Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 3 October 1808
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

My dear Daughter
Quincy October 3d 1808

I began a Letter to you on Sunday last in which I informed you that your Sister S. Adams and Abbe arrived here the week before in good health & spirits, that they left your Mother Sisters & Son well. John has written me a Letter by them which is the first I have received from them him, tho he frequently writes to his Grandfather. I shall not fail replying to him. Susan has been a month at Atkinson, and Abbe Shaw with me untill last week when her Aunt Cranch sent for her to be with her. It is more than a Month Since my dear Sister has been confined by Sickness to her Chamber, and Bed part of the time. She was seizd with a voilent virtigo in her head, so that she could neither walk or stand or raise herself up in Bed. This continued a fortnight, before she was able to sit up. Mr Cranch was suddenly seizd with a cholora Morbus which in a few hours, reduced him to a state little better than death. Her exertions were much beyond her Strength to attend upon him. He has recoverd but is still weak pale and feeble. The next calamity was Kathe the old faithfull domestic was seizd with a Lung fever, and confined to her Bed. All these things contributed to keep your Aunt low and the Rhumatic complaint from her head attacked the Kidneys and produced an excrutiating Strangry. Bleading and Baths were the only releif she found, and she is now confined more reduced than I ever knew her before. For myself—you know the fall months are very unpropitious to me. I am frequently confined for a week, or ten days, weather the attack, and get out again. This has been the case for a Month past. Thus much for the dismalls.—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of August 23d which I had impatiently waited for, and which you had delayd because you had not “any thing worth communicating.”
To know that you are well, that you have Bread to Eat, and Raiment to cloath you, are Subjects of no Trivial import, and communicate pleasure to me, as the reverse would be most painfull. Your account of the plentifull Harvest you have gatherd in, leaves no anxiety upon the mind respecting want. We may truly say with respect to our Country, that our lines have fallen to us in pleasent places, and that we have a goodly Heritage where famine which frequently distresses other countries, is unknown here: it is true, we have not always power over our own lot, to carve it out as we please, but the mind has power over itself; and happiness has its Seat in the mind, not in external circumstances, for we frequently see the most affluent, the most discontented and unhappy.
Our dear Carolines chit chat Letters amuse and divert us. So lively so gay, like the Bird which hops from spray to spray and carols as he sits imparting pleasure to his fellow Songsters, and all who hear: sweet age of innocence, the mind pure the Heart uncorrupt. You wish to look in upon your Friends here and know, how they do—Mrs. Beal and family well. Mrs. Wales has a son. Mrs. T Greenleaf no great alteration there. Mrs. Black much fallen away from long and tedious sickness, recoverd so as to be abroad. Mrs. D Greenleaf fat and hearty. Mrs. Millar and family well. Mrs. Pickering just got to Bed with a son—In Boston your Brother Sister and children well, meaning Charles—John been at Quincy with me all summer. George grown a steady Pup, goes to school steadily. Mr. Smith and family all well. Dr. Welch reduced very low from a Carbuncle upon his left hand—threatned with a mortification, Saved by laying it open to the Bone—near three months since it first began—Charlot at Northhampton.—Mrs. Storer and family well—Dr. and Mrs. Tufts tolerabley ther invalides—Mr. and Mrs. C Tufts well. Quincy with the Ague and fever, caught at the springs. So much for Domestick affairs. Now for a seasoning of politicks. First then I most Sincerely wish Success to the Spanish patriots, and hope the destroyer of Nations has finished the part permitted him to act by an overruling providence, who has destined him to Scourge them, and to punish them. Here I cannot forbear transcribeing a Character drawn of him by an able pen Dr. Rush. In a Letter to your Father he thus describes him, “to the levity of a French Man, he unites the phelegm” of a German, the avarice of a Dutchman the coldheartedness of a Russian, the solidity of an Englishman, the gravity of a Spainiard, the subtlety of an Italian and the cruelty of a Turk.
“In no one part of his conduct do we trace the least resemblance of any one of the virtues that rescued the name of Alexander and Ceasar from total infamy. He is devoid of the occasional magninimnity of the former, and the habitual clemency of the latter.” I wish that our many vices and crimes may not draw down upon us the just vengence of offended heaven, and that he may no further be permitted to become our Scourge than he already has. If we are drawn into a war, the concequences may be similar to those of other Nations. With respect to our own National affairs, I hope we have not yet so far forfeited the protection of Providence, as to be governd by our own vices and passions, but that we may be directed to men and measures which will prosper still secure to us our national prosperity, Security and independence. That the Spirit of party may be divested of its malignity, that Charity peace and harmony may prevail amongst us, and render us still happy and successfull as a Nation is the Sincere wish and prayer of your / truly affectionate / Mother,

Abigail AdamsPS—Family Love accompanies this to every Branch of yours.


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 10 October 1808
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

My dear Grandson
Quincy. Oct 10. 1808.

It gives me great pleasure to observe in your letter of the first of this month your increasing thirst for knowledge and attachment to your profession. Your natural aversion to politics will soon too soon wear away. A lawyer must be a politician. It is impossible to avoid it; he breathes constantly in a political atmosphere. The companies with whom he associates are all politicians. Judges, lawyers, Clerks converse on no other subject. Have a care however of Machiavel, Ignatius Loyola, and all the pharisaical tribe. Despise and abhor all their maxims. Preserve the natural feelings of your heart, and the unadulterated dictates of your understanding and politics will do you no harm.
The law is a laborious profession. Nocturna versate manu, versate diurna, her voluminous treasures.
Your fondness for New York is natural amiable and laudable. Settle in it if you See a prospect of success.
Bacon’s abridgment is a work of reputation but not of authority. No doubt your time will be employed to Some good purpose in reading it. But I Should have thought Lord Chief Justice Coke’s commentary upon Littleton and his other institutes better to succeed Blackstone. Original authors I have always thought Should precede compilations. As I keep no copies of my letters to you I hope you will excuse my old memory, if I repeat, what I may have often Said or written to you before. There are books perhaps now out of fashion which I found an advantage in reading, such as Lord Hale’s history of the common law; Fortescue, de laudibus legum anglia, Trials per pais doctor and student, Howell’s institute of the law in imitation of Justinian, Bracton Britton, Flita and Glanville. Vetero favites I think is the best rule. Barrington’s observations on the statutes is also a good book.
Nothing is of more importance to a lawyer than to get the titles of the law well fixed in his mind as you may from Blackstone’s analysis and then acquire by practice and habit, a readiness in turning to tables and indices, and from these to the titles and passages you Seek.
The civil law Should not be wholly neglected; I shall not advise you to read the pandect and all the innumerable and immeasurable volumes of the Commentaries upon it. But the institutes of Justinian, and especially the definitions in it, deserve your early attention—
The nature and different forms of government ought to be well considered. I do not mean that you should read Aristotle, Plato, Polybius, Hobbes, Harrington, Sidney and a hundred others at present. But De Lolme’s essay on the Constitution of England and Lord Bolingbroke’s political works are very proper to succeed Blackstone.
As to the impressment of Seamen, consider what it is even in England. It is an abuse. It is against Magna Charta, and the first principles of their constitution. It violates every right of a British subject; but it is tolerated or rather connived at as an abuse upon an alleged principle of necessity.
To pretend to extend this abuse to foreign Ships and formally to assert it as a right and command it to their officers as a duty, is a stretch of arbitrary power, that I could not have thought even England or France capable of.
The remainder of this year will be passed in a violent electioneering fermentation, and the ensuing Session of Congress will be Stormy. The new aspect of affairs in Spain will embarrass the administration and what they will do with the embargo, I cannot conjecture. Peace is my dear delight; but the peace of a church yard is not compatible with the wants and wishes of living men. I hope we Shall not incur the censure of Tacitus
“Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.”
My age and my inclination lead me to acquiesce in whatever is to come; like the Scotch Shepherd I Say, “The weather tomorrow shall be such as I please.” “Such as God pleases you mean” said the traveller. “Well” replied the shepherd “What pleases him pleases me.” I am determined to be pleased as well as I can, who ever is president, or whether we have embargo or no embargo, war or peace. And in either case I shall be a peaceable citisen. I will venture however to say that I hope we shall not go to war with the spanish patriots for whom I feel an irresistible sympathy. When the French attempted to abolish their monarchy and all their ancient institutions and erect a levelling democracy I thought they were attempting impossibility. I pitied their errors, deplored their cruelties, and could not hope for their Success, because I know it was not in the nature of things nor in the order of providence.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 3 November 1808
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

my dear daughter
Quincy Novbr. 3d 1808

Your Letter of Sepbr 25 together with Carolines came safe to hand, but I have been in a kind of Turmoil ever since, and never felt retired, or quiet enough to sit down to my pen. It is a great misfortune to me that I cannot see to write in an Evening, without injury to my Eyes. your Aunt Cranch’s sickness has lain heavey at my heart. She is I hope recovering, but she has been much broken down. I have never been more distresst about her. Mrs J Adams has been sick too, almost ever since she came. the Dr calls her complaint, the Water Brush; the pain in her stomack has been intence, and the Water would flow from her mouth in great abundence, whilst her hands and feet would be an Ague cold. Little Abbe has had a slow fever, and been as fractious as a wasp. My daily cares you know: they are not lessned: but the Scripture tells us, that no Man liveth for himself. the sordidness of that Idea, is sufficient to stimulate the indolent, and prompt us all to do good and communicate, that the Sphere of your usefullness may be enlarged. I hope with you that you may return to the Society of your Friends and connections. To me the distance is unpleasent, yet I trust that there are pleasures, and comforts to be found there to a mind disposed to view objects in their best light, and to receive with gratitude the bounties of providence—Johnson in his Rassalass shows us that the happy valley must be in the mind.
I have just procured Corrinna and am reading it. I will give you my opinion when I have finishd it.
If William should think of passing the winter at Philadelphia, I should recommend him to an acquaintance with Dr Rush’s family. Richard Rush is a very fine young Man, and he will find a kind of home in the domestick circle of the Dr—I will write to the Dr in his behalf. his uncle Thomas will give him Letters to some of his Friends. Mrs J Adams thinks he may be of essential service to his Aunt in the care of her affairs, particularly so, if she removes to her Farm as she proposes to do. A single woman whether maiden, or widow, wants some Friend of the other Sex to protect her, and her property or she becomes the prey of every Sharper. William has seen enough of the world, to be—even a Guide to a thoughtless giddy woman, and he may do it in a way, that may convince her, that her honour and reputation are his peculiar care. He is quick sighted, and will easily discern what is proper, at the same time, he will be upon his guard against the contagion of improper example. I have reasons for these hints. He will soon see whether they are well founded. I thought it probable that he might go to Philadelphia, and that he ought not to be improperly associated—Whether Commerce is ever again to shake of her Shackles, as respects America, is doubtfull, not I fear untill she can do it, by the power of her own Navy, and the Thunder of her own Cannon—Brittain is jealous of our prosperity and fears us, as a rival. She is determined to check us in every way which she can France wishes to Embroil us with England, and to crush us in that way, least we should unite our power with hers, against France—Thus are we hemed in on every Side—America is desirious of dealing justly by Both—and extending her commerce as a Nutral Nation, to every part of the Globe. General Moreau compares America to the trunk and limbs of a Giant, with the Muscles of an Infant—Under the present Administration she has certainly totterd and limped, as if affraid to go alone. Last week the report was Current, that Napolean had declared war against the United States—this was not believed by your Father, who could not see any cause, or motive of policy in the measure. His decrees are more provoking than War; we shall soon have the Bugget opend—Mr Madison I think will be our next President—Pinckney is not the Man calculated to ride in the Storm, and stem the torrent. If Mr Madison can, he will perform wonders the people are so divided that it is like a House which cannot stand.
We have had one snow storm. I thought you must have had it deep with you. It is all gone, and this day is mild as May. Your Brother and Sister are both well. they kept Sabbeth with us. John went home last week, having been with me four Months,—Sister T B A asks if you received the Letter she wrote you some months since.—I was in Boston last week. our Friends all well—poor Aunt Edwards fell in her Chamber and broke her Arm—regrets it much, as She was to have made her annual visit at Quincey on the same week.— I Shall write to Caroline next. My Love to her, Caroline was so womanly so , and so pleasing in her manners, that those who come after her, when weighd in the balance are found wanting.—Susan is in a voilent hurry to take the Letter to her uncles. Wait I say untill I send my Regards to all the family uncles Aunts and cousins and to my dear Daughter—The affection of her Mother
Abigail Adams
PS I had a Letter from John and have written to him his Grandfather had one this week


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 17 November 1808
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: De Windt, Caroline Amelia Smith

My dear Caroline
Quincy Nov’br. 17th. 1808

I can scarcly belive that I have not written to my dear Girl for so long a time as two months, yet upon opening her Letter in replie to mine, I find it bears Date 28 Sep’br
This Letter I hope will receive a double welcome for it incloses one from your Friend which of them I know not, but it came under cover to your Grandpappa this week. Your Aunt E. Adams has been sick almost ever since she came, which has been a great trouble to me as well as to herself—I hope she is recovering. She is gone with Louisa to Boston to day, the first time Since she came. Susan and Abbe are gone out with Ann Hale to invite company to a party which Ann, is going to have this Evening. I will tell you how the Girls were dissapointed. Ann had invited them for tuesday, but it was a dire Storm. She then appointed the next fair day. wednesday mor’g being dubious, Ann did not Send, but they took it for granted as the Afternoon was fair. She would certainly see them. accordingly, there was a brushing and polishing and Brightning up, and misses got all in prim order, Susan every now & then taking a dancing Step, and Miss Abbe a Stride after her. I sat in my easy chair trying to get a Nap. The chaise was orderd and pray misses, raising up said Grandmamma, had you not better just send down and inquire first if miss Ann expects you—The message went, and the return was, the weather had been so uncertain that the party were not invited. What fools we were Sister not to inquire before we Drest? blank—whose the dupe? Well says miss Susan, I have just been reading the Triumphs of Temper—I think I will try to imitate Serena, and quietly bear the dissapointment—Abbe who is the mere child of imitation, followd the example, and undresst—then took her work, and submitted with a good grace. to day their hopes are all renewed—the pleasure is yet to come—it would be greatly enhanced could you my dear Caroline add to the number, for when a model of ease and Elegance is required, it bears the Name of Caroline Smith—not by the partial Eye, and fond attachment of Grandmamma alone, but through the whole village—United to so modest a demeanor there is not any danger of exciting an improper pride in the Bosom of innocence. pride you know was not made for Man, nor Woman neither. There are persons, there are countanances, there is a deportment, which strike at first sight, and create an interest which it is impossible to account for. it is the great hand of nature which engraves upon the external appearence; the internal spirit and character, Lavator the great physiongnomist has given a Number of Rules for judging of the Character by the countanance—they are more fancifull than just I believe—and much depends upon Education—It is Tom Jones I think who says a good face is a Letter of recommendation.
You do well my dear to try to amuse your Mamma and Aunt in their Solitude. they have many cares and anxieties to which you are yet a Stranger; and the innocent playfullness of youth is a Sweet Solace—the comfort of humane Life, is a combination of little minute attentions, which, taken seperately, are nothing, but connected with the circumstances of time place and manner, as comeing from the heart, as tokens of good will possess a value, and inspire a pleasure beyond the possession of gold and Rubies and it will ever be a satisfaction to you, to reflect upon your having contributed to the amusement and comfort of your parents, and the more so now, when they are seperated from most of their Friend and relatives. may you never want either pleasure or amusement. we were made for active Life and idleness and happiness are incompatible.
Your Aunt T B Adams and her little Girls are very well, and grow finely—our Friends in Boston are well, your Aunt Cranch I hope is recovering—I do not write to your Mamma now—writing to you is the same thing. She will hear from us all—With Love and regards to the whole family I am your truly affection / Grandmother
A A


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 November 1808
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith,Cranch, Mary Smith

Atkinson November 18th. 1808

You my beloved Sisters, whose time is ever filled, with the various duties of Life, can more readily pardon me, for not sooner acquainting you how, & when I got home—Leaving a large family only for a few weeks, makes domestic Cares press hard, & my Boarders Cloatths got very much out of repair, in my absence, & the cold season, & thanksgiving advancing, made new, highly necessary, so that no time could I find for writing, to tell you, that with Abby A Shaw I left Boston, agreeably to my plan, the friday after I saw you, & lodged at Mr Cragies, where I found my Brother Samuel Shaw, & his Son, a Sophomore at College, & was very happy by my Brother, to hear of all my Bridgewater connections. Mr Cragie, was so polite, as to send for S. Gilman, & we had a good social breakfast together—It was then Saturday moring, we had thirty eight miles to ride, before we reached home. & I knew we should have no friendly moon to dispel the gloom, & cheer the benighted Traveller—The Morning was checkered with its variegated coulours, “the Joyous Sun, look’d out and smil’d,” Yet its radient beams were soon obscured, by thick clouds, which were brought over by a cold cast wind, still, I thought it my duty to proceed on our Journey. But a heavier Cloud hung round my poor Abby’s heart—for, susceptive of tender & grateful sentiments, & feelings, she could not but look back, and contemplate with a sigh, places where she had been received in the most hospitable manner, & treated with parental affection.—We rode about three miles in perfect Silence—when Abby, passing her hankercheif across her face, suddenly exclaimed—“I feel terrible dull to day—I wonder what ails me”—The innocent ebulitions of her heart, made me smile, & I replied, in the words of the song, Alas! poor Child, “What, can the matter be?”—
We at last reached the Hotel in Reading, when it began to rain, & be very uncomfortable for women, espicially for me, who had no woolen Coat with me—It was in vain for us to criminate ourselves for leaving such kind Friends, who warmly solicited our tarry, the only way I observed, was to hasten on, and find more—In this we were highly favoured, for upon arriving at Madam Phillips’ Mansion, we were welcomed by her, with the smile of affability, & sheltered through the incleminenies of the Weather, & received all the kind assiduities, hospitality, benevolence, & friendship could suggest—We tarried with her till Monday—Perceiving an Heart congenial to my own, we took sweet counsel together, & I found a reluctance at leaving a Woman so amiable—
At Night we were happy in reaching our Home, & finding Mr Peabody & all my family in good health, a Blessing for which we cannot be too grateful, as without it, we can taste but little enjoyment—
The week after I returned here, I was unexpectly surprized by a visit from Judge Cushing, & Lady. & mortified too, that I, & Abby, were gone to Haverhill that Afternoon—As soon as I returned Mr Peabody told us they were at the Tavern, upon finding us both from home, & not being acquainted with Mr Peabody, he could not persuade them to tarry the Night, but said, they had spoken for a lodging, & must go—We three went immediately over, we could not prevail, only got the promise of their taking breakfast with us in the morning, & they have honoured us with their confidence, in leaving an Nephew of hers, William Bowers, of Connecticut with us, to attend the Academy—They had been attending the Eastern circuit courts, they went on to Boston, & had a fine Day for their Journey—& the youth they have commited to our Care, appears very amiable, & contented—Several of our Boarders are gone, & we shall have to my comfort, less than Ten, through the winter—I want to hear how my Dear Sisters both do, I hope they will excuse my not writing to each now, as I have but a moments leisure—How does Mrs Adams, whom I left upon the bed, and the dear little grand-child—Please to present our best regards to my worthy Brothers, & to the other branches of your families, whatever is proper, from your Sister
E— Peabody


Title: From John Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 25 November 1808
From: Adams, John
To: Quincy, Josiah, III

My dear friend
Quincy 25th: Novr: 1808.

I owe you a thousand thanks, to speak in the good old English form of civility, for the Speech and the documents. You are greatly to be pitied, I mean all of you, of all parties, for I see you must labour very hard and with much anxiety, without the smallest hope, that I can discern of preserving yourselves and us the people from very dull times. If you continue the Embargo the times will be hard. If you institute a total non-intercourse the times will not be more cheerful. If you repeal the Embargo, circumstances will occur of more animation, but perhaps not more profit or more comfort. If you arm our merchantmen that will be war. The blood will not stagnate it is true; but it may run too freely for our health or comfort. If you declare war against France and England at once, this will be sublime, to be sure, and if we had a Dutch Navy, and a Van Tromp to sail up the Thames and a De Ruiter to sail up the Seine, we might gain as much by it as the Dutch did, when they warred against England France and Spain at once; that is we might obtain by it much wealth and a good peace. I have made up my mind for hard, dull times in all events. I reconcile myself to my our destiny as well as I can, by considering that we are yet in a much better situation than any other Nation and that we cannot probably be in a worse whatever may happen.
I have another resource too for reconciling myself to our fate and that is by running over again the history of the world.
I have just finished Voltaire’s manners and spirit of Nations, which is a miniature of Universal history. When I find that this globe has been a vast theatre on which the same tragedies and Comedies have been acted over and over again in all ages and Countries how can I hope that our Country should escape the universal calamity. Despair itself hardens if it does not comfort. One would think that the consideration that all other Nations, allways have been and now are more miserable than we are, should make one more unhappy, but it has not that effect. It alleviates in some degree our distress; when we see that an evil or a danger is inevitable we resolve or prepare to meet it.
An acquaintance of your’s, Mrs: Price, Mrs: T Greenleaf’s Mother died this Afternoon very suddenly. Last Evening, she was preparing to go abroad upon a tea party. Mrs: A– presents her compliments and thanks for the documents, which she takes a satisfaction in reading, because they are well printed and save her eyes from the torment of reading the newspapers—
With great and sincere esteem I am dear Sir your obliged Servt


Title: From Abigal Adams Shaw Felt to Mary Smith Cranch, 3 December 1808
From: Felt, Abigal Adams Shaw
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

Atkinson December 3 1808

Your letter my dear Aunt, to my Mother, afforded me great pleasure. I was rejoiced to hear you had so far recovered your health, as to enable you to attend once more the daily avocations of your family You were fearfull my health would suffer by my confinement with you, but I asure my dear Aunt, I did not consider it a confinement in the least, and were I so happy as to have been of any service, or alleviate a moments pain, to me, it would ever be a source of the highest satisfaction—
I spent a few days in Boston, very pleasantly, and the Friday after I left you, we went to Cambridge, and passed the night with Mrs Craigie, and the next morning commenced our journey for Atkinson, but the day was extremly disagreeable the sky was oercast with clouds, and soon after we left the Hotell in Reading, the rain decended very plentifully, and we were obliged to ride nine miles, before we could meet with any shelter. We reached Madam Phillipses in Andover, about two oclock in the afternoon, and were received by her with every mark of hospitality—We tarried there untill monday, when we once more renewed our journey, and arrived safely home found all well, and rejoiced to see us. I was grieved to hear of Thomas’s illness, his constitution I believe is not very firm, but I hope long before this, his health is perfectly reestablished. I was delighted to hear Richard had so pleasant a journey to Washington. when the Judge is so far distant from his relations, what a consolation it must be to him, to have so worthy a son, of a beloved Sister to reside with him, and take the charge of instructing his rising Progeny—
How does my dear Uncle do? I hope he has not been so much troubled afflicted with that troublesome humour, as when I was with you. Please to tender my most affectionate regards to him, and to my Uncle and Aunt Adams—Love to Ruthy, Thomas, and Elisabeth, and, with wishing that you my dear Aunt, may enjoy the choicest of Heavens Blessings I subscribe myself, your affectionate, and / obliged
Niece


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 8 December 1808
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

My dear Daughter
Quincy December 8th. 1808

I am indebted to you for two Letters one of  the last bearing date Novbr 20th. & 24th. I am always rejoiced to see your handwriting, altho the contents of your Letters some times give me pain, and none more so than those which contain an Idea that your Relatives, and Friends have not exerted themselves for you as they might have done. With respect to william. Your Father himself went to Town: and advised with some of his commercial acquaintance, who oweing to the total supression of Commerce did not like to take any young Gentleman into their stores—most of those who had any Number were obliged to dissmiss them. Dr Welchs youngest Son John returnd home, and he sent him to an accademy to keep him out of Idleness. Mr Greenleafs son Price is returnd home. Capt. Beals two son, are here intirely out of Buisness. The Shop keepers have buisness for a time, but that is like to come soon to a close by the nonintercourse Bill which has recently past in congress—So that the youth of our country have not any other resourse, but to till the land for Bread to Eat. This state of things cannot last long. We are wrought up to a crissis which must break forth in vengence some where or other. Heaven preserve our Country underserving as it is of the favour and protection of Providence. Parson E  told his congregation that we were suffering the judgments of Heaven for having chosen an infidel president to rule over us. We as a people have crying sins enough beside to draw down the punishments we feel. Let each individual look into his own breast, and root out every evil and Corrupt propencity. Then may we expect to be a people Saved of the Lord.
I am much grieved at the misfortune of your Brother. a more generous benevolent Heart exists not in Man. the Season of the year is in his favour, and I hope he will be spaired to his family and Friends. in the midst of Life we are in Death. We have had a recent instance of this in the late Death of Mrs. Price, the Mother of Mrs Greenleaf—invited to a tea party, well and vigorus as age can be, She declined only on account of the late hours of Return, rose from her chair was seizd with an oppression upon her lungs, went to her Bed, and expired the next day, to the inexpressible Grief of her distresst and afflicted daughter. by painfull experience I know how afflictive the Death of Parents is—at a period when their Lives are usefull instructive and pleasent, the Source of our own Life seems dried up, our best Friends and counselors removed. Yet this is the order of Nature, and we who are yet living must soon expect to follow our Aged Friend.— Our old Friend Genll. Warren is also numberd with the great congregation. he was very infirm, and Aged—84 I think. I felt as tho former Friendship demanded from me a Sympathizing Letter, and requested that the bitterness of party Spirit had severd us, but after the injustice she had done your Fathers Character in her History, and the opportunity he had given her of making some acknowledgment for it, which she wholy omitted to do. I thought a Letter of the kind would appear insincere, and altho I feel for her berevement, and know how keenly she must feel it, I have declined writing to her.
We are all in pretty good Health at present. Mrs. S Adams is much better. My dear sister Cranch is recoverd in some measure, but I can see that her whole frame is Shaken, and that she is failing—Your Brothers family in Boston are well except John who I think in a very critical state of Health. he has many Hetick Symptoms. They all kept thanksgiving with us, your uncle and Aunt Cranch & Sister Smith—all of whom desired to be affectionatly rememberd to you. we calld you all to mind, and found our party incompleat. Last year you were with us. Susan desires me to present her Duty to you, and to say to you, that she was at Atkinson when her Mother arrived here; and did not know it for a week, when be sure she was anxious enough to return, but was obliged to wait an other week for her Aunt Peabody—T B A and his Mil desire to be kindly rememberd to you. All our domesticks remember you and yours with Love and affection—I was yesterday at Weymouth—our Friends there were well—We tallk of you—I expect Aunt Edwards tomorrow to make her Annual visit—She fell and broke her Arm in October, when she intended to come—I expected she would give up the Idea of her visit, but she sent me word her Arm was well, and she must come and kiss the President—
Yours affecly,
A Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 14 December 1808
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

December 14th. 1808.

It is a long time since I had a Letter from you. In the last I think you prophesied “Wonders in November.” I understood you to mean, a wonderful revolution in the sentiments of the people, and a restoration of the Federalists to the Government of the Nation. But the month of November is past, and there appears, notwithstanding all the terrors and horrors of the Embargo a wonderfull adherence of the people to that measure, and its projectors and abettors. Pray tell me what wonders you meant, and whether they have appeared or not?
There is one wonder much lamented, as I hear, and much celebrated far and wide in the Nation: and that is, that your G—— F—— has changed his politicks; has come quite round; has altered his System; has become a Democrat—a Jacobin—a disorganizer; a Republican, a turn-coat, an Apostate &c. &c. &c.
This is an imaginary wonder indeed.—Chimerical as it is, the very report is a wonderfull, wonder of wonders, as ever this wondering world wondered at.
When the Sun remains fixed in the center of the System, or at least revolving round it in its own appropriate Circle, it appears to the Savages of Africa and America; and to the ignorant vulgar of all Civilized nations, to revolve, daily, round the center of the Earth; when, in truth, these Stupid Starers themselves revolve daily round the Earth center of the Earth. Or, to descend, in the true spirit of the Bathos, from the heavens to the earth. When I sailed up the Garonne on the first of April 1778. before a gale of wind and a rapid tide, the Trees and houses on each side the river, appeared to run from me down the stream, as fast as a horse could gallop or a bird fly. But in reality it was myself who ran from them up the river, and the trees and houses were stationary.
It is your  who has been steady to his System and the pretended Federalists, who have fled from it.
My System for four and thirty years has been Neutrality among the nations of Europe, as long as possible. But when no longer possible, to war with the aggressor. When two aggressors at once render peace untenable, to War with both, or at least with the worst—
My principle has been to support a National government; national honour; national Union and national Independence. The hyper-federalists are for hazarding all. It is my opinion and has been so, ever since our Independence, and will be so for a long time to come, that the English are our natural enemies. To be sure Alliances are sometimes made from necessity, some-times through folly, and some times by the intrigues and private views of Princes or other individuals or parties, between natural enemies. But I will certainly never consent to an Alliance with England but in the last extremity of necessity. Some of the leading Federalists are driving at an alliance with England, and at other points in which course I will not follow them, at least until they get the legal government. They broke away from me when upon these principles I made a peace with France in 1800. They have been flying from me, ever since that time, as fast as I sailed from the Trees in my voyage to Bordeaux. And now the Jackanapes charge me with flying from them. How are the proceedings of Congress received at NewYork?

J. A.


Title: To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 14 December 1808
From: Quincy, Josiah, III
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Washington. 14 Dec. 1808.

Your favour of the 25th: found me, in the midst of parliamentary contest, which occupied me too intensely to admit of that early acknowledgment, which a deep sense of the honour, you have conferred on me, dictated. The battle has raged, with some warmth; and it has been my fate, to be in the hottest of it. Whether my exertions were as wise, as, I am sure, they were, well intended, I confess, I am ignorant. I had, almost, said, indifferent. That the country cannot remain in the  state, in which it is, I was certain. That it was the determination of administration to adhere, pertinaciously, to the Embargo, I was equally, certain. That they, and their majority were, in a good measure, ignorant of the real temper and sufferings of our people, I knew. My object has been, as far as possible, to shake their confidence, in that system, which, whatever they believed, or intended, I was conscious was ruining the best hopes of New England. With respect to subsequent measures, in case the Embargo was removed, there are, indeed considerable difficulties; growing, however, more out of the character and policy of the men, who guide our affairs, than from anything, unexampled, in the embarassments of the nation. A policy, not unlike that of 1798, with some variation, in the details, resulting out of particular differences, in our situation, would yet preserve us, not only, in peace, but, as I believe, in the enjoyment of a rich harvest of neutrality. But how can such “a dish of skim milk,” as now stands, curdling, at the head of our nation, be stirred to so mighty an action, as that, which he, who, then led the destinies of our country, effected? Fear of responsibility and love of popularity are, now, master passions, and regulate all the movements. The policy is to keep things as they are, and wait for European events. It is hoped that the chapter of accidents may present something  favourable, within the remaining three months. And if it does not, no great convulsion can happen during that period. The presidential term will have expired. Then away to Monticello,—and let the———take the hindmost.
I do believe, that not a whit deeper project than this fills the august mind of your successor.
Whether the definite project be to put an end to mercantile enterprise, and to make us abandon the water, I confess, I am ignorant. The intention is denied. Yet all the talents of the friends of administration are put in requisition to convince us of the dreadful consequences, to our property & rights
—si tamen impia
Non tangenda rates transiliunt vada.—
How all these things will terminate, indeed, I know not. But of one thing, I am certain, that happen what will, I can never cease to feel and express, the perfect honour and sincere respect with which I am your very hb’ Sevt
Josiah QuincyI beg respectfully to be presented to your lady—son & family.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 24 December 1808
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister
Atkinson Dec. 24th. 1808

I had anticipated a visit from Mrs Adams, & both her Children, for a few days at least, when she came to Haverhill, & we regretted very much that it was not in our power to send for them, or to visit her while there—Abby, & I, both went down a monday, and had the mortification to find she went to Boston the Saturday before—Mr Peabody was absent the whole of your Thansgiving week, & I could not go from home. The Trustees of Atkinson Academy requested Mr. Peabody, to go to Concord, & proffer a Pettition in new Hampshire Court, soliciting Lands, to be appropriated as a Fund for this Seminary—I think it is doubtful, whether he succeeds with such an antifederal Court, who have implicitly adopted the Œconomical, pusulanimous System of their Master; though it has many claims upon Equity, Generosity, & justice; yet where wisdom, & Candour does not preside, & party spirit rages, Institutions of Learning can have but little prospect of relief, or liberal Benefactions
I could not but regret that my Time in Boston was so limited, that I could not call at your Sons House, & upon many other Friends, whom I wished to see—It really grieved me that I could not see our dear little George, I was in hopes his Parents would have told him to come, & seen me, though I could not visit them—
Yes, my dear Sister, I do indeed rejoice with you, that you have a Son, of whom you have reason to be gratefully proud—His high sense of moral Obligations, his Virtue, his Talents, all give him a superior rank, in the estimation of the candid, the wise, & the good—& the parental breast cannot but glow with peculiar pleasure, when is rehearsed, the “wisdom, the virtue, & prosperity, of a beloved Child”—That I can claim some share of this pure, & perfect Bliss, I count among my greatest Blessings—
“O! speak the Joy, Ye whom the sudden tear suprizes Oft”—
I presume the time will come, when truth shall prevail—& things shall not be viewed through the false medium, which now obscures their sight—And though the tongue of slander, may reproach Mr J. Q. Adams, supposing him to have been actuated by sinister motives, yet those who know him best, cannot believe, but, that his conduct was the result of his best informed Judgment, & a high sense of the duties he owed his Country, though we may regret, that it is “human to Err,” & that the best, are not exempt—
When Virtue, & political Knowledge are Talents so much wanted to prop the falling States, we lament that his, should retire from publick life, & move in a lesser Sphere. If wisdom, and Virtue, are the stability of a Nation, into what a Situation are we now plunged, for how little do we see  in the present Administration—Heaven grant, the next Congress, may exhibit more wisdom—
It was so lately that we visited your Neighbour Mrs Price, in Quincy, & saw her happy in her Children, smiling in health, & surrounded with the elegancies & comforts of Life, that to hear of her sudden departure, was to me very surprizing. Yet what avails riches, honours, or any sublinary Enjoyment at the hour of Death—they must be less than nothing, at that all-important period—Happy, if we have learned, e’en now, “to relish, what alone subsists hereafter—”
I know Mrs Nancy Adams will rejoice to hear that Haverhill has at last united in the Settlement of Mr Joshua Dodge—a worthy Man, & I hope, will prove a lasting Blessing—Mr. Harrod, I suppose has informed his Daughter, of the particulars relative to the Ordination—Entertanments &ccc—
Abby’s regrets many indeed, I dare say were, that she had left her worthy, kind friends at Quincy, & could no longer enjoy the Instructive circle, she always found in her Venerable Uncles hospitable mansions—“What dear Mamma, said she, did you write to my Aunts? now—what will they think—I am sure it was nothing—the cloudy weather”—Peace Child—what need you be concerned—I only related a simple circumstance, & I trust such, will never dishonour you—
I am rejoiced to find our dear Sister Cranch is better, & that she has been able to use her Eyes for the benefit of her absent Friends—I was delighted to receive a letter from her.
I am pleased to hear that Mrs. Charles Adams has recovered her health—Please to present my kind regards to her, & her Daughters. I hope they will rapidly improve under her correct, & maternal Guidance
With sincerest wishes for your health, & the happiness of all your family, I am ever, your affectionate Sister

Elizabeth PeabodyPS Mr Peabody, and Abby desire their best regards may be accepted by the President.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 28 December 1808
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

My dear Daughter
Quincy December 28 1808

What is the reason I do not get a Letter from my Mother I think I hear you say? Why I will tell you Child. I have Sat down more than once, got through one page, been interrupted, laid it by—untill it seemd of no value. I love to be by myself when I write and that is a difficult thing in the winter season. the parlour your Father occupies all the forenoon in reading or writing. it is proper he should have it to himself. my own chamber is compleatly full this winter, and I know not how to write in the Evening, so that I can only snatch a few moments at a time, and then with various interruptions. Since I began these few lines I have been twice calld away. Susan and Abbe are gone to Boston to day, in order to go to the play in the Evening. Louissa has been there this week, little Abbe is sick, and Eliza is confined to the chamber, so that I am more still than usual. I improved the forenoon in writing a Letter to John and this afternoon I was detemined to write to you. mrs C Adams has been writing in my chamber to Norfolk—from whence she had a Letter yesterday—a correspondence is kept up, but whether more than mere Friendship is meant, or rather whether any connection will ever take place is very uncertain; I wish she was well setled in Life, but without good prospects, she is better as she is—Susan and Abbe are two overgrown Girls, both of them require a carefull attention & vigilenc Susan with all her foibles bids fair to make a valuable woman if directed and duly imprest with a proper sense of her Duty, she becomes properly attentive to them—I hope they will both make good women—as yet they have not attaind to many of the graces particuliarly Abbe, who I really think an uncouth child in her behaviour. She is milder in her temper, and less usurping than Susan but not half the intelect. I begin to think Grand parents not so well qualified to Educate Grandchildren as Parents. they are apt to relax in their Spirit of Government, and to be too indulgent. yet that was not the case with my Grandmother whose memory I cherish with holy veneration whose maxims I have treasured up, whose virtues live in my memory—happy if I could say, they have been transplanted into my Life—
How has the winter been with you. we have not had scarcly any snow, and but little cold weather. we have been sadly cut off with our cider—we made only 4 barrels this year, and scarcly a Bushel of winter apples—
Our Friends here are all well—your Aunt Cranch is better, but by no means the woman she has been I am affraid she has received a shock which she will never recover
My pen does not incline to run a race. tell Caroline I will write soon to her, and to William give my Love—his Grandfather has written to him lately and I sent on a Letter from Harriot Welch to you—I intended to have coverd it to you, but your Father saw it, and franked it—tell Caroline not to prevent her Friends sending her Letters here if she is willing to wait a little longer for them— your Brother Johns children have all been Sick, but are getting better. he is going to Washington to the Supreeme Court, in a cause of considerable importance—he expects to leave here in about three weeks—and to be absent about six weeks—
I shall not touch upon politicks now, but reserve them for the subject of an other Letter from / Your affectionate Mother
A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams Smith, 1808
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, John Adams

Dear John
ca. 1808

I always feel most disposed to write when I have just received a Letter. Yet that is not the case now, but what is very similar to it. I have just read one from you to your Grandfather in which you mention Judge Bensons having commenced a course of Law Lectures and express a wonder at what could be his object as he does not receive any pecuniary reward. From the knowledge I have of Judge Benson and his Character, I should not hesitate to say that his object is the benefit and instruction of those Youths, who are more eager to obtain knowledge, than to pursue pleasure. of that number I believe my dear Grandson to be. Rollin tell us that it was the a custom observed among the Romans to make the houses of old Lawyers the School of the Youth designed for the Bar. What can be more worthy a Great orator than, to conclude the glorious course of his pleading by so honorable a function, like an old experienced pilot to point out to the young Students the course they are to steer and the Rocks they must shun. Such I presume are the motives and views of Judge Benson.
As a few days since I was reading upon this subject, it may not be unacceptable to you to receive a few of the Hints for the rule of your conduct. The first and principle thing, is to form a Grand Idea of your profession. It is a profession which qualifies a Man best for the chief employments of the State. What esteem does it not gain those who distinguish themselves in it, either in pleading or giving counsel. Is there any finer sight, than to see a numerous auditory, attentive, immoveable, and as it were hanging upon the Lips of a pleader, who manages speech common to all with so much art that he charmes and ravishes the minds of his hearers, and makes himself absolute master over them. But beside this Glory which would be Trifling enough were there no other motive, what solid glory joy is it for a virtuous man to think he has received a talent from God, which makes him the Sanctuary of the unfortunate, the protector of Justice: and enables him to defend the lives, fortunes, and honours of his Brethren? I am convinced that a Genius is the first and most necessary quality for a pleader but I am also certain that study is of the utmost importance. Tis like a second nature, and if it does not impart a Genius to him who had none before, it rectifies, polishes, improves and invigorates it—These are the observations of Rollin. I have heard your Uncle J Q Adams observe, that most of our public speakers both in our National Legislature, and at the Bar, are very deficient in point of Literature. It is polite Literature which embellishes and enriches the understanding, which diffuses a delicacy and beauty over discourse, and imparts a “charm beyond the reach of art.” To imbibe Rhetoric from the very fountain, to consult able masters, to read carefully the ancient and moderns, to be constantly employd in composing and translating and to make the Greek language a particular study.—these were the exercises which Cicero thought necessary to form the great orator. It is reported of Demosthenes that he coppied Thucydides’s history eight times with his own hand, in order to make his Stile more familiar to him. What ever you undertake my dear Son strive to excell in: I am glad to see your mind so much engaged in the pursuit of knowledge. It is a young Mans best security against temptation, and dissipation.
I had a Letter last week from your Sister Caroline. She is well and assures us that your uncle is upon the recovery. We are all in good health at present. It is probable you will see your uncle J. Q. Adams in about three weeks he is going to Washington to the Supreme Court in a cause of consideral concequence—I shall leave politicks at present to the Statesmen, recommending however to you to: read all the debates and speeches you can procure upon both sides of the Great Subjects, which now agitate and embarrass our Country.


Title: From Orchard Cook to John Quincy Adams, 1 January 1809
From: Cook, Orchard
To: Adams, John Quincy,Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

Washington Jany 1st. 1809

Mr. & Mrs. Cook ask leave to present to Mr. & Mrs. Adams the Compts. of the Season—
Your Letters do much good, are treated with very great respect indeed—I think you have now more influence than when here—not  mere opinions in which you deal very sparingly but the excellent Arguments & reasons you give for every conclusion—
As I flatter myself with the Hope of more of your Favours embracing an entire plan—it is necessary that you should know how we move here &c—
Since the Bill for enforcing the E—so suddenly passd the Senate, & of which procedure every Senator seems as Lamed & which Judge Anderson says did not accord with the individual opinion of any one; but was forced through by mere party feelings, The Bill has been arrested in our House & I hope laid asleep—At first the details were assaild, and at length we begin to discover that we have already more Embargo Law than can be enforc’d, among a People totally averse from such a Measure—& that if it is to be enforc’d Physical Strength & not Paper Law is alone necessary to be added—
Since Mr. Story came, who boards with Bacon & myself the uneasiness & complaints from northern Members & a certain description of other Members—have encreased—Mr Jefferson & Mr M have been freely convened with; Effects & deleterious consequences pointed out to them—I am sorry to say to you in confidence that they discover too much attachment to the present System, & can think of no other alternative but such as involves War—So that a great proportion of the Reps. from the South Say they will not vote to raise E. except to declare War, & we even think they are averse to War & incline to hug Embargo & die in its embrace—
In short to be plain—Mr. Madison long since told me If we opend a Trade with Spain & Portugal it would be War with France—& was so laid down by Vattel The Strongest advocates for Embargo seem to be Jefferson Madison Jackson, Cutts, G. W. Campbell—Georgia—S Carolina—Macon, W Alston, et al—these generally say we must have E. or we must issue Letters of M. & reprisal & to the Letter they are doubtless averse & incline to continue & try E. a little longer hoping for some favourable change of Circumstances. On the other hand all N. England—N York—N. Jersey—excepting a very few—viz Seaver Deane & two or 3 more are vs the Embargo System—as are a number of Senators & Reps from the West & all the Federalists—
viz all Tennessee—most of Kentucky &c
I will now name to you the several Plans spoken of in the various circles—
It is said that Johnston of K requested of Madison to know what would be his substitute if the E came of & that he said—double the Duties on imports from Engd. & F—and arm & force a Trade both to E. & F—I will not vouch for the correctness of this although I had from Johnston himself—
Our Plan in this Mess is to pass one general Act embracing an entire Plan viz repeal E & enter into non intercourse with E. & F to begin to operate on the fourth of March next & not to arm until by losses &c our Merchants shall call for it—
If we cannot carry our Plan we shall try for the following viz To raise the E & adopt non intercourse—with a right to Arm in defence only & to make Prize of such Vessel as may assail our armd vessels—Or we will even grant Letters of Mark & reprisal rather than continue the Policy—I ask you to write your Opinions with the reasons—not for the gratification of mere curiosity but to do good—to endeavour to aid us in a time pregnant with important events to our Portion of the Country—
I did not discover that this Sheet of Paper was broken till I had written most of my Letter & it being too late to copy this long Letter—and as it is merely for a hasty perusal of then for the fineI will ask your excuse & subscribe yr / Devoted hum St
Orchd Cook


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Cotton Tufts, 17 January 1809
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Tufts, Cotton

Dear Sir
1809. Jany. 17.

my Son J Q Adams has an opportunity of employing the Sum I have which is payd of Eight pr Cent Stock. will you be so good as to draw Such an order as will enable him to receive it, and inclose it to me
Abigail AdamsI Shall go to Town tomorrow he will leave Boston on monday


Title: To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 17 January 1809
From: Quincy, Josiah, III
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Washington 17 January: 1809.

I am astonished, on recurring to my files, at finding that your favour of the 23d. Ulto. has lain by me, so long, unanswered.  I shall not recapitulate reasons, nor invent apologies. I know that your goodness will supply both, and find a cause of delay, any where, rather than in a want of a deep sense of the honour & of the value of your correspondence. Both of which, you know me well enough to be assured, I entertain in the highest degree towards you.
Would to heaven, that such wise council as that Mr. Lloyd recommends, and which you approve, could be made popular with our administration. But theirs is a headlong course, as blind, as it is desperate. Embargo—perhaps, non-intercourse. As to war—their friends seem to have as much disposition that way as can be exhibited by eternally bawling the name of it, on the floor of Congress. At anything effectual for that state of public affairs, they have scarcely the power to look, for any length of time, definitely. And, with respect to serious preparations for it, they have no conception what it means, & no inclination to promote it if they had. A continuance of the Embargo, without limit & with new restrictions, is their universal panacea. The patient Seems inclined to be restive. But the Doctor is determined to force it down his throat at the point of the bayonet. It is hard to choose between death and the Doctor—war & the political prescription.
I every day, more & more realise the evils of sitting in this wilderness—We feel none of the popular influences, except such as operate prospectively through the elections. Men on the passage of the enforcing Embargo Law were seen snoring on the seats, at one moment, and waked up the next, to vote, half asleep, on a question, involving, perhaps, the peace & the liberties of their country. I blush at the scenes, I write about me and can scarcely realise, were it not for the splendor of the apartment, in which we assemble, that this is the great council of the nation—the collected wisdom of a great people elicited by the processes of the most perfect freedom of election.
The bill for arming the navy has been lost after a very warm debate. The Senate, however, have asked a committee of conference. of its final success I have no belief. And if such be the event, it will owe its existence, rather to the determination to enforce the Embargo Laws, than to any real concern for commerce, of or for national honour.
I entirely concur in your opinion, concerning, non-intercourse in case of reissuing the Embargo. It would have no other effect than to render the attainment of our products more difficult to Great Britain. Have them, in such case, she will. Indeed this is the opinion of administration. It is perfectly understood, that if non-intercourse pass it is to be concurrent with Embargo, & not a substitute for it. Government seem to be mad, in their opinion of bring the practicability of bringing G. Britain to our feet by these measures. At present, I see no signs of yielding. It is possible that non Intercourse may be left to another Congress. But this is problematical.
Administration look very decidedly for some favourable result from the events, about happening, perhaps already reccurred, in Spain. How these will soften Buonoparte, or render Great Britain more accessible, soon enough to give, in May, the relief, they, at that time, promise, I confess, I cannot anticipate. The truth is they have taken an untenable position, which they are loath to yield, & to which, through desperate obstinacy, they resolve to adhere, as long as possible, in the hope that some accident may occur, which may enable them to draw themselves forth, without absolute disgrace.
Your see I write to you with entire freedom, notwithstanding the newspapers have had the malignity toward me, to arrange, in one instance, your name & mine in opposite array. I know not on what ground. It will always be my chief delight to coincide in sentiment with you. And where I differ, my next pleasure will be to stand corrected by you. In the various aspects of a  complicated policy, it is scarcely possible, that a man, studious of performing his duties, independently, should not sometimes differ from those, whom he chiefly honours—If such a state of things have occurred, I regret it more, than any other difference in my political course. But be assured, Sir, that no casual contrariety of opinion, (should any such exist) can ever, for one moment affect the deep and unalterable sentiments of respect / with which I am, your most obedt. / & hble Servt

Josiah QuincyPlease to present me very respectfully to your lady, & affectionately to your son & his lady.I hope you will find no difficulty in decyphering this letter. There is nothing in it of Lord Bacon’s “Lefthanded wisdom” although I am obliged to use that species of chirography.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 January 1809
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Janry 28.

Assured that a few lines from me will be acceptable to my best beloved friend on his arrival I seize the earliest opportunity of enquiring after his health and giving the pleasing information of the return to health of our darling Children Poor Kitty is suffers severely for her imprudence she has a large Blister on her side and though not absolutely confined to her Bed it almost amounts to it she finds it intolerably irksome as she has an invitation to two Balls next Week, one to Mrs Derby’s. I am under the necessity of postponing the visit of your Brother & family for a few days—
Your Father & Mother have been here this Morning and were anxious to know if I had heard from you I told them I did not expect it untill you arrived at New York they laughed and said they supposed a few Franks might be of use and I have prepared a large packet—
Give my love to all at Hellen’s and Boyds your family are all well and I forgive you though you did part with me very cavalierly and subscribe myself with pleasure your very affectionate Wife
L. C. Adams
P.S. Kitty sends your Watch paper with her love Caroline is in a Family way


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 29 January 1809
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear wife,
New York Sunday noon 29. Jany: 1809.

I write you a line from the Stage–Office: having just this moment arrived, and intending in half an hour to start in the Mail–Stage for Philadelphia—The weather is so fine, and the roads are so good, that I am afraid of losing the advantages they offer, and recollect the admonition to take time by the forelock—I hope to be in Philadelphia, to–morrow morning before day light; and shall pass the day there.
I came as far as New–Haven alone; with the exception of one passenger, for about 30 miles—From New–Haven the Stage has been full.
I saw Mr: Story at Brookfield the Evening I left you, and desired him to ask Mr. Shaw to tell you he had met me.
Farewell my dearest child—Kiss the children and Kitty for me, and believe me every faithfully your’s
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 February 1809
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Wife.
Baltimore 1. Feby: 1809.

On leaving Boston I had formed the Resolution of travelling only in the day-time, but at the close of the second day, arriving at Hartford, I found I should be four days more in getting to New York, unless I proceeded that same Evening, about forty miles to New-Haven—The roads were excellent for sleighing; I was alone in the Stage, and there was a moon bright almost as the morning—I therefore prevailed on the proprietors of the Stage to send me on that Night instead of the next day, and reached New-Haven about two in the morning.—After going to bed for about four hours I took the Stage again and arrived at New-York, Sunday Noon—I had found myself by experience so well able to travel in the Night, and had seen the chances of being delayed beyond the time I had allotted for my journey, that I concluded to try another Night’s expedition—As I wrote you, at the Stage-Office in New-York, we arrived in Philadelphia, Monday morning before daylight—It had begun to Snow about an hour before, and continued to Snow almost through the whole day—I had taken lodgings at the mansion house, and pass’d the day by parcels there, at Mr: Hopkinson’s, Mr: Ewing’s, and Mr: C. J. Ingersoll’s—The next Morning, that is yesterday, I again took the Mail Stage, and after riding all last Night arrived here this day between 9 and 10. Too late to go on to Washington by this day’s Stage—I have taken my passage for to-morrow.
The roads from Philadelphia to this place are very bad, and my ride from yesterday morning was so fatiguing, and the severity of the weather chill’d me to such a degree, that I have not been able to avail myself as I should have wished, of this day to go out and see Mr: and Mrs: Buchanan—I have confined myself most of this day to my chamber at Gadsby’s (the House formerly kept by Evans) and shall take an early bed, in order to be ready to start to-morrow morning at 6.
My Journey has been remarkably dull and barren of incident, nearly one half of it having been performed alone—My cough has been the only companion that hung by me faithfully the whole way, and increases in its attachment by habit and indulgence—When I get to Washington I hope it will grow tired of me.
I was in hopes I should have been unknown and unnoticed in my progress—But from the time when I met Mr: Story, I have been known all the way—I have had little or nothing said to me, but have perceived much curiosity and speculation where and for what I am going—You will readily conceive my feelings on the occasion.
Politics—the rage of politics, boiling every where with a fierceness I never knew before. In Massachusetts and Connecticut all was questioning—Had the General Court declared the Division of the States?—Had they recalled all their Members from Congress?—Were there forty sail of ships in Boston harbour, loaded, and waiting only the permission of the Legislature to sail?—All this, and I know not how much more such stuff had been reported, and seriously believed—In New-York, Philadelphia and here, the current with equal violence sets the opposite way
It is impossible I should have heard from you since I left, and yet I am very anxious to hear from you—My thoughts are continually running on you and my dear children, whom I long again to embrace by my own fire side.
There have been some very warm personal altercations in Congress lately—and some which have given me great pain and concern—But I need not detail them, as you will see them told in the newspapers.
We met the Vice-President yesterday, in his Carriage, on his way returning home—The report is revived that he intends to decline serving for the next Election.
 Mr: Calhoun called this afternoon to see me, and made particular enquiry after you—
Farewell my best beloved—Kiss Kitty and the children for me.
faithfully yours
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 2 February 1809
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: De Windt, Caroline Amelia Smith

my dear caroline:
Quincy, Feb. 2d, 1809.

I have not written to you this year! and this is the second month of it, and let us ask the rising year, now open to our view yet wrapped in darkness, whither dost thou lead? Let cheerful hope receive the welcome guest, gratefully recollecting the many blessings of the past year, and committing ourselves to the wise and overruling providence, who suffers not a sparrow to fall to the ground without his notice.
I have sympathized with you in the trouble you have experienced since I wrote to you last; first upon account of the dangerous accident your uncle met with, and then upon the death of a domestic. I know your mind is susceptible of tender impressions; these were implanted in the human breast for wise purposes. You have cause for great thankfulness, that although Death entered your habitation, your uncle was spared to you, whose loss would have been much more to be deplored and lamented, than the one whom it pleased Heaven to take, death at any time, and in any form, is a solemn event.
“Nor is the heavenly warning vain,
Which calls to watch and pray.”
I have now to thank you for your charming Letter of December. Cultivate, my dear, those lively spirits, and that sweet innocence and contentment, which will rob the desert of its gloom, and cause the wilderness to bloom around you. Destitute of these qualifications, a palace would not yield satisfaction, or the most affluent circumstances bestow peace of mind, or tranquillity of heart. Always remember that you are accountable to that being who brought you into existence, for your time and talents; that you were not for yourself, but to fill every hour with some useful employment, as says the song:
“Man was created for useful employ,
From earth’s first creation till now;
And ’tis good for his health, his comfort and joy,
To live by the sweat of his brow.”
Do not say grandmamma preaches, I know my Caroline thinks and reflects seriously, and she will lay up these admonitions, and value them when her grandmother can no longer indite them. I treasure up and venerate many of the maxims of my good grandmother Quincy, as the most precious of relics; with her, I passed my early, wild, and giddy days, for of such I had my full share; but
“Her easy presence checked no decent mirth;
She still remembered that she once was young,
And laughing would instruct.”
Have you a world full of snow about you? We have a much larger quantity now than we had last winter, and it is fine sleighing. I have been once to town since it came. It is my misfortune to be confined to the house at this season; snow does not suit my constitution, it gives me the rheumatism; I have more of it now than is agreeable; the Dr. has put me on calomel and opium pills, and a water gruel regimen; I hope it will go off in a few days; confinement does not suit me or my family.
Will your Brother go to Philadelphia; or does he wait for the day to dawn? it is time to look for a change. Where the light is to spring up I know not; the people of this state are wrought up to a high tone. I hope they will be induced to keep the peace, and try all lawful means for redress. God defend us from a civil war; but oppression will produce it, and our rulers will have much to answer for. You say you hate politics; but when your native Country is so seriously threatened, you cannot be a descendant form the spirit of ’76, to be totally indifferent to what is passing. My love to William, and a Kind regard to all friends.
From your affectionate grandmother
A. A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 5 February 1809
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa
Washington City 5. Feby: 1809.

The day after I wrote you from Baltimore, that is to say on Thursday, I came to this place; though in the Night at Baltimore I was taken so ill, that I was afraid I should be obliged to postpone for a day or two the completion of my journey—I am however now as well as usual.
The expedition with which I travell’d has given me two days more here than I expected when I left you—But they have been spent almost entirely in paying and receiving visits—which is no advancement to my business.
I am now going to dine at Mr: Boyd’s—They are all there and here tolerably well—
Ever affectionately, with love to the children & Kitty—yours.
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 February 1809
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best beloved friend
Boston Febry. 12th 1808 1809

Your very Kind letter was sent to me yesterday Morning from Quincy and has added to the anxiety of my mind from a conviction that the rappidity with which you travel’d has contributed very much Towards encreasing your cold of which I hope you will now take every possible care for my sake if not for your own—
Our family are still invalids and Kitty does not recover as fast as I could wish your Dear Mother has been very dangerously ill but thank God she is restored to her family once more to whom her loss would be irreparable—
Mon Ami you know not what it cost’s me to distress you thus but alas we must endeavor patiently to submit to evils which are unavoidable and I am too well acquainted with the fortitude which you possess to doubt a proper exertion of it on the present occasion—I write this from my sopha to which I was removed yesterday morning after a confinement to my bed of four or five days my illness was caused by an unfortunate kick from your little Charles who was very sick I am however getting very well over it and shall be quite strong before you return—
Your Brother and sister left us this morning after a visit of ten days She was confined the whole time with Abigail who has had a bad fever ever since she came to town—she is however much better—
Adieu my best Friend the Children are much better Kitty desires to be remember’d to you and joins with me in love to all the family—
Yours most affectionately

L C A.excuse this scrawl I am too weak to do better—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 13 February 1809
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear wife.
Washington 13. February 1809.

I have received but one letter from you since I left Boston, and that was written only two days after my departure—So long an interval during which I have not heard a word from you, and neither your mother, nor any other of the families here have received a line, begins to make me uneasy; and the state of our Charles when I came away, and of Kitty’s health when you wrote tends to increase that uneasiness—
I wrote you from New-York, from Baltimore, and twice since my arrival here. I intended to have written you again yesterday; but as it was your birth-day, a day which in my heart is always associated with sentiments of affection and delight,  I could not prevail on myself to sit down and darken it by the communication of alarms and of distress—For the intelligence I must have given from here was such as I knew would be distressing to you—Mrs: Hellen’s youngest child has been for three days at such extremity that they have scarcely hoped its life from hour to hour—Its disorder was first something of the croup, and afterwards inflammation of the bowels, which it is apprehended will terminate in a mortification—It has been twice bled, and had three blisters applied—During great part of the day yesterday, the night before last and Saturday, there was not a hope in the family, or the physicians that the child would recover—Last Evening and this morning there are some favourable symptoms; but such as yet leave it extremely doubtful what the event will be—
I have attended the Sessions of the Supreme Court very steadily the whole of the last week, and shall continue to attend them, untill they get through the part of the business in which I am concerned—I am very much afraid that I shall lose them all; upon questions entirely new, and unthought of by those who employed me. One of these questions is whether a Company, or incorporated body can sue or be sued in the Courts of the United States—This question has never been made before, and they have decided hundreds of cases in which Corporations are parties—But now it is made a point, and there is great probability the Court will decide against their own right to sustain such suits.
I have been into no Company, and have confined myself to a very few visits—I scarcely know what is going forward in Congress, being absorbed in the necessary attention to my own business.
The appointment of General Dearborn as Collector at Boston, has at length been confirmed by the Senate, and he will immediately proceed to take possession of his Office—After his nomination there were strong objections made against him on the ground of his having paid money without lawful authority to General Wilkinson—The fact I understand was clearly proved; but Mr: Dearborn in his justification produced the President’s orders—the opinion of the Attorney General, and promises from Genl: Wilkinson to refund advances.—Mr: Randolph has brought the subject forward in the house and I suppose it will be talked of in public, unless objects of higher importance should continue to engross the attention of the Nation.
Your mother yesterday received a recent letter from your brother, at New-Orleans, who is well—He writes on political affairs, and reasons on the present state of things in a manner very conformable to my own opinions—
The embargo is to come off on the 3d: of March—But in its stead there is to be a non-intercourse with France and England—Exclusion of all foreign armed vessels from our Ports and Harbours, and perhaps (but I doubt) a loan of money, and more men to be raised.
Adieu, my dearest Louisa; may Heaven grant you many, many happy returns of the yesterday’s anniversary; and bless you more and more in your children present and to come.
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 21 February 1809
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My best friend.
Washington 21. February 1809.

It is sometimes said that suspense is worse than the certainty of evil—But it is a hard relief from suspense to be informed of evils worse than were apprehended. From the length of time which had pass’d without bringing me a letter from you, I felt great anxiety; but it was principally for the dear child, whom I had left so unwell—Your letter when it came, announced to me not only the child was really very ill, but that yourself and my beloved mother were also in the same situation—In the midst of sorrow however your letter gave me hope and consolation—I hope that in representing my mother as restored to her family and friends you did not flatter me more than the reality of her condition would warrant—I still feel great anxiety, which is aggravated by my not having received a line from any one but yourself, of the family since I came from Boston—My hopes with regard to you are the better, because your illness having been accidental had probably been at the worst before you wrote—As to the disappointment which we suffer from it, I certainly can bear it without complaint, and you must reconcile yourself to it by the reflection how much of pain and suffering it may relieve you from.
I have not written to my father or brother for I have little of any consequence that I could have communicated to them, and my time continues to be so absorbed by my business, that I have not a moment of the day, and I may almost say not a moment of the Night which I can apply to my correspondence—The Cause for which I principally came here has not yet been tried; and I have found other questions here, which were quite unexpected to me before I came—
My only interruptions have been from invitations to dinner which I could not well avoid; and those have not been many—I dined yesterday at the President’s—And I had an invitation for the same day at Mr: Erskine’s, from which I of course excused myself—Mrs: Erskine is confined, with a daughter.
I found the President reading newspapers, which appeared to contain something offensive to him. He told me that one of his greatest enjoyments, was in the prospect of being released from the necessity of reading them at all.
There are to be two Balls to-morrow Evening, on the Birth-day—One in the City and one at George-town—The Ladies will go, to one of them I suppose; but I know not to which of the two. There is also to be a Ball at Alexandria.
There were famous news in circulation yesterday for a couple of hours, which came from Baltimore, and turned many of the wisest heads. The Union had arrived—France and England were signing a general Peace—Mr: Pinckney had made a Treaty with Mr: Canning, and the orders in Council and the french decrees were all repealed—It was a pleasant puff of wind; but it was too aromatic for my senses—It all finally settled into an account that the French have had some further success in Spain—
Congress have not yet got the Embargo off, and there is some doubt now, whether they will before the 4th: of March—
Your Sister Hellen’s child is better; but has yet a bad cough. all else at Mr: Hellen’s & Mr: Boyd’s are well.
God bless you all, and restore you all to health—So ardently prays your faithful / husband.
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 February 1809
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Feby. 21st. 1808 1809

Your favour of the 9th my best friend which is the first letter I have recieved from you since you left me found the Family nearly recover’d restored to usual health excepting Charles whose Cough still afflicts him and whose eyes are again very much affected which renders me a little apprehensive of another attack this symptom having generally been a of a threatning nature however I hope for the best and guard as much as possible against the evil I have been out to day for the first time and am recovering my strength very fast though I still look very sick which I mention fearful lest you Should hear it from some other quarter Ripley having dined here yesterday and being much struck by my pale face—
I am not at all surprized at the accident of your Watch I have only wonder’d how you have managed to keep it so long that absence of mind as it regards common concerns which has appear’d to grow on you for the last twelve Months owing to the excess of business with which you have been overwhelm’d renders you peculiarly liable to such accidents and should they in the end lead to actual losses you must acquire philosophy enough to laugh at them—
I have had an application for our house and unfortunately Major Swift and myself disagreed about the Rent which I ventured to lower to 400 but he told me he could would not give more than three and could only engage to take it by the Month I thought this would not suit you and mention’d having no authority to lower the rent any more and proposed writing to you on the subject he told me that the time for which he had engaged the house he is now in expired in six days and he could not remain in it longer than that unless he engaged it for another quarter he informed me that he was the most intimate friend of John Gardner who was in the deepest affliction his health much injured and become a Shadow I sent Lucas with the letter for him he went half over the Town but could not find him I then sent him to enquire of your young men but was unsuccessful Kitty however will see Major Swift to night at Mr Davis’s and will learn where he is to be found—
There is a strange story in town about W. S. the representative having opposed some motion made in the house through the interest of Mr O which has given him mortal offence and has produced a very severe piece in which W. S. is very roughly handled he is at present the object of ridicule in a family not far from us—
George Blake is on his way to Washington you will of course see him he passed a long evening here just before he sat out and I am sorry to say his attentions occasion too much conversation to please me you will understand this do not say any thing about it—
I do not understand that part of your letter which alludes to our parting but conclude with the conviction that although then apparently cold and indifferent you still love your tenderly affectionate—
L. C. A.
P. S. Lucas was married the day you went away and he has behav’d so uncommonly well ever since you left as that I have felt perfectly safe and comfortable in having him in the house—
George is very well and your Mother is better it is here said you are nominated for the War Department and have Accepted to walk in the steps of the God of War I make no comments—Adieu Kitty sends you a kiss I feel very anxious about Nancy and hope to hear soon that she is well remember affectionately to all—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 26 February 1809
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa.
Washington 26. February 1809.

Your letter of the 16th: brought me consolation and hope in the information that you were all getting well—My anxiety on account of my mother has been extreme; having heard through Mr: Cranch & Mr: Quincy, that she had been very dangerously ill—I learn also that George is at Mr. Cranch’s
I am still waiting for my Cause to be called in Court—It was called again the day before yesterday; but Mr: Martin the Counsel for the opposite party was not ready, and it was again postponed—The Court will probably sit untill the 15th: of next month. I expect to get home, as I did when I left you, about the 25th.
Congress have only five days more to sit; and much business of importance to transact—More I believe than they will get through—The House of Representatives sat very late last Night.
I dined yesterday at Mr: Erskine’s—who lost part of his company by the absence of some members of the House, detained upon duty—We sat down after dark to dinner, and I did not leave the table untill 10. at Night—There was a Mr: William Penn there; a son of Governor Penn—very full of conversation, and very amusing— There was a party in the Evening at Mrs: Duckett’s, where your Mamma and Sisters went; and I should have gone too, but I could not get away from Mr: Erskine’s untill it was too late.—I have abstained from these dinners as much as I could, and from all Evening parties; for they are incompatible with the proper attention to my business—But I have not had the resolution to decline all invitations; and I am again going out to dinner this day—With Mr: Crawford; one of the Georgia Senators; and a full mess of the members. I have been this morning with the Ladies to Church at Georgetown—We heard Mr: Addison, who officiates there occasionally—His Sermon was very good, but not equal to the famous one at the Capitol.
I forgot in my last Letter to answer you concerning the ridiculous reports, which they continue to circulate about me at Boston, and even here—There is not the slightest foundation for any one of them.
We are all here and at Mr: Boyd’s tolerably wellMrs: Halben’s child continues with a cough; but otherwise not ill.
Ever affectionately yours.
John Quincy Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 February 1809
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Feby. 26 1808 1809

Percieving from your last letter my beloved friend that you suffer great anxiety concerning Charles; I can with pleasure assure you, that he is very fat, very handsome, and apparently very well; though he still has the Cough which is sometimes very troublesome. Your Mother is recovering slowly and all the rest of our family are in good health—
Your father was in Town yesterday and brought George in to see us with whom he is quite delighted. Mr. Whitney gives him a very high Character and has put him into Latin which he acquires unusually fast quick he is in perfect health and grows very fast he took up your letter and was much delighted to find he could read it I made him a trifling present by way of encouragement with which he was much pleased—
Dr Welsh called to see me to day he told me that there were letters in town from Mr. Q- saying that the Embargo would not be removed at all, that it is here thought that there has been too much moderation that therefore something more violent must immediately be attempted which it is supposed will effectually intimidate the Government and gain the desired end—
I am not in the way of gaining much intelligence I write you what little I hear although I suppose you have correspondents who are able and willing to write you every occurrence worth notice—
I see The papers mention the death of John Gardners youngest Child I sent your letter to Mr Jackson who promised to deliver it—
Most heartily do I rejoice in the recovery of Nancy’s Child offer her my sincere congratulations and tell her I suffer’d much anxiety on her account—
Adieu my best beloved friend rest assured that every possible care and attention shall be paid to our dear Children and as far as the tender solicitude of an anxious Mother can prevent nothing shall be wanting for their Welfare and health Poor Mrs W. Payne is at the point of death in the last stage of a consumption the Physicians have pronounced it impossible for her to recover Remember me to all and believe me with the sincerest wishes for your welfare and the truest and tenderest affection yours.
L. C. Adams
P.S. Kitty desires her love to you and is highly flatter’d by the account you have given of her to the family


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 February 1809
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Brother.
Quincy 28th: February 1809.

I intended to have written to you when at your own house or Office in Boston, but was prevented by the intense severity of the weather, added to the general ill health of both your & my family, during the whole time we sojourned under your Roof, which, by the assiduity of your wife & Catharine and the faithful attendance of their domesticks was made, in every respect, our own house. My Daughter Abigail was taken sick the day after my wife went to Boston, and so continued nearly the three weeks they remained there, and the severe indisposition of your wife, from which she has happily recovered, while it added to our regret for the loss of her Society, made us feel anxious least we should unavoidably, increase her illness by our proximity to her apartment. I never knew a colder spell of weather than that we passed in Boston, and its severity affected, in various ways, the health of almost every living creature. From the time of your departure, till now, there has been constant sleighing, but a warm wind & sun for three days past has nearly put an end to it.
I can tell you nothing new of the proceedings in our Genl Court; Their bile is pretty well worked off by this time, and they pretend to be on the eve of adjournment. I think the object of their coming together, this winter, has been misconceived, for, in stead of legislation they have done nothing, but pass Resolution’s, Remonstrances & Replications. They have rivetted Mr: Gray to the Republican interest by actual violence—I have heard him speak several times, and my conclusion is, that he is a more decidedly honest Republican than Sam. Dana or William King—I give him credit for acting from conviction. The Remonstrance of the two branches of the legislature is nothing more than Mr Gore’s speech, in the House, upon Crowningshield’s Resolutions, reduced to writing and revised by the Author—Two of the tenets of the Junto are very explicitly announced in it—Viz That the alliance with France was found to be more pernicious than any war, and that France, in the present rivalship of doing the most harm to the US. has, in every instance, been first & foremost. Here is the whole secret; all the rest is but inducement (as the Lawyers say) I think that passage in the memorial relative to the late alliance with France, peculiarly striking, and comprehensive. If the language had been, that "we view with abhorrence the separation of these Colonies from Great Britain," it might have been more intelligible to some, but the sentiment would have been less striking. I do not, for my own part, concur with Mr: Morton in applauding the conduct of Washington, because he did not fulfill the Treaty with France, as to the Guarantee of their West India Isles, merely on the score of its being too hard a bargain on our part; nor would any real friend of Washington represent his conduct in that light; but, as we got into a difficulty on that ground, we had no right to claim exemption from the execution of that article, but by setting it off, against unwarranted infractions of the compact, on the part of France. This was the way in which that affair was balanced, as I understand it. I was a good deal entertained by listening to the arguments of the great party Champions in the two branches of our Legislature during the discussion of Crowningshield’s Resolutions, but the crowd of auditors was so great that I lost the hearing of several speakers on both sides. Gore was the British Champion—Bangs the French. But neither of them reached the cause of our embarrassments, as I humbly conceive, nor did either prescribe an efficient remedy for the disease that afflicts our Country. We are our own worst enemies. Our power is undervallued by all parties, with the same views; viz, the fear of expence; because expence begets taxation & taxation begets unpopularity. I am no Solomon, but this is my opinion.
I am requested by my wife’s brother Mr: Charles Harrod to ask the favor of your recommendation of him to the proper authority for a Commission in the Army, now raised, raising or to be raised. He has been for a few months in the dry-good line, but finding that business too dry for him and little or no chance of rapid promotion in it, he has come to the resolution of relying upon his arms for future subsistence. He has been a private in a volunteer Militia Company; is of a good figure & Stature; only a little more than 21 years of age and of a good character. If upon these hints you can speak a word or two for him, as a Captain, in case of a vacancy, or a first Lieutt: in lieu thereof, it may further the application which has already been made in his behalf at my instance, by Col. Boyd.
Friend Ewing of Philadelphia writes me that he was gratified by a visit from you and the promise of another on your return—He promises to send me some books if you can bring them. Mr: Ingersoll also promised a copy of his work, but as I have purchased one since he informed me where they might be had, you need not incumber yourself with the postage, if at all inconvenient.
Your family were pretty well a few days ago. George goes to Mr: Whitney and is quite applauded for his aptness to learn latin.
My Mother has been extremely ill, since you went away, but I am happy to say is now in a great degree restored to health. Mrs: CA. & Louisa Smith are both quick sick with colds. My wife & children are at present tolerably well. Your Father & all the family send love &ca:
Your brother.
T. B: Adams—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1809
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

my dear son
Quincy Febry 1809

The Saturday after you left Boston, I went to Town, and brought up George. he went the next week to his uncle Cranch’s, and goes daily to school to mr Whitney. he appears well pleased, and learns to the Satisfaction of mr Whitney as I hear, who has put him into Lattin, which George Says is not so hard as French, in his French Bible his Aunt hears him daily. he is a Good Boy, save now and then, a little mischief which all Boys are by nature prone to; I have every week had the pleasure of Seeing your hand writing upon a cover of a Letter to your Father inclosing one to mrs Adams, which have been regularly forwarded—and altho I have been very anxious for her under her late misfortune, from which she is now happily restored. I have been So very ill that I have not been able either to see her, or render her that assistance which I wished, by taking John home as I should have done—the day after I returnd from Boston. I was taken Sick, and have not Since been out of my chamber; I have not been so Sick for these five years. I hope I am now mending tho it is by Slow degres. my fever has left me, and I experience great weakness, and debility. If I had not been Sick So Sick, that I could not write a line, you would not have been so long absent without hearing from me. your journey has been productive of many conjectures, some of which have found their way into the News papers, as I presume you have seen, Whilst the real buisness upon which you were known to be engaged in, has not been mentiond. I have been So ill, that I have not read all the Roman Eloquence of our Senate and House of Reps but I have read enough to see, that as wise men have lived before them—
I read the debates in congress when I am able, and think with Shakespear, when he says, that it is easier to teach twenty what were good to be done, than to be one of the twenty to follow the teachings—upon the most mature reflection, as it respects your honour your interest and reputation, I do not wish to See you under existing circumstances any other than the private citizen you now are. the period is not yet arrived, when your country demands you—at present your Family have prior claims—my trembling hand can only add, my best wishes for your health and prosperity, and a Safe return to your Family—your Father is well and said he would write to you—I heard by dr Welch yesterday that Mrs Adams had rode out. I rejoice in her speedy restoration She was very ill—
Most affectionatly your / Mother
Abigail Adams
P S. When you see mrs Cushing give my Love to her—poor Lovel is removed for Morten and the L Govenour has nominated dr Eustise for high Sheriff.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 March 1809
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston March 4th 1809

Your letter of the 21st arrived from Quincy this Morning and I can only assure you in answer that your Mother is much better and that Charles is very well. you may therefore spare yourself any farther anxiety and hope to meet us soon in perfect health
I merely write a few lines to satisfy your doubts concerning them and to express my regret at your cause not having come on when you expected lest it should occasion your longer stay at Washington—
Adieu remember us most affectionately to all our Friends and believe me faithfully yours

L: C. AdamsP.S. Should you be detaind you are so much engaged I do not think it worth your while to write again.