Title: To John Adams from William D. Hills, 9 April 1824
From: Hills, William D.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Charles Town, April 9, 1824.

				permit me, though a Stranger, to address, the honored, Servant, of the Lord, and the Rever’d, of a gratefull people, who, at this day, are in some measure sensible, of the appreciation, due to those, who offered up their lives, on the altar, of Liberty, and Independance.As the only Surviving Son, of an excellent Parent, Viz. Captain, Stephen Hills, of Revolutionary date, who, I am told, you was once conversant with, do I now address you,—Being left an orphan, at a very and helpless period, deprivd me, of the knowledge of him, whom, I should have been proud, to have honord, even, as thyself, as a gratefull, and happy Child. Had kind providence, Smild on me, and continued my Earthly Parents, to this time, my pride, would have dwelt in them, and I been blest in a Superior, degree, to whose decrees, I submit in Love: I am Dear Sir, as an only Survivor, of a departed Ship’s Company, the only landsman, of my fathers family, who would now, be happy, to have followed, a noble parent in all his Destinies. But, as it is otherwise Ordered, I submit, to whatever may fall to my Lot, in these hopefull days, for future Life.Had my father, liv’d, I would have requested through him, your Indulgence, in my behalf, for a future prospect, as I would pleasingly Anticipate, in the favor, that might be derivd, by your truly, and Distinguish’d Son, Who, I devoutly trust, the people, will delight to Honor, more than all his Cotemporaries, and thereby delight, the Honored Servant of the Lord, as much, as Good, Simeon, of Old. Had I a talent, by which, to address myself, I would shine forth, that sincerity of expression, which a common school Education, will not permit me offer, worthy your Approbation, and goodness of heart—It was by my  I heard of your kind disposition towards my father, for which, Accept, my Sincere Love, and warmest Wishes, for the continuance of your precious, and useful life, under the unceasing smiles, of Devine Providence, and the Love of Immanuel.—with highest assurances, and hope of Clemency for this intrusion on your patience & goodness / I subscribe, / Your obedt & humble Serv’t

					Wm: D Hills.


Title: From John Adams to John Taylor, 12 April 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Taylor, John

					Dear Sir
					Quincy April 12th. 1824

				I have received with kindness and thank fullness, your learned work upon the Constitution—I have had as much read to me as I  have been able to hear—but inted to have it all read to me if I liveIt is long since I have ceased to write read, speak or think upon Theories of Government and now I am on at half way on my eighty ninth year I am incapable of either. I see you have treated me with honor and Respect enough—but I think you have not correctly comprehended the intentions of my poor Books—that work was written under the old confederation, and had no relation at all to the general Government, it respected only a state Government, and particularly the Constitution of Massachusetts and others that resembled it, against Mr Turgot who had sincur censured them all, there is but one allusion—to the general Government in the whole work in that I expressly say that Congress is not a Reprecentative body, but a Diplomatic body, a Collection of Ambassadors from thirteen soverign States; a consolidated Government was never alluded to—or proposed nor recommended in any part of the work, Nor indeed in any moment of my Life did I ever approve of a consolidated government—or would have given my vote for it—A consolidated government, under a Monarchy an Aristocracy or Democracy or a mixture of either, would have flown to pieces, like a glass bubble under the first blow of a hammer on an Anvil. Nor had I any thoughts of recommending any hereditary Branch of any state government, but I am in capable of thinking clerely, or persuing any train of thought—of the present Constitution I can only say, with Father Paul “esto perpetua,” I sincerely wish it, but I cannot see how it can be converted into a consolidated Government. but I cannot enlarge—Again I thank you for your present and wish you may contribute to preserve the present Constitution,Being with great Respect your real / Friend, and most / humble Servant

					John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to Thomas McKean, 26 April 1824
From: Adams, John
To: McKean, Thomas

Dear Sir.
Quincy April 26—1824

I have received your kind letter of theApril 1st. And am very sorry it will not be in my power to give you more detailed information That your Father was a steadfast Patriot, of the Revolution, from its beginning to its end, is most certain—In the Congress at New York in 1765, he we though young, he was one of the most active and spirited members. In the Congress of 74—and in all the subsequent years, he was the same. He was carried away with the Universal enthusiasm of the world in favor of the French Revolution, which in him was very natural, and very consistent, because he did not know the French Nation and their total ignorance of the nature of a free Constitution of Government. His conduct as governor of Pennsylvania, is better known to you & all your fellow Citizens, than to me—
I believe it was conscientiously upright, and well intentioned—His Conduct as Chief Justice of State, for so many Years, I have never heard denied & to have been upright and judicious, though his constant opposition to the Federal Government—though never violent, occasioned party reflections upon him; as party spirit casts upon every Man of both parties. His Character ought always to maintain a conspicuous place in the history of his Country for the last fifty or Sixty years—I am grieved to hear the melancholy fate of his grand son Yrujo—I hope his Daughter and her husband—are well and prosperous—Wishing you the best / success in your undertaking—your friend
John Adams
P S Your Father & Caesar Rodney—were among the Partrick Henerys, the Christopher Gadneys the Thomas Jeffersons, the Roger Shermans the Samual Adam’s among the last studs the fermnts pillars of the Revolution


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Frothingham, 29 April 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Frothingham, Samuel

					Town of Quincy, April 29 1824

				Know all men by these presents, that I John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esqr do make Constitute and appoint, Samuel Frothingham of Boston in the County of Suffolk, Gentleman to be my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to transfer all my Seven per Cent Stock Standing in my name in the Book of the United States Loans, and to do all lawful Acts requisite for effecting the premises; and to deposit the proceeds thereof to my Credit in the Office of Discount & Deposit of the Bank of the United States in Boston; hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney shall do, by virtue hereof.In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the twenty–ninth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty–four.
					John Adams

					Sealed and delivered in presence of—
				Louisa C SmithCommonwealth of MassachusettsNorfolk SS—Town of Quincy, April 29th 1824. Then the above named John Adams, personally appeared and acknowledged the above Letter of Attorney to be his free Act and Deed.Before me:

			 Thomas B Adams Jus: Pacis.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Gardner Swift, 3 May 1824
From: Swift, Joseph Gardner
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					New York 3d May 1824

				When I had the honour to be at your residence in 1817 (while accompanying President Monroe) I was gratified by some account which you were pleased to give me, of my Grand Father Samuel Swift, formerly a Lawyer of Boston, whom you designated as a friend of yours & as the “Widows friend”—& whose name you had before mentioned, in some Printed Letters, as a distinguished Whig:—It is natural &, with just  views, it is commendable in man to reflect with interest upon the conduct & character of his progenitor.—I have heard that my G. Father was a zealous & a effective Whig—that he died in 1775 a Prisoner & Martyr under the Tyrrany of Gage,—that he was foremost & useful in Public Meetings in urging his fellow Citizens to resist oppression & especially to resist Gages call to the Bostonians to deliver up their Arms:—The premature death of their G Father led to the dilapidation & final loss of his Property while Boston was a Garrison,—This then Young family driven to various parts of this Country & made Poor, were dispersed, & thus we know little of this G. Father except from tradition.—If you will at a leisure moment cause an amanuensis to note to me any information of the Character & Conduct of Saml. Swift & especially as touching the great struggle for Independence, it will be received as a distinguished favour,—One of my objects in taking this liberty is to be Enabled to tell my Six Sons what share their progenitor may have had in contributing to bring about that War which made a nation Free & Happy!—When a Youth I had the honour to receive from you (when President U.S.) the appt. of Cadet  & was the first graduate of the West Point Mily. Academy—from thence I was grade by grade promoted to the Rank of Brigr: Genl: in the Corps of Engineers—which Post, since the late War, I resigned & am now the Surveyor of this Port—Pardon this trouble,With veneration & grateful Respect / Your fellow Citizen

					Jn: G: Swift

   under an impression that our Corps of (native) Engineers, educated by the Country, was not equal to the forming a judicious system of defence, our Govt. in 1816 imported an Engineer from France,—this damper to the emulation of a Corps of Native Americans, this national admission of inferiority was a severe wound to the Corps of Engr. who had just come though a War with distinguished Honour,—I have however the satisfaction to Know that the System of defence of our Sea Board now progressing, is mainly the emanation of the Mind of our own Corps,—Excuse this digressing Note, at the same time permit me to mention that towards the French Engineer alluded to, the Corps & myself entertain personal high Respect—the act of injury was not his—His talents might have been more congenially directed—

   Jn. G. Swift


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Coffin, 15 May 1824
From: Coffin, Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Hudson May 15—1824

				Will you Oblidge me, so far as to inform me, the Names of the Seventeen Members of the House of representatives of Massachusets, who rescinded their Notes By direction or rather a ‘Mandate, (if I am correct,) of Governer Hutcheson’—and what year that was in, and on what Occasion those resolutions had been Passed, that he the Sd Govener was so anxious Should be rescinded—was it not on account of a remonstrance From the General Assembly of Massachusets for his Removal from the Goverment, and in consequence of certain letters which he the Sd. Governer & Lt Governer Oliver had been writing against the People of this Country and Particularly against the Goverment of Massachusets I remember the time well, & many of the circumstances. But not all the Particulars, for which I now apply To you for, if your advanced age & perhaps often infirmaties will permit you so to do—I also well remember The Indignation those Seventeen Members brought down upon their heads, and carried with them to their graves For the Notes they gave on that Occasion—I had the Honour of being appointed to carry those Dispatches For the removal of Govener Hutcheson from the Goverment of Massachusets, with Particular Instructions from the Assembly not to Send the Package a shore with my letter Bag, but carry it up to London in the ship, and deliver it from my own hand to Doctor Franklin, which I did—Some time after I called on the Doctor, he told me he deliverd the dispatches to Lord Dartmouth who he Said promised  to lay them before the King—but Says he, I have not heard from them Since—The Seventeen rescinding Members above refered to, corresponds so exactly with our Seventeen Senators, who had the Hardihood to deprive the People of the state of New York of a Voice in the Choice of electors, of President & Vice President, that I am Anxious To know there names that they May be coupled together upon all Future occasions—another question has just come into my mind which I known you can Solve, & I doubt not you will do it with Pleasure—I was in London from Sepr. 1775 to may 1776—Some time in the Month of March, myself, together with three other Ship Masters all from Nantucket, were invited to dine with Doctor Fothergill, Brother To that Famous Quaker Preacher, Samuel Fothergill, at the day appointed, I was quite unwell & did not attend, the others went, & on their Return at night, they informed me that the Doctor expressed himself Very Freely on American affairs, and said as all hopes of a Reconcilliation was now at an end, the fourth of July was fixed on To declare the Colonies Free Sovereign & Independent states—now will you be so Oblidging as to inform me, whether that Day was Fixed on, at so early a period for that purpose—or whether it was his own Suggestion, Knowing as he undoutedly did, that Oliver Cromwell Summoned his first Parliment to meet on that Day—We shall know who is President after the Election. I am inclined to think John Q Adams will have all the Electoral Votes of this state—the Seventeen Senators to contrary notwithstanding—I am dear sir with Very / Great Respect your / Assured Friend & Obt Sevt

					Alex Coffin

					P.S I am in perfect good health at present, I hope you are so also—but neither of us, can expect it long, your are I belief four year a head of me
				A C


Title: To John Adams from J.G. Swift, 21 May 1824
From: Swift, J.G.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					New-York, May 21, 1824.

				Believing that the United States Military and Philosophical Society may be considered as dissolved, by reason of a non-compliance with the terms of its constitution for many years past, several of the members have proposed an application of its unappropriated funds to the endowment of the Lyceum of Natural History in New-York with a Library. Since the last meeting of the Military and Philosophical Society, in 1809, deaths and resignations have removed every officer except the Secretaries; and from the provisions of its constitution, requiring annual elections, it is, perhaps at this time, without officers or organization of any kind. Besides which, since the same period, more than one-third of the members have been numbered with the dead. Indeed, the objects for which we had associated have, in part, been anticipated by the liberal patronage of the general Government toward the Military Academy, where an extensive Library is founded; and, in part, by other institutions more local, and consequently more efficient.There is now belonging to the Military and Philosophical Society a sum exceeding 2000 dollars, deposited in this City. It is sufficient to endow the Lyceum with a useful and lasting memorial of our munificence, by a present of books adapted to its purposes, and I should be pleased if you concur with me in giving your assent to that effect. There is no scientific institution with which I am acquainted, that gives greater promise of utility and honour to the country than the New-York Lyceum. It is conducted with zeal, and is already permanently established and successfully engaged.Their want of books is a serious drawback to the advancement of these branches of science, and I am not aware that the purposes for which we associated can, under existing circumstances, be more efficiently promoted, nor our remaining funds be more usefully and judiciously employed, than by the adoption of this arrangement.Should you approve of it, be pleased to signify the same to me by letter. In case the measure is adopted and you would like to become a member of the Lyceum, that Society will, I am assured, be gratified in conferring this, and such other honours as it is in its power to bestow.I am, respectfully, / Your obedient servant,

					J. G. Swift,Last elected Corresponding Secretary.


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Coffin, 31 May 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Coffin, Alexander

Dear Sir
Quincy May 31—1824

In answer to your letter I inclose you a letter from a friend in answer to your questions—Dr. Fothergills imagination was a mere fable, the vote for Independance was never foreseen till the day on which it was past it had been postponed by the by a thousand artifices for months before it did pass, And then it was forced upon them by the loud cry of the people—Oliver Cromwell’s fourth of July was no more thought of than the prophecy of Daniel
I salute you with paternal affection
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jacob Engelbrecht, 2 June 1824
From: Engelbrecht, Jacob
To: Adams, John

					Honoured Sir,
					Frederick-Town, Maryland, June 2d, 1824—

				On the 15th. of March last I wrote unto you, requesting the favour of a Letter in your Own Hand writing, which I wished to preserve in honour of you, and after your death, to have it framed, But having received no answer I have Since thought that the Letter was miscarried,—At all-events, I would with due deference, again intrude on your patience, and would most humbly request of you, to favour me with a Letter in your own hand writing,Believe me Sir, it would be to me, great pleasure and Satisfaction, to be thus honoured,—I am more Solicitous Since I am well aware, that ere long it will be forever too Late,—and as it will be So very little trouble to you, and So much Satisfaction to me, I do indulge the pleasing hope, of being thus honoured,In February last, I wrote to the Hon. Mr. Jefferson, and requested a Similar favour—Mr. Jefferson has honoured me with a Letter, (for which I am very thankful) And as Mr. Jefferson and yourself are on terms of Intimacy, I will take the Liberty of giving you a copy of his letter,“Monticello Feb. 25. 24.“Sir,The kindness of the motive, which led to the request of your letter of the 14th inst. and which would give some value to an article from me renders compliance a duty of gratitude, knowing nothing more moral, more Sublime or more worthy of your preservation than Davids discription of a good man in his 15th Psalm, I, will here transcribe it from Brady & Tates version,Lord, who’s the happy man that may to thy blest courts repair,Not, Stranger-like, to visit them, but to inhabit there’Tis he, whose ev’ry thought and deed by rules of virtue moves;Whose gen’rous tongue disdains to Speak the thing his heart disproves,Who never did a slander forge, his neighbor’s fame to wound!Nor hearken to a false report, by malice whisper’d round,who vice, in all its pomp and power, can treat with just neglect;And piety, though cloth’d in rags, religiously respect,Who to his plighted vows and trust has ever firmly stood,and though he promise to his loss, he makes his promise good,Whose soul in usury disdains his treasure to employWhom no reward can ever bribe, the guiltless to destroy,The man who by this Steady course, has happiness insur’dWhen earths foundation Shakes, Shall Stand by Providence Secur’dAccept this as a testimony of my respect for your request, an acknowledgment of a due Sense of the favour of your opinion, and an assurance of my good will and best wishes”“Th: Jefferson”In concluding, I would remark, that as yourself, Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Carroll, are the only Surviving Signers of the decleration of Independence, I Should be very happy in having the Hand writing of Such venerable Patriarchs hung up to-gether, but which will not be done untill after your respective deceases,Be pleased to accept the assurance / of My respect & Esteem

					Jacob Engelbrecht

					N.B. please let Space Sufficient, at the margin, for framing,


Title: From John Adams to Jacob Engelbrecht, 9 June 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Engelbrecht, Jacob

Dear Sir
Montezillo —June 9th. 1824.

I have deeply regretted my total incapacity to comply with your flattering request in your two letters. But, I can no more write a line than, I can work a miracle. I thank you for the copy of Mr Jeffersons letter and unite with him in recommending the psalms of David, which whether we read them in our common English translation in prose, or in the versions of Tate and Brady or even those of Sternhold and Hopkins, how poor in comparison of them are all the rhapsodies of Homer and Hesiod, and all the romances of Bacchus in the Dyonisiacs and of Hercules in the Heracleid.
For myself I can think of nothing Better to write than
“Justum et tenacem propositi virum
Non civium ardor prava jubentium
Non vultus instantis tyranni
Mente quatit solidâ.”
If you are disgusted with this pedantical letter, the effusion of bewildered old age you have none to blame for it but yourself.
I am Sir with grateful respect your obliged friend and / very humble servant.


Title: From John Adams to Anonymous, 9 June 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Anonymous

					Dear Sir
					Montezillo June 9th 1824.

				I have deeply regretted my total incapacity to comply with your flattering request in your two letters but I can no more write a line than I can work a miracle. I thank you for the copy of Mr Jeffersons letter and unite with him in recommending the psalm of David which whether we read them in our common English translation in prose or in the versions of Tate and Brady or even those of Sternhold and Hopkins how poor in comparison of them are all the rhapsodies of Homer and Herod and all the Romances of Bacchus in the Dyonisiaes and of Hercules in the Heracleid!For myself I can think of nothing better to write than—“Justum et tenacem propositi virumNon civium ardor prava jubentiumNec vultus instantis tyranniMente quatit solida”If you are disgusted with this pedantical letter, the effusion of bewildered old age, you have none to blame for it but yourself.I am Sir / with grateful respect your obliged friend / and very humble servt

					John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Littleton Dennis Teackle, 12 June 1824
From: Teackle, Littleton Dennis
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Baltimore, 12th: June 1824

				You will probably have seen in the publick prints, that an Association has been formed, to conduct a periodical work on Political Œconomy, with intent to discover the Causes that have operated to retard the progress of our prosperity, and to endeavour to illustrate the proper Measures of Amelioration—The assistance of many scientifick Gentlemen has been freely offered, & the Society will venture to hope for your efficient aid & influence, in furthering the important object of their Undertaking—Whilst foreign States are fast advancing on Wealth & Power, no part of this Republick is without the prepare of a paralizing incubus—We truly need the touch of Science; to disclose defects, & to draw forth our latent means—to create demand for our productions—to Nourish & invigorate our passive trade, & furnish aliment for foreign commerce—With sentiments of the highest Consideration / and esteem,  I am, Sir, / your Most Obedient Servant

					Littleton Dennis Teackle


Title: To John Adams from Henry Bond, 17 June 1824
From: Bond, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Honored and venerable Sir,
					Philada June 17th. 1824

				presuming no one living to be better acquainted than yourself with that period of our history, to which this discourse cheifly refers, or feels a livelier personal interest in it, I have ventured, tho a stranger, to send you my Address. Its literary  exeortion gives it no claim on your attention, but the subject may, perhaps, interest you for a few moments. I will not doubt but my object will commend itself to your heart & head. With the best wishes that Providence may smile on you and Your’s I am very respectfully—
					Henry Bond


Title: To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 18 June 1824
From: Spafford, Horatio Gates
To: Adams, John

					My good friend—
					Troy, N.Y., 6 Mo. 18, ’24.

				Thy letter duly came to my family, & I have now the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of it. I am always much gratified to hear of thy health. The Gazetteer goes with this letter, & I very ardently hope thy health & strength will so hold out as to enable thee to hear it rad. May I hope to hear from thee, afterwards? I would, if I could afford it, send a copy to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, & the Antiquarian Society, & the Ed. of the North American Review.Thy Son, I presume, will be our next President. For some unaccountable reason he seems hardly to be civil to me!I am about to publish a School Book, the frontis piece to which will be ornamented with Portraits of all our Presidents. The Book has short biographical notices of them.With ardent wishes for thy health & happiness, I remain, thy friend,

					Horatio Gates Spafford.


Title: To John Adams from John Whitney, 23 June 1824
From: Whitney, John
To: Adams, John

					Hond. Sir,
					Quincy June 23d 1824

				The Citizens of Quincy have agreed to Celebrate the Anniversary of our National Independance on the fifth of July next; This is to solicit the pleasure of your Company to dine with them at the Town-hall on said day; not doubting but you will comply with this request should your health and strength permit, for be assured no one could add so much to the festivity and joy of the occasion; as it cannot fail to bring up to our recollection the Personage of one to whom under God the Citizens of these United-States are so largely indebted for their Independance and prosperity as a Nation; and for those forms of Government, which above all others are most congenial to the feelings of a free and Independant People, and which are so well calculated to secure to us and posterity our invaluable privileges.I am with great respect your obedient servant, / By order of The Committee of Arangements

					John Whitney Chairn.


Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Clough, 30 June 1824
From: Clough, Ebenezer
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Boston June 30th. 1824

				It would give the Committee of Arrangement for the Approaching National Anniversary Unspeakable pleasure if your health will admite you to honour them with your presence at Faneuil Hall, the Hall of Liberty on Monday next, and join in the Celebration of the day.From Sir yours very Respectfully.

					Ebenr CloughSecretary of the committee of arrangement.


Title: To John Adams from Thaddeus Mason Harris, 3 July 1824
From: Harris, Thaddeus Mason
To: Adams, John

					Honoured and dear Sir.
					Dorchester July 3d. 1824.

				When I was in England I fortunately met with and procured Thomas Morton’s “New Canaan,” a thin 4to. volume,—a work of great curiosity, and to the historian of Massachusetts very interesting, as it details the particulars of an attempt to introduce into this part of our Country a Colony in opposition to the Plymouth settlers, delineates the manners and customs of the Aboriginal Natives, and describes the animals and productions of the region.—The place of his settlement was what is now called Quincy.—As the work was printed at Amsterdam, and as the author was prosecuted for the publication, few of the volumes went into circulation; and the Pilgrims in this Country and their friends in England were assiduous in its suppression: so that it is now one of the scarcest of printed books. I presume that there is but one other copy in this Country, namely that referred to by the late Doctr. Eliot in his review of it in the VIIIth. volume of the Monthly Anthology, page 420, as being in the Boston Atheneum, and which I believe was deposited there by your son.—I have been several times requested to part with my Copy; but being somewhat of an antiquarian, and a collector of scarce works, I could not be induced to let it go.—Since, however, in addition to your other munificent donations to the town of Quincy, you have given your large and extremely valuable Library, I have considered that this work of Morton would be an appropriate complement,—and now present it to you for that purpose, and with it beg you to accept the assurances of the high respect & veneration, and the best wishes of one who feels honoured in subscribing himself, most sincerely and affectionately / Your friend

					Thaddeus Mason Harris.


Title: To John Adams from Lewis A. Tarascon, 3 July 1824
From: Tarascon, Lewis A.
To: Adams, John

					Venerable sir!
					Shippingport Ky. july 3d. 1824.

				I Come to you as one of the fathers of our family to tell you my views, to shew you my work and ask your opinion.you have Created the Navy and from its Mooring in the East it has been allready a Great Mean of power for America.it seems to Me that a Branch of it in the Bay of Columbia should be a Great Engine on the pacific; but it seems to me also that Establishments in that Bay Could not succeed Except supported by a line of population from the Missouri.said line is Easy to form and does not require Expenses. it requires only time and perseverance.from the first moment of its formation it should be useful and as soon as formed it would bind together the union by the ties of mutual interest within all the Country between the two oceans.But the people at large had not Yet the opportunity of reflecting on this things and they should had time of Thinking on them before discussions in Congress.in that view I Am publishing an address of which I am presenting you a Copy.Myself and Many other would like much to know your opinion on it and ask the favour of the Communication.Meanwhile, if you Approve it, I wish that you would Induce the Editors of news papers in your section of the Country to give it Circulation by printing it in themI have the honor to be / with the Greatest Esteem / and Respect— / Venerable sir! / Your Mt. obt. servt.

					L. A. Tarascon


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy July 24th 1824

Mr Benjamin Parker Richardson, a Grandson of a neighbour of mine, who has lived in harmony with me for almost eighty nine years, is very desirous of seeing the venerable Author of the Declaration of Independence, and as this is a virtuous curiosity which I always applaud and encourage in our young men, I have ventured to give him a line of introduction to you. A freedom which I have taken too often, especially as the reciprocity has always been on my side—never having received, as I recollect, in any one instance, a similar introduction from you.
 I still breathe, which will not be long, but while I do I shall breathe out wishes for the welfare of mankind—hoping that they will daily become more deserving of it.
You are quite a young gentleman in comparison with your old friend
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from John Everett, 26 July 1824
From: Everett, John
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston, July 26th, 1824.

				Permit me to enclose you, with the assurance of my respect and veneration, a copy of an Oration delivered to the Republican Citizens of Boston on the late Anniversary of the 4th July, 1776. I cannot express the pride and gratitude I feel, in having it, in my power, to offer any mark of my attachment to the Institutions of my country, to him who declared its independence and defended its Constitutions.With perfect respect, / Sir, / Your obdt. servt.,

					John Everett


Title: To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 26 July 1824
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Adams, John

					My Reverend & Dear Sir
					City of Mexico July 26th. 1824

				By the publick Prints I occasionally hear of your continued existence, amidst the plaudits of a grateful Country, & exemption from any of the grievous infirmities of Old AgeYet as the debt of Nature must be paid, this tresspass is directed rather at than to you, and is intended to introduce to you, Col. G. L. Dawson, The Maternal Grand-son, of your Old Antagonist the Earl of Bute; whom you must not Essteem the less for this connection; because the Col. is one of the fairest & best informed liberals of the New School, and an honest disciple of the great Earl of Chatham.On a brief acquaintance I have formed such predelections, for the Head & the Heart of this Young Noble-Man, that I have presumed to intrude Him on you, for the interchange of incidents & Anecdotes of the present for those of the last Century; for His substantial advantage & your amusements—sensible as I am at three score & eight, that the Enquiries of the human Mind, are coextensive with our rational faculties.—I have been here an involuntary exile, more than two Years, during which period I have experienced every thing to disgust & nothing to console me; Here the Light of the Gospel is not permitted, & the benighted Inhabitants are buried in Idolatrous Ignorance, under the delusive influence of the Priest-hood; in this state of Society it seems impossible, that the principles of civil Liberty can suddenly find root; Yet a beneficent God seems to extend his protection to the Country by the suppression of Conspiracies & the recent execution of the Usurper Yturbide,—These Events give a Tone to the General Government, which may I hope be extended & finally confirmed throughout the provinces; but this will be found utterly impracticable in the present state of Clerical domination—and with 3/5 of the Rent-Roll & 4/5 of influence under their controul, when may we reasonably expect a reform?I see what was reasonably to be expected in our own Country, great strife prevalent respecting the choice of the next President, which, however interesting to their future repose & prosperity, our fellow Citizens appear to treat with great levity, to their shame & reproach—Else how could any one ever have thought of such Men as Andrew Jackson, & William Crawford as Candidates for the Chair, which had been occupied by a Washington, an Adams & a Jefferson? Alas! Alas! my Country, from what high Hopes to what degradation have we fallen—Yet I must still Hope our Guardian Angel will give the only proper direction to the publick Sentiment, and that the Election may terminate as it ought to do—Permit me now to bid you a long a dieu! & to implore Heaven for Eternal Life in another & a better World—then & here I am thine

					Ja. Wilkinson


Title: To John Adams from Perez Morton, 6 August 1824
From: Morton, Perez
To: Adams, John

					My honored and highly respected Friend—
					Dorchester Augt 6th 1824

				In the course of my official practice, for my own government, and to promote facility and dispatch in the discharge of my public duty, I have thought it expedient to form an elementary digest of the criminal code of our Commonwealth, including all the crimes and offences, recognized by her laws, whether originating at common law or by Statute, with the adjudged cases under each, together with all the necessary forms of Indictments, Informations, and proceedings on the criminal side of our Supreme Judicial Court. The whole will be comprised in three Volumes: Whether they will ever meet the public eye through the medium of the press, or not, is altogether uncertain; but in any event the manuscripts will be placed in some public depository, where, if they have any merit, they may be of general use and benefit.—In either case, to attach importance to the work, I am desirous to dedicate it to one, under the charms of whose forensic Eloquence, in the early part of my life, I have so often been delighted and instructed; and to whose public life and services, as fortified by an unshaken Integrity and perseverance in the cause of his Country, Our Republic is so eminently indebted for her Independence, and the unparrelled Glory and Happiness, which she is now enjoying under it.—Will you permit me to solicit the honor of your name and patronage thus to dedicate it?—Should you yield to this solicitation, I wish your answer may be written on one folio of the size of this paper, that it may be pasted in the manuscript— With the highest considerations of Friendship and respect I remain Your hu Servt
					Perez Morton


Title: From John Adams to James Trecothick Austin, 7 August 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Austin, James Trecothick

Dear Sir.
Quincy August 7th 1824

I ought to have answered your kind letter of the 23d July—before now, but decrepitude and imbecility cannot do what it wishes. I cannot read, & I cannot search for the Resolutions you speak of— It is in vain to enquire, who, moved this or that resolution you may depend upon it that the movers of the greatest resolution in Congress were not the Authors of them—I will not tell you who were the Authors of them in writing—Upon the question upon of the Indepence, Mr Gerry made not only one speech—but a half a dozen, or a dozen for what I know—for he was a great speaker and a constant advocate for Independence but I cannot be particular in any one instance my memory is not sufficient for these things—one thing I certainly know that party rancour—and public injustice  prejudice has done infinite injustice to his memory & Character—there is one thing which has been concealed from the public—concerning his stay in France after his Colleagues came away, & that is, he was imprisoned in France & could not get out, any more than Sterns Starling—I could explain the whole myst mystery to you if you would do me the favor to make me a visit—but I cannot dictate a long detail in writing—
I am with great esteem your friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hill Everett, 12 August 1824
From: Everett, Alexander Hill
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Boston: August 12. 1824.

				This letter will be handed you by Mr. Raymond of Baltimore who is probably known to you by reputation as the author of the Treatise on Political Economy. I have taken the liberty of introducing him to you at the request of our mutual friend Mr. Sparks and have no doubt that you will derive much pleasure from making his acquaintance.I left Washington Tuesday week. The Secretary & his family were then in perfect health and he intended—as you are probably informed—to be here about the first of September. I hope to have the honour of paying my respects to you in the course of a few days and in the mean time remain, with the greatest regard / dear Sir / your most obedient Servant.

					A H. Everett.


Title: From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 August 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear General
Quincy 22nd. August 1824

I send this letter by my two grandsons, George Washington Adams and Charles Francis Adams to congratulate you on your happy arrival in your country after so long an absence. There is not a man in America who more sincerely rejoices in your happiness and in the burst of joy which your presence has diffused through this whole continent than myself.
I would wait upon you in person but the total decrepitude and imbecility of eighty nine years has rendered it impossible for me to ride even so far as Governor Eustis’s to enjoy that happiness.
I pray you to appoint a day when you will do me the honour to pass the day with me in my cottage in our lapidary town of Quincy, with a few of your friends. I ought not to omit to thank you for your last kind letter with the valuable present from the scientific Senator Tracy whose volumes have given me much entertainment and instruction Our fellow citizens have done themselves honour by the ardour of their zeal to do you all the honours in their power, and you will find it universal throughout the nation. I hope you will permit my grandsons to pay their homage to you, your excellent son and your friends and companions which they will do with ardor and sincerity of genuine American citizens. You may possibly have seen them both heretofore.
I am Sir unalterably / your sincere friend and most humble servt
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 26 August 1824
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

					My dear friend
					Boston August 26th 1824

				On My Arrival at this Beloved place it Was My intention to Hasten to quincey and Embrace You Thursday Morning. You know the Circumstances Which Have delayed this eagerly Wished–for Gratification; There Will Be a Compensation in the pleasure to See Your Son Arrived on Next Sunday. Receive the affectionate Respects of Your old friend

					Lafayette


Title: To John Adams from Edward Everett, 8 September 1824
From: Everett, Edward
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston, Sept. 8. 1824.

				You are hereby informed, that you have been elected a an Honorary member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, incorporated June 7, 1823, for the purpose of commemorating the early events of the American Revolution, and especially for the erection of a monument on the ground, where the action of June 17, 1775 was fought. The intention of the Association, in electing you a member, is to obtain your influence and aid in carrying into effect the designs of the incorporation. These you are earnestly solicited to employ, to the extent your situation and opportunity admit. Should you decline becoming a member, you will please to transmit a notice to this effect, to the secretary of the standing committee; otherwise you will forthwith receive a certificate of membership. By order,

					Edward Everett,Secretary of the Standing Committee of the Directors.


Title: From John Adams to James Thacher, 11 September 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Thacher, James

Dear Sir
Quincy 11 Sepr. 1824

I have had read to me, your valuable Journal of your Campaigns in the American revolutionary war, and I have no hesitation in saying, that it is the most natural, simple, and faithful narration of facts, that I have seen in any history of that period. It preserves the memory of many men, & many facts, of which I was wholly ignorant until I heard that book read to me, particularly the conduct & character of Gen Peter Muhlenbourg of Pensylvania who in the collisions & conflicts of party spirit has not had justice done him in this Country.—As I was absent in Europe a great part of the time, which your Journal embraces. I was necessarily uninformed of many particulars, which your work has cleared up.—Posterity, will be under great obligations to you for this labour, and every man of the present age, who can afford to purchase it, ought to have it.—I am Sir Your obliged / humble servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 September 1824
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and Respected Friend!
Oldenbarneveld 12 Sept. 1824.

Confident, that, after Such a long Silence, a few Letters of an old friend, who allways revered you, and will continue to do So till his last breath, Shall not be unacceptable, I once more take up my pen I can not—after approaching my 73th foster the hope, that I Shall be permitted to do it often—But I will not delay it longer—as I hear neither from you or my N. England frends a word—except through the Newspapers, and yet it Seems to me, that one of your family could now and then drop a Single line, to inform me of your continued wel-fare—I must not however forget, that—unexpectedly—I was honoured and gratified by a Short call of the excellent Mrs Quincy, who told me, that though She indulged her own wishes, She did So at the request of my revered frend, and that of her Husband.
Having Seen in the N. papers—that your dear Son John Quincy was to visit you, I cordially congratulate you with this event—I ardently Share in your happiness—So that Noble man gives his beloved Father a fresh proof of his filial love—in which his Mother So often gloried—with the warmest gratitude to a Bountiful God—I pray—that—when the present contest is passed by, and has been crowned with glorious, deserved, Success—that your last days Shall be your best days, tho’ I hear you Say in your heart "now let thy Servant go in peace!"
Whenever a moment of leisure offer itself—Be So kind to ask Him once, if two years past Col. J. Kirkland, then our member of congress, delivered Him Some Mss—on the Achaic Republick &c—on which I Solicited his opinions—when more interesting business did not forbid it. I can not expect it now—neither do it, but—when He Shall be placed in a Situation, to benefit his beloved country—not yet So duely appraised, as they deserve—then He may find a few moments—to glance these over—I foster yet the hope, that the machinations of an odious cabal—Shall be rendered vain in this state—If not, I pray—Our God—have pity on our poor country—many—you know cannot bear—to hear Aristides called the Just—
You had then a visit of La Fayette—He deserves the courteous receptions he receives—yet—these must to Him appear to have been carried to an excess—Did they ever So Washington? were the New-England men—Free New-England men, when proposing themselves to draw his carriage?
I must now devote a few lines—with regard to an interesting work, written and published by my worthy friend Peter Vreede of Leyden—once a Director of the Ephemeridal Netherland Republick, whose name you must recollect, and who—notwithstanding his Republican Principles, enjoys the patronages of his Majesty of the Netherlands—It is published at the Hague—in Dutch and French—and I have requested my frend to Send you the French edition as Soon it Shall be published—
The title is "Essay on Maritime commerce, and the value of the Natural industry—in connection considered, with the principles of an enlighten’d political œconomy, and the happy result, in uniting and promoting all the interests—by Pieter Vreede" Hague by the widow of John Allard 1824—The first part contains a developement of the Several interests and delineates the great events, required to obtain this end.
i The unlimited Liberty of Maritime commerce—as
ii the Salvation, prosperity and union of all internal industry, as agriculture—manufactures (Fabricken en Traficken
iii that no frauds must exist.
iv The promotion of the State finances—in an astonishing manner by the publick welfare
The plan to obtain this end is developed in the Second part—on new principles thus far not adopted in Europe or America.
contents of the i part.
Introduction
Developement of the principles of a new State-œconomy.
consequences, and applications deducted from these
Sketch of the value of maritime commerce
Application of it to our National interests of industry
Sketch of the value of industry
Further developement
continuation of the Subject
Demonstration of the total insufficiency of present provisions conclusion—exposing the dangers threatned to National industry
In the beginning a plan to erect a Society, to promote a Similar purpose was encouraged by the King—proposing a Sum—for this end of 12 millions gl—of which He, for himself and his family—would Subscribe four millions—The capital for this proposed Society might be enlarged to 24 millions—on the first day of the Subscription the amount was already ƒ 69,565,250.00—although the Royal proposal went not further than 12 millions—
I requested my frend to Send you a copy of the French translation. Be So kind and inform Mrs Quincy—that, as Soon I can collect it, I Shall Send her a little Seneca clover Seed for Her Husband—assure them of my respect—Remember me to your family—and continue your / affectionate regards to your obliged frend

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp


Title: To John Adams from Rosseter Cotton, 22 September 1824
From: Cotton, Rosseter
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Plymouth Septr. 22d 1824

				Mrs. Quincy was this day in my office looking at the Colony records, and mentioned to Mr. Davis that you would be gratified to see the Will of Capt: Myles Standish, I have copied it, and send it to you by Mrs. Quincy, if it gives you as much pleasure in reading it as it does me in sending it to you I shall be well paid for the little trouble I have had in copying it.—I am with the highest / respect yours &c

					Rosseter Cotton


Title: To John Adams from Robert G Scott, 27 September 1824
From: Scott, Robert G
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Richmond September 27th. 1824

				On behalf of the Committee of arrangements lately assembled at York town, and by their direction; I have the honour to request the pleasure of your Company at that place on the 19th of October next: to unite with your fellow Citizens in celebrating the Surrender of York; and in testifying to General Lafayette the gratitude and affection, Virginia still feels for one of her oldest and ablest defenders.I am yours Respectfully

					Robert G Scott


Title: To John Adams from David Hosack, 29 September 1824
From: Hosack, David
To: Adams, John

					NEW-YORK HORTICULTUAL SOCIETY.Sir,
					New York, Sept. 29th 1824.

				You are respectfully informed, that at a meeting of the NEW-YORK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, held on the 31st day of August 1824, you were elected an HONORARY MEMBER.By order of the Society,

					David HosackPresident.N. H. Carter, Corresponding Secretary.


Title: To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 28 October 1824
From: Spafford, Horatio Gates
To: Adams, John

					Esteemed Friend—
					Troy, N. Y., 10 Mo. 28, 1824.

				This ‘Baby’ of mine, the little Book sent herewith, is truly a very small Book; but thou wilt consider it a portal to a vast edifice, & as I ask thy acceptance of it, made small as it is, as a mark of my most sincere regard.Thou wilt see, by this, what a new & vast field the enterprize of New York is opening to public view: these Canals, minutely traced, 420 odd miles in length, are new features, for which, think of it as thou may, so are principally, & almost exclusively indebted to the Statesmanlike talents of DeWitt Clinton. What a pity it is, that our really great men are the most calumniated: Adams & Clinton, should regard each other as brothers. I know that Clinton is a friend to thee & thy Son, & am very confident that the People will make him our next Governor.How dost thou like my Gazetteer? Very respectfully, thy friend,

					H. G. Spafford.


Title: To John Adams from Alpheus Cary, 4 November 1824
From: Cary, Alpheus
To: Adams, John

					Honoured Sir,
					Boston Nov. 4th, 1824.

				I have taken the liberty to send you a copy of an Address delivered by me, before the members of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, at their triennial celebration on the 7th. ulto. I have not the vanity to suppose that the humble production of an unlettered mechanic, will present to a person of your highly gifted and cultivated mind, any thing new or attractive. My wish is, (and I rejoice in the present opportunity of gratifying it) to offer some testimony of that filial regard which I have always felt for one of the most conspicuous among that band of patriots to whose exertions, under Heaven, we are indebted for the privileges as citizens of a free and enlightend republic which we now enjoy: I also wish to add the tribute of my personal respect, for one of the most aged and revered inhabitants of my native town.Accept Sir, my best wishes for your health and happiness, and believe to be with sincerity, / Your obedient and very humble Servt.

					Alpheus Cary.


Title: To John Adams from Rosseter Cotton, 9 November 1824
From: Cotton, Rosseter
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Plymouth Novr. 9th. 1824

				William Davis Esqr. was in my Office, with the lady of the Hon: Josiah Quincy looking in the Colony records, Mr. Davis mentioned to me that you decended from Capt: Miles Standish and he thought you would be pleased to see his will, after he left the office, I directed my Clerk to copy it, I compared and certified it to be a true copy, and inclosed it in  a letter to you, and gave it to Mr. Samuel Davis to deliver it to Mrs. Quincy, for you.—You and your son are gentlemen I highly respect, and I feel gratified to think that it may be pleasing to you to see the will, if it is I shall be richly rewarded for the little trouble I had in copying it.—I hope you will have the goodness to Answer this letter, and let me know whether you recd. my letter with the will inclosed in it.—I am with the highest respects / your Humle. Sert.

					Rosseter Cotton


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy November 15th. 1824

Your friend Professor Ticknor is bound upon a Tour in Virginia, though he needs no introduction to you he has requested a letter from me, and I cannot deny him, he carries his Lady with him; who is rich enough, and handsome enough, & amiable enough, And what can one say more—
Is the present calm in the Political World to continue long or not? Our controversy will all be settled in a short time, and then we shall all submit like lambs. I hope the future Administration will be as wise, as prudent, and as fortunate as the present; and then we shall all set down as quietly as Lambs—
Advanced fifteen days in my ninetieth year, I salute you as cordially as ever. I envy Mrs. Ticknor the pleasure of becoming acquainted with your family of Grand Daughters—my love to Mrs. Randolph.—
You and I have been favo’red with a visit from our old friend General LaFayette, what a wonderful Man at his Age to undergo the fatigues of such long journeys and constant feasts. I was greatly delighted with the sight of him and the little conversation I had with him.
France changes her King as easily as her glove, His present Majesty it is said has commenced his reign by some very popular acts, and very wise ones, such as more freedom to the press, and unlimited Amnesty to all political offenders.— / Vale—

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Monroe, 15 November 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir.
Quincy November 15th. 1824—

Permit me to introduce to you Mr Ticknor and his Lady. This Gentleman is a Professor at our University in Cambridge, and one of the most conspicuous Literary Characters in this State, he has been for several years intimately acquainted with Mr Jefferson, and is highly esteemed by him. I believe he has been acquainted with Mr Madison he proposes to visit Montpelier as well as Montecello in the course of this Tour—He is married to a Lady of fortune, as well as merit, who is desirous of seeing the great Men of the South, a curiosity that all wise Men must applaud—I cannot pass this opportunity, of Congratulating you on the singular felicity of your Administration, which as far as I  know has been without fault—I wish you the same happiness in private life—
Being with high esteem your / most obedient / Humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Charles Carroll, 16 November 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Carroll, Charles

Dear Sir
Quincy November 16th. 1824

The bearer of this letter is a gentleman of eminent literary character in this State & as a Professor in our University at Cambridge. His manners and graces have recommended him to all who have been acquainted with him I believe. I know of no exception. He and his lady are desirous of seeing all the great men of the south and I am sure it will gratify both him and his wife to carry a letter to Mr Carrol of Carrolton who is one of the most respectable among them.
What delightful security, tranquility and serenity we enjoy. Did you expect this country would grow as it has done in 74? I am frequently asked this question, and my answer is, I did expect it in 74 and 54 too. In one respect I expected it in a much greater degree. I expected, before this time, an arm of defence which would have protected us in greater security than we enjoy now. I expected we should have had an arm of defence which would have protected us in consisting of 50 ships of the line at least, and perhaps more, and I think that our country has discovered less judgment and sagacity in neglecting this power than any thing she has done since she was herself. But what folly it is for a man in his ninetieth year to be prating about ships. With great veneration to you & respect to your family I have the honour to be your / friend of half a century
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 17 November 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Woodward, Augustus Elias Brevoort

Dear Sir.
Quincy, 17th Nov. 1824.

The formidable invasion of my ninetieth year must be my apology for neglecting, and so improperly, your valuable and worthy present of “A System of Universal Science”; but the loss of my sight prevents my making the use of it I wish.
It is a work of great labour and research, and must be useful to those who wish to inquire into that subject.
I also thank you for the newspapers you sent me.
I wish that all mankind understood that anarchical part of our history, 1798 and 1799, as well as you do—in which the Constitution was suspended, if not annihilated.
The present contest will settle down much more contentedly, I believe, whoever is chosen.
I am, sir, your obliged & humble servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 19 November 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear General,
Quincy 19th: November 1824.

I was made very happy by your letter, from New York 20th: September. I regretted your short visit but I was highly delighted with it, and wished it was much longer. A visit at my age from such a friend is a memorable epocha in my poor history. I thank you for introducing to me that excellent gentleman, Mr Huger. I find him an intelligent, amiable gentleman as any I have seen. I was delighted with his conversation, which again was very much too short. I should earnestly wish another conversation with him but that is past all possibility. I rejoice with him that he has had another opportunity of meeting you. It gave me great pleasure to receive, from my Grand-daughter, the expression of her gratitude to you for a visit to her and her children at Cedar Grove. It gave me great pleasure to hear that you met my John at Baltimore. I hope my John & your George have renewed their friendship and have made it perpetual. Give my kindest regards to your Son and tell him I have some faint hope of seeing him with his beloved and respected Father again at Quincy in the Spring. Give my kind compliments to Monsieur ‘le Vasseur, who I hope will attend you next Spring.
I write you nothing upon our American Politics, because you have been in so many different parts you must know more upon Politics than I do. I believe very few men in the United States are less zealous in than it than I am. I find my ninetieth year so heavy a burden to bear that my nonchallénce is almost equal to that of Fontenelle, when he was almost an hundred; when Asparagus, in oil, affected him, more than the death of his earliest friend, who fell dead at his feet. Indeed, my total incapacity to do any good almost discourages me from trying.
The world will do its own business and will go on much as it has done heretofore. I have however spirit enough left to long to be with you at Monticello and Montpelier. The new King of France is represented to have begun his reign with great wisdom and prudence, and in the hope of his continuance in that way I say “vive le roi.” I am glad that you are to return to Washington to spend the Winter from whence we shall hear from you continually and the mighty bustle will then be over.
Meantime I am, with a grateful recollection of your invariable affection to America at all times, and an all places, and your invariable attachment to liberal principals in Religion & Government, / your sincere friend & humble servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Nathaniel Curtis, 25 November 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Curtis, Nathaniel

Sir,
Quincy 25th: Novemr: 1824.

I have received your kind letter of October 29th: and the four bottles of Native wine very politely sent me by John Adlum Esqr. of Georgetown. Please present my thankful acknowledgement to Mr Adlum for his valuable present. I am not certain whether the word Native means, that it is made of American Grapes or of foreign Grapes planted here; but in either case it proves that the wine is made of Grapes of our own soil.
Indeed the Grapes, raised in Boston and its neighbouring towns, are capable of making as good wine as any, & might be raised in much greater abundance. I have a vine in my garden which was planted here by the Vassal family certainly more than fifty years ago which is still a vigorous plant, and whenever we have taken proper care of it has thrived in great luxuriance and produced a great abundance of fruit. I thank you, Sir, for the care you have taken in this affair. I have tasted a bottle of it and think it is good wine.
I am Sir your obliged and humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Adlum, 26 November 1824
From: Adams, John
To: Adlum, John

Sir,
Quincy 26th. November 1824.

I have received from Mr Curtis your valuable present of American Wine; whether it is made from original American Grapes or from plants imported from abroad is an equal proof that wine can be made in this country.
Indeed Grapes are raised in the City of Boston and its neighbouring Towns in such quantities that wine might be made of them here. I have in my own garden a vine, of one of the finest French white Grapes, which has been here certainly more than fifty years, and for ought I know near a hundred. When we have taken any proper care of it, it still flourishes in great luxuriance and produces large quantities of fruit. It is a hardy plant but we have a terrible enemy to Grapes in this part of the country in the rose-bug which seizes upon the blossoms as soon as they appear and destroys the greater part of them.
I doubt not that it will prevail by degrees so that it will be a valuable enjoyment. I wish you every success in the cultivation of it.
I am your obliged & humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 8 January 1825
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello Jan. 8. 25.

				It is long since I have written to you. this proceeds from the difficulty of writing with my crippled wrists, and from an unwillingness to add to your inconveniences of either reading by the eyes, or writing by the hands of others. the account I recieve of your physical situation afflicts me sincerely. but if body or mind was one of them to give way, it is a great comfort that it is the mind which remains whole, and that it’s vigor, and that of memory, continues firm. your hearing too is good as I am told. in this you have the advantage of me. the dullness of mine makes me lose much of the conversation of the world, and much a stranger to what is passing in it. acquiescence is the only pillow, altho’ not always a soft one. I have had one advantage of you. this presidential election has given me few anxieties. with you this must have been impossible, independently of the question whether we are at last to end our days under a civil or a military government? I am comforted and protected from other solicitudes by the cares of our University. in some departments of science we believed Europe to be in advance before us, and thought it would advance ourselves were we to draw thence instructors in these branches, and thus to improve our science, as we have done our manufactures, by borrowed skill. I have been much squibbed for this; perhaps by disappointed applicants for professorships to which they were deemed incompetent. we wait only the arrival of three of the professors engaged in England to open our university.I have lately been reading the most extraordinary of all books, and at the same time the most demonstrative by numerous and unequivocal facts. it is Flourens’ Experiments on the functions of the Nervous system, in vertebrated animals. he takes out the cerebrum compleatly, leaving the cerebellum and other parts of the system uninjured. the animal loses all it’s senses of hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling tasting, is totally deprived of will, intelligence, memory, perception Etc yet lives for months in perfect health, with all it’s powers of motion, but without moving but on external excitement, starving even on a pile of grain unless crammed down it’s throat; in a state, in short, of the most absolute stupidity. he takes the cerebellum out of others, leaving the cerebrum untouched. the animal retains all it’s senses, faculties & understanding, but loses the power of regulated motion, and exhibits all the symptoms of drunkeness. while he makes incisions in the cerebrum and cerebellum, lengthwise and crosswise which heal & get well, a puncture in the medulla elongata is instant death, and many other most interesting things, too long for a letter. Cabanis had proved, from the anatomical structure of certain portions of the human frame, that they might be capable of recieving from the Creator the faculty of thinking. Flourens proves that the cerebrum is the thinking organ, and that life and health may continue, and the animal be entirely without thought, if deprived of that organ. I wish to see what the spiritualists will say to this. whether, in this state, the soul remains in the body deprived of it’s essence of thought, or whether it leaves it as in death and where it goes? his memoirs and experiments have been reported on with approbation by a committee of the Institute, composed of Cuvier, Bertholet, Dumeril, Portal and Pinel. but all this you and I shall know, when we meet again in another place, and at no distant period. in the mean time, that the revived powers of your frame, and the anodyne of philosophy may preserve you from all suffering, is my sincere and affectionate prayer.

					Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from William Dabney, 15 January 1825
From: Dabney, William
To: Adams, John

					Sir.
					Richmond Virga. Jany 15. 1825.

				My respect for you, (altho’ personally unknown) induces me to offer you herein enclosed, and to ask your acceptance of, one right to use for yourself & heirs a right for my Patent Pump for raising water by gravity or Weight, a Patent for which, I have obtained from the United States in November last. This Machine is of cast & wrought iron, and not bulky—is simple in its construction and durable—a weight of 8, or 9 hundred pounds can be wound up by a large crank and 2 wheels in a short time, which will propell it for a whole day—then wind it up again &c. A tube of half inch diameter will produce, say 50 or 60 Gallons of water per hour—the water when raised from Wells or other places of a sufficient height Can be conveyed in Metalic, or wooden tubes to any distance, & for many usefull purposes, say, for, Table use, cooking, washing, Baths, Gardens, Orchards, Stake yards, distileries, Taneries &c &c. I shall have in this place soon a Manufactory of them when they Can be packed  sent to any part of the United  water or land Carriage.—The  of one, will not exceed 80 or 90$  of the weight, which every person using one, can make himself.—the Patent fee I propose to make low, say 20$ for the term of the Patent.When you are at leisure, it would give me pleasure to have a letter from you, stating your opinion of its usefullness in your State, & as I shall go to your country in the summer, it will afford me great gratification to call on you, for a moment & pay my respects personally to you.I have had the honor of a letter from Mr. T. Jefferson, highly approving this invention.Accept my best wishes / & highest respect, Sir, / your Obt.

					William Dabney.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy 22d. January 1825

Your letter of the 8th. has revived me—It is true, that my hearing has been very good, but the last year it has decayed so much, that I am in a worse situation than you are, I cannot hear any of the common conversation of my family, without calling upon them to repeat in a louder tone.
The presidential election has given me less anxiety than I, myself could have imagined, The next administration will be a troublesome one to whomsoever it falls. And our John has been too much worn to contend much longer with conflicting factions. I call him our John, because when you was at Cul de sac at Paris, he appeared to me to be almost as much your boy as mine, I have often speculated upon the consequences that would have ensued from my takeing your advice, to send him to William and Mary College in Virginia for an Education
As to the decision of your Author, though I wish to see the Book I look upon it as a mere game at push-pin Incision knives will never discover the distinction between matter and spirit, or whether there is any or not, that there is an active principle of power in the Universe is apparent—but in what substance that active principle of power resides, is past our investigation, the faculties of our understanding are not adiquate to penetrate the Universe, let us do our duty which is to do as we would be done by, and that one would think, could not be difficult, if we honestly aim at it.—
Your University is a noble employment in your old Age, and your ardor for its success, does you honour, but I do not approve of your sending to Europe for Tutors, and Professors, I do believe there are sufficient scholars in America to fill your Professorships and Tutorships with more active ingenuity, and independent minds, than you can bring from Europe. The Europeans are all deeply tainted with prejudices both Ecclesiastical, and Temporal which they can never get rid off, they are all infected with Episcopal and Presbyterian Creeds, and confessions of faith, they all believe that great principle, which has produced this boundless Universe. Newtons Universe, and Herschells universe, came down to this little Ball, to be spit-upon by Jews; and untill this awful blasphemy is got rid of, there never will be any liberal science in the world.—
I salute your fire side, with best affection, and best wishes for their health, wealth, and prosperity. / Ever your friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

My dear Sir.
Quincy 23rd January 1825.

We think ourselves possessed or at least we boast that we are so of Liberty of Conscience on all subjects and of the right of free inquiry and private judgment, in all cases and yet how far are we from these exalted privileges in fact. There exists I believe throughout the whole Christian world a law which makes it blasphemy to deny or to doubt the divine inspiration of all the books of the old and new Testaments from Genesis to Revelations. In most countries of Europe it is punished by fire at the stake, or the rack, or the wheel: in England itself it is punished by boring through the tongue with a red hot poker: in America it is not much better, even in our Massachusetts which I believe upon the whole is as temperate and moderate in religious zeal as most of the States A law was made in the latter end of the last-century repealing the cruel punishments of the former laws but substituting fine and imprisonment upon all those blasphemers upon any book of the old Testament or new. Now what free inquiry when a writer must surely encounter the risk of fine or imprisonment for adducing any argument for investigation into the divine authority of those books? Who would run the risk of translating Volney’s Recherches Nouvelles? who would run the risk of translating Dupuis? but I cannot enlarge upon this subject, though I have it much at heart. I think such laws a great embarassment, great obstructions to the improvement of the human mind. Books that cannot bear examination certainly ought not to be established as divine inspiration by penal laws. It is true few persons appear desirous to put such laws in execution and it is also true that some few persons are hardy enough to venture to depart from them; but as long as they continue in force as laws the human mind must make an awkward and clumsy progress in its investigations. I wish they were repealed. The substance and essence of Christianity as I understand it is eternal and unchangeable and will bear examination forever but it has been mixed with extraneous ingredients, which I think will not bear examination and they ought to be separated.
Adieu
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 10 February 1825
From: Wheaton, Joseph
To: Adams, John

					Revered Sir
					Washington City 10. Feby 1825

				It hath pleased Almighty God in his Goodness and Mercy to give to this great & favored people yesterday, about half past four oclock P.M., your Son John Quincy Adams, as the President elect, to rule over this nation four years from the 4th. day of March next; I rejoice with you & with those dear to you on this happy event, I rejoice the more because it must be a balm to your heretofore wounded feeling & to those “grievances which you and I have felt” and I still so deeply felt—Were I to indulge my feelings on those subjects I could say much, but I forbear least I might disturb your joy on this late ocasion and therefore, will close this letter with a most earnest prayer to our Heavenly Father, that you may be the object of his peculiar Care, so long as it may please him to permit you to remain among us, in a land so dear to yourself,in a land where all your early powers have been imployed to to make great and happy—with this sincere desire & prayer / I remain dear & Revered Sir / faithfully your obedient / & very Humble Servant

					Joseph Wheaton


Title: To John Adams from John Marston, Jr., 11 February 1825
From: Marston, John, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Philadiephia, February 11th 1825

				I cannot deny myself the pleasure of improving the earliest opportunity, to offer to you my warmest congratulations, upon the accession of your son to the Presidency It is a circumstance which on several accounts I have long lookd forward to, with the most earnest anxiety: & I trust you will not deem me uncourteous when I say, that that which most prompted my hopes for his success, was the good which our country would derive There are however other circumstances which created the wish in me to see your son the President of the United States; at the head of which I place, the great satisfaction which must naturally be felt by yourself: & I have only to regret that I could not have been the bearer of the intelligence to you, that I might have personally enjoyd the pleasure of witnessing your happiness in which I again beg leave to offer you my participation, & with it the great respect of / Yr very obedt servant

					John Marston Jr


Title: To John Adams from Joshua Sands, 11 February 1825
From: Sands, Joshua
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Brookly  near New York Feby 11th. 1825

				Allow me my venerable Friend, from whom I have recd. such marks of favor and friendship, to ongratulate you on the Election of your son John Quincy Adams to the Presidency of the United States—may His administracion under Divine Providence, be a blessed with success to our beloved country, and his own happiness, is the ardent wish and prayers to God of Him who has the Honor to be with the warmest attachment to you and your Family

					Josh Sands


Title: To John Adams from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 12 February 1825
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					Washington february 12h 1825

				Receive the Most Cordial Congratulations from an old friend of the father and the Son, who on this Occasion feels much for You, and for Him, and who will Be Happy on the Bunker Hill Anniversary to express in person the patriotic and individual Sentiments which Have Been known to You for Near Half a Century. Most truly and Affectionately / Your old friend

					Lafayette


Title: To John Adams from LeRay de Chaumont, 14 February 1825
From: Chaumont, LeRay de
To: Adams, John

					Most Respected Sir.
					Philada Feby. 14 1825

				To you who have been so Kind at different epochas of my Life, to shew a Sympathising  interest in my more important concerns, I must address my most sincere congratulations upon the result of the Presidential Election which confer to your most distinguished son the greatest gift and proof of confidence which it is in the power of this so enlighted and so great people, to bestow to a Man.I am in my way to Washington & my first step there will be to pay my respect to the Elect President, who like his Worthy father has bestowed upon me at different times some friendly writen proofs of his lively interest for my Wellfare.Helas! my fate has not been that happy one which my first successes and Steady attention to my undertakings in this Country had almost insured, and that which yourself, my dear Sir, had been good enough to anticipate for me.Events which could not be forseen when I made such great investments in the States of New-York and Pensilvania for myself and friends—have destroyed our just expectations. The Invention of Steam boats, Combined with the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States opened, to the Emigrants of the East who were before slucking upon our land, immense new tracts which they prefered for many years...other causes too long to be detailled, like the sudden fall of produce & even the making of the great Erie Canal which opened to the Settlers new Countries beyond us...all combined to reduce allmost to nothing the price of our vast properties. I had mean time become security for several of the Land holders—stored to take a great deal of their properties at an advanced & too great price...Those engagements, added to mine would not however have deranged me, had it not been for the dreadfull torture on the price of property. I began by Selling Chaumont in France—There was no loss, it is true—it produced above a Million of Francs—& my other properties there equally well. But here was the ruin I have been obliged to take one Dollar when I had given four and more.I must cut short. The remainder of my properties is conveyed by me to my eldest son who is going to administer and fell them for the benefit of my Creditors—doubtfull that my children will ever receive a penny from my inheritance. The present appearances are against it very strongly.In such a distressfull situation the example of LaFayette our mutual friend, is reanimating my spirits. Like him my father promptly and earnestly espoused the American cause in the earliest days of its troubles, & much before the Government of France had joined it employed his influence, credit & fortune to hasten that great support & was constantly—employed to render it most effectual. I his only son renounced as well as my father to all employments in France to devote myself to the Country in whose fate we had placed all our greatest feeling and almost all our destiny. Like LaFayette too we were adverse to have recourse to the justice and gratitude of the United-States as long as Fortune would offer a sufficient support, & I was myself happy to Continue, as I was, with prospects of prosperity, always contributing to the Wellfare of this my adopted Country, when the above mentioned desasters began, and my present position that of my family are such that I am now in my way to Washington to appeal to the sentiments of justice and gratitude which animate the members of Congress and Heads of the Government.You see, My dear Sir, how much I rely upon you Kind interest in what concerns me to have expatiated so long upon our family affairs & situation. Indeed I feel confident in your good wishes for our success.I am with great regard & sincer attachment / Most Respected Sir / Your very obedt / & Hble.  servant & / friend

					Le Ray de Chaumont

					P.S. You have so obligingly once received one of my former addresses that I take the liberty to forward you the last I delivered.


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 14 February 1825
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

					My Venerable Friend.
					Albany. 14 feby. 1825

				Holding an occasional correspondence with you for upwards of 40 years on various subjects, it is peculiarly proper and I desire to bless GOD, that I have it in my power in the Evening of your useful days to offer to you my sincere, and hearty congratulations on the recent elevation of your distinguished Son to the first Office in the power of a grateful Nation to bestow upon him.I am the more gratified, that this great State has contributed to his elevation in the var various stages of the great contest—the efforts of my friend Clinton and his co’adjutors to the contrary notwithstanding.I am Dear Sir with great respect & Sincere affection

					Elkanah Watson


Title: To John Adams from John Kean Dayton, 15 February 1825
From: Dayton, John Kean
To: Adams, John

					Honored & Dear Sir
					Boston 16th. February 1825

				I can not refrain from addressing a few congratulatory lines, on the occasion of your Son, being appointed to the high and important Office, that you once filled, much to the honor of our beloved CountryIn this event, millions of the descendants of those who were in former years ruled by your wisdom will rejoice—May you Honored Sir, long continue to live & witness our nations gratitude, and when, at last it shall please the Almighty ruler, to call you from this to another and a better world, the name of Adams will remain, deeply engraven on the minds of every true American of every sincere lover of his Country—With the highest sentiments of respect / I am Honored & Dear Sir / Your obedient / and humble Servant

					John Kean Dayton


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1825
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello Feb. 15. 25.

				The people of Europe seem still to think that America is a mere garden plat, and that whatever is sent to one place is close for at home as to every other. the volume I now forward to you by this mail was found on Majr. Cartwright’s death, was found to have in his own handwriting an address for you altho’ mistaking your Christian name. his friends having occn to write to me on another subject, and supposing we were but next door nbors sent it this vol. to N.Y. under my address, whence it has travelled post to this place, and must now travel back again and thence to the point to which it ot to have gone at first.I sincerely congratulate you on the high gratificn which the issue of the late election must have afforded you. it must excite ineffable feelings in the breast of a father to have lived to see a son to whose educn & happiness his life has been devoted so eminently distinguished by the voice of his country. nor do I see any reason to suppose the next admn will be so difficult as in your favor of Jan. 22. you seemed to expect. so deeply are the principles of order, and of obedience to law impressed on the minds of our citizens generally that I am persuaded there will be as immediate an acquiescence in the will of the majority as if he Mr Adams had been the choice of every man. the scriblers in newspapers may for a while express their disappmt in angry squibs; but these will not evaporate without influencig. the public functionaries nor  will they prevent their harmonising with their associates in the government. transaction of public affairs. nights of rest to you and days of tranquility are the wishes I tender you with my affectte. respects

					Th:J


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 February 1825
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and much respected Sir!
Olden barneveld 15 Febr. 1825.

It was my intention to have delay’d writing to you—till the great die was cast—but perusing Dr Morse’s—Revolution I was So Struck and delighted by your interesting Letters—to him mr. Niles and Judge Tudor, that I could not longer bereave me Self of the pleasure of  giving you my cordial thanks for these valuable Records. How deeply I regret, that your avocations did not permit you twenty years past, to enrich us with an History of that unparalleled Revolution—It would have been a monument to your fame, if nothing else had been accomplished by you—Your escritoire must contain a treasure of Documents for this purpose—but, you may Say, it Shall not be lost in the hands of my Son. Be it So—He may place this wreath around your bust, when you Shall have left your frends alone. May I Solicit to procure me the Letters of John Quincy Adams to Harrison Gray Otis—which I never Saw, and to ask George Washington Adams, if he can not recollect—that in 1820—one old New-yorker from Oldenbarneveld Spend a few happy days at Montezillo? if he can—why did He not make Him a present of his Oration delivered at Quincy, and mentioned in the North Am. Rev. Oct. 1824—He would have obtained my most cordial thanks But no one Seems to care about me in your neighbourhood, except good Mrs Quincy.
Is it not Some what Strange—that I must be informed from Monticello—"our frend Adams mind continues Strong and firm his memory Sound, his hearing perfect, and his Spirits good—but Both He and myself are at that term of life, when there is nothing before us to produce anxiety for its continuance.—as my Situation does not permit me, to make a new excursion to Massachusetts, which—could it be accomplished, would give me an inexpresable delight—my good frends there ought not to erase my name from their memory—although it may not be of any profit to them; By you—my Dear frend—I Shall not be forgotten—and my ardent wish and prayer is, that your last days may be your best days.
7. Febr. 1825—
Thus far I had written, now—my Dear and Respected Frend! now the rumours from Albany Spread through this village—whose truth I will not call doubt, althoug my Dear wife, So ardently longing that your prayers and wishes may already have been ed by our Heavenly Father, yet hesitates—compell me to break my Silence. Thirteen States have declared in favour of John Quincy Adams—John Quincy Adams is gloriously elected the President of the United States!! what a victory! what thanksgivings are due to a bountiful God—and many of the wisest of the best will ardently join us in these—It is true, his Revered his dear Beloved mother can not join you in this praise, but your tremulous voice Shall with the Hosanna’s of your children your grand-children ascend to Heaven—and your prayers Shall be heard for his welfare—and of your Country, by our All mighty and Bountiful God
Now I ought to have been at Montezillo—So that I might have joined the Chorus—there I would have filled the lamper—and wished health and prosperity to President J. Q. Adams—and the name of Adams would have been heard through the Town of Quincy—would have resounded in Boston—and re-echoed through Massachusetts—and that noble Land of N. England. Neither of us two can expect to enjoy this blessing many days—but we have Seen the rising Sun—our children our frends Shall continue to rejoice, and admire it in its meridian glory—and the acclamations to his future Successors Shall be—Be brave as Washington—be wise as Adams—and follow them in their patriotic career.
Mrs. v. d. Kemp joins me cordially in this congratulations, while I remain with deep respect / Your affectionate and obliged / frend.

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp.

P.S. This instant I received from my Grand Son at Philadelphia the confirmation of the happy event of J. Q. Adams election as President of the U.S.


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 15 February 1825
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

					My venerable Friend
					Albany. 15th: Feby. 1825

				Holding a correspondence with you for the on various subjects for upwards of 45 years; it is peculiarly proper, and I desire to bless GOD that I have it in my power in the Evng. of your useful days to offer to you my sincere and hearty congratulations on the recent elevation of your Son to the first Office in the gift of a republican Nation. I am the more gratified that this great State has contributed to his elevation in every Stage of the mighty controversy. I am now treading fast on the heels of an Old man—and GOD has permitted you to reach four Score & ten. Farewell my great good friend May we meet in regions of bliss. Heaven / protect you

					E. Watson


Title: To John Adams from Jason D. Battles, 16 February 1825
From: Battles, Jason D.,Woods, John
To: Adams, John

					President John Adams Sir
					Boston Feby. 16th. 1825

				The officers & Members of the Boston artillery Co. congratulate you & your family on the event that has Lately occurd: Viz. the Election of your Son John Quincy Adams to be president of the united States of America. They have volunteerd: their Services to fire three National Salutes on his receiving the Command on the 4th. of March next. if it Should be Agreeable for you to make this Spirited Co: a present for the relief of expence on that day it will be recvd: with that enthusiasm which Cannot be expressd. By penFor the Boston Artillry Co.

					Jason D. BattlesJohn WoodsCommitte

					(NB) The Comitte will wait upon you at your residence in quincy on tuesday afternoon next the 22d. inst, to Forward to the Co. what ever you may see fit to transmit.


Title: To John Adams from Adam Gerard Mappa, 16 February 1825
From: Mappa, Adam Gerard
To: Adams, John

					Sir!
					Oldenbarneveld February 16th. 1825.

				Since Christmas 1789 a few days after my arrival at New-York, when, invited by your politeness, I enjoyed the honour at your Table of renewing the recollection of a visit I had the pleasure to pay you at the Hague, au Lion d’Or, when Mr. Du Mat was my interpreter in asking your friendly advice to emigrate with my family to North America. Not having had the pleasure of paying you my grateful respects, during Such a lapse of time, being upwards of thirty years buried in the Northern deserts of this State; I cannot neglect to embrace the opportunity afforded me by this happy, and long wished for event of the elevation of your dear Son the Honourable John Quincy Adams to the Presidency of these United States; Accept Sir! my most Sincere Congratulations on this auspicious Completion  of the wishes of your Paternal heart, and of those admirers of eminent Talents, Patriotism and wellwishers of our distinguishedly blessed, and happy Country.May it please the Almighty to prolong your days, to enjoy the Satisfaction which our beloved President Elect will procure you, and all true friends of national Liberty, and National Independence.I have the honour to remain, / Sir! / Your most respectful / and Obedt. Servt.

					A: G: Mappa.


Title: From John Adams to Joshua Sands, 18 February 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Sands, Joshua

Dear Sir
Quincy 18th Febry. 1825

I have received with peculiar sensibility your friendly letter, of 11th. instant—because I knew it proceeded from a Gentleman of great respectability in society a Gentleman of great honor, integrity and worth, I wish you and yours every prosperity I long to write to our friend Jay but I am too faint and short-breath’d to dictate a few lines
I am Sir your obliged friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Julia Stockton Rush, 19 February 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Julia Stockton

Dear Madam Rush
Quincy Feby. 19th. 1825

Among all the congratulations which I have rec’d upon this occasion more have affected me more tenderly than this from the bosom friend of my ancient & excellent friend Dr Rush. I feel a regret that yr worthy Son our Ambassador in England was not on this side the water upon the occasion. My best wishes attend you Madam & all yr children and will do so as long as I have any wishes. this cannot be long for I have advanced one third in my ninetieth year and am reduced to the last stages of imbecility.
I am Madam your respectful and / affectionate friend and humble servant

John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 February 1825
From: Spafford, Horatio Gates
To: Adams, John

				Private.
					Esteemed Friend—
					Troy, N.Y., 2 Mo. 21 1825.

				Thou hast been pleased to command my literary labors, and to manifest toward me so much kindness, that I beg permission to ask of thee a favor. The 15 years that I have devoted to the topography, statistics, geography & history of this State, have procured me plenty of empty-handed praise, a very general public applause, but, as to pecuniary compensation for these labors, my time has been wasted than thrown away. The State is perfectly ungrateful, as respects me, though I have, its public functionaries all acknowledge, rendered very important services to it. At the age of 47, my health very much impaired, a cripple from the effects of a chronic rheumatism, I am compelled, in justice to myself & family, to seek employment in some public office at Washington! The ingratitude of this State, tells me not to lay my bones in its earth. I have a worthy & promising family, of 4 daughters, little girls, & 3 older, married, & settled. We are good æconomists, but with all my application & industry, I can not keep lay any thing up for old age. Do me the favor, I entreat thee, to speak in my behalf to thy Son, President elect, & ask him to give me some situation, at Washington, in which, by steady application & good æconomy, I can, at least, live. I am very much afflicted, alarmed at the prospect of increasingdecrepitude, but have confidence in my own ability, in a suitable station, to earn, in the service of my country, as much as my wishes crave. By a long train of adversity, I am poor, though nearly out of debt. I am known to the most of the New York degelation in Congress, and the Members are many of them my friends. By inquiring of S. Van Rensselaer, thy Son could learn all about my habits, charcter, qualifications for business, &c.—If the Patent Office were vacant, I should venture to ask that;—but that the honor of office is not my object.May it be thy happy lot to enjoy the good things of this life, & the blessings of heaven in that hearafter, to which we are going. Our country is on the career of greatness, & the eye of the World is upon us, some for good & some for evil. I anticipate the anxiety thou must feel for the career of thy Son, & I devoutly pray that thy parental solicitude, for him & our country, may find, in the sunshine of divine favor, the consolations of the Patriarchs of old. Affectionately, Farewell.

					Horatio Gates Spafford.


Title: To John Adams from George Fenno, 22 February 1825
From: Fenno, George
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Mount Upton N.Y. Feb: 22. 1825

				An event so great and truly auspicious to the best interests of our Country as the elevation of John Quincy Adams to its presidency, seems to Command the felicitation of all his father’s friends—Among that number the only surviving child (though now in his fortieth year) of John Fenno begs to be considered—No sentiment was instilled more early into his breast, by both parents, than veneration for the second president; none shall be more to his children than the same sentiment for its sixth—His Sabine farm did not render Horace more independent than it has pleased a benignant Providence to make me—I have therefore no other want to gratify than as far as possible to perpetuate to my own offspring the great blessing my father obtained in being able to number the names of Geo Washington and yourself as that of J. Q. A. will hereafter be as the great benefactors of the human race.—With the highest consideration / which a human being can / command I am / Your Obt Servant

					George Fenno


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 February 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

My dear & never failing friend
Quincy 24th February 1825:

The events of this month, have been to me almost overwhelming. They have excited my sensibility too much for a man almost ninety years to bear.
The multitude of letters of congratulations which I have received I can never pretend to answer, for it fatigues me to dictate even a few lines—but none of these letters have been more cordially welcomed than that of my friend Van der Kemp. I reciprocate all your kind wishes for my health & happiness, for yours and all your friends. I am surprised that George did not send you one of his Orations but I suppose his modesty prevented. We have one left and that I send you enclosed with this. Your friends the Quincys are enjoying all the honours that the City of Boston can bestow. Indeed the whole Country seem to behold them with admiration & love. Indeed Mr Quincy is a great & good Magistrate.—his name will be immortalized among the best worthies of the age. I have laboured under this epidemic cold and still labour under it “till my strength is almost exhausted. My Father died in the year 1761, and fifteen other old men in this neighbourhood In that year a calamity like this prevailed with equal malignity and much more mortality
Present my respect & veneration to your kind excellent lady and thank her for her kind Sentiments towards me but my breath fails me and I must conclude with assurances of unabated esteem & affection.
John Adams