Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 19 December 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother
Washington 19. Decr: 1804.

I do not exactly recollect the date of my last Letter to you; but if it went safely you must have received it very shortly after the date of your favour of the 7th: which I received the evening before last. Indeed I am a little surprized that you had not received it before—By that you will find that in the frequency of my letters to my father and brother, I have not been forgetful of my dear mother—Stuart’s receipt for the portrait was not enclosed in your former letter; but I hope you will find and forward it—Stuart is nowhere, and perhaps if I had the right to call on him for the picture he might be induced to finish it, under the apprehension, that it would be liable to injure his reputation by its being exhibited in the owner’s possession, in its unfinished state—At any rate, it is so excellent a likeness, that being the only one extant of you, I am very anxious to have it in our own power; to whomsoever of us it may rightfully belong.
My children, with gratitude to Heaven, I have to say, have enjoyed fine health ever since my return here; but the youngest had suffered so severely by his teething in the summer, and the illness which this had brought on him, that he had pined away to an object really pitiable—He appeared to me to be smaller when I came here, than he was when I left him seven months before—His weakness was proportionable to this decline—But he has been growing plump and ruddy, every day since my return; and at length is able to run alone—This he has however done only these two or three days. His temper has been affected as might be expected by the state of his health—He is much more easily affected, and more fractious than his brother—I hope however that as he recovers his health and strength, his disposition will again sweeten and grow tractable.
George has regularly been to school, for the last six weeks, and learns to read, though not very fast—His health is excellent, and has been uninterrupted the whole Summer through—His growth is not very rapid and he is small for his age—His Spirits are as high as his health, but I find him easily managed—I study his character and disposition with close observation—The most remarkable feature I discover, and it gives me some concern, is a volatile Spirit, which it is impossible to fix upon any Thing. It would indeed be absurd at that age, to expect steadiness, or assiduous application to single objects, and I am willing to flatter myself that a habit of attention may be acquired, where it has not been bestowed by Nature—I am afraid there is too much truth in an observation of Lady Mary Wortley Montague’s, that the most extravagant and groundless of all Castles in the Air, are those we build on the hopes of our children’s virtues or happiness in the world—After all the pains we can take, Nature and Fortune ninety-nine times in a hundred contrive to disconcert all our purposes—Yet we should never be weary of well-doing.
I am very glad to hear that Mr: and Mrs: Briesler, have been laying in provisions, to be prepared for us on our return; which I hope will be by the last of March—We shall have occasion for such vegetables as can be preserved untill that Season, and I hope they will have some for us, as well as the pork and Bacon—If Mrs: Shaw’s house should be to let on very reasonable terms, and an opportunity of letting mine should offer, it would suit our convenience much better than it will be suited to find ourselves confined in the narrow bounds of my native mansion—But for this additional convenience, I cannot afford to be at much expence—There is one want which will be of the utmost pressure, and which I must beg you to look out for providing us in, at a seasonable time—I mean of Servants—A Man, or boy, to do the ordinary business of a family, and a woman able to do our Cookery, will be indispensable; with those we can begin our house-keeping, as we shall have one Maid with us.
I am much grieved to hear so unpromising accounts of my Uncle Cranch’s health; and still hope he may recover from complaints which have so often afflicted him—Of my father, brother and yourself, I wish your next letters may give more pleasing information.
Mr: Pickering invited me a few days since to dine with him, in company with the deputies from Louisiana, who came with the remonstrance; and I accepted his invitation—There are three of those Gentlemen—Messrs: Sauvé, Derbigny, and Detrehan; the two former frenchmen born; but long resident in the Country from which they come—The third, a native of Louisiana—He speaks only French; his Colleagues are familiar with our language—They are men of modest and pleasing manners, with the vivacity and sprightliness natural to their Nation; well acquainted with the world, and as far as I could judge, well-informed—They express their entire reliance upon the Justice and Honour of Congress; but they do not appear to be well satisfied with their reception here. In fact hitherto very little attention has been paid to them or their representations; nor is it probable that much will this winter be done to remove their complaints—The Governor is apparently one of their heaviest grievances, and he has just been re-appointed, under the Government Act, which commenced its operation the 1st: of October—The prohibition of the Slave-trade is another very obnoxious point with them—But this I hear will be infle They also claim under the 3d: Article of the Treaty, and the President’s promises, ha! ha! ha!  Government—But this is thought food too strong for their baby stomachs—So they are likely to go home as they came, with hardly a good word to soften their disappointment.
The french Minister, General Tureau, has the field of diplomacy wholly to himself this Winter—What his Negotiations are I know not; but he has a great fondness and taste for Music.—He is in extreme anxiety for the fate of his wife, and two daughters, who with his two Secretaries of Legation sailed from Nantes in an American Vessel, full three months since, for New-York, and have not yet arrived.
This City is dull this Winter, beyond example—There are no balls nor assemblies—No foreign Ministers to make great entertainments, and scarcely such a thing as private parties of company, where the Ladies and Gentlemen can see one anothers faces— This is no sacrifice to me; and perhaps no disadvantage to the public—The warring interests of the District of Columbia are again in full employment, and will take up half our time the remainder of the Session.
Ever affectionately yours.
J. Q. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 19 December 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
Washington Decbr. 19th. 1804

I received your Kind letter of the 8th. inst. and was extremely sorry to hear of the indisposition of the President and your Son Your own health is I trust considerably mended and that you will soon be enabled to return to your usual avocations I am sorry to repeat what I said in my last regarding Mr. Adams’s health I have not it continues very bad and I am very apprehensive it will end in a similar complaint to that which he suffer’d the last twelve months he resided in Berlin. He complains constantly of a stricture across the breast and his lungs have been considerably affected The exercise he takes so constantly is much too violent I purchaced a Horse hoping he might be induced to ride but my plan has not provd  successfull It is utterly impossible to prevail on him to use it Perhaps Madam if you were to write him on the subject he might pay more attention to it and oblige us by taking more care of himself
George grows a very fine stout Boy He is not tall and not near so handsome as he was You will excuse me my dear Madam when I tell you that I have not permited him to wear the Socks you so kindly sent him He is so well in health we thought it a pity to use him to any thing of the kind untill he is more exposed to the cold than he is at present
John is small and delicate though very fat He sufferd so much from teething through the Summer and acquired such a habit of fretting that I am obliged to allow that he is a very cross child. He is very handsome and has one of the most affectionate dispositions in the world—
Washington is extremely dull and Mr. Adams is so extremely disinclined to enter into any sort of society that we neither hear nor see any thing that is going forward You must therefore not expect any news from me that can afford you any sort of amusement The family unite with me in remembrance to  the President yourself and the family. With sincere prayers for your health and happiness I subscribe myself dear Madam /  Your affectionate daughter
L. C. Adams
P.S. My Brother has got a situation in the Colledge at Chaleston and left last Week. I should be very if you would have the goodness to give him a letter of recommendation to Mr. John Rutledge, which I will send him if you enclose to me


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 December 1804
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Quincy December 22d. 1804

Many Thanks for your favor of the Eleventh. It is very odd, but no less true that I not only never Saw, Mr Bentley, but I never heard of his fame or name, till I read his Election as Chaplain in a Newspaper. Since that time I have heard much, and among other things that he is an intimate Friend of James Winthrop the Judge.
Mr Bowdoins appointment is the best, the President has made in this State, and the best he could have Selected from his Party: His Descent, his Connections his Education, and his ample fortune, make him more respectable, than any and all of his Rivals: and his moral Character as far as I know it, is as Superior as his Property, to any who could be considered as Candidates by Mr Jefferson. His Talents, for any thing I know, are equal to any that Mr Jefferson has employed abroad. His Secretary of Legation Stands on different ground. The Change of his Bowdoins Party and Abandonment of his Friends, ten years ago could be no objection with his present Patrons.
I know not what you may find, among my Papers after my death. If I Should breath the Air, for Some time longer on this congregated Ball, I may commit a few minutes to Writing: but I have been the most careless of Men in preserving Memorials or notices of any kind.—I have been So much disgusted, that I have always Said let the Paper burn or be lost, or torn or misplaced, if it will, I shall remember but too much of it. I wish not to be reminded of my Mortifications, Disappointments or Resentments. As to my good deeds if I have ever done any they will be recorded in Heaven: but I Shall never be rewarded, nor will they ever be acknowledged upon Earth.
I think you are to be commended, for giving your Testimony where you could in favor of Nominations without regard to Party Politicks. Religion and Morality had formerly much Weight in Elections and Appointments; Now they Seem to have none at all with the People or the Patron, hardly So much as they have in England.
The President may Say what he will about France. Talleyrand and consequently Seieyes and Buonaparte know that he was brought in by French Influence and that he can continue in, on no other and that he must content the French party in his essential measures and therefore his indiscreet Speeches and ardent Republican Sentiments can do no harm to the Emperor or Empire. “Recalling the Old Family” however was a bold Idea.—Here I cannot hold my Pen, for astonishment. The World thinks highly of Mr. Jeffersons Understanding. To me, he appears, quoad hoc, an Idiot or Stark mad: for nothing Short of Idiotism or Madness, could Advize the French to take up again the Constitution of 1791.—There is one other Hypothesis, without recourse to Insanity of either Sort, which might account for Such Advice, and that is Such a degree of Malice against the old Family, as would lay plotts for their destruction and total Extermination at the Expence of a few Years more of Carnage in France. What Shall I Say? Am I myself out of my head? I will Say this that either myself or Mr Jefferson is totally destitute of rational reflection or just discernment relative to this Subject. Put the Supposition. Louis 18th, is returned to France, and restored to his Throne and Crown. A national Legislature in one Assembly is convened. How long will it be before, Louis the 18th. is denounced and impeached as Louis the 16 was and declared guilty and beheaded?
The Executive Power and the Legislative Power are here made two rival Factions: Each must wrangle, grasp and Scramble for Superiority, till one Suppresses the other. If the Terms I employ are too Strong or too harsh, Soften them if you please and call them rival Parties. Let these Parties be Supposed honest and well meaning, to the purest degree that Parties are ever capable of: aiming only at the public Good. They will entertain different Principles, Opinions and Views of the public Good. One Party will be for, softer, milder and more indulgent measures: the other for more dispatch, Energy, decision and Resolution. Each Party will have its Admirers, Abetters and Eulogizers throughout the nation. The high Party in the Legislature, will expect from the Executive, prompt and active measures, the low Party will expect, more tender lenient, Slow or moderate measures. one party will be popular with the poor the other with the rich: one with the ignorant and the other with the learned. The high, will Solicit the King to appoint as his Ministers and executive officers, Men thinking and feeling like themselves. The low will do the Same. If the high Party in the Legislature can get a Majority of but one Vote, they will denounce, or impeach a Minister of State of an opposite Party and Character. If the King Supports him they will impeach the King. If the low Party in the Legislature can get a Majority, they will attack a Minister they dislike and So on forever.—Suppose your Senate Suppressed, and the Legislature vested wholly in the House. A Rivalry would instantly commence between Mr Jefferson and Mr John Randolph. Mr Jefferson must appoint every Man to executive office that Mr Randolph recommends or Mr Randol and in that case Mr Randolph will in reality be President or Mr Randolph must carry in the Legislature every Measure that Mr Jefferson Advices, and in that case Mr Jefferson becomes Sole Legislature. Mirabeau was a more powerfull Man, at the head of the Legislature than Louis the 16th at the head of the Executive. So was Brissot Danton, Robespierre in their turns. The King, the Directory were no Match for the Assemblies.
Hitherto I have Supposed the Parties to be honest and disinterested: But when you introduce the Idea of Loaves and Fishes, the case is altered. here Ambition, Avarice, Envy Revenge, Lust and every evil Spirit is introduced. When Generals Admirals, Cardinals Archbishops, Judges Intendents of Provinces, Custom House officers and the multitudes of executive offices with all their Pomp Power, Priviledges and Emoluments; are to be nominated, the whole Nation becomes agitated in the Struggle and when the Passions and Interests of a great nation are excited, they are like the breaking out of many Waters. Religion Morality, Equity Humanity, Constitutions, Laws, Friendships, every thing gives Way before them.
When there arises a Competition between two leading Members of the House as between Danton and Robespierre, or between Brissot and Robespierre, or between John Randolph and his Namesake, Mr Jeffersons Son in Law, or between John Randolph and young Nicholson, the President will be courted or insulted in turn by one and the other and if the most popular and powerfull cannot have the Presidents or Kings Aid to increase his Power the King or the President must give Way: I am glad however that the President is convinced that a Legislature in one branch is defective.
J. A.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 December 1804
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Brother
Quincy 23d: December 1804

I did not think to receive a reply to my letter of the 2d: instant, before I had the Mail charged with another and on the way to Washington. Yet so it is, and I am now to acknowledge your favor of the 13th: which came to hand yesterday with enclosures The Journals of the H. R. I have received to No 14 inclusive & but three sheets of the journal of Senate. Bills, Messages & Reports, in abundance.
As you have kindly administered consolation to me, at divers times when circumstances wore the appearance of being adverse, and I derived relief and encouragement from your counsel, I trust you will not be regardless of similar suggestions from me, under the present mortifications & embarrassments, which you say are incident to your publick capacity. You enjoin it upon me, in one of your late letters not to abandon or become listless to the publick cause— in consequence of the gloomy & unpromising aspect of affairs in this quarter. This is wholesome advice and I hope to practise it, but the advice I have for you, though exactly opposite may be equally salutary to you. I think it is manifest from the strain of your letters, that you lay the publick cause too seriously to heart and give too much dominion to the crosses and vexations, which are strown along your path, by the wayward nature of the times. It would abundantly relieve your mind if you could adopt the language of the Clownish Costard & say, “Welcome the sour cup of prosperity— Affliction may one day smile again &— till then, sit thee down, sorrow!” Your solicitude, though stimulated by the best of motives cannot abate one jot drop the overwhelming torrent of Democratic frenzy, and although you may often be left without a co-adjutor in the exercise of your publick duties, there is that, in honest intentions, which will console you, even in solitude. I know nothing of the conduct of the federalists this session, but there are those here, who think them censurable for their silence with respect to the impending impeachment. The yeas & nays do not give us the reasons which govern the votes, and there is so much interest excited by this extraordinary & unprecedented attack upon the Judicial character, that many think a formal protest of the minority, ought to be entered of Record.
The system of appointments and nominations to office as detailed by you, is farcical enough. The controul given to the Senate as the Constitutional Council of the Executive authority, in the business of appointments, has been fairly tested under the two last administrations, and I think it is apparent, that, of all their powers, it is the most obnoxious or the most nugatory. If a majority harmonize with the President, as is now the case, the power of controul, is never exercised & therefore useless, as a mere pageant of office; if the majority be hostile, adverse or excessively tenacious of exercising the right of rejecting candidates selected by the President, such as in his opinion may be most fit for the office to be filled, then the power becomes injurious to the publick service and outrageously clashes with the executive prerogative. It never can do any good and may do much harm.
Poor Mr: Perez Morton! He is doubtless severely disappointed by the preference of Mr: Bodoin as a foreign Minister and we do not know of any expected vacancy, which he will like; but he must have something either at home or abroad, speedily, or his patience will flag— He can’t afford to wait much longer for his sop. How would the Collector’s Office at Boston suit him? Or a Judge-ship in New Orleans?
I am glad to hear that General Turreau wears gold lace and a button-hole bauble, if it were only for the sake of mortifying the red-breeches philosopher. Plain— simple— Republican Thomas Jefferson, must persuade the Ambassador of his Imperial highness to throw away his legion of honours, before he can bring him to a costume fit for the meridian of Washington— Let him try— the difference may all be reconciled by an If.
I have read in the Port Folio, the Review of Mr: Cranch’s Reports, and am well pleased with it. So are we all. There is some wholesome castigation administered where it was much wanted. I am heart-sick when I think of the shameful degradation of official character, throughout every stage of violence committed against the judiciary. There is no sin in the Catalogue of their offences so damnable in my estimation. You have whipped the greater and the smaller culprits, but the old Beelzebub deserves the a lash of scorpions. When you see Cousin Cranch give my love to him, and shew him the verses herewith enclosed— They will be prized by him for the sake of the author, who is no other than his venerable father, who wrote them while sorely afflicted with a rheum or humour, which has visited his legs for some time past, and confined him to his chamber. The lines, upon which the humours of the old gentleman vented, were posted upon trees & sign posts, in this town, a short time since and are ascribed to Willson M the woolen draper—when you read them, you will think they bear strong marks of fustian, or some such stuff of an inferior quality.
We had a Town-meeting, about a fortnight ago, at which it was voted to enlarge our Meeting-house in the Spring, and a Committee was chosen to receive proposals, should any be made, to carry the plan into effect. I suppose it is desired by the Committee, that those who want pews should make it known, so that the numbers to be accommodated may be calculated. Would you have your name put down for one? I think the enlargement of the building will be undertaken by several of the town-gentlemen and I will join them if I can see my way clear— The sale of pews will more than requite the expence of alteration.
Mr: Richard D Tucker of Boston, desired me some time ago to enquire of you the character of a black fellow, who lived some-time in your family; he understood you discharged him for dishonesty, but wishes to be made certain by your testimony as to the fact. I do not remember the name, but presume you will.
Present me kindly to your wife & all friends at Washington. I thank you for your warm wishes on my behalf—Alas! Had they been realized, it could never have happened more seasonably, for the weather has been intensely cold for the last three-weeks— a warmer spell has commenced but I calculate upon sundry alterations in the weather before your anticipation becomes my condition. My friend at the Hague, Macqueen, had a favorite exclamation when things went cross with him— viz— “Dam’—all hard bargains!” So say I.
Affectionately your’s
T. B. Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 December 1804
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Quincy Dec. 24. 1804

Has there ever been an Instance, in the World, of two Persons living together without Emulation and Jealousy.? Is it possible there should be one? When I was finishing the Letter I wrote you on the 22d, the Ladies of the family without knowing what I was about read me, a passage in Hayleys Life of Cowper from p. 122. to p. 127. Vol. 1. Mrs Unwin was eclipsed by the Brilliancy of Lady Austen, and poor Cowper was obliged to renounce the Society of the latter, whose enchanting Talents had been so usefull as well as delightfull to him. Unwin or Austen must be sacrificed.— It would be a curious Work, to write the History of Jealousies, among Men, who, I am Sure are not less remarkable for them than Women. I could write an Essay of this Sort, which would amount to a volume, upon the Jealousies, I have observed, in our national Government since April 1789. The first I will mention, was between Mr. Madison and Col. Hamilton. It broke out in Madisons opposition to the funding System. The Second was between Mr Jefferson and Mr Jay. This appeared on a Motion of Mr Benson to fill a certain Blank in a Bill with the Chief Justice, then Mr Jay. This was instanly retaliated by a Motion to fill the blank with the Secretary of State, then Mr Jefferson. This blank was when filled to point out the officer, who should execute the office of President in Case of the Death or Absence of the President and Vice President. The Anecdotes of such Jealousy between Mr Sedgwick and Mr Ames, Mr Smith and Mr Harper of South Carolina would be curious among an hundred others. But upon My Nomination of Murray to negotiate with France, and especially in the Intrigues to get Hamilton nominated to be Commander in Chief of the Army, this Virtuous Passion appeared in all glory. It would require a Volume to devellope it in all its Ramiffications. The Rivalry between Dana and Gerry and between Cabot and Gerry would also be entertaining. But I am weary of thinking of the direful Effects, of this noble Spirit. Jefferson has had opportunities enough to have Seen the Effects of it in so strong a Light as to convince him, that under the french Constitution of 1791 there must necessarily be a Rivalry between the Executive and Legislative Power: that the Executive could exist no longer than it could maintain a Majority in the Legislative: that the Minority in the Legislative would Soon make itself more popular than the other Party, and consequently would soon be able to raise an Army of Poisardes, Marseillois and Galley Slaves to attack and beat the Kings friends and even his Troops.
The operation of these Things appeared so familiar to me that I always feared the french Revolution would proceed as it has done. I remember that when the Constitution of 1791 was in play, Talleyrand spent an Evening with me at My Lodgings in Francis’s Hotel in Phyladelphia, in the Course of which he asked me what I thought of the new Constitution of France. I answered that the Shortest Expression I could give him of my Opinion of it, would be by comparing the King, to Daniel in the Lyons Den, and his Ministers to Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego in the fiery Furnace of Nebuchadnessar: if either of them ever got out alive it must be by a miraculous Interposition of Divine Power and not by the Efficacy of any known natural Causes.
The Fate of the poor King and his friends, ought to have convinced Mr Jefferson, if he were not a Dunce in these things  , that by a Restoration of the Bourbons under that Constitution would only revive the Scenes of Blood, and that not a branch or Spring of that Family would ever again get out of France alive.
If the Pimps should spy this Letter it would make as good a figure as that to Sam Adams about the Noble Ben. Austin: But I care not a farthing for all of them, and will write what I please in confidence to you. Let those who violate that confidence by violating the public faith of the Post Office, answer for the consequences. I am &c.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 24 December 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Monday 24. Decr: 1804.

When I expressed a wish in writing to my brother, that you should purposely dismiss some part of that attention to the present course of public affairs, which I thought contributed much to make your hours unpleasant, I was not aware that your expectations of change in the politics of a considerable portion of the States, more favourable to the real interests, and morals of the Country, were so sanguine—As change, is the only permanent characteristic feature in our Governments and Constitutions, I cannot pretend to dispute the possibility of such an Event—But as change for the worse, has been for many years uniform and unvaried in its progress; as is still continues, with increasing violence and rapidity; and as I see no source from which a turn towards change of a more propitious character, can be foreseen with any colour of reason, I cannot say that any of my anticipations are of a complection so fair as those which afford you comfort amid the present lowering aspect of things—I have indeed a consolation of a different sort—I believe the growth and prosperity of this Country to rest upon such foundations that all the vices and follies of the people or of their Governments, be they what they may, will not be able to counteract them—This prosperity which is founded upon our situation, and the course of Nature, I rely upon with great confidence; but as much as I depend upon the dispensations of Providence, just so little is my confidence in the wisdom and virtue of men—
Hitherto the Session of Congress has been remarkable more for its inactivity than any thing else—The object of principal expectation is the impeachment of Mr. Chase, who is summoned to make his appearance before the Senate, the second day of next Month—The bills for preserving Peace in the Ports and Harbours—for regulating the clearance of armed vessels, and for establishing a Prize Court in the Mediterranean, have not yet got through the House of Representatives—They are all liable to considerable objections, and are found upon discussion liable to greater objections than appear to have been anticipated— I dislike them all three; though I believe something ought to be done, upon each of the cases to which they apply.
Our proposition for an Amendment to the Constitution has not yet been taken up; and indeed it probably will have no discussion this Session—So many of the State Legislatures have already declared against it, without one instance of adoption, or approbation; not even by Connecticut, that it would be absurd to spend time in haranguing upon it here—The time will come when its real merits will meet proper investigation—But at present the people of Massachusetts, themselves appear to have disavowed the act of their own Legislature supporting their rights and interests. What they do not chuse to ask, they may rest assured their neighbours will not be anxious to grant.
General Tureau the french Minister, is in great distress on Account of his wife; Secretaries, and part of his family, who sailed from Nantes for New York, more than three months ago, and have not been heard of—He has with him only an aid-de-Camp; a young man by the name of Marin; apparently qualified, for certain parts of diplomatic duty, to an extraordinary degree—His department of negotiation, must be intended to be among the ladies—Fashions, Amusements, Dress, and every thing relating to the bon ton de la Societé, he understands to perfection and descants upon with great eloquence—He is also a great musical performer, singer, and composer—a Soldier withal, who has fought all the Italian campaigns with the Emperor, and an Adonis in dress and manners—He is already quite an intimate in all the musical families, and of course in ours.—I have had some conversation with him on the State of things in his Country, and find him as capable of serious reflection and acute observation upon subjects of importance, as upon trifles.
I have had this morning, a little wrestling bout with our present Sovereign, Mr: Giles, who rules without controul as Lord of the ascendant—He has been plunging us from one absurdity to another, untill we had got so deep that it was impossible to bear it any longer—The History of this morning’s debate would be curious; but too long to detail to you at present—I moved a very simple and trivial amendment, which happened to touch upon his most irritable tendon, and brought his majority into great perplexity, between the absolute necessity of making the amendment which I proposed, and the equally absolute necessity of avoiding to aid or abet me in mutiny against his authority—What think you was the final expedient—The same which Plutarch tells us was once practised in Athens—You remember, when a proposition was made by a citizen of an infamous character (that is, I suppose he was of the minority) Aristides I think it was, considered it so useful in itself, but so disgraced by the introducer, that he moved, the same proposition should be introduced, by a respectable Citizen—Now in order to make it possible for the Majority to vote for my proposition against Mr: Giles, General Jackson, and I was much obliged to him for it, undertook the part of the respectable Citizen, and introduced my amendment, by a mere variation of phrase—whereby it carried a large Majority—This is the first time Giles has got a trip this Session, and he will not forget it. He has been very pointed in his civility to me, out of doors, and in conversation whenever we have met—I am thankful to him for even this. His power is such, that if he should move my expulsion from the Senate, because he does not like my looks, he would stand a very fair chance of success—But he has nothing insolent in his manner, which cannot be said of all his associates.
We have had a proposal to adjourn over this week, but it did not succeed—We are to meet again on Wednesday—
Your’s faithfully—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 28 December 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Quincy, Josiah, III

Dear Sir.
Washington 28. Decr: 1804

Your favour of the 15th: instt. came to hand last Evening and I thank you for the remarks it contains—Shortness of time, now prevents me from replying to them so fully as I should wish—My principal object at present is to inclose for your perusal a bill, which has pass’d the House of Representatives, and is now before the Senate “to regulate the clearance of armed merchant vessels”—The chambers of Commerce at Philadelphia and New York, have sent on memorials against this Bill—The former was presented, while the Bill was before the House of Representatives, and was printed by order of the House—Dr: Mitchell this day presented the memorial from New York, and moved it might be printed—which contrary to universal practice was by a bare majority refused—As it is a bill of great importance to the interests of the commercial part of the Community, I enclose this copy to you, for the benefit of your observations which I hope to receive before the final passage of the bill—And if the merchants of Boston feel the object to be as important to them, as to their Southern neighbours, they may still have an opportunity to forward their representations on the subject.
I am, Dear Sir, ever faithfully yours.
John Q. Adams.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 January 1805
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear son
Mount Wollaston Jan. 8. 1805

Your favour of Decr. 24. was received in the regular course of the Mail and in good order. It refreshes me to See that you write in good Spirits. Your Family and private Friends must console you, under all your humiliations in public Life. For fifteen years, i.e from the year 1760 to 1775 I was in the Valley, the dark Valley of Grief Gloom and disappointment; Unalterably devoted to Principles whose Advocates were for a great portion of that time a Smaller Minority than yours is now. My constant Refuge was my Profession. There, I thank God, I never failed to command respect, or to get Money: But it cost me Severe labour of mind and Body.
The physical Advantages of this Country in Soil Climate, proximity to the Sea, Situation for Commerce with Asia & Africa as well as all parts of America and Europe, that nothing of an ordinary nature can prevent its rapid Growth: but Growth without Liberty in my Opinion is worse than no Growth, worse even than decline or death. If the People of this Country once loose their Innocence, and their Virtues their Liberties will be at an End and their depravity Debauchery and Cruelty worse than those of any Nation in Europe. I believe this upon the Strength of the old Adage Corruptio Optimi pessima.
Mr Eli’s Amendment to be sure has had a Singular fate. It is not the less equitable or reasonable however for that. I am afraid that all reasonable demands from N. England will be treated with as little defference. I have wintered and Summered the  Southern Gentlemen, thirty years, i.e, I have So long known them in Congress and in the Union: and I declare of my own Knowledge and upon my honor, that for every Moment of that time According to my observations and opinion the Southern Men have been actuated by an absolute hatred of New England and have been joined in it most cordially by the Germans Irish and Dutch in all the middle States. Nothing but their fears ever restrained them from discarding Us from their Union. Those Fears, as their population increases So much faster than Ours diminish every day: and were they not restrained by their Negroes they would reject Us from their Union, within a Year. This is all the Charity that Experience and Reason will have left me for the Southern and middle States. New England is in a very dissagreable and allarming Situation: and it will not be long before the People will feel it. We have never been able to obtain Justice from them and We have always had Men among ourselves too complaisant to them. Handcock, Gorham and even Mr King have been among the number. Sam. Adams Gerry and your present Correspondent, were always obnoxious to them, for their inflexibility against their partial Schemes. But ah! the mutability of all Men and Things. The Popularity of Adams and Gerry is quite a novelty among them.
My Feelings are very much interested for Tureaus Family and the more perhaps because a Vessell from Nantes has been wrecked on Cohasset Rocks and all perished.
The Wrestle with Giles is a good Story well told. He was always pointed in his Civility to me: but like Taylor’s and others it was the Attention of a Spy. It was to watch and to catch, to tempt and betray. I was aware of it, at the time: but despised it too much.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Justus Bush Smith, 8 January 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, Justus Bush

Sir.
Washington City 8. January 1805.

When I was at New-York in April last, I received from your brother James $500 in part payment of the interest due upon your note. There still remains about $200 of interest due—This, together with the principal, from what he then said to me, and from the assurances in your letters before that time, I suppose you are at this time prepared to discharge—If however it will better suit your convenience to pay the interest remaining due, and part of the principal, I shall be glad to be informed of it. About the 15th: of March I expect to be in New-York, and will thank you for an answer, what part of the note, I may then depend upon receiving.
I am, Sir, with respect, your very humble and obedt: Servt:


Title: From Hannah Quincy Lincoln Storer to Abigail Smith Adams, 12 January 1805
From: Storer, Hannah Quincy Lincoln
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
Janry 12 1805—

Yours and the Presidents Company on the thirtieth to dine, will add Much to the pleasure of that day, in which Brattle Street Society will be again blessed with a Minister approved of without a dissenting Voice. As you once were Members there, I thought it would be pleasing to You—if So, I hope your State of health will be Such as to admit of Your gratifying us.
The Solemn Ceremony commences at Eleven oClock or before if possible—Your Sons Son’s Company is requested, and the Ladies in the family.—
Mr Storer pleads his want of Sight as his excuse for not sending in his own hand writing his invitation to President Adams and Son.—
You’ll join Me dear Madam in wishing that both Minister and People, may be made instrumental of Much Spiritual satisfaction to each other. in this beleif I rest, assuring you of the Complits of the Season from each present with those of / Your attached friend
H. Storer


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 January 1805
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Sir.
Quincy Jan. 20. 1805

I received in Season, your kind Letter of the 5th. and have been so very busy that I have not found time to acknowledge it, till now. When I write to you it is with no Expectation of any Answer, unless it be in a bare Acknowledgement to Some of us, i.e. to me, your Mother or your Brother of the receipt of my Letter. I know that the public Business must as it ought to engage all your time and thoughts. The Transactions in Congress at the present Period will be of great Importance to this Country, especially the Mediterranean War The Government of Louisiana, and the Impeachment of the Judge: and whatever part you may take in them, although at present it may appear inefficacious, may be hereafter of more consequence to your Country, than you may now imagine.
I have been uncommonly engaged and interrested in Reading Shakespeare, and particularly his Historical Drama’s which I have read through once with Attention, and have almost compleated the Second time. During that Period of the English History, that Ballance of the Constitution, from which its Liberty results, and in which its excellence consists was not formed. The commons had not an independent Share in Legislation, and were not well represented, the Powers of the House of Lords were not well defined, the Prerogatives of the Crown were not exactly limited, the Judges held their Commissions durante Beneplacito, the Habeas Corpus Act was not known and Magna Charta was a mere Piece of Parchment which every tryumphant Faction neglected or violated at its pleasure, even much more than our national and State Constitutions are disregarded at this day. These Plays of the great Poet if they are read by any one with a view to the Struggle between the Red Rose and the White Rose, that is to the Treachery Perfidy Treason Murder Cruelty Sedition and Rebellions of rival and unballanced factions, if he can keep his Gravity and his Attention from being diverted by the Gaiety and Drollery of Falstaff, Pistol, Nym, Peto, Fluellin and the rest of those Rakes, & Bullies he will find one of the most instructive Examples for the perusal of this Country. Hitherto we have gone no further than a few Duels, in actual Violence. In Slander We have gone as far as any nation and for any thing I know as far as human nature in its depravity can go. The Parties in England availed themselves of Religion, the Catholic and the Puritan, as Pretexts, and Sought the Aid and alliances of Scotland and France, alternately, very much as ours do.—Our Presidents and Governors have not yet Wealth enough to give Dowers with their Daughters to Bonapartes Brothers or Nephews, nor are they rich enough to demand Royal or Imperial Girls for their Sons. But suppose a Hamilton or a Burr, at the head of victorious Armies and President at the same time, and with sons and Daughters to dispose of, and what then? Why then it will be Said
O America! What might’est thou do, that honor would thee do,
Were all thy Children kind and natural!
But see thy fault! France or England hath in thee found out
A nest of hollow Bosoms, which he fills.
With regard to Judge Chace’s Tryal, were I in your Situation I would read every Impeachment, that is to be found in the State Tryals. So much I may say to you, without Suspecting myself of the least desire to influence your Judgment.
With regard to Mr Giles you may if you please give my Compliments to him and ask him in my name whether our Nation is now as Democratical as he wishes, or not. This jocular Question I suppose I may ask him without offence to him which is far from my Intention.
The Union of the red Rose and the white Rose, that is of the Livingstons and Clintons seems to have compleatly tryumphed over the Vice President for the present in New York. I feel much interested on the public Account in the Question what is to be his Course after the fourth of March. I am told that his Party in this State, who were very violent against him at first are changing their Language, I Suppose in consequence of Letters from Washington, and they now Say that he ought to be pardoned even if upon Tryal he should be found guilty.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 23 January 1805
From: Smith, Elizabeth
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Boston January 23d 1805

In behalf of the kindest and best of Brothers I thank you my most respected Cousin for your kind attentions at this present time of affliction. I have known sorrow but none has equeall’d this, to be—to be brought to such an humbling situation by one who has always profess’d the most profound friendship is doubly agravating On Monday I thought it was more than human nature could bear,—but he who “tempers the wind to the shorn Lamb” has supported us—and we will trust in his Mercy for the issue of all events. My brother has not been out since we saw you his health has been misserable, by the accumalated misfortunes.—that have daily press’d upon him, but his integrity will never depart from him and tho’ he may meet with frowns and discredit here, he has treasure laid up above were sickness and sorrow will have an end. Brother & sister request their most affectionate regards to you & Mrs Cranch for your repeated kindness’s—and accept those also of your much afflicted friend and Cousin
E Smith


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 24 January 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Washington 24. January 1805

You will find, in the multitude of public documents, which I constantly transmit to you, the only apology I have to offer, for the irregularity which has crept upon the returns to your most valuable letters—Though I find it utterly impossible even to read all these papers, yet I feel it an indispensible duty to peruse with attention the greater part of them, and some of them require even a larger portion of time than that—when to this you add the necessary attendance upon my duty in the Senate, and the part which the same sense of duty leads me to take in many of its deliberations, I hope you will acquit me of any neglect arising either from indolence, or from an under estimate of the advantages I derive from your letters—It is indeed possible that I may indulge a solicitude, too anxious for my personal and political situation, with respect to the business which comes before Congress—Most of the Gentlemen, with whom I most commonly concur in opinion, seem to think that we may as well discard in a great degree our concern relative to the public business, as we can be under no responsibility, and as nothing we can say or do will ever be of any avail to the service—There appears to me however some danger in this listless abandonment of the Affairs of the Nation, and if little or no good can be done by the most assiduous of our exertions, I think we have the experience, that much mischief may be prevented.
Your fundamental principle, for pointing out the proper organization of Government, that it is to controul and direct the operations of emulation, I fully believe and on the theory of Government generally, to judge of the depth and compass of knowledge genius and virtue, among the Statesmen who have made Constitutions for these States I believe you could have nothing to wish, but a comparison of the Massachusetts Constitution with any other that ever has been made in this Country—To this comparative estimate, I have recently been called, by having my attention called to the collection of our Constitutions, with relation to a different subject.—The only part of your system, upon which a doubt in my mind remains, is whether the balance, in its most perfect state, is so efficacious to controul the effects of emulation, as you suppose—
I have never in my gloomiest moments considered my situation as of so trying or severe a nature, as was yours during the whole period of our revolutionary controversy, but you had the advantage of a great and powerful consolation, which totally fails to me—and that was the honour and profit which you never failed to derive from your profession—I have had experience, and acquired self-knowledge enough to be convinced that from my profession, neither profit nor honour will ever derive to me—Not that I reluct at any toil of mind or body—Not being conscious that the dread or aversion of labour is among my deficiencies—But that from both natural and adventitious circumstances in my composition and life, the Bar is not my element.
We are here in a state of momentary calm, which perhaps may be the presage of a violent Storm—The recession of the District of Columbia, has taken four days debate in HR. and then rejected by a large majority—The clearance Bill entirely renovated, will probably come for discussion again next week—Mr Crowninshield has also offered a Resolution which will furnish materials, if not for legislation, at least for eloquent speeches.—On the 4th of next month is to come on the trial of the Impeachment. If this proceeds it will probably suspend in a great degree, all the other business of the Session.
With my duty and Affection, where due I remain, Dear Sir, / faithfully your’s.

J Q Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith, 26 January 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Elizabeth

my dear Friend
Quincy Janry 26 1805

My mind is so anxiously engaged for you my Dear Friend, and your Family that I cannot think of any thing else; tho I am unacquainted with any details respecting the misfortune which has assaild you, I cannot but think that your family ought not to Suffer for debts which were not your own, and that you have a right to Secure to yourself and children as much property as would have been yours, if mr Smith had dyed insolvent. the Law may perhaps be against me, but I hope you will consider this Subject, and Secure Such moveables as you can consistant with justice & honor. you have Friends who can advise you upon this Subject. you know where you may deposit whatever you may wish to Send away. mr Smith Fa and Family are so well beloved, that I hope and trust he will find benevolence & kindness, from all to whom he is responsible. I pray that you may be Supported under this Severe & unexpected trial, and that mr Smith will not Suffer it to Sink and depress his Spirits So as to impair his Health & injure his future usefullness. excuse me if I have Said more than I ought, and be assured that it is from the interest I feel for you and your Family that I am thus urgent with you. My kindest regards to mr Smith and be assured no change of circumstances can alter the Love and regard of

Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 27 January 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Mrs Adams
Quincy Jan’ry 27th 1805

Inclosed you have a Letter, to mr Rutledge which you may if you like send to your Brother if you think it will be of any service to him.
We yesterday received a few lines from mr Adams of the 14th from which I learnt you were all in tolerable Health, I want to know if his cough has left him, and whether he has any thing of the Rheumatism in his Limbs. I would have him pay particular attention to his cough, and if he is not quite relieved put a Blister between his Shoulders. Coughs are dangerous if of long continuence. Louisa has a severe attack of the Rheumatism in her neck, one shoulder and arm She has not been able to dress or undress or lay down in her bed without being Bolstered up with pillows for these ten days. A cough also attends her—The pain at times has been extreem—and she has not yet got much relief—I cannot be sufficiently thankfull that I am so well as to be able to go out, & to attend to my family. the colder the weather, the better I have been, and We have had the hardest winter since the year 1780—a snow storm this day which promisses to be deep—and I wish the snow It would last untill April; but we have had but one thing steady which is unsteadiness: no sooner have we had a fine snow & cold enough to make it fine travelling, before a rain has dissolved our prospect—a true emblem of humane Life—to day we put forth like a flower of the feild, to morrow are cut down, & cast away into oblivion. So teach us to number our days, thou Maker of our Frame, that we may apply our Hearts unto wisdom—mr Adams I know will lament the Death of mr Davis, he who lost his wife about a year since, and was Treasurer—He died of a Lung fever, universally regreted—
Mr. Adams and you will also be distrest to learn that our good Friend mr Smith has met with a sad Castastrophe Catastrophe by indorsing Bills to a large amount for mr Goreham who faild for a sum twice as much as he is worth; and has involved Mr Smith and his family in the greatest distress—I do not know of any Calamity which has so affected me for a long time—It excited universal sympathy and compassion throughout all the Town. no family were more beloved, or did more good with their property.
Mr Adams mentiond to me in one of his Letters that you would want a woman when you return here. Prudy Newcombe who formerly lived with you and has been with a Mrs. Vesecy ever since would serve you again—Mrs Dexter told me yesterday that her mother was desirious she should live with you when you come, and that if you would like to have her, you will let me know that I may engage her.
If Mr Adams should see Mr Cranch, let him know that his Father is better than he was the beginning of winter and his Mother who was here yesterday as well as usual as were both his sisters—
I hope my little Boys are Well, tell them of their Grandparents at Quincy where I hope to see them before many Months—
My Love to your Mother and Sisters / From / Your affectionate
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 January 1805
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Quincy Jan. 27. 1805

Your favour of the fourteenth, with its ample Enclosures of Documents, has arrived in good order....I deliver all the Journals of Senate and House, all the printed Bills and other printed Papers you send me, to your Brother, who I presume preserves them all in order for your Use and his own.
The Season here has been unexampled. We have had an Abundance of Snow but it has been melted almost as fast as it has fallen so that we have never had more than Eight or ten Inches at a time on the Ground. From November to this day we have had an Alternation of Snows and Rains. A Snow has fallen, very level, of a certain depth, say Eight or ten Inches and given us cold Weather and fine Slaying for two or three days: then a rain has come and melted it, then another snow and then another rain. At this moment it snows, and all the Trees encumbered with a load of that Spotless commodity, like Dutch Ladies arrayed in white Robes the Emblems of Innocence and Purity. With all this we have had more of extream cold weather than has been known for many years. Thaws have not been so compleat, but that Snow and Ice enough has remained for Slays and Sleds, so that neither Business nor Pleasure has been much interrupted.
Mr. Bayard will be your friend, and a powerfull Accession to your little flock. My Compliments to him.
A Writer in the Paladium lately has taken my name in vain and given great offence. Motions have been made about it in the House, which will give it great Celebrity. Sydenham and Rush pretend that in a City infected with an Epidemic fever, all other diseases are converted into the prevailing Contagion. Upon some such Principle I suppose, that punishment of Libels, will operate in favour of the present Administration, for the same reason that they injured the former. Who the Libeller is I have not the Smallest Conjecture or Suspicion, nor have I heard of any intimation of him from either party. I wish that both Parties would let my name alone. It is no pleasure to me, to have my name employd like the Air as vehiculum Soni dissonantis. In this case to be sure it is not unskillfully or rather not unartfully employed to put make impressions into upon some minds and put Language into some mouths. In france such a machine would have been framed into a Vaudeville, in England into a Ballad. But I think Poetry is not naturally predominant in American Minds. There have been very few proofs of Imagination as yet exhibited. It is amusing however to see the galled horse, wince.
A Cock roosted in the night upon the Backs of a Stable of Horses and there he crowed, Scratched, peck’d and eased his nature, in great pride and Security, till at last he provoked one of the Spirited Coursers to shake himself so suddenly and violently that he dashed Canticleer down on the floor among the Horses feet. These in their Turn Stamped and kicked and Snorted in Such manner, that the Cock, affrighted, ran about among the feet and Legs till he despairing of his Life and then he Squatted and cryed out “Pray Gentlemen dont let Us tread upon one another!” This Fable of Daniel De Foe will apply very well to McFarland and Allen and their Semblables. They who could read Freneau, Lloyd, Peter Markoe, Andrew Brown, Bache, Callender, Duane, Greenleaf, Cheetham, Wood and Austin with delight, for a dozen Years together, one would think would be ashamed to rage so furiously at a few Lines, surely not more impudent, insolent or false than whole Volumes of their own Libellers.
My Amusement, since I left Shakespears historical plays, has been in reading the in Henry’s history of Great Britain, the Chapters in the Several Volumes upon Civil and Military History. His Arrangement is very convenient for me. The everlasting Efferts of Ambition and Avarice to obtain their Objects: The never failing Pretexts of Religion and Liberty to disguise them, The unblushing Application to foreign Powers, France, Germany, the Pope, Holland, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Mob, to assist their Party and increase their Strength, excite my Indignation, while the poor ignorant misguided deceived cheated and oppressed People, excite my Compassion and afflict my humanity. Alas! when will it be otherwise?
His Worship and I have employed our late Evenings in reading The Tryal of Dr Sacheverells Impeachment. The Dr told our Louisa’s Great Grandfather Salmon that the Tryal published, was nothing like the real Tryal and that a true one was written and would be published in Holland. I should like to See his account of it: but I never heard that it was printed. The Dr it seems lost nothing by his Impeachment or punishment. What was his fate after the Accession of the Hanover Family I know not. The Tryal of Sacheveral brought in the Tory Ministry in place of the Duke of Marlborough and Lord Godolphin. The Tryals of Lion, , Callender, Brown &c brought in Jefferson. The Peace of Utrecht and the Tragedy of Cato demolished Harly and Bolingbroke. The Peace with France and the Deviltry of Hamilton and Company destroyed the Federal Faction and with them, the Friends of honest impartial Government who were not of that Faction. Such are the Sudden Changes when Nations are nearly equally divided and all have their prejudices fomented, their imaginations exalted and their Passions inflamed,— How are passions to be allayed, and the People to be united? I know not. I believe they will have their Course. We know not what that Course is and have reason to dread its bloody and cruel Catastrophy, as well as its Consequences unfavourable to Liberty. The People are right in many of their Opinions and in none more than this, that when a Military Spirit gets up, and gives a tone to Society and commands the Fashion all is undone in our Government.
The Garrulity of Age.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 3 February 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Sir.
Washington City 3. Feby: 1805.

I have received your letter enclosing Mr: Bradford’s Sermon which I have read with much pleasure; and informing me of the cruel misfortune which has befallen Mr: Smith, for whom, and his excellent lady and family, I feel very much distress’d—If there was any one merchant in Boston on whose safety and stability I should have confided more than any other, he was the man; and to find him thus overwhelmed by the torrent of another’s failure was the more afflictive, for being so totally unexpected.
I now enclose you two orders to receive the rent when due from Mr: Dexter, and from Delisle—I hope they will both be punctual this time; as on my return home I shall be much in want of the money; and I hope to see you before or by the last of March.
I suppose you will see by the newspaper Reports of the debates in Congress, that the Georgia-Land-Claims have given rise to debates something more than animated in the House of Representatives—Though it is doubtful to me whether the newspapers themselves will give all that has occurr’d—Not a Law of any material importance has yet been enacted this Session; which has now only one month longer to live.
Mrs: Adams and the children, with the rest of the family here are well, excepting Mr: Hellen, whose Constitution is scarcely able to stand so severe a winter, as we have had for nearly two months; and which continues at the moment I write, as bitter as at any day hitherto.
I remain ever truly yours.
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1805
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Quincy Feb. 7. 1805

I received your favour of the 24 of Jan. this morning. I must repeat to you that I neither expect nor desire that you should answer my Letters. I write for my own Amusement and on a Supposition at the same time that a little diversion from your Studies and Labours might give a little pleasure.
Neither you nor the Gentlemen who commonly vote with you, ought to discard your concern relative to the public Business. All who Adopt that Principle ought to resign: for the Public expects and with reason that they should do all they can, according to their own System. It is certain that much mischief has been prevented in both Houses by the Exertions of the honest and enlightened Members.
A doubt remains in your mind, whether a ballance in its most perfect State, can be efficacious to controul the Effects of Emulation. This is a reasonable doubt, and a profound Objection.—To remove it as far as I can, let me say 1. That in all Ages and Countries, Liberty Property and Safety have been in proportion to the perfection of the Ballance. 2. That without some ballance, there never was or can be any Liberty but such as depends upon mere Will, either of a Prince, a Senate or a Multitude: and We know that neither Prince Senate or Multitude, ever willed Liberty long. The Ebriety of arbitrary Power gets, all three of them drunk alike, and in nearly the same time. You may as well Swear a Witness in his own cause, or Submit to a Judge in his own cause, or trust a lamb to a Wolf, or a rich Soup before a Swine. Human Nature is not equal to the Tryal. I do not assert the total depravity of human nature, nor do I know exactly what it means. perhaps those who maintain it may say it is an universal hatred of God, Angells and men and of all good, and constant desire to do Evil and mischief, without motive Interest or passion. I shall not go that far. Nor shall I deny that human nature may and has produced Instances of disinterested benevolence, of magnanimous contempt of Interest, of Superiority to mean passions: But I assert that Mankind in general, as they rise and have risen are altogether incapable of resisting the temptations of arbitrary Power. Limitations must be set, and without a ballance there can be no limitations. Liberty has no other Chance upon this Globe but in a ballance and without it she must return like Astrea to the Skies.
The Splendor of the first Magistracy, whether Elective or hereditary makes no Odds, has dazzled Mens Eyes from Pisistratus down to Jefferson Hamilton and Burr.
Tully who understood human nature as well as Shakeapeare tells us in his Offices, Lib. 1. c. 8. 21. Maxime, autem, adducuntur plerique, Ut eos justitiæ capiat Oblivio, cum in imperiorum, honorum, gloriæ cupiditatem, inciderunt. Quod enim est apud Ennium:
Nulla Sancta Societas, nee fides regni est: id latius patet. Nam quicquid ejusmodi est, in quo non possint plures excellere, in eo fit plerum que tanta contentio, ut difficillimum Sit Sanctam Servare Societatem. Declaravit id modo temeritas C. Cæsaris, qui omnia Jura divina et humana pervertit, propter eum, quem Sibi ipse, opinionis errore finxerat, principatum. Est autem in hoc genere molestum, quod in maximis animis, Splendidissimisque ingeniis, plerumque existunt honoris, imperii, potentiæ, gloriæ cupiditates; Quo magis cavendum est, ne quid in eo genere peccetur.
If the Ballance in the Government, is not prompt and decisive enough to overaw and controul these cupiditates, there will be all the Evils which We see in Shakespears historical plays, or in the french Revolution. Crete, Sparta Rome, and even Athens & Carthage once had a ballance, such as it was, and while it was preserved they had Liberties, such as they were. But when the Ballance was broken, all their Liberties were lost. No Nation has exhibited more Calamities for Want of a Ballance, or so many Blessings arising from One, as England. Even Holland owed all the Liberty they enjoyed, from a very imperfect and confused imitation of the English Ballance.
Your Friends all know that your Talent, Learning and Application would insure you a place in the most honorable and lucrative rank at the Bar, whenever you please to take it. But you are too much disposed to gloom and despondency. Men must brave Adversity: and be modest in prosperity. If they cannot, or will not be rich and popular they must submit to be poor and obscure. I am, my dear Sir, with the tenderest concern for your health, your affectionate
J. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 February 1805
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Madam
Washington Febry. 11th. 1805

I received your two kind letters a few days since and was much affected by the account of poor Louisa’s illness and the dreadful misfortune which has befallen Mr. Smith and family our much esteem’d friends. too well am I enabled by sad experience to participate in their affliction on my first entrance into what is called the world I learnt this painful lesson and though I was shielded from the blow which crushed my family I yet felt it keenly and the moment in which it happen’d perhaps render’d my situation more exquisitely painful than theirs the repeated villainies of those who my father thought his best friends and in whom he placed an unlimited confidence broke his spirit and finally terminated and an existence which had for sometime become burthensome surely no blame can or ought to attach to a man for having indulged too favorable an opinion of his fellow creatures and if it is a weakness it is of a nature so amiable none but the worst of men would dare to condemn itthis subject awakens every feeling of my heart and makes me shudder at the depravity of human nature which under the spurious semblance of virtue can “commit the deepest crimes and” reduce whole families to misery and frequently to disgrace and death. when nex you see Mrs. Smith have the goodness to make my affectionate respects and tell her how sincerely I participate her sorrow—
Washington, spite of the impeachment is very dull Miss Wheeler is here and as usual very much admired it is said Mr. White is addressing her We have had some very warm work in the house and Mr. R. and Mr. D. are to decide it a la mode that is to in a duel Mr. R.  is engaged in two or three others one it is said with Beau D.—
Miss Kitty Johnson who married Mr Brent is a distant relation of ours and not my Sister as you imagined was there any likelihood of a wedding taking place in our family shortly you should certainly be informed of it.
Poor Mrs. Barry has been nearly burnt to death by an accident but is now much better and Dr. Eustis who attends has hopes of her entire recovery—
I will thank you dear Madam to tell Prudy that I will take her again when I return and if we should get Mr Shaws house to make William do up the garden a little that is to sew some different sorts of Peas some mustard and cress some peper grass Lettuce and set out some cabbage plants I should be glad to have done before we return as we may probably not get home untill the middle of April.
Mr. Adams has entirely lost his cough and is much better in health and spirits the children are both well as are all the family except Eliza and Mr. Hellen who suffer with a breast complaint but not dangerous—
Give my The family unite with me in best respects to the President and Thomas and Louisa tell Thomas his friend Mr Ewen is here and has informed that I am to have the pleasure of finding a new relation at my return. I did not expect to hear such a piece of news from a stranger—
Adieu dear Madam I have just heard that Mrs. Cranch is confined but do not know which it is a girl or a Boy Believe me your affectionate daughter,
L C Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod, 19 February 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Harrod, Ann Frances

My dear Nancy
Quincy Feb’ry 19th 1805

I received last Evening your Letter by the hand of mr Adams, and the little matters accompanying it. you executed my commission quite to my satisfaction. accept my thanks in return. I have regreted that you have had such wet Streets in Town, after having experienced so much confinement at Quincy. To know that we can go, and come at our pleasure, is a privilege, even when we do not use it, and a privilege whose worth we estimate like many others by its loss.
Louissa who thanks you for your kind Letter, & friendly sympathy, has been more afflicted by pain since you left us than before. for three days last week she could not use her needle. you can judge how ill she was from that circumstance. yesterday she used the warm Bath, and had a better night in concequence of it.
we needed not your absence to convince us what a deprivation it would be to our social circle by the fire side. I continue to read Burns, to feel for, pity and admire him, poor fellow. he felt povertys cold wind, and crushing rain beat keen and heavy on him. he justly observes, “in the comparative view of wretches the Criterion is not what they are doomed to suffer, but how they are formed to bear” with Burns vivid Immagination, his delicate sensibility, his strong and ungovernable passions, his high sense of honour and pride of independence, he was ill calculated to bear the “insolence of office, or the proud Mans contumely”
I am sometimes led to question whether the fine and delicate sensibilities of the Soul are a real blessing. they so often are wounded by the insensible, by the unfealing beings which surround them of which much the larger portion of Mankind are composed, that like the Rose of Cowper they are shaken by the rude Blast, or witherd by cold neglect, instead of having the tear of sorrow wiped away by the sympathizing hand of congenial tenderness. yet who that possesses them would be willing to exchange them for a cold hearted apathy, and a stoical indifference. A fine tuned instrument is soonest put out of order, yet what lover of Musick would wish to possess in preference, an ordinary, instrument?
“Dearly bought, the hidden treasure
Finer feelings can bestow;
Chords that vibrate sweetest pleasure
Thrill the deepest notes of woe”
I hope my dear Nancy that you will have a favorable time to Return to your Family and Friends—to whom present my kind Regards, as well as to my dear sister when you see her. I conclude this Letter with my wishes, however unavailing, that the time may not be far distant, which will give me a legal right to call you mine. in the mean time be assured that I both Love, and esteem you and subscribe your affectionate / Friend

Abigail Adams
P S Miss Juno wags her kind remembrance to you. She feels the loss of one kind benefactor, looks up and solisites for favour from those who remain, and seldom seeks in vain


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 24 February 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear mrs Adams
Quincy Feb’ry 24th 1805

I received two days since your Letter of Febry th 11. it containd information the most agreable that mr Adams was in better Health and Spirits is cheering news to me. I feared through want of attention to himself that his cough would fix upon his Lungs, and produce very allarming concequences—the time is fast approaching when Congress must rise, whether they have done good, or whether they have done evil. I hope it will not rise with the indeliable disgrace of condemning a just and upright Judge, who if he has err’d has fully proved that, his errors were those of the judgment, not of the Heart. I fear there are too Many Members who have no other criterion to Judge of right & wrong than the vote of their party. I should not fear for the Judge if he had competant Judges to try him, but if I appreciate the talents of those who Sit in Judgement upon him arright, with a few exceptions, they have not had Legal nor Parlementary information if they had heads capable of receiving it, sufficient to qualify them to decide upon the merrits of the cause at issue before them. how they may be enlightned by the able counsel of the Judges, I know not my most fervent petition is that, Justice may flow down as a River, and Righteousness as a mighty Stream; and that for the honour and happiness of our common Country, “no foes may ravish her, and no false friend, betray her, while professing to defend.”
The Season has been uncommoly severe through the whole winter, untill ten days past. The Snow is dissolving gradually but will keep us bad Roads for a long time. I fear you will have bad travelling for your return. You must take it leisurely and from Nyork may not find it bad by water at the Season you propose. Mrs Shaw was at Quincy a fortnight ago. I then asked her what she proposed to do with her House. She Said Sell it, if she could. She afterward applied to the Judge for leave. the Judge could not give her permission upon account of the will, so that she must petition the Legislature which is now in session. if she should not Sell, she would Let it, but at what rent I am unable to say. In a few days I suppose the result will be known—I have desired mrs Dexter to Let Prudys Mother know that you shall depend upon her—I will see her as soon as the Snow banks will permit me to ride there—
Louissa thankes you for your kind sympathy. She is very little better suffers pain continually, and is fearfull that the contraction of the musels in her neck and shoulder will be made durable. I hope not, but I never saw a more obstinate Rheumatism—
Thomas sighs that his Friend Ewens report cannot be true, whatever his wishes are, and I believe them very sincere Prudence whispers him, they must be delayed. he is ready to sing the Scotch Song
“O why should fate sic pleasure have,
Lifes dearest bands untwining?
or why sae sweet a flower as Love,
depend on fortune’s shining?”
“a hungry care, is an unco care” says Burns
“Syne as ye brew, my maiden fair;
Keep mind that ye maun drink the yill”
present me affectionatly to all your family. we were very glad to hear Mrs Cranch was safe with a fine daughter but my sister did not know that there was one in prospect till she heard that it had arrived. She was accordingly saved much anxiety—
Whenever you come on, you will give us pleasure to come and take your residence with us, untill you can make your arrangements else where, with my Love to / my Son and my Grandsons, I am most affectionatly / yours
A Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 8 March 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Washington 8. March 1805.

During the last days of the Session of Congress which has just expired, I found it impossible to continue the correspondence which I had previously maintained even so far as to enclose from day to day the public documents as they were printed—From 10 O’Clock in the morning untill 7 in the Evening the Senate was constantly in Session, with the interval of only half an hour each day for a slight collation which the members took at the Capitol itself; and this together with a walk of an hour to reach that place, and a walk of an hour to return from it scarcely left me the hours of the Night for repose—The scene has now closed—On Sunday Evening last, the 3d: instt: at half past nine O’Clock the two Houses adjourned without day, and thus terminated a Session, which it was high time to bring to an End—A Session which has been the parent of several legislative Acts important in themselves, and promising still more important consequences—The attention both of Congress and of the public to these has however been almost swallowed up in the interest and anxiety, with which every step of the judicial transactions which have engrossed so large a portion of our time, has been followed and scrutinized—On the subject of Mr. Chase’s impeachment, untill the sentence was pronounced, I felt myself under an obligation to impose absolute silence upon my pen, and as far as human infirmity would admit, upon my tongue—Even now, it is a subject upon which it would perhaps be most discreet for those who were called to decide upon the Articles, to observe a dignified and unaffected silence—The questions of guilt or innocence as they affect the man, are probably at rest, but the Spirit which impelled to the prosecution, and in which its highest importance consisted, is so far from being subdued or abashed, that you will perceive it has burst forth with redoubled violence, from its defeat, and finding itself baffled by an unexpected resistance to the stroke it aimed at Judicial Independence, has not only taken a more pointed and deadly aim at that, but coupled it with another blow directed at the Senate itself—These will probably be the subject of future contestation, and may perhaps bring to the test the validity of some principles upon which our Constitutions stand, and which have never yet been tried by the touch-stone of Experience.
The attack by Impeachment, upon the Judicial Department of our National Government, began two years ago, and has been conducted with great address, as well as with persevering violence. The impeachment and conviction of Mr: Pickering; of a man notoriously, and confessedly insane, for acts committed in that State, and during the whole course of the Impeachment remaining in it, was but a preparatory step to the assault upon Judge Chase; as this in its turn was unquestionably intended to pave the way for another prosecution, which would have swept the Supreme Judicial Bench clean at a stroke—As the experiment in the case of Mr: Pickering was completely successful, I confess I have been disappointed in the issue of the succeeding step—It was impossible to establish by a stronger case than that, the principle that criminality was not an essential ingredient of impeachable Offences—And upon the score of humanity, it would have been certainly a much less odious transaction to convict and remove a man of the first parts, after a full and solemn trial, for peccadillo’s of temper, stretch’d into crimes and misdemeanors, than to pass a like degrading, and defaming sentence, upon one visited with the heaviest of human calamities; and to make that awful visitation of God, itself the basis of the prosecution—I can indeed never reflect upon the proceedings and judgment, in that cruel affair without dejection of Heart, and humiliation of Spirit—I feel for the honour of the Body to which I belong—and for the honour of my Country; sullied as they are by a sentence of guilt, inflicted upon a man, for being among the most miserable of the human race; for being bereft by the hand of Heaven, of that attribute, which by rendering man rational, could alone render him accountable—Nor can I yet satisfactorily explain to myself how it has happened that the same men who could be prevailed upon to sanction by a judgment pronounced under Oath, what to my mind appears so flagrant a violation of all Justice, and decency, should now stop and make an effectual stand in support of fair and honourable principle, against this inroad of turbulent Ambition—There is indeed one way of solving the difficulty, which sometimes presents itself to my mind as probable, and which if just may be a foundation for substantial hope in future. The trial of Pickering did not sufficiently develope the intentions of those by whom it was managed—It did not disclose the full extent of their views—But when it was seen that on the very day of his conviction the Impeachment of Mr. Chase was voted, and when the application of those absurd doctrines upon which he had been construed into a criminal, was instantly extended to a Judge of the Supreme Court, with undisguised intimations that it would soon be spread over the whole of that Bench, some of those whose weakness had yielded to the torrent of popular prejudice in the first instance, had the integrity to reflect; rallied all their energy to assist them, and took a stand, which has arrested for a time that factious impetuosity, that threatens to bury all our National Institutions in one common Ruin.
There were circumstances in the case of Mr: Pickering, which might at once contribute to veil the designs of his prosecutors, and to apologize for the compliance of his Judges—The Acts for which he was impeached were committed in a State of intoxication; and although it was abundantly proved that his habits of this nature were produced by the alienation of mind into which he had fallen, and only aggravated its symptoms, yet there was some colour for considering a man whom his family and friends suffered to go at large, and take his seat on the Bench, as justly answerable for his conduct there—The end too might go some way in that instance to justify the means—For the office of a Judge, Mr. Pickering was utterly disqualified, and as the sentence went only to removal, the effect work’d no Injustice, and might reconcile to the irregularity of the process—Besides all this it must be added that the Judgment was obtained with great difficulty, and after more than one internal struggle in the party to pursue a more honourable course of proceeding—Three members of the Senate, adherents of the present Administration, purposely absented themselves on the day when the sentence pass’d—Others had absented themselves still earlier, probably from the same motive; and his conviction was finally effected by a bare majority of the whole Senate—Of those who remained and voted, I am certain several acted with extreme reluctance, and by a sacrifice of their own Judgments, to the domineering dictates of the Managers from the House, and an unreflected acquiescence in the doctrines which were then first advanced, that Impeachment, though for crimes and misdemeanours was not a criminal prosecution; a doctrine which they were content to take for sound as it suited the purpose for which it was then wanted, and the consequences of which they did not then stay to investigate.
It is even possible that the proceedings on that trial, may have tended to produce an effect of counteraction upon that of the present Session—At least the doctrine concerning Impeachment then broached, and which Pickering’s sentence seemed to sanction, was at the commencement of this Session carried to such an extreme that its first check was seen in a glaring absurdity of its own detection—We were seriously told in long and studied speeches, that Impeachment, so far from being a criminal prosecution, was no prosecution at-all—That the Senate, sitting for the purpose of trying an Impeachment was not a Court, and that it ought not to derive its forms or rules of proceeding, either from Courts of Impeachment in other Countries, or from any of the Judicial Courts in our own—It was even intimated that not much pleading ought to be allowed, and a hint sufficiently explicit was given, that a general issue, a mere declaration of “not guilty,” was the only answer which ought to be received, to the Articles charged by the House of Representatives—Conformably to these opinions, the word “Court,” was in two instances at least struck out of the Rules for proceeding in cases of Impeachment, reported by a Committee at an early period of the Session—It was however necessary that the witnesses should be sworn—The Committee who reported the Rules, had not proposed by whom the Oath should be administered—A motion was therefore made in Senate, that this act should be performed, by the Secretary—It gave rise to no small debate, for upon the principles which were so rapidly thriving, and untill then so irresistibly prevailing the Secretary had no authority to administer an Oath, and the objection was taken on that ground—Nay a proposal was formally made that on the trial, an ordinary magistrate should be called into administer the Oaths—Of this debate I gave you some Account at the time when it occurr’d—It was the first stumbling-block to the new theory of Impeachments, which has never recovered from the fall of that shock—When the natural and spontaneous deductions from the system had brought the Senate to this dilemma, of being bound to try an Impeachment, without possessing the power of administering an Oath, the sturdiest of its followers began to stagger—The term “Court of Impeachment,” was suffered to remain unexpunged from the Journals, though its expulsion was repeatedly threatened, the necessary Oaths were administered by the Secretary; and an Answer containing something more than a bare plea of “not guilty,” was received without objection.
The trial itself was conducted with exemplary order, decorum and solemnity—A great mass of illegal and improper evidence was indeed admitted, but that was always by consent of the parties—Not only the casual expressions dropp’d in private conversations, among friends and intimates, as well as strangers and adversaries, in the recess of a bed-chamber as well as at public taverns and in Stage-coaches, had been carefully and malignantly laid up and preserved for testimony on this prosecution, not only were witnesses examined to points of opinion, and called upon for discrimination to such a degree as to say whether the deportment of the Judge was imperative, or imperious, but hours of interrogation and answer were consumed in evidence to looks, to bows, to tones of voice, and modes of speech—to prove the insufferable grievance that Mr Chase had more than once raised a laugh at the expence of Callender’s Counsel, and to ascertain the tremendous fact, that he had accosted the Attorney General of Virginia, by the appellation of “Young Gentleman”!!—If by thumb-screwing the memory of a witness, to trace back for a period of five years the features of the Judge’s face, it could be darkened with a frown, it was to be construed into rude and contumelious treatment of the Virginian Bar—if it was found lightened with a smile “tyrants in all ages had been notorious for their pleasantry”—In short Sir, Gravity himself could not keep his countenance at the nauseating littlenesses, which were resorted to for proof of atrocious criminality; and Indignation melted into ridicule, at the puerile perseverance with which nothings were accumulated, with the hope of making something by their multitude—All this however was received because Judge Chase would not suffer his Counsel to object against it; he indulged his accusers with the utmost license of investigation which they ever desired, and contented himself with observing to the Court, that he expected to be judged upon the legal evidence in the case—The hearing was fair, and to all appearance impartial—The question whether Impeachment could be had for Acts not violating any Law, was discussed, and sifted, untill the Managers themselves were compelled to abandon it; at least in its application to this Cause—The form of putting the final question which had been adopted in Pickering’s case, was abandoned almost without a struggle, and another was substituted, conformable to the English precedents, and to correct principles—It was taken on each of the eight Articles separately—And although of the 34 Senators present (for not a member of the body was absent) 25 were decided political opponents of Mr: Chase, there were 15 who voted for acquittal upon every Article—On the first Article, the one upon which the great reliance of the Managers was placed, the only Article, which by its relation to a trial for life and death, could give the gloom of darkness to the lightest shade of official error, the Majority of the whole Senate was for acquittal, and two among the most inveterate of the judge’s political antagonists appear among the names of those who pronounced him not guilty—The eighth Article was that which united the greatest number of voices against him, and the whole substance of his offence in that, was the delivery of a charge to a Grand-Jury at Baltimore, containing political opinions, obnoxious to the predominating sentiments of the day, and to the party now in power—This was certainly not a very prudent act, but even the microscope of party Spirit could not magnify it into an impeachable misdemeanour.—The constitutional majority necessary to convict could not be obtained for any of the charges separately, nor for the whole taken together, and by the voices of determined political adversaries Judge Chase was acquitted of all the Articles of Impeachment preferr’d against him by the House of Representatives of the United States.
I have more to say upon this subject, but you will think this enough for one sitting—I am now waiting here for roads more settled, and to be present at a wedding we expect in the family—My wife’s sister Harriet is to be married to a Mr. Boyd next week—I expect with my wife and children, and one of her Sisters to leave this place about the 18th: of this month; we shall of course travel slowly, but I hope to reach Quincy the first week in April—we shall even then turn back the blushful face of Spring to meet the wrinkled front of Winter, if I judge from the appearances of the Season here—We have already for several days past extinguished our fires—the thermometer has been at 86—The willow trees are fringing with leaves, and the southern declivities, are brightening into verdure—We shall leave this with foot-steps somewhat lingering, for the chill of easterly blasts, and Snows on the bosom of May—But the pleasure of meeting you, and of returning to my farm, will amply compensate for the unfavourable change of climate—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 March 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy March 11th 1805

As Congress are now up for this Season, you will be thinking of returning as soon as the Roads will permit, and that will be soon, unless we should have a renewal of winter. the two last weeks of Feb’ry and March as far as it is gone, has been very fine weather. uncommonly so, the grass springs, and the trees bud, too soon I fear for a climate so liable to sudden changes; I fear you will not get mrs Shaws House. it will be advertized immediatly & sold. there is some prospect that Robert Shaw may be the purchaser. if he should, he will let it—but their object is to sell in preference.
You will congratulate me that I have prevaild upon your Father, to let the lower Farm to Michel to the halves, & that for 5 years: I am sure We shall do much better in that way, than the one we have been in.
You will see by the papers that Rivalship & party Spirit, have adopted Club Law—instead of the Sword and pistol. I am sorry for mr S... Children, particularly William who is really an estimable Man—nothing but the regard for them and the respectable, and powerfull connections they have formed by marriage have restrained the tongues & pen’s of those who have had it in their power to display the Character of mr S— in its true light. This buisness was commenced a for tnight ago by mr Blake upon the exchange between him and mr Sullivan—after which Blake went into the insureance office, and there publically made declarations Similar to those this day publishd in the Centinal—
The public are anxiously waiting the result of the important trial which has for several weeks occupied the Senate. O may our Country be saved from the ignominy and disgrace which will attach to it, should the judge be sentenced as guilty. can it be possible? I have foreborne to say a word untill the subject was decided. the next week will put us out of our suspence.
Your Brother is just come in from Dedham court—where he has been all the week—
I inclose a Bill which if you can as well as not, pay for me as you come through Philadelphia it would oblige me, and I will repay You upon your arrival here. the reason of my requesting it is, that a Boston Bill is as great a Rarity, or a Bill of the United Stats, as a silver dollar, or an Apple Blossom in March, whilst the Bills of all the Country Banks are as plenty as Rose Bugs in June; and as pernicious, as it must be amidst Such a variety impossible to prevent detect counterfeits.
Since I began this Letter I have been informd that William Baxter has offerd his House to let. he asks two Hundred dollars a year for the House Garden Barn &c it is large and has a fine Hall above stairs which would do for a Library. the house is finishd in a plain Stile and has not any yard before it. upon many accounts it is to be preferd to Mrs Shaws the Situation is in the center of the Town. marketting may be had at the door, and it is in the best Neighbourhood. he made the offer of it to your Brother, and wished him to go and see it—I think he asks too much. If he would make an abatement and put up a fence before the door it will suit you better than your own, and it will be nearer to your Farm than mrs Shaws if you could have had that.
If you Should have opportunity to write and give any directions respecting it, I will endeavour to see them executed.
My Love to Mrs Adams and the Children / from / Your affectionate / Mother

Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Quincy Packard, 11 March 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Packard, Ann Quincy

Quincy March 11th 1805

with the only and beloved daughter of my late venerable and respected Friend I pour the tear of Sympathy, and with a full Heart participate in the Sorrowfull event which has deprived her of one of the most tender and affectionate of parents, one of the best of Mothers—one of the kindest Friends—one of the pleasentest companions and one of the most exeniplary of women. To me she “was a Friend of more than 50 years ripening” my earliest, my constant, and my oldest Friend
Dear departed Spirit wilt thou still be my Friend in those Regions of immortal Bliss to which I trust thou art translated, and whither I hope e’er long to follow thee, let hope dictate what Revelation does not confute, that the Union of Souls may still remain; and that we who are Struggling with sin sorrow, and infirmities may have our part in the attention and kindness of those who have finishd their course, and are now receiving their reward
Hope wipes the tear from sorrows Eye
And faith points upward to the Skye
Scarcly had the Grave closed over the remains of my esteemed Friend Madam Sargent Relict of the late judge e’er it was again opend to receive the remain of one still dearer to me
It is more than 50 years since I became acquainted my acquaintance commenced with her who since became your Mother. I was then but a child and carried by my Grandmother to visit your Grandmother whom I was taught from my earliest years to venerate—as well as to Love and respect her daughter. and this long before any connextion in the family united us in the Bonds of consangunity the early impressions I received were indelibly stamped by time, and confirmed impressed by my own observation and approbation as I advanced in Life and the difference of Age diminishd between us, and became more capable of appreaciating the many virtues of your late excellent parent, in the various Relations she sustaind of daughter wife and mother. in each of them she had few equals—and I know not her Superiour
She had arrived to a very advanced Age with as few of its infirmities as is the lot of humanity always possessing a cheerfullness and a vivacity which whilst it enlivend it delighted, for it was chastned with dignity and decorum.
Peace and esteem is all that Age can hope. these she enjoyd through Life, and having fixed her hopes and expectations upon a solid foundation She is gone to reap the fruit of a well Spent Life
Heaven gives us friends to bless the present Scene presumes them to prepare us for the next Let us my afflicted Friend improve this dispensation to that usefull purpose, and whilst we reflect and treasure up upon the many endearing qualities, and bright virtues which adorned the Life and conversation of your dear departed parent, strive to emulate her example and transplant her virtues into our own lives thus shall we honour her memory and transmit it with lusturi to posterity
That you may derive support and consolation from a firm belief in that Being who disposes all events and Governs in infinate wisdom & mercy and whom we are assured does not willingly afflict but would wipe all tears from all Eyes—is the Sincere /  and fervent desire of /  Your Sympathizing /  Friend
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 13 March 1805
From: Adams, John
To: Shaw, William Smith

Quincy. 13 March 1805

“The catastrophe of Leyden is to me a most affecting event; a beautiful city where I resided with my children many months, and where I attended divine service on Sundays in the venerable temple where Mr. Robinson and his congregation worshiped for a dozen years before their pilgrimage to Plymouth. This very ancient and revered edifice is now, probably, a mass of ruins. The University of Leyden, with all its renown, is another confused heap. I am not ashamed to be known to the public as a lover of Leyden.”