Title: To John Adams from George Alexander Otis, 5 December 1820
From: Otis, George Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philadelphia 5th. Decem. 1820.

				The assurances you were so good as to grant me, in your very kind letter of August 3d., relieved my mind from all solicitude respecting the success of the Enterprise in which I am engaged. The addition of your authority to that of the Honorable Secretary of State & of Mr. Jefferson. Mr Madison, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Jay. Gov. Wolcott &c will be all-sufficient to secure the confidence of the public in the exactness and merit of Botta’s History.You were so obliging as to assure me that you would read the three volumes, if life and strength admitted, and, if you could in conscience, would furnish me with the sanction of your irrefragable authority. It cannot rejoice any one more than myself to hear that your health enables you to be present at the Convention now sitting for remodelling the Constitution of Massachusetts; and that the unanimous voice of the worthies of that State, the full representation of its wisdom, dignity, and feeling, has called you to preside over its deliberations; and permit me to add, the recapitulation of the long and ardous, and infinitely important Services which you have rendered not only to my native state, but to the whole of this magnificent System of Sovereign States, which constitute the American Nation, distended my heart with joy, and filled me with that emotion of sympathetic homage and veneration which every worthy and grateful American  must now and ever feel towards him whom I shall always consider as invested with the august and endearing title of Pater Patriæ. I have applied with all the industry that my constitution admits, and all the attention and care that my capacity affords, to forward you this second Volume of my work as early and as worthy of your approbation as possible. Stimulated continually by the reflection that it was to undergo the selecting of an intelligence most familiar with, and most worthy to hold discourse with, the philosophic minds of Cicero, and Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, minds which seem to have emanated immediately from the Divinity; I have so pushed it, that the last volume is now in press and will be published next month.If another edition should be called for, I shall probably write notes to it. I have heard it asserted that the American Plenipotentiaries signed their separate peace with Mr. Oswald, without the privity of the Count de Vergennes, and what is stranger, without that of the British Ministry. I have also heard it asserted that this was in consequence of an intrigue framed in the privy Council of King George: where the duke of Richmond gave law. His partisans being desirous to continue the war against the house of Bourbon, and considering that it would be a master stroke of policy to induce the United States to enter into a Coalition against France. This mysterious plan had been conceited, says my authority, with some Americans who were covertly the friends of Great Britain. This point of the History was agitated in a literary society which I frequent, and I was not so fully master of the facts as I should wish to be. Perhaps in your kindness you will point me to such documents, if any are before the public, as will more fully inform me.With that profound veneration / which I cannot but feel  / I remain Dear Sir, / Your faithful and obliged / humble Servant

					George Alexander Otis.


Title: John Adams and other members of the Electoral College of Massachusetts, 5 December 1820
From: Adams, John,Phillips, William
To:

                            Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 5 Dec. 1820

At a meeting of the Electors of President and Vice President of the United States, holden agreeably to Law at the State House in Boston, in the fifth day, of D being the first Tuesday of December in the year of our Lord 1820, at four o’clock in the afternoon, the following persons appeared, and produced certificates of their appointment under the seal of the Commonwealth, namely
            The Hon. John Adams

″William Phillips″William Gray″Daniel Webster″Benjamin W. Crowningshield″John Heard″Samuel Dana″Ebenezer Mattoon″Seth Sprague″Thomas H Blood″Jonas Sibley
The aforementioned Electors being assembled as aforesaid proceeded to elect a President of the Electoral College, and the Hon. John Adams was unanimously chosen, and took his seat;
The said Electors then proceeded to appoint a secretary & Alexander Bliss Esqr was appointed to that office, who appeared and accepted the same—
Then on motion of the Hon. William Phillips the Electors voted to supply the deficiency in the number of Electors to which this Commonwealth is constitutionally entitled occasioned by the want of a choice by the people—On balloting to supply the deficiency in the South District of Hampshire, the Hon. Ezra Starkweather of Worthington had all the votes & was declared to be chosen.
Upon balloting to supply the deficiency in the District of Barnstable the whole number of votes was eleven, of which the Hon. Wendell Davis had the majority and was declared to be chosen
On Motion of the Hon. Samuel Dana it was voted to fill the vacancies occasioned by the non-attendance of the Hon. Alden Spooner & Hugo Burghartd Esq. who were certified to the College to have been chosen by the people—And upon Balloting to supply the vacancy in the District of Bristol the Hon. John Davis of Barnstable had eleven votes & was declared to be chosen—
And upon balloting to fill the vacancy occasioned by the absence of the person chosen in the District of Berkshire, Joseph Woodbridge Esquire of Stockbridge had all the votes & was declared to be chosen.
On Motion of the Hon. Samuel Dana it was voted to request a clergyman to attend & officiate at the opening of the Electoral College tomorrow morning. The Revd Joseph Jenks of Boston was nominated & declared to be chosen to this office.
Voted that the Secretary be directed to wait upon the Revd Mr Jenks & notify him of his appointment & request his attendance.
Voted that the Secretary make out a certificate, to be signed by the President, to be delivered to his Excellency the Governor, of the several elections, which have been made in this body, to supply the deficiencies in the constitutional number of Electors of this State.
Voted that when this College adjourns, it adjourn to meet at twelve o’clock tomorrow morning.
The abovementioned certificate having been prepared & approved by the said Electors & signed by the Electors President, it was voted to commit the same to the secretary to be delivered to the Secretary of State—which having been done, the Secretary returned & reported that he had delivered the said certificate into the hands of the Secretary of State—
Voted that the Electoral College to do now adjourns & it was adjourned accordingly


Title: To John Adams from John D. Winslow, 6 December 1820
From: Winslow, John D.
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Boston decr. 6 1820—

				Permit me to have the honor of tendering my services to the Electors of President and Vice President of the United States.—for the purpose of carrying on the Votes of thier board to the seat of Government.very respectfully / I have the honor to be / Your Most humble Servant

					John D. Winslow


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Davis, 13 December 1820
From: Davis, Samuel
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir,
					Plymouth Decr. 13th 1820

				I have the honor and the pleasure to make the subjoined communication—“At a meeting of the Trustees of the Pilgrim Society, holden at Plymouth Decr. 12th. 1820—it was unanimously voted—That the Hon: John Adams be admitted an Honorary Member of the Pilgrim Society—and that the Corresponding Secretary duly communicate a copy of the vote—“It was also voted, that Mr Adams be invited to attend the solemn festivities of the Centenary Commemoration of the Landing of the Pilgrims—to be celebrated at Plymouth on friday the 22d instant—”I have the honor to be sir, very / respectfully—

					Samuel DavisCor: Secretary

					—An answer is requested—


Title: To John Adams from Henry Warren, 13 December 1820
From: Warren, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir
					Plymouth Decr. 13. 1820

				You having been chosen an honorary member of the Pilgrim Society of the Old Colony, & requested to attend the ensuing celebration of the Landing of the Fathers, I take liberty to address you a line on this occasion.The visits you formerly made here in professional character—in political views—& in private friendships, can never be forgotten: & could they be renewed, would recall many ancient recollections; & combined with what you have since effected to establish this Rock, would anew excite the grateful sensations of the children of the Pilgrims.—Should your age—your health—your numerous avocations, & the weather suffer you to make this excursion, permit me to request the honour that you will take apartments at my house which will be a great gratification to Mrs. Warren & myself.—With the highest respect & friendship, I have the honour to be respected Sir / Your obed. & huml servt.

					Henry Warren


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Russell, 14 December 1820
From: Russell, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Centinel Office, 16th Dr.

				The public, and none more than the Editor of the Centinel, will be delighted and edified, in reading, at full length, the remarks you made this day in the Convention, and in making application for the favor of one copy, I embrace the occasion to repeat the respect and consideration, with which I  / am, yr obedient servant

					B. Russell


Title: To John Adams from J. Loring Child, 18 December 1820
From: Child, J. Loring
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Augusta Decr 18th 1820

				In this town on the 1st of October 1819 an “Athenaeum” was established with a view to extend the means of useful knowledge in this section of our Country. It being the first of the kind in the new state, a laudable zeal has been manifested on the part of its friends and patrons, which encourages the belief that ere long it will hold a respectable rank with other similar institutions. The collection, although at present not large is fast increasing. It is strongly desired by its friends, that every thing American should be obtained and preserved on our shelves—particularly whatever shall have a tendency to perpetuate the recollection of those distinguished men who have held high rank in our Infant Republic & whose characters posterity will delight to cherish in grateful remembrance. Among this number we recognize your name. We have thought it not improper to say to you that as yet we have not been able to obtain your writings and to request if it is consonant with your feelings that you would favor this Institution with a copy. We have presumed that you have in possession, problably, spare copies.With Sentiments of sincere respect / Your Obt Servt

					J Loring Child.Per. order.


Title: To John Adams from David Sewall, 20 December 1820
From: Sewall, David
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					York December 20th. 1820

				It gives me real pleasure to see the tribute of esteem and respect, offered you from the convention of Massachusetts.—A collection of Persons, I really believe, as Wise learned and patriotick as ever convened in New England.—A tribute, as rare a Phenomenon in Politicks; as the Transit of ♀ over the ☉ in Astronomy. I sincerely congratulate you and Society at large, that your health permits you to afford your aid in revising the Constitution.—And I wish it may, after its revision, bear a forty years use; with a little experience of its defects, as its use has discovered from its formation in 1780 to this time.—I wish it was in my power to give you the firmness of Nerves I yet enjoy.—that I might have the pleasure to frequent communic. without the necessity of your employing an Amanuensis, for fear of putting you to this inconvenience, has prevented you having letters more frequently / from your old Friend & only surviving Clasmate

					David Sewall


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Corry, 25 December 1820
From: Corry, Daniel
To: Adams, John

					Venerable & Esteemed Sir
					Maine Augusta Dec 25. 1820

				“Union Society” in this Town, composed of our most respectable Young Men. Incorporated by An Act of the Legislature; have Established an Atheneum which promises to be of great public Utility,—by their own exertions, & the Assistance of their friends. the Society have already a considerable Collection of Valuable Books, Journals, pamphlets & Maps,—strong hopes are indulged, that this Atheneum will live long become a repository for many of the most usefull American literary productionspermit me Sir to Solicit in behalf of this Society, that if you have Spare Copies of your own Works, Books, pamphlets &c—or if the Works of others, distinguished Men, or women, who have recorded important facts which may relate to the Establishment of the Independence of our county, that you would be pleased to bestow them.—All benefactions, will be gratefully received, & Scrupulously preserved for the good of Society.—The respectability of our New State, must depend very much on the encouragement given to literature, & the SciencesI am with great respect / your ob. hl. Serv

					Daniel Corry


Title: To John Adams from George Alexander Otis, 4 January 1821
From: Otis, George Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philadelphia 4th Jany. 1821.

				In the letter which I had the honour to address to you with the 2nd Volume of my translation of Botta, I omitted to observe that I had intimated to Mr. Jefferson your objection to the liberty taken by that Historian of composing speeches for Richard Henry Lee, and John Dickinson, at the same time informing him that you were a promoter and generous patron of my enterprise. He has had the goodness to answer me in the following terms:“Sir,I join Mr. Adams heartily in good wishes for the success of your labours, and hope they will bring you both profit and fame. You have certainly rendered a good service to your country: and when the superiority of the work over every other on the same subject shall be more known, I think it will be the common manual of our revolutionary History. I disapprove, with Mr. Adams, of the factitious speeches which Botta has composed for R. H. Lee and John Dickinson, speeches which he and I know were never made by these gentlemen. They took part indeed in that great debate, and I believe we may admit Mr. Dickinson to have been the most prominent debater against the measure. But many acted abler parts than R. H. Lee, as particularly Mr. Adams himself did. The former, (Lee) was considered as an orator and eloquent, but not in that style which had much weight in such an assembly of men as that Congress was. Frothy, flimsy, verbose, with a musical voice and chaste language, he was a good pioneer but not an efficient reasoner. This Mr. Adams can tell you as well as myself. With regard to Botta, I have understood that he has taken some occasion to apologize for these suppositious speeches by pleading the example of the ancient historians. And we all know that their practice was to state the reasons for and against a measure in the form of speeches, and put them into the mouths of some eminent character of their selection, who probably had never uttered a word of them. * I think the modern practice better of saying it was argued on one side by A. B. C and others, so and so, and on the other side, by D. E. F. and others, so and so: giving in this form the reasons for and against the measure. I do not recollect whether Botta has repeated the fault on other occasions. With respect to the speeches in the British parliament, I have taken for granted that he copied or abridged them from the parliamentary debates. Mr. Adams’s criticism on Davila and Hume is just: that the former is an apology for Catharine of Medicis, and the latter of the Stuarts, to which might be added Robertson’s Mary, queen of Scots, and these odious partialities are much to be lamented: for otherwise they are three of the finest models of historical composition which have been produced since the days of Livy and Tacitus. Wishing you a full remuneration, either by the profits of your work, or by the evidence which it may have furnished the Government of the degree in which they may avail the public of your services, I salute you with sentiments of esteem and respect”.Signed Th: Jefferson.I hope the deep interest I have in the success of a work in which I have spent so much time and pains will be my excuse for the solicitude with which I appear the apologist of Botta, and even appeal to the authority of his friends; of which number, I hope by this time you are one. with the most sincere veneration I have the honour to be Dear Sir, Your obliged Hum. Sert.

					Geo. Alex. Otis.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Guild, 7 January 1821
From: Guild, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					My dear  Sir
					Boston January 7th 1821

				The enclosed paper was sent to me, to procure subscribers, and though it is not probable the work will contain much that will add to your information on the Subjects, to which it will be devoted, Yet I thought the patronage of  your name would be a great gratification to its excellent editor Mr Sparks, and might encrease its the number of his subscribers & extend the usefulness of his work. Although I am not sorry that the convention are about to dissolve I regret that it happens before your confirmed health enabled you to join them—With great respect / Yr. ob Set

					Benj Guild


Title: From John Adams to David Sewall, 10 January 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, David

dear Sir
Montezillo January 10th 1821

your friendly letter of December the 20th. is a Cordial to me, in my present State of retirement and Convalescence—The testimoneys of Respect offered me from the Convention are a Consolation to me not as a gratification of my vanity, but as a proof that my principles and systems of Government are openly adopted and avowed by that great Assembly which is a City sett on a Hill—The eyes of all Europe and all America, north and South are turned to that object—And I sincerely believe hope their proceedings will be useful to mankind—not only in North and South America but throughout all Europe—where the efforts to obtain Representative Government ought to be restrained by Cautious prudence and resolute restrictions—Torrents of Blood and horrible devastations—dispassionate investigation of of Countries may be saved by a dispassionate investigation of the Nature of Man and of Society—and by temperate precautions against excess of passions in the Rich and the poor, Wise and the foolish, the learned, & the ignorant—For it is most manifest that Information has been wanting in all these Classes of Persons for the last thirty years—Passion and not judgement, have governed Nations for two long a Time—The Convention, I agree with you, is as wise learned and Patriotic an Assembly as ever Convened in New England—and I will add or in Old England—and I may add in the Old World—I covet the firmness of your hand which would certainly furnish you much more trouble from your old friend and only living Classmate
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William S. Cardell, 11 January 1821
From: Cardell, William S.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					New York 11th: Jan. 1821

				The literary institution on which I before had the honor to address you has become organized with very encouraging prospects. The enclosed circular which is in part an amplification of my former letter explains the outlines as far as it was thought proper to form them by anticipation.The officers elected are His Ex. J. Q. Adams President–Judge Livingston, Judge Story and Hon. William Loundes V. Presidents–Rev. Doct Alex. McLeod Recording Sec.–John Stearns, M. D. (President of New York State Med. Soc.) Treasurer.Counsellors Chancellors Kent–Daniel Webster Esq. Boston–Bishop Brownell Con.–John M. Mason D. D. Joseph Hopkinson Esq N. Jersey. P. S. DuPonceau LL.D. Phil.–Doct John Augustin Smith, President William & Mary College–John L. Taylor C. Justice N. Car. Hon. H. Clay–Washington Irving Esq. now in London.–President Dana, of Dartmouth & President Allen, Bowdoin, are prominent candidates to fill a remaining vacancy. The gentlemen elected have very cordially accepted their appointments except that Mr: Webster has not given a decisive answer and from Mr: Clay no return is recd. Among other transactions of the society, it is made my duty, Sir, respectfully to communicate to you their unanimous choice of  you as an honorary member.The other Hon. Members are Hon. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Munroe, John Jay, C. C. Pinckney and John Trumbull. In electing as honorary members of this new society, those citizens who have passed thro all forms and degrees of honor which a nation can confer, our scholars could not of course suppose they were imparting any additional dignity; but it was the highest tribute of respect in their power to offer, and the cordial approbation of those distinguished men gives to the institution the means of additional usefulness to their CountryThe only publication yet made is the offer of a premium of 400 Dollars and a gold medal for the best American History for a class book in Academies and Schools.Several other premiums are proposed. A printed copy of the resolutions will be forwarded in a few days for the purpose of obtaining the opinions of members. It is deemed important to make a judicious Selection of objects. May we not, Sir, obtain a series of essays for children, say from 5 to 8 years old, which will contain much useful knowledge and American Sentiments, with a captivating grace from Mr: Clay no return is recd. and Simplicity of style, founded on the analysis of the mind, and adapted to the capacity of children at that tender and important age.A large proportion of useful discoveries and inventions have originated with intelligent practical men in the ordinary walks of life. Perhaps a premium may be offered for the best treatise of Natural Philosophy or useful science adapted to the circumstances and wants of the great body of Agriculturalists and artisans of our country; not to call a farmer from his plough nor a mechanics from their shops, to make them refined scholars; but to bring useful instruction home to them in their daily occupations. A certain degree of intelligence is necessary to the character and duties of a free citizen, and what advantages may we not derive from having the active industry of our hardy millions properly guided by the light of science? Is there not a national prospect that the scholarship of our country may by proper direction, essentially improve public morals and taste and form a more exalted standard of national sentiment and character?There is a greater coincidence of opinion and more concert in action than were anticipated on a subject so new and among men so widely scattered. Among those who have had the opportunity of a full personal consultation there seems indeed to be but one mind. That some gentleman whose wishes were good, should suppose the plan impracticable or premature was perfectly natural to expect; but under present circumstances these doubts are fast subsiding. Some persons may perhaps draw an unfavorable inference from our commencing with so little eclat; but there is a disposition to proceed with as little ostentation as possible.Excuse, Sir, what you may deem the needless prolixity of this letter and accept the assurance of my highest Respect and my sincere wishes for the choicest blessings on your remaining evening of life.

					W. S. CardellCor. Secretary Am Acad. of Language & Belles Lettres.


Title: To John Adams from George Sullivan, 11 January 1821
From: Sullivan, George
To: Adams, John

				Private
					Dear Sir,
					Jany 11th. 1821—

				As you take a deep interest in our College and the conduct of its affairs, I enclose you Mr Websters report made on that subject to the convention. Its object is to confirm by constitutional provision the law of Judge Parsons’ contrivance in 1810, re-enacted by an additional act in 1814.—laws admitted by the amendment itself to be invalid without this confirmation! This devise, to say the least of it, is outrageously subversive of common right, as it may disfranchise forever the overseers appointed by the Constitution of 1780. But what is, if possible, worse, there is reason to apprehend, that this institution, which ought not to have either sectarian or political purposes to accomplish, is becoming, what Judge Parsons no doubt intended by his law to make it, a powerful engine in the hands of politicians and polemical divines. I send you also a pamphlet which shews a striking variance between the chairman’s language in his report and his own words in the case of Dartmouth College. The pamphlet is a hasty production (commenced in the morning and sent to press in the evening of the same day) but will serve as pioneer to an “Examination of the Report”; if you think with me that it  will be well to take measures to prevent the adoption of this amendment by the people. Of this I should be glad of your opinion. Nothing will be easier, if begun in season—These unitarian gentleman are riding over all other denominations. and I have felt the pressure of their “car” in the new Episcopal church I have had some hand in establishing here: and their influence must be regarded as alarming, when we seen them able to induce Mr W. to hold in his Report a language so repugnant to his words in the heading & conclusive case of Dartmouth College!Praying the favor of a simple line, if but to say aye. or no.; I remain, Dr Sir, very respectfully / your obliged hble Servt

					Geo Sullivan


Title: To John Adams from Richard Ward, 15 January 1821
From: Ward, Richard
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					New York 15 Jany 1821

				If it is not too great an intrusion upon your retirement I wish to enquire of you as to the character standing & services of my Grandfather Samuel Ward one of the Members of Congress for Rh. Island from the first organization of that body till his death on the 26th March 1776. From the Journals of Congress and casual reports I am inclined to believe that my Ancestor was a firm man a sound statesman and active in the discharge of the duties of his station. Few things could afford me more gratification than an assurance under your hand that such was the factI wish this information solely for the satisfaction of myself & family and would you favour me with any facts in relation to him you would add much to that debt of gratitude which in common with every Citizen I owe you for the many spendid and useful services you have rendered our common CountryI am Sir / With the greatest respect / Your most Obt Servt

					Richard R. Ward


Title: From John Adams to George A. Otis, 16 January 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Otis, George A.

dear Sir
Montezillo January 16th. 1821

I thank you for your letters, and for the second–Volume of Botta—And now I have read both Volumes—I should have finished this reading much sooner, had I not been interrupted by business, and by indisposition—I unite with many other Gentlemen in opinion, that the translation has great merit—has raised a monument to your Name, and performed a valuable service to your Country—If the Work should not have a rapid Sale at first, it will be in the language  of Booksellers, good Stock, and will be in demand as long as the American Revolution is an object of Curiosity—It is indeed the most Classical, and methodical; the most particular, and circumstantial; the most entertaining and interesting narration of the American War that I have seen—the result of the whole may be sum’ed up, in the words of Marlborough to Tallard “We committed a hundred faults, and the English an hundred and one.” Yet I cannot agree with the Author when he represents the American Cause so often in dangerous and desperate circumstances, particularly the British project of opening a Communication between Quebeck and New York—by means of the Lakes and Rivers, always appeared to me one of the results weakest of all their plans—It would have required the whole British Army in America, with all their Allies, Black, White and Red, to have established Posts upon that long line—that could have defended themselves for any length of time.—Their guards and Sentinel Parties, and Convoys would have been surrounded Captured or Slaughtered in detail—And after all they could not have cut off the Communication between the Northern and middle States—
Accept my best thanks for your Communications on this subject—and believe / me to be your friend, / and humble Servant
J Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Ward, 29 January 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Ward, Richard

Dear Sir
Montezillo January 29th 1821

It is with great pleasure that I inform you that I was acquainted with your Grandfather the Honble: Samuel Ward who was once Governor of Rhode Island from the year 1758 at Worcester Massachusetts where he had a Lawsuit with Governor Hopkins—That acquaintance was renewed in 1774 and became more intimate in ’75 and ’76 till his death. He was a Gentleman in his manners Benevolent and amiable in his disposition and as decided ardent and uniform in his patriotism as any member of that Congress
When he was seized with the small Pox he said that if his vote and voice were necessary to support the cause of his country he said he should live if not he should die—He died, and the cause of his Country was supported, but it lost one of its most sincere and punctual advocates. He was an Ingenious man and well informed—His place was in some measure supplied afterwards by his nephew Mr Henry Merchant my recollections of both of them are altogether pleasing.
It is a great pleasure to me to find that Mr Ward has a descendant to preserve and transmit his name and his blood to the latest posterity
I am sir with great regard / Your most obedient humble / servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from George Alexander Otis, 29 January 1821
From: Otis, George Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philadelphia 29th January 1821.

				I acknowledge as a benefit of the last importance, and of durable effect, the high approbation you have deigned to bestow on my Translation of Botta’s History. The generosity with which you have so largely bestowed it, is the more entitled to all my gratitude, as the Author, from defect of materials, has not done full justice to yourself. In a letter that I have but now had the honor to receive from Mr. Madison, while passing the highest eulogies on the Historian, as One who was capable of viewing our revolutionary Transactions and Events with a philosophic eye, and describing them with a polished and eloquent pen, he remarks upon the fictitious Speeches, as follows: “Botta was probably led to put his factitious, and doubtless very erroneous Speeches for and against Independence into the mouths of Mr. Lee and Mr. Dickinson, by his discovery that the former was the organ of the proposition and the latter was the most distinguished of its opponents. It is to be regretted, continues Mr. Madison, that the Historian had not been more particularly acquainted with what passed in Congress on that great Occasion. He would probably have assigned to the venerable John Adams a very conspicuous part on the Theatre.” I well recollect that the reports from his fellow-labourers in the Cause from Virginia filled every mouth in that State, with the praises due to the comprehensiveness of his views, the force of his arguments, and the boldness of his patriotism. It is to be hoped that historical justice may be done by others, better furnished with the means of doing it.”The foregoing remarks, as well as those on the same subject, and to the same purport, from Mr. Jefferson, I have transmitted to Mr. Botta together with your favor of the 16th inst, in which you so eloquently and forcibly have traced the character of his work. I have no doubt he will thank me for putting it in his power to repair the fault in future editions of it. If my translation should ever see a second, I shall be happy to insert in a note the genuine Speeches, if in being and, at any rate, the observations of Mss. Jefferson and Madison on this topic. My original intention was to have added notes to the present edition: but I changed it, on reflecting that the appearance of the work would probably excite remarks and criticisms which might enable me to render them more full and satisfactory. The Honble John Jay has favoured me with his remarks upon my first volume at some length. He notices, however, but one error of fact; and that is, that general Montgomery’s widow never had any children, as stated in the History. He combats nevertheless the suggestion, which he finds often insinuated by the Author:“That anterior to the Revolution, there existed in the Colonies a desire of Independence.”“Explicit professions and assurances of Allegiance and Loyalty to the Sovereign (especially since the accession of King William) and of affection for the mother country, abound, says Mr Jay, in the Journals of the colonial Legislatures, and of the Congresses and Conventions, from early Periods to the second Petition of Congress, in 1775.If those professions and assurances were sincere, they afford Evidence more than sufficient to invalidate the charge of our desiring and aiming at Independence. If, on the other hand, those professions and assurances were factitious and deceptive, they present to the world an unprecedented Instance of long continued, concurrent, and detestable Duplicity in the colonies.—Our Country does not deserve this odious and disgusting imputation. During the course of my Life, and until after the second Petition of Congress (in 1775) I never did hear any American, of any class, or of any description, express a wish for the independence of the Colonies.—It has alway been, and still is, my opinion and Belief, that our country was prompted and impelled to Independence by Necessity, and not by Choice. They who know how we were then circumstanced, know from whence that Necessity resulted.” Mr: Jay had seen only the first volume when he wrote the above. In the third the Author, has these words. “If it may be supposed that the Colonists had for a long time sought an opportunity to throw off the yoke, it must be admitted also that the English were themselves the first to excite them to it. &c.”. Such are the criticisms of Mr. Jay. But the Hon’ble Charles Thompson, whom I visited not long since at Harrington over Schuylkill, assured me that he had held conversation with John Hancock on the subject of Independence, during the tea business; Mr. Hancock being then on a visit to Philadelphia with an Aunt, from whom he had expectations of inheritance. Your recollection doubtless could furnish decisive testimony relative to the point in question.—The Kind interest which you and your’s have shown me in my struggles with adverse fortune, has made an indelible impression on my heart. It has opened to me a brighter perspective, and cheered me with better hopes. May the evening of your “honoured days,” be as happy as their course has been illustrious! With the highest veneration, / I have the honor to be, / Dear Sir, your ever obliged / Humble Servant.

					George Alexander Otis.

					P. S. I have the honor to forward here with the third and last volume of my Translation. Again, I beg leave to recommend myself to your probation, and benevolence.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 3 February 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Montezillo February 3d 1821

I have just read a sketch of the life of Swedenborg, and a larger work in two huge volumes of Memoirs of John Westley by Southey, and your kind letter of January 22d came to hand in the nick of time to furnish me with a very rational exclamation, “What a bedlamite is man!” They are histories of Galvanism and Mesmerism thrown into hotch potch they say that these men were honest and sincere, so were the Worsipers of the White Bull, in Egypt and now in Calcutta, so were the Worshipers of Bacchus and Venus, so were the worshipers of St Dominick and St Bernard. Swedenborg and Westley had certainly vast memories and immaginations, and great talents for Lunaticks. Slavery in this Country I have seen hanging over it like a black cloud for half a Century, if I were as drunk with enthusiasm as Swedenborg or Westley I might probably say I had seen Armies of Negroes marching and countermarching in the air shining in Armour. I have been so terrified with this Phenomenon that I constantly said in former times to the Southern Gentleman, I cannot comprehend this object I must leave it to you, I will vote for forceing no measure against your judgements, what we are to see God knows and I leave it to him, and his agents in posterity. I have none of the genius of Franklin to invent a rod to draw from the cloud to its Thunder and lightning. I have long been decided in opinion that a free government and the Roman Catholick religion can never exist together in any nation or Country, and consequently that all projects for reconciling them in old Spain or new are Eutopian, Platonick and Chimerical. I have seen such a prostration and prostitution of Human Nature, to the Priesthood in old Spain as settled my judgment long ago, and I understand that in new Spain it is still worse if that is possible.
My appearance in the late convention was too ludicrous to be talked of. I was a member in the Convention of 1779 and there I was loquacious enough I have harrangued and scribbled more than my share but from that time to the convention in 1820 I never opened my lips in a publick debate after a total desuetude for 40 years I boggled and blundered more than a young fellow just rising to speak at the bar, what I said I know not, I believe the Printers have made better speeches than I made for myself. Feeling my weakness I attempted little and that seldom. What would I give for nerves as good as yours but as Westley said of himself at my age, “old time has shaken me by the hand, and parallized it.
What pictures of Monarchy even limited Monarchy, have the trials of the Duke of York and the Queen of England held up to the astonishment contempt and scorn of mankind, I should think it would do more than the French and American revolutions, to bring it into discredit. indeed all human affairs, without your philosophical and Christian mantle of resignation, would be deeply malancholy even that friendship which I feel for you ardent and sincere as it is would be over clouded by constant fears of its termination.

John Adams

   Wesley


Title: From John Adams to Henry Wheaton, 7 February 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Wheaton, Henry

Sir,
Montezillo February 7th. 1821

My best thanks are due to you, for your Anniversary discourse before the historical society in New York on the 25th. of December—I have read this discourse with uncommon interest, and peculiar delight—It is the production of great reading, profound reflection, a discriminating mind, and a pure taste.—I have never read any discourse produced in America relative to the science of public Law, with so much satisfaction—Had I read such a discourse sixty five years ago, it would have given a different, and more respectable cast to my whole Life;—The rising generation in America may bless their stars, that they have so many shineing lights erected for their Illumination, in their own Country—
I am Sir your obliged, / and most Obedient / humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Daniel Raymond, 8 February 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Raymond, Daniel

Sir
Montezillo February 8th. 1821

I am indebted to the publisher for your thoughts on political Economy in two parts—Altho reading is almost an intolerable imposition upon my Eyes—Yet I have read this volume through, and have been richly rewarded for my pains, by the pleasure and instruction I have received—I know not what the Reviewers will say of it, on either side the Sea—But I will venture to say, that I have never read any Work upon political Economy with more satisfaction—It is a rich Addition to my Library, or what is of infinitely more importance, a proud monument of American literature—You very justly consider a nation as a single Colossal personage, like the picture of Hobb’s Leviathan made up of as many Million little mortals as you please—whether these compose the hands, or the feet, the head or the span,—if they are all industriously employed in labour—they are all producing National Wealth—You have persued the only genuine method of investigating truth—by precise definitions of words—by clear statements of facts, and establishing general sound principles—That Eearth is the source; and labour the cause, of both public and private Wealth—are as clear truths, as any I know, and I believe with Harrington—It is the source of dominion also—I know not what objection to make to any of your definitions, or principles—You have indeed cracked the shell of political Economy, and extracted the purest oil from the nut—
I shall warmly recommend it to the perusal of every Man of Letters that I see—
Accept my thanks, to you, as the Author, And to the publisher for my property in the Book—and believe me with / great respect, your most obedient / and most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to George A. Otis, 9 February 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Otis, George A.

dear Sir
Montezillo February 9th. 1821

I thank you for your favour of the 29 January, and your Translation of Botta, I have not yet read it—for I received it but yesterday, And reading to me so laborious, and painful an occupation, that it requires a long time—But I cannot refrain from expressing the pleasure I have received from the reasoning of Mr Jay; upon the passage in Botta—“That anteriour to the Revolution there existed in the Colonies a desire of Independence”—There is great ambiguity in the expression,—There existed in the Colonies a desire of Independence—it is time there always existed in the Colonies a desire of Independence of Parliament, in the articles of internal Taxation, and Internal policy; and a very general, if not a universal opinion, that they were Constitutionaly entitled to it, and as general a determination if possible, to maintain, and defend it—but their never existed a desire of Independence of the Crown, or of general regulations of Commerce, for the equal and impartial benefit of all parts of the Empire,—It is true there might be times and circumstances in which an Individual, or few Individuals, might entertain and express a wish, that America was Independent—in all respects, but these were—“rari mantes in gurgite vasto”—For example in one thousand seven hundred and fifty Six, Seven, and eight—The conduct of the British Generals Shirley Braddock, Loudon, Webb, and Abercromby—was so absurd, disastrous, and distructive, that a very general opinion prevailed, that the War was conducted by a mixture of Ignorance—Treachery, and Cowardice,—And some persons wished we had nothing to do with great Britain forever—Of this number I distinctly remember, I was myself one, fully believing that we were able to defend ourselves against the French, and Indians, without any assistance or embarressments from great Britain—In fifty eight, and fifty nine,—when Amherst and Wolf changed the fortune of the War, by a more able and faithfull conduct of it—I again rejoiced in the name of Britain, and should have rejoiced in it, to this day, had not the King and Parliament committed high Treason and Rebellion against America—As soon as they had conquered Canada, and made Peace with France—That there existed a general desire  of Independence of the Crown, in any part of America before the Revolution, is as far from the truth, as the zenith, is from the nadir—That the encroaching disposition, of great Britain was early foreseen by many wise Men, in all the States, would one day attempt to enslave them, by an unlimited submission to Parliament, and rule them with a rod of Iron—
That this attempt would produce resistance on the part of America, and an awful struggle was also foreseen—but dreaded and deprecated as the greatest Calamity that could befall them—For my own part, their was not a moment during the Revolution, when I would not have given every thing I possessed for a restoration to the State of things before the Contest began, provided we could have had any sufficient security for its continuance—I always dreaded the Revolution as fraught with ruin, to me and my family, and indeed it has been but little better—
I could entertain you with many little trifling anecdotes, which though familiar, and Vulgar, would indicate the temper, feelings, and forebodings among the people, that I cannot write—
I see at the end of the Biography, of the Author, that Botta, has written the Biography of John Adams—I never saw, or heard of it before—but if he means me, it must be a curious mass, for he can certainly have no Authentic information on the insignificant subject—
I am Sir your obliged Friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Dorothy Scott, 12 February 1821
From: Scott, Dorothy
To: Adams, John

					Hon’le Sir
					Boston, February. 12th. 1821

				This will be handed you by the Hon’le Francis Gardner, Son of the Revrd. Francis Gardner, late of Leominster—this gentleman wishes to be introduced to your notice, he has been a resident in the State of New-Hampshire for several years, and a representative from that State in Congress. He return’d to his native State some time since, and fixed his residence in this town, where, he pursues his profession of the law. His family and connections are respectable. I have know them long, and intimately. You will doubtless recollect his sister, Mrs Salisbury, who was for some years, an inmate in my family. I can recommend Mr Gardner, as deserving your approbation, and confidence. Any favour confered on him, will be very gratifying, and acceptable to / Yours Sincerely

					Dorothy Scott


Title: To John Adams from Nathan Hale, 17 February 1821
From: Hale, Nathan,Pickering, Octavius
To: Adams, John

					Boston Feby 17. 1821.

				The Reporters of the Debates in the Convention present their respects to Mr. Adams, and request that he will be pleased to accept the present volume of the Debates, in exchange for the copy which he has before received.


Title: To John Adams from William Charles Jarvis, 17 February 1821
From: Jarvis, William Charles
To: Adams, John

					Hon. Sir.
					Pittsfield February 17. 1821.

				Permit one who now sits under that political vine and fig tree, which you have had so great a hand in planting and rearing, to present you a little volume called “The Republican”As an American citizen, you will permit me to take this opportunity to express to you my gratitude, for the eminent services you have rendered your Country.I am with the highest respect / your Obet. & very humble / servant

					William C. Jarvis


Title: From John Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 24 February 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir
Montizillo February 24 1821

You have confered an obligation upon me by your kind letter of February the 6th. In former years of my Life I reckoned among my friends 4 gentlemen of your name Richard Henry Lee Francis Lightfoot Lee William Ludlow Lee and Arthur Lee, all Gentlemen of respectable characters for capacity information and integrity, with your Grandfather Richard Henry Lee I served in congress from 1774 to 1778 and afterwards in the senate of the United States in 1799 1789 he was a Gentleman of fine talents, of amiable manners and great worth. As a public speaker he had a fluency, as easy and graceful, as it was melodious, which his classical education enabled him to decorate his with frequent allusion to some of the finest passages of Antiquity. With all his brothers he was always devoted to the cause of his Country; I am glad your are about to commense a memoire of that illustrious patriot.
I cannot take upon me to assert upon my own memory who were the movers of particular measures in Congress, because I thought it of little importance. I have read in some of our Histories that Govenor Johnson and of Maryland nominated Mr Washington for commander and Chief of the army, Mr Chase the first motion for foreign alliances, Mr Richard Henry Lee for a delaration of Independence. As such motions were generally concerted before them I presume Mr Johnson was designated to nominate a General because the gentlemen from Virginia declined from delicacy the nomination of their own colleague. Mr Richard H. Lee was prefered for the motion for Independence because he was from the most ancient colony &c Mr Chase for foreign alliances that too many motions may not be made by the same member &c &c. It ought to be eternally remembered that the Eastearn Members were interdicted from taking the lead in any great measures because they lay under an odium and a great weight of unpopularity, because they have been suspected form the beginning of having independence in contemplation; they were restraind from the appearance of promoting any great measures by their own discretion, as well as by the general sense of Congress. That your Grandfather made a speech in favour of a Declaration of Independence I have no doubt and very probably more than one; though I cannot take upon me to repeat from memory any part of his speeches, or any others, that were made upon that occasion, the principles and sentiments and expressions of the declaration of Independence had been so often pronounced and echoed and reechoed in that congress for 2 years before, and especially for the last 6 months that it will forever be impossible to ascertain who uttered them and upon what occasion I applaud your piety in recording the fame of your ancestor and heartily wish you success in the enterprize.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 February 1821
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and High Respected frend
Oldenbarneveld 24 Febr. 1821

No—you can not forget me even without one single line I should be fully persuaded of this truth—yet it was pleasing to be so affectionately remembered—You knew, that it would increase my contentment in my deep retirement—It was as a moderate electric shock it giveth a soft impulse on my family shewing their gratification, that their Husband and Father continues to be favoured with your distinguished attention—Unquestionably they share in it, and if known to you, you would not deem them undeserving it.
That a month’s attendance in Boston’s caused a fever is nothing strange to me. To receive such distinguished proofs of respect, to be so warmly applauded might cause an unusual flow of spirits—and consequently some less regular motions in the system of a more cool man and phlegmatic man—than my frend! but what is a fever, as long the mind remains undisturbed—the head free of aching pains and the eyes clear?
Since I left Boston—I can scarcely see—and labour often under excruciating headache—yet—I suppose, I have reasons of thankfulness above thousands—The recollection of my reception at Boston and Quincy, blunts its sharpest feelings—and when I place myself—under your roof—at your table—these are soon blunted—and my contentment bids them farewel—How often, how delightfully do I represent to myself these scenes! can you perceive that that charming boy—your grandson—keeps also some recollection of me? If the endowments of his mind become equal—to those of his heart, He, in time shall spread a new lustre on J. Adam’s name.
Wesley’s appearance is certainly a wonder in the moral world—and yet—how awkward—how terrible such appearances are—they contribute finally to ameliorate and enlighten the moral world—as earthquakes and vulcano’s and Inundations the Physical—or Revolutionary convulsions and the hurricanes of Despotism do on the political state of mankind—I am full of apprehension for Europe, it had its time—the cup of all blessings may finally become America’s heritage. who could have believed—that the most enlightened on earth should have considered, an Alexander immaculate, and been dazzled by the glitter of something little better than—muscovy glass? but do not tell my surprise in Gath—we cannot reach the temple of virtue—neither that of happiness—without passing a steep, rugged—and often bloody road—good it is—that at the places of rest faithful guides are placed, to warn us of the danger, and encourages us to hold out, till we reach the summit. Alexander perhaps may address himself by an emissary to obtain an indulgence—
I thought I was—nearly allways cool and temperate under your roof—how could I then possibly have mentioned remedies for corns? Believe me, I am not intitled to this credit—I know—I am considered a Doctor in petto, but was not transformed in a Quack. and am not permitted—nor would desire a permit to follow it—I am not acquainted with other potent remedies—than ense—and if this will not do—igne—. The first I applied successfully when young—for the second I can produce as evidences Hippocrates and Temple—however—as you might be the suffering-goat—to atone for the sins of your whole race—I will do what I can—and share with you—in equal halves a Relique—which a Madonna St. Helen—on her return from a mission to Philadelphia—offered me for the cure of all wounds—bruizes &c—consequently for corns too—Bene-dicite—if successful—
Pray Sir! look once at your Genealogical Tables—is there about 1657—a John Adams—then I presume about thirty—I lately discovered him—in attendance with Mr. Buckman at New-Amsterdam? perhaps—I may, in time—find out some thing else—which I shall communicate—if good—otherwise it must remain buried in the dusty records.
My frend shall recollect, that I had once an offer of his portrait—a High-respected Lady insinuated, that Stuart was the cause of my disappointment—now I solicit the favour, that I may be permitted, to demand of Stuart—to present me with such a painting—even if it was only a sketch—I doubt not or I shall obtain it—if you do not forbid me, to make the application—in which case I shall submit—otherwise consider it—as a fresh proof of your High regard—to one, who remains with the highest respect / My Dear and high respected Sir: / Your obliged frend:

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 6 March 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir.
Montezillo March 6th 1821

The sight of your hand writing and your name is to me a cordial for low Spirits. I wish I could give you a specimen of mine as beautifully written; but a pen will not obey the command of my paralytick nerves—The 5th Vol: of Dr. Franklin’s works, mentioned in your kind letter of 27th February, I have never seen, nor any preceding Vol: except the first. What the Editor Mr: William Temple Franklin, if he is the Editor, may mean by your journal or mine, I know not. No person ever had any thing of that description from me. Indeed I never kept any journal of that period, except the one that was sent to Congress, which General Hamilton made somewhat notorious by the exquisite Satire, which he, so justly, did it the honour to confer upon it. I presume therefore, with you, that Mr Franklin has in his possession either in print or in manuscript, copies of our letters to Congress. My advice, or rather my request to you is, that you would write to the Editor or publisher, at Philadelphia, Stating the fact, and your authority will be decisive. You need be under no concern, for your letters will do honour wherever they go. I am under no concern for mine, because they never can be made more infamous than they have been already.
I hope your confinement to your house will not be long, and that you will soon be on horse-back, and ride away your present feebleness. I too am feeble and have been confined to the house the greatest part of the Winter; but I hope to crawl out, like a Turtle in the Spring; your Cyrography gives me full assurance that you will be on horseback before that time.
I congratulate you upon the gaiety of the prospect of our Country.
I am, as ever, your Friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Charles Jarvis, 8 March 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jarvis, William Charles

Sir
Montezillo March 8. 1821

I thank you for your favour of February 17—and for the valuable volume called the Republican—
Not long ago I read a volume upon political Economey by Senator Tracy translated from the French by Mr Jefferson And very lately I have read another volume of thoughts upon Political Economy by Daniel Raymond Esqre. Counsellor at Law Baltimore with still more delight, and satisfaction—your volume entitled the Republican I have also read with pleasure Your subject is more comprehensive—but as far as it comprehends political Economy it agrees in substance with the two former works—I am very glad to find three Authors so well agreed, in what I think the true system—Your researches for materials, and in the composition of your Work—you must have found a profitable study, and a delightful amusement—You have read a great deal, and of the best Books—It has been a pleasant employment to me to revise the substance of the studies of my former days—Collected together from many valuable volumes in one body—It affords me much satisfaction to see such speculation cultivated in this Country and such principles spreading in this Country—
I am Sir with many thanks for the entertainment you have given me— / and am Sir your obliged friend / and humble servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Dawes, 9 March 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Dawes, Thomas

Dear Sir
Montezillo March 9th 1821

Though I cannot boast aurium occulis cumque vigor integis yet I have been able to read, & to hear last night & this morning the comforts of old age, which you have so kindly Sent me, and which discovers good sense, great taste, & a good heart in Sir Thos Barnard the author—This work has been the more agreable to one, because it is a Commentary, a paraphrase, and an Immitation of Tullys divine treatise on old age—Which with the Dream of Scipio have been my delightful vade mecum for several years—the latter has led me many a weary jaunt through the regions of the first Stars, where one may wander for ever, without being able to conceal, or immagine, or conjecture any end.
We may well say the author of them is infinite power, for the work itself seems to be infinite—I cannot but wish that Cicero had been acquainted with The Telescopes of Henshall, and the Discourses made by them. If he had been, how much more sublime, eloquent, & divine would have been his reflections? & what would he have been thought of Sir Isaac Newton’s Theories of light
If I were to let my heart, & Immagination loose in writing to you—you would throw away my letter with impatience—I will however detain you upon the Subject  of Bible Society—and without expressing either admiration, approbation, or contempt of them at present—I will hint a wish that similar societies in India, China, & Persia with equal dissenterest, generosity and zeal would transmit us Translations of their sacred Books into English, French, German, Italian & Spanish, that we might be able to form a correct Judgement of the Religion, morality, Philosophy, and History of those ancient Nations and be able to compare them with the Christian—that we might be able to see the infinite superiority of the latter With my thanks for the favor you have done me I remain / your Sincere Friend, / And Humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 20 March 1821
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Bedford—West Chester Country—N York—20th. March 1821—

				On the 10th., I recieved your letter of the 6th Inst: You will doubtless be desirous to know what I have done in Pursuance of the Advice and Request contained in it. To obviate Suspense on this head, I take this early opportunity of informing you, that on the 13th Inst, I wrote a Letter to Mr. William Duane, who published Dr. Franklin’s works at Philada. in the following words—“SirDuring the last month I for the first time saw the 5th. volume of Doctr. Franklins works, published by you at Philadelphia—It surprized me not a little to find in the 293d. page, a note of the Editor which contained the following Passage—vizt.”(here it was inserted verbatim)“Having never given any thing like such a Journal to any Person, and having no Reason to believe that Mr. Adams had, I wrote to him on the subject of the above note. On Saturday last I recd. his answer, dated the 6th. Inst. in which he thus expresses himself—”‘What the Editor may mean by your Journal or mine I know not. no Person ever had any thing of that Description from me’—‘my advice or rather my Request to you is, that you would write to the Editor at Philadelphia, stating the Fact.’ “Be pleased Sir! to inform me what are the Papers thus called our Journals, and from whence they were derived.—”“I have also observed a note (in Page 291 of the same 5th. volume) in these words.”‘It appears from the Journal of Mr. Jay, that the afterwards so much celebrated Sir William Jones, was considered as engaged by the British Government to proceed to America, for the Purposes here expressed; and had proceeded on his way to Paris, where he tarried a short Time, but was recalled, and the Project abandoned.’ ‘Phil. Editor’—“My not having asserted (nor indeed known) that Sir William Jones was recalled, is an additional Reason for my requesting the abovementioned information respecting, what, in these notes, is called my Journal.”“Being persuaded of the Propriety of this Application, I cannot doubt of its meeting with correspondent Attention—I shall communicate the Result to Mr. Adams, and hope it will be satisfactory to us both—” “I am Sir”—&cwhen I shall receive an Answer from Mr. Duane is uncertain; but whenever it may be, a Copy of it shall without delay be transmitted to you by / Dear Sir / your constant Friend

					John Jay


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 27 March 1821
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Bedford—West Chester County—NYork—27th. March 1821—

				In my Letter to you of the 20th. Inst: I inserted a Copy of the one which on the 13th. Inst: I had written to Mr. William Duane; and promised on recieving his answer, to transmit a Copy of it to you. The last mail brought me his answer, in the words following—“Philadelphia—16th. March 1821”—“SirYour Letter of the 13th. Inst: which  you did me the honor to address to me, concerning some notes in the fifth volume of the works of Franklin, I have duly recieved; and altho’ this is the thirtieth day of my Confinement to bed, and am in a consequent state of debility, my Respect for you will not permit me to postpone to another day a Reply—On the immediate subject to which they refer, it is scarcely to be presumed that I should have stated in so formal a manner as fact, that which I could not sustain. In Truth Sir! I am in Possession of two Journals, very short indeed, but as authentic as any public documents ever were. One of them is entitled as expressed “the Journal of John Jay Esqr. and the other, of John Adams Esqr.”Having explicitly answered as to the principal point, I must observe that the circumstance you urge, as having never given any thing like such a Journal to any Person, does not disprove the Reality of such a Journal having an authentic and demonstrable Existence—and I feel so perfectly satisfied of the fact, that I could to a certainty satisfy yourself of the authenticity of the Papers in my Possession.—I can give no other Description of the Papers, than has been already given, and if it were compatible with that sense of confidence which when reposed in me, I have never violated, I should be very happy to inform you whence they were derived. Should it ever be necessary to shew the source of their derivation, which it is always in my Power to do, that disclosure will be also the Proof of their authenticity—Entertaining towards you the most unfeigned Respect, I have with some Inconvenience endeavoured to comply with your wishes”—“I am Sir / with great Respect “ Wm. Duane ”

					“I have made use of the Pen of one of my Daughters—my Hand not being steady enough.”—As yet I have not had Time to bestow that further Degree of Consideration on this subject for which Mr. Duane’s Letter gives occasion; having several Letters to write and send by the mail, which sets out Tomorrow morning—The Result of your Reflections on that Letter will be very acceptable to Dear Sir / Your Friend
				John Jay—


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 31 March 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

dear Sir
Quincy March 31st. 1821—

I thank you for your favour of the 20th. your letter to Mr Duane comprehends every thing necessary to be said upon this occasion, and I presume will remove all difficulties—
I congratulate you on the firmness of your nerves fully demonstrated by your hand writing, the beauty and firmness of which is equal to the best of your former days mine are so debilitated that I can neither write—or scarcely carry about my Corpulence
Pray what do you think of the science of the times—Is the holy league of the Imperial and Royal Confederates to be a second Edition of the holy league between the Pope Phillip the second of Spain, Catherine of Medina in France, and the House of the Guises, some hundred years ago—What human or devine right have these Crowned Heads, to dictate to other Nations, the Government, or Religion they are to Institute, whether agreeable, or disagreeable to their consciences, Judgements and Inclinations? I wish that all Nations could make Constitutions as cooly, and temperately as we do in Massachusetts—I think we have some reason to congratulate ourselves that we are rather more moderate than your worthy Citizens of New York—or rather to wish that you had more sang–froid—
My kind Rememberance to your Children— and believe me to be, still as ever, your friend, and humble / Servant—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Peter Stephen Duponceau, 19 April 1821
From: Duponceau, Peter Stephen
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Philadelphia, 19. April 1821

				The honor you have done me by noticing my weak productions & encouraging my endeavours to be useful to a Country to which I am under So many & Such great obligations; a Country that has kindly received me into its bosom, & treated me (a stranger) as a child of the family, emboldens me to take the liberty of presenting you with a Copy of the proceedings which have taken place on the opening of a Law Institution which I am endeavouring to establish in this City, & in which I have the pleasure to find myself generally Supported by my brethren of the profession. As I have no pecuniary object in view, but am merely influenced by the wish to be useful to my fellow Citizens, you will be disposed to view my efforts with indulgence, & I shall be happy if they meet with your high approbation.  I have the honor to be / With the greatest veneration / and respect / Sir / Your most obedient / humble Servant

					Peter S. Du Ponceau


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 30 April 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

My Dear Sir—
Quincy April 30th. 1821

I must beg your pardon for delaying so long the acknowledgement of your kind favour—you have done all that is necessary to be done with Mr Duane—The sume of the matter is I suppose is—he has ploughed the Son of the Heifer in the Secretary of States Office—and procured copies of some of your communications to Congress—My letter to Jonathan Jackson, which was unfortunately and absurdly laid before Congress—I have no apprehensions of any evil that can now come of either—
My friend Mr Shaw of the Atheneum brought me up on Saturday a rememberances, in which is your first Charge to the grand Jury as Chief Justice of New York, in the year 1777—this elegant and masterly composition, however it escaped my attention in the time of it—I never saw till now—It revived a thousand painful, and as many pleasant recollections—The Snare is broken—and we have escaped—but Heaven alone knows how—The more I look back, for sixty years—the more I am astonished, and a deeper sense of gratitude I feel—
I am dear Sir, and ever shall be— / your friend, and / humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 2 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Little Hill May 2d. 1821

Your letter dear Waterhouse, is a precious lecture in Piety Religion and morality according to our blessed Constitution; and I hope to be profited and edified by it, accordingly—But you have not given me the true cause of your buziness—It is that you have a second Wife, who fills the places of the first, enters into all your Literary pursuits and makes you too happy to write letters—If I were as happy as you, I should be too as lazy—Pray can you tell me where I can find an old Lady between eighty and 100 who would have me
I never think of Mr Winthrop without a tenderness of sentiment and a pang of indignation—Name family genius talents learning, the Son of my revered Instructor and invariable Friend sacrificed as I believe to an overbearing jesuitical party Spirit—
While you have been reading Davila I have been reading Charlemaine, and Lewis the ninth—I regret that French Literature is unfashionable—Every Age of French History is as interesting, entertaining and instructive as any of Scotts Novels—I have also been reading over again—The Spirit of the League and the Spirit of the Fronde—nothing in the Life or Writings of Dr Johnson ever gave me a higher opinion of his Wisdom than his project  of a Translation into English of Theranus’s History—But John Bull had neither sense nor Candour enough to support him—I hope the time will come when America will do what Johnson wished to have done in England—We are so bigoted to Thucidies Livy, Plutarch and Tacitus, Hume Robertson and Gibbon that we read little else; but DeThon Davila and Guicchiardini would be more instructive to us—I wish that Velly’s History of France was Translated—Roman Catholic nonsense and Bigotry need not mislead us—any more than the pritty nonsence of Grecian Roman Egyptian of Hindoston Mythology—
This nonsensical letter has cost me great labour—if you can read it through you burn it—it will have fulfilled the desire of your friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 7 May 1821
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Bedford—West Chester County—N York—7th. May. 1821—

				By the Mail, next to the one which brought me a Letter from Mr. Duane, I transmitted a copy of it to you in a Short Letter dated the 27th. of march. I had then no Time to be more particular, having recieved Letters which required answers without Delay.—I afterwards, vizt. on the 7th. of april, recieved your Letter of the 31st. of March, and should have answered it immediately, but the Expectation of soon receiving one from you respecting mr. Duane’s Letter, induced me to wait for its arrival, intending to answer both together. as that Expectation has not been realized, I am apprehensive that my Letter has not come to your Hands, or that some obstacle to your writing has occurred—I hope it is not Sickness...Lest my Letter should have miscarried. I shall subjoin another copy of Mr. Duane’s.—On considering Mr. Duane’s Letter, it appears to me that the Journals which he calls ours, cannot be exact copies of our official Letters to the Secretary for foreign affairs; for he mentions those Journals as being “very short indeed—” whereas our Letters were very far from being short. Hence I conclude that those Journals are composed of Extracts from our Letters, or are abridgments of them. How judiciously such Extracts have been selected and combined—or how correctly such abridgments have been made, are questions which derive some Importance from the Circumstance, that they are to be given to the Public as our Journals. I am therefore inclined to think it adviseable to request of him to give us Copies of them; that we may know what they are, and judge how far they correspond with the Tenor and Import of our Letters...I have not as yet replied to his Letter.—At the age to which you have arrived, I believe very few enjoy an equal Exemption from its usual Infirmities—Your Hand indeed is not now as formerly the hand of a ready writer; but you still retain a more than common Degree of general Health. In these Respects I have been less favored.—For twelve years past I have not had one well Day—an incurable obstruction in the Liver has gradually reduced me to an emaciated and feeble State; and severe attacks of Rheumatism frequently produce much acute Pain.—It rarely happens that the Maladies and Infirmities which generally accompany old age, will yield to medical Skill—but happily for us, Patience and Resignation are excellent Palliatives.—I perfectly concur with you in opinion, that the Sovereigns who are Parties to what they call the “Holy Alliance” have no Right to dictate to other nations—Sovereign Power however is seldom uniformly restrained or regulated by moral Considerations, and we have seen this observation verified in more than one Instance—It is honorable to Massachusetts that their political Parties have been so attentive to moderation, and Decorum—I wish the like Remark was equally applicable to those in this State. Certain of our Demagogues seem to regard Checks and Ballances as inconvenient obstacles; and there is Reason to fear that the kind of Constitution which it is said they prefer, will, if adopted and established, retard the Prosperity of the State.—My affection for my Country and Children prevents my regarding the course of political affairs with all that Indifference which would otherwise result from my approach to the Period, when I shall be removed far beyond their Reach and Influence—With the best wishes for the Continuance of your Health and Welfare / I am Dear Sir / your Friend & obt. Servt.

					John Jay—

					My Children are obliged by your kind Remembrance, and request me to present to you their respectful Compliments
				Copy of Mr. Duane’s Letter—“Philadelphia—16 March—1821—SirYour Letter of the 13th. Instant, which you did me the Honor to address to me, concerning some notes in the firth volume of the works of Franklin, I have duly received; and altho this is the thirtieth Day of my Confinement to Bed, and am in a consequent State of Debility, my Respect for you will not permit me to postpone to another Day a Reply.—On the immediate Subject to which they refer, it is scarcely to be presumed that I should have stated in so formal a manner as fact, that which I could not sustain. In truth Sir! I am in Possession of two Journals, very short indeed, but as authentic as any public Documents ever were. One of them is entitled as expressed, the Journal of John Jay Esqr., and the other of John Adams Esqr.—Having explicitly answered as to the principal point, I must observe, that the circumstance you urge, as having never given any thing like such a Journal to any person, does not disprove the Reality of such a Journal having an authentic and demonstrable Existence. And I feel so perfectly satisfied of the fact, that I could to a certainty satisfy yourself of the Authenticity of the Papers in my Possession.—I can give no other Description of the Papers, than has been already given; and if it were compatible with that sense of confidence, which when reposed in me I have never violated, I should be very happy to inform you whence they were derived. Should it even be necessary to shew the Source of their Derivation, which it is always in my Power to do, that Disclosure will be also the Proof of their Authenticity.—Entertaining towards you the most unfeigned respect, I have with some Inconvenience endeavoured to comply with your wishes—I am Sir / with great Respect
			Wm. DuaneJohn Jay EsqrI have made use of the Pen of one of my Daughters—my hand not being steady enough.”—


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 8 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Little Hill May 8th. 1821

You must have much pleasure in watching the Opining mind of your Grandchild; for, being half Waterhouse and half Ware it must be a choice Spirit.
But how Smal is your felicity in comparison with mine, who have Seven Grand Children, Scattered over the World, and Seven more under my own roof, and eight or ten great grandchildren, one of whom is here with her Mother. A great grand daughter, and a great  grandson of the Same Age three Years; whose Sports, capers, gambols, and droleries are diverting as any harlequins on any Stage.
So much for diversion, amusement and felicity! but there is a reverse of the medal; a Solemn Side of the picture! I feel a great Trust; a Solemn Sacred responsibility! What is to be the fortune or destiny of this numerous Posterity? Have I done my duty to them? Aye! there’s the rub; that gives me pain. I have Spared neither pains nor expence in proportion to my means, Oportunities, and abilities, in the Education of my family: but I find that Education alone is not all sufficient. Streight is the gate and narrow is the Way, that leads to reputation, honour, success, and hapiness even in this World. This narrow road leads through the Provinces of Prudence Temperance, Justice and Fortitude, and must be steadily and cautiously travelled. Hercules will find Sloth, and Indolence and pleasure, and vanity, and Pride, and Ambition, and Luxury, and Avarice, and Slander, and Ridicule, and Reproach, and Vilification, assaulting him in every Stage of this Journey, and tempting him out of his Way.
How streight is this Gate! How narrow is this Way! Yet most infallibly, it is the only Path to Hapiness in this World. I say nothing, at present, of the next.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 14 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Mr Rush
Motezillo May 14. 1821

I have been tenderly affected by the kind expressions of your friendship in your letter of the 9th of february.
In the course of forty years I have been called to assist in the formation of a Constitution for this State. This kind of Architecture I find is an Art or Mistery very difficult to learn and Still harder to practice. The Attention of Mankind at large Seems now to be drawn to this interesting Subject. It gives me more Solicitude than at my Age I ought to do. for nothing remains for me but submission and Resignation. Nevertheless, I cannot wholy divest myself of anxiety for my Children, my country and my Species. The probability is that the fabrication of constitutions will be the Occupation or the Sport, the Tragedy Comedy or farce for the entertainment of the World for a century to come. There is little Appearance of the Prevalence of correct notions of the indispensible Machinery of a free Government, in any Part of Europe, or America. Neither Spain Portugal or Naples can long Preserve their fundamental Laws under their present Constitutions.
But I must recollect that I am not reading a Lecture.
But hazardous as it may be, I will venture One Remark upon Our National and State Constitutions.
The Legislature and Executive Authorities are too much blended together. While the Senate of the United States have a Negative on all appointments to Office, We can never have a National President. In spight of his own Judgment he must be The President, not to say the Tool of a Party. In Massachusetts the Legislature annually elect an executive Council, which renders the Governor a mere Doge of Venice, a mere Testa di legno, a mere Head of Wood.
Strait is the Gate and Narrow is the Way that leads to Liberty, and few Nations if any have found it.
I am, Sir with great Esteem and real Affection, Your Sincere Friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Emma Willard, 16 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Willard, Emma

Dear Miss Willard
Montezillo May 16th 1821.

I have received Mr Southwicks address to the Apprentice of Albany and have read it three times over after the first reading I said there is no need of addition, subtraction, correction or alteration; a generation of apprentices educated in Mr Southwicks principles and formed upon his model would redeem a nation on the brink of destruction. After the third reading I found nothing worth criticizing. but I wished that in enumerating writers on Moral Philosophy he had recommended the sermons and the preface to the sermons of Dr Butler Bishop of Bristol which are the profoundest essays on Moral subjects that are to be found in any language—and Dr Barrows moral discourse especially his five sermons on Industry which are the greatest effort of genius that ever wass displayed upon any single human duty and virtue.
When I began this letter I intended to have waved all that is said of me: but I have altered my mind and awkward as the tastes is I will say something. I rejoice to learn from Mr Southwick, that the purity of my motives in writing the “Defence” is now generally acknowledged But I believe those motives are but imperfectly understood. Those volumes were written in the spirit of Martyrdom. My Country was in rebellion and France was on the eve of it.
I saw a conflagration breaking out which must inevitably spread through the world and I thought it my indispensable duty to bear my testimony feeble as it was, against those wild frantic nations of Republican Liberty which were then prevalent every where: I certainly knew that I would offend a great part of the people of America, and believed it extremely probable that I should sacrifice all the little popularity I ever had. But it was not a new thing for me to hazard my popularity or my life. My friends in Europe, Americans, English and French shook their heads and said. “We know not how this will be received in America” but I had the satisfaction to find that it was not at first so ill received as I had feared three editions of it were immediately printed one in Philadelphia another in New York and a third in Boston and copies of the first volume were in the hands of the Convention for forming the National constitution before they could agree upon any thing, and I desire it may be remembered that the three volumes were all read by Mr—Jay, Mr Madison and Mr Hamilton before the Federalist was begun.
The work is unpublished, ill digested and uncouth A work was written in fifteen months which ought to have employed twenty years. Nevertheless it utters a solemn, warning voice to all men to beware of the awful dangers which surround every form of Republican government that has ever been tried in the world. I tremble for the State of New York lest they should set a dangerous example of danger Indeed all Europe exhibits great cause of anxiety to very thinking mind. The system of a free government appears still to be but imperfectly understood.
 I am Madam with many thanks and great esteem / your obliged Friend and / humble servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from David Hosack, 17 May 1821
From: Hosack, David
To: Adams, John

					Dr Sir
					New york May 17. 1821

				you did me the honour some time since after reading my memoir of Dr Hugh Williamson to write me a letter stating some particulars relative to the Hutchinson letters’ which were new to me and which are calculated to unfold some secrets of that affair that before were inexplicable, I mean relating to the agency of Mr Temple and Mr Hartley—I read that part of your letter to the new york Historical Society—they were very much gratified by the communication—The Society are printing a third volume of their Transactions—my memoir corrected and improved will make part of the volume—It has been thought proper to publish the sources from whence I obtained the facts I have related—Mr Read of Phila and Bishop White have kindly consented to the publication of their communications to me—as a part of your excellent letter to me would be calculated to give additional information and support to the character of Dr Williamson as it regards his veracity and integrity I beg leave to solicit the favour that you will allow me to add your letter to those of Bishop White and of Mr Read—The Society too will deem it an important addition—lest you may not have kept a copy of your letter to me I inclose a copy of it for your perusal—as the paper memoir is now printing, your reply as early as may suit your convenience will be an additional favour conferred upon meI am Dr Sir with Sentiments of great / respect yours

					David Hosack


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 19 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

My Dear Friend
Montezillo May 19. 1821

Must We, before We take our departure from this grand and beautiful World, Surrender all our pleasing hopes of the progres of Society? Of improvement of the intellectual and moral condition of the World? Of the reformation of mankind?
The Piemontese Revolution Scarcely assumed a form; and the Neapolitan bubble is burst. And what Should hinder the Spanish and Portuguese Constitutions from rushing to the Same ruin? The Cortes is in one Assembly, vested with the legislative power.—The King and his Priests Armies Navies and all other Officers are vested with the Executive Authority of Government. Are not here two Authorities Up, neither Supream? Are they not necessarily Rivals constantly contending like Law Physick and Divinities for Superiority? Are they not two Armies drawn up in battle, Array just ready for civil War?
Can a free Government possibly exist with a Roman Catholic Religion?
The Art of Lawgiving is not So easy as that of Architecture or Painting. New York and Rhode Island are Struggling for conventions to reform their Constitutions and I am told there is danger of making them worse. Massachusetts has had her Conventions: but our Sovereign Lords The People think themselves wiser than their Representatives, and in several Articles I agree with their Lordships. Yet there never was a cooler a more patient candid, or a wiser deliberative Body than that convention.
I may refine too much, I may be an Enthusiast. But I think a free Government is necessarily a complicated Piece of Machinery, the nice and exact Adjustment of whose Springs Wheels and Weights are not yet well comprehended by the Artists of the Age and Still less by the People.
I began this letter principally to enquire after your health and to repeat Assurances of the Affection / of your Friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 May 1821
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Olden barneveld 21 May 1821.

Is it not Strange, that this year—I Should not have received one Single line from those—whom I So highly respect, at Boston? No—not even of Montezillo? It cannot be—that you are indisposed—or any of the family—your promising George would have mentioned it to me—The last notice I obtained of the family was from Fish-kill—and will the 4th of march your’s was of 18 Febr—Could it be possible, that my last visit at Boston, caused me So much mischief—then I may truly regret it—but even this can not be the case by that Venerable man, who know my weak as well as my good Side—and by whom—I am confident, I can not be forgotten.
I postponed to write from week to week, till at lenght—I was unexpectedly, favoured with the luminous Report of J. Q. A. on Weights and measures. It might be deemed importune, to interrupt his more Serious occupations by an insignificant Letter of thanks—as you will inform Him, that I am highly Sensible for this distinguished mark of attention—to an old frend of his revered Parents. I Sincerely regret, that I am too incompetent a Judge to appraise its worth—it being out of my Sphere—It communicated nevertheless much Scientific knowledge—it drove away Some visionary dreams on this Subject—and makes me imagine that I Should know, to follow the track of this unassuming guide if I had been a member of Congress—He fully appraises, what has been performed in France and England—and what he proposes to Congress deserves a civic crown—Pag. 59, 45-86, 90-92, 125/9 ought to be read again and again—Soon it Shall have crossed the Atlantic—In Europe—In France and England principally—it must increase the exalted opinion of J. Q. A—He has indeed not worked in vain—noctes diesque—with what complacency may he read to his Louisa—in the course of a few months—the congratulations—which he now may expect from London and Paris! He made by it indeed—in my opinion—a gigantic Stride towards that Seat—who around which he Shall entwine a glorious wreath—which Posterity will admire—even—if it was not actually benefitted by it—
My Daughter’s health was this winter very indifferent—God be praised! She is recovered—reads and writes, and Superintends again our family—except Severe head-ache—taking but Seldom leave of your frend—and weak eyes—to an excess—health and contentment remains our Share—Since my return from Quincy I accomplished four vol. more of the Records, and as many of these become more important, I am irresistibly Spurred to continue—as long I can decipher a Single Sentence—
I Solicit as a boon—and our time may be Short—led me hear now and then—the well fare of your Self—and family—when I hear no longer the voice of frendship, or can not trace its Sound—it is time, to leave this Scene—but to receive even the Smallest proofs in my deep retirement, of those, whom I love, honour and revere, is a dainty, with which I would not part for any wordly treasure—
I presume—the Eliot’s are all So much engaged in feasting and Tyng—in winding up the concerns of his office—that Olden barneveld is not longer remembered—
How often am I in the middle of your family—at morning in the Evening—and with what delight I review the particulars of our conversation—when it is a difficult task, not to regret that I Shall not receive these kindnesses again—The Lilies of Montezillo are now growing in my Garden with other Bostonian flowers—and can I look at them—and Suppress the wish! o! Quando te revisam!
Assuring you of my high respect and cordial frendship / I remain / My Dear and respected Sir! / Your most obed. and bliged

Fr. Adr. van der Kemp


Title: From John Adams to David Sewall, 22 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, David

dear Sir
Montezillo May 22—1821

How do you do? as we have been friends for seventy years, and are Candidates for promotion to an other World, where I hope we shall be better acquainted, I think we ought to enquire now and then after each-others health and welfare while we stay here—
I am not tormented with the fear of death; nor though suffering under many infirmities and agitated by many afflictions, weary of Life—I have a better opinion of this world and of its Ruler than some people seem to have—a kind Providence has preserved and supported me for eighty five years and seven months, through many dangers and difficulties, though in great weakness; and I am not afraid to trust in its goodness to all Eternity—I have a numerous Posterity, to whom my continuance may be of some importance; and I am willing to await the orders of the supreme power—We shall leave the world with many consolations, it is better than we found it—Superstion, persecution and Bigotry are some-what abated, Governments are a little ameliorated; science and Literature are greatly improved and more widly spread—
Our Country has brilliant and exhilerating prospects before it; instead of that solemn gloom in which many of the former parts of our lives have been obscured—The condition of your state has, I hope been improved by its seperation from ours, though we scarcely know how to get along without you—
Information of your health, and welfare will be a gratification to your sincere friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to David Hosack, 23 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Hosack, David

Dear Sir
Montezillo May 23—1821

I have received the letter you did me the honour to write me on the 17th: of this month.
I am glad to see that your memoirs of Dr. Williamson are to be published in the transactions of your Historical Society. New York is exhibiting splended specimens of improvement in many things; in Literature & Science in general; in Agriculture, Manufactures, the fine Arts as well as the Mechanic Arts. They will, I hope soon produce an example of useful Advancement in the art of Law-giving, the most important the most splended essential of all; because all Arts and sciences all Interests are comprehended in it and depend upon it.
But Why should I wander? My letter to you sir of the 28th: January you are perfectly at liberty to publish in whole or in part as you please. I thank you for the copy of it; but I dare not let the most trifling letter go out of my hands without preserving a copy.
With great esteem I am Sir / Your obliged & most obedient Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Mathew Carey, 24 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Carey, Mathew

Dear Sir
Montezillo May 24 1821

On the 22d of the month I received the letter you did me the honour to write me on the 16th.—“The Sett of Papers the object of which is to prove that our present Policy is highly pernicious to the best Interests of the Cultivators of the Soil,” is not yet arrived.”
It would not be difficult to prove, that the Policy of this Country is erroneous in Several particulars. We have an uncertain a fluctuating, a fallacious and iniquitous Standard of Value; or rather no fixed Standard at all. This is neither consistent with honour Equity or humanity. It destroys our Morals, and corrupts our Elections. I presume also to think that our Constitutions of Government are not yet So perfect as they Should be. The Legislative Powers are too much blended with the Executive.
Allas! All Europe is Still groping in the dark, a violent Effervescence in favour of Representative Government, without Sufficient Knowledge of the System of Organization necessary to form it and preserve it.
J. Adams.


Title: To John Adams from David Sewall, 26 May 1821
From: Sewall, David
To: Adams, John

					my dear Sir
					York (Maine) 26th. May 1821

				In answer to your first query, how do you do? altho’ I may not with propriety reply “Athletice, prancratise, Valeo,” Yet thro the smiles of a kind providence, I am free from pain or anxiety of Body or Mind, respecting the things of this life or a future—I have food and raiment convenient, and in a quiet contented frame of Mind perhaps in as much, or more so: than at any former period of my former pilgrimage.—Altho’ I ought, you may suppose to be otherwise employed I am as much attached to the News of the Day, or the affairs of the World moral and political as I have ever been.—Not from a desire or inclination to be employed or engaged in its transaction, for I covet no ones Honour, or Riches—But from a desire to know how things are going on—in this, and other parts of the World—And am as much affected, with the adversity or prosperity of other, as at any former period I Read considerable, and especially such as treat of the Scripture Prophecy Which seem to be dayly fulfilling. The uncommon exertions that seem to have commenced, and been increasing, for the 20 Years passed for  communicating the knowledge of the Scriptures, afford a hopefull prospect of the amelioration of the Mankind, thro’ the habitable Earth—and that the Times frequently alluded unto, in various parts of the Bible, after the destruction of the four Monarchies mentioned by the Prophet Daniel, Were Spedily approaching.—I acknowledge that I have been a little mortified by the congressional transactions, respecting the Missory Territory, and its Awkward prospective Admission as a State into the Union—And I sincerely hope there will not be,   that Objection to the Proclaimation, that is expected to Issue on the Occasion,—as arose upon Mr. Maddison, that the French Decrees Violating the Neutral Commerce of the United States Were revoked, or annulled, the 2nd. of Novemr. 1811.—Sometimes I feel solicitous for the Welfare of the White Population of the Slave holding States.—and What the future consequences Will be,? from the amazing increase of Slaves, in the Southern States—and in the Louissiana and the Florida Territories—But an overluring beneficent providence, brings Good, out of Evil beyond the coruption of finite beings.—It creates a kind of Nausea to  peruse the proceedings in, the British Parliament respecting the Queen consort of George the 4th.—And it affords me no pleasure to find the Crowned heads of some of the European Nations trembling alive to the support of their dignity and endeavouring to dictate the Internal regulations of the civil police of some of their Neighbours—But whether have I permitted my Pen to flow, since I took it up to Write you,—But I cannot close without remarking that the affairs of the Turkish Govemt. when connected with their neighbours of Russia, are approaching its dissolution—I am much gratified with your Letter and that your nerves are so strong as to Write me with Your own hand, so largely—but not to tire your patience with perusing my hasty Scrolls, I will close with sincere Wishes for your Comfort and happiness here and hereafter—

					David Sewall

					P.S. my present intions is, to Write you oftener, than heretofore If I can find any matter to afford you amusement,