Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 9 April 1814
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, William Stephens

Dear Sir
Quincy 9th April 1814

Your letter of 2 April I duly received I Should have replied to it by the last mail, but I was not in a humour at that time. I therefore declined it, hoping that the next post would be more Satisfactory to me, and account for a delay which did not correspond with former professions. it has accordingly brought Such explanations as an fully Satisfactory to all concernd—oweing to the delay of your Letter the Gentleman could not with propriety have confirmed his correspondence unauthorised, and the delay occasioned him much anxiety as expresst to your Son
The restritive System being now repealed—the parties may proceed with all that caution and delicacy So important a Subject demands and I hope upon further acquaintance I may feel myself justified in resigning to the profession of an other, one of the dearest objects of my affections.
The overture is not known out of our own family—there I think it ought to remain untill the Gentleman again visits us—
I thank you for your frequent communications of paper and Bills—I usually read them all—altho Some of the Subjects of the Spechees are So worn out and exhausted by Repition, that  I am Sickned at the Sight of Berlin & Milan, French influence, and orders in Counsel—when I See a Speech headed the Loan Bill and begin to read it, I am obliged to recur to the Heading to be Satisfied it was meant for that purpose—your Spech upon the Army Bill, was to the point. I could  it, even the immortal part of it in which Such honorable mention is made of Genll Dearbourn—Jude Thatcher was asked one day—if he had had mr Somebodys speech—how long was it? Why too or three pages—o no he replied—if it was more that three lines I never read it—I can bear with three pages, if very interesting with Six, but when Spun out out to 9. collums of a news paper, or comprised in a pamphlet long enough for a Sermon—my patience is quite exhausted, and this is calld freedom of debate. they Should rather call it, the Theater for young men to display their tallents upon the Members of our good State of Massachusets most of them adhere to Solomans advice—and hold their Tongues—
 the State ought to Blush at exhibiting in the National Legislature Such Specimins of their Greatness wealth & power—I rejoice that two Sources of contention are put to rest, the Yazoo claims and the Embargo—It will Soften the asperity of party Spirit, and tranquilize  calm the irritability which has been So Strongly exhited in New England—altho they will never fail to have an Apple of discord unless the Government of the Union is in their Hands, it may be Said of power that the poet Says of praise
“the Love of power how ever disguised by art
Glows more or less, and hems in every Heart
The learned to gain It toils on toils endure
the modest Shun it, but to make it sure”
The president Says I must apologize to you for his not writing. Since his Sickness his Eyes have been So weakened that he has not been able to reply to half the Letters he has received—
It is time for me to close or I shall be chargable with the Same garulity with which I have accussed others—to avoid which I hasten to Subscribe / Yours affectionatly
A Adams—


Title: From Julia Stockton Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 23 April 1814
From: Rush, Julia Stockton
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Madam
Philadelphia April 23d 1814

My daughter Cuthbert has written to me declaring her wishes to make me a visit this summer if one of her brothers can meet her at the lines, it is necessary for me to write immediately to her to settle the plan of meeting—I again solicit your good offices to send it to the gentleman who has been so good as to send others for me.
I was paind to hear of the illness of yourself and my venerable and respected friend the president. I hope you are both restored to your usual state of health before this time—I shall ever do myself the pleasure to answer your last kind favor
I am now in haste / dear Madam with great / esteem yours
Julia Rush


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 26 April 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

N. 58.
St. Petersburg 26. April 1814.

Mr: Nathl: W. Strong arrived here on the 31st. of March, and brought me an Order from the Secretary of State to go immediately to Gothenburg. I intend leaving this City the day after to–morrow, in compliance with that Instruction, and should have been gone before this, but that the passage of the gulph has been for some time impracticable.
Mr Strong besides the despatches with which he was charged for me had several private letters from my friends, which by an unfortunate accident he had left behind him on the way. He had first landed from the United States in England—from Harwich he came over to Holland; but was prevented by the Ice from landing at Helvoet, and was obliged to leave on Board the Packet a Trunk containing all the bulky dispatches, and all the letters from Quincy, which he told me he had received from Mr Wiggin of Boston.—I leave you to judge of my disappointment, after having been, from the 18th: of October without a line from you, and from the 14th: of July since the date of your last Letter. Mr: Strong had only kept with the despatch which he brought, the Naval History of the United States; a very acceptable present from my father, with which I propose to cheer the lonely hours of the Journey before me.
Mr Strong had taken suitable precautions to prevent the loss, and for the eventual recovery of the Trunk which he had left on Board the Packet, but I had not hopes of receiving my letters, on this side of Gothenburg; untill last Saturday, when they were sent to me from the Department of Foreign Affairs here. They had gone back to London, and were now transmitted by the opportunity of a Courier from the Russian Ambassador there to his Government. So that I have now the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your favour to me of 8. Novr: and 6. Decr. and 19. Decr. to my dear wife: with those from my father of 28. November 23. and 24. December—But not one line from my Brother, although your letter of 8. Novr: says he would write me by the same opportunity.
The french proverb says “Man proposes, and God disposes”—The Cause of Mr Tilden’s arriving in America without a letter from me to you was this—He left this City in company with Mr J. W. Smith, a very amiable and intelligent young Man, who was destined never again to see his native Shores, and died in London—As they were going together, I gave part of my despatches and Letters for America to one of them and part to the other. My motive was to multiply the chances that some of the letters might be received—I therefore gave Mr Smith the letters for my father and for you; and Mr Tilden those for my brother and for George—Requesting that they might go for America by separate Vessels—I thought the letters by Mr Smith would probably arrive first; for he was to forward them by the first good opportunity he could meet; and Mr Tilden who was to take the others himself expected to stop some time in England. What Mr Smith did with the letters he had in charge I have not learnt; but I have no doubt he forwarded them by what he thought a good opportunity, and I hope you have long ere this received them—A similar case occurred shortly afterwards, and with a like result. Mr Simeon Mayo left this City the last of August, and Mr William Redwood the first of September. Mr Mayo had the letters for my father, my brother, and George; and Mr Redwood those for you and John—They both had Despatches from me for the Secretary of State; but Mr Redwood had those of the joint Commission—We had reason to expect that those by Mr Redwood, would be first received, but I now learn the event was otherwise. My father and the Secretary of State have acknowledged the receipt of the letters which I entrusted to Mr Mayo—But I have no acknowledgment of those which went by Mr Redwood; and I know the despatches had not on the 8th of January been received by the Secretary of State.
However frequently we have to regret the delays and miscarriages which attend our Correspondence, I trust you have before this learnt by my Letters, that the decease of my dear and only Sister, was made known to us, within a little more than two Months after the Melancholy Event—But none of your  Letters particularly relating to it have ever reached us, and the chasm in your letters from 14. July to 8. Novr: still remains to be filled up—This last, which I read over again and again calls forth fresh tears at every perusal; but they are not tears of bitterness—That my Sister died in a manner worthy of her life, I never could doubt; but to know from you that her last Moments were the most admirable of a life in which all was excellent soothes the Sorrow that it cannot heal—I know my Parents to be so supported by the immoveable foundations of Religion and Virtue that they would bear with Fortitude this severest of trials; but it is in these cases a consolation to know from themselves, even that of which we could have no doubt before—May all the Comforts which Heaven mingles with its Chastisements for the pure in Heart attend you and my father, through the remainder of your lives; and among the joys of a better existence, may the restoration to the communion of happiness with your beloved daughter, be reserved for you hereafter!
I shall answer my fathers letters, and write again to you, on the road or at Gothenburg. I am instructed to leave Mr Harris here charged with our affairs in my absence—my prospect therefore is of returning here. Mr Harris is at present in Holland or in England; but I have written to him requesting his return—I go to Gothenburg alone, leaving all my family here—I expect my stay there will be short—Mr Smith, his wife and child, with Martha, the girl who came with us from America, and who is homesick, are to embark early in the Summer, for Gothenburg, and thence return to the United States. Mrs Adams and Charles remain here to await the issue of this second Extraordinary Mission.
It was but yesterday that the official news of the taking of Paris by the allies was received, and this Evening there is a splendid illumination of this City for that Event—The Emperor Alexander has proclaimed for himself and the allies, that they will never treat again for Peace with Napoleon Bonaparte or any of his Family—That they will acknowledge and guarantee the Constitution which France shall give herself; and will grant more favorable terms of Peace to her under another Government than they would have done to Bonaparte—It is impossible to deny that this man has deserved his fate, and that no fate can be too severe for what he has deserved—The humiliation that he has so wantonly brought down upon his Nation may be a useful lesson to them, and a security for the rest of Europe—But I take no pleasure in witnessing the last Agonies of a Great Man, hunted to Death by Millions of little ones; nor in seeing a Nation like France, forced to take a Constitution and a Sovereign at the dictate of her most inveterate Enemies—And I wait for some confirmation of fact, to judge in what the Moderation, the Generosity and the Magnanimity of the Allies towards France will terminate.
I am as ever, faithfully your’s
A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 April 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

St Petersburg April 29th / 17. 1814

You will no doubt be much surprized at hearing from me, so soon after your departure; but a delemma has already occurred, and I write to know your intentions, respecting the letters that may arrive here. I supposed you had left your directions with Mr Smith, but he informs me that you only mentioned the public Papers, and intimated that you would speak to me about the private letters. I presume it slipped your memory, but as I have never in my life broken a Seal without your permission, I have thought it most prudent to ask for your instructions.—
I presume this may reach you at Reval, and I shall recieve your answer in the course of ten days.
The illumination was very splendid last Night, but the great Tower of Babel was not lighted at all.
Poor Charles, shed some bitter tears when he saw the Carriage drive off, at first his little heart swelled with indignation, but it soon changed into deep sorrow. he is now however restored to his usual cheerfulness, and desires his duty, and that you will soon come back again.
That favorable gale breezes may speedily waft you to the Place of your destination, and success crown your undertakings, is the ardent and sincere Prayer, of

L. C Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 5 May 1814
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

Dear Madam
Quincy May the 5th 1814

I most sincerely sympathize with you, and the bereved distrest Family at Washington. in the dispensation of heaven which has broken assunder the last paternal ligament; and left you the only Surviveing pillar, of the once numerous Edifice.
To us, who in the course of nature expect, and hope to joint the Spirits of the just; are consolations, which to the bereved widow; and Children, are more distant & remote; for they may survive, to feel all the anguish, of a long seperation; and to lament the loss, of a tender, affectionate, attentive, Husband, and doating Father.
He died at his post, probably a sacrifice to over exertion, and too great, a weight, and press of Buisness; for his years. he died, with the Love, respect, and esteem of his Country, having for 25 years, exhibited a strikeing example of attention and punctuality worthy imitation. If we live to old Age, “String, after String is severed from the heart,” untill, as on expresses it, we have scarcely any thing left to resign, but Breath.
To a mind Elevated & endowed like your own, full of confidence and hope, you can look through nature up to Natures God and trust the Ruler of the Skies, Sure that all events, are permitted and contrould, by infinite Wisdom, justice, and Benevolence.
The circumstance of loosing a Friend distant from home, must add to the pain of my dear Relative, and her return to her own habitation, be solitary indeed. Mr. Otis was a most pleasant companion, both at home and abroad.
When at Philadelphia, I lived in constant habits of intimacy, and Friendly intercourse with the Family and was witness to the cheerfulness and urbanity of his  manners—which in public Life secured him against the shafts of malice. he was always moderate, and never imposed his own opinions upon those who dissented from him upon political Question’s. he was firm in his own, and decided, but left others the same Liberty, accordingly for 25 years that he acted as Secretary to the Senate of the United States, amidst all the conflicts of party, he retaind the Love and Esteem of that Body.
 I need not say to you, who so well know his Character, that he adorned the doctrine which he professed as a christian Liberal, candid, and Charitable.
His uniform habits of temperance and sobriety and uninterrupted Health, gave him a vigor which promised a much longer duration, and made him dear to his Family and Friends, few of the infirmities of Age were discoverable in him—his loss will be most heavily felt, by his partner, and his dear daughters.
I know my dear Madam, you will offer to them, all the Sympathy, and consolation which your own experience can suggest, and which supported you through a similar trying Scene.
That you may still enjoy the consolations and Support of the most High, and finally be received to the Mansions of the blest, is ardently hoped for.
By your affectionate / Friend
Abigail Adams


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 5 May 1814
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Scituate May 5th. 1814.

It is so long a time my beloved Friend since I have had the satisfaction of hearing from you, that I am induced notwithstanding the weakness of my eyes to write a few lines to ask after your welfare, with other Friends at Quincy & to offer my thanks for an affectionate letter written in a sick chamber, where I regreted much it was not in my power to have been with you. I took some cold on returning from Plyh.  which dishearten’d me from attempting a Slay ride again, & looked forward to the accomplishment of my wishes early in the spring. But sister A Cushing has been confined to her room since Feby. some of the time with the lung Fever, which we apprehended would terminate in a hectic. She now is slowly recovering. My dear Hannah has been her constant nurse, while the cares of my family have principly occupied my time. We has planded a visit together but fear that cannot shortly be accomplished. If sister Bowers returns next month my great desires to see & converse with you may be effected.
O how often do I wish that our habitations were near together. But I trust friendships so strongly intwined will I trust be extended beyond this short life. When they are renovated they will be pure. My love & thanks to Miss Smith for her two affect. letter & hope she will excuse my not replying to them. I lemented being absent when she & Miss Lord came & hope they will revisit us this summer. Our good Friend Mrs Otis, how much I feel for her, She has realized what I had often feard would prove my lot; to return without my Husband The God of all mercies will be her support & comforter, in whom she has long trusted Do offer my best respects to the President & love to the young Ladies Sister Cushing & H Aylwin requests their best regards to you.
May your valuable life be preserved is the prayer of / Your Afect.
H Cushing


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Julia Stockton Rush, 6 May 1814
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Rush, Julia Stockton

My dear Madam
Quincy May 6th 1814

I received your Letter, and one which you forwarded for mrs Cuthbert, which I gave my Friend, who will be punctual to deliver it to the House, who transmit it. I hope for its safety and find a pleasure in being instrumental in bringing together long absent Friends.
If your son or daughters should any of them travel this way, I hope they will not fail to visit, the Ancient Friends of their parents. as to the Attorney General, the president  considers him as a Son, and delights much in his correspondence, altho from a late complaint, and weakness of his Eyes, he is obliged to dictate much of his writing.
I know my dear Madam you feel for and sympathize with my Friend and Relative mrs otis, and her daughters suddenly, and unexpectedly deprived of a kind Husband, and Father, & that at a distance from home where sympathizing Friends and Relatives share the Sorrows of the Bereaved, and mitigate their woes.
Their return to their own Habitation must be gloomy and solitary indeed, for mr otis was as domestick a Man, as him whom we all remember with veneration and Love
present me affectionately to all your Family, and to Judge Peters when you see him. I had some acquaintance’s in Philadelphia whom I always recollect with pleasure and a few Friends who will be very dear to my the heart, / of
Abigail Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 8 May 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

N. 31.
My Dear Sir.
Reval 8. May 1814.

I received some five weeks ago, an order from the President of the United States, an order to repair immediately to Gothenburg, in Sweden, upon an errand, the object of which being public, is well–known to you—It reached me just at a time when the Passage between Russia and Sweden was impracticable, or becoming so before it was possible for me to carry it into Execution. To avoid as much as possible the loss of Time, I determined to leave my family at St: Petersburg, and proceed upon the Journey alone—To take the shortest and directest course I came to this place intending to embark for Gothenburg or for Stockholm according as the opportunity should present itself—I arrived here on the first day of this Month before the harbour was clear of ice, and have engaged my passage in a vessel bound to Stockholm, which will be one of the first to depart—The harbour is now open—there is yet much ice in the gulph, but it may be expected to disappear in the course of two or three days. I now write you, without having any prospect of forwarding my letter before I get to Gothenburg—But I have three letters from you to answer, and having no Secretary, I may have as great a lack of leisure there, as I find a superfluity of it here—
The letters to which I allude, are of 28. Novr: and 23. and 24. Decr.—They should have been brought me by Mr Strong, who was the bearer of the Official Dispatch from the Secretary of State, but Mr Strong had in March such a Passage from Harwich to Holland in an English Packet, as you and I once had in January. He was obliged to quit the Packet, and land from the ice, on the island of Goeree, leaving his Trunk, and most of the letters on Board—They went back to England; and were finally forwarded by the opportunity of a Russian Courier—I received them five days before my departure from St: Petersburg.
It is my own opinion as it is yours that I ought to be at home—and although I am not yet recalled from the Mission to Russia, I flatter myself that this new Charge will ultimately furnish me the opportunity of returning home—I can say nothing to you of my anticipations—The War in Europe at present appears to be at an end—The Bourbons are restored to France and Spain, and the dreams of an universal Republic or a universal Monarchy have ended in the conquest of France by the Allies, and in the Abdication of Napoleon Bonaparte, against whom alone the allies have of late professed to make War.—It seems to me hardly credible that the allies should not very soon discover that there are other objects of contention, besides Napoleon, but hitherto all has gone on smoothly since they are in possession of Paris.—Napoleon has not only been constitutionally deposed; he has formally abdicated and renounced all pretensions to the thrones of France and Italy. The Bourbons are to receive France and France is to receive the Bourbons as presents from the allies; and the allies must necessarily dictate the terms upon which these generous donations are to be granted—That all parties should ultimately be satisfied with the issue may reasonably be doubted; the Allies have not yet declared how much of the guaranty which they thought necessary to secure them against the unbridled Ambition of Bonaparte, they will hold it prudent to relax in favour of the pacific, and unaspiring house of Bourbon—If the paroxysm of Generosity holds out to the end, they will soon find another Coalition necessary—If as is far more probable they finish by availing themselves of their advantages to impose severe and humiliating terms upon France, besides forfeiting the pledge, they have given to the World, of Moderation and magnanimity, they will leave a germ of rancour and revenge, which cannot be long in shooting up again—But for the present the War in Europe is terminated—Whether our War will finish with it, or is to continue must depend upon circumstances of which I am not yet informed.
If I could entirely subscribe to the censure which you obligingly pass upon yourself as well as upon me, of having been deficient in discriminating Judgment for the selection of our Books, I should lay claim to more indulgence than you would be entitled to, as having the additional stimulus of an example which I was bound on every principle to revere—That I have not duly discriminated in the choice of my Books is unquestionably true—But of all the libraries that I have ever seen, it has not been my Fortune to meet with one better selected than your’s.—Jortin tells a pleasant Story, about somebody who translated the latin adage “omnis Liber est bonus”—“all Books are good” and I remember a saying which you used to repeat from your friend Brand Hollis that there is not a bad Book in the World—This is not my opinion—but if at different stages of our lives we give a preference to Books of different descriptions, perhaps it would be dealing too  harshly with ourselves to pronounce all trash; for which we have lost the relish.—I certainly do not for my own use, prize Jack the Giant–Killer, and Tom Thumb and Goody–Two Shoes, as I did when they constituted the most delicious enjoyment of my life; yet while I have children to whose innocent pleasure they may contribute, I cannot consider them as having lost all their value.—Fabricius, and the Parliamentary History I have—The latter I bought at St: Petersburg at an Auction, for less than half the cost of their binding—24 Volumes, in very good Condition—See now the difference of tastes! At the same Sale where this book dropp’d to me as so much lumber, I could not have bought a Smollett, or a Hume, or even a Rapin for four times the Money—I shall not presume to compare the judgment of the common frequenters of a Book–Sale with your’s; and yet if a Muratore or a Byzantine Collection were to fall in my way, I should be very apt to follow your example rather than your admonition; and be the Helluo Librorum to the last. My Passion for Books has not in the smallest degree subsided—I indulge indeed far less than heretofore, my fondness for reading, because mere reading tends too much to indolence—My industry consists in writing, and it employs too much  of my Time to leave much for reading—But I am not like Dr: Johnson who said he learnt every thing he knew from conversation.—I hear nothing in Society but Talk—Politics—the Weather—Dancing—and the Card Table—This is the Circle of social Conversation which I am accustomed to find—Half an hour of reading gives me as much instruction, and more amusement than I should derive from a Century of all this.—As to your principle of seeking the fountains, I have given it up as desperate, for a Man, mixing with the World—It may do for a Lawyer in his Office, or a Professor at the University, but not for one whose destiny it is like the Sons of Ishmael to wander over the deserts, and dwell in the presence of his brethren—We must snatch here a little and there a little, wherever we can find it—If we refused to drink but from the fountains, we should soon perish with thirst.
There is in your Letter of 24. December a series of Questions on a graver and more momentous subject—I shall answer them with the same candour and sincerity; but they deserve a distinct Consideration, by themselves—In the mean time I remain ever faithfully yours
A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 May 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

St Petersburg May 8. 1814

Yesterday evening I received a few lines from you dated from Heglecht. I am extremely happy the accident was so trifling, and hope your Servant was successful in his search—
I wrote you the day after you left us, but I fear you will not receive my letter at Reval. Since your departure there has arrived a large number of dispatches among which was one brought by Mr Lewis’s brother who came in the Frigate which conveyed the Ministers to Gottenburg they arrived on the 15th of April Mr Hull enclosed several packages the covers of which were very much worn in coming by the mail I took the liberty of opening the outside imagining they might contain letters for me but was entirely disappointed I immediately put them into the hands of Mr Smith and can assure you that I did not one word of the letters which were enclosed unsealed—you will I am sure pardon the liberty, and make allowance for my great anxiety to hear from my family, and Children. Mr Smith intends sending partly by Mr Peyron and partly by Mr Norman as there are too many to trouble one Gentleman with—We have heard of the appointment of Mr Hughes but not a word of Mr Harris excepting that he went to England with the Grand Dutchess—
I have been very sick I had been very unwell from the day you left us and on Thurday last I was siezed almost instantaneously with one of those deadly fainting fits which I used to be subject to when I was first married it left me so weak I was confined to my bed untill to day owing to its having produced my old complaint to a great degree I am however much better and hope to be quite well in a few days—
I am endeavouring to prevail on Charles to write you but he has got the tooth ache so bad that I fear I shall not prove successfull—
I enclose this for Mr Spyre at Stockholm we are rejoiced at the reappointment of Mr Galatin to whom I beg you will present my best respects—We all unite in affectionate wishes for your welfare and success on which you are almost too well assured hangs the soul of your affectionate wife
L. C. Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 May 1814
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

10 May 1814

Recd: Quincy May 10th: 1814 of Thomas B Adams Esqr Twenty-five dollars & fifty Cents in full for a quarters interest on J Q Adams’s Note.
$25.50
Abigail Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 May 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

St Petersburg May. 11th. 1814

Your kind letter arrived just in time to cheer us. Charles and I were both quite sick, but are now thank God much better, though Dr. Galloway has order’d me to keep  him at home for some days, the weather being uncommonly cold, and the Bridge not likely to be put up for some days.
We have nothing new. there is some talk of the Emperor’s return, some say immediately, others not untill August. The two Mr Lewis’s dined with me last Sunday with Dr Beresford who told me that Lord Byron in consequence of some lines which he wrote on the quarrel which took place between the P. R. and Lord Lauderdale (which was said to have produced a flood of tears from the P. C.) is to be called before the house of Peers. if I can procure the lines I will send them to you.—
We have been amusing ourselves with the rejected addresses which are very laughable, and certainly very well done. I believe you never saw them, they would afford you half an hours amusement, and I wish you had them in your Carriage. they are just calculated to while away the time which sometimes hangs heavy on the road, and more profitable than musing on enjoyments out of our reach. I have not seen the Countess but will deliver your message without fail.—
Dr Galloway has just left me, and informs me that the Senate have had a meeting, to consult upon the great question, of making a new title for the Emperor. this important business is terminated, and three Gentlemen whose names are Alexander, are to leave this place immediately, as bearers of it to his Imperial Majesty, Prince Kourakin, Count Soltykof and another whose name I do not recollect. it is in future to be Alexanded the Blessed.—
Among the circumstances which afford matter for conversation, the seizure of Sir James Riddle’s Trunk, excites the most risibility. It was seized, on account of a small Copper Plate, for printing Cards with his name. the Custom-House have declared it contraband, and his little Lordship has been obliged to interfere, after Mr Cayley’s having been forced to appear before the Court on account of Sir James. and I understand much warmth has been produced, but all is happily settled—
I was really grieved at the loss of your poor Servant, but very happy to think the accident was no worse—I congratulate you upon your good fortune in arriving so exactly in time to participate in all the rejoicings at Revel. I am fully sensible of the pleasure it must have afforded you.
It is quite unnecessary to send me the paper which you mention, as I trust our separation is to be a short one, and that such an one will ever be useless to me.
We are anxiously waiting to hear from you at Gottenburg, and to recieve the letters which we have the happiness to know Mr. Clay keeps for us. you may judge of our impatience.
Mr & Mrs: Smith, desire to be remember’d, Charles says he shall write you again soon, the last was all his own. My paper is out and my letter very tedious, so I will only bid you adieu with every good wish.
L. C. A.


Title: From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 May 1814
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

post 11 May 1814

Yes, my dear Friend—I am indeed the only one of my Father’s house who yet stands in this fading, precarious portion of existence.—Little did I think my excellent brother would be called before me, but the thread of my life has been drawn out until I stand a wonder unto all around me.—I hope it is to add another note of gratitude to that unbounded sum which is due to my Creator and Preserver.—
Ought I to mourn for a brother & friend who has been taken from a more weary period of time and placed in a more perfect state?—Thus we have every reason to believe from his life and conduct, and the encouraging promises of the Gospel.—Much could I say on this subject, but I turn my pitying eye & heart to my mourning Sister & Children.—I hope your pen & your converse will console & assist them on to brighter days.—
I did not think of writing you this Evening until I found my Mareia leaves us tomorrow morning & means to call and pay her respects to you, on her way to her own residence:—and am now unavoidably interrupted—I have only time to enquire after the health of yr. husband, your Son, and your daughters.—You will write me soon—your letters always exhilirate that warm glow of affection which has burned in my bosom for many, very many years.—
You will with my regards to Mr. Adams tell him, that I believe he owes me a Letter, but whether he does or does not, I believe I shall write him soon on a subject which he may think importinent, or vain, or I do not know what.—
The death of Judge Paine he must feel as an old patriot if not a friend.—What a small remnant is left of the respectable circle which gave independence to the United States, and which many of her degenerate children, are ready to relinquish?—But this is too wide a feild to be enter’d on at the present moment by Yr ever Affecte.
Mercy Warren


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 13 May 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

N. 4.
Reval 1/13 May 1814.

What can I say to my beloved friend, but that I am still the prisoner of the ice and the winds?—It is a poor Consolation, but the only one I have that they are both in Coalition to prevent my departure—The Winds which last Summer when we expected Mr Gallatin and Mr Bayard, seemed to have taken a lease for Years at East, now adhere with no less obstinacy to the Westward, and untill they relent, I am fixed here—a mournful Reveller—like Patience on a Monument—Smiling at Grief.
About half a Mile from my lodgings there is a hill, upon which stands the Castle of the City, and which overlooks the Harbour, and the Gulf, even over to the Finland side—At the summit of the Rock, the descent is as abrupt and perpendicular as that of Königstein, though not a fifth part so high. A learned Historian of the Province, who beguiles my lonesome hours, mentions an incident upon this hill, as one of the derivations of the name of the place—The City, he says was built about the year 1200, by Waldemar 2. King of Denmark—That while it was building, he was accustomed to hunt in the vicinity, and that he once pursued a Roe to the top of this Hill, where in her attempt to escape she leapt from the precipice and broke her Neck—Upon which Waldemar determined to call his City Reh-fall—which name in the usual decays of Time has degenerated into that of Reval.—To this hill I regularly repair once every day; not to hunt, nor yet to break the neck of a Roe, but to look abroad upon the gulph, in the hope of seeing only Land and Water. As regularly hitherto I have found the gulph beset with masses of floating ice, and untill they disappear, Reval must be the island of Calypso for my Ulysses.
The Oracle of political news here is a Riga Gazette, called the Zuschauer; that is, the Spectator—It comes twice a week, and Mr Rodda has the obliging attention of sending it to me. I find in it news enough—As much as I am desirous to know—The War in France has ended in such a singular manner that I am perfectly at a loss what to think about it—They say that in the Typhon’s of the East India Seas, there is sometimes an instantaneous transition from a furious hurricane to a total calm—It is the aptest emblem of the present Moment— But the Calm is as dangerous as the Storm, and it is generally very quickly followed by a Tempest equally tremendous, from the opposite quarter—In neither of these respects do I apprehend that the parallel will hold. But when Napoleon shall be fairly and completely out of the way, and out of the Question, (which he is long before this) we shall have the opportunity of ascertaining, whether the Allies have really been thinking they had nothing to do but to crush him, and whether the Peace of the World is really to be secured by his removal.
I perceive by an Article from London of 12. April in this Newspaper that Mr Gallatin and Mr Bayard had just then arrived in England—But there is nothing yet said of the arrival of our other Commissioners at Gothenburg. I think it probable Mr Bayard will stay in England, untill he hears from them.
While I am writing, I this instant receive your letter of 17/29 April, and was not only surprized but delighted at the sight of your hand-writing—It must have been laying here at the Post Office, at least a week; for I did not think of sending there to enquire if there were any letters for me; and they I suppose did not know of my being here untill now.
I told Mr Smith that I should authorize you to open any letters which might be received in my absence, from our family relations in America—I intended to have spoken to you on the subject both on the day of my departure, and on the preceding day; but it escaped my recollection—I now authorize you to open all private letters addressed to me which you may receive; and request you then to forward them to me by the Post.
As I do not think Indignation a very suitable sentiment for a child of any age, with regard to his Parent, and as I am very sure it is one which Charles never could be warranted to indulge, I am less affected by that part of his feelings than by his sorrow.—Not a day, and I might almost say not an hour has passed away since I left him but I have longed to have him with me, and felt the pain of the separation from him—But I believed that separation most expedient both for him and me, and submitted to it as to a necessary inconvenience. I share most cordially in his wish that I may soon return to him and you, or that you and he may return to me; in the mean time he must take care by his good and dutiful behaviour to be the consolation and joy of his Mama.
I have seen a very splendid account taken from the Russian Invalid of the Te Deum at the Cazan, and the first Night’s Illumination at St: Petersburg; and large Stories have been in circulation here about the cost of that blazing idea.—Such as that the subscription to light up the commercial Club was 40000 Rubles’—That the Merchants at the Exchange made up a purse of 50000 Rubles and presented it to General Kutuzoff for bringing the news that Paris was taken—That the Tower of Babel, was lighted by a job, and that the contractor asked 20,000 Rubles for it, and actually received 10000; and more in the same style—But the most astonishing report is that the fall of Paris produced no great Sensation at London, and the only way I have heard an attempt to account for this insouciance, is that it was considered as a high prize which would have been a bonne bouche for Lord Wellington.
Saturday 14. May.
I have revived a very old acquaintance—Yesterday a Gentleman called upon me, and enquired whether I had been in Stockholm about thirty-two years ago, in company with an Italian, named Count Greco—On my answering in the affirmative, he asked if I remembered having visited with the Count, and a Swedish Gentleman named Wadström the Cabinet of mechanical inventions belonging to the Academy of Sciences—I did remember it very distinctly—He then told me that he was at that time the keeper of the Cabinet, and had shewn it to us—That his name was Norberg; that he had now been for some years in the Russian service, and resided in the neighbourhood of this City—He invited me to his house, where he told me, if I still retained my taste for the sight of mechanical inventions he could gratify my curiosity—I accordingly went there in the afternoon with Mr Rodda who had introduced him to me—He shewed me a number of very ingenious inventions; some for use and some for amusement.—He is a man, much of the same turn of mind as General Betancourt, and is now engaged here in great works for enlarging and improving the Harbour of this place—I had no recollection of his Person, neither had he of mine; but I have now a faint remembrance of his name, and the visit to the Cabinet of the Academy is as clear upon my Memory as if it had happened last week.
There was another visitor who came the day before Yesterday, and introduced himself to me by the name of Major Reiners. His object was to tell me that he had a foster-Son, a youth of about fourteen, who wanted to go and seek his Fortune in America; and would be glad to go in my suite—Yesterday he came and brought with him the lad himself—But he had no Passport—I am not now going to America—and when I do go, it will not be with a suite—I made my excuses as civilly as I could to the Major, who must recur to some other plan for the establishment of his foster-son.
I am ever affectionately yours
A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 May 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

St Petersburg May 15th. 1814

We had concluded from appearances here that you would be detained some days at Revel, but I did not imagine that your stay would have been so much prolong’d. I last night had the pleasure of recieving your number 3, and at the same time the mortification of discovering that number 2 was missing this of course causes me some uneasiness as I believe few of your correspondents would be willing to lose one of your letters whose much more your Wife whose only “note of time” is the anticipation and calculation of the posts which may convey them.
I presume long before you quitted Revel you must have heard of the arrival of the Gentlemen, Mr. Galatin, and Mr Bayard were in England on the 12 of April but they will probably be in Gottenburg before you.all this will be old news to you when this letter reaches you.
No appointment of English Ministers yet heard of here, and many reports that there will be none. I wish this was decided as I should the sooner have the pleasure of seeing you, which though I do not pretend to desire would certainly not be disagreeable This place is at all times to me very dull you may judge how much more so in your absence.
The first of the Month is arrived and with it all the difficulties I anticipated your departure left room for much tricking which I have been obliged to submit to I have dismissed Vasili and this makes an almost entire change in the male part of the establishment, the prospect I hope will brighten the next Month and every thing go on smooth again.
That your time should hang heavy on your hands any where is almost beyond my comprehension, but I rather believe this to be a façon de parler, of your impatience I can more readily judge knowing your anxiety to be the first at Gottenburg, the detention must be insupportably irksome, and even the charms of the Revel Ladies can hardly prove sufficient to counterpoize its tediousness. however I flatter myself that the pleasures of society, and the charm of variety, which you must necessarily meet with on such a journey will do a great deal towards the reestablishment of your health as such an event however painfully acquired by your family must provide the greatest blessing and the one for which they most ardently pray.
I am not surprized at any thing I hear concerning the expence of London, it holds forth a delightful prospect for an American Minister on the accustomed Salary. I am told that in Paris it is not much better for that the Officers write that they cannot procure a dinner for less than two Ducats a head, and every thing else in proportion
It will be almost as great a tax upon your patience to read my letters, as it was to wait the opening of the navigation at Revel. but when a man as taken a woman for better for worse he must make up his mind to bear a great deal, the more fortitude he displays, the greater is his merit. Socrates would never have acquired such a reputation as he gained if he had not had Xantippe for a Wife—
Charles is better but has still a little intermitting fever hanging about him, and complains frequently of a pain at his heart he is however in good spirits. Mr and Mrs Smith are well and the Child grows finely and improves wonderfully. I am as ever in heart and Soul yours most affectionately
L, C. A.Charles when he sees a letter always announces that there is a letter for us Mr Peyron sets off tomorow and takes dispatches for you to Stocholm.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 May 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear friend
St Petersburg May 19th. 1814.

Owing to the unfortunate detention of your last letter (that is to say No 2) I lost the opportunity of writing to you at Revel and I fear you charged me with at least unkindness. the letter which I wrote you two days after your departures appears to have been mislaid as you have made no mention of it and I addressed the others to Gottenburg and Stockolm where I hope you will find at least one of them—
It is reported here that you will shortly return. on many accounts I trust this is not true, but for my own sake I should certainly not be sorry for it. we are overwhelmed with bad news and I almost rejoiced that you are out of the reach of it, and probably so situated as not to be able to ascertain the real amount, which you know is here extremely difficult—
The paper which your very affectionate letter enclosed I have put away into the Trunk with your other private papers, and I pray to Heaven that I may never see it again. as it regards my destination under such unfortunate circumstances, I can safely  assert I never gave it a thought, and you have ever been too kind to me ever to create a momentary apprehension. my Children are my pride and glory, and my extreeme affection for them render’d me very unjust, but I have been labouring for many years under a false impression and so painful to my heart, that I was perhaps not aware of how much it influenced my conduct. you will I am sure accept my apology, and recieve it with as much pleasure as I offer it being perfectly convinced that it is sincere, and from the Heart.
Mr Monreal sat with me an hour yesterday we had much conversation, he is still very unwell, and very low. enclosed is a letter which he gave me for you. He informed me that the Loan obligations which you left, have encreased in value one and twenty percent since you purchased, and that Silver is becoming very dear here; he desired me to write this to you, therefore I have mention’d it. Ducats are falling as rapidly, they will not pass for more than eleven Rubles.
The two Mr Lewis’s passed the evening with us of yesterday. Mr L. is more depressed than ever, though as is usual in such cases he talks a great deal about his philosophy we are all very impatient to hear from you at Gottenburg, and flatter ourselves that you will meet something, that will remove the gloom that at present pervades us all. Mr L. is very anxious about all you Gentlemen at Gottenburg, and been suggesting some plan, for conveying some good eatables and Wine for your use; he is only apprehensive that your stay will be too short to admit of it. should this not be the case you can let us know if it would be agreeable.— I know not what is the reason but the English are very shy.—
According to your desire, I waited on Mrs Krehmer and return’d your thanks; she was extremely polite and obliging, and offer’d every service in Mr K.’s power, should any thing occur during your absence in which he could assist you—
Charles is very well, and at School. the River is full of Ice, and is likely to continue for some days so, and it is very Cold. It is thought Mr H. will not accept the situation of Chargé d’Affaire—The Count dé Bray, it is said is hourly expected in his old place—Prince Kourakin, Count Soltikof, and General Tormasof, set off yesterday for Paris. it is said that the Emperor is in England, and that the Grand Duke Constantine is coming home immediately. and every thing is rising in price in consequence of it. Excuse this truely Gossiping letter and be assured of the sincere affection / Of your’s

L C A.I am sure you must admire the neatness of my Epistles God Bless you.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 May 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

St Petersburg May 20th. 1814

As the tops of the Houses here are cover’d with Snow and the winds continue to be contrary I venture to write you a few lines, my best friend, in answer 2 No 4, which I recieved this morning. the extreme irregularity of the Posts, has prevented my addressing my letters to Reval, and I have already forwarded three or four to Stockolm, and Gottenburg, which you will find on your arrival.—I am almost as impatient at your delay as you are knowing how much it must affect your spirits at the present moment you have long e’re this no doubt hear’d of the arrival of the Frigate John Adams with Messrs Clay and Russel the last of whom you will probably meet on your landing as he is gone to Stockolm to present his letter of his Credentials and be acknowledged before the opening of the other business. as there are no English Commissioners appointed your detention will prove of less consequence although not the less irksome.
The Bookbinder brought me an account, he says that he gave you the bill a few days before you left us, and I find one not reciepted in the file in your Trunk; the one he gave me was for 39 Rubles, the one in the Trunk is for 43. he told me he did not precisely recollect the articles, he may perhaps have made some error, and apparently not in his own favour. I cannot find Plucharts reciept any where.
I cannot account for the manner in which your letters are brought me. one of them came in two days and a half and the others have all been seven and eight days on the road if you will permit to suggest a plan for their being safely brought when you have reached Gottenburg I think were you to do address them to Mr. Lewis he would find some means to procure them immediately after their arrival this however you are better able to judge of than I am.
Every thing here remains pretty much as you I left it Charles is at School and much better I admire the exaggerations of your Riga Spectator; it is certainly true that the Merchants have made a handsome present to Kutusoff and he presented a part of it to the famous Society for the relief of the Sufferers &ca.
The Gentlemen arrived at Gottenburg the 11th of April Messrs. G. and B. are expected to be already in G. as the Neptune went for them to Harwick from Gottenburg on the 25th.—of April.
Adieu I am sorry you were offended at the foolish expression I used about Charles, but we cannot expect that I Child of his age should be capable of reasoning profoundly upon the nature of his feelings, and I believe the tears he saw me shed, produced the momentary sensation; Nature will prevail spite of us, mon Ami, and only it is time and experience that can teach him to judge the motives which lead our actions.
God Bless you and protect you where ever you are may he turn the hearts of our enemies and grant us a solid and permanent Peace. Our prospects are very gloomy and I fear there is not much to hope. All our news here is bad and nothing but disagreeable reports which however I do not credit but I have proved so poor and shallow a politician that my opinion can be of no consequence. We are all well and ever affectly: yours

L C. A.


Title: From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 May 1814
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Papa
St: Petersburg May 23rd: 1814

I went to School last Wednesday, as I could not cross sooner on account of the Ice. At Dinner, I heard that mr: Severin’s House in the Country, was burnt to the ground; the fire spread so fast, that it was impossible to put it out. Mrs: Severin lost all the Clothes, Table-linen &c. of all the family, which had been sent out the night before. Mrs: S. had left town herself, and was met on the road, by the man who had been sent to town with this bad news.
Mama presented me a book, called Tales from the Mountains, which is very pretty. when I have finished this Book, I hope Mama will give me another, called the Quadrupeds.
Mama always lets me read your letters, but the last I have not seen because I was at School.
I hope this letter will find you at Gottenburg, I was very sorry you had to stay so long at Reval.
I am Dear Papa, your affectionate, and dutiful Son,
Charles Francis Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 May 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

St. Petersburg May 25th 1814

Having recieved no letter from you since No: 4 my best friend, I flatter myself you left Reval soon after writing it and that you are at this time at Gottenburg almost every one to whom I have spoken about the detention of your letters assure me that they are read at the Post Office, and that this is the real cause of their delay. you appear to have had some suspicion of this yourself, from the observation you make in your no 3, and I really think with you that a man’s letters to his Wife might be spared. Although I care little about this circumstance, I wish you would put a Wafer under your Seal, as I have no objection to throwing a few impediments in the way of their curiosity, and adding add a little difficulty to their research to enhance the pleasure of the perusal. I could almost wish they would honour this with their notice they might see how truely sensible I am of their politeness.
Mr. de Tracy called on me last evening to announce his departure which though not fixed, will probably be in the course of a few days. He politely offer’d to take any commission I might have for Paris, and regretted that he could not take letters for you to Mr. Crawford—
Mr S. passed the evening at the Countess’s where he met the usual company, the little Man, said there would be no peace between us, that twenty thousand men were going from Spain and that three thousand were actually on their way, these were the best Negociators. Lord Castlereah, was to leave Paris the 4 5th or 6 of this Month for London. It is said the Coronation took place on the 4th.
No 5 is this moment put into my hands  11 days after the date. I fear you did not recieve my letter before your departure but it gives me much pleasure to think that you were at last likely to get away. and I sincerely hope you were not frustrated in your intentions. I presume your stay in Stockolm will be very short I shall therefore continue to direct my letters to Gottenburg. your stay at Reval as been excessively tedious but it has perhaps kept you out of much anxiety and uneasiness, concerning the present prospect of affairs.
The English Mails are not to come oftener than once in ten days for the future which is a little unpleasant to the Merchants here. Mr Norman is not yet gone, he is hourly waiting for news from Mr Harris, who to the astonishment of every one has not been heard from.
You will have found a number of your dispatches at Stockolm, they were forwarded by Mr Peron, who had a Courier’s Pass, and would probably arrive before you; a great many have been recieved here for you from the Count Romanzoffs, but I immediately put all the letters into the hands of Mr S. without knowing what they contain. I am very much obliged to you for your permission and for the confidence you place in me regarding your private letters: I never meant to express a desire to see any but those which come from our immediate families, and will certainly be cautious not to abuse the trust reposed in me.
Thursday 26 May.
I left my letter open thinking I might possibly recieve a letter from you dated Stockolm I do not quite despair of it yet although I think it hardly probable—
You can readily concieve our impatience for the reception of the letters which Mr Clay brought You will no doubt have forwarded them immediately after your arrival so that we may expect them in the course of a few days as your stay at Stockolm will probably not exceed eight days. Write me how you found our old acquaintance, the Counts politeness promises much satisfaction and pleasure during your short residence
Mr Galatin, and Mr Bayard, will most likely be in Gottenburg before you arrive there, and something decisive will be arranged concerning the time of your absence or return. if any thing can be done there to promote the interests of our Country, I should be the last to regret our separation.
Charles has written you a letter which I enclose, it is all his own, and you will smile at the complaint which he makes about your letters. he is better than he was though far from well, I have sent him to School though the Dr. disapproves of the crossing the Water. there is no prospect of the Bridge, as more Ice is expected, we all Join in your wish that it was at Nova Zembla—Adieu God grant you health and spirits to get through your task and believe me ever affectionately yours
L. C. AdamsSt Petersburg May 27
I have open’d my letter to add a few lines before I send it to the Post Office Mr Roddie has been so good as to write according to your request and to inform me that you actually sailed on Sunday. I am rejoiced at your being freed at last from your unpleasant confinement. There are letters just arrived in Town which bring very good news. I understand our affairs are nearly settled and very well by our friends in England.
God Bless you


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 31 May 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

N. 7.
My beloved Friend.
Stockholm 31. May 1814.

By the last Post I sent you the Journal of my Voyage from Reval to this place, and at the close of it, had just time to acknowledge the receipt of your kind favour, and my dear Charles’s Letter of the 8th:—Mr Peyron arrived here only one day after me, and brought a Post-Office of Dispatches and letters for me, among which one and the most precious of all, was your’s of the 15th:—which with the pleasure it gave me has however excited in me some surprize and concern—It acknowledges the receipt of my N. 3. from Reval, but shewd that you had not received N. 2. and leaves me to fear that you had not even N. 1. for, that also was written at Reval, and in it I told you, that I should not reckon the few lines I had written you from Tegelicht as one of the file; but would begin the numbered series with that.
I gave my letter to you. N. 1. into the hands of Mr Walther, Mr Rodde’s Son in Law, on the 4th: of May, and N. 2. into those of Mr Rodde himself on the 7th: of May, those Gentlemen having obligingly promised to transmit them by the Mails of those respective days—As those Gentlemen were in such regular and constant correspondence with St: Petersburg, I thought my Letters would go more surely and with more dispatch, through their hands, than if I had sent them directly to the Post-Office.—As you received N.3. at the proper time, and it was forwarded in the same manner, by Mr Rodde, I cannot account for the delay of the two others, and I am the more anxious about them, because it was of much more importance that you should receive them than N.3. or any of the Letters, that I have written you since—The most essential was N. 2. in which was enclosed my Will, which I had forgotten to leave with you, and which would be an indispensable document to you, in case of any accident happening to me—It was made before I sailed from Boston; and my Brother has the duplicate of it—Before sending the other to you from Reval, I took a Copy of it, which I have with me, but it is not in my own power to make another original, but by making an entire new Will. There was also in that N. 2. a Statement of the situation of my affairs, which would be as necessary for you as the Will itself.—I hope you have ere this received both the Letters, but I shall write by this Post to Mr Rodde, to enquire concerning them, and I would recommend it to you, if they should not have reached you before this, to do the same.
It will be the more expedient that you should be in possession of those Papers, as from present appearances. I have the prospect of at least one more Sea Voyage, before I shall have the happiness of meeting you again—It is not yet known here that there has been any appointment in England of Commissioners to meet those of the United States—Mr Gallatin and Bayard, instead of coming to Gothenburg have remained in England—The proposal has been made, somewhere, to remove the Seat of the Negotiations to Holland, and although I do not approve of this step, it may have been carried already so far that I shall be under the necessity of acquiescing in it—If it should be so, probably Mr Clay, Mr Russell and myself will go, by Water, in the John Adams, from Gothenburg to Amsterdam—If on the other hand, as is my earnest wish, we should finally meet the British Commissioners at Gothenburg, I fully expect to return to you, by water from Gothenburg, and hope to accomplish the Voyage, and be with you at latest by the first of September.
I can say little or nothing to you concerning this City, for the Letters and dispatches that I have received here, have so entirely absorbed my time, that I have scarcely had a moment for attention to any thing else—I have not found it necessary to be presented at Court, and thus have saved all the time that such a ceremony would have consumed.—I have seen Count Engeström, and found him the same social, pleasant man that he was at Berlin—I dined on Sunday, in company with him, and a diplomatic party at Baron Stroganoff’s—Madame d’Engeström has been unwell, and I have not had the honour of seeing her. Even my hours of exercise have been much abridged, although occasionally once, and sometimes twice a day I stroll about the Streets; and stare at the objects of curiosity that I meet in them, untill I find myself an object of staring to others. You know that this is not my first visit to Stockholm; but the only thing that I recollect distinctly, at the distance of thirty-two years is the Royal Palace.—There are however three Statues, two of which were standing when I was here before, and which I ought not to have forgotten—One of them is of Gustavus Vasa, and the other of Gustavus-Adolphus, an Equestrian Statue, which will not stand a comparison with that of Peter, on the Square in your neighbourhood. The Statues of Gustavus Vasa, and of Gustavus III are on foot, and both very excellent workmanship—The first was erected in 1773, by the Order of Nobles, and the other by the Citizens of Stockholm in 1790. There is also a Column, opposite the Palace, erected by the late king in 1799, in honour of the Citizens of Stockholm, and to commemorate their fidelity to his father, in a time of War—It is in form like the Column in honour of Marshal Romanzoff, at St: Petersburg.—The Statue and the Column appear to be Monuments corresponding each to the other.
The second day after my arrival, I removed my lodgings to the same house where Mr Russell has his Apartments, and I now live with him, his Secretary of Legation, Mr Lawrence, and his Son, a youth, about twelve years of age. Mr: Lawrence is of New-York, and is acquainted with Mr Smith—I find their Society very agreeable, and am much more comfortably situated here, than from what I hear, I have reason to expect to be at Gothenburg—Mr Russell intended to have gone on with me to that City, but he is under the necessity of waiting here longer than I think I can stay consistently with my Instructions—I purpose therefore to proceed thither alone; and to leave this City the day after to-morrow. Mr Russell expects to follow me, in time to embark with us, or to be at Gothenburg as soon as our two other Colleagues.
Among the letters which I have received here, is the one for you, which I now enclose, and which I opened because the superscription is to me. It is of a date some Months older than that of letters which we had already received before I left you; and appears to have been brought as far as London, by Mr G. H. Apthorp, our neighbour, of Quincy—There was with it a Letter, also from my Mother, to me, dated 22. October, and which I should likewise now enclose, but that it contains only the same information that you will find in your’s.
I am sorry that you met with any difficulties in the settlement of the accounts at the beginning of the Month, and hope that things will go on more to your Satisfaction in future It is probable that my next Letter to you will be from Gothenburg, and as I shall be more distant from you, the interval between this and my next will again be unusually long. But whatever the distance between us may be; rest assured that you will always have with you the heart of your affectionate husband. A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Steuben Smith, 31 May 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, William Steuben

Dear Sir.
Stockholm 31. May 1814.

Mr: Peyron arrived here last Thursday, and by him I received the eight Packets which you had committed to his care; and among them your favours of 3. and 11. May to me, and of 16. May to Messrs: Gallatin and Bayard, jointly with me.
I arrived myself, only one day before Mr Peyron, and should have proceeded immediately to Gothenburg; but I found that Mr Gallatin and Mr Bayard were not there; nor likely to be there, at least for some time—I therefore stop’d for some days here, but intend to go on before the end of this week.
It is probable that if you arrive at Gothenburg, early in July, you may have an opportunity of returning to the United States in the John Adams; but if not there will undoubtedly be merchant Vessels, going to America from that Port, through the whole course of the Summer.—I have not heard a word of or from Mr Harris.
Your reflections upon the natural aversion of mankind to repose are very just, and adapted to the Circumstances of the Times—And yet the desire for Repose is as natural, and as ardent, as the Passion for Change—In truth Human Nature itself is little more than a composition of inconsistencies
“of every thing by turns, and nothing, long.”
Your Letter of the 3d: instt: mentions the Letters enclosed with it, as being forwarded by Mr: Norman—Mrs: Adams in a Letter of the 8th: tells me that you intended to send part of the Packets by Mr: Norman, and the rest, by Mr Peyron; as there were too many to be taken by one person—I remain in some uncertainty therefore, whether Mr Peyron finally took them all, or whether I am still to expect another Budget by Mr: Norman.
The Crown Prince is expected here daily, and has been expected several days—There is an Embargo here, and a large quantity of shipping has been taken up, to bring home the Swedish troops—The affairs with Norway are not yet entirely settled; but after the Prince’s return they cannot be long delayed.
Mr Russell’s Secretary of Legation, Mr Lawrence, is an acquaintance of yours, and desires to be remembered to you.
Remember me affectionately to Mrs Smith, and believe me to be with great regard, your faithful friend.
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 31 May 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Charles Francis

My dear Son.
Stockholm 31. May 1814.

I was very glad to receive your Letter of 8. May, and was on the whole well satisfied with the hand-writing.—There was one f too much in the word afraid, but I see you discovered the fault, and drew the pen across the letter to strike it out—This has defaced the paper a little, but I hope your next Letter will be without blot, erasure, or Paté.
You tell me that Priestly looked into Duncan’s Drawers and found some Play-things, and a flute—did he, indeed?—Well—Drawers, are strange places to find a flute in!—But was it not Duncan’s Draws, where Priestly found the flute?
I have no opportunity by which I could send you my little french knife and fork; besides which I have just now a particular use for them myself—But if you Mama pleases, you may have the Billiard-Balls to play with; upon condition that  you will take great care not to break or lose them.
I am thinking whereabouts you are now in your reading of the Bible; and perhaps in your next Letter you will tell me—You must give my Compliments to Mr Fishwick, and tell him, I hope you will be a good boy, and give him Satisfaction, and make good improvement in my absence.
Mr Russell, who is the American Minister here at Stockholm has one Son, here with him—But he is much older than you—As old as your brother George—and he is acquainted with him; and at one time was his School-fellow at Mr Whitney’s at Quincy. Mr Russell is endeavouring to find a good School to place him at here; but I do not know whether he will succeed.
I have a Letter from your Grandmama, in which she says, speaking of your two brothers—“John is spoken of as a very good latin Scholar. He is the most active, spirited little Thing you can imagine. I say little thing for he is small of his age, while George has almost attained the Stature of Manhood.” The Letter is dated in October 1813; and in it your Grandmama desires me to give her love to you.
I am, my dear Charles, as anxious to see you again, as you are for my return—I hope it will not be many Months before we shall meet once more, and in the mean time I remain your ever affectionate father
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 2 June 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

N. 8.
My dearest Wife.
Stockholm 2. June 1814

I wrote you by the last Post, that it was my intention to leave this City for Gothenburg this day, and that my next Letter to you, would probably be from that place—I still hold my purpose of departing at six O’Clock this Evening; but I have not Patience to wait untill I reach Gothenburg before I write to you again—Having taken a Press Copy of my last, I now enclose it to you, lest by some accident like that which happened to my two first Letters from Reval, you should fail to receive it at the proper time—I have written to Mr Rodde, concerning those two Letters, and requested him to make enquiries after them, and write to you the result.—If they were duly forwarded by the Mail from Reval the Detention must have been at St: Petersburg, and I hope you will be able to have them traced there.—It so happens, that I minuted in my Journal the delivery of the first to Mr Walther and of the second to Mr Rodde, with my own hands, on the two several Post-days of 4 and 7. May. There was certainly nothing in them, to cause an official detention, although the second was important enough, personally to you and me, and our family, to give me some uneasiness, at its not having reached you in time—
The English Mail of May 13. arrived here yesterday—The British Government have appointed Commissioners to meet us—Admiral Lord Gambier, Mr: Adam, and Mr Gouldsbourn. It was expected that a proposition would be made from the English side, to change the place of the Conferences, and, meet in Holland—My Colleagues were prepared to accede to this proposal, upon Condition that it should be made from the other side—and I expect that on arriving at Gothenburg I shall find it all so settled, as to have no alternative left, but to go on—As it was all done without consulting me, I trust I shall not be answerable for it—I dislike it, for a multitude of reasons, to speak in the New-England Styles, too tedious to mention; but in matters of much more importance I shall cheerfully sacrifice any personal convenience, and any opinion as far as my sense of the public interest will admit, to the accommodation, and inclinations of my Colleagues.
The proposition was transmitted in the first instance, by Coll: Milligan, who came, with a strong Letter of Recommendation from Mr Bayard, and who returned to England, in company with Mr Hughes—It is probable if the arrangement is finally settled of going to Holland, that you may be informed of it, by the public News, in that direction, sooner than you can learn it from me at Gothenburg—In that case, instead of addressing any more Letters to me at Gothenburg, address them, under cover to Messrs: W. & J. Willink at Amsterdam.—If we go, I suppose it will be as I mentioned to you in my last Letter; by Water; but I do not believe we shall be all together before the middle of July, and this delay is one of my great reasons for regretting that any change was proposed—When we do meet, I think our Work will be short.
The Letters from England say that there is a most extraordinary stagnation there of all Commerce—No demand from any where either of colonial produce or their Manufactures—Exchanges all against them, and all going down—What will perhaps surprize you is, we hear now, that if we had asked to go to England, it would not have been allowed; because it was not wished that we should be so near to certain visitors expected there.—This I believe is “more strange than true.”
Although I have spent an entire week at Stockholm I have scarcely seen any of the Curiosities for which it is famed— How the time has slipped away I can as little account to myself as to you—Yesterday for the first time I went with Mr Russell, his Son and Mr Lawrence to behold a collection of venerable old iron at the Arsenal—Of these precious Relics the only ones I remembered were the cloathing of Charles the 12th. in which he was killed. A very complete suit from the hat down to the Boots—The Man who shews them told us that about two years ago, an English Lord, who was here, dressed himself up in the whole suit, and stalked up and down the whole length of the House for half an hour, to have the honour of boasting all the rest of his life that he had worn the Garments of the Swedish Hero.—I think it was by wearing a copy of this same dress that Alfieri won the heart of the Countess of Albany.
Among the trophies at the Arsenal there are some taken by the present Crown-Prince in his late Campaign. He has arrived at Carlscrona, and is expected at Stockholm to-morrow. By my Departure this Evening I shall be deprived of the honour of seeing him—His next Trophies are to be won in Norway; but not from the Nation—You have doubtless seen his Proclamation to his Army, dated 21. May, at Lubeck.
I am going to try the experiment of travelling according to the Swedish fashion—At 11. O’Clock last Night, my Servant started with a list of the Stages from hence to Oerebro—He is to order the horses to be ready for me at the first Stage this Evening at 8 O’Clock, and then from about two hours to two hours, half an hour more or less according to the length of the Stage, untill to morrow Evening 8 O’Clock at which time I am by the calculation to reach Örebro. He is to wait for me there, and immediately after my arrival to go on with a second list of Stages that I am to travel on Saturday, upon the Evening of which I am to overtake him again; and then he precedes me with the third day’s Stages, and they are to bring me on Sunday Evening to Gothenburg—Whether all this will be executed as it is projected you shall know in due time—This method of ordering horses at so many places, and so many hours before hand has its inconveniences, and is discomposed through its whole extent by any accident which delays the traveller an hour or two at any place on the Road. But I am advised that it is indispensable, unless I am prepared to be detained three or four hours at every Stage for horses—I have also been obliged to hire a Driver for my Carriage, the whole way to Gothenburg; there being no proper Postilions on the Road, and the Peasants who furnish the horses being unable to drive any thing but their little waggons.
I forgot to mention to you in my last, that among the Letters I received by Mr Peyron, there was one from our friend Count Lauriston, dated 28 April at Berlin—Its object was merely to recommend the writer of another Letter, which it enclosed, from a person who wishes to go to America—But in one line of Postscript, the Count says that he is expecting every day the order for his deliverance—Mr Peyron tells me that when he left St: Petersburg, the french Officers of our acquaintance there were not gone.—The Austrian Chargé d’Affairs here, informs me that Count St: Julien is dead.
I am apprehensive that Mr Smith will find neither me, nor the John Adams at Gothenburg—But I believe he will have no difficulty in procuring a passage to America. I shall write you however immediately on my arrival there; untill then, with love to him and Mrs Smith and Charles, I am as ever, your affectionate husband
A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 June 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

St Petersburg June 3d. 1814

Not having heard from you by the last Mail on which I calculated we are all very much disappointed at it and very impatient to hear of your safe arrival at Stockolm—
I am in the midst of confusion on account of Chareles who is order’d out immediately by Dr. Galloway and to be put on a milk and Vegetable Diet I fear this will displease you on account of the expense but as the Dr. thought it absolutely essential I have not hesitated to do it, before it was too late.
The Countess has just been here to mourn about the state of affairs which she is told is deplorable for us, particularly for you who she supposes will have to pass the whole Summer at Gottenburg and do no business to be done as there are to be no Commissioners appointed and that there will certainly be no Peace her information is I hope not very correct though she said it was from the old quarter.
Charles is much better than he was, and at School, but talks a great deal of his Papa and how much he wishes he would write him a letter he says you are much more indulgent than I am and that he loves you best both of which I believe to be true for my anxiety to keep him in the same course of study that you did obliges me sometimes to appear severe he seems to have the same contempt for the abilities of the Sex as George had at his age.
We have recieved the Presidents Message on the repeal of the Embargo I do not understand it, or only partially it seems to me to be a puzzle.
God Bless you and Spite of all present appearances grant you success in your undertaking is the ardent Prayer of your very affectionate
L. C.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 7 June 1814
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

N. 9.
My beloved wife.
Gothenburg 7. June 1814.

Since my departure from Gothenburg Stockholm, I have been in such a constant tumult of motion, and emotion, that I have not been able to put pen to paper, except to write my name in the day-book at the Post-houses on the road—I have much to say to you, of no sort of importance, but which I want to say, because every thing is important to those whom we love—I mean, as the Clown in Shakespear says, to bestow all my tediousness upon you, but while I remain on shore I shall write you only one letter, and that, only of four pages, every Post-Day; when I get on board Ship again, as I expect I shall before this day week; my letters may be longer; because I shall not have the opportunity of dispatching them twice a week; as a compromise I will only bespeak your Patience for two sheets a week, and that I hope you will not think unreasonable; and for the sake of arranging in order my own ideas, as well as of communicating them more distinctly to you, I believe the best method will be to proceed Journal-wise, according to the sample I have already sent you, of my Voyage from Reval to Stockholm
I left that City on Thursday Afternoon, as I wrote you was my intention, and within a quarter of an hour of the time, I had fixed for my departure—My Herald, (the Swedes call it a forebude, but I do not like the word) had preceeded me, from the Evening before, to order my horses at the Post-houses, untill Oerebro, 20 Swedish Miles, equal to 200 Russian Versts, where, Mr Speyer had calculated that I was to arrive on Friday Evening at 6 O’Clock, that is, in 24 hours—My own forebode was that I should not find practical travelling, in so sleepy a vehicle as a Dormeuse, quite so rapid—I therefore added a quarter of an hour for each Stage to the allowance of Mr Speyer, and gave myself 27 hours to reach Oerebro, instead of 24—I was in fact 29. and arrived there at 11. O’Clock on Friday Evening. I had thus fallen two hours in arrear of my own allowance; but one hour of it was occasioned by an incident which occurred to me on the road, and which I certainly had not anticipated.
At 2 O’Clock on Friday Morning I arrived at a place called Gran, the third Stage from Stockholm. As my Carriage stop’d at the Door of the Post-House, a Gentleman came out from it, while I was alighting, accosted me by name, and before I could recognize him in the twilight, announced himself as Mr Connell, going to Stockholm, as a special messenger, from Mr Clay, to Mr Russell and myself—He delivered to me, together with Mr Clay’s letter, thirty or forty other letters and Dispatches;—It was impossible for me to read them there without losing at least six hours of my time—The object of Mr Clay’s letter was to inform us, that upon a formal proposition of the British Government, made by Lord Bathurst, and agreed to by Messrs: Gallatin and Bayard, with the conditional assent, which they had received from Messrs: Clay and Russell, the place for the Negotiation was transferred from Gothenburg, to Ghent in Flanders—That Mr Gallatin was still in London; that Mr Bayard was gone to Paris—That Mr Clay himself should on Thursday 2. June leave Gothenburg to go on through Copenhagen and Hamburg, by Land, and that the John Adams was ready to receive Mr Russell and me, and take us to Antwerp or Ostend if we inclined to proceed by Water—After a few minutes of self-consultation and deliberation, I determined to proceed upon my Journey to this place; and unless I should here see reason for a different course, to take my passage in the Ship—I sealed up again the Letter from Mr Clay, and returned it to Mr Connell to take on to Mr Russell at Stockholm, desiring him verbally (for I had neither time, nor materials at hand for writing) to request Mr Russell to make all possible dispatch to overtake me here; or, if he should conclude to go on by Land, to give me notice of that Resolution—I took all the rest of the Budget brought me by Mr Connell, into my Carriage with me, and found myself at the end of two whole Stages on the road, before I had finished the reading of them—My interview with Mr Connell had detained me precisely one hour.
On re-entering my Dormeuse, and starting from the Post-House at Gran, the first handwriting, for which my eye instinctively sought, among the multitude of Packets, spread over my Mattress, then less than ever a place for sleep, was your’s—I was not disappointed; nor was my search long—I found your Letter of 11. May, which had been to this place, and was sent back to me, by Mr Hall. I had already received by Mr Peyron, and acknowledged from Stockholm your’s of 15. May, but this one relieved me from the apprehension under which that had left me, that you had not received my N. 1. from Reval—I now add, by way of digression from the chronological order of my Journal, (for I see I shall not get with you to Gothenburg in this Letter) that here, Mr Hall has delivered me your’s of 19. May, by which I find that you had also, at last, received, my N. 2. from Reval, about which I was particularly concerned, on account of the Paper it contained.—Thus the series of our Letters has finally reached us, thus far, though on neither side at the proper times, nor in regular order—I would recommend it to you, to number in future your Letters to me; for in that practice there is the advantage, that when one of the series is missing, the Correspondent who should receive it, immediately upon the receipt of the next, knows that its predecessor is missing, and has thereby an earlier opportunity to make the enquiries, which may discover it.—I myself have numbered the letters which I have as yet, received from you, from 29. April to 19. May—Ns: 1 to 5—I trust you will remember, how many you will have written between the latter of these dates, and the time when this will reach you—I expect they will be five or six, and shall number, as I receive them—
I shall return to the subjects mentioned in your last Letters, hereafter; but being now excessively straitened for time, I can only touch upon the points, which will be most immediately interesting to your affections—I enclose herewith three Letters for you, and two for Mrs: Smith, which were among those delivered to me by Mr Connell—excepting one, which I received here, from Mr Wyer—The Rose-coloured Letters, are from Mrs Hellen, and I suppose are significant of the information they contain—I have Letters myself from Mr Hellen and Mr Pope; from my father and mother, and from our Sons, George and John—The latest is from my Mother of 16. March, when they were all well—My father and Mother had both been dangerously ill but were recovered.Wednesday 8. June 1814.
I can now say no more to you than that I arrived here on Monday Evening the 6th: That Mr Connell returned here last Evening from Stockholm, bringing me a Letter from Mr Russell. He writes me that he should leave that City, as yesterday, and expects to be here on Friday Evening, ready to embark in the John Adams.—I hope we shall both be on board of her and at Sea, before this day week.—Expect one more Letter from me from this place—I am afraid that Mr: and Mrs: Smith will not be able to get a passage from this place hence, unless I can get a Passport for them from the English Government, which I shall endeavour to do. Mr Harris I suppose will return with the Emperor—If Smith has not engaged his Passage, when you receive this, and can procure one for Amsterdam or Rotterdam, he will have a better chance to get home from thence than from this Port—My love to them, and to my Dear Charles—Adieu! Love me, and pray for me as I do without ceasing for you—
A—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 June 1814
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best beloved friend
St Petersburg June 10th 1814

All the anxieties which you express in your very affectionate letter No 7 which has just been brought me are I trust by this time removed, and you have probably recieved all the letters which were directed to Gottenburg and which I believe  duly acknowledge the reception of yours and I have now the satisfaction to inform you that the two last have arrived unopened.
We are all much astonished at your not having heard of the appointment of Lord Gambier and Mr Hamilton which has been known here above eight days. I was not at all surprized at the idea suggested of going to Holland I have been for some time expecting that you would have to change your place of residence but I thought from flying reports it would be England that would have been chosen to complete the negociation in. the general opinion here is that there will be no peace and if Englang is as hostile as her little representative we have certainly but little to hope. Any place is better than Gottenburg and it is of little consequence where provided the negociations terminate happily.
I am very happy to hear that you were so pleased with the society of Mr Russells family. Mr Clay I understand is one of the most amiable and finest temper’d men in the World and I am told you will be delighted with him. Young Lewis is lavish in his praise.
I thank you for the letter you enclosed but am sorry you should have thought it necessary to have made any ceremony about opening it. I can recieve no letters but what you are as much entitled to read as myself and those from your own family must interest you too nearly to lose an opportunity of perusing them. Your Mother will I fear be long e’re she recovers the great shock she has: such a loss inflicts an incurable wound; although as she says “Religion can assuage, it can never suppress the deep drawn sigh which reccollection for ever brings up.” Nothing can be added to this truly beautiful sentence and I can only participate in the feelings which produced it and which my own irreparable loss has taught me to share.
You give me hopes of your return by the 1st: of September I wish most sincerely that these hopes may be fulfilled but I dare not flatter myself. I will therefore not indulge them lest such indulgence should add to the bitterness of disappointment and still aggravate the sorrows and vexations which already oppress me. You will I know laugh at this, and call me romantic but I believe contrary to the usual system of philosophers, that we come into the world with germs of character, which even the best education cannot eradicate, nor all the worldly experience that can be heaped upon us totally destroy. I know that I am singular in my opinions upon most subjects but my observations on my own Children have contributed very much to strengthen my conviction and every word we recieve from America concerning their characters proves to me that I have not err’d in my judgement. You Mon Ami are blessed with one of those characters which can mould itself almost without a struggle to the different circumstances which are perpetually occurring and are therefore incapable of judging of the pangs which are endured by those who are not so happily gifted: all potent as reason certainly is it avails little against more powerful nature and a continual struggle between them must end in moroseness or gloom.
An encrease of distance will not I hope prolong your absence much beyond the period you mention should it do so I will at least endeavour to be resigned to the necessity and wait patiently the happy moment which will bring you back to your family and home which must remain cheerless untill your return. of this you appear to speak positively I presume we must pass another Winter here. I am therefore rejoiced to give Charles an opportunity of recovering his and health and contributing as much as possible towards permanently strengthening his constitution
Mr Smith writes you by this opportunity he has recieved the offer of a Passage to Gottenburg in a small Vessel freighted by Mr Lewis which is to sail in about eight days as Mr Harris is not arrived he does not feel himself at liberty to accept it and will take no measure untill he hears again from it is unfortunately they must go as it said she will be the only opportunity during the Summer for G.
Adieu my much loved friend where ever you are be assured of the sincere affection of your Wife  L. C. A.


Title: From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 June 1814
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Papa
St: Petersburg June 11th: 1814

I recieved your very kind letter of the 31st: of May, which Mama gave me the day before yesterday. I came to Mama’s Country house last Saturday. There is a very small Garden, in which I play; Mama is going to give me some seeds to sew, and I hope to become quite a Gardener. I have already got a Spade, a Rake, and a Wheel-barrow.
You ask me what part of the Bible I am in? the lesson I read yesterday, was the xxiiird:, xxivth:, and xxvth: Chapters of Job.
I made a mistake I see by your letter Dear Papa, in the spelling of the word Draws, which I had not observed before; I will certainly try to write my letters without blots, erasures, or Patés.
I should like to see young Mr: Russell, to hear him talk of Brother George.
Mama went to Mrs: Krehmer’s to drink tea. I did not see the young Ladies, because Betsy has the Measles; Aunt Smith is very much afraid of them for little Cousin Caroline.
I wish you were here Dear Papa, to walk with me in Besberodko’s, and Moltchanof’s Gardens, and to see the Fishermen catch the Fish. It rains so hard, I have been writing all day to you, which I hope will please you, which will ever be the greatest desire of your Dutiful, and affectionate Son,
Charles Francis Adams