Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 27 December 1815
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					N. 80.My Dear Mother
					Boston House 27th Decr. 1815

				My Nephew and Secretary of Legation Mr J. A. Smith, upon his arrival here on the 10th. Instant, delivered to me your kind favours of the 30th. Septbr. and 23d October, the latter enclosing copies of two Letters of recommendation upon which you suppose he obtained the appointment.  My sentiments upon this subject have not been concealed from you, but as the President has thought proper to place him in the situation, it now becomes me only to wish that he may prove a faithful and useful public servant, and that the Office may prove to him as agreeable in the reality as it has been in the anticipation.  In the letter from Judge Van Ness to his kinsman, he says he has reason to believe the appointment would be personally agreeable to me. Whence he derived his information, I know not, nor need I say to you that it was erroneous. It could not be agreeable to me, had it been for no other reason than that I had already recommended the appointment of another person, who not being my    kinsman, may have too much reason to suspect that I have not acted sincerely towards him in these transactions, and whose suspicions would derive strong confirmation from that passage in Judge Van Ness’s Letter, were he acquainted with it.This new Political connection will however probably not be of long continuance.  My fathers opinion that I can do here no good for my Country so far coincides with my own, that combining with the terms upon which it has pleased my Country to impose upon me the duty of representing her here, it has induced me repeatedly to request to be relieved from the burden which upon those terms will from day to day become more insupportable.  If it be possible for me to do any good, the same service may be equally performed by many others to whom it would be more agreeable, and whose circumstances in life may enable them to perform it without injustice to themselves and their families.As Congress are now in Session, I suppose your enigma about the Commercial Treaty or Convention has before this time found a solution.  The British Government who are very unwilling to make any commercial Treaty at all, appeared to be actuated by the principle when they did consent to treat, of making as little of a Treaty as possible. From the anxious expectation which it appears to have excited in the United States, there cannot fail to result much disappointment and not a little derision, when it comes to be known.  Little however as it is, it has excited some discontent among the commercial monopolists of this Country, and has been attacked with as much bitterness and probably far more ability for what it contains, as I have no doubt it will be in America for what it omits.  Our Naval campaign in the Mediteranian has been perhaps as splendid as any thing that has occurred in our annals since our existence as a Nation. It has excited little attention in Europe because a more extensive scene and more powerful interest have absorbed all the attention of the European Nations at the same time but it has manifested an American influence upon the Barbary Powers, which, if not much noticed by the people of the Christian Nations, will sink deep enough into the memory of the Cabinets by which they are Governed.  While we remain entirely disconnected with the political arrangements of Europe, our affairs and our atchievements will be but little noticed by them and when noticed we must expect to discover the impression which it produces upon them not by their approbation, but by their jealousy.  Europe, which has already felt us far more than she or we ourselves are aware, is destined yet to feel us perhaps more than she or we expect. It is for us to remember that during the last year of our late War with Great Britain, there was a virtual combination of all Europe with her against us, and although it is to be hoped that the ascendancy which Great Britain has acquired, is already waning, and will rapidly decline, we must still be always prepared for self defence against the aggressions which her interests or her Passions may point or excite to effect if possible our ruin Her language at the present time is pacific, but the situation of her people is so far from being easy or contented that it is a prevailing sentiment here that a foreign War is indispensably necessary to save the Nation from internal convulsions.  These animosities against France have been almost satiated, by the condition to which they have reduced her, but their feelings against America are keener, more jealous, more envious, more angry than ever. The Government is making the experiment of Peace, but peace already ruins the Agricultural interest of the Country, and as they must soon find the absolute necessity of making new Loans and issuing new floods of Bank Paper, it is to be feared that their only expedient for reconciling the people to these measures will be to involve them in a War, which will furnish the pretext for resorting to them. I hope however that it will at least not arise until I shall have been released from the station of Centinel at this Post.Our Boys are all at home, for the Christmas holidays, and the Vacation continues until the 1st. of February. George and Charles are afflicted with severe coughs, which I believe are a seasoning to the Climate, or at least to the Coal-fires. They will write to you, or to some of their friends by this opportunity. George seldom misses one, and he flatters himself that he is very much improved in his hand writing: you will judge how correctly. He studies Homer and Horace and Fencing and the German Flute and a deportment. He has also commenced a reputation for Oratory, but he has a Military passion as ardent as that of Uncle Toby and I do not despair of seeing him as deeply skilled in the disciplines of the Wars, as Captn. Fluellen. My duty to my father and believe me to be ever affectionately yours

					John  Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 31 December 1815
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Dear Sir,
					London 31 Dec 1815.

				I am induced to furnish you with a list of my friends who interrested themselves for me and solicited the Government that I might be appointed Secretary of the Legation to this Court least you should receive an erroneous impression and believe that my pretensions rested solely upon the recommendation of Govr. Tompkins & Judge Van Ness.Col Marinus Willett wrote to Mr. Monroe.Mr Riker Reorder of the City of New York to Mr M.Col Saml. Hawkins—Genl. John Swartwout—Genl. Robert Swartwout—Mr Sandford Senator from New York—Mr Fisk Atty Genl. for the District of New YorkMr Jacob Barker—Col Fenwick—Mr James Fairlie Clerk of the Sup Court of the State of New YorkMr. John Jacob Astor to Mr DallasThomas Addis Emmet—Mr. Jacob Barker to Mr Rushthese recommendations and solicitations having gone forth to the Government previous to my receiving your letter of the 22d July last I could not in justice to myself and to my friends withdraw my pretentions as I certainly should have done had I not been placed in so delicate a situation.I am Dear Sir / with great respect / your very obedt. huml. sevt

					John Adams Smith.


Title: From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 January 1816
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My dear Madam,
					Smiths Valley, formed by Lamentation mountain in the County of Madison, nearest post office in the Town of Hamilton, State of new York January 1st. 1815 1816—

				Being thus particular, in designating my position I think my friends at Quincy will not hereafter be at a loss where to address their pleasant letters to me, I am induced to be thus minute, by a remark in your letter of the 18th. of november, which I was delighted to receive,—wherein you say, you had contemplated writing to me for some time previous to the receipt of my Letters to The President, but you did not know in what corner of the world to find me, for the gallantries I mentioned, at the several places I visited, being confined to the Ladies of our own family, did not make so conspicuous a figure, as those of some other Knights, celebrated in History.This is the most delicate lash that ever a Gentleman received from the keen pen of a Lady, for his inexcusable silence in not keeping up a correspondence with one, to whom he feels himself under so many obligations, and whose letters abound with instructive observations, and well turned periods. I bow with submission to the rod, will endeavour to mend my ways.—I am however somewhat gratified that my gallantries make no great noise in the World, and are really not censurable, for being confined to our family Circle of Daughters sisters and neices, they cannot excite jealousy even in a Mothers bosom.You will do me the favour to continue to address letters to me here, I was not disposed to travel one thousand miles at this Inclement season of the year, upon a dubious question—The State of new York at the last Congressional election changed twenty of their Representatives and the 17th. district which I represented the three last sessions, exposed me to a contested election, when in the preceding election they gave me a Majority of between 6 and 700 votes, I felt myself complimented; but when by their votes they do not clearly designate the man of their choise, my feelings revolt at strugling to maintain a seat in which I can neither gratify myself, nor Serve my friends—The issue of the decission of the House of Representatives in favour of the claims of the Democratick Candidate, proves the Wisdom of my calculation relative to individual feelings and personal dignity, I however attempted to defend my post by an address—“To the Honourable The Chairman and members of the Committee of elections of the 14th. Congress”—entitled a memorial or Exposition of the case of the case of William S. Smith, Member of the 14th. Congress for the 17th. district of the State of new York—I will send you a copy of this for the amusement of The President and yourself; after detailing the Law of the state of new York, regulating elections, and making references to Vols. Chapter and Sections, I conclude, that, The certificate or Voucher of the heads of the State department testifying the election of the Undersigned and finding  him possessed of the qualifications of the 2d. sec. of the first article of the constitution he must be received and accredited as a Representative from New York and Mr. Willoughby’s claims rejected—Besides, the evidence of the alledged mistake is inadmissable—Inspectors of Elections, ought not to by affidavit to be allowed to contradict their returns of votes made under oath, when the books and ballots whereby the mistake could have been seen are destroyed.—It is dangerous in principle—It is unsafe as a precedent—The Undersigned therefore protests against the claim of Westel Willoughby Junior to his seat in Congress upon the following grounds1st. The nonexistance of the alledged mistake, the evidence thereof being inadmissable and unsatisfactory.2dly: The Certificate of the great officers of State which is conclusive on the legality of the election.3dly: that there is no existing law of Congress providing for the investigation required in this case, and—4thly: That it is inexpedient and impolitick in principle and as a precedent—Well my dear Madam, I suspect for the present, you have got enough on this subject, for myself I am satisfied—But for my Country not—I think the Laws of the State of new York are trampled upon and treated with contempt, by this decission of Congress—The 4th. section of the 4th. article of the Constitution of the United States, declares, that The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union, a republican form of Government—very good, it is a pitty they had not clearly defined what was then meant by a Republican form of Government, if in the use of the term they meant simply to take in the Vulgar, very good, but if they meant to make such establishments, and subsequently to render null and void, those laws which such Republicks make for the internal administration of their own affairs, let others boast of the independance of State Governments, I shall never dwell in panygerick on them.I receive with pleasure your congratulations on my dear Carolines happy delivery of a Daughter and Abby of a Son, Johnston made his communication to me on the birth with great exultation, De Wint in plain expressions of gratitude and heartfelt satisfaction—In my visit to them I was pleased with their calm domestick arrangements and am satisfied with the appearance of their increasing happiness and their present tenderness and affection—I sent Starp and Ben the last week on a hunt, they were gone four days—and brought home three fine Deer, I wish I could send you a fat saddle—As Dean Swift and Doctor Sheridan Said to Mrs: Whiteway, so I say to you—I have no news, If I had agreable Companions, as pleanty as venison, patridges, woodcocks, Ducks and Hare, this would be a paradise—but I am alone—Give my Love to dear Susan, remember me to Louisa and Hariet Respectfully to The President, and believe me with sincere wishes for many happy returns of the Season to every branch of the family, within the wise arrangements of a Superintending Providence, your grateful and affectionate Son in law

					W: S: Smith


Title: From Adelaide Hellen to Abigail Smith Adams, 3 January 1816
From: Hellen, Adelaide
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Washington Jany. 3d 1816

				Accept my thanks my Dear Madam for your kindness in so promptly favoring me with your Advice from my eagerness to obtain your opinion I over looked the liberty I took in requesting it. I hope this will prove a sufficient apology my dear Mr Adams for my having obtruded my private Affairs on your time. Suffer me to offer my Thanks for the valuable counsel you have gained for me believe me I appreciate your and Mr Adam’s kindness as I ought feel every confidence in your decision and shall be guided by it entirely.Since I had the pleasure of receiving your last favour I have obtained more information respecting the property left by my deceased Husband the estimate I gave you I have discovered was erroneous he has left twenty five Thousand Dollars vested in Stock of the United States and fifteen thousand of Stock in the different Banks of the District the amount of the Personal Estate including every thing is estimated at fifty thousand Dollars the real Estate is very valuable there—in a great deal of  City Property the value of which is encreasing rapidly the active part brings in an anual rent of 700 Dollars per Annum there is likewise a small Farm containing about 200 & 50 Acres.It is the wish of the Executor that on my renunciation of the Will. I should retain an equal share with the Children and make over to them the Surplus of my third May I venture to solicit you once more my Dear Madam to great me the counsel I so highly value I have every confidence in your decision my Dear Mr Adams My Injunction as to secrecy did not extend to your private circle should it not be presuming to far would you a second time be kind enough to obtain for me the Advice of Mr. Adams on this point or do you think it would be more advisable for me to retain the whole of my right of Dower till the Children become of age I have always intended to reject any provision from the Orphan Court intended for thier Support in case I retained my third of the Estate.You will perceive by my Letters My dear Madam how unaccustomed I have been to writing on these Subject I beg of you to make all due excuses for me I have summoned resolution to overcome all difficulties sooner than relinquish the hope of gaining so competent a Counsellor  Ms Sister Buchanan desires me to present her best respects I beg you to accept mine for yourself and Family and with sentiments of Respect and Esteem / I subscribe myself Yours

					Adelaide Hellen


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 5 January 1816
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					Boston House Ealing 5 January 1816

				I plainly perceive that you are not to be converted, even by the eloquence of Massillon, to the Athanasian Creed—But when you recommend to me Carlostad and Scheffmacher; and Priestly, and Waterland, and Clark, and Beausobre—Mercy! Mercy! what can a blind man do to be saved by unitarianism; if he must read all this to understand his Bible? I went last Christmas day to Ealing church, and heard the Revd Colston Carr, the Vicar, declare and pronounce, among other things, that whosoever doth not keep the Catholic Faith whole and undefiled: without doubt he shall perish everlastingly; And the Catholic Faith is THIS—That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity &c—in short, the Creed of St Athanasius: which as you know, the 8th Article of the English Church says, may be proved, by certain warrants of the Holy Scripture—Now I have had many doubts about the Athanasian Creed; but if I read much more controversy about it, I shall finish by faithfully believing it—Mr Channing says he does not believe, because he cannot comprehend it—Does he comprehend, how the Omnipotent, Omnipresent, infinite, eternal Spirit, can be the Father, of a mortal Man, conceived, and born of a Virgin? Does he comprehend his own meaning when he speaks of God as the Father, and of Christ as the Son? Does he comprehend the possibility according to human reason, of one page in the Bible from the first verse of Genesis to the last verse of the Apocalypse? If he does, I give him joy of his discovery, and wish he would impart it to his fellow-Christians—If the Bible is a Moral Tale, there is no need of believing in the Trinity—But if it is the Rule of Faith?—I hope you will not think me in danger of perishing everlastingly, for believing too much; and when you know all, with your aversion to thinking of the Jesuits, you may think I have made a lucky escape, if I do not believe in trasubstantiation—During almost the whole period of my late residence in Russia, I had the pleasure of a social and very friendly acquaintance with the Right Reverend Father in God; Thaddeus Brzozowski, then and now Father General of the Jesuits; one of the most respectable, amiable, and venerable men, that I have ever known—As I was the medium of communication between him and his correspondents in the United States, he used frequently to call upon me and I had often occasion to return his visits. We used to converse upon all sorts of topics, and among the rest upon Religion—He occasionally manifested a compassionate wish for my conversion to the true Catholic Faith, and one day undertook to give me a demonstration of the real presence in the Eucharist—He said it was ingeniously proved in a Copper plate print which he had seen, representing Jesus Christ sitting between Luther and Calvin; each of them bearing the wafer of the Communion—Each of them had also  a label issuing from his lips, and pointing with the finger to the bread, Christ was saying “This is my body”—While Luther said “This represents my body”—and Calvin “This signifies my body”—At the bottom of the whole was the question—“Which of them speaks the truth?” It was not the worthy Father’s fault, if I did not consider this demonstration as conclusive as  he did—Another day; and it will give you an idea of the simplicity of this good man’s heart; we were discussing together the celibacy of the Clergy, which he deemed indispensable, that they might be altogether devoted to the service of their Lord and Master, and not liable to the avocations of this world’s concerns—I did not think it would be generous to remind him of the manner in which had shewn that vows of religious chastity usually resulted, but rather resorted to authority with regard to the principle—I observed to him that not only all the Protestant Communities, but the Greek Church also, allowed the Clergy to marry—Upon which, after a moment of reflection, he said “Oui—c’est vrai—Il n’y a que l’Eglise Romaine, qui soit encore Vierge!”—Indeed you must give me some credit for firmness of character, for withstanding the persuasions of such a patriot as this—We have in the newspapers of last evening and this morning, the Presidents Message, at the opening of the Session of Congress—It gives, upon the whole a pleasing view of the state of our public affairs, but not quite so fair an aspect of the finances as were to be wished—Peace, however, will be the most healing of all medicines to them, and the complexion of the Message is entirely pacific—The present intentions, of the British Government, are I believe are of a corresponding spirit; but it is an opinion widely circulated here, that Peace itself instead of healing their finances, will prove their inevitable destruction—That nothing but a new War can save them, and that the most convenient, an least burdensome War, would be with America—The distrust in the continuance of the Peace is so universal, and I am beset by so many and so frequent anxious enquiries, from some quarters, and mysterious hints from others, that although the Official professions have been invariably pacific and friendly, I am sometimes not without uneasiness, lest a want of sufficient vigilance, should leave undiscovered a lurking danger, which might break upon us unawares—A war however, even with America, could not be undertaken without preparations and armaments of which there is not the slightest indication—A war must be preceded by complaints well or ill founded of which there are indeed some on our part, sufficient perhaps ultimately to result in hostilities, but which neither require nor would justify them at this time—On their part, I have heard of none—Nor have I reason to suppose that Mr Bagot, who is about embarking for America, as the British Minister, goes with any particular load of grievances—He has been anxiously waiting, as I am gravely assured upwards of three months for his passage, because men could not be obtained by enlistment, to navigate the frigate in which he is to go—The effect of the Peace here, which proves so distressing, is the depreciation in the value of grain, and of the other productions of the soil—The natural and inevitable consequence of which has been the inability of the farmers to pay their Rents, the fall in the value of all landed estates, a partial defalcation of the Revenue, and an aggravated soreness under the burden of tythes and taxation—There is doubtless much exaggeration in some of the accounts that are published of this state of things, but on all sides it is admitted that the suffering of the agricultural interest is very severe—That Peace should be followed by Plenty, is of very old experience—But that plenty should operate as a great national calamity requires a public debt of a thousand millions sterling, and a banking system to be accounted for—At the meeting of Parliament, which is to be on the first of February, the extent of the evil, and the remedies to be provided for it, will be more fully ascertained—Some put their trust in War, and some in famine to relieve the People from their burdens—Others look for salvation by the flooding of paper from the Bank—That institution has called in so much of its paper, that there is now scarcely any advance upon silver and gold—The project of resuming specie payments is to be attempted, and whether it can be accomplished, with forty millions of annual interest upon the public debt to be paid, is the problem now about to receive the solution of experience—Whatever the result may be, the lesson may be profitable to us—If a nation can prosper in Peace and War with a debt of a thousand Millions Sterling, it will be useful to us to make ourselves perfect masters of the mode, in which such a marvelous paradox is converted into political truth—If the Paper Castle be really built upon a rock, impregnable and immovable, let us learn the art of building it. If the same course of conduct which leads to inevitable and irretrievable private ruin, is the sure and only path that will conduct a nation to the pinnacle of human greatness and power, let us trace it to its utmost bounds. But if a day of reconing for extravagance and profusion, must come for Nations as well as for individuals; if the wisdom of ages will ultimately vindicate its own maxims, and if prudence is not to yield for ever her place, as one of the cardinal virtues, to prodigality, then will the Catastrophe of Paper Credit, which cannot much longer be delayed in this Country, place before us the whole system of artificial circulation in all its good and all its evil, and while disclosing all the uses of this tremendous machine, as an engine of power, teach us at the same time the caution necessary to guard ourselves from the irreparable ruin of its explosion—


Title: From John Adams Smith to Marinus Willett, 5 January 1816
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Willett, Marinus

					Dear Sir,
					London 5th Jan 1816.

				I landed from on board the Minerva at Liverpool on the 4th ulto. after a passage of twenty seven days was at London the 9th & presented myself to our Minister at Boston House Little Ealing  on the 10th December.I have entered upon the duties of my station with much pleasure though with the prospect of an arduous campaign. I should never have formed an adequate idea of this Country unless for the opportunity my situation will afford me. I have alread seen enough to rivet my attachments to the Republican Institutions of my own Country & to form a due estimate of the Oppression and degradation this nation is borne to sumit to. The Country is delightful far surpassing my most sanguine expectations, but the operation of the Governing principle is distressing in reflection to the mind of a freeborn.England is now making the experiment of Peace. All classes cry aloud at the oppresion of the taxes. The Farmer utters bitter complaints at the reduced price of grain. The Landlord cannot collect his Rents. Many Estates are without Tenants & many produce nothing when they are tenanted. In some cases the Landlord has to pay his own & his tenants taxes without receiving anything from his Estates. This state of things I imagine cannot last long. All look to the next Parliament in february for relief. there is an impromptu in the mornings papers paper—“The land was doubly tax’d we thoughtto carry on the War; Now War is to a period brought,Still more our taxes are.Strange conduct this all must allowHush! let your murmurs cease; You pay these double taxes now,To carry on the Peace.”The late paying off of the Navy & the discharge of 120,000 Seamen only 12000 of whom have been recommissioned produces serious complaints among this class of people, they therefore must seek employ in the service of other Countries & in some instances are doing so. This Reduction of the Navy has produced numbers of applications of distressed American Seamen at the America Consulate Consular Office in this City which will afford some better evidence of the extent of the practice of Impressment than the Reprot of the Committee of the Legislature of Massachusetts upon this Subject.Mr Bagot the Minister appointed to the United States called here on the 3d. & took leave previous to his departure which he expects will be on Sunday next.I think much depends upon the Ministers who represents Ministers who represent the two Countries to preserve the present state of tranquility. I hope Mr Bagot will prove in ever respect to be adequate to so difficult a task, for though the language of the Government is still Pacific I think that the feelings & wishes of People in both countries indicate no indisposition for a renewal of the contest. I hope we shall pursue such course as will be best calculated to support our national character & IndependencePresent my kind remembrance if you please to Mrs Willett & to the family. May you enjoy many happy years—I am with Great Respect Dear Sir / Your very humble / & obedt Servt

					John Adams Smith


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Stapleton,, 6 January 1816
From: Adams, John Quincy,Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Stapleton,

					Ealing 6 Jany 1816.

				Mr & mrs Adams return their Compliments to Col. Stapleton with many thanks for his obliging offer to take their commands for the United States—They avail themselves of his kindness to request him to take charge of the inclosed letter & pray him to accept the assurance of their best wishes that he may have a pleasant & prosperous passage—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 January 1816
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My Dear Mother.
					Ealing 9. January 1816.

				Mr Bagot, or to speak in the style and after the fashion of this Country, the Right Honourable Charles Bagot, was immediately after my arrival in this Country, appointed by the Prince Regent, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States of America—He is a young man—I conjecture about thirty, brother of Lord Bagot, and his Lady is a daughter of Mr Wellesly-Pole, the Master of the Mint, and a niece of the Duke of Wellington, and Marquis of Wellesley.  Mr Bagot was prevented from proceeding to the United States immediately after his appointment, by certain family circumstances, under which Sea Voyages are not at all suitable for Ladies—Mrs Bagot was confined in September—but just before that time the general discharge of the whole British Navy occasioned a further delay of their departure—The frigate in which they were to have embarked was paid off—Another was some time afterwards appointed for them; but some time more elapsed before men could be obtained by enlistment to navigate her. She is now entirely ready, and as Mr Bagot has kindly offered to take Letters for me; if nothing new should occur to stop them again, he will take charge of this Letter—If they should again be detained I shall send it, to be forwarded from Liverpool—As I have received personal civilities from Mr Bagot, and from his Lady’s family, I am naturally the more disposed to wish that their Residence in America, may be made agreeable to them—They have six children, four of which they leave in England, taking only two with them—By the arrival of the Mile at Liverpool, I have received your kind Letter of 2. December, enclosing the copy of my father’s Letter to Dr Price, of which Mr Morgan has made such improper use—I am waiting for the Letters by Mr and Mrs Tarbell—You may well incline to ask Mr Morgan who was the dupe?—Dr: Price was duped by the goodness and simplicity of his heart; by the enthusiasm of his Love for Liberty; and by his ignorance of the world in which he lived. His ardent zeal in favour of the French Revolution, has shed a sort of ridicule upon his reputation, and his opinions upon that and some other subjects have been so completely falsified by the Events which have happened since his death, that his very name is sinking into oblivion—Indeed the Dissenters, in this Country have fallen much into contempt since his time—Their political and religious doctrines have a tide equally strong running against them; and their conduct which at one time swelled into seditious, insolence, and at another sunk into fawning servility, has thrown them into such discredit, that the Churchmen may now if they please, persecute them with impunity. They attempted here, a few weeks since to make a stir about the real persecution under which the Protestants are suffering in the South of France—They held meetings, and passed high-sounding Resolutions, and opened Subscriptions; and sent deputations to His Majesty’s Ministers, and buzzed about their importance; as busily and intrusively as so many horse-flies in dog-days—His Majesty’s Ministers put off their Deputation, with general, insignificant, civilities, which they met again, and resolved to be highly satisfactory assurances of support, and interference in behalf of the French Protestants. His Majesty’s Ministers then set their daily Newspapers to circulate the report that the Protestants in France were all Jacobins, and that if they were massacred, and had their Churches burnt, and their houses pulled down over their heads, it was not for their Religion, but for their Politics.—From that moment Master Bull has had neither compassion  nor compunction for the French Protestants—The Dissenters by a rare combination of Stupidity and of Jesuitism (for there are Jesuits of all Denominations) have denied the fact; and vainly attempted to suppress the Evidence that proved it—Of Stupidity, for not perceiving that the fact must ultimately be proved against them—And of Jesuitism, for contesting the fact, against their better knowledge, because they could produce protestant invectives against Buonaparte after his fall, and protestant adulation to Louis 18 after his restorations—The French Protestants, like the English Dissenters have been throughout the course of the French Revolution, generally time-servers—Like the mongrel brood of Babylonians and Samaritans after the Assyrian Captivity, their political worship has been after “the manner of the God of the land”—They have “feared the lord and served their grave in images.” They hated Bonaparte no doubt in proportion as they found themselves galled by his yoke, and they had no gratitude for the Protection and security, which his authority gave them, for the free exercise of their Religion, and the quiet enjoyment of their property. But the Protestants had unquestionably been from the first ardent supporters and exaggerated friends of the Revolution. It was indeed natural enough that they should be; for the Revolution had redeemed them from a worse than Egyptian Heraldom.—My father well remembers from personal knowledge what was the Condition of the Protestants in France, before the Revolution, and in what sort of Sentiments concerning them and their religion, all the Bourbons were educated—The Revolution gave them equal religious and political rights with those of the rest of their Countrymen.—They had been twenty years freely, and eagerly purchasing the National property; and among the rest, it appears, had purchased two of the old Convents at Nisomes, and used them for Churches—Yet they joined in the hue and cry against Napoleon, after he was down—Yet they fawned upon the Bourbons, when from the shoulders of the Enemies of France they were turned off upon them; and licked the dust at the feet of Louis le desiré—As if tythes, and Monks and barefoot processions, and legends, and relicks, and religious bigotry had not been the darling and only consolations of Louis and his Bourbons in their exile, and would not inevitably bring back religious intolerance with them—Now, this is the foundation upon which the Dissenters here have relied, to deny that the present persecution of the French Protestants has been for politicks—but now comes a Letter from the Duke of Wellington, formally announcing that it was for politicks;and henceforth, instead of whining, and resolving, and subscribing for the French Protestants the Churchmen here, if the coal of the Angouleme fires were extinguished, would lend him a faggot to kindle them again—The Duke of Wellington says too that he is convinced the French Government have done all in their power to protect the Protestants—This is not so certain—But whether they have or not is held to be perfectly immaterial—The French Protestants were Jacobins or Buonapartists—Nothing more just and proper than that they should be hunted down as wild beasts.—At the same time, the Ministerial Priests are teeming with reproaches upon two of the King’s sons, for having lately attended at a Charity Sermon preached in a methodist Chapel, and giving broad-hints that the Church must be strengthened against the Dissenters. Since I began this Letter, yours of 10. March 1815 has been put into my hands; together with one of 11. March from my father—Letters from him and you can never come, out of Season, but if Mr Copeland, who was the bearer of these, had delivered them to me, when I saw him last April in Paris, they would have been still more welcome, and afforded me at least fresh intelligence—Instead of that they were left in a drawer at the New-England Coffee-House, where they have just now been discovered and sent to me by the Master of that House—I had never known the origin of the correspondence between Mr Lloyd and my father, though I have seen in this Country the effusion “half froth half venom,” spit abroad, against my father by the reptile Randolph, in his letter to Lloyd—The Letter from Mr Lloyd to my father upon the fisheries, I had long since received, and have derived much information from its contents. I learnt with much concern the decease of that amiable and excellent woman, Mrs Waterhouse. A heavy and irreparable loss to the Doctor and her daughters. I am very sorry also to hear of the illness, and infirm state of health of Mr Boylston—His brother, Sir Benjamin Hallowell has a house at Ealing, within a mile of us—His family resided there since we have been here, and we dined with him and his Lady at Mr William Vaughan’s, in September—Mr Vaughan resides with his Sisters at East-Hill, Wandsworth, about six miles from us—Admiral Hallowell has the command at Cork on the Navy Peace-Establishment and is now there with his Lady—Their Sister Mrs Elmsley now resides at their house in Ealing, and I propose shortly to call and see her.Our boys are in the Midst of their Christmas Vacation. The school recommences on the first of February—John and Charles are in good health; but George is confined to his chamber, and has been several days to his bed, by a succession of severe complaints—Catarrh, Cough, Rheumatic fever and St: Antony’s fire—He is much reduced, but we hope now convalescent.  I am, Dearest Mother, ever affectionately yours

					A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 13 January 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					Quincy Jan’ry 13th 1816

				I write again. I am yet among the Living, of which last Monday morning I had no expectation, but thanks to a kind providence I am yet Spaired for Something, and may I be finally found with the wise virgins, my Lamp trimmed. The Severe Snow Storm of yesterday has so Blockaded, the Roads that I know not when they will be passable—no opportunity of sending you Carolines Letter to day, or Letters which are prepared to go to London by the vessel you informd me of.—I was sorry to learn that your Family were so Sick, at a time too, when you wanted them most. Your Sister being with you, give my Love to her, and tell her I hope yet to see her at Quincy—will you when convenient get me at Cullenders a pound of his young Hyson. I liked that you got for me before much a quire of writing paper not so thick as this which I am writing upon, and one of long paper for covering. perhaps mr Hincklly when he comes from the Store, will be so obliging as to get it for me; I would not have you go out this weather.The Quincy party had a sad time in getting to Hingham, upon the road, to the point. the Snow was so drifted, that, the Gentleman had to get Sleighs for themselves, all but the midshipman, and leave the coverd Sleigh to the Ladies, who finally were drawn through. but Thayer would not venture to bring them back untill the Sun rose, to show the path. So after dancing untill four, they had to sit till Seven, and reachd home about nine, looking like any thing but what they were when they first sit out. this was paying pretty dear for the whistle—when you go out, visit mr Morse. he is a fine sensible, modest Young Man, with manners perfectly correct; and a Genius in his art. I want you to see the portrait, he has taken, & give me your opinion of it—I will reserve my own untill I hear yours.

					A A


Title: From Charles Francis Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 January 1816
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Dear Grandmama
					Boston January 13th: 1816

				Your idea of Osterley park being near our house is correct it now belongs to the Countess of Jersey the grand daughter of Mrs: Childs whose daughter married the Earl of Westmoreland. Papa is so bysy he cannot take us any where not even to the play these holidays. I am afraid not but I hope so because I have not seen the Theatre Covent Garden or Drury lane but I hope in the Summer that Papa will take us to see many of these places.The Duke of Kent has got a very pretty Country house and he goes to our School to see the boys exhibit.Next half year I expect to ha get acquainted with more boys and I think it will be a great deal of advantage to me. My duty to GrandpapaBelieve me dear Grandmama / Your dutiful and affectionate GrandSon

					C. F Adams


Title: To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 15 January 1816
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, John

					No 3Dear Grandpapa
					Boston January 15th: 1816

				I have recieved your letter dated the 17 November 1815 and I was very happy to have got it or that is to say to have recieved your letter and hope to recieve a couple more before the end of the holidays I have not recieved as many letters from you as I want.I think you are right I think too that General Scott is a very good General and he has done the Americans and America a great deal of good and surely he has done me a great deal of good because I would not have my own Country beat for anything and I think he has done himself a great deal of honor besides.Mama say’s she thinks my letters are like the Mountain that brought forth a mouse therefore Dear Grandpapa take care when you open this letter that the mouse dont spring out upon you.John is very busy making Solomon’s knots and he is a going to send you one you will see his name under it.My duty to Grandmama / I remain Dear Grandpapa / Your Dutiful and affectionate Grand Son

					C. F. Adams


Title: From James Madison to John Adams Smith, 16 January 1816
From: Madison, James
To: Smith, John Adams

					To John Adams Smith, Greeting.
					January 16, 1816

				Reposing especial Trust and confidence in your Integrity, Prudence and ability I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed you the said John Adams Smith Secretary of the Legation of the United of America to His Britanic Majesty authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office doth appertain or as may be duly given you in charge hereafter and the same to hold and exercise during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being.In Testimony whereof I have caused these Letters to be made Patent and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Washington the sixteenth day of January AD 1816, and of the Independence of the United States the Fortieth.By the President—(L S)

					James MadisonJas MonroeSecretary of State.


Title: Will of Abigail Adams, 18 January 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To:

Copy Quincy 18th: January 1816.

I Abigail Adams wife to the Honble: John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk, by and with his consent, do dispose of the following property.  First, that injustice may not be supposed to be done to my Sons, I have conveyed to John Quincy Adams by Deed, all my right and title in the farm given me by my Unckle Norton Quincy valued at $2200, and to my Son Thomas Boylston Adams, all my part, being one half of the Medford farm given to me, by my Honoured Father William Smith of Weymouth, which I consider of equal value with what I have given to his brother.
Having in the hands of James H Foster, as Trustee to me, Bank Stock to the amount of Four thousand dollars, perhaps more, as it was estimated by my late Trustee the Honble. Cotton Tufts Esq, lately deceased, whether more or less, I direct that it be disposed of and divided as follows.
1st: My Will is, that my Grand daughter Caroline Amelia DeWint shall have Seven hundred and fifty Dollars, exclusive of a Note of One hundred, which I gave her at her marriage, and of my clothing, a white Sattin gown and coat trimm’d with black velvet.
2d I give to my Neice Louisa Catharine Smith, a Note of hand given me by my Son John Quincy Adams, part of which is paid; the remainder, being over Twelve hundred dollars, I give to her and leave in her possession, and have written to him concerning it.  I also give her the Bed Matress and Curtains, 1 pair Blankets, Counterpane Looking-Glass, belonging to her chamber, and twenty-Dollars to buy Chairs.  Also 2 pair good-sheets and pillow-cases.  Also a purple Sattin, spotted gown, and a Green Irish Tabinet gown and coat; Also a flesh-coloured-Sattin, my black lace cloak and my white lace Shawl, which she worked for me, and any of my common cloaths, which she may wish to take.
3. I give to my Grand daughter, Susanna B Adams, Seven-hundred and fifty dollars and my gold watch, and the upper part of my pearl ear rings; my white Sattin gown and coat trim’d with silver, a blue lutestring gown, and half of a gown trim’d with gold trimming, being a Lace Muslin; also a Scarlet Sattin.
4: I give to Abigail Louisa Smith Johnson, Five hundred dollars and a clay-coloured silk gown, and ten dollars for a Ring, and the other half of the lace Muslin.
5 I give to my grand daughter Abigail Smith Adams and Elizabeth Coombs Adams, Four hundred dollars each; and each a share in the Weymouth Bridge, and to each the drop of my Pearl Ear-ring, and my gold necklace between them.
6th: I give to my Son John Quincy Adams a ring with my Unckle Quincy’s hair and name, and I give to Catharine Louisa Adams, his wife, one hundred and fifty dollars and ten dollars for a Ring.
7. I give to Sarah Adams, Widow of my Son Charles, one hundred and fifty dollars; in lieu of clothing I give the fifty dollars and ten dollars for a ring.
8 I give to Ann Adams wife of my son Thomas B Adams, One hundred dollars. A black silk gown and coat-red spots; A garnet Sattin gown and a white lutestring gown and coat, and one share in the Weymouth Bridge.
9. I give to my Sister in Law Catharine Louisa Smith, Fifty dollars for mourning, and a changeable silk gown and coat. Also my black silk Cloak.
Item. I give to my Neice Mary Turner, Widow of Elisha Turner, Seventy five dollars and a black-silk gown.
Item. I give to Lucy Greenleaf wife of John Greenleaf, a Ring given me by Abby Shaw with my Sister Peabody’s hair, and a Ring with my Aunt Smith’s hair, given me by Mrs: Hall, and my black-silk-gown twill’d and garnet striped Sattin.
Item. I give to Charlotte Bailey and to Harriet Welsh a piece of Sattin to be divided between them; it being a piece which I bought of their Mother.
Item. I give to Abigail Smith Shaw a brown Sattin gown and return to her the pin she gave me with her Unckle & Aunt Cranch’s hair.
Item I give to Elizabeth Foster my Neice, wife of James H Foster a light brown lutestring gown and a ring.
Item. I give to Rebecca Dexter wife of Richard Dexter, Thirty dollars in token of her faithful Nursing me in various sicknesses.  I also give her a brown silk gown, like one I divided with Louisa.  Item, I give to Esther Briesler, Twenty Dollars and a led-coloured silk lutestring gown
Item. I further give to my Neice Louisa C. Smith, one share in Haverhill Bridge, and to Susanna B Adams, one share in Haverhill bridge.  I also give one share in Weymouth bridge to my Son John Q Adams and one to my son Thomas B Adams.
To any of the girls who may live with me at my decease, I give each a Calico-gown to be chosen out of mine which I leave and ten dollars in money.
My will is that all my clothing—body linen &ca not already named shall be equally divided between my five Grand daughters and Louisa C Smith, Caroline Amelia DeWint, Susanna B Adams, Abigail Louisa Smith Johnson, Abigail Smith Adams, & Elizabeth Coombs Adams, and the same, if any Surplus of money remain.
I request my Son Thomas B Adams to take upon himself the payment of these Legacies, from thenow in the hands of Mr James Hiller Foster of Boston Trustee to Abigail Adams; and Louisa Catherine Smith will deliver the clothing agreeable to my request.
I hope that no unkind or hard thoughts will be entertained that I have given to Louisa more than the rest.  Her case is peculiar, having no relative or the upon her Mother’s side but a Sister. I commend her to the kindness of my children.

Abigail AdamsIt is my request to my dear Husband, that the old Silver Tankard given me by my Father as a piece of family plate, may be given to our Son Thomas B Adams. The Quincy Tankard, I hope, will go with its name to our Son JQ Adams.
   NB. The name of Abigail Smith Shaw, is intended for Abigail Adams Shaw, now Mrs: Felt. Note by T.B Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 21 January 1816
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Mother
Ealing near London 21st January 1816

Your last Letter was indeed flattering to me. eminently as you are gifted with the talent of writing your approbation must afford the greatest pleasure and exite encouragement. It has often been to me a source of wonder how you can write to so many in one family, and yet never appear at a loss for subjects; but you possess the talent of giving interest even to trifles and the easy course of your thoughts, seems to flow upon the paper like an unruffled stream, clear, and smooth; whereas I can never mould my thoughts to my will and my style is always loose unconnected and irregular and I frequently find it impossible to express a single idea.
Of the death of Mr. Hellen I had already heard and could not be surprized at it having been so constantly expected for the last two years He has lef his family quite independent.
I am informed that Mr. Muir who was the last remaining partner of my father, is dead, and all the property which was assuredly in the hands of different persons in America, is gone no one knows how. even my fathers title to 40000 acres of Land in Georgia, has disappeared, and nothing is left to his children, while the relatives of this partner, are-joying the property. My Brother has written to me to enquire if any thing can be done but I am quite incapable of advising, and I much fear that every effort would prove vain, to discover how the property has been disposed of. But it surely is hard to suffer such cruel injustice.
I return you many thanks for the Letter you enclosed me from my Brother; I am proud to say he has proved an honour to his protecters, and though he is doomed to wither in those uncongenial Regions, I am confident that as long as he holds the Office, he will do his duty in it. I have met several persons who without knowing my relationship, have been loud in his prays. and Mr. Gallatin says he never while he was in Office met with such a weight of evidence in the favour of any one.
Though living in England even near London, I am so totally out of all possibility of hearing any of fashionable news, it is utterly out of my power to recount any thing that can promote your amusements, and George has been confined by a Rheumatic fever, and I have had an old attack of the Eresipilas in my Ears, and head, so that I have not been out of the house for five weeks. We are all once more well, George looks and is still excessively delicate, he outgrows all his strength, and you know Mr. A. has ideas respecting young people which he cannot be convinced are rather imprudent at their time of life; exposure to all kinds of weather may be proper when the constitution is thouroughly fixed but there are periods of life and occasions when it is better to err on the other side of the question.
John remains much as he was as to height, but in fine health, and grown extremely fat. He is a most pleasing child, but is not studious enough to please his father, he is a general favorite among the masters at his School, and they have a high idea of his talents, and are generally satisfied with his studies: he is a great Arithmetician and the rapidity with which he learns quite surprizes his master. It is singular that the other two who are so much more studious, and steady, find this branch of their education much more laborious. He now speaks french quite fluently, and reads it very prettily. Charles has already forgotten his Russian and German, and School seems to produce a strange effect on him; he is one of those observing, and imitative children, to whom every thing becomes a matter of attention, and attraction; the consequences of which is, that he is, so intent upon every thing that is passing in the School before him, he cannot fix his attention to his particular studies, and he is not thought so highly of in the School as he merits, and does not improve as much as we had reason to expect.
Present my duty and affection to the President, and love to Susan and Louisa and as believe me ever dutifully yours

L. C. A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 23 January 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					inclose 6 dollersDear Harriet
					23 Janry 1816

				I know you will be glad to see my handwriting, and more so, when I tell you that I have rode out to day as far as the meeting house, and feel the better for it; Sunday night slept very little, and that much disturbed. last night was much easier and slept natural sleep—am very weak— this morg’ Mail brought a Letter from mrs Buckana for you, and Letters from N york from abroad, one from mr A to his Father in Sep’br, none for to me, from him, one from George dated 31 october, but nothing new, as the vessel must have had a long passage—Tomorrow I hope to finish my began Letter to Caroline—kind remembrance to mrs Bailey and your Mother / from / yours as ever

					A Adams

					24 not quite so well this mn’g did not rest well. hope to get a little by and by. it is better to me than food


Title: From William Smith Shaw to Abigal Adams Shaw Felt, 27 January 1816
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Felt, Abigal Adams Shaw

My dear Abbey
Boston 27 Jan 1816

I have received your letter of the 3 Jan and should have written you an answer before but thinking that it would be more satisfactory to both of us to converse together respecting the important subject of the letter I have delayed writing, constantly flattering myself that it would be in my power to visit Atkinson but this has not been in my power. Indeed I had prepared myself to have gone on the first Saturday after I received your letter but the violent snow storm unfortunately prevented—In answer to your question I say that I have the most implicit confidence in your prudence judgment & discretion and however you finally decide you may be assured of meeting my most cheerful approbation, but I would suggest to you whether it would not be better to postpone your marriage till the fall. Various considerations occur to me for preferring this latter period—It will give Mr. Felt an opportunity to lay aside something this year—you will be able by this delay to furnish your house to much greater advantage and make all the necessary arrangements more easy and comfortably to yourself.—I would advise you to commence immediately to procure your furniture and cause the necessary articles to be made and for this purpose I know money will be required and here I desire to bless my God for his infinite kindness to me, in giving me the means to procure for you all that you can wish. I have made inquiries respecting the sum necessary to furnish a house genteely and find that about two thousand dollars is thought amply sufficient and this sum & more too if necessary—I offer to you with all my heart—I can make such arrangements as will enable me to pay answer your demands without the least inconvenience to yourself to myself as fast as you can probably want—You may probably think of some things which I might purchase immediately—such as pillow cases for instance and you might make them at your leisure—Any thing of this kind that you would like. I know my good friend H. Welch would procure with pleasure. I want my dear Sister to say a great deal more to you but my office is filling up with people and I must stop—With respectful remembrance to our good father & Lydia I am my dear Sister your brother

W S Shaw


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son,
Quincy Feb. 7. 1816

Among a million of Things I want to Say to you, which Shall I choose. Publick affairs? What are these to me? What care I, who is President or Governor, Monroe or King, Cousin Brooke or Friend Dexter. What is it to me who makes Judges and Justices Collectors of Revenue or Tide Waiters?
Nevertheless, I Still interest myself in Some Things, I have read, with Eyes as bad as yours, four Volumes of D’Israeli, on the Calamities and Quarrels of Authors. I wish I could See a French Work upon the Woes and Wars of Authors in France. What a Sublime, elegant, gracefull tasty Monument, it would be? What a Proof of the Perfectebility of Human Nature and the near Approach of the Apocalyptic Kingdom?
I am now reading The Baron De Grim. Forty Years of Panegyrick upon Diderot, Voltaire, Buffon, D’Alembert and Montesqieu, must contain some, Antidotes to Ennui. But I must leave these Sublimities and Profunditities for more Selfish Considerations. I want a Copy of your Travels in Silesia. One Single Copy of it, arrived in America and that cost me three dollars, and before I could read it, it was Stolen from me and the Thief was never Stopped or discovered. Buy the whole Edition if you can get it cheap And send it to me. I will pay for it to your Brother. Ask Stockdale whether he has burned “The History of disputes with America? If he has any left buy them all, provided you can get them cheap and Send them to me,
As you live, the Wiseacres have found out that my “Defence” is an original Book, that “England has no Such Book” and that “De Lolme is not to be compared to it”
Stockdale is a licentious Fellow. He begets Bastards and then imputes them to me. He has published an Edition of my “defence’ and given it a Bastard Title “Adams’s History of Republicks”. If he will sell you, cheap, very cheap, half a dozen of the first Volumes I should be glad to have them. Second and third Volumes are plenty enough here. My Compliments however to our Old Landlord.
I am delighted to hear that George is at School and Attentive to his Studies. He can do what he will.
Your Mother is confined and very feeble. We hope however, Somewhat better

A.
P.S. I have been living over again from 1753 to 1759. The two first Volumes of De Grimm, have renewed my youth. Can you tell me any Thing of this Baron? Theodore Lyman Junr has lent me these Books, and I never read any, more amusing. He lashes all the Philosopher, except Diderot the Worst of them all. The best History of the Rise of the French Revolution may be drawn from this Work. But I want a years – Conversation with you upon this Subject.A

February 13th. 1816 My Dear UncleGrand mama is better, than when she wrote you, and desires me to say, that she gains more strength; we begin to be quite encouraged about her.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 8 February 1816
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					N. 82.My Dear Mother.
					Ealing 8. February 1816.

				The receipt of your favour of 2. December was acknowledged in my last, dated the 9th. of January—Three days afterwards, I received your Letter of 9. and 18. November which had been brought by Mr Tarbel—But it was forwarded, I believe from Manchester, Mr and Mrs Tarbel not having yet arrived in London. We have received no Letters of a later date from Quincy.Our Sons, after a Vacation of seven weeks have just returned to school. They are now all in good health—George had a severe illness of several weeks, and is now but just recovered. I called a few days since upon Mrs Copley, and saw the Portrait of my dear Sister, which she has agreed to let me have—The likeness is excellent; but the drapery part of the picture was never finished—Mr Copley himself died last September—I had seen him shortly after my arrival in England—Even then, he had little to resign but breath—Mrs Copley bears her age much better; but an interval of twenty years makes a mighty change in us all—Their Son is well settled, in the practice of the Law—The second daughter is yet unmarried, and lives with her Mother—Still in the house where you knew them. N. 25 George Street Hanover Square. Mr West also still resides in the house where he have always known him; N. 14. Newman Street—I have called twice to see him, but he was both times, absent in the Country.	I propose to write you very soon a longer Letter—We have Accounts form America to the commencement of the year—As the Commercial Convention was ratified I hope soon to receive the solution of your enigma—Parliament are here in Session since the first of this Month; but the Prince Regent has been confined at Brighton with a severe fit of the gout. He is recovering, and expected at London, in the course of the Month. In the mean time, we have no calls to Levees or Drawing Rooms.My best affections and duty to my father and the family; and believe me, ever faithfully your’s

					A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 February 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my Dear Son
					Quincy Feb’ry 10th 1816

				your Letter of Nov’br 7th allarmd me when I opend it, and Saw that it was in the hand writing of mrs Adams, and I read with trembling—while I rejoice that you have So able a Substitute, I cannot but regret the occasion for it—your hand may be restored to its use again, but your Eyes have reason to complain that you have used them too hardly. in this instance only—have you been a hard master to members which have afforded you knowledge and entertainment, your Friends much pleasure, your Country more benifit, than I fear it will ever acknowledge, or Reward.I beg you to be more choice & Spairing of your Eyes in future—and to use glasses to Save them—I shall be anxious untill I hear again from you. your october Letter I have received, and acknowledgd and one from George of the Same month.I rejoice that Georges emulation has taken a proper turn—My dear John, it pains me to hear he has been unwell. he used at times, to have a shortness of Breath which I attributed to woorms. he always had a feverish habit at those times, about the Same time last year, that you mention his Sickness—he was Sadly afflicted with Boils.are there any low lands near you or does he pass any in going to School?I have been confined a month to my chamber, and must think it is oweing to weakness and debility of Age—my constitution is giving way—and you must prepare your to hear that I am numberd with the dead. I could have wished to have lived to See your return to your native Country, but if heaven orders it otherways, its will be done—you have my Blessing, and my prayers for you, your partner, and all your dear Children—your Father performd a great fat feat the other day. he went to Stuarts the other day and brought home his portrait and mine. his own is a most admirable likeness, a Speaking likeness. but mine—alass will be known only to those who knew me 20 years ago. my Grandchildren will not know it. there is a likeness to be Seen in the features of that which mr Copley took of you.Stuart took one of your Father this last Summer for mr Shaw; to be placed in the Athenæum, equally goodMr Morse has been taking a likeness of your Father, at the request of a Gentleman in Philadelphia, a mr de La Plain, who is collecting the likeness of all our great revolutionary Heroes. mr Morse is a fine young Man. their is Genius in his Eyes. He came here to take the portrait, and past near a week with us. I hope he may be Sucessfull in introducing a taste for the fine Arts amongst us—but in the portrait he has taken of your Father, he has failed. it is a Stern unpleasing likeness. Age has Softned his features, and Shed a mild lusture over them, which Stuart has happily Seazd—I regret that mr Morse is So bad a likeness as it was taken to be engraved. your Brother claims your Fathers portrait for you. mine must not be Seperated from it. I beleive I gave you mine Some years Since. I owe it you in return for yours—I Shall Send you the Books you request when ever any vessel Sails direct for London. I read enough in mr Tuckers Light of Nature, to find him a pleasing visionary, who could only be follow’d as an Ignis Fatuus—Life and immortality are brought to light only by the gospel. Good people cannot think alike, even upon importent Subjects fear god and keep his commandments, is the whole Duty of Man, and his faith cannot be essentiallialy wrong, whose Life is in the Right.I am warn’d and forbiden to write, yet I cannot refrain while my hand can hold a pen, of / Subscribing your ever / affectionate Mother

					Abigail Adams

					I am taking the Bark in large quantities if it gives me Strength, I Shall try to write to my daughter


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 February 1816
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My dear friend—
					Middletown Febry 13th 1816

				I have been prevented waiting you since my arrival in Connecticut by the increased weakness and inflammation in my eyes; & I am now under the necessity of employing an amanuensis.My needle, (in which I have taken so much pleasure), is now wholly laid aside, & even writing I have been obliged to give up for this last fortnight.You have daily lived in my remembrance my dear friend, & since I heard of your late indisposition I have felt the utmost solicitude for you, & breathed many fervent prayers that your health might be restored, & your life continued for many many years—Our intimacy has been of long standing; & I have derived so much pleasure from our uninterrupted & sisterly intercourse, that I can hardly think of its termination with any degree of composure—I daily & hourly commend you to the care of that Almighty being, in “whose hands are the issues of life & death”—and although I am full of anxiety for you, I still cherish the fond hope of meeting you on my return, & spending many happy hours in your society—I am enjoying myself here very much in the society of my near & dear relatives.— I spend much of my time with my dear Martha; who is very pleasantly settled—She has two fine boys, who promise to be all a mother could desire. Sister Bowers is well, & surrounded by her grand-children; Mrs Cooper is in daily expectation of adding another to them—If sister Bowers knew I was writing, I am sure she would desire an affectionate remembrance to you—I am happy to hear that your two grandaughters are blessed with such fine children, & doing so well themselves I hope William’s wife will be equally fortunate.—I sincerely sympathize with you my dear friend in the loss of your friend & cousin Dr Tufts—Your loss we humbly hope was his unspeakable gain—; and it is a delightful reflection that those who have known & loved each other on earth, who have been faithful servants of the most High, will form one happy family “unbroken in the skies”.—It is to be presumed that Mr Adams will continue at the court of St. James’, as I am told Mr Smith is appointed Secretary—Your maternal feelings I know will be pained by his lengthened stay, & yet you will cheerfully acquiesce in it if he can make himself more useful abroad than at home.—I am very anxious to hear from you my dear Mrs Adams, & if you are not well enough to write yourself, I hope Miss Smith or Susan will have the goodness to favour me with a few lines; to whom I beg you will present my affectionate remembrance—I hope the President is in his usual health this winter—my best respects to him & regards to Judge and Mr Adams, and believe me ever most truly and / affy yours

					H C.

					My nieces Mrs E Phillips & Martha Holmes desire a respectful remembrance.—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Steuben Smith, 20 February 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, William Steuben

					Dear William
					Quincy Febry 20th 1816

				I am very anxious to learn whether mrs Smith is confined? I expected the post of this day would have brought me a Letter, but was dissapointed, in hearing either from you, or Caroline—I Should have written to mrs Smith, but I have been little able, for Six  weeks to hold a pen, Sometimes I have tremblingly pen’d a few lines to Caroline, to keep her mind at ease. I have not been able to answer a very pleasant Letter, from your Father, which I received after I was SickI am now Something Stronger, and my Physician Says, I Shall get up again, which is more than I expected, for many weeks, and a small blast would blow me away now. I pray you to write to me, and let me know how mrs Smith is; as long as I live, I Shall feel interested in all the interest, and concerns of every Branch of my Family.you will be So good as to give me, information, of your Brother as Soon as you hear. I have not any Letter of a later date than Novbr 7th.Tell mrs Smith that Martha Godfrey is married, to a mr John Osburn, a musical instrument maker as yet, I know nothing of the Man, but his Name, & occupation I Shall make inquiry and give her further information respecting her. I hope She is well married—for I have a great regard for Martha knowing the interest She has taken, in the family’s in which She has lived, and the great obligations which She Says She feels for their kindness towards her—She was much overcome, when She learnt the loss you Sustainnd. She had been with the Child So much that, it felt very near and dear to her—I have every reason to believe that She has conducted herself with much propriety, Since her return to Boston, where She opend a milliners Shop; untill a Short time before her marriage when She gave it up—Remember me to Aunt Nancy, when you See her. I presume you will be attentive to her, as a State of Single blessedness, is not the most Eligible in the worldLet me know when you hear from Your Father, how he is this winter? his Situation at the valley must be lonesome, and Melancholy to him—present my Love to your Dear Spouse: and Say to her one Letter must Suffice for both with my Love; Louissas, and Susans, who is the Life of the House & grown a sprightly Lass, Since you Saw her, I subscribe /  your affectionate / G M

					Abigail Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 February 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Sir.
Quincy Feb. 22d. 1816

John Winthrop Esqr, Son of John Winthop of Boston Merchant and Legislator, Grandson of John Winthrop Professor and Counsellor, Great Grandson of Col Adam Winthrop of Boston Counsellor descended from the good old Governor, is destined to Bremen Where he expects to be Consul. He was educated at Cambridge and has travelled in Europe. He married Col Hitchburnes daughter who left him three Children. His Moral Character is good.
He requests of me an Introduction to you and here he has it.
I wish I had better News to tell you; But your Mother has been confined to her Chamber with Sickness for Six Weeks and is Still very feeble. My Eyes are as bad as yours. Winter in this Country is Still Winter, and carries off, at every return a few hundreds of our oldest People. Love to my daughter and my dear Boys whose Welfare is nearer my heart than they can imagine. With the tenderest affection / I am &c
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 24 February 1816
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					N. 46.Dear Sir.
					Ealing 24. February. 1816.

				I have for many Months made it a rule, to enclose to you a Newspaper, every week, and I have intended that it never should be without at least one Letter, from myself or some one of the family, to you or my Mother—I believe this intention has never entirely failed; but it has not always been possible for me to write, myself—The reasons of this are so well known to you, that I hope they will serve me instead of an Apology—I have now upon file, four Letters from you, received since I had the pleasure of writing you last, each of which if I could carry into execution my inclination, would ere this have been answered by a long Letter from me—Their dates are of 11. March 1815. Received only on the 8th. of last Month—7. and 22. November, Received on the 12th. ulto:—and 19. December received four days ago—From my dear Mother, I have only one Letter, the receipt of which has not yet been acknowledged—dated 24. December.The account of the decease of Dr Tufts, has deeply affected me; as my attachment to him and my veneration for him, is coeval with the earliest consciousness of my own existence; and as I know what a breech the loss of him has made in your social comforts and enjoyments—His Sphere of action, during life, has been filled with deeds of usefulness and benevolence, and I trust that his removal to another world has only been to receive the reward of a good and faithful Servant in this.I shall keep a minute of the books mentioned in several of your Letters, and will procure them for you should they ever fall within my reach—But books out of print, are more difficult to be obtained both in London and Paris than I should have imagined—In Paris I could occasionally visit the Stalls; but here, at this distance from Town they are as inaccessible to me, as if I were at Quincy.The world of Europe is in a glassy calm—Not a breath of wind, or a ripple of water moving—Our boys have returned to School, and shall answer your Letters to themI am, Dear Sir, ever affectionately yours

					A.


Title: To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 24 February 1816
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir—
					Valley near Hamilton 24th. Feby. 1816

				Your Letter of the 21st. of Novr. being forwarded under cover to William at New York, remained some time with him and was not addressed to me here, untill I informed him that I should not proceed to Washington, but pause  the decission of the House, on the pretentions of Doctor Willoughby, Knowing the complection of the majority and their political biass, I concluded, I would save myself the trouble of the ride, untill I heared of the decission of the house—as it has turned out, I flatter myself I acted a wise part—The contents of your Letter in answer to mine of the 24th. of October and 1st. of November, are very interesting and shall be particularly attended to. Several Deputies and Commissioners from Mexico and other principal provinces of South America met Miranda at Paris for the purpose of concerting with him the measures to be pursued for acomplishing the Independence of their CountryIt was decided he should in their name, again repair to England, and make such offers to the British Government as, it was hoped, might induce it to lend them the assistance requisite for the great object of their wishes.The instrument, which was drawn up and put into the hands of Miranda, as the document to the British Government, of the proposals of the South Americans, is a remarkable evidence of the views and plans of the leading members of the South American communities, these articles are eleven in Number, the document is dated Paris, Decr. 22d 1797.A Proposal was made to Mr. Pitt, for the return of Miranda to England, which was acceeded to with alacrity, and Miranda had a Conference with Mr. Pitt in January followingIt accorded with the plans of Mr. Pitt at that time, to enter, with promptitude into the scheme proposed for the emancipation of South America, the outline of the proceeding was fully agreed upon, and a communication made to Genl Hamilton dated April 6th. 1798, The proof a copy of which I have furnished you with—The proposal was, that North America should furnish Ten Thousand Troops, and the British Government should agreed to find money and Ships.—Here comes the stopper, with a check mate.But, The President, Adams, declined to transmit an immediate Answer; and the measure was, in consequence, postponed. Thus, Sir, there can be no doubt, but your passing the dispatches from Miranda  in Silence, your prompt appointment of Three Minister to effect a negotiation with france, and concluding a peace with that nation, Saved your Country from the Horrors and calamities of a bad disjointed war, Historians must & will give you the credit of this wise stroke of policy, any thing Mr. Hamilton or Mr. Pickering may say to the contrary NotwithstandingI congratulate you on the Safe arrival of my Son John in England, Love to Madam, Yours Sincerely

					W. S: Smith


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 25 February 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					dear Harriet
					Quincy Feb’ry 25th 1816

				I was very sick yesterday, and obliged to take an Emetic, to clear of a quantity of Bile, which the dr said was the occasion of my sleepless Nights. I hope he may be right; for they weaken me much. I was very much worried with it. I took it at half past three, pure delicious Indian Root and it never closed its opperation, until eleven at night. It is slow you know in its opperation. I did not expect to be able to sit up at all to day, but I slept tolerably after it ceased to opperate, and that has given me strength to write you a few lines. I really am conscience smitten, that I should call upon you for any service, knowing what a sick family you have, and how much nursing falls to your share—the rough coppy of the Letter I sent you, you may return to me—I sent it, in its primitive dress to you.I thank you for the sketch of miss Alans Life: when I am able, I will write to  him  and inclose it. and I will call for a return of it—if susan had not so much coppying to do, I would get her to do it; but she likes writing originals better than coppying—Mr TBA Adams has as usual, a very sick family, as saturday Thomas was on the Bed with an inflamitory Rheumatism—Abigail threatned with a fever, and the Baby with the Hives—to day all better, but the Baby, who is still very sick—I hear nothing from Caroline or from Williams wife—I hope too on tuesday—the Tea came safe, and every other article—I have sent the stocking to Hardwick—mrs Foster left me yesterday quite a loss to me, she is an Excellent nurse—Louisas feet swell shockingly up to her knee. she can poorly get about I have seen for a long time that she has looked unwell—and before I was sick I urged her to take some medicine, but she was so averse that I could not get her consent, now she is obliged to come to it. her Blood is poor and their is danger & fear of a dropsy. the Dr says she may  get rid of it, if she will stricktly follow his prescriptions—I hope your Mother & you will get through your fatigue without being  sick. I will not envy you, your blessed faculty of sleeping. now you want it so much, I only wish you could impart some of it to a Friend. my Love to mrs Baily who I am rejoiced to hear it getting better—
				The P. has had three of the last vol’ms through and intended to have sent them by mrs Foster yesterday, but they were forgotten—yours as everA Adams
					Should you see H Boardman ask her for Mrs Chapones works.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 26 February 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy Febry 26 1816

It is a long time since we have received a Line from you at Quincy. I have been so very sick myself, as not to be able to write for several weeks; I am still confined to my chamber very feeble. during this period, I have been, more than once informed that you had been Named for a mission to Russia. While on the one hand, it would give me pleasure to learn that my son was succeeded by so respectable a successor, on the other, I should regret, that any one, whom I so highly respect should risk his Life, his health, and fortune, in so cold so dark and Dismal a climate, upon an Embassy so expensive—the narrow Sallery alluded by Congress to their foreign ministers, renders their situation abroad very unpleasent to them, and subjects them to the contempt of all classes, who judge of the importance of a Nation by the figure their Representatives make abroad.
Mr Adams is now subjected to the mortification of being obliged to take a small house in a Country Village, near the City, having no outfit provided for him since his mission to England, and having had it intimated to him, that there would not be any, he cannot take a house in the city, nor furnish one on his Sallery. he cannot receive, nor notice his own Country Men, who carry introductory Letters to him from all parts of the United States, with that hospitality which a public Minister ought to Sustain and be able to offer.
In a time of war, or in any great calamity which may threaten a country, I consider it the Duty of a good citizen, to Sacrifice property, and even Life, to save it upon this principle I have always acted. When called upon for a Seperation from those most Dear to me, which  wrung my heart with anguish and placed me, a Solitary Being in the world—for Sixteen years of my Life, and that at a period, when it may be supposed, Life is best enjoyed—I was deprived of the Support, the Comfort, and Society of Him whom I most Loved, and esteemed, in the World.
ask mrs Rush if she could be reconciled to such a Sacrifice? With the Tower of London before her Eyes?
But these are scenes, which have long since past, and live only in the memory of a few ancient individuals. they will soon sink into oblivion,while the rising generation reap the reward.
There is a Spanish proverb, if you are well Stand Still. but Ambition and enterprize forbid it—I see not any reason in a time of peace, for Sacrificing Time and tallents abroad which might be as usefully employed at home; and I have advised mr Adams to ask leave to return in the Spring, unless an outfit should be allowd him, he has three Sons to Educate, and it cannot certainly be his Duty, to expend upon his small private property as he already has done, to support his family with decency.
I have heard that when mr Adams expected a successor in mr Bayard, he wrote a Letter to the president stateing to him, how inadequate the Sallery was, for a mission to Russia, and how unable an American Minister was, to Support the Honour, and Dignity, of the Nation he represented.
This Letter was captured, and carried to Barmudars and there made a Subject of ridicule, of the Country and Government which would not support their foreign Ministers in Character, at a table of British officers. the gentleman who heard it, and from whose mouth I heard it, was an American, but not known to be so by the officers. Being acquainted with the Family he obtaind the Letter, with some others for us, and after the peace, he Brought them here:  that for the president was forwarded to him.
my trembling hand, & feeble Frame will only allow me to add, my best Regards to mrs Rush—and / an assurance of the continued / of them and Friendship of

Abigail Adams


Title: From Charles Francis Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 28 February 1816
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

Dear Mother
Feby 28th 1816

I must beg of you to tell the Doctor to give me and my brother our pay they are going to arrest me of Breaking down the door of Number one and I and my brother say we did not do that I think we ought to have our pay Mr Stradway wont give it to me I am your affectionate Son

C F Adams


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 2 March 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

Dear Sir
Quincy March 2nd. 1816

I have read the enclosed travels of Vanderkemp, with as much interest as Bruce’s or Chateaubriands, though they cost me, a large part of the vision, that remained to me
I pray you tax your patience to read it, and then return it by a safe hand to the Author. My wife is comfortable this morning, & joins in love to all, without naming any; except the little one, who his Grand Mother says, “has a sage countenance and a decided eye.”
John Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 4 March 1816
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					83.My dear Mother.
					Ealing 4. March 1816.

				A Month has very nearly past away, since I wrote you last—It was a very short Letter, and contained a promise, to write you very soon a longer one—And thus it is that on our firm Resolves, the inaudible and noiseless foot of Time, is wont to steal.—I have since then had the pleasure of receiving your Letter of 24. December, and George has one from you, the conclusion of which was written so late as the 12th. of January—Both were written, in a depression of Spirits, and infirm health from which I fervently pray that this may find you recovered—I feel how deeply the loss of Doctor Tufts affected you, and although if we could chuse our own fortunes, I can scarcely imagine any happier lot on Earth, than to close such a life by such a Death, yet a departure so sudden, must naturally warn us all, how short at any period of life our Summons may be, to another world. I cherish with earnest fondness the hope that we shall yet have the happiness of meeting with both my Parents in this—Should the Wisdom and Goodness of Providence have otherwise decreed, and should it become my painful duty to execute your last intentions, it is, I hope superfluous to assure you that they shall be performed with the most assiduous, and most faithful affection. As I am indebted to my father and to you for every thing that is valuable in the possession of the present, and for every thing that is desirable in the hopes of futurity, whatever return of kind and pious offices it may ever be in my power to make to him or to you, will yet leave my debt of gratitude, to be rewarded by no limited Power, and no mortal hand.In one of your former Letters, you have expressed some curiosity for further particulars, respecting my last Winter’s visit to Paris. It was in many respects the most agreeable interlude, if I may so call it, of my life. It was after an interval of thirty years that I revisited that great City, where all the fascinations of a luxurious Metropolis, had first charmed the senses of my childhood, and dazzled the imagination of my Youth. I was at an age, when the hey-day of the blood is tame, and waits upon the judgment—I had seen much of the world during the interval between the two Periods, and was capable of estimating more nearly at their real worth, the enchantments of that fairy land. I had entire leisure, and a mind, not merely at ease, but enjoying relief from a weight of anxiety, almost insupportable, for the situation and prospects of my Country—A relief which had been equally complete and unexpected—I arrived at Paris, in the midst of a Carnival week, to which the partizans of the restored Bourbons were ostentatiously and painfully striving to give an air of revival to the festivities which had been peculiar to that season, in antient times—I saw the gloomy Court of Louis 18, and the splendid Circles of the Duke of Orleans. I frequented the unparalleled assemblage of the master pieces of Art in the Museum of Napoléon, and in that of the French Monuments—The Meetings of the National Institute—the Courts of Law—the Theatres—The Collection of Mechanical Models—the Gobelin Tapestry Manufacture—and even the deserted Churches and the subterraneous Catacombs—Although the king’s Ministers were singularly shy, and avoided all notice whatever of the American diplomates from Ghent, I found Society as much as I could desire, until the landing of Napoleon—I visited and dined at Madame de Staël’s, and at our very old friend’s Mr Marbois. I visited the Duke de la Vauguyon, but though he sent me a very civil message, he neither received me nor returned my visit. From the time of Napoleon’s appearance at Cannes, all that sort of Society was at an end. Most of my acquaintance were dispersed; but I was indemnified for the loss by the safe arrival of my wife and Charles; safe, from the long and not unperilous winter journey from Russia—After that time however the situation of Paris and of France, became far less agreeable for the abode of a travelling visitor—The communications with the rest of Europe, were immediately cut off. The prospects of the Country were from day to day growing darker and more threatening. The combination of all Europe against them, took possession of the publick mind, and before we left France I was strongly impressed with the expectation of the issue, which so shortly afterwards ensued. Napoleon himself had no doubt presentiments of the same kind. I saw him only at the Windows of the Thuileries, and once at Mass—And I was present the only Evening that he attended at the Théatre François. The Performance, was by his direction the Tragedy of Hector; one of the best that has been brought upon the French Stage since the Death of Voltaire—It was written by a Professor at the University of Paris, named Luce de Lancival, now dead, and from its first appearance had been a favourite of the Emperor—It turns of course upon the interest of a heroic character, who deliberately sacrifices his life to the defence of his Country, and its principal merit consists, in the adaptation to the drama, of some of the most affecting scenes, and sublimest sentiments in Homer, translated into such French verse, as Racine himself might have owned—The house was so crowded, that the very Musicians of the Orchestra were obliged to give up their Seats, and retire to perform their symphonies, behind the Scenes—And never at any public Theatre, did I witness such marks of public veneration, and such bursts of enthusiasm for any crowned Head, as that Evening exhibited for Napoleon—I certainly was not among his admirers when he was in the plenitude of his Power, and I remember that David, the Man after God’s own Heart, was forbidden to build a Temple to his God, because he had “shed blood abundantly, and made great Wars.” Napoleon is no fit person to build a temple to the name of the Lord—But “neither do the Spirits reprobate, all Virtue lose”; had the name of Napoleon Bonaparte remained, among those of the Conquerors of the earth, it would not have been the blackest upon the list; and as to the mob of legitimates, who by his fall have been cast again upon their tottering and degraded thrones, where is the head or the heart among them capable of rising to the admiration of such a character as Hector?—Their Hector belongs not to Tragedy but to Comedy—Not the champion of Troy, but the Knave of Diamonds.My visits to the National Museum, were frequent, but such was the magnificence, and such the variety of its Treasures that daily visits for many Months would have been necessary, to give distinct ideas of the individual merit, of almost every work of art in the Collection. The Antique Statues were very numerous, but those from which I derived the least Satisfaction, were precisely those from which I had anticipated the most—The Apollo, the Venus de Medicis, and the Laocoon—I had seen so many, and such excellent copies of these, that I was unable to discover any new excellence in the Originals—And the Venus in particular was so much mutilated, and so much restored, that she too strongly displayed the perishable attribute of beauty, even in marble—Those which gave me the greatest pleasure were originals of which I had seen no Copies; and they were for the most part Busts—Among them was a small Hippocrates, of great antiquity, and bearing in the face so strong a resemblance to our late excellent friend Dr Rush, that had I seen it in a copy of modern marble, I should have pronounced without hesitation that it had been taken from him.The Gallery of Pictures was immense; but so much accumulation of excellence, is rather unfavourable to the proper estimation of every separate Master-Piece—I had seen before, at Antwerp at the Hague and at Potsdam, many of the most admirable pictures in the Collection, and I had seen at Dresden one Picture of Raphael, which had so absorbed my whole Stock of enthusiasm, that I had little ardour of extasy left even for the unrivalled beauties of the Transfiguration—I could have returned and spent two or three hours every day for a twelvemonth, with new delight in this Paradise of human Art, but limited as I was in time, the pleasure which I enjoyed was not unmixed with confusion, like that which obscures the vision immediately after looking at the Sun—The Museum is now no more; and as I shall never again have the opportunity of beholding such a collection of the wonders of human Genius, the remembrance of the hours that I past in contemplating, affords me a satisfaction almost as lively as that which I took in the enjoyment itself.I wrote last week to my father, by Major Swett, who goes in the Galen And I sent some books, for him, and a piece of Cloth addressed to him, but intended for my brother. I expect this Letter will reach you earlier—We are all well.Ever faithfully yours.

					A.


Title: To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 7 March 1816
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, John

					Dear Grandpapa
					Boston March 7th: 1816

				I am very glad you like my letter of the third October, 1815 and hope you will like all of, them, as they come.I have lived in, la rue de Richelieu &, I have been to Passy and Au teuil, and to the place de Carousal, and from there I came here to visit Grosvenor Square, with my Father, and Mother; but as to Amsterdam, Leyden, and the Hague, I dont know where they are. I hope some time or other that I shall will go, to these places likewise, All the flowers are budding out, and Spring is,  a coming on, very fast so, that I hope I shall, have another, letter, before the middle of it. Papa intends not to quit, this house, till next summer.I am, your dutiful, and affectionate, Grandson.

					C. F Adams.


Title: From Richard Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 7 March 1816
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Respected Madam.
					Washington March 7. 1816.

				Daily and incessant engagements for the last five weeks at the supreme court of the United-states, the term not being yet ended; together with the necessity for some time before it came on of getting ready for the important business which it was to devolve upon me, have long cut me off from the gratification and advantage which I never fail to derive from the correspondence of your venerable husband.I turn aside for a moment to acknowledge the receipt of your valued favor of the 26th of last month, which came to hand yesterday; and to return my thanks for the personal kindness and esteem, of which it furnishes evidence so flattering and so decisive. The newspapers will by this time have removed the impression under which you were laid. Had there been any foundation for it, I can say, with entire truth, that there live not those mortals in the world whose opinions I would take into more serious consideration and regard upon such a point, than your own, and those of your illustrious husband, as well on account of the kind friendship which I should be sure dictated them, as because I know no others in the world whose own experience, and other ample means, furnish them so largely with the lights most likely to lead to sound conclusions.Mrs Rush is well, and begs permission to make her respectful and affectionate compliments to you. We thank you in our joint names, (it should have been done at an earlier day,) for the letter you were so kind as to write by Mr and Mrs Welles. Their short stay prevented our seeing as much of them as we desired; but we saw enough to discover how agreeable and accomplished a pair they are. Mrs R. heartily joins me in the sentiment, that you never can oblige us more than by bringing us acquainted with such persons. Boston may be proud to send abroad such specimens of mind and manners; as she also well may be of the talents her Dexter is every day displaying in our court here.With a sincere hope that this letter may reach you in better health than when you wrote, I pray you, Madam, to receive at my hands, including also Mr Adams, assurances of the most respectful friendship and attachment.

					Richard Rush.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 8 March 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					fryday PM—March 8th 1816

				I must write you a few lines to day from a Night of Rest, I derive Strength, all lost again by a night of wakefullness—If I do not get to Sleep as soon as I go to Bed, and that is early; it is all lost for the night yet I suffer no pain, except some times in my head. no fever, no cough, yet I was loose my flesh. my complaint seems to be an universal relaxation of the Solids. If I had lived in the days of Salem Witch craft—Some poor creature might have been hanged for keeping me awake, and tormenting me with Strange figures when I close my Eyes—But  enough of Self. I am very sorry to learn that you still have so sick a family—poor little Charlot, had a hard Struggle. the cough to seize her, before she had recoverd her Strength from the measles—and then it is such a long tedious three months complaint. I hope to hear that you are all better, and that will make me so.I want you to read de La Plains Letter. Send it back by mr Marston or C—— Adams least it should be inquired for. in Replie the P writes him, that the portrait he has, belongs to his son J Q A who had it taken for him, and therefore he does not consider himself at Liberty to send it to him—that he has some delicacy with respect to Stuart, to have it engraved without his consent—he tells him that Stuart has one as this—I for my part do not think we owe Stuart any such compliment—for he will never have an engraven taken of it himself—mr Shaws picture is not framed, and there fore might be more easily conveyd—I think Morse ought not to be mortified, and I wish to have the Secret kept wholy to ourselves—I see by the paper that Dow intends to close his shop in April—I do not know whether he sells lower than his Name sake. I want a peice of cotton cambrick or cambrick napkin—Such as we use for gowns. I think the measure 12 yds I want it good a yd & half—Such I have heard might be had for 4/6 or 5 Shillings—and about 12 yd of Colerain cotton—Such as you bought me once before.Susan said that Dow had handsome Square Silk Shawls, dark for 6 dollars. do you suppose he would trust 2 or three to be sent to me to look at—you can ask him. I will add no more, at present—I inclose 20 dollars do not go out in the cold—Saturday morg—thank you for the note of this mor’g I slept considerable last night. the cold however is most too much for me, and this morning, we are overpowerd with Letters in from abroad—I have felt the influence of their approach the week past—my Letter from mr A is 23 december John Smiths 23 Jan’ry you must come up and read them all—I am half deranged with themmy Letter I beleive has ten blunders to one in your Note—I dare not write more. this is done sitting up in Bed.— dear Harriet, with Love to all sick and well, the Letter  to you was sent by 	Louisa to you— Letter inclosed

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