and dine upon Pot-luck. It you would give you pleasure to see how sumptuously your old Friend fares every day. Besides I want to a Sedate Tete a Tete with you upon a point or against your Argument, I will not say Oration.
1 you are represented as wearing the Questions whether the war  just or unjust. And I am sensible that the decision of that point was not essential to your argument. But if you have a doubt I have vanity enough to believe, that if you will give me a half an hour before dinner and another after, I can remove it
2 your question 2 you are represented as saying that in your private opinion you are rather inclined to a war with France than with England. I beleive you must allow one an hour before and another after dinner to give all my reasons for thinking the War with England right and that a war with France would have been fundamentally and Essentially wrong.
Mrs Adams and all her family unite in their kind regards to Mrs Dexter and all hers with your friend

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 15 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
Quincy September 15. 1812

You ask my Opinion, (if I understand you) whether  Duane or General Hull, be the fittest Man for Secretary of War. I answer. In my opinion, Wilkinson was fitter than either. But his Vanity and the Collisions of Faction have rendered his Appointment improper and impossible.
Again, if you wish my Opinion, you Shall have it. I know that Colonel William Stevens Smith of Lebanon, in Smiths Valley on Chenango Valley River in the State of New York, was and is fitter for the Command of Northwestern Army, and fitter for Secretary at War, than Eustis, Wilkinson or Hull, or Dearborne. But his Pride, his Marriage with my Daughter, and the Collisions of Factions have rendered his Appointment improper and impossible.
I have never had my Copies of the Botannist. My Son lent me his to read. I wish to have mine neatly bound.
The Booksellers in Boston and Salem, who refused to Take to take any of them, disliked the Dedicator as well as the Dedicatees You must know by this time, that the Tories in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticutt have all Reputations in their Powers Yours, mine, my Son’s and Son in Law’s. And Washingtons too If a freak Should take them, they could hunt down into Center the Character of Washington, which they have been twelve years exalting above all that is called God and that is Worshipped.
You must know that poor Rush and You, and I, and all our Posterity are in the Power of the  Tories. I mean the British Faction, whose Justice is Machiavellianism and whose tender Mercies are Cruelty, and whose Gratitude is Treachery and Perfidy
I am, as ever your Friend

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 16 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr 16. 1812

Inter Arma Silent leges, is what We call an old Saying. I hope that Scientiæ  will not be added.
You may raise wheat when you will, by ploughing and harrowing deep enough, by plenteous manure, and by early Sowing: But while the Price is depressed by immense importations from the Southward, it never will repay the Expence. Full fifty five Years have I observed enquired, read reflected, and tried experiments on this Subject. The Result is total despair of introducing the culture of Wheat on any other Terms.
Let me tell you, my Friend, there are no fanatics in Religion no Visionaries in Phylosophy, no Heroes in an Army or a Navy: No, nor any Misses in dancing or Musick, more enthusiastick, than the Devotees of Agriculture and Horticulture. They are more harmless, and more innocent to be Sure.
You will get no Aid from Boston. Commerce, Litterature, Science, Theology are all against you; nay Medicine, History and University, and Universal Politicks are against you might be added. I cannot, or will not be more explicit.
The fall of Hull, may have thunderstruck all, but it was clearly foreseen and confidently expected by Some, to my Knowledge.
Not an Anthill, not a Single Atom of “Arnoldism” was in the Business. But Sheer Ignorance, Inconsideration and Incapacity enough , both in Administration and Execution.. If one grain of common Sense had been used nothing would have been attempted, without a commanding Superiority of Naval Forces upon all The Lakes.
As to the illuminations and rejoicings at Montreal, I Should not wonder if they Should threaten to march to Boston, New York and Phyladelphia and conquer The United States from Mississippi to St. Croix, as confidently as Hull threatened to overwhelm upper Canada.
Now the Tomahawk will compel the Southern States to be warlike, or to do justice to the Northern by consenting to a Navy.I rely upon your honour, in which I have entirely Confidence.  Your Friend & servt.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 18 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

My dear Friend
Quincy Septr. 18. 1812

In the good old English Phrase, I give you ten thousand Thanks for the Muscat Wine of Samos, which is now in my Cellar, in good order and of good Quality. You did not forsee one effect of it. It will increase my Love of Greek and Latin more than my Patriotism. Oh! How I heard a Circle of Ladies, of the first quality, old and middle Aged, and young, praise it last Evening! If indeed there is any Such Thing as quality in our Country.
When you thanked me, in Strict propriety you was in Error. You did wrong. I gave you nothing. I was Trustee for my our Country. Had I known a Man more fit, more deserving, you would not have been Selected. You have given me your own. I have accepted your own. I ought therefore to give you ten thousand, thousand Thanks, and you ought to have given me none at all. You have a head metaphisical enough to discern, and an heart Suscesible enough to feel these nice distinctions: and therefore to be convinced that I ought not always to lay under the Weight of this great Obligation.
I feel the Force of all your “But,” “Butt,” “Butt”s. I know of but one “Butt,” however, that ought to have been decisive. This is the rash Insult to Jefferson and Madison, in the Address to Congress. This I give up. I would have done as Jefferson did. I could have done no otherwise. And this I consider as an eternal Sentence Against  the Man to Poverty and Obscurity and Inutility.
I never heard him Speak of either, Ws with any Contempt. He has always been cautious before me. He once Sent me when I was President a Bundle of Papers of Complaint against Wilkinson, from Detroit. Upon the calmest coolest, most impartial and deliberate Consideration of them I thought they did more honor than any thing else to Wilkinson. The Amount of them all was that he had proclaimed Martial Law at Detroit. This I believed to be necessary because the Inhabitants there were Tories, and I fear they remain Tories still. I therefore Acquitted Wilkinson and continued him in Command, all my time.
I rejoice in the Success of your Son Benjamin, and in the happiness of all your Family. Benjamin will return laden with knowledge and Experience
You have done wisely, in avoiding Controversy, about the questions whether Apostate Angells, fallen Angels, or in other Words Devils, possessed the Demoniacs of the New Testament, or whether Demons, and Belzebub, the Prince of Demons, possessed People in Judea. The great Question whether Demons and their Prince are the Same Spirits as the Devil and his Angels, did not necessarily fall within the Compass of your Inquiry.
Shakespeare and Pringle were not adepts in the Science of Biblical Criticism, which is now in the full tide of Successful Experiment.— (Where will it end?) See our Cambridge General Repository.
Have you treated of St. Anthony’s Fire, St Vitus’s dance, and the Night Mare? these are all Madness, or at least produce Madness.
The Antients Seem to have thought all Madness, Possession. The Devil is not once in  the New Testament Said to possess Man Woman Child or Hog.
The Word δαιμονιον occurs fifty two times; δαιμῶν three; δαιμονιζομαι thirteen. διαβολος not once. Search then the Distinction between Demon and Devil, and you will find it as great as between Heathenism and Christianity.
But what is all this to your purpose? Unless it be to give you Suspicion that I am in danger of becoming a fit Subject for your Treatise and your Chair.?
For my part I am of opinion, with mad Johnson, that all Mankind are a little mad. You cannot therefore describe all the Species of this distemper nor cure them all. I believe none possessed, either by Devil or Demon. It is all Vice or distemper, moral or physical Evil.
“To be Sober, I believe Mr. Madison will be again elected; and upon the whole, I wish it, because I See no Man who will be likely to do better. The Nation it is true is greatly and justly allarmed at the Imbecility of the last twelve years. But those who brought Us into this Confusion are the best qualified to bring Us out of it, if they can be made to attempt it in the right Way. Madisons private opinions and Jeffersons too are more correct than their public Conduct has been; for that has been dictated by their Party.”
Neither Mr Clinton nor Mr Jay, nor Mr Martial, nor any other Man that occurs to me could in the present Circumstances serve Us So effectually as Mr Madison, if Congress will let him. But if Congress at their next Session do not commence Some Serious efforts for a Navy, though Mr Madison may be chosen, a disaffection will be So deeply radicated in New York and all the northern States as to parrallyse all the Measures of Government and produce a disastrous War, by Sea and Land, and possibly a rupture of the Union. Besides Mr Madisons Majority will be very Small.
“I am perfectly of your Opinion that The federal denial of the Justice of the War, by which they identify themselves with the Tories and the English is as great a blunder on their part, as any that has been committed by their Antagonists, these twelve years. The Federalists are as apt to Stumble as the Republicans, and are no more to be trusted than they: Yet as the Latter are in possession of the fond Affections of the People they can do better, if they will, than the former. I Speak with defference however, have been So long out of the World.”
I am, dear Sir, as ever your affectionate and obliged / Friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Hendrick W. Gordon, 22 September 1812
From: Gordon, Hendrick W.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sirs,
Boston September 22d. 5. 0.clk P.m

Capt Nyers who went from here in a Brig belonging to Mr Gray, & was captured on her way to France & carried into England, has this moment arrived in town from N. Bedford, where he arrived in a cartel 40 days from London, he states that Commodore Rodgers in the Frigate President had been off the North of Scotland & had captured a gun Brig of the Enemy, mounting 18 Guns, distroyed several British Merchantmen, landed & took some Shiep (for which he paid liberally) and left word, that he was agoing to intercept the Greenland Whalemen. The Whole united Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, was in an uproar and my Lords the Commissioners of the Admiralty, had actually dispatched several Frigates & 74s. in pursuit of this American  marauder alias Fir built Frigate, the U.S. Brig Argus, with her 100 eyes, had peeped into the British channel, and had distroyed many merchant Ships—
The British merchants feared more from the half doz American Frigates, than from the whole of Bonapartes Navy. in haste yours / Obt Servt

H W Gordon


Title: From John Adams to Paul Hamilton, 24 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Hamilton, Paul

Sir
Quincy Septr. 24th. 1812

Having never had the honour of any personal acquaintance with you I may commit an indiscretion, in writing concerning any thing in your office, but as nothing but a simple regard to merit and services is my motive you will in no doubt accept this as my apology. Dr Peter St Medard of Boston has served under the old Congress, under President Washington and all the subsequent administration with Manly, Whipple, Barry, Talbot, Prible at Tripoli, and I know not exactly how many others. He has served as Physician and Surgeon to the town of Boston in their Alms house and now holds a place in the Navy yard at Charlestown by a temporary appointment. He is a member of our Massachusetts Society of medical gentlemen and has invariably maintained a fair character and a reputation for skill industry and Fidelity.
I enclose a letter from Dr Hill a gentleman of high consideration in this state and an invariable friend and supporter of the present and preceding administration who I am confident has no motive but regard to public and private justice which are the only motives of Sir your most humble Servant,

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 September 1812
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Fragment
Oldenbarneveld, 26 Sept. 1812

He published—his opinions on Jus Eccles. Protest. in the Ses—which were—under his presidium—defended publicly by his most eminent Students. This could not be performed without awakening the intolerant zeal of the clergy—Their rage—increased when manÿ of their Brethren Strengthened him with their open Support—then the Church became in danger. Spies—under pious pretexts were Send to him for instruction—assisted at his lessons—and by these drawn in black—His zealous frends—particularly Students—hurted the prejudices—when they could at lenght—a Law-Suit  happened—for a bristle between a minister and a schoolmaster—the Latter was Supported by the Classis—the minister—by the Patroones—a Protectrie of v. d. M. Two Lawyers—among his best disciples—when —and defended in open Court the minister—marshalling every anecdote—which could thro contempt, or ridicule upon the clergÿ—while in the mean time—their Solid arguments could not be replied—honi ille lacrÿmæ—v. d. m. continued to publish his theses Juris Eccles—which increased the hatred—then proceeded to publish his Lectiones & Juris Nature et Gentium—and then the toc Sin was  Sounded—of heretic. He had adopted the Philosophy of Wolst—thus in his Lect: Jur. Nat. he explained awaÿ manÿ of the harsh tenets of the Calvinistic creed—tho in reality orthodox he was—The alarm was given—the Classis convocated—gravemina’s exposed—the pulpits —resounded from the church is in danger! the bigotted Populace—was enrolled—and at lenght—v. d. M—accused as an Heretic before the Academie Senat Manÿ weak frends deserted Him—others Submitted—to the Spared—the daring Camper—that celebrated anatomist, Send him the morning of his final trial Buffon’s mock—Palinodie to the Sourbonne, and urged this example. At this time he had been 18 years Professor—was a Martyr of the govt, without neglecting one Single of his Lectures—and had eight or nine Children—In this Situation his noble wife approached Him—v. d. M—do nothing for me of mÿ Children—what you Should afterwards” in a cooler moment repent of—remain an Honest man, as Such I love and respect you—He rejected Campers proposal—he asserted—that he was orthodox—and was removed from his Professorship—I Soon took the pen up in his defence—to expose the Clergÿ—and left then Groninguen—with 30 other Students—He moved to Deventer—was called to a chair—and choosen an Elder of the Church—from there Frederic the great called him to Lingen—from there again he went after the king’s death to Berg-Steinfurt. in 1795 he was recalled—to his chair at Groninguen—ringenticbus licet Diabolis—üsque abblatrante clero—where he died aged 84—
Under his Pourtrait—engraved bÿ Houbraken Hieron de Bosch—whom you have known—I presume at Amsterdam placd the following lines—
Hac Marcki facies, au publica jura docentiAttulit adversas Libera lingua vices.Par fuit aerumnis. At quem damnaverat IlleHice levat et merito mactat honore virum.Plurima ab innocuo radeat constantia vultuMajor at integro pectore candor inest.
Mappa did Send you my package—convey it further after perusal—honour with your polite reception—and with which you further can gratifÿ mÿ frend young Willink—and I Shall consider this kindness as bestowed on your—already So highly obliged

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp


Title: From John Adams to Henry Colman, 10 October 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Colman, Henry

Dear Sir
Quincy October 10th. 1812

I thank you for your Thanksgiving Fast  Sermon which I have repeatedly read, with much pleasure. It is a Model for Sermons on Such Occasions.
Phylosophy Morality and Divinity, appear in it, in So much Harmony, that I could almost Subscribe it as a Creed: Yet I would not Subscribe it in Obedience to human Authority, much less would I pass an Act of Uniformity to compel a Nation to Subscribe it.
I have lived and conversed with Such Men as Chauncey Mayhew, Bryant, Gay and Shute; and have read Furneaux and Blackburne.
I read the independent Whig, more than fifty Years ago: and particularly a Dialogue in the third Volume between a Burgomaster of Rotterdam and Monsieur Juricu: and another between a Country Clergyman and a Quaker.
I have read much of the History of Cardinal Lorain of Archbishop Laud, of Dr Sacheverel and of Savanarola, as well as of Calvin and Theodore Beza.
I humbly recommend to the Clergy of The United States, to look a little farther into these Subjects, before they undertake to dogmatise in the Pulpit upon Politicks, or to persecute in Religion.
I am Sir with much Esteem, your obliged / Servant.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 12 October 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy October 12. 1812

I have a Curiosity to learn Something of the Character Life and death of a Gentleman, whose name was Wollaston, who came from England with a Company of a few dozens of Persons in the Year 1622, took possession of an height on Massachusetts Bay built houses there for his People, and after looking about him and not finding the face of Nature Smiling enough for him, went to Virginia to seek a better Situation, leaving the Government of his little band, in the hands of Thomas Morton. As I have not found any Account of him after his departure from his little flock, in any History or record of New England, I Should be very much obliged to you, for any information you can give me, of any notice that remains of him in Virginia.
My curiosity has been Stimulated by an event of Singular Oddity. John Quincy Adams, at Berlin, purchased at an Auction a Volume, containing three Pamphlets bound together; Woods Prospect, Wonder working Providence of Zions Saviour in New England, and “The New English Canaan, or New Canaan, containing an Abstract of New England, composed in three Books; the first Book Setting forth the Original of the natives, their manners and customs, together with their tractable nature and love towards the English. The Second Book Setting forth the natural Endowments of the Country, and what Staple Commodities it yieldeth. The third Book setting forth, what people are planted there, their prosperity, what remarkable accidents have happened Since the first planting of it, together with their tenents and practice of their Church.
“Written by Thomas Morton of Cliffords Inne Gentleman, upon ten years knowledge and experiment of the Country.” “Printed at Amsterdam by Jacob Frederick Stam, in the year 1637. The Book is dedicated to The Commissioners of the privy Councell, for the Government of all his Majesties foreign Provinces.
To add a trifle to the whimsical Circumstances attending the Aventures of this Volume, there are a few Words in manuscript on a blank leaf, which had I seen them in any other place, I Should have Sworn, were in the hand Writing of my Father.
The design of the Writer appears to have been to promote two Objects 1. to Spread the fame and exaggerate the Advantages of New England 2. to destroy the Characters of the English Inhabitants, and excite the Government to Suppress the Puritans, and Send over Settlers in their Stead, from among the Royalists and the disciples of Archbishop Laud.
That Such a Work had been written, has been known by tradition and I have enquired for it, more than half a Century: but have never been able to learn that any Copy of it ever was Seen in this Country. The Berlin Adventurer is I believe the only one in America. It is possible however that Some Straggling Copy of it may be in Virginia, and if you have ever Seen or heard of it, I Shall be obliged to you for the information.
I know not whether you have in your library, extensive and well chosen as it is, any of our New England Histories. If you have and feel any inclination to know any Thing of this Cliffords Inn man, this incendiary instrument of Spiritual and temporal domination; you may find it in1. Neals Hist. New England III—1. Hutchinson 8.31. Winthrops Journal 20.27.321.352.2 Belknaps Biography 332.
He hints at his Objects in his Preface “I have observed how diverse Persons not So well affected to the Weal Public in mine Opinion, out of respect to their own private ends, have laboured to keep, both the practice of the People there, and the real worth of that eminent Country, concealed from public Knowledge, both which I have abundantly in this discourse laid open.”
Sir Christopher Gardiner Knight, as he calls him, tho he was only a Cavalier of St. Iago de Compostella, a Roman Catholick, and another Tool of Archbishop Laud as well as a Companion and fellow labourer in the pious Work of destroying, the first Planters of Plymouth and Massachusetts: writes in laudem Authoris, and in the despicable Verse of that Age
This Work a matchless mirror is that Shows
The humors of the Seperatists, and those
So truly personated by thy Pen,
I was amaz’d to See it.
Nothing but opposition, ‘gainst the Right
Of Sacred Majesty Men; full of Spight
Goodness abusing, turning Virtue out
of doors, to whipping, Stocking, and full bent
To plotting mischief ‘gainst the innocent
Burning their Houses, as if ordained by fate
In Spight of Law to be made ruinate.
Another “In laudem Authoris by F.C. Armiger” Shows the high Church and high State Principles of this groop of Laudeans and their inveterate hatred of that opposition to Priestcraft and Kingcraft which animated the first Settlers of New England
But that I rather pitty I confesse
The Practice of their Church, I could expresse
Myself a Satyrist, whose Smarting fanges,
Should Strike it with a Palsy, and the Pangs
Beget a fear, to tempt the Majesty,
of those, or our mortal Gods, will they defy
The thundering Jove, like children they desire,
Such is their Zeal, to Sport themselves with fire
So have I Seen an angry fly presume
To Strike a burning taper and consume
His feeble Wings. Why in an Air So milde
Are they so monstrous grown up? and So vilde?
That Savages can of themselves espy
Their Errors, brand their names with infamy
What is their Zeale for blood, like Cyrus thirst,
Will they be over head and ears accurst
A cruel Way to found a Church on! Noe
Tis not their Zeal, but fury blinds them So.
And Pricks their malice on, like fire to joyne
And offer up the Sacrifice of Kain;
Jonas! thou hast done well, to call these men
Home to repentance, with thy painful Pen.
Then comes the Authors prologue in a Similar Strain of Panegyrick upon his New English Canaan and of Phillippic against the Inhabitants.
If Art and Industry Should do as much
As Nature hath for Canaan, not Such
Another place, for benefit and rest
In all the Universe can be possess’d
The more We prove it by discovery
The more delight each Object to the Eye
Discovers &c
In page 15 is a high wrought Eulogium of Sir Ferdinand Gorges to whom he ascribes all the Glory of discovering and Settling in fine Country Situated in the middle of the golden mean the temperate Zone.
Then he discovers the wondrous Wisdom and love of God, in Sending his Minister, the plague, among the Indians, to Sweepe away by heaps the Savages, and in giving Sir Ferdinando length of days, to See the Same performed , after his enterprize was begun, for the propagation of the Church of Christ.” i.e, as I understand him  the Church of Archbishop Laud and Sir Ferdinando Gorges.
In Chapter 2. p. 17. He Says “In the Year Since the Incarnation of Christ 1622, it was my Chance to be candid in the parts of New England, where I found two Sorts of People, the one Christians, the other Infidels; these I found most full of humanity and more friendly than the other: as Shall hereafter be made apparent in due course, by their Several Actions from time to time, after my arrival among them.”
In no part of the Work has he Said any thing of Mr Wollaston his Commander in Chief, to whom he was only Second, in command of the Party. But it was of Wollaston, I was most interested to enquire. I know enough of Morton, and was therefore much disappointed in perusing the Book.
The Original Indian Name of the Spot possest by the Party was Passonagesset, but the People of the Company changed it to Mount Wollaston by which Name it has been called to this day. Morton, however, after the departure of his Leader for Virginia, chose to alter the Name , and call it Mare Mount from its Possition near the Sea and commanding the prospect of Boston Harbour and Massachusetts Bay. In his 132 page He gives us a History of the Ceremonies instituted by him in honor of this important Nomination. Several Songs wer composed to be sung. A Pine Tree, Eighty feet long, was erected with a pair of Bucks Horns nailed on the Top. On May Day this mighty May Pole was drawn to its appointed Place on the Summit of the Hill by the help of Savages males and females, with Sound of Guns Drums, Pistols and other Instruments of Musick. A Barrel of excellent Beer was brewed, and a Case of Bottles, (of Brandy I Suppose) with other good Chear, and English Men and Indians Sannups and Squaws, danced and sang and revelled round the Maypole till Bacchus and Venus, I suppose, were Satiated. The Seperatists called it an Idol, the Calf of Horeb, Mount Dagon, threatening to make it a woeful mount and not a merry Mount.
It is whimsical that this Book, so long lost, Should be brought to me, for this Hill is in my Farm. There are curious Things in it, about the Indians and the Country. If you have any Inclination, I will Send you more of them. Yours as Usual
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 22 October 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy October 22. 1812

If you had investigated the Question, concerning Possessions or that about matter and Spirit, in your Treatise on the Diseases of the Mind it could have been only, by way of digressions like Swifts digressions concerning Criticks. his digression of the modern kind, his digression in praise of digressions his digression concerning Madness, in the Tale of the Tub: which although they are all inexpressibly entertaining and ineffably ridiculous; I have always wished out of the Book, when my Mind has been engaged in the Characters and Conduct of Peter Martin and Jack.
Whether the Mind, the Intellect, be matter or Spirit, can never be determined till We know what Matter is and what Spirit is, and untill We can give a logical or mathematical deffinition of both. We know nothing of either. We can define neither. We know nothing but attributes qualities and Effects. Therefore I think, Berckley had more Sense than Leibnitz, Clark, Bolingbroke or Priestley. Bercley never denied the Existence of Matter. And Priestley had been wiser; had he not denied the Existence of Spirit.
You have therefore, wisely determined to avoid this question as well as the other. The Phenomina which you I Suppose will call Symptoms are certainly all that is within your reach. Madness is certainly a distemper both of Body and Mind as We distinguish in common parlance and vulgar language.
I agree in all your Opinions of Banks, Systems, Suffrage and Washington City: tho I am not absolutely against a Bank and a Fund, Washington City and the ten mile Square Territory was as corrupt and Selfish an Intrigue and bargain as any yet occurred, or recorded in our history: This never will be recorded, unless it Should be by me. If I have never related it to you in Conversation I will State it in a Letter if you wish it.
To borrow your own Words “Wealth, Family Influence, Talents, Industry, Ambition and Avarice; have oversett every Republick that has ever yet existed on this Globe: and it may be added, in my own, written, between 20 & 30 years ago, There is no Special Providence for Us. We are not a chosen People, that I know of. If We are, We deserve it as little as The Jews. The ignorant corrupt Coxcomb, who abused me for that Sentiment did not convince me of its Error. I Still assert We have no reason to believe, that there is a Special Providence for Us. We must and We Shall, go the Way of all the Earth. We ought to contend, to Swim, though against Wind and tide as long as We can; and the poor injured, deceived, mocked and insulted People will Struggle till Battles and Victories and Conquests dazzle the Majority into Adoration of Idols. Then come Popes and Emperors, Kingdoms and Hierarchies.
I wish I could exchange Visits of Daughters or grand Daughters with you for a few Months or Weeks or days, but my poor Girls are confined to one narrow Spot. I congratulate Miss Dexter on her good fortune in visiting your Family.
Last night brought me, a report of another Act of a Single day. Van Ranselaer! I hope it is only fiction. But whether true or false; how long Shall We blunder on? I am accused of Saying last Fall when Canada was conquered by a Word or a Thought, We are beginning the War “Tail Foremost.” I will not plead guilty to this Charge, but acknowledge I said “We begin at the wrong End”. Instead of repenting or apologizing I almost wish I had used an avowed an Expression more in the Stile of Rabelais and Swift, which would have been propagated to the Ends of the Earth; for Mankind are Sure to remember Expressions of vulgar Buffoonery and to forget every thing else. This Sublime and profound Expression Shall remain blank xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx deist valde desideratum
I Some times meet and an old grey headed Man, with trembling Tongue and Limbs and Shaking, wavering voice, whose countenance lights up at the Sight of me, and says “Do you remember the time in our Revolutionary War when I met you, and Said to you, What shall We do? Things look so dark I am in despair. You answered me quick. Never fear! We Shall blunder through!—This Was indeed my constant Maxim through the whole Revolution. That We did “blunder, through the whole, both in Congress and in the Army is most certain. That We blundered through, cannot now be denied. I wish H. had written his History of W’s Battles and Campains! You or I could write the Blunders in Congress.
The Word “Peace” according to your Postscript has done great Things. But do you know, how our Federalists account for the fondness of the Southern States including Pensilvania for War? They Say, “Your Commerce is free, but ours is ruined by the War, and you hate Us so heartily that you rejoice in any thing that can destroy Us.” There is in truth a rancorous Malignity in Pensilvania against New England.
My Friend Gray, who made me a Visit, Yesterday, is Sanguine, is confident, that Congress, as Soon as they meet, will order thirty Frigates to be built as soon as possible. When I see this Vote, I Shall think Common Sense is resuming its Empire, and Astræa returning to the World. If a Solid Peace, equal Commerce, and common Justice, are ever to return even for a period of any duration; the U.S. must restore them. The little young Shepherd with his Sling must get the better of the great Goliah.
Achilles, offended at the Seizure of his Virgin, has retired to his Ships. The Greeks are no longer a match for Priam and his Sons Hector and Æneas. Do you understand the figure? I believe not. I must then be Commentator. Achilles is New England: his Girl is a Navy. There is no Patroclus, whose death would bring the Hero out. Agamemnon must restore the Beauty.
The Wine which Saint Paul found So good for the Stomack is not less delightful to the Ladies. Oh! how they love it. I foresee, it is not to be long lived: It will not be permitted to meliorate or pejorate by Age. So much the more grateful ought We all to be for the Blessing.
I close by an earnest exhortation, to all Friends of Our Country to cry aloud and Spare not, for an irresitable naval Power on the Lakes and Water communications from Michillimachinæ to Montreal. Without this nothing but defeat, disgrace, distraction and Ruin will be our portion, besides endless Murders, Massacres and Butcheries by the Indians on all our Frontier. If ever the English are again Suffered to have a Superiority on those Waters, I Shall think my Countrymen the Stupidest of all Nations. I would not disdain to borrow the finest flight of Fisher Ames’s imagination and call upon every Father and every Mother in every Loghouse upon the Continent to demand a Navy on the Lakes to protect the blood of their Sons and Daughters.
I am as ever your obliged Friend
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Edward Killeran, 23 October 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Killeran, Edward

Sir
Quincy Octr: 23d 1812

I have received your kind Letter of the 19th. of this month and am much obliged to you for your present inclosed in it of an ear of wheat and another of Rye raised in your Garden from seed said to have been imported from Persia to St Petersburgh. These seeds which by their appearance promise to be valuable, I will endeavour, to have sown in my garden next spring, or in the garden of some other Gentleman better qualified and more likely to cultivate it into public and private advantage.
Mr Edward Killeran junior who I presume is your son, has set a laudable example to all the commanders of our American Ships who would merit thanks from their Countrymen by bringing home from all places seeds of Grain Grasses, or any other things likely to advance the intrest of Agriculture, Commerce Manufactures or any of the Mechanical or fine Arts.
I am Sir your obliged  servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Seth Sprague, 23 October 1812
From: Sprague, Seth
To: Adams, John

Venerable Sir
Boston October 23d 1812.—

The undersigned have the honor of being appointed a Committee by a large convention of Representative Senators, Representatives, and other Citizens of the Southern Electorial District of this Commonwealth, to Solicit permission to place your name at the head of the list of Candidates for Electors of President and Vice President of the United States. In this period of public anxiety, when our Citizens are agitated by diversity of political Sentiment and our Country afflicted by foreign aggressions, it is of consoling and happy reflection that the people may yet repose upon that wisdom which heretofore protected, and that firmness and patriotism which once redeemed them from more inauspicious prospects—Elevated above the influence of party and placed upon an eminence commanding the best opportunity for impartial observation, pledged to no measures, attached to no men, but devoted to a Country whose happiness and glory, you have so early and continually promoted, you are peculiarly qualified for the unbiassed execution of the important functions of an Elector—Assist us, sir by your opinions and experience in this exigency of our beloved Country, and may the gratitude of posterity, and the perpetuity of the Republic be the reward of your Services— Seth SpragueJoseph TisdaleJohn EndicotttGeorge CannonMarcus MortonCommitteeP.S. It is inconvenient to return an answer by the bearer of this, you will to address your answer to the Hon. Seth Sprague Boston


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 October 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy Octr. 28 1812

I thank you for your Letter of 26. Septr…. It does not Signify! Van der kemp! It will not do, in this World, for a Man to have more Sense, more learning or more Virtue than his Neighbours. I know not, whether it is quite Safe to have so much, as the generality.
Not only Opposition, but persecution, Seems to be the invariable Lot of every Man who distinguishes himself by uncommon Talents or Attainments; but especially by uncommon delicacy of Conscience.
Pailey Said to Dr Jebb, “I cannot afford to keep a Conscience” This was facetious, ironical, Satirical, I doubt not. But there was great Sense in it.
Have you ever read the Life and Writings of Dr Jebb? His Character, history and fortune, very nearly resembles, yours of your Master Frederick Adolph Van der Mark
The most antihipocritical Vote upon record, was that of Corinth (I believe) “Resolved that all Men of Superiour Virtue be banished from this Commonwealth. We want no Such Men here. Let them go and carry their Virtues else where.” … What Simplicity! What Naivité! What Liberty! What Equality! What Fraternity! What Patriotism
You  Speak of the Erastian School. Do you mean Thomas Erastus born in 1524 died in 1583? If you do, I have a burning Curiosity to know all concerning him that you can tell me. Born at Baden in Switzerland, taught at Heidelburg, and died at Bâle.
Now for your Packett. I received it, Sealed, addressed to Abbot. Not being So ungentlemanly as to dare to break the Seal I inclosed it in another Envellope, under a frank to Mr Abott of Beverly.
I know of no other Abbot. I have Since doubted whether I was not mistaken. I have Since, Suspected that a persecuted Abbot, was intended. The Manuscript will not be lost.
John Jacqus Rousseau does great honor to Calvin as a Legislator, and the founder of The Republick of Geneva.
Who, So well qualified to descant on the Vanity of Riches as Soloman and Seneca, who had made So abominable a Use of them.?
Van der Kemp, have a care! Be upon your guard! If you provoke me I certainly Shall be the death of you! I cannot dispute, discuss, investigate, research with you: My Eyes, hands and nerves are too old; but I can ask questions, which will keep you on the Rack, deprive you of your Sleep, increase and perpetuate your head Aches, take away your Appetite, and end in your Apotheosis.
Let me give you, one Sample. Pray be So good as to ascertain for me the dates of the four Gospells, the Acts, all the Epistles and the Apocolyps….
And pray inform me, whether We have the direct Testimony of any one Eye Witness to the Existence of any one of the Gospells within the first Century? and who that Witness is?
My Religion is not of this World; depends on no Arguliæ verbales; No Litteræ nihil Sanantes;
I am now a Man in high Station. The day before yesterday I received a Commission to escort as many Ladies as I pleased to the Annual Horse Races, on Dorchester Plain, which ought to be a part of Quincy. Not to abuse my Priviledge, I recruited, only five, i.e. as many as all my Vehicles could accommodate. The Horse from New York, distanced The Horse from Boston. This no doubt Augurs that Mr Clinton will distance Mr Madison in the approaching political heat. Today I have taken under my Protection another Constellation of Ladies. And tomorrow, there will be a very Strange competition between the Races, a Meeting of Trustees and Visitors of Agriculture and Natural History; and a respectable and respected Funeral.
I advised you, before you embarked for America, to beware of Religious Prejudices. You reproached me in your Remarks upon my “defence” with forgetting my own Precepts. Yet you have forgotten them again and are becoming the most renouned Heretick and Schismatick in America; Unless Noah Worcester Should rival You.
The hour of 12, the moment of the Races approaches So near, that I have only time to add, that Mr Willink Surprised, gratified and disappointed me all in a Breath. I was Surprised and rejoiced to See him, and flattered with the hope of enjoying his Company, and Shewing him every respect Attention and regard in my Power; and Shewing him every Thing within my reach, that is worth Seeing, when lo! he was engaged to dine in Boston and go to the Southward next morning. His Father and Unkle have been Such valuable Friends to me, that nothing could have given me more pleasure than his Society for as long a time as he could have been persuaded to Stay. But all my Entreaties were unavailing.
Yours, in haste for the Races

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, 1 November 1812
From: Anonymous
To: Adams, John

Sir
Phila Nov 1—1812—

Having got a few seeds from Europe that appear deserving attention, and as some of ‘em may be adapted to a more northern climate than this, I have taken the liberty of sending some of them to Your care—if attending to them will not be convenient for yourself I have no doubt you will put them into the hands of some friend who takes an interest in improving the productions of the country—
It is not my fortune to have a personal acquaintance of you, but the character commands much of my esteem—YOU ARE AN AMERICAN—with the seeds you’l receive a few political papers which I hope will at least amuse—none of ‘em I have not had time to look over the writings of Mr Cobbet are an additional proof of a remark I have frequently heard an intelligent friend of minee make “—That an European after a three or four years residence in the US—was on his return to Europe ever afterwards Politicaly discontented and unhappy in that quarter of the world”—
Wishing you Health & happiness / I am Respectfully / Your

Friend


Title: To John Adams from William Keteltas, 5 November 1812
From: Keteltas, William
To: Adams, John

New York 5h. Novm. 1812

though I never had the honor of a personal Acquaintance, I take the Liberty believing You a real American and firmly attatched to its freedom and independance, to send You the enclosed production the Merit of Which, if any, is the sincerity with which it is written, regardless of all parties or Sectaries.
Your liberal and Enlightened Mind will bestow that Charity upon its frailty its poverty asks at Your hands—If the people Can once More get on the Ground of princeble and keep that ground when accupied—Make princeple the first and Interest and Self agrandizement a Secondary Consideration  you and other revolutionary patriots did to Establish the freedom and Independance of Our beloved Country we may continue a free peoble Nothing Short of a return to first principles can save us—as a Nation.
Your Obd Servt

Wm Keteltas


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 9 November 1812
From: Dexter, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston 9th. Nov. 1812

In obedience to the intimation you were so kind as to make I now suggest that it would be gratifying to the claimants of Georgia land that you should say by letter as much as you think proper on the following points.
1st. That it is your opinion & that of the best informed men here that there title is good & valid.
2d. That they have also a strong equity, on these grounds, that the purchasers  acted bona fide, without any intent to buy a controverted title, without notice of any intent to attempt a repeal; that they are now great sufferers, of respectable standings, & many reduced to poverty by the interference of Georgia & US to inquire a title which stood on the highest authority of a sovereign State; that they paid an adequate consideration. That these facts and notorious here & that the characters of many of the concerned render it extremely improbable that the general opinion in this respect is erroneous.
Perhaps it would be useful to hint that the political effect is bad, as it destroys confidence in our rulers, & excuses opposition.—
As to what Government ought to do, they ought either to remove all legal impediments to the claimants’ possessing these lands, or to take them by their consent for the public, paying a liberal indemnity to the purchasers.
Letters to the Secretaries of State of the Treasury & of war & to Gen. Varnum & Mr. Giles; or to as many of them as you shall think proper to address will be gratefully recieved.
If it be proper the claimants would ask me to the President, & to any gentleman to whom you may think proper fit to send one.
It would be convenient to Mr. Ivy to know to whom you may write; a letter to him giving him that information, & which he might be at liberty to show as evidence of your favorable opinion of the claim might be of signal utility
With the highest respect / I am, Dear Sir, / Your very obedt.
Sam. Dexter


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Bradley Varnum, 15 November 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Varnum, Joseph Bradley

Dear Sir
Quincy November 15. 1812.

I presume upon our former acquaintance, and Correspondence as an apology for this Letter.
The wild spirit of Anger, discontent and disaffection, which appears at least in four of our New England States, ought to excite Us all to enquire into the causes that have produced it.
The Laws to which the national government has judged it necessary to resort in defence of our Rights and Independence, I mean the Embargoes, the Non Intercourses and Non Importations, you must be Sensible have opperated with peculiar severity  upon these four New England States. I need not add, that New York, New Jersey Maryland, and even Pensilvania, have manifested sympathies of portentous aspect. The opposition to a Naval Defence, has been more fatal than all the rest. Upon these Topicks I cannot enlarge. But there is another Thing that Wounds the Feelings of Thousands and the Conciences of many; I mean the Georgia Lands. I choose this expression for its brevity.
I have been acquainted with this subject from the beginning and have reason to believe, that it has contributed very much to disgust New England and especially Massachusetts with the Union and shake the confidence of the People in the Justice of the National Government. My reasons for entertaining this opinion are many. A few may be briefly hinted.
1 It is the opinion of the best informed Men here, and indeed of all Men as far as I have ever heard, that the Title of the Claimants is good and valid, both in Law and Equity. For One, I have never doubted it, more than yours to your Estate or mine to the House I live in. It was a Grant, a Sale upon valuable consideration of a Sovereign State in all the legal and Constitutional Forms, bonâ fide made. The Purchasers had no Idea of buying a controverted Title; they had no notice or Suspicion of any attempt, or intention to repeal the Grant, nor could they have believed it possible to have repealed it.2 It is no party Question, in this part of the Union.—Gentlemen of all Sects are interested. Those of one side are grieved and discouraged. Those of the other are disgusted and irritated. In short an effect, unfavourable to the general Government and even to the Union itself is produced upon both.3 Many Families who had advanced large Sums in this purchase have, Since, by the depredations of G. Britain and France, and by our legal Restrictions of Commerce have been reduced from Independence and affluence to great distress. The public sympathizes with them, and think them created with cruel Injustice.4 The Characters of many Persons concerned in that purchase, not only Support the opinion of the Legality, constitutionality and Integrity of the Transaction, but increase the unpopularity of the Interference of Congress, and their persevering refusal to do the Claimants Justice.
It would be presumption in me to prescribe to goverment what they ought to do. Far be it from me, to insinuate that my Opinion ought to have any more consideration than that of any other man: but as in our free Country and under our happy government, every individual has a right to entertain his own thoughts and express his own Judgment of public measures, I hope I Shall be excused if I venture to insinuate that Government ought either to remove from the Claimants all Legal Impediments to their profession of those Lands; or if they take them for the Public, with the Consent of the purchasers, they ought to grant them a liberal indemnity. In plain English, they ought to purchase the Claimants Title with a generous price.
I have no Interest in this Business, immediate or remote. A Single regard to the honour of the Nation, and a Simple attachment to public and private Justice  have excited me to give you this trouble.
I am sir, with much Esteem and regard / your Friend and humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Branch Giles, 17 November 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Giles, William Branch

Dear Sir
Quincy November 17 1812

Having in ancient days had much experience of the frankness and candor of your disposition I feel the less apprehension of giving you offence, by Trespassing on your time, though according to the fashion of the world I have no right to commence or invite such a correspondence.
Every good citizen must regret the appearance of  disaffection to the national administration, so visible in the northern section of the union extending indeed quite  to the Potomac River; and must be anxious to investigate the causes of so extensive a dissatisfaction. The Restrictions upon Commerce, and the neglect of naval preparations for its Protection, will, I presume, be found among the principal causes of discontent.
But these are not all. There is another cause of much uneasiness, tho’ not of such universal intrest, I mean the claim to what use vulgarly called the Georgia Lands
It is the opinion of all men of the best information in all these northern states, that the Fifth of the claimants is valid in law.
The conviction is eqilly general and equally clear, that the claim is good in equity. The purchasers acted in good faith. They paid a valuable and great consideration, they had no intention or suspicion of buying a controverted title; they had no notification of any design to attempt a repeal; they are now great sufferers; Many are of respectable standing; many are reduced to poverty, by the interference of Georgia, and the U.S. to injure a title, founded on the highest Authority of a sovereign state.
The political effect here is very pernicious. The Characters of many Gentleman concerned corroborates the general opinion, which weakens the confidence in the justice and impartiality of the general government, while it countenances, accuses & increases opposition.
I know of know dissenting voice here from the opinion that government ought, either to remove all legal, or formal impediments to the claimants possessing these lands: or to take them with the claimants consent, upon the payment of an adequate & liberal indemnity to the purchasers.
I have no motion of interest, in this business, excepting the Love of public and privateJustice a regard to the honor of the nation, and an attachment to the union of the states: unless you should suspect me, as I suspect myself to have an ambitious reccolection of a man who formerly enjoyed the pleasure, at times of frank and familiar conversation with you
I am Sir with much esteem your / most obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 17 November 1812
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend
Philadelphia Novr 17th: 1812

Gibbon tells us in his life, that he studied Anatomy & Chemistry on purpose to furnish himself with new Allusions for the Stile of his history. You seem to have studied natural history for the more important purpose of furnishing your memory with new precedents for industry and foresight in human Affairs, and particularly for the Conduct of Governments—But what avail reading, reflexion, experience, and American birth in the present state of our Country? It would seem as if he had read history, not to avoid, but to imitate the blunders of those who have gone before us. A night or two After receiving your last letter I fancied in a dream that I was elevated upon a bench in our hospital yard surrounded by between 60 & 70 of my Lunatic patients. Deeply impressed with the Contents of your letter, I addressed them upon the subject of a navy. While I was speaking, One man came up to me and said I am Solon—a second said he was Wm Penn—a third said he was Numa pompillius, & all of them asked me how I dared to attempt to instruct them upon the means of defending our Country—a 4th.: spat in my face,—a 5th hissed me—a 6th called me a fool a 7th said I was crazy—an 8th took up a stone & made an effort at threw it at me—In an effort to avoid it I awoke, satisfied that such would have been my treatment in the house of Representatives in Washington had I addressed them upon the same subject, and had they not been restrained by the habits of civilized life.
The American states consist of Three districts. The Northern, Southern and Western, all of which are divided by different interests, habits and manners and principles. In the midst of them is a gas more powerful than steam in its repulsive nature. A Despotic Stopper might keep it from exploding, but kept together as those districts are by voluntary Association, the gas must operate, and a Seperation of them must take place unless a Conformity to mutual interests should speedily prevent it. Canada is likely to become to us, what Flanders & Hanover have been to England, the slaughter house of Generations of our citizens, and for no one purpose but such as are of a selfish nature. Admit that we have conquered it. As a Republic we cannot hold it as a Vassal province, and as a member of the Union, what can be expected from a representation in Congress composed of Englishmen & Frenchmen?—When the news of the Surrender of Quebec and all its dependances reached Philada Joseph Galloway, Jos: Fox & a Dr Evans rode out in great haste to Fairhill the seat of Isaac Norris, then Speaker of our Assembly, & told him the news with great exultation. “I am Sorry to hear it, said the Quaker Sachem. Farewell now to the liberties of America.” The Stamp Act in 1765 showed the wisdom of this remark.  Should the Subjugation of Canada, or her Union with us in Congress take place, with equal propriety, might we not say “Farewell to the Union of the American republics”? A mans evil passions help to keep him alive no less than his good ones. Individual enemies help to make men wise, and prudent & successful in life. Britain and France have been made equally great in national characters by thier hereditary & perpetual hostility to each other. A circumambient pressure of England on the north and West East, and of Spain, France, & Indians on the West & South & West, would probably have kept our States together for many Centuries to come. It is some what remarkable that in none of the Works of the primitive fathers or reformers, do we find plans for a perpetual and universal peace. They knew too well what was in man to expect believe it possible in his present weak & depraved state. Such plans have been suggested chiefly by Infidels & Atheists who ascribe all that is evil in man to Religion & bad Governments. The Quakers it is true are advocates for universal & perpetual peace. But examin thier disposition to Other Sects. Do they breath love or peace to any of them? Look at thier Conduct in politicks. Are they more under the influence of Christian principles than Other people? Let the immense number proportion of Porcupines Subscribers to his paper when in Philada answer to this question.
Adieu! From Dr Sir / yours truly & / Sincerely

Benjn Rush
PS: I spent a few minutes in Mr Geo: Clymer’s company this morning. He feels as we do for our Country, and he thinks as we do, of the necessity of its being defended by a Navy. He remarked that every ship of War we built, would call for two from Britain to watch it, and that in a few years we should draw a large portion of the British Navy from her own Coast & thus expose her to her European enemies.—