Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 December 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

				Continuation of Journal.

					15 Dec. 1817-1 Jan. 1818

				Decbr. 15 A Stormy and bousterous day a large party invited to dine being the first Diplomatic dinner nothing to be had and the expence enormous no visitors and no news16 In much distress about my dinner a french Cook very drunk & every thing in confusion at 1/2 past four the company assembled consisting of Mr. & Mrs. Bagot Mr & Mrs. de Neuville Mr Tencate Mr. Glenham Mr Hughes Mr. Antrobus Mr Baker Mr. J Baker Mr Sasse Chevalier Onis Mr. Pizarro Mr Stoughton Mr Guillard Mr. & Mrs Clay. & Mr Roth—We got through the dinner better than I expected though very badly as my house has not a single convenience for this sort of entertainment as there is not even an oven in my kitchen—We had a variety of conversation during dinner but no politics on account of the mixed company of all nations which formed the party. They retired early and left us time to chat over the events of the day before we retired to bed—17 I was teazed with a bad head ache all day in consequence of the fatigue and anxiety of yesterday. Mr. Pope passed the evening here received an invitation from Mr de Neuville for Friday Evening being the Birth day of Madame d’Angouleme. Much debating in Congress upon the Commutation Law.  The Western Members pretend that Mr. Holmes is a very bad speaker and openly express their disappointment—it is whispered that Mr H. is a violent opposer of this bill which is a favourite project with them18 Went out to pay visits and on calling at my Sister Boyds found that Mr. Boyds Mother had died last evening the family were much distressed I sent the carriage away and spent the day with them—Mr. A dined at Mr. D. Brents the chief Clerk in his Office.19 Visits from the Dutch Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Tencate Genl. Smith and Mr Culbreth both Members of the house from Maryland. in the evening went to the French Ministers who is almost a cripple from the Rheumatism the party was very large and the Corps Diplomatic being almost all in full Dress gave it the appearance of a European full Dress circle. I met a great many Members of Congress whom I had formerly known and many strangers were introduced to me the party was very brilliant and the dresses magnificent Mr & Mrs. Otis where there Sophia is in Philadelphia the conversation as usual at such places very uninteresting. we returned home at eleven o’Clock.20 Mrs. Hay called this morning the drawing rooms are to take place once a week and they are to begin New Years day. Mrs. Monroe excuses herself on the plea of ill health from returning any visits and says it is by order of her Physician, but I believe it is a thing divided at hind quarters Mr Pope wrote to ask for letters for Boston as he intends to go there in a day or two. Mr. Halley has been elected Professor at Kentucky College and I suppose Mr Popes visit to Boston may be on this account. Mr. A dined at the Portuguese Minister’s The company was small and sociable and he sat with Mr Corea and Mr. Walsh until eleven o-clock the rest of the company retired immediately after dinner. which is here the fashion—21 Received an invitation from Mrs. Thornton but being engaged on the day fixed she politely changed it—Could not go to Church this morning on account of the intense cold and have been engaged in copying seven Letters of recommendation written by Mr. Adams from for Mr Pope the day has slipped away again and I have not returned a single visit I have been much amused in Reading the France of Lady Morgan which is most extremely amusing though full of affectation and odd conceits it is lent me by one of the Members of the English Legation who assured me that I should be too much disgusted to read it through Should you have perused it you will not wonder at the disgust expressed by these servants of Legitimacy—The style is brilliant and I think the work may be said to be well written though it must be particularly offensive to both King and Church. I have just received a Letter from Harriet Welsh giving me the news of the birth of another Son for Mrs. T. B. A—pray make felicitations acceptable on this happy event.  Mr A has just walked out in his Russian Dress which will excite no little  astonishment among the folks in this place who are at all times rather given to staring much to his arrogance among the odd reports of the day it is said  that this two penny Congress (as it was called before they met) are determined to raise their pay to ten dollars a day instead of six—I like their spirit and wish they may adhere to their resolution.22 The weather still continues so cold it is hardly possible to keep warm even close to the fire—I however got courage enough to go out and pay visits one of which was to Madame de Heledin and Miss Onis who is very sick of the Rheumatism She is a pleasing woman but nothing extraordinary—Mrs. Crawford was not at home Mrs. Chevalie received me and at her room I met Mrs Ruggles a Lady from New England not a word of news—.When I returned from my ride I found that Mary Hellen was invited to a practicing Ball by her Governess and I gave her to go as I thought it would encourage her to take pains at her lessons she is a fine Girl and bids fair to be handsome though not at all like her mother—Mr. Corea passed part of the evening with us he is one of the most learned and a the same time one of the most amusing men I ever met with his imagination is uncommonly brilliant and there is an energy and fire in the style of his conversation that forces attention even from the most indifferent—Mr. Adams takes much delight in his society and I hope he will visit him frequently as his conversation proves really to him a relief from almost perpetual care and laborious toil—Mrs. Smith is better and likely to do well though her situation is still very critical—23 Received a visit from Mrs. Swan and Mr Barlow Mrs. S. in course here with a view to prevent Mrs. Barlow the Widow of the late Minister to France from forming a very foolish and imprudent matrimonial connection which who will totally destroy the prospects of his Nephew who he intended to make his heir The romantic passion of the poor old Lady occasions many severely satirical jokes and I fear the rough interference of her friend may afford still more scope for the jesters—We dined at Mr. Pleasantons with a small party and returned home to dinner at 8 o-clock. nothing new or interesting occurred.24 A very wet morning succeeded this bitter weather we had during two or three days in which I suffered almost as much as in Russia and Mr Adams so much as almost to incapacitate him from business We dined at Mr Crawfords with a large company Mr & Mrs. Clay and Mr. & Mrs. Calhoun Mr. Gulliard and several of the Members of Congress—The Speakers conduct throughout the day appeared to our quite extraordinary as his conversation was a general censure upon the President and heads of Department which under the mark of would be pleasantry he contrived to make as personal as possible until he really became quite furious and excessively disagreeable—The South American affairs have become quite a passion with him and he appears determined to give the Government as much trouble as possible—I hope he will extinguish the fire of South American Patriotism in this Country by the excess of his own unquenchable flame. His over exertions seems to be already producing a little more coolness and moderation Such exaggerated interest in a cause like that of Galveston and Amelia leads people to investigate perhaps a little too closely the causes from which it springs and the purposes which it is intended to promote—It looks a little Randolphian and I hope may terminate in a momentary triumph—Mr. Calhoun is a very young man and said to possess talents of the first order he is modest and unassuming, and I was very much pleased with the cool and easy way in which he received many of the Speakers remarks a little calculated to try his temper—We returned early and I believe Mr A was not sorry to raise the siege—25 This being Xmas day I thought I would go to the Catholick Church Where I heard a Sermon wretchedly delivered and some good music I was accompanied by my niece Mary Hellen and the two Mr Brents the Service was very long and tedious and I could not help wondering how a rational mind could submit to such mummerry To observe the effect produced upon children and ignorant uneducated people by all this pomp and nothingness I could not help acknowledging to myself that it was the only religion for despots.—I called at Mrs. Smiths expecting that she was coming to dine with me but she declined it and I went to Mrs. Frye who came with her family to pass the day with Boyd and his family had declined on account of the recent death of her Mother—We passed a very sociable day and the Children were much amused at a game of Soto. They left us at a little afer nine o:clock.26 Mr Adams received a note from the President desiring his attendance at twelve o’clock on business of importance. I spent all the morning in returning visits met Mrs. Smith at Mrs Hellens and took her home soon after Mrs. Cutts entered the weather being very muddy and she having walked I offered her a seat in my Carriage which, she accepted and we paid a visit together to Mrs. Bagot after which I carried her home met Mr Roth the french Secretary of Legation at her door—found Cards from the French and Spanish Ministers Ladies who had called during my absence also Mrs. Crawford. Passed the Evening at Mrs. Thorntons there was a large party and we yawned away the evening as people usually do in such a circle I saw nor heard nothing of sufficient consequence to excite any interest Very few of the members of Congress were present My Coachman again disappointed me and I waited three quarters of an hour for my Carriage after the company had retired—This is surely one of the miseries of human life—The french Minister invited us to a party every Saturday evening during the Winter. Mr. Adams quite unwell from a very heavy Cold.27 Mr Adams still unwell with a bad Cold but unable to confine himself on account of the pressure of public business—Passed the Evening at Mrs. de Neuvilles the Company was small and the evening tolerably tedious Madlle. Bridon a french Lady sung I was told it was very fine and made my Compliment on the occasion although I confess it was not much to my taste The Italian style of Music is more delightful than any other Music in the world when truly italian but when adopted by people who do not understand it it is very much like the squalling of Cats—I met Mrs. Rufus King but was in her company an hour before I could discover who she was—She is in very bad health and her physicians have sent her here for the Winter returned early and set Mrs. Walsh down at her own house—28th At Mr de Neuvilles he informed that the Catholicks were making so many proselytes in this City and George Town that whole families were converted at once once One instance in particular in which the father has become a priest the Mother a Nun and three Sons and three daughters taken into the College and the Convent: they not knowing what else to do with them—I told him I thought it was a shameful thing and that married people having Children could have no motive but the desire to rid themselves of the charge and care of their family in taking it and that it would a disgrace to their church if they received them He with the usual french politeness said he doubted the possibility of the Popes sanction being procured and that the man and a priest had already sailed for Europe to lay the Case before him.—Called at Mrs Monroe’s but did not see her—paid several visits where I was received but heard nothing new or interesting—excepting that the reason the Ladies of the Foreign Ministers were not at Mrs. Thorntons was because the Dr. has been writing some ridiculous pieces upon the South American Affairs—Saw all my Sisters and found them all well—Mr. A walked out much against my will as the weather is very wet and disagreeable his Cold is still very indifferent—Mary Hellen staid with her Brother Thomas who is not well at all—passed the Evening at Home, and read Miss Edgeworth’s new tale of Harrington It is excellent as all her works are but as it is impossible to find in this new and striking characters every day, there is a great sameness in these Volumes to the fashionable Tales and Harrington is too much a story made for the occasion—29th. Got up this morning with a very bad Cold busy in copying Letters—the Evening reading Ormond which I am anxious to return to Mrs Bagot—When Mr. Adams returned to dinner he brought me a Letter from my brother who mentions having received one from you not Long since he tells me his health is very bad and he fears he shall never quit New Orleans Mr. Marston was the bearer of your Letter—30 This day I was quite unwell in consequence of having taken a heavy cold which is settling on my lungs I was however obliged to go out on  the usual business visiting which in this place is a cruel tax all the Ladies appear to think that they must visit me about once a week so that I have no sooner got through than I am compelled to begin again and even this perpetual Slavery to which I seem to be doomed does not prevent censure and little jealousy—Mrs. Monroe never did a wiser thing than to give it up altogether.—In the evening received a visit from Mr & Mrs. Walsh and Mr. Corea who staid chatting about half an hour and then left us to go to a party at Mrs. Bagots—31 This morning was so unwell did not intend to go out—but Mr. Adams received a note from the Foreign Ministers requesting to know if their Ladies were expected to visit Mrs. Monroe tomorrow as they were not mentioned in the notification to the Gentlemen which Mr. Adams had sent yesterday—I suggested to Mr. Adams that it might perhaps save the President some trouble if I was to go in person and invite them in the name of Mrs. Monroe I told him I would remain at home and if Mr A the President approved I would go immediately on receiving a note from him to that purpose—At two o’clock I received the note stating that the President wh wished  accepted my offer and wished me to go in person to those Ladies and I waited upon them and delivered age to them and returned home just in time for dinner was very unwell all the evening—Mr. Adams informed me that we were ordered to be at the Presidents at a quarter after ten so that all the heads of Department might be with the President and the Ladies with Mrs. Monroe when the Foreign Ministers arrived.—Janry. 1 We left home at the time appointed and found The President and Mrs. Monroe with her daughter and  Niece ready to receive—Mrs. Monroe is one of the most beautiful Women of her age I ever saw with most  elegant manners.I must end with the Compliments of the Season and every good wish for the future—


Title: From John Adams Smith to Joseph Planta, Jr., 19 December 1817
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Planta, Joseph, Jr.

					Craven Street 19 Decr. 1817.

				Mr. J. Adams Smith Chargé d’affaires of the United States of America presents his Compliments to M. Planta to inform him of the arrival at Cowes of the American Ship of War Franklin with His Excellency Mr. Rush as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to His Britannic Majesty, and to request that an order may be granted permitting His Excellency with his family and Suite to land with his effects and baggage for the purpose of proceeding to London.Mr. Smith begs Mr Planta to accept the assurance of his high Consideration


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 21 December 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Washington 21. December 1817

				Your Letters of 21 and 26 Novr. and of the 8th: instant have been received—Of Mr Mason the bearer of the first, I have seen much less than I could have wished; and of Mr Barrell who brought the second a little more; for coming not only with your Recommendation, but with a volume of others all highly respectable, he pushed his importunity to such an excess, that I lost my temper with him, for which he was really more to blame than I was—He will get the place that he is soliciting, although there are at least three other Candidates as respectable, and two of them nearly as importunate as himself—I remember laughing heartily at the description in one of Quincy’s Speeches, of the sturdy beggars for Office here at Washington; and I am sometimes strongly tempted to have it reprinted, in the form of a sheet almanack, and hung up over the mantle-piece of my chamber at the Department; for the amusement of these Gentlemen, while I “sit with sad civility, and read” the Quires of Vouchers and Testimonials, and pathetic Narratives, with which they support their claims to office, which they have no sooner got than it becomes itself a new machine for complaint and lamentation and crying claims for more. Of the whole tribe of these door bursters of public confidence with whom I have yet had to deal, Mr Barrell was I think the most intrepid and pertinacious until I found myself in mere self defense compelled to give him a down-right scolding—Upon which he affected to apologize to me, as being unacquainted with the etiquette and began to bedaub me with flattery, which brought me quite to the end of my Patience—I believe he had been as unsparing of Etiquette with the President, as with me, for when I mentioned his name and shewed his Papers, the President smiled and directed me to have the nomination of him immediately made out, that he might hear no more about it. As this is a piece of secret History, I must ask you to receive it as confidential, for not withstanding all this I daresay Mr Barrell was fully deserving of your Recommendation, and will be a very good OfficerMr. Mason and Mr Otis have once done me the favour to call at my Office for a quarter of an hour, and it was the only time I have yet been able to see them. Neither of them has yet taken much part in the debates of their respective Houses this Session—But there has been indeed very little debateThere are however several Subjects of no small importance upon which opinions are not well settled, and some upon which the divisions will soon awaken the antagonizing (I think the Yankee philologists have at last forgiven me for the use of this word; and admitted that it is legitimate king’s English.) feelings of party Spirit—The Abbè de Pradt, whose pamphlet on the Bourbon restoration you have read, has since published, in July last, another pamphlet, called Les trois derniers Mois de l’Amerique Méridionale, in which he says, that South-America has now taken in the world the place which the French Revolution had held for twenty years before—It is very much so here. The Republican Spirit of our Country not only sympathizes with People, struggling in a Cause so nearly, if not precisely the same which was once our own, but it is working into indignation against the relapse of Europe into the opposite principles of Monkery and Despotism—And now as at the early Stage of the French Revolution we have ardent Spirits, who are for rushing into the conflict, without looking to the consequences—Others are for proceeding more deliberately, and for waiting to ascertain, what the nature and character of the Governments in South America, are to be with whom we are to associate as members of the community of Nations—Spain on the one hand by her mode of negotiating provokes us to take a part against her, and the Colonies by the irregular and convulsive character of their measures, and by their internal elements of the exterminating war between black and white, present to us the prospect of very troublesome and dangerous associates—and still more fearful allies—Such are the ingredients of the cauldron, which will soon be at boiling heat.I have given a Letter of introduction to you, to Mr Nathanael Pope, the Delegate in Congress from the Illinois Territory, and brother to Mr John Pope of Kentucky who married Eliza Johnson—He is going with Mr Crittenden, one of the senators from Kentucky to pay a short visit to New-York and Boston.The political fever in the States of Kentucky and Pennsylvania has not subsided. The contest against the election of Governor Findlay, continues even after he has been sworn in to the Office; and what is yet more curious is that they are making an effort to impeach the Governor, for his conduct while State Treasurer—Those turbulent movements are not altogether disconnected with each other—They form part of a plan with more extensive objects which time and the course of Events will unfold.The assignee of the Estate of Robert Bird has informed me that a dividend of five per Cent upon the debts proved has been declared, and is ready to be paid by him—The sum coming upon the debt proved by me will be 901 dollars 95 Cents, which I expect to receive from New-York in the course of the ensuing week, and which I shall immediately remit to you, by an order upon the U.S. Branch Bank at Boston.Will you have the goodness to give my love to Mrs Clark, and tell her that the Letter for her husband, was given to Mr Homans, and will be forwarded by the Store ship going to Gibraltar—As the vessel will not sail within a fortnight there will be time for Mrs Clark to write again if she inclines.We have sharp symptoms of Winter. My thermometer—Fahrenheit’s, in a Northern exposure was last night at 8 and this morning at 7 above 0—25 degrees of frost—The Potomack river froze over in the interval—I suppose you must have it with proportional severity—There was a fall of Snow last Monday; but it went off like popular favour two days after, and now we have the ground bare—Your ever affectionate Son.

					A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 21 December 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

					Dear Sir
					Washington 21 December 1817

				The Bearer, Mr. N. Pope Delegate in Congress from the Territory of Illinois, and Brother of Mr. John Pope of Kentucky who is well known to you in making a visit to Boston, and I am happy to have the opportunity of introducing him to your acquaintance and of recommending him to your attentions—for which I pray you to be assured of the gratitude of your friend and faithful Servt.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 21 December 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					Washington 21 December 1817

				As Mr. Pope is so good as to offer to convey your skates to Boston I have siezed the opportunity of writing you a few lines in answer to your Letter my dear Charles which was very gratifying to me as it afforded ample proofs of your being good at school by the compliment so handsomely paid you by Mr. Gould—Such a compliment when it is addressed by a person in the capacity of a master or teacher is always pleasing and ought always to exite excite emulation and ambition to improve and I have no doubt that it will in act this manner on you and induce you to do every thing in your power to deserve and retain such a distinction—I am in such a hurry that I am obliged to close my Letter immediately entreating both John and you to believe that nothing can so completely contribute to my happiness and enjoyment as the commendations and praise of my Children which I have just received in a Letter from your good friend Harriet to whom and all the family I wish you to present the kind remembrance of your affectionate / Mother

					L C Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 26 December 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

					My dear George
					Washington 26. Decer. 1817.

				I have but one moment of time to answer your Letter of the 2d: instant—and to direct you at the close of the Winter Vacation to offer yourself and pass examination for admission to the present Freshman Class; and, I hope you will assiduously employ the interval in preparing yourself for it. I cannot but acknowledge my surprize and mortification, to learn that you have been wasting your time with Mr Gilman upon the Greek Testament and Collectanea brianova, and other books with which you was already perfectly familiar, instead of applying to those particular studies in which you was deficient—It has been as I infer from his Letter by your own choice, and notwithstanding your boast of hard study I can attribute it to nothing but a propensity to skulk from real study, and idle away hours upon what was no study at all—I regret that he has indulged you in this subterfuge of laziness, and now most explicitly desire that you would devote the remnant of time till your examination to the books which you have not studied beforeInstead of writing for any of the Bowdoin prizes of the year 1818 I advise you to write a Dissertation upon the good old maxim “Mind your business”—But to be consistent with your theme, and take for writing it some of your hours of study—Send it to me, and if I am satisfied with it, and with the Comment upon it in your conduct, till this time next year, I may then consent to your writing for one of the prizes of the next Summer afterwards.Mr Motte was here about a fortnight since, and delivered to me your Letter of N. 3. of 16. November—He spoke of you very kindlyGeorge—My dear George—Let another praise you and not your own lips—Let me hear from others and not from yourself that you apply yourself closely and STEADILY to your proper and necessary studies—Beware of frivolous pursuits—Beware of all seductions to company—and give comfort to the anxious hearts of your / affectionate Parents—

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 26 December 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Washington 26 Decr. 1817.

				I enclose you a Post-Note upon the Branch Bank of the United States at Boston, for Nine hundred and one dollars, and ninety–five Cents, being the amount of the dividend of five per Cent upon the debt proved under the Commission of Bankruptcy of Robert Bird and Co at New-York—I will thank you for a line acknowledging the receipt of this, and remain, Dear Sir / ever affectionately yours

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Adams Smith to Joseph Planta, Jr., 26 December 1817
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Planta, Joseph, Jr.

					Craven Street 26 December 1817.

				Mr J. Adams Smith presents his compliments to Mr. Planta, to ask the favour of him, that a Treasury order may be obtained for the delivery of nineteen Packages the baggage and Property of His Excellency Mr. Rush American Minister which have been lodged at the Kings Warehouse upon arrival in London.Mr. Smith will thank Mr. Planta, that the order may be obtained as speedily as will comport entirely with his convenience.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 30 December 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					Dear Son
					Quincy 30 December 1817.

				enclosed is Harriets account which I wish you to Settle when you go to Town. I have had it some time She received 15 dollers of you—Your Father has a Bill to pay to mr Cary—and the marble chimney peice is to be included—Both amount to 28  dollars.—I have his Bill. I beleive there is some money due in B officeI presume there is also something due in Philadelphia, and as we can get flower here as well as there—I should think it best to receive the moneyI am glad to hear you are better. if the weather is not pleasant you had better not go out to Boston, but if agreable come and dine with your affectionate Mother

					A Adams—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 31 December 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					Quincy December 31 1817.

				I received last Evening the Calico & your Bill, in which I find Several mistakes which I Shall point out as I proceed. when you purchased me the Bombazet, I enclosed ten dollars. You bought me 7 yd 2 Skeins of Silk Some linen, one pound Tea 6 pd currents & 3 pd of coffe, the last of which I took tho I did not Send for it. all these articles of Groceries you have omitted in Your Bill—I then Sent for 12 yd of cotton cloth enclosed a 5 dollar Bill. the cotton you Sent and have charged—you then informd  me that the Editor of the Christian deciple Said, there was an arrears of three years—I then enclosed 5 dollars and requested You to Settle with him and declined renewing my Subscription. on Saturday fortnight I Sent by mr E Adams enclosed in a Letter eleven Eleven dollars with a request that you would get me one yd black twild Silk 3 quarters yd of Black velvet, 1 yd of Shalloon & twist, all of which you procured. one Bandano hankerchief which you Sent afterward, but which is not upon your account. on Sunday Evening I enclosed by the Children a ten dollar Bill requesting you to get me 16 yds calico which I thank you for procuring—I also enclose your Nov’br Bill by which you will find that 75 cents only was due to my creditIf you have any of my Scaps Scraps left you will See that I am accurate, by enumerating the articles I thought to refresh your memory. Mrs Adams’s Letter I beleive I must not trust out of the hand which it is now in; She has a delicate and difficult part to Steer, and will require much prudence & circumspection, more So than in any Situation She has yet been placed in. Mrs Munroe will find that She must have her drawing Rooms, or She will have no popularity  She may hold them only once a fortnight, but if She means to See Ladies only at morning calls She will very Soon get rid of them. if  She had Succeded to mr Jefferson, She might have establishd a rule for herself, but comeing after Mrs Madison, who by her long acquaintance of 16 years in public knew every Body, and made herself acceptable to all. She must have a task to get along without comforming to her predecessors—Mrs Adams will if She pleases be very popular, and envy and Jealousy will be the consequence at least I fear So—there never was any improper company introduced while I had the Honour of preciding at Philadelphia. indeed it was more Select than mrs Washingtons drawing Rooms, because in her day, it was a Novel establishmentI think mrs Munroe ought to be allowed without censure to take her own time; Mrs Washington held her drawing Rooms every week—I only once a fortnight, yet no one found fault with me for the alteration, but to be every day in the week Subject to continual visits, was not my wish—I received visits from 12 untill 2 oclock all days but Sunday—and then I always denied myself—I returnd the first visit made me; but no more, never took Tea, but with the Ladies of Home & Foreign Ministers—never dined abroad except one or twice with mrs otis—So now you have a record of presidential ceremony—George has not Sent his Coat nor John his JacketYours affec’ly

					A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 1817 to 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John

					Dear John
					thursday morg 1817

				By mistake two of your Shirts were Sent without marking. ask mrs Welsh if She will let her woman mark them for you. I Send your Jacket & overalls Charles coat & two of your Shirts Send me word if the Jacket fits & the overalls—and Send a waistcoat that fits you to make one by. let Charles have your white Jacket. I do not think It is worth altering. I Shall have an other Nankeen made for you—I Send the Shoes. osborn waits—we have been most meltedYours—

					A A


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1817 to 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

					Dear Sir
					1817–1818

				ever Since your last Letter to the president I have had a great inclination to address a Letter to mr vanderkamp and being now confined to my chamber by an attack of the Reumatism, I find a leisure hour to address my Friend in his SolituteIn the first place, I assure him I have not any pretentions to the Character of a Learned Lady, and very  therefore according to his creed intitled to his Benevolence, I can Say with Gays Phylo  Hermit, The little knowledge I have gaindIs all from Simple Nature draind I beleive in the expression of your Sentiments you have united  those of most Gentleman, who Seek rather for a companion than a Rival. from the Life of Madam de Stael I learn that it was her Superiour learning and tallents which counted not prudently Conceald which caused the coldness estrangement and unhappiness of their Lives her Life with the Baron—and the Sarcasstic remark of Boneparty who in a conference which She Solicited with him—in which She took occasion to point out Some measure proper for him to pursue made her no other replie than to Say, Who Educates your Children Madam?I like your portrait of female exelence Soloman has drawn it also in the character of a virtuous wife if a Sound understanding had not been blended with virtuous habits and principles. it is not probable that the Heart of her Husband could have Safely  trusted in her, or that he would have been known & respected as her Husband by the Elders of the Land. be Sure if all we read of soloman is true endowed as he was with Superiour wisdom—and plentifull Experience, no Man her had ever a larger Range to form a judgment upon. it is very certain that a well informd  woman conscious of her nature and dignity, is more capable of performing the Relatives, Duties and of engageing and retaining the affections of a Man of understanding than one whose intellectual endowments rise not above the common level—my Friend miss Welch has been making me a visit, and Seeing your request for Some fugitive peices has been kind enough to transcribe them for you—and give me the pleasure of inclosing them to you. the one written So familiarly by J Q A then ing it to his wife who past the winter in Berlin, is really a Stolen Coppy, and I had some Scrupels in Sending it to you. but a Mans Domestic Character is  Sometimes is “better learnt by Such a trivial circumstance than by a volm of public transactions—and I know it is Submitted to a partial Friend—My good Husband will write to you when the extream cold abates and he Shakes off Some correspondents who give him more vexation than pleasure. pray have you Seen John  Randolphs Letter and mr Lloyed Replie?present me in a friendly manner to mrs vanderkamp—tell her I wish we were Neighbours—I Should then have a pleasure which our residence in a country villiage deprives us that of the  Society and converse of a Gentleman of Taste Science and extensive information. altho much of his learning might be above my comprehension, his Benevolence politeness and urbanity would render it gratefull and be in unison with the good will and Friendship / entertaind for him by

					Abigail Adams


Title: From Henry Clay to John Quincy Adams, 1817 to 1825
From: Clay, Henry,Clay, Lucretia Hart
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Saturday.

				Mr. Clay’s respectful Compliments to Mr. Adams and Mrs. Adams and he regrets Extremely that confinement to his room by indisposition prevents him from having the pleasure of dining with them to day.

                        Tuesday MorningMr. and Mrs. Clay regret that a very bad cold with which he is afflicted deprives them of the honor of accepting Mr. and Mrs. Adams’s invitation to dinner on friday next.Mrs. Holley having left Washington for a few weeks will also be unable to avail herself of the honor intended her.

                        22d. Decr.Mr. Clay has the honor to accept the invitation of Mr. Adams and Mrs Adams to dinner on the 30th. inst.

                        13 Feb.Mr. Clay has the honor to accept the invitation of the President’s to dinner on friday next.

                        7th. Nov.Mr Clay presents his respectful Compliments to the President, and he regrets extremely that late events will not allow him the honor of accepting his invitaiton to dinner on wednesday next.


Title: From Daniel Webster to John Quincy Adams, 1817 to 1825
From: Webster, Daniel
To: Adams, John Quincy

					ca. 1817 to 1825

				Monday Morning.Mr Webster accepts with pleasure Mr & Mrs Adam’s Invitation to dine on Thursday—

                        Sir,Wednesday 3 ‘clockI am, today, affected with So severe a cold it has been quite impossible for me to call at the Department, as I proposed to do, last Evening. I hope to be well enough to do it on friday.Yrs, with very true / regard

                        Wednesday P.MD. WebsterMr Webster very much regrets that the necessity of attending a Comee. tomorrow afternoon at 6—will deprive him of the pleasure of accepting Mr Adam’s invitation to dine—
                        WednesdayMr Webster begs to make an apology to Mr. & Mrs Adams, & to express his regret, that his departure from the City somewhat earlier than he had expected will deprive him of the pleasure of dining with Mr & Mrs Adams on Thursday

                        Thursday MorningMr Webster begs to make his respects to Mr Adams, & regrets that the necessity of attending to an affair of business, for the completion of which a Gentleman is detained in the City, will deprive him of the pleasure of dining with Mr Adams today—


Title: From John Marshall to John Quincy Adams, 1817 to 1835
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

                            ca. 1817-1835

                        February 3, 1829Mr. Marshall accepts with pleasure the invitation of The President and Mrs. Adams to dine with them on tuesday the 3d. of February at six

                        March 2, 1820Mr. Marshall accepts with pleasure the invitation of Mr. & Mrs. Adams to dine with them on thursday the 2d. of March at five

				Mr. Marshall accepts with pleasure the invitation of Mr. Adams to dine with him on thursday next at five.

                        ThursdayMr. Marshall regrets that he will be unable to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Adams on saturday next. He purposes leaving Washington tomorrow or the next day


Title: From Daniel Webster to John Quincy Adams, 1817 to 1825
From: Webster, Daniel
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Sir
					Saturday 1 ’clock—1817-1825

				I do not feel quite well enough to be out today—having suffered a little from being out yesterday—and I would not wish you to detain, on my acc’t, the Papers which you wish to send off for Chili—Both myself and friends shall be Entirely satisfied to follow your suggestion—I will, nevertheless, have the pleasure of calling at the Department on the subject, at an Early opportunity—With entire regard, / Yr Ob. serv:

					Danl. Webster


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 January 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

 1-16 Jan. 1818

Jany 1 1818 The Circle was extremely crowded. On our arrival Mr. A was ushered into a room where the Presidents aid’s were in waiting, and I was introduced by the President who met me at door into the Circular Hall where Mrs. Monroe was seated with Mrs. Hay and Miss Gouverneur. She rose immediately and received me with much ease and affability; I was followed by the Ladies of the heads of Department who had received orders to be there at half past ten eleven that we might be all present at the reception of the Corps Diplomatique and a few minutes after the arrival of the Ladies the Gentlemen most of them in full Dress came in from the next room and paid their Respects to Mrs. Monroe and the Ladies in general; when the doors were opened to admit the Crowd—and from that time till three oclock it was hardly possible to move—The House is very elegantly furnished and every thing was in the best style. I cannot conceive how they managed to get their Servants trained—Six footmen in Livery where stationed in the Hall & on each side and two head Servants out of Livery announced to the different Apartments. Mrs. Swan was there looking very poorly. Mrs Monroe was elegantly dressed in White figured Silk trimmed with a profusion of point Lace, and a White Hat and feathers. She has just received dresses from Paris it is said to the amount of 1500d. She is of her age one of the finest Women I ever saw, and her manners are highly polished and easy, indeed I think she does honour to her station; but tastes differ and dear Dolly was much more popular. I went from the Presidents to see my Sisters my sisters all of whom I found pretty well excepting Mrs. Smith who thought she was going to give us a little relation immediately, it however proved a false alarm and she soon recovered, returning home and dined with Mr. A—and retired pretty early being very much fatigued and still quite unwell.
—2 Received the visits of all the Diplomats and their Ladies which continued until three o clock. We had a great variety of conversation in which they insinuated how much they had been gratified by the distinction with which they had been treated at the great house yesterday. was very sick all day with a violent cough and pain in my side kept home and went early to bed.
3 Was still very unwell but was obliged to accompany Mr Adams to dine at Mr de Neuvilles. The dinner was handsome; many of the guest’s disappointed them. I was near fainting at table but soon got over it and the evening was very pleasant. Mrs. de Neuville has an open night every Saturday and this was very well attended; we had a little music and some dancing—I had a great deal of conversation with Mr de Neuville who recounted all the hair breadth ‘scapes he had had during the Revolution. He told me some annecdotes not much to the honour of the French Clergy and I recommended him as he  was fond of making Converts, not to repeat them often—He said priests were but men and it was nothing—This is certainly liberal to excess—for one of the Ultra’s We returned home late.
4 I accompanied Mr A to church at the Capitol where we heard Mr. Allison a Presbyterian who gave us the longest and the most silly Sermon I ever heard—I encreased my cold very much and returned home I paid a few visits and at Mrs Smiths whom I found much better I heard of the death of Princess Charlotte, which shocked me exceedingly. She bid fair to become a great character and whatever her failings might be as a daughter, as a Wife her conduct was unexceptionable, and she might with propriety be cited as an example to young married Ladies.—Some people seem to think it will prove a death blow to England. I am not insufficiently  deep as a politician to foresee this event; but I believe from my observation during my stay in that Country that it may lead to measures in themselves so visious, as to produce very serious consequences, which may extend to every part of Europe. This Princess was unquestionably very popular throughout England, and her conduct when we consider how much advantage she might have gained by it, had she encouraged it, was certainly very correct and highly honourable—I suppose the next thing we shall hear of will be a Divorce—And the Prince will get a son if he can Mr King says if he gets one of what consequence to the Nation is it how he gets one!!!
5 Mrs Nowlan came to see me and while she sat with me Dr. Hunt came to bleed me and took more blood than I could well spare My cough was somewhat easier the rest of the day Mr Cranch spent the evening with us—The Court is now sitting here—
6 Mrs. Smith spent the day with me. I took her, Mrs. Frye, and Mrs Hellen, to see Mrs. de Neuville. Mr Smith came to fetch her at eight oclock, I was much better but very far from well.
7 Mr. Adams went to the Office ready dressed, and at five o clock I called for him and we went to dine at the Presidents, To prevent any disagreeable questions of etiquette, none of the Foreign Ministers were invited; we found all the Heads of Department excepting Mr Crawford and Lady, who had company at home, Mr & Mrs. Clay Mr Gaillard Mr King Mrs King was confined to her bed and could not go Mr & Mrs. Epps Mr & Mrs Lowndes Mr Macon Mr Holmes Mr G Graham Mrs Hay Miss Gouverneur Mr Gouverneur & Mr  J Monroe The Table was very elegant and the Plate is superb The American Eagle towers above the Lustres and presents the Olive branch in the plates—I wish it may speak peace to some of the envious beings who partake of the good viands with which the Presidents table is loaded but I fear that the sight of these beautiful things only adds a sting and quicken the passions of those who aim at power beyond their reach.—Mrs. Monroe was dressed in  Black Velvet and looked very handsome there is an easy dignity in her deportment which I am more and more pleased with but which is commonly called coldness and reserve.
8 Was busy all the morning preparing for dinner for a large company. at five o’clock our company began to arrive Mr & Mrs: Crawford Mr. & Mrs. Crowninshield Mr & Mrs. Calhoun Mrs Hay Mr J. Monroe Mr King Com Decatur and Lady Mr Talbot Mr J. Mason Gen Ripley Mr. Nicholas Mr & Mrs & Mrs. Pleasonton. The dinner was sociable and went off very well and every body was pleasant and good humoured no politics introduced—The company staid till ten o clock which is here quite uncommon.—Mrs. de Neuville called on me she seemed not to know what to do about her party on Saturday she wished to pay the compliment of shutting up her house for a few days to the English Minister she asked me what I thought about it I told her she could do no more if one of her Princess were dead. She is a good Woman but knows nothing of les usages du Monde.—Received a Letter from Harriet Welsh containing a copy of verses by Mr Holley addressed to Miss Hart—A flighty production. Poor Mrs. Swan she is come to mar one marriage and left her Daughter to make another. Mrs. Barlow is in a very dangerous state of health. I know not whether it is owing to the belle passion—
9 This morning Lucy came to inform me she was going to be teacher at a boarding school She has given me a great deal of Trouble ever since I have been here and I am very glad she is going it certainly puts me to the most serious inconvenience as I cannot find a trustworthy person here for the Whites are worse than the  Blacks—I would give any to have Sally Alexander again could I get her here—
10 Lucy left me this day and I have been very busy in arranging my things which were in pretty bad order She is only another specimen of ingratitude which I think  I have seen in all its varied forms though I dare say there is still much in store for me and perhaps in a worse shape than I have hitherto met with it. Still continue quite unwell—Called on Mrs Bagot and found her quite well.
11 Accompanied Mr A to return some visits which have been long owing and then went to see Mrs Boyd whom I found very ill Her lungs seemed to be considerably affected and her breathing difficult—I advised her to be bled. in her situation it is dangerous to trifle She expects to be confined early in April nearly at the same time as Mrs. Frye who has got over her qualms altogether and is looking remarkably well. returned home to dinner. Evening at home alone Mrs Decatur had called during our absence The Corps Diplomatique dined at the Presidents on Friday all excepting the English who could not go on account of the late melancholy news nothing remarkable occurred I fancy as I have not heard a whisper and that is wonderful in this most scandal loving place—I am perfectly convinced that an Angel could not escape it here and I have made up my mind to go on my own way and set it at defiance.
12 This morning Mr Chevallie called on me We had a good deal of conversation chiefly on the late Princess Charlotte and he expressed considerable anxiety for the fate of England but frenchman like, he consoled himself with the idea that if there should be a revolution France would derive great advantage as it would oblige them to withdraw their forces and I suppose France might then have an opportunity of bullying a little during the disturbances—It is really singular to observe the operation of the passions on those, even most friendly to these very friendly and allied powers; who in the midst of their boasted happiness at the return of the Royal Family and their Legitimates, can still with difficulty conceal the shock which their amour propre has received, by the entire degradation of their Nation; and they hate the English more fervently than they do Napoleon, for the favours they have received at their hands; which like most favours conferred by that Government, have rendered them the scoff and jest of the whole world. Mrs Hay and Miss Governeur called but I was not at home—The drawing rooms are to begin on Wednesday—
13 The weather is so cold cold again that I have not courage to go out—This is really a journal in which the Letter I figures very handsomely, but egotism is pretty much the order of the day and I dare not be out of fashion—Of Mr Adams I can write but little, excepting that he is pouring over his papers from morning till night, and we do not often have the sound of his voice—He has many enemies here, who would be very happy to see things go on less smoothly at head quarters; but I believe the superiority of his abilities, will soon render him so necessary, that it will be difficult to go on without him—I hear nothing, but I see much. Charles and John have written two very pleasant Letters on New Years day, both of which indicate observation of character and pretty correct insight into the manner of obtaining favours from their father, which caused us a hearty laugh—
14 Sat quietly at home all day still suffering considerably with my cold and nursing for the Drawing room, to which Mr A was is anxious I should go—heard many whispers about the Ladies not being satisfied with the mode of invitation they pretend Mrs M. should have invited in person—The more pains she takes to please the more dissatisfied they are—
15 This Morning wrote to Adelaide to know if she would accompany me to the Drawing room this evening; she hesitated but said she would let me know at five o’clock. recieved visits from Mrs Freeman, Miss Lindsay, and Miss Tayloe, who informed me that they should not go to the great House this to night Adelaide came at five and brought her Clothes and we set out at seven o’clock or a little after, and set Mary Hellen down at Mr Gillies’s, where she was invited to a dance; and proceeded to the Presidents We found the room overflowing and with difficulty made our way to the Lady of the Mansion who was stationed near the fire looking beautiful and receiving her with a grace peculiarly her own—I am more and more astonished every time I see her, at the general dislike she seems to have inspired; and can only account for it from the evident superiority of her deportment to the Ladies who surround her—She was dressed in white and gold made in the highest style of fashion, and moved not like a Queen (for that is an unpardonable word in this Country) but like a Goddess. Every thing was brilliant and elegant—We were a little astonished when a Lady walked into the room dressed in a Bonnet a Pelisse trimmed with fur and a large common shawl She walked immediately up to Mrs Monroe and gave her an invitation to go and see a painting which she has painted in honour of the Ghent Treaty; which calls the blood into Mr: A’s cheeks every time it is mentioned it is in the very height of hyperbolical nonsense, and he cannot bear to hear of it.
16 We dined This morning I had a succession of visitors which Mrs. Frye Mrs Hellen Mrs Boyd Mrs Cutts Mrs Forrest Mrs Crowninshield Mrs Silsbee Miss Crowninshield Mr & Mrs. Pierson My picture was brought out and generally condemned I carried took my Sisters home and returned just in time Dress to go to Mr Walsh’s to dinner—We got in pretty good season and found Mr & Mrs Bagot Mr de Neuville, Mr & Mrs Middleton, Mr Hopkinson, Mr Dickenson, Genl Ripley, Mr Nicholas Abbé Corea, Mr & Mrs Walsh, Mr Brent, and ourselves. The dinner was rich and pleasant and immediately after it was over a number of the Diplomats and members of Congress arrived—Mr Middleton he had enquilarly  when Mr Bagot was appointed to this Country what he was famous for, he was informed he was six years one of the most fashionable Bond Street Loungers. In the evening we went to a large party at Mrs H Smiths; heard some bad music, breathed a very close atmosphere for an hour, and retired.
Adieu till my next


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 January 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Jan. 2d. 1818

I have received your Letter of the 26th. of December 1817 inclosing a Postnote upon the Branch Bank of The United States at Boston for nine hundred and one dollars and Ninety five Cents, being the Amount of the dividend of five per Cent upon the debt proved under the Commission of Bankruptcy of Robert Bird and Co. at New York.
I am your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 January 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					My Dear Daughter
					Quincy Janry 3d 1818

				I this morning received Your Second Letter, by way of journal. we have all been highly entertaind. it makes me a Sharer with you, in your various occupations—brings me acquainted with Characters, and places me at your fire Side. one Single Letter conveys more information in this way, than I could obtain in a whole Session of Congress.—I hope you will continue this method altho you will receive in return, a meagre dish, for a rich entertainment—I conjectured that the Lady of the Mansion could not get along with any degree of popularity, if She did not hold drawing Rooms.—as to return of visits, it is to be sure a great  has been, or rather was with Mrs Washington, and with me, to  visit, but no more. to Foreign Ministers Ladies and Heads of departments, a  of visits, when in a recess of Congress I had left the city and came home for any time; I think you have a very circumspect and critical part to act. every step you take will be more critically scrutinized than in any Situation you have ever before held—these banefull passions of envy and jealousy, are wide awake, and will follow you in every direction—you may trace them from the Chair of the Speaker to Members from all quarters of the union. with some you will find ready and willing Supporters—but an Heir apparent is always envy’d—Mr C. discoverd his hostility to the President by his Boyish and childish conduct at the inauguration of him—the President is a wise man, and took no notice of it. I am mistaken however if he does not overshoot his Mark, and become unpopular.I am pleasd to find that mr Adams & Corea have become acquainted. I once had the pleasure of hearing him converse and was as much entertaind and pleased as you appear to be. he is considerd as a very learned Man, and got that appelation here. mr Walsh I have been led to consider as a gentleman of taste.I have not yet met with Lady Morgans France—I have only Seen extracts. mr Holley when he dined with us lately spoke in commendation of it. I have read her account of La Grange and her visit to the Marquiss La Fayett. it is embellishd with all the flowers of a Romantic immagination—but the Scotch reviewers are very severe upon her. I have just finishd reading Tales of my Land Lord there is bigotry, persecution, and fanaticism, display’d in their native deformity. I fear however the portraits are drawn from living likenesses—Such were the manners of those times periods; as all the History’s of those times inform us—and even in this Enlightned age, much of the same temper and Spirit still exists—you have given me an instance in the Clergyman of St Johns in Washington—when will Mankind—be convinced that true Religion is from the Heart, between Man and his creator, and not the imposition of Man—or Creeds and tests—I am pleasd to learn that mrs Smith is better—give my Love to her, and to mrs Foy who I hope has got the better of her qualms—Mrs T B Adams returns you thanks for your congratulations and wishes you the compliments of the season—Alass Alass. The English Nation may adopt the Language of Scripture and say, “thou destroyest the hopes of Man.” The afflicting death of the princess Charlott, and her Son; are in the Eye of Man, events of no Small magnitude to the British Nation nor—can its concequences be developed but by time. there appears to be a general Sympathy, without any National party Spirit, pervadeing all hearts upon this melancholy occasion—Is it not very extraordany, that with so numerous a Family as George the third has, not one Legitimate Heir to the succession from either his Sons or daughters, Save this princess Charlottpoor mrs Barlow—I apprehend her passion has been so long matureing that her Friend will not be able to eradicate it, for it is a year Since mrs Swan told me Such a report prevaild, and that She was determined to go to Washington to prevent it—having never herself, been wound “by any of the melting passions” She knows not how deeply they may penetrate even after the lapse of 50 years. Shall not youth be pardoned, when even gray hairs commit folly?If Houses are to be built for the Heads of departments—pray get some Member to move, that a committe of Ladies be chosen to Superinted the accommodations. never were houses built with fewer accommodations than I found in some, which I lived in even in Philadelphia; sit mr Bulfinch to plan one; and he would make one not agreable to National Stile—but Family convenience & 5 thousand Dollers Sallery—not one which shall require a Regiment of domesticks they ought too, to be well gaurded against cold—The weather you mention in which mr Adams & you Sufferd so Severely, was equally trying with  us, and I really feard would have Stoped the circulation, of the Aged Blood of your Father and myself. Since then we had Some of the finest winter weather I have known. this day is as mild as Sep’br now Seventh of Janry. I past through the cold weather without sickness, but have since in the course of the last week been Severely attackd—I hope it is yealding to Barley water &c—our Neighbour Captain Beal & Son are both Sick with Lung fevers. Aunt Edwards has paid the debt of nature after living more than a century—I have said not a word of the Boys. they were well, yesterday—they did not come out last Saturday. the travelling is not good, and they are obliged to return on Sunday Evening; and altho we Send them more than half way, it makes them late into Town. I beleive they are doing well. now they have got into more family order and method Harriet takes pains to make home agreable to them—which is a great matter Johns and Charles ambition are both excited, without that Jack at all times would be a dull Boy. Gorge must give his own account, he is much seldomer heremy Love to my Son—I am always rejoiced to get a line from him but I See the difficulty he must have in performing what is indespencible and Shall therefore sit down satisfied that so able & ready a writer is Supplying his place—I am affectionatly your / Mother

					A Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 7 January 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dearest Charles
					Washington 7 Janry 1818

				I will begin my letter, by offerering the joint congratulations of your father and myself, to you and your brothers, and all our mutual friends, on the anniversary of the new year, which we passed with more than usual pleasure, in consequence of the very flattering accounts which we have received in a variety of forms from Boston, of the good conduct and improvement of yourself and your Brother—From Judge Davis we had the delight to hear that you had so distinguished yourself, that he saw you wearing the badge of merit, and likewise that he had examined John and found him deserving praise and commendation—Persevere my darling children in this course which will not only prove its own reward but insure to you the tender affection of your Parents blended with esteem and respect and draw down blessings on their old age should they be spared to you.Your Cousin Mary is with me and very desirous of becoming acquainted with you—Mr. Balfinch brought me your writing Book yesterday with which I was perfectly satisfied and Mary was quite delighted to see how clean and neat it was—I have laid it on the table in my Drawing room that every body may see how well you studied since you have been at School which is some handsomely expressed by your Master whose kind encouragement will I am sure render you more desirous to excel than ever—I must beg you to make my Compliments to Miss Harriet Welsh and to thank her for me for the very kind interest she takes in you both and the great readily she always displays in sending me word of every thing to your advantage or in your favour I am exceedingly gratified to find her so much your friend as it proves to me that you are good Boys at home as well as at School and I am sure that I need not repeat to you that it is our wish and desire that you should behave to the Doctor and Mrs. Welsh as you would towards us for it is out of kindness and friendship towards us that they accepted so troublesome a charge as the care of two Boys of your age.I suppose you will have seen Mr. Pope before this Letter reaches you and he will have told you all about us and have given your skates and Books and your Brushes—I have not heard from George some time nor from you or John—I hope you intend to write me again in soon as I am quite disappointed when I dont hear from you—If Mrs. Foster has got my Sattin done I dare say Mr Pope would bring it on for me and tell G. that I wish he would look for the music which was sent to Quincy when I went to Russia and send it to me at the sametime—I had a Letter from Miss Ellen Nicholas last evening she desires to be particularly remembered to you all—With every sentiment of love and affection your happy Mother

					L. C. Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 January 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Jan. 8. 1818

De Pradt, I Suspect is a descendant of that Arcbishop Bishop of Clermont, the Bastard of Cardinal du Pratt, and the Oputent Protector of the infant Society of the Jesuits in 1545. See Duprat in the Dictionaire historique. The Archbishop of Matines I Suspect is of that Breed and worthy of his Race. See also The History of the Jesuits Vol. 1.
Our national Sympathy with the Patriots of South America in natural and inevitable, though I hope not uncontroulable.
How will Humanity be affected? How Shall We be affected? They will be independent, no doubt. But will they be free? General Ignorance never can be free, and the Roman Religion is incompatible with a free Government. South America, then, independent of Spain will be governed by a dozen Royellets independent of each other, and each of them ruling by a System of Priestcraft Superstition and Despotism, frequently at War with each other and each of them Seeking Alliances in Europe, and in the United States. Suppose a Confederation of these little Souvereigns; will it not be a perpetual Struggle which Shall be the first?
The Relapse of Europe into the Principles of Monkery and Despotism is indeed an awful a direful and ruefull Subject of Consideration It is portentous of Calamities beyond the reach of all human Calculation It is enough to make the best Christians pray for another Voltaire.
I hope our Government will Stand fast in its most impregnable Fortress Neutrality, as long as possible.
I am my dear Sir your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 January 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Jan. 13 1818

Of Mr Wait, I know little, but that he was once introduced to me by General Knox, twice by Judge Thatcher, and Last Week by Mr Shaw, all in this House. He has always been represented And Appeared to be a modest discreet and respectable Citizen.
There has been So much Huggermugger, about Secret Journals and Files of Congress and Conventions, which I always detested, that I rejoice they are now to be brought to Light. The Trust committed to you will give you Occupation and cost you much labour but it will be Usefull. The Nation will become better acquainted with itself and its Servants. I am well informed that Mr Madison has compleat Minutes of the Proceedings and Debates in the Convention taken down by himself on the Spot at the time: which, if that Gentleman could be persuaded to consent to their publication, would be an excellent Commentary on all that remains in Paper.
I am your Affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From J. H. Koe to John Adams Smith, 14 January 1818
From: Koe, J. H.
To: Smith, John Adams

					Dear Sir
					Lincolns Inn Tuesday Mg January 14, 1818

				I the other day received a Letter from Mr Bentham which contained the following queries & which if you could conveniently I was to request of you to be kind enough to answer—1. First packet of Letters in the newspaper form to or for what Ships delivered, on what day and whether any intelligence of her arrival at any & what port & on what day has been received—2 Like question respecting packet the second consisting of 50 doPerhaps the way least troublesome to yourself would be if to furnish me with the answers written under these queries—I am Dear Sir / yours very faithfully

					J. H. Koe

					A Letter I have lately recd of 23d Octr. acknowledges all the Packets reffered to aboveYour &c


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 January 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Jany 16-211818

				16 Went out to pay some visits and in the evening had a small party to Tea which consisted of my Sisters their husbands Mr & Mrs Walsh the Chevallier Corea Mr Pope & Mr Trimble & Mr Vail a protegie of Mr Crawfords. We had some conversation and a little Music; on the whole the evening was very dull—17 This morning went out as usual to pay visits after a great deal of trouble and being in danger of an overturn more than once I found the way to Mrs Middleton’s where I met Madame de Heredia & Miss de Onis the daughters of the Spanish Minister they are in deep mourning for their Mother and do not participate in the announcements of Washington—called at Mrs Hellens who was to go with me to Madame de Neuvilles in the evening We went together Mr Adams was too much engaged to accompany us We got in rather late and found the Rooms so crowded it was scarcely possible to find the Lady of the House. after a little effort we were successful, and found a Seat for five minutes which however I was glad to give up, as the heat was unsupportable—Some Ladies favoured the company with Music which however it was impossible to hear as the louder they sang the more noise they made and it  was with difficulty we could hear each other speak—This is the sort of party I prefer as it renders you quite independent and you are enabled to seek your own friends and to be as much at your ease as in a public place and what is better than all it prevents the possibility of politics being make the general subject of conversation which is always disagreeable as it is impossible to prevent irritation on one side or the other. returned home about ten; the only thing which renders this disposition supportable is this fashion of early hours—18 Another Sunday spent at home in consequence of the great dislike I have for the preachers and their maxims here—I am I fear a creature of prejudice and I am often tempted to quarrel with myself for the strength of my feelings which all of the little reason I can boast can never influence. I have often been told that if I lived to be forty I should lose these feelings and sensibility but forty has arrived and so far from having blunted I fear it has encreased with my growth and strengthened with my strength. The misfortunes of my family early opened my eyes to the unstableness and vanity of most things of this  World and I hope I shall ever be prepared to meet its changes with fortitude. Called on my Sisters and on Mr & Mrs Sergeant of Philadelphia She is a very Lady like sweet Woman. passed the rest of the day at home alone.19 Wrote and sent out about 300 invitations for a dance at our house on Tuesday. The Society is so large I must fear I shall have another to give, but I will not if I can help it I have no Servants and the trouble is dreadful. The expences of this place are so great it is impossible to give dinners and this sort of party is the least evil of the two something we must give or be torn to pieces by the tongues of our good friends more especially as we are so unfortunate as to have what is here denominated a large House—Passed the evening at Mrs. Bagot’s there was a very small party and I believe she found herself very much puzzled to entertain them—I had some conversation with Mr Hopkinson about Mr Dachkoff Mr H. laboured exceedingly to convince me that Dachkoff was a very worthy amiable man but I told him that I was afraid notwithstanding I was perfectly aware of his eloquence and sensible of his power of argument that he would difficult find it to remove prejudices of five years standing and which every thing in his own Country had contributed to confirm and that I should be much obliged to him if he could find a Dictionary in which the definition of those words could in any sense be applied to Mr D.—He laughed and said that notwithstanding he was very much Dachkoff’s friend he was obliged to give up the cause. Returned home before 10 o’clock I could not help smiling at Madame de Neuville Mrs. Bagot had been talking with Mr. de Neuville who said no Woman ought to reing reign Mrs B. was laughing at him and saying that in England they had no Salique Law thank God. Mrs. N. said for her part she had but one wish and that was to see an American Lady elected President She should delight to see Messrs. the few proud Republicains Governed by a Woman—It is really laughable to see in our boasted Republic how much may be gained or lost by the failure of a morning visit between two Ladies particularly if those Ladies are the Wives of Members of Congress—20. Received an invitation from Mrs Walsh to go and take Tea with her which I was obliged to decline being already engaged every evening until Thursday week excepting Friday. Morning visits from Dr & Mrs Sim and Mrs Thompson and from Mr  J J Monroe the Presidents Brother who is paying his devoirs to Adelaide I do not think it a desirable thing he is a Widower without property and with three Children—a remarkably pleasant man. Much distress at head quarters about the South American & Spanish Affairs and much trouble in perspective. Passed the evening at Mrs Boyds the party consisted of Mr Scott Mr Pope & Dr. Haut with all my Sisters but Mrs. Smith the most sociable and pleasant evening since I have been in Washington We played whist and poor Adelaide was doomed to pay a Roast Turkey on Friday evening which  caused as much diversion received an invitation from Mrs: Walsh to pass the evening with her. but was already engaged carried my Sisters home and returned home at half past ten Mary accompanied me—21 Mr. Adams came into my Chamber and waked me that I might accompany him to the Catholick Church to hear Mass for Louis 16 it being the anniversary of his cruel fate. The good old Gentleman who preached undertook to prove to us that Alexander might  be strangled, The King of England might die, all the Sovereigns in Europe might be destroyed, without in the least affecting the destinies of Europe, but if any thing should happen to the present family in France all Europe would be overwhelmed in their loss—much remarking and smiling was visible in the countenances of the members of the different Legations who were there in Compliment to the occasion—Among the novelties which he introduced he informed us that we had never rebelled against a sovereign that the people of Kent had a right to refuse to pay oppressive taxes and so had the Colonies and the largest Mass of the English population had approved of our Revolution and he ended by stating that Europe ought to approve and  the assistance which Louis 16. afforded us and that he could not conceive why his memory should be reproached for it.—I could scarcely refrain from laughing at the odd jumble considering that the congregation consisted chiefly of the Foreign Ministers from all Nations who had come attended as we did ourselves at the particular requet of Mr. de Neuville—We sat in the Spanish Ministers pew. As I find I did not do justice in some respects to the good preacher I must repeat more correctly what I attempted to describe. He said Alexander might be strangled and occasion us consternation at Constantinople and that the King of Holland might be drowned in the Bishop without producing one ripple on the political Ocean—Was at a party last evening at Mrs Decaturs where I met all the Foreigners who had a  hearty laugh at this funeral Oration the Dutch Minister however had been in a violent passion which they had done every thing to increase by observing to him that it was irregular that the priest had selected a place not famous for the purity of its Waters Mr de Neuville was so mortified that he had thought it necessary to call and apologize to these gentlemen which I suppose will prevent any disagreeable consequences—Mr. Bagot says he tried to catch a smile on Mr Adams’s and my countenance but he was  obliged to confess they were all out diplomatized to use his own word and that our gravity contributed not a little to add to the convulsion of mirth laughter which absolutely shook his frame— Adieu


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 19 January 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Charles Francis

				N. 2.
					My dear Charles.
					Washington 19. January 1818.

				Your new-years day Letter was received with much pleasure. I had heard something before, about your having had the Φ. Β. K. medal to wear for a week, and generally that Mr Gould was well satisfied with your attention to your studies, and with your good conduct; all which was very delightful to your mother and me—But it would have been still more agreeable if you had written that you continued to keep your Journal, as well as your Letter Book with punctuality. As you have kept at the head of your Class, and were about to be put into another book, I hope that in due time you will be as your brother John has been, promoted to a higher Class—But I wish to be more informed about your studies, and wish you to write me, how many Classes there are in your School, in what Class you are at present, and what books you are learning. Also how long Mr Gould thinks it will be before you can be prepared to enter the University.—You say you have heard that the private tuition at the writing school which you attend is too dear and of how many more Quarters you are to go to it—I never thought any useful instruction for my children too dear, and as long as you can acquire it in writing and cyphering by attending at the private school, I shall very willingly pay the Quarter’s Bill—You have laid the foundation of writing a good hand, the benefit of which you will enjoy, all your life—Cyphering will be no less advantageous, and it is quite necessary that your schooling in that, because, you have from carelessness or some other cause, been very slow in your progress in Arithmetic—Pray let me know among other things how it is at present. What rule you are now learning, and whether you have yet got the multiplication table perfectYour mother gives her love to you, and I am your affectionate father.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 January 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Son.
					Washington 19. January 1818.

				I received with much pleasure you new year’s Letter, with the copy of the Lamp–lighter’s address, and the hint from the fount of the Centinal about a Present; which your uncle Thomas will tell you I have not forgotten. Your Parents were very highly gratified with what Mr Gould gave you leave to write to me concerning your promotion to the second Class, in which you will no doubt take care to keep your standing—We had already heard your attention to your studies and your proficiency well spoken of, and we hope you will continue to deserve the approbation of your instructors and friends—It would be very agreeable, if we could expect that you will be prepared to enter the University after the next Commencement, but whether this is probable I dare Say you can inform meWe have had several Letters from Mr J. A. Smith at London, and two or three from Miss Ellen Nickolas—They desire to be kindly remembered to your brothers and youWe have had one change in our family, and are soon to have another—Lucy has left your Mother, and has gone to be teacher of French at a Boarding School of Young Ladies—Antoine says he cannot suit himself to the fashions of this Country, and will go back to his own. Give my best respects to Dr and Mrs Welsh, and kindest regards to Miss Harriet—As to the fire, you must be satisfied with the arrangements of the family. You can study Sallust in the Evening by the parlour fire, without needing one in your bed-chamber—Let your ambition to excel, keep you warm.I am, my dear John your affectionate father.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 19 January 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

				N. 6.
					My dear Brother.
					Washington 19. January 1818.

				Your N. 5. of 2. and 4. January has been duly received As I have but little time to think of my own affairs, I have every thing of mine in your hands, at your discretion—In the way of advice only, I think it best not to purchase Armstrong’s land—With Homer, and Spear, and all other tenants you must do as you think proper, and for the Rent of the house in which you dwell, fix it at your own price—just what you think reasonable.As to Middlesex Canal Shares, I see I have given too much much confidence to the Report of the Committee in April last—The error of calculation between a dividend of 37 1/2 or at least of 25 dollars a share, which was the promise, and none at all, which is the performance, is so great, that I can no longer put any faith in any part of the Report—There must be however another annual Meeting at which the Accounts must be exhibited to the proprietors—If I could see and examine those accounts I am sure I could detect the fallacy, and satisfy my self upon the doubt which now occupies my mind; which is whether there is any real prospect that there will ever be a dividend—It is clear that there are changes and deficiencies which the Committee of last April did not see; and as all the future dividends are in promise, the total failure of its first expectations leaves little reliance for the most sangwine temperament, for hereafter—Purchase me therefore no more Canal Shares, till their value shall be estimated by something more substantial than a Committee’s Report—I have kept other property now more than four Months, undisposed of, in the hope and expectation of hearing from you—And that you would have discovered some mode of vesting it, which would be safe for me, and not without a profitable Commission to yourself—Your Voyages and Travels, and attendance at Courts have perhaps driven this subject from your mind—If you have leisure now, do think of it again.I congratulate you upon the birth of another Son, and hope his prosperities in life, may surpass your expectations.My Sons John and Charles having been very punctual in their New-Year’s salutations to us, have some claim upon me for new-years gifts—I will thank you to give them something, in my name, as encouragement for their future good behaviour.With kindest regards to your wife, and children, I remain, ever faithfully yours.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 23 January 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					23-30 Jan. 1818

				23d. received a note from Mrs. Monroe requiring my attendance at 1 oclock I went according to appointment and found Mrs. Monroe in her small Drawing Room ready to receive me—She opened the business by apologizing for the liberty she had taken but she really took such an interesting in me that she had thought it right to speak to me on the subject of visiting and ettiquette She asked what was the reason I had declined visiting the Ladies of the Members of Congress I told her that the distances were so great and the difficulty of finding the different parts of the City where these Ladies thougt proper to take up their abode such as to make it impossible to devote the time to it which it required having avocations at home in addition to which I had but 1 pair of Horses and that they could not drag me at all hours of the day I was expected to accept of every evening party that was made and was not permitted to decline any dinner and that I could not and would not be doomed to run after every stranger that thought proper to come to Washington I invited them to my house which I thought was quite sufficient there was no ettiquette in the question I thought such things absurd She immediately informed me that Mr Monroe and herself had been labouring for six years to establish a regular ettiquette but that they had only gained one which was that the foreign Ministers should pay the first visit and that they should only have the first returned by the Secretaries and that the Ladies should return every visit In the evening went to Mrs Hellen’s where we had a delightful social supper being the payment of her loss at  Whist—She was much disappointed however at the failure of one of her Guest’s who was to have been on of the principal  performers on the occasion—We returned at twelve and were quite astonished to find it so late. Mrs Smith requested me to call on her.24 Called on Mrs Smith according to appointment She wished me to cut her out a baby’s cap which I attempted but I do not believe I succeeded.—The weather was so wet and disagreeable I returned home immediately—Was    engaged in the evening to Madame de Neuville but was prevented from going by the bad weather and the arrival of Miss Susan Buchanan who is come to make me a visit—Mr & Mrs. Frye who accompanied her passed the evening with me Mr A was very much indisposed all day with the rheumatism—He will not hear of bleeding but I am sure it would be of service—25 The weather continued very stormy and I concluded not to go to Church but finding it clear up towards twl twelve o’clock I ordered the carriage & paid visits with Miss Buchanan to the Presidents family to Mrs. Crawford Mrs Crowninshield and the Foreign Ministers after which I went to see my Sisters who are all well except Kitty—She has too many Doctors about her to be well.—passed the evening at home alone.26 This morning busied myself in arrangements for my party Mrs Boyd called and sat with me some time. I with difficulty prevailed on her to come tomorrow she however promised before she parted with me—Mr Fox and Mr. McKain called on Miss Susan Buchanan—In the evening Mr. Adams and myself went to Mrs Tayloe’s where we found a very large company assembled and the young people dancing. It was a party given in honour of the marriage of Mr Tayloe’s eldest Son to Miss  Maria Forrest a daughter of General Uriah Forrest who I dare say you were acquainted with He distinguished himself in the Revolutionary war and lost his leg which was amputated to save his life—The party was agreeable but I did not feel in good spirits and could not enjoy it—The evening was so dark that three or four Carriages were overturned though no material injury sustained—got home safe—27 The morning was inauspicious and looked very gloomy I got through all my arrangements and was ready by five o’clock—Mr Adams returned home and brought with him a Letter received from Mr Hanson the Senator from Maryland stating that the House of Wallace Johnson & Muir had been possessed of sixty thousand Acres of Land lying in Georgia near Augusta which were immensely valuable  and which he believed to be redeemable if Mr Adams would join him in a Lawsuit—This man’s father was the righteous Judge who repealed the decision of Judge Chase in my fathers favour  in favour of his own heirs and brought ruin on all my family—Mr Muir the third partner treated Mr Wallace this man’s Grandfather who now makes this application as they had both treated him and left them even in a worse situation and now mark the consequence! I much fear there is a deep and dreadful scene of villainy to unfold and I really do not understand and tremble to see the end of it—My company assembled at between 7 & 8 o clock and at a little after eight my home was crowded—The dancing began and I had the pleasure of seeing all my friends willing to be amused. In returning the Ladies all seemed a little uneasy as the night was frightfully dark and it rained considerably it was one when we retired—A question of ettiquette prevented the Senators Ladies from attending—Mr A & Myself are determined not to give up the point & we are supported by the President and his Lady.—28 We were all so fatigued this morning that we determined not to go out particularly as it rained all day and was very uncomfortable—I had received a severe blow on my Ancle and the fatigue of last evening had occasioned it to swell very considerably—In the evening we intended to go to the Drawing Room but it rained heavily and we were so afraid of being upset we decided not to venture. passed the it at home playing Loto and retire very early— 29 Went out with Miss Buchanan and called on Mrs Salsbee whose carriage had been overturned and she had been considerably hurt but found her able to sit up though her head and face were much bruised her. Saw all my Sisters who had got home safe Kitty much better—found at my return that I had had thirty visits. Thus you see my Dear Madam it is the business of life—Staid at home all the evening—30 Visits all the morning Madame de Neuville sat some time and was as pleasant as usual—I will be much obliged to you to tell Mrs Foster to whom I request you will remember me kindly that I will not have the Sattin dyed at all as I can get it done in Baltimore much better and I dont like the colour proposed.Mr Adams desires me to say how much he regrets that the pressure of business prevents his writing you more frequently—But he is aware of your indulgence and I hope my feeble efforts will contribute at least to wear away the time until Congress shall have risen and then he will be more at liberty to resume his favourite correspondence—Love & respects to all from your affectionate

					L. C. Adams.

					As I can only write by catches you must excuse the Scrawl and read it if you can


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 24 January 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					my Dear Daughter
					Quincy Jan’ry 24th 1818

				I received your journal No 4. containing the drawing Room History, which amused us much. What would have been Said in my day, if So much Style, pomp and Etiquette had been assumed? the Cry of Monarchy, Monarchy, would have resounded from Georgia to Maine.—but according to the old proverb—some persons may Rob; better than others look over the hedge.—I am not condemning this new order of things—but think it perfectly Right, and the only method to bring order out of the confusion, into which the Sans Culotte System, adopted by mr Jefferson, and the Liberty & equality, pursued by mrs Madison, had Subjected the drawing Room to. To quote mr Burk, “the Swineish Multitude had free egress, and Regress—untill it became Such a medley as to excite Ridicule”—but this is between ourselves. at Philadelphia, the drawing Room was held under certain Regulations—and no improper company was ever introduced there a writer in Niles Register has undertaken to describe them, and I come in for a Share. he asserts, that parties running high, persons of different political opinions were received coldly, “and that persons about the president and mrs Adams, manifested it in Such a manner, that they withdrew.” Now this is the first time I ever heard of it. all persons who attended Drawing Rooms at all, came without distinction, and were received with civility. If they withdrew, or never came, that was their fault not mine. how  mr J. P. might look, I know not. he was a vinegar Bottle from the beginning. I have witnessd much greater, disorder, and want of respect, and politeness, upon a Birth day at St James; than, I ever saw at any of the drawing Rooms; where I have been either a visitor or a principle.I think it very probably you will come in for a Share of these new arrangements with certain persons—who will try to render them unpopular.—I am glad they have commenced under the present Reign—I wish to See one other mode adopted, a Regular Levee for the President it would releive him from daily intrusions.Last Saturday Jan’ry 17th was one of the finest winter days I ever knew. it accordingly tempted me to go to Boston and bring the children home with me; they had not been here for a fortnight—they have now become more Regular and Steady. Harriet has a good deal of influence with them—Johns ambition is excited at School, and he gets on with the approbation of his Master—and Charles gets the Medal of honour—It is now three weeks since I saw George. I do not tempt him to come So often as we Should be glad to See him. I think it of concequence that he Should apply to his Studies, with dilligence, and become more of a Scholor, and less of a Reader.Monday Jan’ry 26I had just written thus far, when a chaise Stoped at the door, and my Friend mrs Cushing came to pass a day or two with me. it was very cold and the Snow falling fast: it continued all day on Saturday, and has not cleard up. it is now a foot or more deep. winter appears to have set in, with all its Beauties, for Such I consider a covering of Snow to the Earth. in the Evening of Saturday George came in, from Cambridge, and went off, again this morning. he thinks he Shall be able to enter colledge, at the close of the vacation. I hope he will, with credit to himself—How Shall we account for the difference of Manners, between John and George? with the Same Education—John never had an awkard tick, or Motion in his Life, and I had almost Said, George never had any other. Still I hope, he will Some day get a polish—as he is more willing to listen to advice & be reminded of them. Charles manners, in general are very correct. he is a different Boy from either of the others. all of them belong too nearly, to the Family of the PositivesI do not hear of mr Popes arrival in Boston, alltho I have requested mr Shaw to give me notice. I am told that mr Holly is prepareing to go to Kentucky to Spy the land, and fathom the people—I learn that mr Clay has written him a Letter informing him that altho he voted against him, he must not to judge by that, that he is opposed to him, but the contrary, for that was the only way in which he could have Succeeded—!! what Shall we think of such politiciansI learn by a Gentleman late from England, that Madam Bona, or miss Paterson was attended to Havre by a mr Creighton Son of a Gentleman in office who Sent and had him arrested. it was Supposed that he attended intended to Marry her. he was only 20 years of Age. if the whole Set had remaind abroad, it might have been quite as well for their Country. we want not either their Manners or example.mrs Foster with whom you left your sattin, has written to know if you will have it coulourd a maroon, for the man after keeping it a long time, has Sent word that it will not answer to coulour it a light coulour, as he cannot remove the Spots. be so good as to right write me word. if I make mistakes in writing, attribute it to constant talking in the Room. it is so cold that I am obliged to take my Chess Board into my Lap close to the fire—and yet my fingers are quite Stiff—I enclose a Letter which I received from Caroline. if you know any thing of the Gentleman who at that time made you an offer of taking any thing you might wish to Send to Washington, it may lead to some clue where the Bundle is, or may be found, if mrs Smith never received it. you will if you think proper, let mrs Smith read the Letter & return it to me.My kind Love to my dear son; I long to See a Letter from him, tho I have not the Heart to request it of him—knowing that all his time must be fully occupied. I am glad to hear that Judge Cranch has made you a visit. he is one of the choice ones of the Earth. he wrote or mrs Cranch that he had been to See you, and that mr Adams had offerd him a Bed, but he had always been in the habit of staying with mr Eliot, altho he was not the less obligedRemember me to all your Sisters / continue to amuse and entertain your affectionate Mother

					A Adams

					PS I fear you expose your health by too close Rooms & large parties—they will not do for weak Lungs.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 January 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
1818

When President Munroe was upon his Tour Surrounded by the Military, encompassed by Citizens, harased by invitations to parties—and applications innumerable for office—Some Gentleman asked him if he was not compleatly worn out with fatigue—to which he replied—o No—a little flattery will Support a man through great fatigue—I may apply the observation to myself and Say that the flattery in your Letter leads me to break through the aversion which is daily diminishing increasing upon me to writing, and my correspondence is now confined to my children & Grandchildren. my Son JQA, whose Letters used always to be my delight when abroad, is now So prest and occupied wit with the Duties of his New department, that I Seldom get a Letter from him Mrs Adams however kindly Supplies his place and gives me the Daily occurences of the beaumond—tinctured Sometimes with a little political Suet.
You terify me my Dear Sir when you ask for Letters of mine to publish? It is true that dr Disney to whom the late mr Hollis bequeathed his Property found amongst his papers Some Letters from the President and from me, which he asked permission to publish. we had both forgotten the contents of them, but left it to his judgment to do with them as he pleased—and accordingly he publishd Some of them—one other addrest to my Son when he first went to France in the year 17. by Some means got into an English Magazine, and those I beleive are all the mighty Works which ever have or will by my consent appear before the public—Still I never Studied, my language is from the Heart the Spontaneous effusions of the Heart warm from the Heart & faithfull to its fires the Spontaneous effusions of Friendship—as Such I tender them to mr Vanderkemp—Sure of his returning Kindness and indulgence since I have no pretentions to the Character which he professes to fear that of a learned Lady—I have been So much flatterd with her. attention to the writings of my Son that as a mark of my perfect confidence in mr vanderkemp I venture to Send him for his perusal alone including his Lady and daughter, an Epistle written to me in the year  which I think a good History of the events of that period and which  to preserve as Such—you will See the political Sentiments at this day might keep alive animositys which it will be best to burry for the present. as the time has past by when the transactions took place—I have never ventured to communicate them but to a few chosen Friends—must therefore request you to return it to me with particular Care—as it is the original & only Copy I have—The Life which you Sent to my Friend was read by me with no Small interest and I could not keep communicating it to my Friend miss Welsh—She was So much pleased that She beged to take it with her to N york where She was going upon a visit to my Granddaughter mrs de wint. this must account for the delay in transmitting it to your Son in Philadelphia who I hope has received it long over this time present me kindly to your Lady and Daughter and beleive me with Sincere esteem and ardent / Friendship Your Humble Servant

A Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 25 January 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 25 Jany 1818.

				Your Letter gave me much pleasure though I thought I perceived some few marks of carelessness and want of attention which I hope in time you will correct—Your father & myself are delighted to find that Mr Gould is so kind to  you  and that he is sufficiently satisfied with your progress to reward you thus publicly and I am sure you have too much ambition to improve and retain these marks of distinction to risk the loss of them in future—We intend to have a dance on Tuesday to which I have invited more than 100 person’s I am obliged to make room by taking down beds &c and it will give me a great deal of trouble but I do not mind the trouble if I was sure I could give satisfaction to my friends notwithstanding I am so old I am not sure that I shall not dance on this occasion for the good accounts I have received from my Children have contributed considerably to Youthyfy me (a very fashionable word at W.).I have often observed my dear Boy that when you read you set too far from the light—Let me recommend you to be cautious of your eyes which will be materially injured by this practice and remember when you take your Telemachus the advice which your Mother now offers you—You have seen how much your father has suffered with his eyes and I hope you will endeavour to preserve yours by not over straining them in your youth—I am glad to find that John has got over his temporary distresses and hope that he will not meet with any new ones The kindness you are ever receiving from Dr. Welsh’s family will I am sure excite your gratitude as I am very sure that you are both too good hearted not to be perfectly sensible of the kindness received at their hands—Be assured my beloved Child that your parents can know no joy equal to that which is inspired by the merit of their Children and that good conduct will meet its reward both on Earth and in Heaven. LAdieu persevere and bless your Mother

					L. C. Adams

					P.S. Your L’s I can excuse as every thing that concerns you is interesting to your—Impudence is a thing to which I am by no means partial but a little playful quizzing I can readily pardon as it is almost always a proof of good spirits and good temper. Mr Cruft has sent by mistake a box which is full of papers belonging to Mr Foster which I shall send back as soon as I can I beg John will write him to see if there is not one of mine at Mr Foster’sW. Foster.