Title: To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 26 March 1822
From: Delaplaine, Joseph
To: Adams, John

					Dear sir,
					Philadelphia 26. March 1822

				I have been honoured with your obliging favour.—I find that the second portrait that you would be glad to see, is that of Dr. Rush which I now beg leave to enclose for your kind acceptance.—The letters which I addressed to Mr. Charles Shaw the Author of the accot. of Boston were properly directed. They contained a request that he would furnish me with some facts in relation to Boston to be inserted in my picture of the United States.I now make the same request of William S. Shaw of the Atheneum, and beg the favour of you to send the enclosed letter to him.—If you have leisure sufficient to inform me how you like Dr. Rush’s portrait, I shall be much gratified.With every sentiment of respect & esteem, / I am, dear sir, / your obed. & very huml. servant.

					Joseph Delaplaine


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 29 March 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Dear Sir
Quincy Montezillo—29th Mar 1822—

I have recieved your favr of the 17th. Decr. Your favour of the 17th Decr. You may do what you please with my letter of 20th Decr.
I presume the Collo Troup you speak off is the gentleman whose eloquent speeches I have read with great satisfaction in the Volume of the transaction of the Convention for reforming your the Constitution. It would give me pleasure to peruse all your publications, and to correspond with you on the subject of them, but I can read nothing, & scarcely write the name of your friend.—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Francis Henderson, 6 April 1822
From: Henderson, Francis
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Charleston,—South Carolina—6th. April, 1822.

				I did Myself the honor to write you, on the 3d. January last, from Newport,—Rhode Island; with sundry accompanying documents for your perusal, relative to the Claim of Myself & Family on the United States, as the Heirs and Representatives of the late Lieut. Colo. John Laurens.Myself and Son, soon afterwards, arrived here, to spend the remainder of the Winter and Spring, and attend to the affairs of my Family, in the State of South Carolina.Having, hitherto, received no answer from you to my aforesaid letter,—permit me, by the present, to request, you will be good enough to favor me with your reply and the Documents sent you, addressed to me, at Newport, Rhode Island,—to which place, please God, I shall return the end of this or early next month.I have the Honor to be with very great respect and consideration, Sir, Your Obedient Humble Servant

					Fras: Henderson


Title: To John Adams from William Lambert, 8 April 1822
From: Lambert, William
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					City of Washington, April 8th. 1822.

				I have the honor to inclose two printed copies of a report relative to thee latitude and longitude of the Capitol, in this City; one of which is intended for your own use; the other, for the use of such College, or Seminary of learning in Massachusetts, as you may select.I have the honor to be, / Your most Obedt. Servt.

					William Lambert.


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Delaplaine, 23 April 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Delaplaine, Joseph

					Sir
					Montezillo April 23d 1822

				Portraits or Busts, of Men or Women taken in Old Age, which as Ossean says, and says truly is dark and unlovely are always disagreeable; much more so are those taken after Death or in Articulo mortis The Portraits of Dr Franklin taken when he was eighty four were no more like him, in the middle of his Age or even when he was seventy years Old than they resembled those of Voltair I delight to see the images of my Friends taken when they were in the full enjoyment of all the energies of their minds and bodiesThe Picture of Dr Rush which you sent me is a meloncholy object to my sight, I see nothing of that erect figure, that free air and steady gate that intelligentery and expressive countenance which delighted me so much in my friend when I knew him, it is however a memento mori and that is always a useful moral lesson. But we have so many intimations tending to the same ends that I am not meloncholy enough to contemplate too many of them; I am more delighted and I think more instructed, by looking at the bright side of human nature, and human life than at the dark: I thank you however in for the civility of sending me the Portrate of my friend / and am your obliged / humble Servent

					John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Delaplaine, 24 April 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Delaplaine, Joseph

Sir
Montezillo April 24th. 1822

Portraits, or Busts, of Men or Women taken in Old age which as Ossian says, and says truly is dark and unlovely, are always disagreeable, much more so are those taken after death, or in articulo mòrtes The Portraits of Dr Frankline taken when he was eighty four, were no more like him in the middle of his Age or even when he was seventy years old, than they resemble those of Voltair. I delight to see the images of my friends taken when they were in the full enjoyment of all the energies of their minds, and bodies. The pictur of Dr Rush which you sent me is a melancholy object to my sight, I see nothing of that erect figure, that free air, and steady gate, that intelligent and expressive countenance, which delighted me so much in my friend, when I knew him. It is however a memento moir, and that is always a useful moral lesson. But we have so many intimations tending to the same ends that I am not meloncholy enough to contemplate too many of them—I am more delighted, and I think, more instructed by looking at the bright side of human Nature, and human life, than at the dark—I thank you however for the civility of sending me the Portrait of my friend—and I am your obliged humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ann Hinckley, 29 April 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Hinckley, Ann

dear Miss Hinckley
Montezillo 29th. Apl 1822

I pray you to accept my thanks for a very elegant present, which delicious as it is in itself is rendered still more exquisite by comeing from the hands of a young Lady whose Character and accomplishments I have long admired, and in whose fortunes I have feelt a deep interest, may every human felicity be your portion, my Compliments and best thanks to your Father, for furnishing you with the means of presenting me this acceptable favour, how I lament my inability to write any part of this Note with my own hand—accept the / name of your obliged friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Williams, 30 April 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Williams, John

Sir.
Montezillo April 30th. 1822

I pray you to accept my kind thanks for sending me the Mecklenberg declaration of Independence. Although these papers have been familiar to me for two or three years past, they are still an incomprehensible mystery. I can scarcely conceive it possible, that such a transaction should have been concealed, for so many years, from the publick. Had those resolutions been published at the time, they would have rolled and rebellowed through the Continent from the Mississippi to the St Lawrence—and would have been re–echoed from every part of Europe. There is but one hypothesis that has ever occurred to me for their suppression.—Mr: Caswell was a staunch Patriot; but he was recalled to take command of upon him the Government of N. Carolina and the command of their forces.—Mr Cooper was never cordial in the cause of the Country.—And Mr Hughes, was for a long time wavering and undecided, though he at last came out in a style sufficiently unequivocal. These Gentlemen were constantly assailed by the friends of the British government, aided by the Quakers and proprietary gentlemen of Pennsylvania—and by them kept constantly quivering; and perhaps, perswaded to suppress Resolutions, which if they had been published would have had infinitely more influence, in the world, than Mr Paine’s “Common Sense,” which came out so many months after—These were resolutions of a very respectable body of native American Citizens. “Common Sense” was the production of a wandering, fugitive adventurer. Though Mr Jefferson believes these Resolutions to be fabrications—Yet it is impossible not to believe, from the similarity of expressions in his declaration of Independence, that he had not heard, those words repeated in conversation, though he had not seen the Resolution in form.
I have the honour to be, Sir, / your obliged & humble Servt,
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Davis, 2 May 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Davis, John

dear Sir.
montezillo May 2. 1822

I thank you for introducing to me Mr Lewis Weld, an Instructor in the Asylum for the deaf & Dumb at Hartford, in whom I was highly pleased to see, so accomplished a Grand Son of my Ancient friend and Neighbour the Revnd Mr Weld of Monatiquot, nor was I less gratified, but much more astonished at his Pupil Mr George H Loring We happened to have a little company extraordinary, and we had an entertainment more delightful, and infinitely more moral and intellectual than we could have had at any Theatre though the actors had been Garrick, Siddons, or Kain. We made many experiments and were not less surprised with the promptitude and facility with which the Preceptor translated long stories into his mystical language, than at the ease and perfection with which the Pupil understood them and commited them to writing, I had the good fortune almost forty years ago of frequently visiting the first institution of the kind under the Abba  L’Epee at Paris, where I saw many of his experiments, of the wonderful and apt performance of many of his Pupils; I never in my life beheld a more joyous and social scene, than fifty of his disciples of both sexes in one room—Conversing together after their exercises were over with greater animation, apparent intelligence and perfect delight—than that in their language, of face, and eyes, hands and feet. Yet I cannot say that I saw any thing there in the Master, or the Pupils more affecting, or astonishing—than the exhibition of Mr Weld and Mr Loring
You have given me a high gratification Sir, by your approbation of the performance at the Exhibition by the parvus Julus. I had a great desire to be there myself in person, but nature in her progress had forbidden it,
with sincere esteem and high / Respect I am sir your most Obedient hubl Ser

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from George H. Loring, 4 May 1822
From: Loring, George H.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston May 4th. 1822.

				I enjoyed the visit to you. I thank you for your kind invitation with warmth. I thank you for the gift which was five dollars with warmth. I know I have not done you any good although you gave me this great present. I will not purchase something disadvantageous for my mind with that money, but something beneficial to my mind. I wish you happiness.May God give you many blessings in this life and in that next.Your’s very respectfully.

					George H. Loring


Title: From John Adams to Allen Danforth, 18 May 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Danforth, Allen

Sir
Montezillo May 18th. 1822

I am so delighted with the idea of an Old Colony memorial; and so perfectly satisfied with the design and execution of the first number dated Saturday May the 4th. 1822—that I pray you to admit your my name among your subscribers and accept the inclosed Bill as my subscription for the first year—
I have no disposition to Vilify the character of the illustrious William Penn, or to depreciate his merits so celebrated for his Wisdom, tolleration, and humanity to the Indians but I think that New England furnishes the Biography of several characters, who more than half a Century before him had exerted equal talents, equal exertions, greater sacrifices and severer sufferings, in the same pious and virtuous cause Mr Penn was very fortunate in having to choose his own companions, and in meeting with Indians, of a very mild and Pacifick character, for as the first settlers in New England had spy’s and emissarys sent out, with the express purpose of counteracting, and destroying their puritanical establishments. The Character, of Sir Christopher Gardener, of Weston the head of the Establishment of Wessaguscus, and Thomas Morton of Mount Wollaston, ought to be minutely investigated they were all in the confidence of Arch Bishop Laud—As appears explicitly from by the writings of Thomas Morton, in his New Cannan, this Thomas Morton was as great a plague to our forefathers, as Thomas Paine has been to us in our day. His writings conduct and Character ought to be examined, and stated at full length—he and those other emissarys furnished the Indians, with Arms, and other Ammunition, and taught them, the use of them; and what was worse gave them spiritous liquor and commenced their habits of Intoxication—but I am not about to write a Volume. So I subscribe my with my thanks for the first number—I subscribe / your obliged, and humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Old Colony Memorial, 18 May 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Old Colony Memorial

					Sir,
					Quincy Montezillo May 18th. 1822

				I am so delighted with the idea of an Old Colony Memorial and so perfectly satisfied with the design and execution of the first number, dated Saturday May 4th. 1822, that I pray you to admit my name among your subscribers, and accept the enclosed bill as my subscription for the first year.I have no disposition to vilify the character of the illustrious William Penn, or to depreciate his merits, so celebrated for his wisdom, toleration, and humanity to the Indians; but I think that New–England furnishes the biography of several characters, who more than half a century before him, had exerted equal talents, equal exertions, greater sacrifices, and severer sufferings, in the same pious and virtuous cause. Mr Penn was very fortunate in having to choose his own companions, and in meeting with Indians of a  very mild and pacific character; but the first setters in New England had spies and emissaries sent out with the express purpose of  counteracting and destroying their puritanical establishments. The character of Sir Richard Gardiner, of Weston, the heart of the establishment of Wessaguscus, and Thomas Morton, of Mount Wallaston, ought to be minutely investigated. They were all in the confidence of Arch Bishop Laud, as explicitly appears, by the writing of Thomas Morton in his New–Canaan. This Thomas Morton was as great a plague to our Forefathers as Tom. Paine has been to us in our day. His writings, conduct and character, ought to be examined and stated at full length: He and those other emissaries furnished the Indians with arms and other ammunition, and taught them the use of them; and what was worse gave them spirituous liquors,  and commenced their habits of intoxication. But I am about to write a volume. With my thanks for the first number—I subscribe your / Obliged humble Servant

					John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 21 May 1822
From: Tudor, William, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Dear and Venerable President,
					Boston May 21st. 1822.

				I took up in a bookstore this morning a work that has just appeared in two volumes entitled “The History of the American Revolution by Paul Allen.” Mr Allen is a man of talents and I presume has written a valuable history—but I looked over only one or two pages in his first volume where he is speaking of the Congress at New York in 1765—and which he concludes in the following manner:—“The Chairman, Mr Ruggles, one of those upon whose loyalty, the governour of Massachusetts had so strongly calculated, left the meeting without signing: and his colleague Mr Otis was upon the point of doing the same, but fortunately the influence of Mr Thomas Lynch was successfully exerted to prevent him.” It will be doing me a great favour if you will be kind enough to dictate a few remarks on this subject, that will enable me to understand this passage and make any corrections as to matters of fact. Ruggles I know was censured by the legislature on his return for his conduct; but I did not know that there was any objection to Otis on this occasion, having always heard that all the members of that Congress considered him the most distinguished member of it—but if I understand the passage I have quoted, it conveys a strong insinuation against him—I inquired in regard to the shoemaker you mentioned who was the triumphant leader of the Southend Posse, and find that it was Macintosh. at least after mentioning your description to Mr Jo. May & Mr Jo. Pierce—they say it must have been the name of the man.I remain with the highest / respect / Your hble sert

					W. Tudor.


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Jr., 23 May 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Jr.

Dear Sir
Montizillo May 23, 1822

I neither know any thing of the name or character of Paul Allen. What he means by Mr Otis’s being on the point of leaving the meeting without signing as Ruggles did I know not: But one thing I know that if Otis ever uttered or thought of leaving without signing it was because he thought the result of that Congress was not strong enough: and it must be acknowledged that it was rather tame even for the time. But no insinuation to the disadvantage of Otis concerning his conduct in that Congress ever met my ear or my eye till I recieved your letter. But whose character is safe? The captors of Andre are of late represented as mercenaries Gen Putnam insinuated to have been a Coward & now Otis a flincher; & I should not be surprised if you should live to hear John Hancock & Sam Adams, James & Joseph Warren Washington, Green, & Knox  insinuated as haveing been traitors to their country. Mr Lynch of South Carolina was a worthy man; but if  insinuation anything against Otis has been taken from he must have been misunderstood. Mr May & Mr Pierce have got the name of McIntosh very correctly I am sure; but I wish they had recollected his Christian name—
Your Boston Ultra Federalists have always ridden too high a horse. they go stumbling & blundering on untill they have broken most of their bones & are in dangers of breaking all the rest necks & all
I am Your affectionate friend
J. Adams—


Title: To John Adams from William Thomas, 24 May 1822
From: Thomas, William
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Plymouth 24th May 1822

				You will permit me to make acknowledgments to you for your kind letter to the Printer of the Memorial. You would allow me the honor of feeling, as if I had something of a nearer acquaintance with you, than as a citizen of the State, being the son of the late Judge Thomas, who received, & conferred much pleasure, in relating many incidents in the professional career of those, who afterwards became identified with the history of the Country. This was a kind of information, that could not be collected from books, & impresses a young mind powerfully. It is in this way I wish the little paper published in this town might operate to inspire a proper respect for the Fathers. It is no doubt true that the human mind takes a more extended view, then it did two centuries ago, but we never should forget, that this is attributable to the sound, discriminating sense, & liberal temper of Our Ancestors—that this made a part of their benevolent design. Accept the sincere respect of Your Obt Sert

					William Thomas


Title: From John Adams to Henry Channing, 27 May 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Channing, Henry

Dear Mr Channing.
Montizillo 27 May 1822

I thank you for your favor of the 22 inst & the two Connecticut gazettes which I have given to Mr. Shaw of the Athenaeum to be communicated to the Historical Society. I had rather read their remarks on the Mohegan letter than make any of my own. It is unpleasant though it is necessary to bring such documents before the public after a concealment of one hundred twenty years. If the Legislature of Connect. whose conduct is represented so cruel could arise from their graves I dare say that they could alledge much explanation of for their conduct. I suspect much high church policy and intrigue in the history of this Country from Arch bishop Laud to this day. The Mohegan letter is however very curious. I wish he had told us who were his Gods I presume they were the earth the moon & the sun, under the most high the great spirit. The Indian religion in every part of America seems to me to be the same with that of    whose doctrine was that ouranos & ge were the offspring of the most high and that men all animals and all vegetables were children by a marriage between ouranos & ge. Tecumsha said “my father is the Sun my mother is the earth. I wish I could give you a detailed account of some conver conversations I have lately had with Gen Millar Gov. of Arkansas. He spent 4 months of the winter 1820 among the Cherokees & Osages endeavoring to make peace between them the king of the Osages informed him that three of this Gods under the great Spirit were the earth, the moon & the Sun. These he was hiped daily in several ways. One was by smoaking tobacco in their honour. He blowed several whiffs to the earth several more to the moon & most of all to the sun. The religious veneration for tobacco appears to me be universal among all the tribes of the Indians. They believed it to be a special gift of their Gods sent down by a select messenger from the heavens as sincerely as the monarchs of Europe believe the holy vial of oil to have been sent down by the holy ghost, in shape of a dove. I wish you were accquainted with Gen. Millar. He appears to me to be more accquainted with inquisitive & more successful in obtaining information relative to the religion manners & customs of the Indians than all the missionaries—I wish I could enlarge but I must break off with assurances of esteem & friendship / of your humble Servant—


Title: To John Adams from W.H. Sumner, 28 May 1822
From: Sumner, W.H.
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Boston May 28th 1822

				The Military Company of Massachusetts which was instituted in 1638, as a School of Officers, and which is now called the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company, will celebrate their anniversary on the first Monday of June next by a Military Parade on the Common, attending Public Worship at the Meeting House in Chauncey Place, at 12, and by a dinner at Faneuil Hall at 2 OClock.The history of the Company, which I have the pleasure to send to you, at the request of the author, Mr Whitman, (together with his Note to me making this request,) induces the belief, that this, is by far the oldest military association in this Country, and, with a very few exceptions, is elder than any civil or religious institution in the State. The publication of this book, has been highly serviceable to the Company, by extending a knowledge of its Antiquity, privileges and principles through the Community—Partaking of the Spirit of their Ancestors, a great many of the Militia Officers, of different grades, some of whom live thirty miles from town, have become associates, within a year or two, with the elder members who then belonged to it.That you may be acquainted with the present State of the Company, I have the pleasure to inform you, that of 217 members enrolled, there is1 Commander in Chief4 Major Generals9 Brigadier Generals12 Colonels14 Lieutenant Colonels23 Majors59 Captains46 Lieutenants20 Ensigns29 Privates.217 members belonging to thirty different towns, of these there are 72 who are not liable to perform military duty and 116 officers who perform duty in other Corps.The Company have directed me to request, that you will honor them with your attendance, at all, or such of the ceremonies, of their Anniversary, as your health and strength will permit.To have had the Command of such a Corps, I shall always consider as one of the most distinguished events of my life; To have the pleasure of the Company of our Political Patriarch, on its anniversary, as one of the most gratifying.With the most sincere desire, that all your wishes may be accomplished, I have / the honor to be, Sir, / Your most respectful / very Obedt Servt

					W. H. Summer.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1822
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

               Monticello June 1. 22.

            It is very long, my dear Sir, since I have written to you. my dislocated wrist is now become so stiff that I write slowly and with pain, and therefore write as little as I can. yet it is due to mutual friendship to ask once in a while how we do? the papers tell us that Genl. Starke is off at the age of 93. Charles Thomson still lives at about the same age, chearful, slender as a grasshopper, and so much without memory that he scarcely recognises the members of his household. an intimate friend of his called on him not long since: it was difficult to make him recollect who he was, and, sitting one hour, he told him the same story 4. times, over. is this life?—with lab’ring step to tread our former footsteps? pace the roundEternal?—to beat and beatthe beaten track? to see what we have seenTo taste the tasted? o’er our palates to decantAnother vintage?—it is at most but the life of a cabbage, surely not worth a wish. when all our faculties have left, or are leaving us, one by one, sight, hearing, memory, and every avenue of pleasing sensation is closed, and athumy, debility and mal-aise left in their places, when the friends of our youth are all gone, and a generation is risen around us whom we know not, is death an evil?
When one by one our ties are torn,When trembling limbs refuse their weightAnd friend from friend is snatched forlornAnd films slow gathering dim the sight,When man is left alone to mourn,When clouds obscure the mental light Oh! then how sweet it is to die!Tis nature’s kindest boon to die!
 I really think so. I have ever dreaded a doting old age; and my health has been generally so good, and is now so good, that I dread it still. the rapid decline of my strength during the last winter has made me hope sometimes that I see land. during summer I enjoy it’s temperature, but I shudder at the approach of winter, and wish I could sleep through it with the Dormouse, and only wake with him in spring, if ever. they say that Starke could walk about his room. I am told you walk well and firmly. I can only reach my garden, and that with sensible fatigue. I ride however daily. but reading is my delight. I should wish never to put pen to paper; and the more because of the treacherous practice some people have of publishing one’s letters without leave. Ld. Mansfield declared it a breach of trust, and punishable at law. I think it should be a penitentiary felony. yet you will have seen that they have drawn me out into the arena of the newspapers. altho’ I know it is too late  for me to buckle on the armour of youth, yet my indignation would not permit me passively to recieve the kick of an Ass.To turn to the news of the day, it seems that the Cannibals of Europe are going to eating one another again. a war between Russia and Turkey is like the battle of the kite and snake. whichever destroys the other, leaves a destroyer the less for the world. this pugnacious humor of mankind seems to be the law of his nature, one of the obstacles to too great multiplication provided in the mechanism of the Universe. the cocks of the henyard kill one another up. boars, bulls, rams do the same. and the horse, in his wild state, kills all the young males, until worn down with age and war, some vigorous youth kills him, and takes to himself the Haram of females. I hope we shall prove how much happier for man the Quaker policy is, and that the life of the feeder is better than that of the fighter: and it is some consolation that the desolation by these Maniacs of one part of the earth is the means of improving it in other parts. let the latter be our office. and let us milk the cow, while the Russian holds her by the horns, and the Turk by the tail. God bless you, and give you health, strength, and good spirits, and as much of life as you think worth having

               Th: Jefferson


Title: From John Adams to William Sumner, 2 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Sumner, William

my dear General
Montizillo 2 June 1822

Your favour of the 28 has been received with great pleasure. I pray you to present my most profound respects to the ancient & honorable Artillery company for their polite invitation which it would be my honour & pleasure to accept if my strength were sufficient to go through the day. I can concur entirely with you on your estimation of the dignity & utility & importance of that military institution for almost two hundred years When a nation loses its consciousness of its own power and a confidence in its own energies and its resources it will soon become a prey even to the most contemptible horde of war liken invaders. No thing has contributed so much to propagate & perpetuate those manly feelings & sentiment in NA tho as your association. Artillery election days have been enjoyed by this people for almost two centuries & I hope they will be to all future ages. I shall thank Mr Z. G. Whitman in a letter to him as soon as I can get it written for his history of the company which I received with great pleasure and think it a valuable addition to our literature With high esteem I have the honour to be your affectionate relation & very humb Servant—
J.A


Title: From John Adams to William Sumner, 3 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Sumner, William

My dear General
Montezillo June 3d. 1822

Your favour of the 20th. has been received with great pleasure. I pray you to present my most profound respects to the ancient and honorable Artillery Company for their polite invitation which it would be my honour and pleasure to accept if my strength were sufficient to go through the day. I can concur entirely with you in your estimation of the dignity utility and importance of that military institution for almost two hundred years When a Nation loses its consciousness of its own power and a confidence in its own energies and its resources, it will soon become a prey even to the most contemptible horde of warlike invaders. Nothing has contributed so much to propagate and perpetuate those manly feelings and sentiments in N America as your association. Artillery Election days have been enjoyed by this people for almost two centuries and I hope they will be to all future ages. I shall thank Mr Whitman in a letter to him as soon as I can get it written, for his history of the Company, which I received with great pleasure and think it a valuable addition to our literature.
With high esteem I have the honour to be your / affectionate relation and / very humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Hiram Haines, 4 June 1822
From: Haines, Hiram
To: Adams, John

					Honourable Sir
					Slate Mills Culpeper County Virga. June 4th. 1822

				A desire not only to see, but to possess and preserve relicts of those venerable Heroes and Sages whose exertions won, and whose counsels have preserved that glorious liberty which I, in common with millions of my happy fellow citizens enjoy is the cause of my addressing you at present, in which I hope you will excuse the liberty an intire stranger, has thus unceremoniously taken.My wishes are to possess specimens of their hand writing and if possible, correct copper plate engravings, or painted miniature likenesses of their persons. Should you, who has acted so important a part in the scenes referred to, be willing thus far to gratify me, the favour will be received with pleasure and remembered with gratitude.I am but a youth of nineteen, to whom neither fortune nor Nature has been propitious or profuse, and should you please to favour me with a specimen of your hand writing. I wish it to embrace some maxim or moral lesson that may be useful to me as I journey through life and which would probably be, better remembered and more strictly regarded, as having emanated from so respectable source. On whatever subject you may please to write affix your name, in the style, which you have been in the habit of signing it. Address to “Hiram Haines, Slate Mills, Culpeper Country. Va.—” May the great Architect of the Universe give you health and peace for your remaining days.

					H: Haines


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 10 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Montezillo June 10th. 1822

Thanks for your letter of 5th. June and smoaking lecture but as I have not read the lecture I shall confine myself in this, the smoaking Theology. I believe you have heard of the Park Street prayers for the conversion of Boston and Cambridge, in which as far as they are good, sincere, honest pure and benevolent, I heartily join them; but which as far as they are hypocritical bigoted and fanatical, I hope will meet the fates of some other prayers. About the time of the British fast for success in the war against America; Dr Franklin and I then keeping hous together at Passy made a dinner for the Americans and some other company. The conversation turning at table on the subject of the British supplications, Dr Franklin said, gentlemen I have an history to relate to you relative to this, which I had from the best authority. On the British fast day St. Gabriel and St. Michael after glancing their eyes around the Universe looked down upon earth-Says Gabriel there is a thick fog around that planet. We can see nothing what is it? Oh says Michael that is a cloud consisting of the prayers of the English coming up for the success of their armies against America Poh! says Gabriel; Michael smiled, and said that Poh! has scattered all the mist, we can now see plainly land and water, hills and valleys, cities and Villages.—This Fable I believe to be Franklins own composition because it is exactly characteristic of his genious, I hope and believe that the mephytic particles of the Park Street prayers will be as effectually dispersed to the four winds.—
I agree perfectly with you in your opinions of the Orthodox proceedings of election week and I think you deserve commendation for your prudent and friendly visit and advice to Dr Holmes.—Gentlemen of graver characters will consider this subject more seriously. I can view it only with a proper mixture of pity and derision.—
my kindest regards to Mrs Waterhouse— / from your friend John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 11 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir.
Montezillo June 11th 1822.

Half an hour ago I received, and this moment have heard read, for the 3d. or 4th. time, the best letter that ever was written by an Octogenarian, dated June the first. It is so excellent that I am under an almost invincible temptation to commit a breach of trust by lending it to a printer. My Son Thomas Boylston—says it would be worth $500—to any Newspaper in Boston—But I dare not betray your confidence.
I have not strained my wrist, but both my hands & arms are so overstrained that I cannot write a line.
Poor Stark could remembered nothing and could talk of nothing but the battle of Bennington. Poor Thomson is not quite so reduced. I cannot mount my horse, but I can walk three miles over a rugged rocky Mountain, and have done it within a month, yet I feel when setting in my Chair as if I could not rise out of it, and when risen as if I could not walk across the room. My sight is very dim; hearing pretty good; memory poor enough.
I answer your Question: Is death an evil? It is not an evil: it is a blessing, to the individual, and to the World—Yet we ought not to wish for it, till life becomes insupportable. We must wait the pleasure and convenience of the Great Teacher. Winter is as terrible to me as to you. I am almost reduced in it to the life of a Bear or a Torpid Swallow. I cannot read, but my delight is to hear (reading) others read, and I tax all my friends most unmercifully and Tyrannically against their consent.
“The Ass” has kicked in vain—All men say the dull animal has missed the mark.
This Globe is a Theatre of War. Its Inhabitants are all Heroes. The little Ells in vinegar, and the annimalculi in pepper water, I believe are quarrelsome. The Bees are as warlike as the Romans, Russians, Britains or Frenchmen. Ants Catterpillars and Cankerworms, are the only tribes among whom I have not seen Battles; and Heaven itself, if we believe Hindoo’s, Jews, Christians & Mahometans has not always been at peace.
We need not trouble ourselves about these things, nor fret Ourselves because of Evil-doers; but “safely trust the Ruler with his Skies.” Nor need we dread the approach of dotage. Let it come if it must!!!
Thompson it seems, still delights in his four stories; and Stark remembered to the last his Bennington, and exalted in his Glory; the worst of the evil is that our friends will suffer more by our imbecility than we ourselves.
Diplomatick flickerings it seems have not yet ceased. It seems as if a Council of Ambassadors could never agree. In wishing for your health and happiness I am very Selfish, for I hope for more letters. This is worth more than Five-hundred Dollars to me, and will continue to give me more than a Thousand.—Mr Jay who is about your age, I am told, experiences more decay than you do.
I am your old Friend.
J.A.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B.H. Judah, 12 June 1822
From: Judah, Samuel B.H.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					N. York June 12th 1822.

				I have the honour to present to you a copy of a poem that has attained some celebrity in this country I do not send it to you that I think it is worthy of your notice but as a testimony of respect that an unknown youth holds the venerable patriot to whom our country owes so much—I should never sir have presumed to forward you this work faulty as it is but that being flattered by the favourable  of some of the first cities of our country—I flattered my self that it might be read with some little pleasure in an hour of your leisure—it is the work of a young man of scarce sixteen years old & thereforewho’s education has been principly of his own forming—and therefore perhaps deserves to be less criticised by the ancient rules of Langinas or than an older and more experienced writer—if it should be his fate to again try his pen he feels assured himself then a more careful production will do himself more honour and perhaps add a laurel to his country—I have the honor to be / yr. most obdt. servt.

					Saml B. H Judah


Title: From John Adams to Samuel B.H. Judah, 24 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Judah, Samuel B.H.

Sir
Montizillo 24 June 1822

I have heard read your horrible Odo friede; although there are marks of genius & talents, which in so young man; if hereafter carefully cultivated and applied to more proper subjects, may produce something agreeable and useful, yet I can neither  applaud or approve this kind of compositions in prose or verse They serve only to continue in the minds of men chimerical fantasies, which never existed any where but in human immaginations. They greatly diminish the sum of human happiness by keeping up a constant terror in the minds of a great part of man kind—for fear is a painful and distressing passion. I could wish that Shakespear had been asleep when he imagined or borrowed from Teutonic tales his ghost of Hamlet the his witches in Macbeth his queen Macb & his Oberon. I could wish that the German Oberon had never been written & especially that it never had been translated into English by Sower by Beautiful as it is. I thank you however for your civility in sending me the book & am your hearty well wisher
J. A


Title: From John Adams to Samuel L. Knapp, 24 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Knapp, Samuel L.

					Dear Sir
					Montizillo 24 June 1822

				I thank you for the vol you sent me containing the trial of Lt Abbot. I am too blind to read it myself and have not yet found a friend of sufficient leisure to read it to me. It grieves me to the heart to see such publications & to read in the newspapers so many accounts of courts martial and courts of inquiry. However necessary they may be they can not fail to excite & perpetuate incurable contests & dissension amond the officers gentlemen of the navy and to diminish the confidence of the nation in the navy itself & to hurt the reputation of the navy in foreign countries. I am Sir with great esteem your obliged friend

					J. A


Title: To John Adams from J. A. Bingham, 24 June 1822
From: Bingham, J. A.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Rockville, Md. June 24, 1822

				In presenting to the People of the United States, proposals for so important a work as the designation: of that which is here inclosed, I have thought it no less  prudent than respectful, to make the object known in the commencement, to those who have bourne a conspicuous part in the formation, and administration—our government, Under this impress sir, I have taken the liberty to address a prospectus to you, and to state, that an expression of your views respecting it, will be truly gratifying, and may be, beneficial to me.With sentiments of high esteem, sir / your friend.

					J A Bingham


Title: From John Adams to Samuel B.H. Judah, 25 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Judah, Samuel B.H.

					 Sir—
					Montezillo 25th June 1822

I have heard read your horrible Odofriede; although there are marks of genius and talents, which in so young a man, if hereafter carefully cultivated and applied to more proper subjects, may produce something agreeable and useful, yet I can neither
applaud or approve this kind of composition in prose or verse. They serve only to continue in the minds of men chimerical fantasies, which never existed anywhere but in human imagination. They greatly diminish the sum of human happiness by keeping up a constant terror in the minds of a great part of mankind—for fear is a painful and distressing passion. I could wish that Shakespear had been asleep when he imagined or borrowed from Teutonic tales his gost  of Hamlet, his Witches in Macbeth, his Queen Mab, and his Oberon. I could wish that the German Oberon had never been written, and especially that it never had been translated into English by Sotheby beautiful as it is. I thank you however for your civility in sending me the Book.
and am your hearty well wisher

					J Adams


Title: To John Adams from Charles Hood, 26 June 1822
From: Hood, Charles
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston. 26 June 1822

				The approaching Anniversary of American Independence, again awakens the feelings of every American Citizen, and inspires them with a lively Sensation, in the recollection of that important event, which, has given their country a distinguished rank among the nations of the globe, and elevated her, to her present State of eminence—The Washington Society of Republican young Men of this City, will celebrate by a public Dinner, this glorious achievement, and it becomes a source of peculiar gratification to them, that while they duly appreciate the Zealous and patriotic exertions of their fathers, they have yet, among them, Some who have toiled for the accomplishment of an event, which they hope will be perpetuated to latest time.This gratification will be much enhanced, in beholding at their table, on this occasion, You Sir, who have acted So conspicuous a part in securing for posterity this invaluable boon—I am directed by the Standing Committee to request the honour of your company at dinner on that Day—pr Order of the Standing Com

					Charles HoodCorresponding Secretary


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1822
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello June 27. 22.

				Your kind letter of the 11th. has given me great satisfaction for altho’ I could not doubt but that the hand of age was pressing heavily on you, as on myself, yet we like to know the particulars and the degree of that pressure. much reflection too has been produced by your suggestion of lending my letter of the 1st. to a printer. I have generally great aversion to the insertion of my letters in the public papers; because of my passion for quiet retirement & never to be exhibited in scene on the public stage. nor am I unmindful of the precept of Horace “solvere senescentem, mature sanus equum, ne peccet ad extremum ridendus.” in the present case however I see a possibility that this might aid in producing the very quiet after which I pant. I do not know how far you may suffer as I do, under the persecution of letters, of which every mail brings a fresh load. they are letters of enquiry for the most part, always of good will, sometimes from friends whom I esteem, but much oftener from persons whose names are unknown to me, but written kindly and civilly, and to which therefore civility requires answers. perhaps the better known failure of your hand in it’s function of writing, may shield you in greater degree from this distress, and so far qualify the misfortune of it’s disability. I happened to turn to my letter-list some time ago and a curiosity was excited to count those recieved in a single year. it was the year before the last. I found the number to be 1267. many of them requiring answers of elaborate research, and all to be answered with due attention and consideration. take an average of this number for a week or a day, and I will repeat the question suggested by other considerations in mine of the 1st. is this life? at best it is but the life of a mill-horse, who sees no end to his circle but in death. to such a life that of a cabbage is paradise. it occurs then that my condition of existence, truly stated in that letter, if better known, might check the kind indiscretions which are so heavily oppressing the departing hours of life. such a relief would to me be an ineffable blessing. but yours of the 11th. equally interesting and affecting, should accompany that to which it is an answer. the two taken together would excite a joint interest, and place before our fellow-citizens the present condition of two antient servants, who having faithfully performed their 40. or 50. campaigns, stipendiis omnibus expletis, have a reasonable claim to repose from all disturbance in the Sanctuary of Invalids and Superannuates. but some device should be thought of for their getting before the public otherwise than by our own publication. your printer perhaps could frame something plausible. C. Thomson’s name should be left blank, as his picture, should it meet his eye, might give him pain. I consign however the whole subject to your consideration, to do in it whatever your own judgment shall approve, and repeat always with truth the assurances of my constant & affectionate friendship and respect

					Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from John Phillips, 27 June 1822
From: Phillips, John
To: Adams, John

					Beacon Street Boston. Thursday June 27th. 1822.

				The Mayor of the City of Boston, most respectfully solicits the Honor of President Adams’ company, on the evening of the fourth of July. The presence of that venerable and illustrious Citizen, whose prophetic spirit, so clearly discerned, and whose patriotic exertion, so largely contributed, to obtain the blessings of Independence, would confer an high obligation and awaken the most grateful recollections.


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Jr., 30 June 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Jr.

dear Sir
Montezillo 30th. June 1822

In answer to yours, of the 15. June and to the first question in it, I am not able from memory to satisfy your curiosity, but if you can ascertain the time when Coll. Otis was appointed chief Justice of the inferior court for the county of Barnstable, a few months before that was the period you seek, and if I remember right Hutchinsons choice to the agency of the Province was during the same period, and the choice of Hutchinson, and the appointment of chief justice Otis were connected together in the public opinion. Otis had not opposed with his usual energy Hutchinsons choice. Electioneering passions then were as hot and furious as they are now, and the whigs suspected that Otis had been gained over by the tories and if the election had come on at that moment in the town of Boston Otis would have infalliably been rejected, but Jemmy Bullezo came out, convinced the Whigs that Otis was not lost, and as Otis himself said in a Speech in the house. The Song of the drunkards saved him—The choice of Hutchinson to the agency was desolation to the whigs. They considered the Country as lost forever, and with transports of joy seized the opportunity of excusing him, which he himself afforded.
I really cannot recollect more than one of the Council and that one was myself—and this I remember by a solid circumstance of 100 dollars which he made Robinson pay me, and I received with no little satisfaction—The author of the Pamphlet you mention I know not. If I were to hazard a conjecture it would be that Arthur Lee and Stephen Sayre and William Lee, who were then all great Men in London were the Authors—but this is mere conjecture suggested by circumstances which are too numerous to be detailed—
I am Sir your friend & humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Taylor Barry, 30 June 1822
From: Barry, William Taylor
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Lexington Kentucky 30th. June 1822

				A few days since I forwarded to you by Mail a printed Circular, the object of which is to gain information to enable the Legislature of this State, to fix on the best practicable plan for the education of our youth, for which liberal appropriations were made at their last Session. It was with reluctance that we ventured to intrude on your leisure; and it is not wished that our request should cause you any particular trouble. The approbation & Sanction of your name, rendered illustrious by distinguished acts of patriotism, and the devotion of a long life to the service of our common country, is what we much desire. Your suggestions will be received as the counsels of wisdom. We are a young people and labour under many disadvantages; we wish to avail ourselves of the benefits to be derived from the experience of our older sisters—amongst the rest Massachusetts stands preemininent for letters & science. When our people shall be educated in a proper manner, when they are enabled to combine the advantages of superior intelligence to their known zeal & patriotism, Kentucky will attain, what she aspires to, an equal standing in character with her sister republics. Although a great majority of our citi-– Citizens are in favour of the cause of education; yet it is difficult for them to agree on a plan, especially when it requires large apropriatios of money out of the public treasury. Any suggestion that you may think proper to make will be highly useful; & will aid us much in the effort we are makeing. I hope Sir that the importance of the subject will plead my apology for the liberty I have taken in thus addressing you. Although personally a stranger to you, being too young to participate in the public counsels con whilst you were in the National counsels, I am yet well acquainted with your character, it is written in the history of our country; your fame is identified with its glory; Every American that feels proud of his country, must feel grateful to you, as one of the founders of its liberty.Accept assurances of esteem & respect from / your Obdt. Humbe. Sert.

					W. T. Barry


Title: To John Adams from Lewis Weld, 6 July 1822
From: Weld, Lewis
To: Adams, John

					American Asylum.Sir,
					Hartford, July 6th: 1822

				The interest you were pleased to express in the general subject of the education of the deaf and dumb and particularly in young Loring, with whom I had the honour of calling on you in May, was extremely gratifying to my feelings. In an employment like that in which I am engaged, so different form the ordinary business of instruction, and so incomprehensible in its details to most of those who witness them, it is peculiarly gratifying to meet with one who is capable of appreciating in some good degree the difficulties under which we labour, and of entering with interest into the philosophical as well as practical part of the subject. These, in connexion with other considerations, which I need not mention, rendered my call upon you, Sir, an event which I shall always remember with pleasure.You were so good as to consent to my sending you, one of our Reports for the past year, when it should be published—This I directed and forwarded a day or two since, and, as I thought you might be gratified to know which of the compositions it contains, are Loring’s. I have taken the liberty of informing you by letter.They are on the 22d:, 23d: & 24th: pages of the report, under the heads of “A description of Sublimity,” “Of the Imagination,” “Of Music,” “An address for the 4th: of July &c.In the report itself you will find some remarks on the compositions of the deaf & dumb, on signs as the medium of communication with them, on the disadvantages of their situation for acquiring an accurate knowledge of a spoken language and on some other topics which, I trust, will interest you, and which will certainly furnish answers to several questions which you proposed to me, much better and more satisfactory, I presume, than I was able to give.With sentiments of the highest respect / I am, Sir, your friend and humble servant,

					Lewis Weld


Title: To John Adams from Ma., Citizens of Quincy, 8 July 1822
From: Quincy, Ma., Citizens of
To: Adams, John

					July 8, 1822

				At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Quincy holden on the 8th: Day of July current, A.D. 1822—Voted—That the town accept with gratitude, affection, and respect, the very liberal, valuable, and useful donation of the Hon. John Adams, with the restrictions, limitations, and conditions, expressed in the deed of conveyance, this day presented for their consideration,—Voted That the Town will adopt all suitable and proper measures to carry into complete effect, the enlarged, and laudable views and benevolent wishes, and intentions, of the venerable donor—Voted That Daniel Greenleaf—Thomas Greenleaf—Edward Miller John Whitney—George W Beale, & George H Apthorp be a Committee to wait upon the Hon. Mr. Adams, and assure him of the grateful sense they entertain, of the Honor confered on them, by this mark of his esteem and affection, and attention to their future welfare and prosperity, and also to assure him, that valuable as the donation is—and highly as they estimate the present, and future advantages that will result from it,—They regard it with sentiments of puculiar veneration as the gift of one, whose patr patriotism, and virtues, have cast a lustre upon the place of his nativity,—Of one who has so successfully devoted, for more than half a century, the energies of his mind, with his profound wisdom and learning, to the advancement of the best interests of his  Country, and to whom under the smiles of Heaven we are so largely indebted, for our Independence, and prosperity as a nation, and for those free, and well balanced constitutions of Government, which alone can secure, and perpetuate, our inestimable priveleges,—A true Copy—as of Reccord Attest—

					Mottram Vesey Town Clerk—


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Montezillo July 12th 1822

Yours of the 27th. June is received with pleasure, for the free air of it delights me.
Your number of 1267. letters in a year, does not surprise me; I have no list of mine, and I could not make one without a weeks research, and I do not believe I ever received one quarter part of your number. And I very much doubt whether I received in the same year one twelfth part; There are reasons enough for the difference.
I hope one day your letters will be all published in volumes; they will not always appear orthodox, or liberal in politicks; but they will exhibit a Mass of Taste, Sense, Literature and Science, presented in a sweet simplicity, And a neat elegance of Stile, which will be read with delight in future ages. I think that when a people turn out their old servants, either by legal suffrages, or from complaisance to a vulgar opinion, they ought to grant them at least, an out-fit; for by making them conspicuous, and multiplying their acquaintances, they expose them to expences heavier than when in Office. Your stationary bill alone for paper, Quills, Ink, Wafers, Wax, Sand and Pounce, must have amounted to enough to maintain a small family.—I never can forgive New York, Connecticut, or Maine for turning out Venerable Men, of sixty, or seventy; from the seats of Judgement, when their judgement is often the best, to turn out such men to eat husks with the prodigal, or grass with Nebuchadnezzar ought to be tormenting to the humanity of the Nation; it is infinitely worse than saing “go up thou bald Head.” For my part, my blindness and Palsy lay me under a necessity of neglecting to answer many letters, and other kind civilities which otherwise I should delight to acknowledge. I believe it will be best to brave it out; it will be impossible to conceal anything.—
I am your friend of forty seven years Standing.—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Andrew Dunlap, 13 July 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Dunlap, Andrew

dear Sir.
Quincy July 13th. 1822—

I thank you for your Oration of the fourth of July 1822. It is so intelligent, eloquent, and pathetick that no ancient eyes can read it without being suffused with tears, and no ancient ears could hear it without a throbing bosom. I remember not to have read any one with more delight; you have made one mistake however Jefferson and Adams were never rivals, it was Hamilton that was the rival of Jefferson.—
I am Sir your obliged friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Greenleaf, 15 July 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Greenleaf, Thomas

A Committee appointed by the Town of Quincy on the 8th: Day July A.D. 1822.Gentlemen.
Quincy July 15th 1822.

The resolutions of the Town of Quincy passed on the same day and presented to me by you in their Name are perfectly satisfactory and demand my affectionate gratitude. The harmony and unanimity with which the Town have accepted the instrument of conveyance, and their approbation of the restrictions, limitations, and conditions expressed in it, is very gratifying to me and receives my best thanks; Nor should I omit to express my obligations to you for the friendly manner with which you have communicated the resolutions to me.
With great respect Esteem and affection for the Town, and sincere friendship for you, / I have the honor to be their, and your, / fellow Citizen, / and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Mrs. Derby, 18 July 1822
From: Derby, Mrs.
To: Adams, John

					Chestnut Street Mt. Vernon 18th July 1822.

				Mrs. Derby presents her respects to Mr. Adams and has the honor to send him a journal she has lately received from her brother, Mr. Foster Coffin in South America. As that country is becoming every day more conspicuous & as so little is known of it in this, she flatters herself that Mr. Adams may find the Minutes kept by her brother an interesting document; & she has great pleasure in submitting it to his perusalIf it is not convenient to return it by Mr Shaw she will beg the favor of having it in the course of the week.She desires to present her Compliments to the Ladies.


Title: From John Adams to William Taylor Barry, 21 July 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Barry, William Taylor

Sir
Montizillo 21 July 1821 1822

I know not that I ever received a letter with more pleasure than yours of the 30 June last except the circular from your committee which I received some days before. The wisdom & liberality generosity of your Legislature in making a liberal appropriation of money for the benefit of schools Academies colleges & the university is an equal honor to them & their constituents—a proof of their veneration for literature and science and a portent of great & lasting good to North & South America and to the world. Great is truth—great is liberty & great is humanity & they must stand and will prevail. I have communicated your letters to as many of my friends as I have seen & requested them to assist me in complying with your views. If the taper thread of life should continue to burn a little longer I hope that you will hear more from me. At present blind & paralytic I am incapable of research or search. I can only give hints from memory. A law of this colony almost two hundred years ago obliged every town to maintain a school master capable of teaching the Greek and Roman languages as well as reading writing and Arithmetic in English. Those school masters were to be examined by the clergymen and magistrates and the clergymen in those days were all learned men. This law is in force to this hour though not so punctually executed as it ought to be. I had myself the honour to be a school master from 1755 to 1758, in the town of Worcester; under this law. These school masters and school houses are maintained by  taxes involuntarily imposed on themselves by the people in town meeting annualy & the ardor of the people in voting money for this  noble purpose is astonishing. In this small town of Quincy consisting of not more than 1400 inhabitants I think they voted this year $1700 for the support of schools—more than a dollar a head for every woman & child in the place. The principal school which is not more than half a mile from me pours out of its doors at 12 Oclock every day from one hundred to two hundred boys & girls as happy as Scott or Shenstone has described them & their masters in their romances. Besides this principal school there are not less than four or five there schools kept by women in different parts of the towns for children of both sexes not too young to be able to travel to the central school. I esteem myself highly Beside these town schools there are academies erected under the auspices of the Legislature & others established by private munificence for teaching languages arts & sciences on a more enlarged scale. All these subordinate institutions are preparatory to the qualification of young gentlemen to enter the university. The universities and the schools mutually support each other—The schools furnish students for the college and four years afterwards the college sends the young men into the country to keep school I esteem myself highly honored by your circular and your letter of the 30th June and am Sir your very obedient humb Servt
J. A


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Neptune", 22 July 1822
From: Pseudonym: “Neptune”
To: Adams, John

					Respected & Honourd Sir
					New York. July 22nd 1822

				A single volume from your Library for the above cause will be the means of giving us many hundreds if not Thousands—especially if you accompany it with your sentiments upon the utility of the plan.—we have within the last week presented to upwards of Twenty Ships 20 to 25 Vols. & they have been recd by the Crews with thanks and 9 Cheers!—the Bible Sir is an excellent volm. so are tracts but Sailors must be led to reflect upon Men & things thro’ Voyages Geography &c. &c.—this institution or rather attempt to soften the existance of Seamen—is a twin sister to the apprentices’ Libraries of which 17 are established in the U.S.—and they contain upwards of 22,000 Vols.—2000 of wh. are delivered weekly in this City to Mechanics’ Lads—your donation & letter to the Boston A.L. has been republished 10 times & has produced 1000 Vols.—send us only one book & a line and you will add an obligation to the many you have confered upon your Country,

					“Neptune”


Title: From John Adams to Mrs. Derby, 23 July 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Derby, Mrs.

Montezillo July 23d 1822

Mr Adams’s Compliments to Mrs Derby and thanks her for the lone of Mr Coffins Journal, which has afforded him a rich entertainment, it is written extremely well and contains much important information, it is fit for publication would do honor to the traveller be a valuable addition to American literature, and promote the Commercial and political interests of the Country—Mr Adams respects to Mr Derby—


Title: From John Adams to John C. Gray, 24 July 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Gray, John C.

dear Sir
Quincy July 24th. 1822

My Friendship for your family must be my apology for neglecting so long to acknowledge the receipt of your Oration, I presume to reckon among my friends, your Grand Father Mr Chipman of Marble Head—he was a Brother barrester at law, And I spent a week with him in the year 1764 in the same house and at the same Court in Pownalborough and found him an able lawyer, and an amiable Man; though we differed in political opinions, my friendship for your honored Father & Mother, and personal regard for yourself, must be my excuse for trespassing on your indulgence—Your Oration has been read to me, I find it ingenious, well written & extremely well adapted to the occasion & the period—The conversion of the town of Boston into a City, is an event of no small importance in the history of this Nation.—If I were capable of writing I might perhaps propose to you some theorem or problems for your solution. Is not the growth, the unnatural growth of our Cities the effect of a paper Currency, & is not a paper currency a just & honest Medium of trade & commerce, Ask Governor Hutchinson, whose character & Memory, some of your family at least hold in veneration, as I myself do in many respects he was so great a Master of Coin and Commerce that if he could arrise, I would give him absolute power over the whole currency of the Nation, if I Could But Ambition entered into his head & triped up his heels, as the Girl said in the lying Valet says of love—“it is the devil.” —
You may show this letter to your Father & Mother, Brothers & Sisters, but by no means let it appear in print, for I know not what dreadful effects it might have upon the Name Character and Person, of your friend & humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From François Adriaan Van der Kemp to John Quincy Adams, 24 July 1822
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear and Respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 24 July 1822.

If a Sense of duty did not compell me to address You with these few lines, I could not deem it proper to intrude on your more Serious occupations—but—where, perhaps, it might afford you an opportunity of doing good—even in attending to the duties of your High office, I trust, I Shall not need an excuse for this interference by the Secretary of State—while I am too well informed of John Quincy Adams Character, than that I Should indulge the thought, for one single moment, that I wanted an apology by Him.
My wish—my request—if you please is the appointment through your influential interest given by the President, to the Consulat of St. Thomas—in behalf of George Strawbridge. That worthy man did read Law with the late James A. Bayard, practised with credit to him Self, for some years in Delaware—relinquished the profession and united him Self with his Brother in his mercantile establishment—his character is irreproachable—his talents respectable and his integrity and industry would not be easily Surpassed—The employment of Such men is honorable is useful to any Government—would be employ’d under your administration I dare recommend him with as much confidence to your portection as I would my own son—as he fully deserves it.—and I doubt not—or even in time, you may be prompted to thank me, for having Solicited and obtained your Patronage in behalf of a man of Such real worth—This is the only way Mr Adams—in which I can reciprocate the numerous kindnesses of your respected Parents whose honoured frendship—for which I am thankful to a Bountiful God, I enjoy’d during forty years—and it is my sincere prayer—that your beloved offspring may contribute So much to your happiness and that of your Lady as you—and on this you may feel a cheering con Sciousness, effected for that Noble—exalted Woman, whom you was blessed to Providence to call with that endearing name your Mother—Never can the memory be obliterated by me—
Permit me to assure you, that I remain with unabated respect—and increased admiration / Dear & Respected Sir! / Your most obed. St.

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp


Title: To John Adams from Henry F. Lamb, July 1822
From: Lamb, Henry F.
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir
					Wilkesbarre July  1822

				Your Goodness will pardon the Liberty I take in Troubling you at this Time when I inform you that it is in behalf of an Aged & infirm parent, My Mother, who is the Grandchild of the Revd Eliphalet Adams of New London & Widow of the Late Captain John Lamb, who in the year 1785 was appointed by Congress, as their Agent to Algiers, Tunis & Tripoli, to purchase a Peace with those States & to redeem American prisoners, for want of Sufficient Powers his Mission failed, & an Order for his recall was Issued & Recd by him while Confined & dangerously Ill from the Effects of a Coup de Soleil, which prevented his return for Some Months, after his return he attended on the Old Congress for a Settlement of his Accts. which for reasons unknown to me was delayed for So long a time that his funds exhausted by long absence were not equal to the expence of a longer attendance, he therefore wrote Mr. Jay then Secretary of State to that effect, & after placing his papers, Vouchers &c in the Hands of Benjn. Huntington Esq. then a Member of Congress from Connt., he returned home, in order to retrieve his broken fortunes, & by the Sale of his Last farm he built & fitted Out a Brig for Spain, where a Series of Misfortunes for a good Number of years were finally Terminated by a Wound in the Shipwreck & Total Loss of his last Vessel, with her whole Cargo of which wound he lingered in a Spanish Hospital for three years. when despairing of ever being restored to Usefullness  he by the assistance of his Friends obtained a passage to the U-S—where three years more of protracted Suffering terminated his life, While he was Absent in Spain my Mother made several feeble efforts to Obtain some relief from Congress, but without effect, after my father returned he for a long time flattered himself that he should recover Sufficient health to go on to Congress for a Settlement in Person, but at last finding himself near his end he wrote a Letter to Mr Jefferson then President requesting a Settlement for the relief of his family, his Letter was refered to Mr. Gallatin who wrote that if My Father would Send on Papers & Vouchers he Should be Settled with & the ballance if any paid, but those Vouchers could not be obtained Benjamin Huntington in whose hands he had placed them previous to his leaving America had died during my fathers absence & his family removed to distant parts unknown to us, So that no acct. Could be made out with Sufficient Support—the Last Session of Congress my Mother had a petition drawn & forwarded for a Compensation for his Services, which petition was refered to the Secy of the Treasury Mr. Adams who reported that the Case of Mr. Lamb was unfortunate but that nothing Could be found to prove a ballance due him—Now Sir, knowing that my father recd his particular instructions from you, & that the funds he Recd were drawn from you, or through your hands, I have taken the Liberty to ask of you the reasons why he was not Settled with while attending on Congress—I have a Letter from you to My Father Stating that he had drawn on you for £3212, 10 Sterling” from which Sum was discounted 10 p Ct. on the Bills, Now sir is it possible that, that Sum was Sufficient to defray the expence of a Voyage across the Atlantic with Servants & baggage, from Calais to Dover to Calais & on Paris Expences of Stay there, purchase of Carriages to Transport them to Madrid, Salary of a Secretary hired in Paris, expence of an Overland Journey to Madrid & during his attendance on the Spanish Court to Obtain the influence of that Court in favor of his Mission, from thence to the Mediterranean & Over to Algiers Presents to the Dey & his Minister while there of Gold watches, Chains Rings, Snuff Boxes &c. return to Spain and expenses of a Sickbed for Some Months & of his return Voyage to the United States, Suffering a period of three years, together with his expences while attending on Congress for a Settlement for two Months, with Servants Salaries &c also the purchase of a Brig (Francisco de Paublo) which he purchased & Sent to Congress to with dispatches, which was Lost on passage to the U.S, on Bermuda, exclusive of his Outfit (which was not paid him) & Salary for three years, Also he was entitled to pension for the Loss of Eye that  by Coup de Soleil—My Mother will renew her application at the next Session of Congress & if you Can by any Knowledge you have of the bussiness render her Cause any assistance So that She can Obtain Justice, you will confer a favor on a disstressed Woman, She is blind & has lost her health & has been dependant on my Exertions for Ten years, my Father not leasing any property from recent Misfortune I am unable to do for her as I could wish—I am Sir Very Respectfully / Your Obt Servt,

					Henry F Lamb

					P.S. My Father also on leaving Algiers Left 400 Dollrs in the Hand of Mr. Woulf for the relief of Prisoners, My Father also on his death bed & in his last moments told me solemnly that the U.S. were justly indebted to him some thousands of Dollars (I think more than twenty) and I think it not likely any man in that Solemn hour would make an incorrect Statement—


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 2 August 1822
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Salem August 2. 1822.

				As no act of the Congress of the Thirteen United American Colonies was so distinguished as that by which their Independence of Great Britain was declared, the most particular history of that transaction will probably be sought for; not merely as an interesting curiosity, but to do substantial justice to the abilities and energy of the leaders in that great measure.By the public journals it appears that on the 7th of June 1776, certain resolutions respecting Independency, were moved and seconded; and that on the 10th, the first resolution, “that the United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states,” was adopted; and the next day, the committee for preparing the declaration to that effect, was chosen, consisting of “Mr. Jefferson, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Sherman and Mr. R. R. Livingston.” Mr. Jefferson being first on the list, became the chairman. This, considering the composition of the committee, and that Mr. Jefferson was the youngest man, would appear remarkable. Mr. Charles Lee, who married a daughter of R. H. Lee, once gave me this account: That Mr. Lee having moved the resolution for declaring the Colonies independent, would, according to the usual course, have been elected chairman of the committee for preparing the declaration; but sickness in his family caused him to return home.—Mr. Jefferson, another Virginian, was then chosen to supply his place.By Dr. Ramsay’s history of the revolution, it appears that R. H. Lee moved the resolution, and that it was seconded by you. This, I have always supposed, was done by previous concert: it being the policy of the Massachusetts Delegates (as Mr. Samuel Adams once told me) to cultivate the best harmony with those of Virginia, and in great measures to get her to take the leading step. This flattered the pride of the Ancient Dominion, and obtained a pledge of her perseverance. That Massachusetts should second the resolution was to be expected: she was then deemed the second in power among the Colonies; and not behind any of them in bold & decided measures.It was in the natural order of proceeding for the whole committee to meet & discuss the subject; & after mature deliberation, to decide on the principles or propositions which should constitute the basis of the declaration; and to refer the making of the draught to the chairman, or to a sub-committee.—The late Chief Justice Parsons once told me, that in conversing on this subject, you informed him, that you and Mr. Jefferson were the sub-committee to prepare the declaration, and that you left to Mr. Jefferson the making of the draught.Some years ago, a copy of the declaration as reported to Congress, was put into my hands by some one of the Lee family. It was in Mr. Jefferson’s hand-writing, and inclosed in a short letter from him to R. H. Lee, together with a copy of the declaration as amended in Congress. The amendments consisted chiefly in striking out: and about one fourth part of the whole was struck out—manifestly to the mortification of Mr. Jefferson; for in his letter to Mr. Lee he says—“You will judge whether it is the better or the worse for the critics.” Accurate copies of the reported declaration & the letter, I lodged a few years ago with the Historical Society in Boston.To me, the alterations made in Congress seemed important and substantial amendments—pruning the declaration of superfluous and comparatively feeble branches, and presenting it in a more distinct and dignified form. But I was at a loss to account for the committee’s letting it be reported in the shape in which Mr. Jefferson had presented it to them. The solution could be merely conjectural. I supposed the other members of the committee saw its faults, and the practicability of advantageous amendments; but that observing a strong attachment of the parent to his offspring, it was concluded to let it pass into Congress; relying on the requisite amendments being there moved and carried. And perhaps intending to suggest the most material to other members, from whom motions for that purpose would be less invidious; the bearing would then be on the whole committee, and not on the chairman alone.After all, the declaration does not contain many new ideas. It is rather a compilation of facts & sentiments stated and expressed during the preceding eleven years, by those who wrote, & vindicated the rights of the Colonies, including the proceedings of the Congress of 1774; that is from the year of the stamp act to the commencement of the war. The great merit of any compilation consists in the lucid and forcible arrangement of the matter. The reported declaration was evidently enfeebled by its redundances.—Yet there is no end of the praises of Mr. Jefferson as the author of the declaration of independence:—if he had been the author of our independence itself, he could hardly have been more eulogized.—I have thought it desirable that the real facts in this case should be ascertained. You alone can give a full statement of them—to be communicated to whom you think proper. To arrive at Truth, and to assure to every one his just portion of applause, are the sole objects of these remarks.I have the honour to be, / very respectfully, Sir, / your obedt. Servant,

					Timothy Pickering.


Title: To John Adams from William Thornton, 3 August 1822
From: Thornton, William
To: Adams, John

					My dear sir
					City of Washington 3rd: Augst. 1822—

				When your highly respected Son the Honorable John Quincy Adams sent me the Papers which Mr. William Mellus had the honor of transmitting through your Favor to the Dept of State, I found you had done me the honor of stating, that if you thought I was still in the Patent Office you would have addressed a Note to me; and you requested your Complimts.—I think myself highly flattered by this condescending testimony of your kind remembrance, for which I sincerely thank you, and I reciprocate every good wish.You thought I might have been translated to some other Office. I hoped it would have been the case; & if the high Recommendation of several Members of the Senate, & as many of the House of Representatives, who waited upon, & addressed the President in my behalf, besides the strongest Recommendations of many other influential Individuals, could have had any weight with the Presidt., I should have been appointed to South America. But though he admitted every flattering Observation in my behalf, & wrote to me a letter, testifying to my perfect integrity, attention to my Duties, Learning & Ability, I found that there were objections to me that could not be removed. I was represented as identified with the South Americans, & as having been deeply engaged in the Revolution.—So that the very reason which rendered me the most proper Representative of the North Americans, and would have induced the South Americans to receive me with the most cordial amity, was the cause of my Rejection.—I must therefore wait till the nation be ruled by a different head; & yet I fear there will be no change if his chief Counsellor, for whose success I have ardently wished, should be his Successor.—When the great Washington died, I lost a Friend, that would not have permitted me to remain so long in the back ground as and I remember too with great pleasure, how many kind attentions I received from the very distinguished Character whom I have now the honor to address.—I often wonder at the great activity and continued Energy of your Mind; & pray the Almighty to preserve you many years as one of the chief Ornaments of this Country, & to bless you for ever.

					William Thornton—


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 August 1822
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and Respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 8 Aug 1822.

Although I hear no more of Montezillo than of Boston—Yet I trust, that it is not unacceptable to receive again a—few lines—and the N. papers tell us—from time to time—that He—whom we love and respect—continues to enjoy health and happiness—and yet Sometimes—from a foul mouthed an adders tongue endeavours to poison those who are less acquainted with them whom we respect and admire—and it may be often done indeed with a great appearance of truth—Suppose I warned my fellow citizens—not to place an unlimited confidence in John Adams—and his Son, as they Bothe took the oath of allegiance to the States General—in 73—and yet—this is naked truth—that John Adams and Thomas Adams took in 1623 on the September—in Woodbridge—with 34 Inhabitants
Did Some of your ancestors reside in that Town? How would Russel have boasted—had he possessed Such materials—then without producing any proof—he might have Sworn—that all was on Record—I never Saw the man—but When I Saw 3 or 4 vol. Superelegant vol. in Imp. Fol—presented to him by Bonaparte, offered for Sale at Boston by Mr. Shaw—I had a poor idea of that man—and yet he Sunk lower, when I did See his insolent in Sidious attack on J. Q—how would the eye of his revered mother have flashed with indignation, had She glanced over that mean insidious bombario—and yet—She would have been Soothed had She perused J. Q. manly defence—I regretted, that He was compelled to enter the lists with that doleful champion—but I rejoiced—when I did See him crushed in the dust. J. Q. As cutting—plain—unanswerable—confounding Language continually recalled to my memore John Luzac’s powerful way of arguing—every poisonouous dart returned to the forlorn archer’s bosom—and I yet—perhaps more than Russel was behind the curtain
I agree with you, writes me a worthy frend that J. Q. Adams has demolished and annihilated Poor Russel—I am not disappointed  because I have long ago been of opinion that Russel was not Sound at heart, and he is now clearly Shewn to be a mean disingenuous paltry Egotist, and I Shall not be Surprised if Mr Seth Hunt Shall gibbet him as an infamous traitor—
You recollect, that I once Solicited to see a treatise of you on feudal law—which then you did not possess—if you obtained it Since—permit me to peruse it. Lately I did See—that during or before (under the Colonial government) the Revolution. If my memory does not fail me, you delivered, which was published a Report—upon the inadmissible principles of the King of England’s Proclamation This too I Should desire to See—
Have there not been published more Mem. of the Acad—Since 1809 vol. iii p. 1 & 2? if So—Request your Son—or grandson in my name to Send a line, to m . Everett, that he Send me every vol. in continuation, and addresses it to Mr Backus—who—will pay him—when he deliver his account—
You Recollect my frend! once mrs Adams intended to favour me with your Portrait—but it remained unfinished by Stuart—Is it there yet? may I yet foster the hope? are there many remaining, who Since 1780—have been honoured with your affectionate Regards, and with that of your Noble Lady too, after She became Acquainted with me?—I do thus not hesitate freely to demand when I presume you can further oblige me, as I am persuaded it can never be want of will. Thus I make up of my old privilege—
It is now in my power—to make you a pleasing communication—In a month’s time, if it pleases God to Spare my life and eyes—I Shall have finished the Dutch Records—I made beginning with the 25 vol—that Done—I Shall, Since Nov. last have translated 3000 pag. and may then rest from my labour—
Secure of your frendship—I remain with the highest regard / Dear & Respected Sir! / Your affectionate and obliged / frend

Fr Adr. vanderkemp


Title: To John Adams from Abraham Holmes, 10 August 1822
From: Holmes, Abraham
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Rochester Augt. 10th 1822

				You will pardon (I hope) the freedom I take in introducing to your Notice the bearer of this, who has a strong desire (from respectable motives) to have the satisfaction of conversing a few moments with the man who took so large a share in the important and arduous business of our Revolution and to whose exertions (under God) we are in a great measure indebted for the blessings of Independance.His name is William Ruggles, is the Grandson of the former Minister of this Town has had a public Education and is now a Tutor of Columbia College in the City of Washington. If a man of his youth stood in need of any other or further recommendation, as far as my testimony would give it to him, he should have it.Accept Sir of my strongest expression of / respect.

					Abram. Holmes


Title: From John Adams to William Thomas, 12 August 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Thomas, William

Dear Sir
Montezillo August 12th. 1822

Let me add a few hints to my former letter. Please to search in the publications after the Treaty of Peace for a letter of Monsieur de Marbois, Secretary of Legation to the Chevalier de la Luzern—and records and files of Congress during that period; and an Octavo Volume in french entitled, “Politique de touf les Cabineto del Europe” published by the French Government during the Revolution; in which you will find a Memorial from the Count de Vergennes to the King; recommending to his Majesty a plan of policy toward the American Colonies and the English government. I wish every document concerning the negotiation of 1782-3, may be searched and researched, that the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, in its minutest particulars may appear. I whish, also that every human being, who knows anything concerning it, may be consulted and examined. I have before referred you to Mr Jay, Lord St. Hellens and Mr. Vaughan; I now refer you to Mr William Temple. Franklin, still living in France, who was Secretary to the American Legation, and attended most if not all the conferences, Mr. Thaxter, my private Secretary is long since deceased. But Mr Charles Storer, who was then in my family, alert and active, and very useful to me in copying letters and papers; let him be asked whether he remembers the letters that I wrote, and he and Mr. Thaxter copied; or which they wrote at my desire—to certain Gentlemen then residing at Amsterdam, by the names, as I think, of Folger & Coffin, of Nantucket, earnestly requesting of them the most particular information, concerning the extent, value and importance of those Fisheries on the Coast and the right of curing fish on land, and especially on the Coast of Labradore; and whether he remembers the ample information those gentlemen gave me in their answers—even concerning the value of the Seal fishery, as ell as all others. If I should ever hear of any other person who knew any thing of that negotiation, I will mention him to you.—
I am, Sir, Your hble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 13 August 1822
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Salem August 13. 1822.

				I duly received, and am greatly obliged by your interesting letter of the 6th in answer to mine of the 2d inst. Should any other questions occur on  of importance enough to authorize me to interrupt your repose, I shall use the liberty you allow me, to propose them.In recurring to the early opposition to British taxation of the Colonies, you some two or three years since mentioned your own essays under the signature of Nov–Anglus, and those of Massachusetensis on the other side. The latter you ascribed to the pen of your friend Jonathan Sewall, attorney general of Massachusetts. But within the year past, I have been told (I do not remember by whom) that (George)  Leonard had declared himself, or had been declared, the writer. You must have known Mr. Leonard, a lawyer I believe of Taunton, and can judge wheth of his competency to write the essays of Massachusetensis, of which you spoke so handsomely.—I mention this matter merely because that being contrary to your own opinion, it may not have come to your knowledge.I am very respectfully / your obedt. Servt.

					T. Pickering

    Daniel Leonard


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Thaxter, 21 August 1822
From: Thaxter, Joseph
To: Adams, John

					Hond & dear Sir
					Edgartown Augt 21 1822

				I have never lost the Veneration, I imbibed for your Character in my Young Days—I rejoice that you yet live & enjoy so good Health—I have received a Pamphlet from Jedediah Morse DD—announcing the Establishment of a New Society for the civilization of the Aborigines of this Country—your Name stands at the Head of the honourary members or Vice Presidents. I am requested to aid by money the Friends of the Society. From what I have known of the Selfishness of the good DD: I confess a Suspicion rises in my mind respecting the Business. so many pious Frauds, I fear, have been committed of late Years under the Cloak of Missionaries & the Education of pious Youth  for Missionarry Service & for supporting such men as Dr Morse & paying Clerk & Printers to publish the great Things done in Converting the Heathen as must have consumed vast Sums of Money.—I must confess I have never seen sufficient Evidence to convince me that much Good has been done neither do I believe that pious Youth tramelled by Education with the Dogmas of John Calvin are qualified to convert the Heathen to Christianity uncorrupted Reason revolts at the Idea of total Depravity unconditional election, eternal Reprobation & a Divine God It is a Fact that Missionary Frauds have been applied to the Purpose of sending Missionaries upon this Island, by the orthodox so self stiled, to sow the Seeds of Discord among Brethren the greatest Confusion has insued & Infidelity has increased—Such is the State of Society in this Place at this Time, that I am apprehensive I should faill were I to Solicit for money to add to the Fraud. But, Hond Sir, If it is your opinion that I ought to try I will do all in my Power. I shall be governed by your advice wishing you Health & Peace while you live & a glorious Reward of your Labours in Heaven I am dear Sir / with the highest Esteem your obedient / Servant

					Joseph Thaxter


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 24 August 1822
From: Tudor, William, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Dear & venerable President,
					Boston Augt. 24th. 1822.

				I write to ask your leave to make use of two passages from your letter to my father of June 1. 1817. I wish to introduce them in notes to corroborate, my remarks. I can mention them with your name, or simply as an extract from a MS. letter. The first relates to Hancock—"At the time of this prosperity, I was one day walking in the Mall with and accidentally met Samuel Adams. In taking a few turns together, we came  in full view of Mr Hancock’s house. Mr Adams pointing to the stone building, said, "This Town have done a wise thing today." What? "They have made that young man’s fortune their own." His prophecy was literally fulfilled for no man’s property was ever more entirely devoted to the publick. The Town had that day chosen Mr Hancock into the legislature of the Province. The quivering anxiety of the public under the fearful looking for, of the vengeance of King Ministry &  Parliament, compelled him to a constant attendance in the House, his mind was soon engrossed by public cares alarms & terrors; his business was left to subalterns, his private affairs neglected, and continued to be so to the end of his life."The other passage relates to Hutchinson—"When I agreed with you in your opinion of Mr Hutchinson’s repentance, I should have added, he had great reason for repentance. Fled in his old age from the detestation of a country where he had been beloved, esteemed & admired and applauded with exaggeration, in short where he had been every thing from his infancy; to a country where he was nothing; pinched by a pension, which though ample in Boston would barely keep a house in London, throwing round his baleful eyes on the exiled companions of his folly, hearing daily of the Slaughter of his countrymen and conflagration of their cities, abhorred by the greatest men and soundest part of the nation, and neglected if not despised by the rest: hardened as had been my heart against him, I assure you I was melted at the accounts I heard of his condition. Lord Townsend told me that he put an end to his own life, though I did not believe this I know he was ridiculed by the courtiers. They laughed at his manners at the Levee, at his perpetual quotation of his brother Foster, searching his pockets for letters to read to the King, and the King turning away from him with his nose up &c. &c."I have got in my work to the year 1774. what remains will I hope be written in a few days, and then I shall devote a few weeks to revising. I am in hope to offer you the homage of a copy of the Life of Otis in October, which will be a great satisfaction to your much obliged, and most / respectfully,

				W. Tudor


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Thaxter, 28 August 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Thaxter, Joseph

Revd: & dear Sir,
Montezillo August 28th 1822

Your letter from Edgarton of the 21st: instant, gave me great pleasure. The sight of your name excited recollections of an antient and pleasant acquaintance, and some little modern resentments for your having made several visits to this part of the Country, without coming to see me.
I agree with you in your opinions of the modern Crusade. Superstition and enthusiasm are excited and enkindled by politicians too deep and disguised to be suspected. The Crusades of five or seven hundred years ago, were excited by Kings, in alliance with Priests, to send away their feudal Barrons to exhaust their resources in men and money, and pour the Strength of Europe into Asia, while they were employed in establishing their Monarchies, at home. St Lewis himself, though he sat the example himself in person, had the same object in view.
The modern Crusades of Missionary Societies, have been excited and are still supported and encouraged by modern Monarchs in alliance with modern Priests and modern Nobles, the Sanctified legitimates and holy Leaguers, to divert  the attention of the people from the study of their rights and the Science of Government. From this brief hint of my suspicions, you may conclude, that I contribute nothing to this Crusade and that I cannot advise you to contribute any thing.
If you visit Boston or Hingham again, I hope you will not forget your antient Friend
John Adams