Title: From John Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 19 May 1818
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

				(Private)
					Dear Sir.
					London 19 May 1818.

				An Anonymous writer has commenced his communications with me & I received his first letter on saturday evening the 9th of May. I shall give you extracts from these letters, not doubting, but you will be better able to form a correct opinion of the matter of them, which may be considered worthy of attention & remark.He communicates three important points—1. The Newspapers of this country will be violent in their attacks upon the United States—2. The Spaniards mean to declare War against the United States; as soon as they are perfectly prepared, which they are now actively & industriously engaged in—3. Great Britain will support Spain in this Policy.It is true that for the last week the papers as you will see have been more than usually directed to the American question & quite bitter & severe in their comments.I have strong reason for believing that the Spaniards are purchasing fitting & equiping vessels here.But whether England intends in any event to take a part with Spain, I have no other reason to believe than the communications from this writer & my own view of the Politics of the day, which I must confess strongly inclines me to be of the opinion that England has, or will decide to support Spain in a contest if it come about between her & the United States.I am Dr Sir your / very obedient

					J. Adams Smith.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 May 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quicy May 20. 1818

I thank you for the documents you Send me, which I give to the Athenaeum believing they will do more good there than in my possession.
I dare not write to you upon public Affairs, because I do not understand them. All that appears under your Signature is cooly approved as Usual, and will be, till fifty Years after you are dead and then it may possibly be admired by a fine Antequarians.
Your Colleague Mr Wirt, being himself a Necromancer has made One of me. And I have called up So many Ghosts and they appear So much more venerable to me than they did when I lived and Suffered with them, that I am almost as much terrified as the Old Lady of Endor was at the Sight of Samuel.
But my principal design in writing this Letter is to remonstrate against your doubts about making Us a Visit this Summer. I Shudder at the thought of your remaining at Washington in the Months of August, and September. The Transition from Petersburg to Columbia in So Short a time is more than any human Constitution can bear especially under the Cares and labours of Such a Sedentary Office. Louisa’s health Too I am Sure will require a respite and a Change of Air. And Children must not be wholly forgotten in the midst of public duties. George is with Us and John and Charles are expected on Saturday. They are all good Boys and will be Comforts to you as they are / to your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 May 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My dear Mother.
					Washington 25, May 1818.

				I am ashamed to find upon my file of Letters to be answered, one from you of 29. January; besides two or three from my father of as old standing—you know however the only cause, which has occasioned so long a postponement of my reply—There has been I believe no change in the office of Collector at Plymouth; and it was with much pain that I learnt it was probable there would be. Should it happen, I will present your recommendation in the proper quarter. Although I have the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr Wirt, I have not yet been able to read his life of Patrick Henry; for as my Office gives me from four to six hours of indispensable reading every day, and other employment for an equal or greater proportion of the time, I can scarcely indulge myself, for half an hour, with any thing else, without finding that some duty has been neglected—To travel through such a volume as that of Mr Wirt has therefore been impracticable, but I have read large extracts from it in the Newspapers and Reviews—My Fathers Letters in Niles’s Register, and those to Judge Tudor have  given me greater pleasure; but General Dearborn’s account of the Battle of Bunker’s Hill, and the controversy which has arisen from it have affected me quite otherwise—I can excuse that sort of partiality which manifests itself in aggrandizing the Patriots and Warriors of our revolution, but it grieves me to see the reputation of any of them assailed thirty years after death, and to find co–temporaries, and eye–witnesses disputing with each other, whether Putnam was a hero or a coward.The late Session of Congress has exhibited the parties of this Country in a new, and extraordinary point of view—The divisions heretofore so keen and bitter, between Federalists and Republicans, were scarcely perceptible—Party Spirit, inextinguishable in a Country like ours, was in search of a leader—and the leader, in search of Party Spirit; and both in search of pretexts—They all were found, and found out each other: but the political atmosphere was calm, and the attempts to blow up a gale, were not successful. Neither South–America, nor Internal Improvement could be made to produce much agitation among the People—The foundations however were laid for the future fabric of opposition—The ground for conflict was surveyed, and musters of forces more than once took place. Since the close of the Session there is nothing stirring to produce excitement in the Country; and although federalism still retains its strong hold in Massachusetts, it will even there continue to lose its virulence, and will preserve its supremacy only by annulling the influence of the State.The physical elements are supplying among us the place of the turbulence which has subsided in those of politics—We had last week a thunder and Hail–Storm, which demolished half the glass windows in the City—We had fifty or sixty Squares broken in our house—The President’s house escaped, because his glass came from Boston—Mr Pope has lost his wife, who died on the 24th: of April; after an illness of many months; and yesterday morning, died here Mrs Caldwell, Sister of Mr G. Boyd. By a Letter received from my Son John, I suppose that all my sons are now with you—But the Vacation at Cambridge will close before you receive this LetterI am, every day waiting to hear from you, and ever affectionately yours

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 26 May 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 26 May 1818

				I do not recollect whether I answered your last Letter my memory not being remarkably good and keeping no account of dates but I rather think I did not in consequence of your father having undertaken it. I thank you for your attention in sending me the North American Review but your father has it at the Office now, so that it will not be worth your while to take that trouble any longer You will however continue to write me who are the authors of the different pieces as that excites an interest I should not otherwise feel in the work—Tell me who wrote the critique of Moore’s Llala Rookh. It is a little pedantic and affected and in censuring the general want of morality of Moore it is not necessary to divest him of his genius which must be allowed to be of a very superior last as a Poet and that soul of harmony which breathes in almost every line that melody which steals upon the senses and bewitches the understanding must and will stamp him a great Poet spite of all the criticisms in the world—I agree with the writer of the piece that he (Moore) is frequently affected, that there is often too much appearance of labour or deep research in his poetry, but I cannot think he is ever cold, and that being must be colder than marble who discovers this fault in Moores works—His want of morality is the great and dreadful fault which degrades every thing this man write and turns all his beauties into blemishes  it is his immorality his perpetual love of the most disgusting vice which as this writer justly says breaks out in his most sacred performances and tarnishes his best undertakings—I know Mr. Moore—he is of an ardent disposition, dissolute in his habits, fascinating in his manners, and possessing talents of a very superior order, for which he is courted and admired wherever he appears: he is said to be an excellent Son, and a most affectionate brother, and to possess many amiable traits of character; but his feelings or sensibilities are very quick and he was early corrupted in the highest school of vice in England where promises and patronage were held out to him as lures to continue to charm the hours of his dissolute protector and when he grew tired of poverty and wasted with expection he was discarded because in one of the scenes of his merriment his wit overleapt his prudence and he returned home with all his hopes blasted to dip that pen in gall against the man he had  been used to flatter and who could so basely forsake him for what he terms a jest—Thus you see my beloved Son friendships form  among men of this stamp are among the greatest misfortunes that can befal us, as they frequently lure us on to waste that period of life which is the most important to us, in acquiring habits that must terminate in ruining our prospects and perverting our principles, so as to unfit us for living respectably in this world, and to make us look forward with dread and horror to the next, for that dread monitor within us can neither be Silenced by the theories of philosophy nor flattered by the vanity of our boasted human reason. that you may avoid all these rocks and quicksands is the ardent prayer of your Mother

					L C A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 26 May 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 26 May 1818

				Since I received your last Letter we have been kept in a state of great anxiety who was  on account of poor Mrs. Caldwell the only Sister of your Uncle Boyd who was suddenly siezed with strong convulsions without any previous  suffering or apparent cause; which fell upon her brain and after eight days of great distress to her friends she expired—Leaving a husband who adored her and sir Children to deplore her loss. She was a woman of a lovely disposition and beloved by every body who knew her In less than six Months Boyd has lost an affectionate Mother and an only Sister who was the pride of his heart.I am much pleased with your last Letter to your father as it   a sincere affection for your younger Brother and that sort of interest which I should ever wish you take in his general improvement and welfare. Continue my beloved Son to strengthen his good dispositions by the force of your own example which will produce the best effects and so promote good habits in him that when you are obliged to leave him to go to College they may be too firmly fixed to be endangered by the connections he may form among his Schoolmates—You will no doubt enjoy your vacation very much at your Grandpapa’s and there you will have an opportunity of seeing George who will I am sure delight in the occasion offered him of enjoying your society His pursuits are probably of a higher class than yours just at present, but the difference in your ages is so trifling he will I am sure prove his understanding by accommodating himself occasionally to the wishes and desires of his younger brothers when they are such as can be gratified with propriety—You tell me that you received the bill I sent you—In money matters however trifling you must always make it a point to be exact: more especially when any one intrust’s you with a Commission—It is then a point of honour and honesty and calls for the most scrupulous attention—and the same principle should actuate you let the sum be a Cent or ten thousand Dollars—It is to try your luck that has ever been so great that I make the purchase and I hope it will not fail you because the concern is your affectionate Mothers

					L. C. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 28 May 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 28 May 1818

				You tell me in your last Letter that “you believe you did not write to me, because you had not received a Letter from me” I think you have in some of your former Letters mentioned that you kept a book in which you copied them; by refering to this book you would be able to know positively how the matter stood. but at any rate you must not be so punctilious as to wait for a Letter from me but write whenever you can spare the time or feel the inclination as you are never at a loss for a subject and it affords me great pleasure to hear from you at all times.As you say I know the Author of the Tales of the Castle; Madame de Genlis has written many beautiful things and has been particularly celebrated for her works on  education Les Veilles du Chateau and Adele et Theodore are among the most admired of her productions—I hope have read them in french as one of their chief beauties is the purity and elegance of the style which is totally lost in the translation—The Tales of Marmontel are very interesting and particularly amusing, and those of Florian if you can procure them would likewise afford you much pleasure in the perusal—His Gonsalve de Cordon His Numa Pompillius his Nouvelles and his Estelle and Galatie are all beautiful as well as his fables you can judge of the merits of his Style by Don Quixotte which you have already read and enjoyed—You have never told me if you received Prince Arthur &c—You must let me know in the next Letter—Did you ever read the Bachelier de Salamanque and the Diable Boiteux? The new Novels of Miss Edgworth Ormond and Harrington are very good—What is it that has called forth John’s Muse? and what is the subject of his poetry? Have you ever tried to write verses? When you do let me see your first essay—I am very glad to hear of your promotion, and I hope upon a longer acquaintance you may find the boys more agreeable than you do at present—In forming friendships you must be careful to ascertain the merits of the person with whom you are inclined to be upon such terms—our affections are but poor guides in such circumstances and much of our happiness in this world depends upon the connections we form and more particularly upon those formed in early life when our attachments are naturally  strong and seldom sanctioned by our judgement which at your age must necessarily from want of experience be weak. Far be it from me my beloved my beloved Child to wish to instil either coldness or distance towards your young companions I only desire to teach you to discern and value real merit and to guard you against the influence of vice—The principal fault’s in your last Letter to me are omissions here and there of a word which you must be careful to correct and a sentence “I am taking walks most all the time” which is not good english: the word should have been almost to be correct. You are so much improved that I flatter myself in the end you will write elegantly and with constant application to your studies you may perhaps enter College before you are fifteen or enter at that age one class forward; and surpize and delight your truely affectionate mother—

					L. C. A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 May 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my Dear Son
					Quincy May 30th 1818

				I think I once heard you Say—to make a thing choice it Should be rare. your kind Letter last Evening received—possesst both those qualities. The very Sight of your hand writing—addresd as formerly gave a Spring to my Spirits, and your Father Sprung from the settee to place himself by my Side, while I read it to him—I have foreborne writing to you, during the Session of Congress, being unwilling to add to your incumberances, and mrs Adams has been So attentive to amuse and divert me, that I owe her many thanks—altho there were many things untold, which I wished to know, but might not have been So prudent to have committed to paper I have Sometimes felt my Self in the predicament of the Inn keeper; who was very inquisitive with a traveller who had lost an Arm, who he was? from whence he came, whither going &c finally how he lost his Arm? to which the traveller replied, that he would tell him upon condition that he would not ask him an other question—having obtaind the promise,—well then said the Traveller, it was bitten of the poor Inn keeper Stood agast, but fearfull of breaking his word, only Said—I wish I knew what bit it of—George has past a fortnight with us. upon all Sides, young and old, it is agreed, that he has Shook of many of his peculiarities: and improved in Manners and person—to his Studies he bonds with assiduity—but Algebra and Mathematicks come hard to him His mind and Moral’s are pure: so far as I know; and the respect he has for your precepts, and advice, and those of his Mother are a pledge of Security—The vacation having ended, he was punctual to return, and John carried him to Cambridge on fryday. John and Charles term closes tomorrow. this is Artillery Election, but they have not any desire to be in Town to day they fatigue themselves with excercise, and brown themselves to hardihoood, and do not think the vacation designd for the Study of Greek, when fishing and other rural amusements invite them abroad. their Grandfather has employd them to copy for him, and John observed the other day, that it was a pleasant employment; his Grandfather had So many amuseing annecdotes in his Letters—I hope my dear Son, that you will come and See us. indeed you must, if only for a Short time. If Life Should Still be continued to us, yet every day Steals Something from us, and Nature cannot long Sustain herself against the depredations of time—I think with mr Jefferson that one of the most humiliating Spectacles, is Body without mind come then and See us, while something of that remains—I have been Sometimes interested enough in the debates in Congress to read them. mr Clays Novel proposition attracted my notice—and I read the Speeches pro & con—and was of the Same mind when I finishd them, as when I began, that there was nothing Serious in the measure, that it was a Show without a Substance, but the fire brand would not catch amongst the Foxesupon internal improvement, much has been Said, and much remains to be done—A writer in a Washington paper not long Since, undertook to draw the Characters of president, and heads of departments. Some of them I Saw. he let you off in Short hand, but I will never forgive him for blasting the Laurels of Wirt. If he was not one of the well Born—it was no fault of his—why tell the world in So licentious a Stile, how begotten & how Born—his early pursuits, and juvenile follies and vices ought not to have been brought up to the public view, to Diminish the value of those talents—and virtues, which now, as he Says illumine his Life, and dignify his Character—what must be the feelings of his wife and Children, to have Such a hideous picture drawn of the Birth and youth of their Parent—I cannot forgive the Busy meddling fellow whether Native of foreigner. Gen’ll Dearbourn too must Disturb the ashes of the dead, and do honour neither to himself or his Country—Col Talmage of Connecticut was for striping the laurels from the Brows of the three Brave fellows who Captured Andre, and now it is questiond whether Gen’ll Putnam was a coward or a brave Man.What is become of John Randolph, who now no more is missed than if he never did exist. Some Say he is gone abroad—Have you any Letters from mr Rush? I have had one or two Letters from John A Smith, who appears to be much pleased with mr Rush and Family—and to feel again, as tho he had Something to be attached to—for a week past we have had delightfull weather the whole creation glows; and vegetation is as rapid as I ever knew it even old Age is revived—and Shares in the general joy—John and Charls who ann Breakfast table Send their duty—to you and to their Mother—with unabateing affection / Your Mother

					Abigail Adams—


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

					My Dear Mother
					Washington 1 June 1818

				Mrs: Cruft has arrived here and it is with much pleasure I observe she has derived benefit from her journey—Her looks are very promising but in her complaint it is difficult to ascertain her real state through so treacherous as in her a medium; as in her complaints good looks are acknowledged to be false guides and frequently delude us into hope when in reality hope ought to be the least admissible—All her symptoms are favorable and she gains strength every day. She appears to be blessed with a husband who knows and feels her value and thinks nothing a sacrifice that can contribute to her restoration—Her stay here is so short that I have scarcely had an opportunity of seeing her which I regret very much—We have had another dreadful fright one of Mrs. Hellen’s Son’s a boy of nine years old went into the river with eight of his schoolmates no bigger than himself. got out of his and was sinking for the last time when the screams of the boys who accompanied providentially attracted the attention of a negro at some distance who ran to them and immediately sprang into the river where he found the Child but apparently past all hope of recovery—by the time he brought him to the shore a white man had arrived to whose house one of the Boys had ran for assistance and not being discouraged as the poor black fellow was immediately tried the remedies which that have so frequently been used by the humane society which after some time proved successful and with the aid of a skillful Physician the poor child was restored to life and to his most anxious family. He was in a high fever when I arrived at the home to which he had been conveyed and the brain still appeared so much affected I had but little hope The Physicians recommended perfect quiet which was strictly attended to and he slept  soundly all night though evidently under the impression of some dreadful idea as his struggles continued almost convulsive he however waked much refreshed and bore his removal very well and is now perfectly  restored to his usual health—I hope my children will take warning from this accident and never go to the water without taking the precaution of being accompanied by somebody older and stronger than themselvesPoor Mrs. Barlow is dead—Mr. Adams says a victim of the tender passion—but seriously speaking the tracasseries which this same passion occasioned in her family are said to have injured her mind and brought on the paralytic shocks which were repeated during the winter—She was buried this morning all who knew her speak of her as possessing a masculine mind and very highly cultivated and we can only attribute the follies for which she was so loudly condemned during the last months of her existence to the helpless and lonely state which she dreaded for the future and perhaps she was conscious how rappidly they were assailing both her mind and body—She has it is said provided handsomely for him and in her intervals of recollection he was generally the first object her attention—This is a dull Letter my dear Mother therefore I will shorten it as much as possible and only entreat you to remember to all the family your affectionate daughter

					L. C A.

					Mrs. Smith is quite well and got through her difficulties without any trouble—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 8 June 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					N. 12My Dear Brother
					Washington 8 June 1818

				Your Letter of the 25 last Month; contains some particulars relating to my property the condition of my Estate in Boston, which as you anticipated, were not altogether welcome None however that gave me so much concern, as your declining ill management of it for the future.—Yet as it is so essential to your happiness to be relieved from it I cannot insist upon your retaining it any longer; and I may perhaps ultimately adopt your advice, by giving a power of Attorney to Mr: Heywood—But Mr: Edward Cruft happening to be here when I received your Letter, I recurred to him for advice; and he has consented to take charge of all the real Estate in Boston, as soon as he returns there, which he expects to will be in about a month from this time—If you have any Power of which it will be necessary to execute an assignment to him, you will let me know—If not I will forward to him a power regularly executed from myself.—You will deliver to him the Deeds, Leases, Policies of Insurance relating to the Estates, taking his receipts for them in Duplicates of which you will send me one—The Note of the Treasurer of the County of Norfolk may remain for the present; and as you think the Estate in Court Street, which fetch at least 25000 dollars you  may refer the Williamses’s to Mr. Cruft for further Negotiation—Mean while they have the front house upon a lease as offered before, for $1000 a year payment well secured and taxes—Yours faithfully—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 12 June 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					Quincy June 12th 1818

				But once Since You left us, have I received a line from you. Twice I have written, and twenty hundred times twenty; thought of you, and Sometimes with an exclamation, what can be the reason that H. does not write? now you who have Eyes, fingers at command, and the pen of a ready writer, ought to employ them, when they are So much Sought after. I presume they are so: and that you have Some correspondent who keeps you informed of the passing events in Boston—of which I know much less than when you resided there—I learn however that a new paper has appeard, without the printers Name, a Spurious offspring calld a Clayite—in opposition to mr Munroe  & the administration party is designd to feel the Northern pulse, and try for party. if successfull it will open in  full cry, the first opportunity which can be Seized. the trial was repeatedly made at Washington, “party Spirit was in Search of a leader and the leader in Search of party Spirit—and both in Search of pretexts—they all were found, and found out each other—but the political atmosphere was calm, and the attempts to blow up a gale were not Successfull Neither South America, nor Internal Improvement could be made to produce much agitation among the people, the foundations however are laid for the future fabrick of opposition—the ground for conflict was Surveyed, and musters of forces more than once took place.” So writes to me mr J Q A. and this paper which appeard on Saturday last, assailing the President for extravagance in furnishing the House, or palace, is as I am informd, is one of the topicks. they well know the purse Strings, are those which pull at the Heart of the populace, and can be made use of to raise a Clamour. but if they build a palace, they ought to furnish it in a proper Manner, but they do not yet feel, that they are a Great Nation yesterday I had a Letter from mrs Adams of the 4 June. I ought to have noted the one of May 22d, in which She gives me the account of the Sickness and death of mrs Pope. She was thought to be in a Family way for Some time, but it terminated in a Tumor which proved a cancer, and was the cause of dreadfull Sufferings, So as to deprive her of her reason, but when in the exercise of it, to reconcile her to death—as I do not copy, and am an old woman I may relate twice over the Same Story, for memory is treacherous—mrs Adams in a Postscrip writes, “mrs Smith is very well, and got through her difficulties without any trouble—” and this is all She Says writes. She neither Says the time when, nor the Sin of the offspring—I am inclined to think, that the Mountain has produced a mouseMrs Barlow is dead—and Said to be a victim to the tender passion, at the Age of 62!! I know not how to credit it—a Widow of a gentleman with whom She lived many years, beloved, Respected and esteemed, to entertain a passion for a Gentleman much younger than herself, who would have married her; but for the opposition of Friends, and Relatives, is very Singular—but it is Said reported, She fell a Sacrifice to their wrangles, and her Struggle to Subdue her own inclinations and ardent passion. I can conceive of Such things in the Green Tree; but not in the dry. it is Said that by her will, She has provided handsomely for the Gentleman—The principle Subject of conversation is the Battle of Bunker Hill, Gen’ll Putnam & Gen’ll Dearborn—the son of Gen’ll Putnam defends his Fathers Fame and reputation with a truly filial Spirit. He has written two Letters, one to President Adams, one to President Munroe, which would do honour to the pen of the best writer in the Country in the most respectfull manner he requests of the president to inform him if any dissatisfaction was exprest by congress, or any individual at the conduct of Gen’ll Putnam upon the memorable 17 June. he asks for candid information without favour or affection. in his Letter to President Munroe, a copy of which he enclosed, as it containd much testimony to the incorruptable Patriotism of his Father as well as of his Bravery. after Saying their were two Gentlemen to whom he was particularly desirious of vindicating his Father reputation, The President who had been an officer during the Revolution, and the late President Adams, who from his Age and the conspicuous part he acted through the whole revolution, must be knowing to every occurrence of concequence. To president Munroe he writes “the Honest Fame of Gen’ll Putnam, is the most precious inheritence he left his Family, and having been his constant attendent, from the Commencment of the Revolution to the last moment of his Life, I will defend it, if need be, at the expence of every other earthly hope. If you have a Son of honourable feelings, and tender of his Fathers fame, I am Sure of his pardon, as I hope also for yours”—In his Letter to President Adams he writes “that, the whole Subject may be in your view I take the Liberty to enclose a copy of my Letter to him President Munroe—instead of repeating the Same testimony to you—I know not if President Munroe has a Son, but I do know that President Adams has, and it was in contemplation of this enviable felicity, so preeminently yours that the allusion was made in the concluding paragraph of my Letter to the President”I cannot by these extracts do justice to either of the Letters. Suffice it to Say, Such is the high wrought honorable feelings of fillial duty and affection that I could not read them without a Stream of tears—and I would not be Dearborn for all the Laurels he ever won—So much for Heroes. I must now descend to plain domestic Narrative—from Caroline I have not heard Since I enclosed you a Letter. here we are in pretty good health. Susan is very thin. the Babe gets all her flesh. we have had an old fashiond June—all nature looks alive vigorous & glowing—I want to hear of your welfare & mrs Bailey to whom my LoveMrs Adams writes that mrs Crufts was at Washington, and that She lookt better than She expected to See her—that She had recoverd much by her Journey—but that She made too Short a Stay—only Room to add

					A Adams—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 14 June 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					Dear George
					Washington 14 June 1818.

				Your father has intended writing to you several days but something or other perpetually occurring he has not yet fulfilled his intention—And finding nothing to do I shall devote half an hour to your and in the first place tell you how much I am flattered by the improvement which I am informed has taken place in your appearance and manners and which your Grandmother obligingly attributes to my Letters—To find that your acquiesce in the sentiments which I express and which always spring from perhaps a too earnest desire to promote your general welfare gives me real pleasure and though the solicitude I so anxiously betray may sometimes be a little irksome I feel that a few moments cool reflection will always place this solicitude in a true point of view and will convince you that a mothers anxiety for the welfare and advantage of er children can only be exceeded by her affection—I am sorry you have lost or given away the copy of your translation as your father would be much gratified to have seen it—in future let me beg of you to keep copies; at any rate it will always afford you pleasure to be able to compare your future productions with those of your earlier years, and were it only for this purpose it would be interesting to preserve them—You will perhaps tell me that they are mere juvenile attempts and therefore of no consequence, but the attempt itself is always meritorious and frequently is crowned  with great success; and small beginning are often productive of great terminations—When Pope first wrote his pastorals I dare say he did not venture to think he should ever have attained the celebrity and reputation which he afterwards acquired: perseverance, study and practice are effectual means of strengthening native genius and a man only moderately gifted may attain to eminence by their means—Your father proposed to me a few days ago to go out on to Boston without him and if he could he would come and fetch me home in August or September—but I do not like to leave him at the most sickly season and I have no apprehensions for myself whatever particularly as warm weather agrees very well with me—The thermometer has been at eighty  four for several days and he already complains very much though we are told that in July and August it is often at 96—I enclose you a Letter from Alfred Nicholas which was sent by Ellen who is a very regular correspondent as well as Mrs. Porter who is to me quite a Court  AlmanackJohn Smith likewise favours me with Letters occasionally and so much in his own style I cannot understand them Robert Boyd informs me in a Letter that he sent the watch by Mr. Starrow who gave it to Dr. Waterhouse he says there are sixty francs due to him—In the hope of seeing you in the course of the Summer I remain as ever your most affectionate Mother

					L. C. Adams

					Present my Compliments to President Kirkland when you see him and to Dr. Waterhouse—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 17 June 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

My Dear Charles
Washington 17 June 1818

I could almost wish your Letters were filled with observations on any other books than Novels which I am afraid occupy more of your time than I think strictly good for you—However as you tell me that you find it too warm to read much now and that you intend to walk out in the evenings I will only say that I recommend you most earnestly to study something more worthy of you and more calculated to strengthen and improve your mind I do not entirely prohibit them but only wish that your reading should not be confined to a sort of read Books from which you may derive false ideas of life and manners which may sensibly affect you at a more advanced age age then you have attained at present—
I have not read the Knight of St John and indeed I find myself too fully occupied in the education of your cousin Mary to have any time to waste upon these light productions she improves rappidly and I flatter myself will make a very fine woman not a heroine of romance but an amiable and virtuous woman who will be capable at some future day to become an excellent wife and a tender and affectionate Mother as solicitous for their welfare the welfare of her children as the mother who now addresses you—
Your Cousins Thomas Hellen and Robert Buchanan come and spend their Saturdays with me and are as much delighted with the opportunity as you are to go to Quincy—The Boyds have not yet been, as their Mother does not approve of their going out—The eldest is gone to school at Baltimore—
I should like very much to know when Mr. Coleman will have a vacancy as I have a great desire that  Thomas Hellen should go to his school and be placed under his immediate care—You can ask your Grand mama to do me the favour to enquire and to let me know Mr. C——s terms—He is anxious to go but he wants to stay with you and John—
Next week I intend going to Frederick to pay a visit to my relations, but I shall expect to find Letters at my return
I cannot think what has become of your books as they were sent on by the vessel which carried Mr. Apthorps plants.—
You will find much pleasure in reading Robertson and you will derive solid improvement likewise as it will give you much information concerning your native Country—I am sorry to find your kind friend Harriet has been obliged to leave you and I hope you expect her back soon—remember most kindly to all the family and believe me as ever your affectionate Mother

L. C. Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 30 June 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My dear and honoured father.
					Washington 30. June 1818.

				Mr G. W. Campbell is going out as Envoy Extraordinary, and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the Court of Russia. He is to embark at Boston in the frigate Guerriére, and I hope will find an opportunity to go out and see you, with Mrs Campbell, and their family at Quincy—You and my dear Mother will I am well assured take the more satisfaction in seeing them with the recollection that Mrs Campbell, is the daughter of your highly esteemed friend, the late Mr Stoddert.I am dear Sir, your ever faithful Son

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 1 July 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

My Dear John
Washington 1 July 1818.

This Letter will reach you I hope on Saturday evening and present you the sincere congratulations of your Mother who is truly happy to have given birth to a Son hitherto so worthy of her fondest affection—may evry future year add to the joy which at present fills her heart and insure not only her love but every blessing of which mankind is susceptible; the respect of your fellow Citizens, and the love and esteem of your family and friends—
I have not heard from either Charles or yourself for some time—the heart is so great here, it is scarcely possible to do any thing—Let me give you and Charles one caution, which I beseech you to attend to—do not go out without your hats particularly in the Sun, and be careful not to overheat yourselves—It would make me very unhappy to hear of your being sick in consequence of any of these carelessness on your parts—
Is Miss Harriet Welsh returned? She is so much your friend I feel happier when she is with you and I hope you value her kindness as much as it deserves—Be assured that a true friend is a thing rarely to be met with and we cannot be too thankful for the blessing when we meet with it and have sense enough to duly appreciate its importance and advantage—
Your father is so much overcome with the heat that we think of visiting Boston in August When I hope to find you as much improved in mind manners and appearance as I can wish Your cousin Mary will perhaps accompany us and will I trust likewise derive improvement from the trust journey both in her health and manners which are not exactly what I would desire them to be though I hope in time they may become so.
Adieu my Dear Son present me respectfully to Dr. & Mrs. Welsh and to your Brother Charles that I will write to him again soon—Ever affectionately yours

L.  C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 July 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

				N. 13.
					My Dear Brother
					Washington 3 July 1818

				They have at length found on the Books of the Bank, the dividend of 24 dollars due to your father, and have given me for it the check on the Branch Bank at Boston which is herewith enclosed—I shall pass over to the proper office in the War Department, the Affidavit in behalf of William Oliphant, and as soon as I can get information of what has been done in the case of Peter Ellins will inform you of it—I suppose by the time you receive this Letter, Mr Cruft will have returned to Boston, and will undertake the whole management of my real Estate there; to sell any part of it, for which he can get a fair price and to do with the rest the best he can—With respect to your answer to my enquiries respecting the two Policies of Insurance on my houses N. 1 and 2 Nassau Street, as I wish to make no superfluous remarks I shall only observe1 That of your renewal of those policies in the year 1811 now mentioned in your Letter, there is not a trace in your account for that year which you transmitted to me—2 That the minute which you say you received from Mr. Cunningham for obtaining the renewal is unintelligible to me  in all its parts, and especially in that part which states the necessity of paying $177.13. for the renewal of the policies, besides the dividend which was payable at the expiration of the old policies—3. That wishing not to give you any further trouble with my real Estate in Boston I will wait for further explanations concerning the Policies, till I make my visit to Boston in August or September—I am very sorry to learn the infirm and alarming state of Mr. Harrods health; but hope the issue may be more favorable than you apprehend—We have had literally speaking trying hot weather here—Farenheit at 94 the 29 of last Month—But I see by the news papers it was the same at New York—Yesterday we had an independence day dinner—Cool and comfortable—Pray among your agricultural improvements have you got any of Cobbetts Russian Ruta-baga which he calls Russian Turneps?—I never saw such in Russia; but I have seen them, according to the description in Spain—Yours faithfully


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 7 July 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					My dear Daughter
					Quincy July 7th 1818

				I have not yet acknowledged your favour of June 27th I go so seldom into the buisy world, that I can get little to amuse or entertain you with. Harriet too is yet with her Sister. She always had something of foreign or domestic to amuse us with—I miss her much, and that upon the Childrens account, as well as my own—The fourth of July has past with much Eclat, and good humour in Boston, with an oration deliverd by mr Frank Gray which does him honour, As I am informd from those who heard it. Your Father had given some encouragement that he would attend, and we were both engaged to dine in the Family Social Way, With Mr Masons Family. The voilent heat of the few preceeding days, So debilitated us, that we thought it not safe to Risk the fatigue of the day, and thus we were disapointed of the pleasure we had anticipated—I thought much of my Son those melting days when the glass here stood above 90. I think you endure heat, better than coldThe poor Boys were suffering for thin cloaths, John having outgrown all his, and not being fitted to Charles, he could not reap the benifit of them. But I have now had miss Sampson, and have made John Some Nankeen Jackets and pantaloons—Charles has out grown his white Jacket and John, who you know is pretty tenacious of his own; would not Surrender his I am Jacket, untill it was replaced by others. Charles Shirts are worn to pieces and some of Johns are in the Same State. I have had half a dozen made for John, which he chose to have with plain Collars—he must have some handkerchiefs, as he is 15teen—he thinks not to dress any more like a Child!Shoes are a great and expensive article with them pavements soon wear them out. I enjoin prudence and oconomy upon them they hear and say yes. Charles thinks more sedately, than John—Johns danger Will be, his disposition to be independent—I am very sorry to hear that your Neice miss Hellen is suffering with a fever, which has tormented me for years; I do not escape a touch of it even at this day. I am rejoiced to learn that Mrs Smith is recovering from her long indisposition. My Love to her, and to Mrs FryeGeorge came to pass the fourth of July with us. we were very glad to see him. President Strickland told your Brother that George was doing very well, only he knew too much—John and Charles came the Evening before, but returnd early in the Morning to Walk in the procession to the laying of the Corner Stone of the New Hospital—Louisa and mrs Clark desire to be  Remembered to you—my Love to my Son from his and your affectionate / Mother

					Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 7 July 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					Quincy July 7th 1818

				I expected you home. that is the reason I did not write. beside I have melted away and very, very feeble—I rejoice to learn that you have had a fine rain. we had only  a little drisel, but miss H Adams Said the Minister thanked the Lord for that; and prayed that he would send a soaking rain. we may put up a Similar petition, for Rain is much wanted—I received this morning your favour of 28 June & 3d july, as I had before your Letter containing your travels for which I thank you—what we wish we are very apt to believe, and your good mother told us you would be home by the first of July; and here it is the Seventh & you Say not a word about it.—I do not  blame those who keep you, but we here; do not like So long an absence—the controvasy between Gen’ll Putnam & Dearborn has become very interesting. the North American Review, has fully disproved Genll Dearborns Statements, and that with a Reason set with smooth oil which the Poet tells us, “is best  what” It is written with a masterly pen—and it is said, by mr Webster—who by the way, for the first time made us a visit the last week he has a fine face—full of intellegence—tho I have not always liked his political creed—I think him a Superiour man—The Testimony you sent, is much to the point, and will be sent to mr Brindly. I hear that there are some very bitter peices in the Centinal, written by J Lowel—who loves to fish in troubled waters they are his Element. I am going to send for the paper: there are to be nine Numbers for which I am sorry. I think Gen’ll d——n has been Sufficiently mortified & put down—and when a Man is down; why trample upon him? be sure he has been lifted up, above his bearing—and had luck in his day, but you can never make velvet of a Bears foot, or in other words Jack will never make a Gentleman—we greet the Young gentleman who has lately been named, and Send him our Blessing, with Love to his parents—It was the intention of the president to have past the 4th of July in Boston to have heard mr Grays oration, and have dined with mr Mason with his Family as mr & mrs Mason had urged, but the heat of the days preceeding put us down—and we did not think it prudent to risk the fatigue—so we Stayd at home. I have hopes of Seeing mr JQA in August. he says in his last Letter that he hopes to accomplish it—whether She w will accompany him, is uncertain; his wish is to visit his parents, unincumberd by company, pass a Short time, and return in silenceI hear there was much allarm yesterday in Town, on account of a Spanish War. insurence was up high—the British will get us into one, if possible—they long to prey upon our commerce under Spanish coulours.—“mr Adams in his last Letters Says, upon politices domestic or foriegn foreign I Shall Say nothing, because I have too much to say. The Surface is yet calm, but the atmosphere is not clear. there is a hollow rumbling of distant Thunder, which warns the Pilot not to Sleep at the Helm”It seem that the correspondence between the American Secretary of State, and don onis has filld the columns of the English papers. “They call the demands of the united States upon Spain exorbitant and unreasonable. the uncourteous and haughty expressions of mr Adams unequivocally betray the hostile intention of the united States to compel Spain to acquiesce in their monstrous demands”So some Bull bellows with all the insolence of a Dictator—and threatens that our trade shall fall a Sacrifice to them.—lacks of the firmness and courage of the Spanish Government. See the Royal order for releasing mr Meade, as Humble & Servile an order as was ever pen’dI have Sent you two Letters from Caroline without covering them to mr Bailey. hope you have received them. I now add an other—  no I mistake, it is one from you to Caroline which will go by the mail tomorrow—Susan is come & sit down, and began reading, so I can not write any more, than Love to you all / From Your

					A Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 July 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
Washington 18 July 1818

Mr. Adams’s business accumulates so rappidly and Genl. Jackson has cut out so much new and difficult work for the Government I despair of seeing you this year—Contrary to your idea Mr. Adams enjoys his health hitherto perfectly but I have totally lost the little share I possessed on my arrival in this Country as I now scarcely know what it is to be well two days together—my lungs are very much affected and I have a constant pain in my side spitting of blood and dispepsia—the physician thinks that it is probable the change of Climate will in the end produce a favorable change in my Constitution and that my complaints are chiefly owing to debility and over fatigue—
I am little surprized at John’s having worn out his Shirts as I left him a very large stock which were mostly new the day we left England—when I had those made, I wished to have plain collars for them but he would not hear of it—I have some linen of Charles’s which I will send on by the first favorable opportunity and will thank you to get it made up for him—
The heat has been very great here but by the Newspaper accounts not so great as in Philadelphia in New York or Baltimore the thermometer never having been higher than 95. degrees. Many persons have lost their lives by drinking cold water. 13 died in one day The City is healthy however and we have heard of no fevers hitherto—
The President is at Washington but will leave it shortly—considerable movement among the diplomats—and some whispers of a Spanish war—but I believe without foundation—this however is mere conjecture as I know nothing about it—Present me kindly to the family and believe me most respectfully yours

L. C. Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 28 July 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					My Dear Daughter
					Quincy July 28th 1818

				I received Your Letter of July 18th on Saturday 25th. It was a great damper to me, who had been pleasing myself with the expectation of Soon Seeing you, and my Son—nor can I now relinquish the hope, that the impediments you mention, may be so accommodated as to give mr Adams a few weeks respite at least. From the account you give of your health, I Should think you would be benefited: by a journey, provided You can make it without much fatigue, and I hope, we may not again, have Such extreem heat: as we have already experienced—our Glasses, have been as high, as in the Southern States, 92 & 94 & once up to 98,—tho our Glass hangs in a draft of air.—I did not know but we Should have disolved with it—there is however enough of us left, to rejoice in the prospect of Seeing You here. Louisa has Sufferd the most as it produced a Billious fever, from which her recovery has been Slow, and She is Yet very low—My Neice mrs Bass, is in the last Stage of a consumption and what adds greatly to the distress of the Family, Captain Bass himself and four of their Children have been; and Some of them Still are Sick, with the Typhus fever—they are a most distresst Family.Mrs Cruft is at mrs Blacks She appears to have been much benifited by her Tour, as well as highly gratified—I have applied to mr Coleman in behalf of your Nephew: He expects to part with one Scolor Scholor at Commencment, and will take him, if not too old—John and Charles were with us on Sunday. it is Charles Shirts which are gone, and Some of Johns who thought to let Charles have his, when he got Some new ones. but having  collers close, he chose to wear his old ones through the Summer. mrs Welsh has their Washing done in the Country, So that Sometimes they do not get their cloaths So regular. George is well taken care of by mrs Gilman and appears very  happy—John has a part at the next exhibition, and Seems ambitious to excell—With much Love to you all, not forgetting mrs Frye & Smith /   I am ever your affectionate / Mother

					A Adams

					Remember me also to Mr Smith


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 28 July 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 28 July 1818

				Although your last Letter was not quite so good as I could wish the consciousness and solicitude you appear to feel of its not being worthy of you convinces me it is unnecessary to  for me to make any remarks on it—excepting that I must entreat you always to accustom yourself to do every thing as well as you can, lest you should find bad habits creeping on you which will be very difficult to eradicate once acquired—As to my lottery ticket I am not the least disappointed and intended it more as a lesson to you than with a view to gain any thing by it, as I have sometimes observed that you were inclined to rely a little too much upon your good fortune—and I felt assured that the loss of my ticket would occasion you feelings sufficiently unpleasant to teach you how weak it is to trust at all in the mere operations of chance—and that a firm reliance on our own exertions, will contribute far  more to our success through life and will sooner or later meet with their reward–I hope you have got a part as I am sure you take pains to excel and merit the approbation of your masters You have sufficient talent if you have to attain to any pitch of excellence and you have nothing to apprehend but the natural vivacity of your disposition which often leads you  into omissions and time once lost can never be regained—I flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of hearing that you have  acquitted yourself with honour and should you have been disappointed in obtaining your wish you must exert yourself in future that such a disappointment may not fall on you a second time—Adieu my dear Boy I still hope that may be able to visit you for a short time in the fall Give my love to George and Charles and accept it from your affectionate Mother.

					L C A

					Antoine thought better about going away and Ellen ad and he are still with us—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 10 August 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

My dear Son.
Washington 10. August 1818

It is a great affliction to me to be deprived as I am by constant and indispensable obligipations, of the pleasure of writing to you, at least every week; but so it is, and I am now to acknowledge the receipt since I wrote you last of your Letters of 17. May. N. 8.—of 1. June. N. 9. and of the 2d: of this Month, which is without number but should have been numbered 10.
Your observations upon several of the classic authors whose writings have formed part of your studies continue to give me much pleasure—In your Letter of 17. May you quote the two lines of Horace
“Labitur et labetur in omne volubilis aevum.“
and “Semel emissum volat irrevocabile verbum.”
as instances of remarkable harmony, and very justly—but in both these lines and most especially in the last there is something infinitely more important and precious than poetical harmony. There is a great lesson of Prudence for the conduct of life—Let it be forever imprinted on your memory that a word once spoken can never be recalled, and given your conduct accordingly through life. I make this remark, as the illustration to a general observation; that all the great Classics are teachers of morals, no less than of Letters, and for the purpose of recommending to them you a profound attention to their sentiments as well as to their style of composition—None of them are more deserving to be studied in this point of view than Horace, although there are some very exceptionable passages in his Satires and Epistles, and nothing in the compass of Literature, antient or modern, more detestable and disgusting than some of his Odes—Horace was a man of transcendant genius, and sound understanding, corrupted by the vices of his age, and the beastly sophistry of the Epicurean doctrines. His writings therefore form a strange and incongruous compound of purity and pollution, on which the natural rectitude of his judgment, and loftiness of his sportive debased and degraded, till they wallow in the  kernels like a satire—I suppose they use at the University only the expurgated Editions of his works—and when he speaks the language of virtue, it is with the voice of an Angel—For maxims of sublime Patriotism, of Prudence, of Justice, of Fortitude, and even of Temperence, as well as for principles of literary taste and poetical composition, no writer deserves more to be turned over “nocturna maque manu” than Horace.
One of the greatest, wisest and best men of  ages, John de Witt, was murdered, and literally torn to pieces by a frantic rabble of his own Countrymen. instigated by a crafty and treacherous tyrant to whom de Witt himself had been the greatest benefactor—de Witt perished in the streets of the Hague, repeating aloud till his last gasp the lines of Horace
Justum et tenacem propositi virum,
non civium ardor prava jubentium,
non vultus instantis tyranni
mente quatit solida—
Si fractius illabatur orbis,
Impavidum ferient ruinae.
How deep must have been the impression upon the heart and mind of this man, must have been throughout his life, of that sentiment which recurred to his memory, and gave him support and consolation, in the agonies of the most horrible of deaths! This example gives you the true and the most important use of studying the antient Classics, and Horace particularly—Sentiments like this one the seeds scattered by the great writers of antiquity, and they fructify in proportion to the fertility of the Soil upon which they fall.—Remember therefore, my dear George, your line of Horace “Semel emissum, volat irrevocabile verbum,” not merely for its liquid numbers, and poetical beauty, but as a lesson of Prudence, applicable to every hour of your existence, and if ever in a thoughtless or unguarded moment a word, of untruth, or envy or vanity should rise upon your lips, may your Horatian minerva clap her finger upon them, till Memory can call up this line and suppress the utterance of that word forever! Remember too, for never can it be more necessary than at your age, the just and solemn admoration connected with that enchanting image of the Rustic waiting for the river to run dry—To whom are they likened?—To him who puts off the practice of virtue till to-morrow.
Dimidium facti, qui cœpit, habet. Sapere aude:
Incipe. vivendi rectè qui proragat horam,
Rusticus exspectat dum defluat amnis; at ille
Labitur, et labetur in omne volubilis aevum.
I thank you for the Oration of Mr Everett, which shews what Dr Johnson calls, great capabilities of future excellence; and as he has chosen Patriotism for his theme, I hope he will soon learn that genuine Patriotism requires and implies the practice of all the other virtues. “Di, probos mores docili juventae“ is the first prayer to the Gods in the secular hymn of our favourite Horace; which he implores as the necessary means for making of Rome the greatest object to be seen by the Sun—and Cicero and Plato, and Socrates, all teach the same doctrine—Mr Everett’s Oration indicates more frequent reminisces of Childe Harolde, the Laureate Southey, Marmontel, Rousseau and Voltaire, than of Horace, or any of the antient Classics—The poetic idols of the present age, are to those of antiquity just what bombast is to the sublime:—just what exaggeration is to truth.
As you have not been able to suit yourself with a chambermate for your next collegiate year, and as I would by no means wish you to be associated with one, not entirely agreeable to yourself, I readily consent that you should continue to lodge at Mrs Gilman’s, and am glad to learn that you are so well satisfied with your residence there.
It will not be possible for your Mother and me to attend at Commencement but we hope to meet you at Quincy within two days after. In the mean time I remain your ever affectionate father.

John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 17 August 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Johnson, Thomas Baker

Dear Tom
Washington 17 August 1818

Your Letter of 19 July was delivered to me just after I had dispatched my last and I now hasten to answer it—My visit to Frederick was interrupted by the illness of Governor Johnson who is not expected to recover and who has declined seeing any of his relations nearer than his own children—We are therefore once more disappointed and I suspect that the great reason of the failure of the business has originated in the terror of rousing that Hornets nest in case of future accidents when popularity would become an object—I know not how far I am correct in my ideas but every day that I live my opinion of mankind is less and less exalted and I am sure they are capable of almost any meanness to gratify a selfish ambition—You will smile when I say that the perpetual view of this littleness which in one form or other has for the last twenty years excited my scorn and wounded every generous feeling of my heart, because I am now placed in a high sphere (as they term it here) you will I say give no credit to my assertions when I declare that I look with disdain on the mean and ignoble beings who crouch be it before the evanescent greatness of an hour and watch the opportunity of my there fall to trample  them me in the dust—Between you and I, I see nothing like greatness in the cavils and intrigues of electioneering parties and have little Respect for places which are bestowed at the nod of a few domineering mortals who condescend to lift you into the chair of state that you may there under their benign  offices auspices execute the dirty work in which they may think proper to employ you—
Can any one see the miserable woman who now fills that seat and not shrink with fear and disgust from a situation so wretched? To be slandered vilified and condemned in the grossest manner merely because she has risen to the Station she holds and the great bulk of mankind have not?
Terrified at a look and watchful of every whisper conscious that every action however innocent or praise worthy will be tortured into offence! Oh defend me from such a situation and if heaven has in store for me a birth so scattered with thorns I hope it will at the same time grant me that apathy which is essential to render it supportable—
Still full of grievances my dear Tom! Boyd in a fit of Passion has resigned his place and accepted an agency at Mackinaw among the Indians—Surely madness must have seized the man and his poor wife is suffering all the horror that the idea of such a removal with her family is calculated to produce—What can the world say to such a step? does it not strike every one with astonishment that a man comfortably settled surrounded by his family in a small estate of his own should thus rush into a situation full of danger and disquiet and remove his family from the enjoyment of every comfort into a climate and a place where they are exposed to scene of horror and withdrawn from every advantage of education?
Enough on this miserable subject Calhoun is his steady friend and will serve him if he can but what reliance can be put on a man so rash? so inconsiderate?
We leave town for Boston in the course of a week come nn my dear dear Tom and see us and I will break through all ties to accompany you in any journey you wish and shall take the sincerest delight in your society—  Ever affectionately yours

L.C.A—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 21 August 1818
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					dear daughter
					Quincy August 21st 1818

				Since the 18th July, I have not received a Line from you or my Son, altho I have been in daily expectation of hearing that you were sitting your faces this way. I have learnt from mr Cruft that mr Adams contemplated being here, as I understood him by the last of this Month, or sooner if he could. The intercourse between us, is not so frequent as I could wish. Even tho it consisted of “How do you?” only for at this Season of the Year, Sickness is more frequent—since I wrote you, we have burried Mrs Bass, the rest of the Family have, & are recovering from the fever. it is generally Healthy here. The vacation of the Childrens School began yesterday; and they are now here—I wish you to come, that I may consult you, about Winter cloathing for them—of which they will want considerable—Mr Marston wished me to say to you that his son Henry would do himself the honour of calling upon you, and mr Adams, on his return from N Orleans, where he has seen your Brother, and may have a Letter for you from him; if he should call; you will see him, he has travelled by land from N Orleans for the sake of visiting the Western States—We are burnt up here, with the Severest drought that I ever knew at this Season.I have just been reading the Life of Genll Jackson—and I admire the Man; as his character is represented—I esteem him, much more highly than I did before, I read it. He appears to have been raised up for the Command he had, and for the defence he made He is as Brave as Bonaparte Buonaparte, without his embridled Ambition—I wonder if my Son has read it?—tho Jackson has lately given him Specimins of his Character—which have some what embarrassed the President, I fancy—With a Kind Remembrance to all Friends and a hope of seeing you e’er long / I am / Your affectionate / Mother

					A Adams

					John is not well. he grows too fast, is very thin, mere Skin & Bone. his food hurts him—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 August 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
Washington 25 August 1818

Tomorrow we leave this place with the intention of visiting you in Boston if nothing should intervene and force us back again to Washington. We shall be in Boston the latter end of the next week as we propose to leave Philadelphia on Monday Morning—Our visit will necessarily be short Mr. A—— being obliged to return the beginning of next Month—we therefore wish to be as short a time on the road as possible—I fear my dear Madam your family is now so large it will be difficult for you to accommodate us If it should be the least inconvenient and Mrs. Black can take us we will remain there during our stay—
We are all well and the bustle of a Ball this evening and our departure tomorrow will plead my excuse for the shortness of this epistle. from your affecte. daughter

L. C. A.


Title: From James Monroe to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 September 1818
From: Monroe, James
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Dear Madam
					Highland, near Milton, Sepr 1. 1818

				I declind answering your letter, untill I could obtain some details, which were material, in relation to its object. The interest, which you take, in favor of persons a family, with whom you are so closely connected, & with whose merit, you are so well acquainted, commands my great high respect & warm approbation, and it would give me much great satisfaction, if circumstances permitted, an immediate accomodation with your views. In regard to Mr. Boyd, personally, it would be gratifying to me, to be useful to him, if such an opportunity presented, as I should feel myself justified in taking advantage of. My  impression, however, was, while at Washington, that the contract which had existed with him for the purchase of arms, had, by length of time, and apparently, by his consent, if not by a decision of the dept, ceasd to exist. That to give a new sanction to it, would be, under such circumstances, to make, essentially, a new contract, which I consider’d on every view, which I could take, of the subject, improper. It was with  reluctance, therefore, as he wishd to proceed in it, that I could not, consistently, with the opinion, which I had form’d, of my own duty, promote his object. I am not aware, that there is any thing in the case, unknown then, which ought to produce a change of sentiment. My mind is quite open, to a candid consideration of any facts which may be alledged in his favor, as I shall apprize the Secretary of War, who I am satisfied, entertains the same disposition towards him.Nothing is more It is very difficult, than to appoint other, than the any person not an inhabitants of the State, to any offices within it, tho belonging to the general government. It is consider’d an imputation on the talent & merit, of the citizens of the State, or such an indication of partiality & favor, to the person thus appointed, that it is almost sure to expose the government to censure.Mr Calhoun intimated to me, that there was an office, in the western country, belonging to the war department, with which he thought mr. Boyd would be contented. I expressd to him, my willingness, to confer on him, the office in question, which was, at Michilamachik, according to my recollection. I will communicate with the Secretary of the subject, tho’ it is probable, from your letter, that the remoteness of the situation, has been an insuperable objection to it.with high consideration & esteem I am / Dear Madam, yr very obt servant

					James Monroe


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 27 September 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

Dear Sir
Quincy September. 27th 1818

Let me introduce, Mr Elliot, the Bearer, and Mr Ticknor both Natives of Boston, both amiable and respectable. Elliot a Son of Samuel Elliot Esqr one of our first Capitalists. Tickenor one of our first Litterary Characters. Neither will betray you. Ben. Guild the Son of your Mothers earliest and Constantly beloved Friend is married to Elliots Sister. With these you may indulge your yankee Frankness. They are no Diplomatic Agents.—
you can play, I doubt not: but I hope you do not gamble.—
But have you learned “Le Jeu diplomatique?” Keep a constant and vigilant Guard against Imposters, deceptions and Impositions
The European Diplomatist is like Horaces Pact. Irritat mulcet, falsis terroribus implet, Ut Magus.—
I have feelt the Shackles under which you live and Act.—I know you cannot entertain your Countrymen at any Expence, But you must make up in Complaisance, what is wanting in funds—With more Anxiety for your Welfare than you can imagin—I am, your Grandfather,
John Adams—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Welsh, 29 September 1818
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Welsh, Thomas

					Dear Sir
					Boston 29 September 1818

				In answer to your Letter of yesterday I readily agree that the board of my two Sons residing with you should be for the ensuing year at the rate of five dollars a week each, and I beg you and Mrs. Welsh and Miss Harriet to accept our warmest thanks for your unvarying kindness to them—I am with the strongest respect and attachment Dear Sir / Faithfully Yours


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 4 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother
Albany 4 October 1818

After a most fatiguing journey in which I suffered grievously we arrived at half past nine o’clock last evening beaten and bruised and scarcely able to go through the additional trouble of undressing to go to bed—Not a single event has occurred worth detailing and I can only write you a short Letter as my shoulders are too stiff to admit of my saying any thing more than that we are alive and in hopes of being well to-morrow—We found companions in our distress this morning in Mr. & Mrs. Johnson who came from Utica on Friday afternoon and arrived last evening just before we did and put up at the same house. We have been condoling with one another all day and intend going together down the river to Mrs. de Wints and from thence to New York where we must part as they intend to proceed to Quincy on a visit to you which I know will give you great pleasure They take their eldest boy with them who is a remarkable fine Child.
With best love to all the family I am your affectionate daughter

L. C. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My dear Mother
					Cedar Grove 6 Octr. 1818

				As Mr. & Mrs. Johnson  intend leaving us this evening I write you a few lines to assure you of our health and that of the charming family with whom we now are. Caroline and her children are quite well and happy and gave us the cheering welcome of an old and affectionate friend—The situation of Mrs. de Wirts house is beautiful but you have heard too much of it to need any description from me. We are on the point of sailing for West Point and I am obliged to close my letter abruptly  with love to all which will be conveyed to you by Abby with whom we are very sorry to part as well as with her husband and lovely boy—I will thank you to ask tell Harriet Welsh to call at Amos Fitch’s and pay seven and sixpence for a pair of Shoes which I carried away from the Store by accident—& you will see my dear Mother by this that date that the Letter was to have been sent by Mrs. Johnson but in our tour to west Point we supposed we should return time enough to send it and found that she went immediately from the Sloop to Newburg to which prevented it—We left Mrs. de Wirts this morning at eight oclock with the utmost regret for I have never made a visit so delightful Caroline Elizabeth is a lovely child and so well managed it is a pleasure to see her. We  expect to reach New York this evening and from Philadelphia  I hope to send you a sheet of the journal which I have kept in a most hurried manner I know your indulgence therefore I will make no apologies only request you to remember that when I sit down to write I totally forget that any body but myself is to see it therefore write every thought as it occurs which must not only be uninteresting to you but often appear affected. added to which speaking so continually of myself is a degree of egotism which must be very tiresome—I am delighted with Mrs. de Wirt and beg you will tell my father I perfectly agree in his opinion of her. With best love to all I am dear Madam as usual your affectionate daughter

					L. C. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					6-7 Oct. 1818

				6 October Rose early and crossed in the Team Boat to Mrs. de Fish Kiln Landing Mr. de Wint having come over in his Carriage for us—found Caroline at the door who received us in the most affectionate manner and was very much astonished at seeing Mr. & Mrs. Johnson who they did not at all expect I was introduced to Mrs. de Wint a very fine Woman who gave us a kind and warm reception The Verplank family were invited to dine with us who are very agreeable and respectable people The Judge was formerly a member of Congress Mrs. de Wints nieces are pleasant women Carolines eldest child is a lovely little creature and one of the most Lady like children I ever saw. Mrs. & Miss Allens came to Tea.7 Having agreed to go to West Point we met early in the breakfast parlour and immediately after breakfast went on board a Sloop engaged for the purpose and with Mr. & Mrs. de Wint Mr: & Mrs. Johnson, Miss M. Senalts, Miss Nelsen. Mary Hellen Mr: Fenno and Mr: Verplank—After a pleasant Sail of two hours and immediately ascended the mountains to view the old Fortress—I having lost the elasticity of youth found the ascent very laborious but the young Ladies tripped on with the lightness of wood nymphs and left us considerably behind—After toiling a long time Mr. Johnson observed that they must have taken some different road volunteered to go up a little way alone and reconnoitre while we rested on a piece of rock in the road he shortly returned unsucessful and we continued to ascend supposing they must have reached the top—When we again held a consultation and Mr. A.—set off to find them—after waiting a considerable time Mr. Johnson and I very philosophically discoursing upon various subjects Mr. A. rejoined  us, having been to the summit of the mountain and seeing nothing whatever of the party; and we agreed to descend—which we accordingly did and soon heard a Shout  which we knew to come from Mr de Wint; we followed the sound and scrambling through briars and over huge fragments of rocks, some so slippery as to make it almost impossible to walk over them, we met Mr. de Wint who escorted us to the ruined fort—and from thence to the house, through the same difficulties which we had so long struggled through; and found that they had waited dinner which had already been twice served, until our arrival—our return was hailed with joy. the mountain air having rendered our appetites pretty keen—Caroline had however gone out to seek us, and we were obliged to send and she was returning after her; which one of the young Ladies undertook and met her close by the house quite impatient at her ill success: and this comedy of errors was happily terminated by an excellent and cheerful dinner, where every one seemed determined to please and be pleased—On withdrawing from the dinner room we found General Talmadge and his two Sons in the parlour to whom we were introduced—Mr. Adams went with Mr. de Wint to visit Major Thayer, who immediately came and invited us to see the Library, and the Philosophical Apparatus—I was so impolite as to prefer seeing the Cadets go through their exercise; and walked out with little Johnson—when we got near them the Child turned to me very seriously, and asked me if I loved the cadets? I answered yes! when he immediately pulled me towards them, and said “then why dont you kiss them? the Major informed me there was no sort of difficulty in procuring admittance for boys in this Institution—which appears to be perfectly well conducted, and well calculated to furnish good Officers for the Nation, able and wiling to fight the battles of their Country—I like these National Academies although there may be some evil attending them, the means which they afford to many parents of giving education to their Sons and insuring them a subsistence, must produce feelings of gratitude which will call forth generous exertions in the cause of the Country, which has thus supported them in the time of need—We returned at half past five the evening delightful and all of us in fine spirits ready to sieze on every trifle which could could add to the general mirth—We parted with Mr. & Mrs. Johnson at the Landing They crossed to Newburgh in a small Boat intending to take the Steam Boat to New York that night—I had written thus far when I received Harriet’s Letter mentioning my Mothers alarming illness—We are in the greatest anxiety and apprehension but hope as the last Letter indicates an amendment that the next will releive us from the dreadful state of uneasiness which the distance which separates us contributes to agravate With ardour do we implore the Divine Being to Spare our dear Mother to us that she may remain among us a blessing to us all—In the full hope that this Letter will find you better I remain your much attached and respectful Daughter

					L C A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 16 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					Dear George
					Washington 16 October 1818.

				In Joke while I was in Boston you one day said you would lend your Books to your Uncle Tom in New Orleans I then laughed at the idea but on arriving here he I found a Letter from him in which he requests such a loan from your father and as I know that in that way it would be difficult to procure them you would be rendering me a most essential service if you send a box of them to him which he promises to return safe and which he will in case of accident or death insure you the full value or replace them at any price—Your collection I think would suit him exactly and he would like to have an Italian Grammar and Dictionary as he is anxious to learn that language—Should you accede to my wish you will contribute to restore a mind to peace and happiness which has been rudely buffeted by the shocks of this tempestuous world and we are bound when it is in our power by making a trifling sacrifices to promote the happiness felicity of each other according to our means—I am aware that I need not urge you on a point of this nature as I found you with a heart oerflowing with the milk of human kindness and only waiting for opportunities to prove all its benevolent tendencies I will give you no Lessons on this subject my beloved Son for that worldly experience we must all too soon acquire in our intercourse with mankind whose frailty is a part of his nature will early nip the blossoms which might otherwise endanger by their luxuriance endanger the life of the Tree.—Never did I quit Boston with such reluctance as I felt this last visit when all my fondest hopes where in the way to be gratified by my affectionate good ChildrenMay you go on and prosper and may that God who alone can guide us through the mazes of this life watch over and protect you all to the end of your days and throgh you bless your affectionate / Mother

					L. C. A.

					Harriet Welsh will have to send some things for me to New Orleans you will therefore find an opportunity ready—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 19 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

               Dear John
               Washington 19 October 1818

            To say how much I was affected at not seeing you the day I left Boston would indeed be impossible as I supposed it was owing to the Woman’s having said we were at dinner that made you leave the house so suddenly and I could not bear the idea of your being refused admittance—I thank you very much for your very affectionate Letters which gave me the greatest pleasure and arrived so as to make me welcome to my home—Mary is very well and had the pleasure of finding her brother Johnson Hellen who had come from Princeton on a visit fr to Mr. Frye He is very disirous that George should stop one night at Princeton on his way to see us and I hope you will tell George so when you see him he can do it without any difficulty as there are a great many stages passing to Philadelphia every day——You will I know gratify me by remaining at home of an evening as your example is of the greatest consequence to Charles as well as night air being very prejudicial to yourself Johnson Hellen is a very fine young man very desirous of becoming  acquainted with you all. He is in his third year at College and will graduate about this time the year after next—he is a six footer and very thin with a charming countenance and strikingly resembles his mother—I left my heart with you all and have not yet quite recovered my equanimity though this is in some respect the land of courtesy and as I am beset by morning visitors ever since Church I can only repeat how much you are beloved by your affectionate Mother

               L. C. Adams.

               Mary desires to be remembered to her brother mortals


Title: From Harriet Welsh to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 23 October 1818
From: Welsh, Harriet
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					October 23, 1818

				Your mother was pronounced so much better this morning that your father has resumed his book—or rather he is at ease enough to be read to—Mrs Greenleaf has come in to amuse him with the news of the day which gives me a few moments to write to you, Caroline, & to your children—As Mrs Adams gains a little strength she continues to interest herself in her affairs again—to day she desired I might be called, & gave me directtions to write to Mr. Vanderkemp to enclose some papers of his which were in her possession—. Caroline has written me that your visit & that of her uncle gave her “more pleasure than she can possibly express”—If Mrs. A—should continue as she is at present gradually getting strength—I shall not write again perhaps for some days—It is my turn to set with her again to night——Your muslin shall be forwarded next week by yrs

					HW


Title: From Harriet Welsh to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 26 October 1818
From: Welsh, Harriet
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					Quincy 26th October 1818

				Mrs. Adams remains very much the same not worse than the two days past—we have still hopesAnother letter on Wednesday—


Title: From William Smith Shaw to Joseph Barlow Felt, 28 October 1818
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Felt, Joseph Barlow

					My dear Brother
					ante 28 Oct. 1818

				I had proposed to come & see you on Saturday last but hearing of the dangerous sickness of my Aunt Adams I was induced to visit Quincy. She has been afflicted with a violent bilious fever, which has left her almost prostrate. I came to town last evening. This morning Dr Welsh who stayed there yesterday came to town & informed me that the symptoms were little more favorable but I fear the worst—I wish you to communicate these melancholy apprehensions to my dear Sister in a way that you may think most proper I am going to Quincy this afternoonI am dear Brother & Sister yours affectionately

					W. S. Shaw


Title: Abigail Smith Adams, Obituary Notice, 28 October 1818
From: Anonymous
To:

					OBITUARY NOTICE.Died at Quincy, the 28th October, 1818, Mrs. ABIGAIL ADAMS, consort of the Hon. JOHN ADAMS, 	late President of the United States.
					28 October 1818

				This lady was not more elevated by rank, than eminent by her virtues. Of her sex, she was an ornament, not less pure, than it was brilliant. At once the charm and the pride of the domestic circle. Exemplary in the fulfilment of every social and religious obligation; and in the native ease and characteristic dignity, with which they were discharged. Presiding, in her family, as though its cares had been the single object of her thoughts; yet her mind, enlarged by reading, and established by meditation, had the aspect of one, exclusively devoted to mental improvement and intellectual contemplation. It was impossible to know her intimately, without admiring that rare assemblage of qualities, which constituted her character; in which masculine understanding was united with a delicacy, unobtrusive and feminine; what was true, and useful, and necessary to be known, for the right conduct of common life, was mingled and dignified, by being combined, in her mind and practice, with acquirements, at once, extensive, elegant, and extraordinary. She was endowed by nature, with a countenance singularly noble and lovely. In it dignity was blended with sweetness, the beams of intelligence with those of kindness; inspiring at once, respect, confidence and affection. She illustrated and adorned every sphere she was called to fill. Although polished by intercourse with the world, her mind had lost nothing of its original purity and innate worth.This is not the language of panegyric. If to those, who knew her not, it shall have this aspect, those who knew her best, will feel how short this description falls of all the refined and all the substantial qualities which formed the stamina of her character.Her father, the Rev. William Smith, a clergyman, respected for his piety and worth, married Elizabeth, the daughter of the Hon. John Quincy, and was settled at Weymouth, in this vicinity. These respectable parents were blessed with three daughters, Mary, the wife of the late Hon. Richard Cranch, of Quincy.—Elizabeth, the wife of the late Rev. John Shaw, of Haverhill, and afterwards, of the Rev. Stephen Peabody, of Atkinson, who were each qualified, by uncommon talents and virtues, to fill with equal worth, the different, though important stations, to which they were afterwards called. Of these, Mrs. Adams was the second. Under the paternal roof, with her beloved sisters, were passed her early years, in the pursuit of those intellectual and domestic accomplishments, on which gentlemen of her father’s profession are accustomed to found the future hopes of their children. Religion formed the basis of her early education. Under its sanction, and by its light, she was taught to discern the right in morals, and the useful in learning; and to take delight in the practice of what was prudent, and in the discovery of what was true; and to seek happiness and honor, in filling, with propriety and exactness, all the duties which peculiarly appertain to her sex.Connected in early life, by affection and intellectual sympathy, with one of the most eminent men of our age and country, and one among those, chiefly, instrumental, in achieving national Independence, she largely partook of the spirit of the times, and cheerfully braved the dangers, submitted to the privations, and cooperated in the energies demanded by the occasion. The leading patriots of that period well knew her intellectual worth. With many of the most distinguished, she long continued in the habits of correspondence. Her letters yet remain, and are monuments of refined taste and pure sentiment.After peace and independence had been acquired by her country, Mrs. Adams was called to adorn higher stations. The first lady to represent and sustain, in foreign courts, the character of the American female; the  second, who was obliged, by her husband’s rank, to take preeminence among the females of the United States.It was the joy and pride of her sex and country, that this lot so early fell on one,——“Fitted, or to shine in courtsWith unaffected grace, or walk the plainWith piety and meditation joined.”Possessing, at every period of life, the unlimited confidence, as well as affection of her husband, she was admitted, at all times, to share largely of his thoughts. While, on the one hand, the activity of her mind, and its thorough knowledge of all branches of domestic economy, enabled her, almost wholly to relieve him from the cares incident to the concerns of private life; on the other, she was a friend, whom it was his delight to consult, in every perplexity of public affairs; and whose councils never failed to partake of that happy harmony, which prevailed in her character; in which intuitive judgment was blended with consummate prudence; the spirit of conciliation, with the spirit of her station, and the refinement of her sex. In the storm, as well as on the smooth sea of life, her virtues were ever the object of his trust and veneration.Destined, however, to elevate and adorn, in a peculiar degree, the domestic sphere, she quitted it with reluctance, and returned to it with joy, as to the scene, most congenial to her soul and best suited to give employment to her virtues. In comparison with which, in her estimation, the honors of public life had little attraction, and the gaiety of courts no charm.Above all, her habitual charity encircled her character with that lovely and immortal wreath which will live and flourish when every other honor and distinction shall have utterly perished. In sickness and sorrow her friends and neighbors ever found, in her advice and sympathy, support and consolation; and the poor a never failing resource in her benevolence, which waited not to be solicited, or sought; but whose“Active searchLeft no cold, wintry, corner unexplored; Like silent working Heaven, surprizing oftThe lonely heart, with unexpected good.”It pleased Heaven to protract her life, in all its usefulness, to its seventy-fourth year, and to permit her maternal cares and experience to be extended to her descendants of the third and fourth degree.Clear and shedding blessings to the last, her sun sunk below the horizon, beaming with the same mild strength and pure radiance, which distinguished its meridian.The death of such a person is a calamity to all who enjoyed her friendship or shared the benefit of her example. To her immediate family it is as great as it is irreparable. To herself, honored and blessed, not above her deserts, but far above the common lot, it is but the exchange of a temporal for an eternal state; and of the hopes and joys of this world for another of the sublimest rewards and of perfect felicity.“Farewell!—thy cherished image ever dear,Shall many a heart, with pious love revere.Long, long shall those, her honored memory bless,Who gave the choicest blessings they possess.”


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 28 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To:

					Lines on the death of Mrs. Adams.

				Depart thou Sainted Spirit, Wing thy happy flight,To the bright realms of everlasting light;Yet fondly hover oer thy lonely friend,In nightly visions resignation send:Cheer his great mind attune his Soul to peaceTill in this world his hopeless griefs may cease:And when his Spirit quits this mortal clayLead him to heavenly bliss and guide him on his way.To bliss eternal guide him on his way.

					Louisa. C. Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 31 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Washington 31st. October 1818

				The extreeme distress of mind under which Mr Adams labours in consequence of our dear Mother’s distressing illness, totally incapacitates him from writing to you on the subject which excites in us both the most painful anxiety—. Most readily will I set out to Boston if in any shape I can afford assistance, and I should delight in giving every testimony of dutiful affection and respect to our suffering parent if she will accept my services.—I know that she is surrounded by the most tender and watchful friends and that I should ad only add one to the many who are desirous of proving their attachment by the most devoted attention and that it would rather be a gratification to my own feelings than from any material effect which I could flatter myself with promoting but at least I should have the satisfaction of knowing that I had participated in every exertion to restore one on whose existence so much of the happiness of the family depended and likewise in the endeavour to console you under the heavy trial which now assails you and in which I sympathize with all my heart I yet trust my dear Sir that heaven in its mercy will grant her to us a little longer and in this cheering hope I beg you to believe me ever your respectfully affectionate daughter

					L. C. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 31 October 1818
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My dear John
					Washington 31 October 1818

				The state of cruel anxiety in which we remain on account of your Grandmamma’s illness has occasioned my not writing to you as punctually as I otherwise should have done and I now do not feel in spirits to say more than that both your father and myself are greatly pleased at your affectionate attention in writing so frequently. I thank you for your translations which your father says are better than any he made at your age which praise will operate on your amiable disposition and good heart as an incitement to continue to excel and not to slacken in your exertions to merit approbation. at this time I know your heart must bleed for the sufferings of a parent whose affectionate tenderness and kindness for you has existed invariably since your infancy and I will only add the hope that she may yet be spared to you a little longer that you may have a further opportunity of evincing your gratitude to her by the propriety of your conduct and your rapid attainment of every virtue which will make you a blessing to all you are connected with but more especially to her who has the happiness to subscribe herself your affectte. Mother

					L. C. Adams

					Much love to Charles


Title: Obituary Notice for Abigail Smith Adams, 31 October 1818
From: Essex Register
To:

					October 31, 1818

				On Monday last died at Quincy, Madam Abigail, the venerable consort of the immortal John Adams, late President of the United States, aged 74. Her funeral will be this day, at Quincy, the seat of this Patriarchal family.Madam Adams was a daughter of the Rev. William Smith, of Weymouth, then in the county of Suffolk, who died in 1784. He was a gentleman in his manners, and of reputation in his profession. While Mr. Adams was in public life, his domestic life was a theme of congratulation to his friends and not unknown in the history of his administration. Madam was an affectionate, but firm woman. Acquainted with the economy and duties of private condition, & not unequal to the care and dignity of the highest honours. Our public honours are possessed by her posterity. She was possessed of the history of our country, and the great occurrences in it. She had a distinct view of public men and measures, and had her own judgement upon them, which she was free to disclose to her friends, but not eager to defend in public circles. She had the vigour of a firm constitution, and seemed designed for great old age. She was in appearance of middle size, and preserved the dress of the matrons of New England. The worthy President always appeared as the friend, who had lived himself into one with the wife of his bosom. The loss is the greatest that can be felt in his old age.