Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 25 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

dear Sir
Montizillo July 25th. 1820

Liberty Tree in Boston, was a very aged and a very large Elm—in the front yard of Deacon Elliot at the South End—he lived at the Corner of between the Maine Street—and the street that lead down to John Rowes House—It was very near to the Mansion of the Ancient and Honble. Samuell Wells—which was the spot on which the Boylston Market now stands—The Tree stood directly opposite to the House of Major James Cunningham—The Tree never had the name of Liberty Tree, untill the year 1765—when Secretary Oliver, or Lieunt. Oliver—who had been Commissioned by the Crown as distributer of stamped papers—thought proper to resign his Office under that Tree in the presence of the public world—I have no recollection that I ever heard that or any other particular Tree denominated Liberty Tree before that time—Poets and Orators indeed had sometimes represented Liberty by the figure of a Tree—as they had Genealogy—science and many other Subjects—All the Liberty Trees in America were imitations of this I presume—of those in France I can say nothing—for they were planted some years after I left that Kingdom never to see it more
I have read the letters on the Eastern States with much pleasure— I wish success to your Biography I wish you could trace the family of Mr Otis’s Mother—whose name I think was Allen from Connecticut a very respectable Lady—whom I had the pleasure once to see—at her own House in Barnstable
I am Sir with much Esteem your friend / and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Montezillo July 26th. 1820—

I thank you for the promptitude with which you paid my debt to Mrss Gales & Seaton—and discontinued my Subscription for the National Intelligencer—
I beg your pardon for not answering immediately your letter fo the 24th. of last Month as I ought—not being pressed by necessity, I did not draw upon Mr Cruft—till up he comes with his Lady to make us a very pleasant family visit—& tendered me two hundred & fifty pritty birds ready to take to themselves wings and fly away—give yourself no kind of concern upon this subject—I shall pay my Compliments to Mr Cruft when ever I want—& I know he will give me very polite answers—
But you have thrown a gloom over me by your doubts—you must clear up that doubt—and present yourself—Your Lady & your Son before me at all events in this memorable year 1820—I would not care a farthing about Spain—I would leave the Census to my Clerks—and throw the Weights & Measures up into the Aire—And my Office too, rather than be the greatest Slave—than the blackest in Virginia—
we are all well except, Louisa & Susan Maria Clark—they are better—one of my Labourers broke his Collar boneanother has had a fever which has been a great interruption to my important Horticultureal & Agricultureal pursuits—
My affectionate remembrance to all—from / your affectionate Father—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 27 July 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

dear Sir
Montezillo July 27th 1820

I will not envy you but congratulate you on the pleasure you have had in your excursion to Washington But I covet the like pleasure so much that if I could do it with out stirring up an uproar, & hurly burly through the Contenent—Old as I am I would get into my Gig, & bend my course thitherward to morrow morning—. I regret most grievously that you did not Visit Cedar Grove—at Fishkill Landing—after you were at West Point—John Peter & Caroline De Wint,my Grand Children—would have boasted and three of my great grand Children—would have boasted all their days of a visit from Dr Waterhouse and his Lady—From your account of the Institution—I wish that some of my Grand Sons were there at it—I rejoice that Captain Williams Phillips is so much better off than he was in the Navy—As a Pillar of a Church and as a host of Dr Waterhouse he has my Blessing—
It is true that three persons in my family have been unwell—But their sickness was not such as to render your intended Visit unacceptable or inconvenient—I hope you will not delay it long—we are all well now—
Genall. Lincolns anecdote sublime as it is—I had heard many years ago and often repeated—I wish with the Noble Soldier that the Kingdoms of the Earth would turn upon their heels to the right about and Wheel into the plains of Common Sense & honesty & march forward Intrepidly to honour Glory and immortality—I am extemely mortified at the doubt of my Sons Visit to Montezillo this Summer—If he cannot come to me—it seems to me as if I must go to him—But if I should lay my Bones at Washington they will erect no monument to me—Are you a sufficient adept in  Astrology to foretell when we shall have  rain—for the information of your friend and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 29 July 1820
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

					Venerable & Dear Sir,
					Boston July 29th. 1820.

				I should not perhaps have troubled you with my thanks particularly for your kind answers to my queries respecting Liberty trees; if you had not mentioned the “Letters on the Eastern States.”The work was published anonymously, and I wished to remain unknown as the author, but this seems to have been an absurd expectation on my part, as most of my acquaintances, insist that they detect me in almost every page. Yet I should have done you the homage of the book, to use a French phrase, if it had not been so shamefully printed. I was so mortified at the innumerable blunders, arising in part from it being printed, from rough Ms. that were never copied—but in great part also to a carelessness amounting almost to perversity, that I never distributed a copy of it. should it go through a more correct edition, I shall take the liberty to send you a copy. In treating of so many very sensitive topics, I must  run counter to many opinions, but as I trust that it will appear the opinions are real & manifestly independent of any particular sectarian or party views, that candid men who think differently on some of the points, will do me justice for my intentions generally, which were to do justice to the manners & institutions of a people, that I think have had and will have through all future time a salutary influence on the affairs of mankind.As there is no more competent judge living of such a performance, I cannot refrain from returning my thanks for your kind word of approbation the full value of which I know how to appreciate and I beg you to receive the assurances / of my grateful & high respect

					W. Tudor


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 1 August 1820
From: Pomeroy, Samuel Wyllys
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Brighton 1 August 1820—

				Being informed yesterday by Mr Marston that you have not received the last number of the Agricultural Journal, I take the liberty to forward one herewith—and avail myself of the occasion to mention, that some of the reflections in the paper on Indian Corn which I had the presumption to Offer in this number, were induced by the perusal of your letter, published in reply to the letter & address of Mr Le Ray de Chaumont.—I may also be allowed to state, that form the sentiments I have heard you express, at some of the many pleasant meetings of the board of Trustees, who in your presence rendered doubly interesting, I have, and shall continue to rank the late President of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, in the front of those “Several Political economists”, who have thought, that “had not Indian Corn existed, the settlement of this happy country could not have been effected”—There may be only one position relating to it, more incontrovertible—which is, that its independence could not have been established but for the existence of a few Such Characters as I am now permited to address—I remain Sir / with great deference / & respectful attachment / Your Obt Set.

					Saml Wyllys Pomeroy


Title: From John Adams to George A. Otis, 3 August 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Otis, George A.

dear Sir
Montezillo August 3d 1820

I thank you for your kind letter of the 24th. of July—I should be very wrong to give an opinion on a work that I have never read, especially if that should differ from such Authorities as you quote—especially that of Mr Jefferson—I am reading your first Volume of Botta which appears to me to be very well written—But as I have not an Italian Edition I cannot compare the translation with the original—I fully agree that this translation will be a valuable acquisition to our Literature—the work may have great merit—and yet under great profession of impartiality may give a false colour to the whole picture—And I think I discern too many apologys for England—And too little sensibility to the wrongs of America—two much Complaisance to France and two manifest a dispostion to bestow the laurels on the Southern Sates which ought to decorate the brows of the Northern—I will mention one instance, which you may attribute if you please to my vanity—The speeches of Mr Richard Henry Lee & Mr John Dickinson upon the question  of Independence—are gross impositions on Mankind—I incourage however the propagation of the Work upon all occasions, though it appears to me too much like Davila’s History of the Civil Wars in France which altho it may compare as a Composition with LivyThucydides or Sallust—and altho it professes a wonderful impartiality—Yet if as manifestly as apology for Catherne De Medicis and the Cardinal De Lorain as Humes History of England is for the Stuarts—It is a tedious thing for me to read three Volumes—But if my Life is spared—and strength remain to me—I will read them—and then If I can in Conscience will retract all that I have said about them.
I am Sir a hearty well wisher to the / success of your Labours— / and am your most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jacob de La Motta, 7 August 1820
From: Motta, Jacob de La
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Savannah, Georgia August 7th. 1820

				To confer the tribute of respect to the venerable statesman and Philosopher; and the man who has held with distinguished abilities, the higst station in the gift of our Republic; would have been sufficient inducement to have solicited the acceptance of a Discourse pronounced on the occasion of the consecration of the new Hebrew Synagogue recently erected in this City. But, in this act, I have stronger inducement. it is the well known fact, that you have ever evinced a disposition of liberality towards a once oppressed race, that manifest the excellence of an enlightened mind, which considers all nations, as individual of our family. Since this consideration, I am impelled to solicit the honor of your acceptance of the enclosed discourse. I trust this will not be considered as presuming, but that you will consider the author, as the production; more for national character, than for any individual merrit each may possess.Be please to accept the high / Consideration and respect / of your Obt. Hume Sert.

					Jacob De La Motta


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 8 August 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Pomeroy, Samuel Wyllys

Dear Sir,
Montezillo August 8th 1820

Accept my kind thanks for your Letter of the 1st. Inst. and its inclosure. I have given a rapid reading to your Sentiments on Indian Corn and its cultivation and intend to give it a more deliberate perusal. I agree with you in opinion that although that grain has been too exclusively cultivated in New England, it ought not to be rejected nor disgraced. It is a nourishment of inestimable value, both to man and animals. The beef and pork of this Country well fatted with Indian Corn or meal is preferable to any other I ever found in Europe, excepting in Spain, where their pork is fatted with the Same grain though of a Smaller Species, and perhaps excepting some beef in France which is fatted on Lucern-Grass—.
But if the qualities of this vegetable were much less excellent than they are it is worth cultivating as an ornament.
I visited in England all the Gentlemen’s most celebrated  Paine’s Hill The Woburn Farm.—Shenston’s Leesows. rd Littleton’s Hagley, Mount-Edgecomb.;—and above all S And among many others was the Seat of Lord Peter in Essex. In walking round these Splendid Scenes, which they call ornamented farms—Fermes ornées—(French), which the Common-people in England will not allow to be called Gardens, but pleasure grounds, I never failed to regret that I could not see an American Cornfield. In rambling over a serpentine gravel walk of Four or five miles adorned on each hand with flowers of every shape, Size and colour;—Shrubberies & Evergreens collected, at a vast expense from all quarters of the world—; nothing appeared to me more elegant than one of our American well-cultivated Corn-fields. Were I a gentleman of fortune and disposed to plant a decorated farm, in a walk of five or six miles, as I have Some times taken in Europe, I would not fail to distribute half a dozen fields of Corn, at proper intervals and distances to relieve the eye by its charming verdure, from the fatigue it Suffers in viewing so vast a variety of splendid objects, and to complete the beauty of the Picture.
I have long been of opinion that America is under infinite obligation to the nutritious grain; for without it our Ancestors could not have subsisted and maintained possession of this Country.
You allude Sir, with great complaisance to Some of the happiest days of my life; those which I passed with the Trustees (of the Agricultural) and other literary Societies in Boston and Cambridge; the relinquishment of which has been to me one of the Severest privations of my old age. In this Country you know, it is impossible to exclude politicks entirely from conversation in any Society, and I found that my opinions and Sentiments on National & State policy were not in perfect harmony with the Gentlemen who composed these Societies and I felt that I was in Some measure a restraint  conversation. But this alone would not have induced me to resign, has not the infirmities of advanced age, and   considerations of domestic oeconomy rendered it impossible for me to discharge with punctuality the duties of my Station.
I must not conclude without expressing my obligations to all those Societies for their uniform respect and politeness to me, which was as great as my heart could desire, nor without expressing the high esteem and sincere affection I have constantly entertained for their characters—and especially for yourself—
I am, Sir, your sincere friend and / Obliged humble Servt.—

J. A—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 15 August 1820
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

               D
               Monticello. Aug. 15. 20.

            I am a great defaulter, my dear Sir, in our correspondence, but prostrate health rarely permits me to write; and, when it does, matters of business imperiously press their claims. I am getting better however, slowly, swelled legs being now the only serious symptom, and these, I believe, proceed from extreme debility. I can walk but little; but I ride 6. or 8. miles a day without fatigue; & within a few days, I shall endeavor to visit my other home, after a twelve month’s absence from it. our University, 4. miles distant, gives me frequent exercise, and the oftener as I direct it’s architecture. it’s plan is unique, and it is becoming an object of curiosity for the traveller. I have lately had an opportunity of reading a critique on this institution in your North American Review of January last, having been not without anxiety to see what that able work would say of us: and I was relieved on finding in it much coincidence of opinion, and even, where criticisms were indulged, I found they would have been obviated had the developments of our plan been fuller. but these were restrained by the character of the paper reviewed, being merely a report of outlines, not a detailed treatise, & addressed to a legislative body, not to a learned academy. e.g. as an inducement to introduce the Anglo-Saxon into our plan, it was said that it would reward amply the few weeks of attention which alone would be requisite for it’s attainment; leaving both term and degree under an indefinite expression, because I know that not much time is necessary to attain it to an useful degree, sufficient to give such instruction in the etymologies of our language as may satisfy ordinary students, while more time would be requisite for those who would propose to attain a critical knolege of it. in a letter which I had occasion to write to mr Crofts (who sent you, I believe, as well as myself, a copy of his treatise on the English & German languages, as preliminary to an Etymological dictionary he meditated) I went into explanations with him of an easy process for simplifying the study of the Anglo-Saxon, and lessening the terrors, & difficulties presented by it’s rude Alphabet, & unformed orthography. but this is a subject beyond the bounds of a letter, as it was beyond the bounds of a Report to the legislature. mr Crofts died, I believe, before any progress was made in the work he had projected.The reviewer expresses doubt, rather than decision, on our placing Military, and Naval architecture in the department of Pure Mathematics. Military architecture embraces fortification and field works, which with their bastions, curtains, hornworks, redoubts Etc. are based on a technical combination of lines & angles. these are adapted to offence and defence, with and against the effects of bombs, balls, escalades Etc. but lines and angles make the sum of elementary geometry, a branch of Pure Mathematics: and the direction of the bombs, balls, and other projectiles, the necessary appendages of military works, altho’ no part of their architecture, belong to the Conic sections, a branch of transcendental geometry. Diderot & Dalembert therefore, in their Arbor scientiae, have placed military architecture in the department of elementary geometry. Naval architecture teaches the best form and construction of vessels; for which best form it has recourse to the question of the Solid of least resistance, a problem of transcendental geometry. and it’s appurtenant projectiles belong to the same branch, as in the preceding case. it is true that so far as respects the action of the water on the rudder and oars, and of the wind on the sails, it may be placed in the department of Mechanics, as Diderot & Dalembert have done: but belonging quite as much to geometry, and allied in it’s military character to military architecture, it simplified our plan to place both under the same head. these views are so obvious that I am sure they would have required but a second thought to reconcile the reviewer to their location under the head of Pure Mathematics. for this word location, see Bailey Johnson, Sheridan, Walker Etc. but if Dictionaries are to be the Arbitors of language, in which of them shall we find neologism? no matter. it is a good word, well sounding, obvious, and expresses an idea which would otherwise require circumlocution. the Reviewer was justifiable therefore in using it; altho’ he noted at the same time, as unauthoritative, centrality, grade, sparse; all which have been long used in common speech and writing. I am a friend to neology. it is the only way to give to a language copiousness & euphony. without it we should be still held to the vocabulary of Alfred or of Ulphilas; and held to their state of science also: for I am sure they had no words which could have conveyed the ideas of Oxigen, cotyledons, zoophytes, magnetism, electricity, hyaline, and thousands of others expressing ideas not then existing, nor of possible communication in the state of their language. What a language has the French become since the date of their revolution, by the free introduction of new words! the most copious and eloquent in the living world; and equal to the Greek, had not that been regularly modifiable almost ad infinitum. their rule was that whenever their language furnished or adopted a root, all it’s branches, in every part of speech, were legitimated by giving them their appropriate terminations. αδελφος, αδελφη, αδελφιδιον, αδελφοτης, αδελφιξις, αδελφιδους, αδελφικος, αδελφιζω, αδελφικως. and this should be the law of every language. thus, having adopted the adjective fraternal, it is a root, which should legitimate fraternity, fraternation, fraternisation, fraternism, to fraternate, fraternise, fraternally. and give the word neologism to our language, as a root, and it should give us it’s fellow-substantives, neology, neologist, neologisation; it’s adjectives neologous, neological, neologistical, it’s verb neologise, & adverb neologically. Dictionaries are but the depositories of words already legitimated by usage. society is the work-shop in which new ones are elaborated. when an individual uses a new word, if illformed it is rejected in society, if well-formed, adopted, and, after due time, laid up in the depository of dictionaries. and if, in this process of sound neologisation, our transatlantic brethren shall not chuse to accompany us, we may furnish, after the Ionians, a second example of a colonial dialect improving on it’s primitive.—but enough of criticism: let me turn to your puzzling letter of May 12. on matter, spirit, motion Etc. it’s croud of scepticisms kept me from sleep. I read it, & laid it down: read it, and laid it down, again, and again: and to give rest to my mind, I was obliged to recur ultimately to my habitual anodyne, “I feel: therefore I exist.” I feel bodies which are not myself: there are other existencies then. I call them matter. I feel them changing place. this gives me motion. where there is an absence of matter, I call it void, or nothing, or immaterial space. on the basis of sensation, of matter and motion, we may erect the fabric of all the certainties we can have or need. I can concieve thought to be an action of a particular organisation of matter, formed for that purpose by it’s creator, as well as that attraction is an action of matter, or magnetism of loadstone. when he who denies to the Creator the power of endowing matter with the mode of action called thinking shall shew how he could endow the Sun with the mode of action called attraction, which reins the planets in the tract of their orbits, or how an absence of matter can have a will, and, by that will; put matter into motion, then the materialist may be lawfully required to explain the process by which matter exercises the faculty of thinking. when once we quit the basis of sensation “all is in the wind.” to talk of immaterial existences is to talk of nothings. to say that the human soul, angels, god, are immaterial, is to say they are nothings, or that there is no god, no angels, no soul. I cannot reason otherwise: but I believe I am supported in my creed of materialism by Locke, Tracy, & Stewart. at what age of the Christian church this heresy of immaterialism  this masked atheism, crept in, I do not know. but a heresy it certainly is. Jesus taught nothing of it. he told us indeed that “God is a spirit,” but he has not defined what a spirit is, nor said that it is not matter. and the antient fathers generally, if not universally, held it to be matter: light and thin indeed, an etheriel gas; but still matter. Origen says “Deus reapse corporalis est; sed graviorum tantum corporum ratione, incorporeus.” Tertullian “quid enim deus nisi corpus?” and again “quis negabit deum esse corpus? etsi deus spiritus, spiritus etiam corpus est, sui generis, in sua effigie.” St. Justin Martyr ‘το θειον φαμεν ειναι αςωματον· ουκ ὁτι αςωματον·—επειδη δε το μη κρατειςθαι ὑπο τινος, του κρατειςθαι τιμιωτερον εςτι δια τουτο καλουμεν αυτον αςωματον.’ and St. Macarius, speaking of angels, says “quamvis enim subtilia sint, tamen in substantiâ, formâ et figurâ, secundum tenuitatem naturae eorum, corpora sunt tenuia.” and St. Austin, St. Basil, Lactantius, Tatian, Athenagoras and others, with whose writings I pretend not a familiarity, are said by those who are, to deliver the same doctrine. turn to your Ocellus d’Argens 97. 105. and to his Timaeus 17. for these quotations. in England these Immaterialists might have been burnt until the 29. Car. 2. when the writ de haeretico comburendo was abolished: and here until the revolution, that statute not having extended to us. all heresies being now done away with us, these schismatists are merely atheists, differing from the material Atheist only in their belief that “nothing made something,” and from the material deist who believes that matter alone can operate on matter. Rejecting all organs of information therefore but my senses, I rid myself of the Pyrrhonisms with which an indulgence in speculations hyperphysical and antiphysical so uselessly occupy and disquiet the mind. a single sense may indeed be sometimes decieved, but rarely; and never all our senses together, with their faculty of reasoning. they evidence realities; and there are enough of these for all the purposes of life, without plunging into the fathomless abyss of dreams & phantasms. I am satisfied, and sufficiently occupied with the things which are, without tormenting or troubling myself about those which may indeed be, but of which I have no evidence. I am sure that I really know many, many, things, and none more surely than that I love you with all my heart, and pray for the continuance of your life until you shall be tired of it yourself.

               Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Guild, 23 August 1820
From: Guild, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir.
					Augt 23d 1820.

				I have requested your friend Judge Van de Kemp to who returns to town on tuesday to return early enough to meet Mr Tyng & Dr Kirkland (if he have the liesure to dine with me) at 3 oClk, nothing could add So much to my pleasure, as your accompanying him to town & dining with us, I assure you it would give me great pleasure to receive at my own house one with whom my earliest associations are so frequently Connected & at whose house in my youth it was so   often my pride & my pleasure to dine. I hope nothing will interfere with my wishes, & with the greatest respect / I am yr Obe Svt

					Benj Guild


Title: From John Adams to Charles Holt, 4 September 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Holt, Charles

Sir.
Montezillo September 4th. 1820

The Universal Vanity of human Nature, must have obstructed itself on your observation in the Course of your experience; so forcibly that you will easily believe that your Letter of August 29th. has been received and read with much pleasure.—Besides you know that the Just always rejoices over every sinner that repenteth—Your Letter however did not surprise me because I had received many such testimonials from other persons—For  example Mr Mathew Carey has in letters to me, acknowledged the same error; and has lately repeated to me in Person, In Conversation—And moreover has repeatedly printed handsome encomiums on my Defence, on the American Constitution which he had many years Vilified before he had read it—And what is more agreeably surprising to me is—Judge Cooper the learned and ingenious friend of Dr Priestly; has lately published in the Port Folio a very handsome eulogium on that Work—And what perhaps will be considered more than all—The learned and scientifical President Jefferson has in letters to me acknowledged that I was right, and that he was wrong.—
My plain writings have been misunderstood, by many, misrepresented by more, and Vilified and Annathematised by Multitudes, who never read them.—They have indeed nothing to recommend them but stubborn facts; simple principles and irresistible inferences from both—without any recommendation from ambitious ornaments of Stile; or studied artificies of Arrangement—notwithstanding all Which, amidst all the Calumnys, they have occasioned—I have the Consolation to know, and the Injustice I have suffered ought to excuse me, in saying that they have been Translated into the French, German, and Spanish Languages—That they are now contributing to introduce Representative Governments into various Nations of Europe—as they have before contributed to the Introduction and Establishment of our American Constitution, both of the  Individual States and the Nation at large, and they are now employed, and have been a long time in assisting the South Americans in Establishing their Liberties from the days of Miranda to this hour—I may say with Lord Bacon, that I bequeath my writings to Foreign Nations and to my own Country  After a few Generations shall be overpast—
This Letter has so much the appearance of vanity, that I pray you not to publish it in print—Though Calumny with her hundred Cat o nine tails has lashed me so long that my Skin has become almost as hard and insensible as steel—And her severest strokes would scarcely be feelt—After all I sincerely thank you for your frank and candid letter, which does you much honour, and is a full atonement for all your errors in relation to me— / Who am Sir your sincere well / Wisher, and most / humble Servant—

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Mason, 4 September 1820
From: Mason, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir.
					Boston Sepr 4. 1820.

				I have yesterday recd your very friendly letter, & shall with great pleasure; attend to & execute your wishes, which have & may be from time to time expressed, respecting your communications—I have collected the pieces, written under the signature of Marcellus, in the year 1793. & have filed them with your letters—Be assured, Sir, I highly prize this unequivocal mark of your confidence & real friendship towards me, & consider it, a very flattering honour, to have received the permission from you, of giving publicity to both in some future day.—In the interim & untill that day shall arrive, which I most sincerely pray Heaven to avert, so long as you continue to be comfortable yourself, a blessing to your friends & so you useful to your Country I will sacredly keep your counsels & your wishes, within my own bosom—I have had for three weeks past, Mr Shaws promise to accompany me to Quincy, but he has gone to Halifax & left me, & should now embrace the Opportunity myself, but I am labouring under a heavy cold, which, when removed, I will take the first opportunity of enjoying in person, the pleasure of your society—I am Sir; with unfeigned respect, / Your friend & pupil

					Jona Mason—


Title: To John Adams from Edward Everett, 7 September 1820
From: Everett, Edward
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Cambridge Sept. 7. 1820.

				I have just received Your favor of the 2d instant, inclosing the letter from Mr. Jefferson. I hasten to present You my grateful acknowledgements, for Your kindness in Communicating this interesting letter, & for the flattering expressions, with which You do me the honor to accompany it. As soon as I am able to give Mr. Jefferson’s letter a perusal as careful as becomes the respect due to its illustrious Writer, I will return it to you. Be pleased meantime to accept the assurance of the unmingled veneration, / of, dear Sir, / your obliged & faithful Servant,

					Edward Everett


Title: To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 12 September 1820
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philada Sept 12 1820

				I am sorry to inform you that I cannot procure a copy of The Life of Jackson, of wh this Edition is sold out.I send by this mail a copy of the Olive Branch, of which I request your acceptance. The very brief vindication of the work on the American Constitutions, is contained in page 39. I regret that it is so concise.If you have duplicate copies of any of Your recent newspaper or other publications, I should be thankful for some of them.I wish some plan, in any way  similar to the one I proposed to you, could be adopted to rescue from oblivion the infinite variety of interesting anecdotes, of which you are probably the sole depository.With sincere esteem & regard / Your obt. hble. Servt.

					Mathew Carey


Title: To John Adams from Edward Everett, 16 September 1820
From: Everett, Edward
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir,
					Cambridge Sept. 16. 1820.—

				It would be making a poor return for Your Kindness in Communicating to me Mr. Jefferson’s remarkably interesting letter, to enter into a Criticism of it: the rather as I ought to be grateful for his doing me the honor of expressing his general assent to the remarks in the Review of the Report of the Virginia University. Without therefore entering into a disrespectful discussion of the particulars, to which he has excepted, I beg leave Merely to say of the word neologism, which is used in the Review, & which Mr. Jefferson justly remarks to be as destitute of authority as sparse or grade, that it was printed in Italics expressly to indicate it to be a foreign word. For the rest, I doubt not I should agree with Mr. J. in his theoretical views of the necessity of enriching A language by the adoption of New terms: the difficulty is, in practice, to put a barrier to the licence of private innovation.—The Greek language was undoubtedly at some stage or other extremely liberal in its coinage; but when Once fixed, there was a very jealous severity in adhering to old prescriptions: So much so that not only was the language fixed as Greek—but as the language of the Stage, of the Courts, of the Academies; and a Word might be in very good repute in a tragedy, which a philosopher would not use—I rely on Your generosity & Mr. J’s to excuse my freedom. Could You prevail on him to employ a little of his noble & learned leisure, in searching the pages of our North American Review, We should soon Cease to have necessity to defend them against Criticism.—I have the honor to be, / Dear Sir, / With Greatest Veneration, / Your faithful humble Servant,

					Edward Everett.


Title: To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 19 September 1820
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Philada Septr. 19. 1820.

				Your favour of the 9th. I have only recd. & Feel gratified that the note in the Olive Branch is satisfactory. It was an amende honorable, called for not only by justice to you & the valuable work it refers to, but a  Regard to my own feelings. I have always regarded the acknowledgment of error as more honourable than the defence of truth. For one person capable of the former virtue, there are ten who find no difficulty in the latter.I have so many objects on my hands, that I am fearful I shall not be able to go through the Book for some time. I shall avail myself of the first opportunity.I perfectly agree with you on the subject of the paths to fame. They are not unfortunately all direct ones. For one that reaches the sacred fame of immortality by an open & direct route, there are three who take a clandestine & sinister course. The Sic vos non vobis of Virgil is as applicable now as it was in his day.Philip de Comines tells us that many persons were cashiered for running away at a certain battle, whose commissions were given to others who were ran twenty miles further.It is well that there is a certain reward in the self consciousness of doing well, which Justifies us to disregard the partiality, prejudices & folly of human decisions. But for that, we should sink under them.Very respectfully, / Your obt hble Servt

					Mathew Carey


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 October 1820
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 2. Oct. 1820.

Although I have nothing at present to communicate deserving your attention, but the continuance of our health and contentment with my Sincerest wishes, that you may enjoy the Same happiness—I wil not delay of presenting You the promised Salade Seeds—of which the excellent Franckforter is offered to you, with his respectful compliments by my frend Col. Mappa—I Shall write for the Brussel cabage—and the instant I receive it, Send you a better portion—you must now remain Satisfied with a few Seeds—as I can Spare no more—but which, if these grow, may convince you, that my high recommendations were correct. The field-Salade is very good early in the Spring and in the fall—we used it with oil and Vinegar—or—Sometimes, when we eat beats with it—which then are cut in Small Slices, with a butter and Vinegar—The plant is peculiarly tender—with my respectfull Compliments to your honoured family— I am / Your obliged and affectionate / frend

Fr. Adr. vander kemp

3 Oct.P.S the Field-Salade—now Sown if the weather is favorable, may be good for the table in the Spring—when the Brussel cabbage—a Sort of Savoy—in delicacy approaching the cauliflower—is nearly arrived at maturity—then at the bottom of each leaf—between it and the Stem—a knob appears—which is very firm—and—when full grown is in Diameter—of half a Dollar’s bigness—then the leaf decay’s—and the Buttons are cut off—which—without any other preparation—are boild and Stewed—with a little butter and nutmeg—I hope Mrs Clarks and miss Welsh have already complimented the President—and the former—I trust—will have recommended—me in his continued good opinion—So I hav allways the patronage of a female Saint—be you my Powerful Patron by Mr & Mrs Quincy—Your’s

V.D.K


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Mason, 3 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Mason, Jonathan

					dear Sir.
					Montezillo October 3d. 1820

				I thank you for your kind letter—And will proceed with my abrupt narrative—The practice of the British Government—by their instrument the Governor, and his friends and subordinate Agents in this little Parish of Quincy—was as Arbitrary and disgusting as their professed Religions, and Political principles and Theory.—You know the general History of Governor Shirley but perhaps you may not know, that he was once an inhabitant of this Town—Though a Man of talents and learning—he had been an unsuccessful barrister in England, unable to support his Family by his practice in Westminster Hall—He migrated to Boston, where for want of popular eloquence he was not more successful—and unable to support himself there, He removed to Quincy and resided in the House now owened And inhabited by Captain Savil


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Mason, Jr., 4 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Mason, Jonathan, Jr.

dear Sir.
Montezillo October 4th. 1820—

I thank you for your kind letter—And will proceed with my abrupt narrative.—
The practice of the British Government by their Instrument the Governour, and his Friends and subordinate Agents in this little Parish of Quincy—Was as Arbitrary and disgusting as their professed Religious and Political principles and Theory’s—You know the general History of Governour Shirley—but perhaps you may not know that he was once an Inhabitant of this Town—Though a Man of talents and learning he had been an unsuccessful barrister in England, unable to support his Family by his practice in Westminster Hall—He migrated to Boston where for want of popular eloquence he was not more successful—and unable to support himself there, he removed to Quincy and resided in the House, now owned and Inhabited by Captain Savil; at the sign of the Golden Ball, a little Farm ajoining the Congregational Church yard, and nearly opposite the Church—Here he practiced Law upon a very small scale—As is motive for choosing this Place was his attachment to the Church of England He worshiped in that Temple, where he buried two of his Children, where simple grave Stones still remain—He became of course Intimate with the Revnd: Dr Ebenezer Miller, with Mr Charles Apthorp, the great merchant of Boston Who had a Villa here, and generally Worshiped on Sundays, in this Church—The opulent Family of Vassals had also purchased Villas in this Place, supported by all this Wealth and Splendour—The Episcopalians held their heads very high—Another more curious Character had found his way to this Place—Joseph Gooch a Native I believe of Boston—he had considerable property and was reported, and reputed, to be very rich—he had been Educated at the Temple in England, and returned to Boston to Practice Law—He had very little success—he had been a Man of pleasure and bore the indelible marks of it on his face to the Grave—He was extremely ambitious; and the Revnd. Mr Niles of the second Parish in Braintree who was well acquainted with him; told me he was the most Passionate Man he ever knew—Not succeeding much at the Bar in Boston, he had recourse to Religion to assist him; Joined the Old South Church to avail himself of the influence of the Sisterhood, and sett up for Representative for the Town of Boston—But failed, and disappointed of his hopes, in Law, and Politicks he renounced the City—Came up to Quincy—Hired a House, turned Churchman; and sett himself to intrigueing for promotion both in the Military and Civil departments,—He interceded with the favourites of Governor Shirley in this place to procure him the Commission of Coll—in the Regiment of Militia, and an Election for Representative of the Town, in the General Court—He promised to build a steeple to their Church at his own expence—Assiduous importunity was employed with Governor Shirley to procure him the Command of the Regiment—but this could not be obtained without Cashiering the Coll. than in possession; and who had long been in possession of that Office, and given universal satisfaction in it—Coll. John Quincy had been in public Life from his early Youth—He had been near twenty years speaker of the House of Representatives, and many years a Member of his Majesty’s Council, and was as much esteemed, and respected as any Man in the Province—He was not only an experienced and Venerated Statesman—But a Man of Letters taste and Sense—Shirley was with great difficulty prevailed on to perform the opperation of dismissing so faithful a Servant of the Public, and adopting one of so equivocal a Character—And he said some Years afterwards that nothing he had ever done in his Administration had given him so much pain as removing so Venerable a Majestrate—and Officer, as Coll. Quincy—But the Church party had insisted upon it, so peremptorily that he could not avoid it—probably he dreaded their remonstrances to the Arch Bishop of Canterbury—These facts were currently reported, and universally believed, and never contradicted Gouge was appointed Colnl:—And Quincy dismissed—The next thing to be done was, to new model the subordinate Officers in the Regiment.—Application was made to all the Capns. Lieunts. and Ensigns in that part of the Regiment which lay within the three Parishes of the Ancient Town of Braintree, to see if they would accept Commissions under Coll. Gooch and agree to Vote for him as Representative for the Town—The then present Officers—were Men among the most Respectable of the Inhabitants in point of Property, understanding, and Character—They rejected the proposition with Scorn—My Father was among them, he was offered a Capn. Commission, he spurned the officer with dig would serve in the Militia under no Colnel: but Q Almost or quite an entire new sett of Officers, were appointed through the whole town—These were of a very different Character from those who where dismissed—Men of little property, or no property—Men of frivolous Characters, in Understanding and Morals—It was at this time the Corrupt practice of treating as they called it, at Trainings, and at Elections, was introduced which so long prevailed in the town of Braintree—All this Corruption Young as I was, I attributed to the King of Great Britain and his Governor and their Bigoted Espiscopal party—and Young as I was,—I was thoroughly disgusted before I was ten years of Age—
Gouge under the Influence of all this Machinery obtained one Election as Representative—but the next Year all the substantial People of the town aroused themselves and turned him out—which so enraged him that he Swore he would no longer live in Braintree—renounced the Church—refused to build their steeple—built him a House on Milton Hill, and there passed the remainder of his days—
Enough for one letter—from your sincere / friend and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Sanderson, 4 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Sanderson, John

Sir.
Montezillo October 4th. 1820.

I thank you for your letter of the 29th. and a sketch of Mr Hancocks Life, which I am very glad to see, For that eminent Statesman and Patriot has never yet had justice done to his merits—He was born in Quincy The His Grand Father was minister of Lexington near Cambridge in the County of Middlesex—His father John Hancock was Minister of the North Parish of Braintree now the Town of Quincy—Both were Clergymen of Eminent Characters for Learning, Piety and every Christian virtue—His Mother was of the family of Thaxters in Hingham—Governor Hancock was Born in Quincy at his Fathers House—who had a little Farm which is not a part of Montezillo—and by the common vicissitudes of Life has fallen into my hands.—
It has become fashionable in this State to write Historys of particular towns—We have a History of Haverhill of Bellirica of Chelmsford of Bridgewater—As there are distinct Historys in every City in It if any future Historian should ever write the history of the town of Quincy—He may possibly think it worthy of remark—that three of  the Members of Congress in 1775 originated in this Place—Mr Samuel Adams’s Grand Father, was born here—and his Great, Grand Father was Born and his Great, Great Grand Father lived and died here—he may also think it worthy of rememberance here—he may also think it worthy of rememberance that Lexington, the first scene of Hostilitys—should have produced a Hancock to be the immediate occasion of them—These to be sure are frivolous circumstances—but it is very natural to remark them—Mr Hancocks literary attainments and mental faculties have not been sufficiently estimated—they were far above mediocrity, he understood human Nature very well, and was an acute and dexterous Politician—He was so excellent a Man that I may say, as Bolingbroke said of Marlborough “I have forgot his faults”—Why so much should be said concerning Mr Hancocks deficiencys in literature when Lincoln Knox, Patrick Henrys and even Washingtons were so much greater I know not—And I might add a hundred others the most miritorious among the Statesmen and Warriors of the Revolution
Mr Hancock had a benevolent mind and a generous Soul—His generosity and public Spirit was unbounded—he spent a greater fortune in the service of his Country than any other Man ever did—at least as far as my information extends—His House was the Seat of Hospitality, and his revenues a never failing source of Charity—His importance in the Revolution, his great weight in Society, when he entered into public Life—Cannot be estimated—His Character was amiable and spotless, his reputation very high and a thousand families depended upon him for their daily Bread—My inability to handle my own pen which must prevent me from proceeding further at present—There are many more inaccuracys in your sketch, which if Life and Strength remain to me, I may remark hereafter—In general the Work is well and candidly written—I pray you not to publish this letter, nor to quote my Name as Authority—But you may depend upon all the facts, that I may write to you—I am Sir your obliged / Servant—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Mr. Thomas, 5 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Thomas, Mr.

dear Sir
Montezillo October 5d. 1820

I thank you for a valuable present of the transactions and Collections of the American Antiquarian Society, it is a work no less valuable than curious— Posterity as well as present Age will be under no less great obligations to your society—for their labours and researches—I have always regreted my inability to become a Member of it—but a great variety of reasons too many to be enumerated had compeled me to resign my place in the American Academy and in the Agricultural society—and retire within the narrow circle, in which I now must move to the End of Life—which cannot be far distant—it therefore would have been inconsistent to have engaged in a new Society though I entertain for it and its members profound respect—I wish all honour and prosperity to their envestigations—and again I thank you—for your rich present—I am Sir with much / personal Esteem—your friend / and humble Servant
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Dr Vanderkemp
Montezillo October 10th. 1820

I thank you  for your Letter of the 3d. October and the Seeds inclosed, which my Son will use to the best advantage next Spring—he and all his family thank you for them—My poor Grand daughter—Mrs Clark is detained at Albany—on account of the Sickness of her Child, whose safety I am anxious to hear—she has I presume returned to Utica—
Miss Welsh we have not seen—though she has returned to Boston—They will speak highly of you, to avoid the Character of singularity in the World—
But I had liked to have forgotten your former letter of September 25—If your Visit to this part of the World was agreeable to yourself—it certainly was not less so, to all your acquaintances—and if your short residence at Montezillo was tolerable to you—It was highly gratifying to every Member of the family—And we all rejoice that Harvard University has done itself honour by enroling your name among its adopted Sons, most eminent for science, and learning—
The Politicians stand aghast at the awful prospect of Europe; it looks like a vast Ocean scattered over with inumerable water spots, or an immense region interspersed every where; with Vulcanos smokeing and bursting under the feet of Mankind—
Poor Creatures, per ignes suppositos cineri doloso—” may God avert the scenes of Carnage, Blood and devastation which appear but two dangerous and probable in prospect—I hope our Country will have Wisdom enough to stand aloof from them all—come out from among them and keep ourselves seperate from all their Wars and Politicks—some of them may compell us to fight them, and we may be forced on the same side of some others
But it should be without any obligations or connections—and I hope they will all let us alone—and not tread upon the generous rattle Snake—who never bites till he is injured or provoked beyond all bearing—
Thanks to your friend Mappa, for his kindness;—and Blessings upon him, and his. You and Yours  from me, and mine—in behalf of whom I subscribe / the Name of your Old friend / and humble Servant
John Adams
P.S. Mr and Mrs Quincy shall be made acquainted with your rememberance of them
Mr Elliot & Miss Bradford are not to be married till the Spring—


Title: From John Adams to Wilkes Allen, 16 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Allen, Wilkes

dear Sir.
Montezillo October 16th. 1820

I thank you for your obliging favour of October 1st. In my former letter I forgot to mention that Mr Marsh had by Miss Fisk another Son whose name was Danil—an Eminent Shop keeper, and a worthy Deacon, in one of the Churches in Boston—and he had a Son Educated at College and became a preacher—but I believe died early
 Mr Fisk of Braintree who had a Son—who removed and Settled in Salem—had a Son who was a General in the Militia, and a renouned and valourous Sea Captain—In answer to your question relative to Governor Adams of Boston—who was the Son of I can inform you that he was the Son of Samuel Adams of Boston—who was the Son of John Adams of Boston—who was Born in Braintree—The Son of Joseph Adams Senior of Braintree Great Grand Father both to the Governor, and your humble Servant—And who was the Son of Henry Adams—who lies buried in the Congregational Church yd in Quincy with a ruff Quincy North Common Stone at his head—and another at his feet—with a hollow swan drilled into the front of the head stone—in which was probably a Slate with some inscription on it—As the great Philosopher Rumford bore the same Name of Thompson—I am curious to know wheather he originated from this Town—
I am Sir, your obliged, and obedient / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Sewall, 16 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, Samuel

dear Sir
Qui Montezillo October 16—1820

In a Letter from the Revnd. Mr Wilkes Allen of Chelmsford of October 1st. I am informed that you have two or three large Volumes of the Journals of the most Ancient Chief Justice Sewall, in which he mentions his frequent Visits to his Cousin Fisk of Braintree; and which contains other information respecting Characters and events of that Ancient Town—If you sir will be kind enough to transcribe procure an amanuensis to transcribe from that Journal every paragraph which relates to any persons, or Events in that Town—I will chearfully and faithfully remit you all the expences—and my hearty thanks besides—
I have the honour to be Sir, your / Respectful humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Joseph E. Worcester, 17 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Worcester, Joseph E.

Sir
Montezillo October 17th. 1820

I have received the honour of your letter of the 5th. together with your Elements of Geography, Ancient and Modern, with an Atlas, and an Epitome of Modern Geography with Maps for the use of Common Schools—for these valuable presents, I pray you to accept my best thanks—It always gives me pleasure to see attempts and endeavours to promote in America the means, and Instruments of Education for the rising generation of its inhabitants—And although I have not had time to examine these documents so particularly as to form a judgement of their merit, Yet as they are the production of much industry I presume they are well executed—The Atlas appears to me to be executed in an Elegant and Masterly manner and I rejoice to see such Specimens of the fine Arts appearing among us—
Again I thank you for the honour, and favour You have done me—/ and am with much / Respect, your most  /  obedient, and  / most humble / Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 October 1820
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 21 Oct. 1820

Yesterday I was highly gratified with your affectionate Letter, and answer it directly, not to renew my thanks, as I can no more express these as lively, as I See it impossible to reciprocate these—and then you dare to ask me, if my residence at Montezillo had been tolerable—did not then my friend read my contentment—in every gesture, in every feature of my visage—then certainly my countenance must have been dull indeed—and this could not have remained Speechless, or the thought—that it was probably the last visit—must have cast a chilling gloom upon me—but the voluptuous feelings—in whom I So often indulged, without reserve, must have driven it often away—Long—my frend I felt the acute pangs of the approaching departure—and these I felt—when I left Tyng—perhap to See him no more—But I ought not to pout on my present happiness—the esteem the affection of the worthy—your high and honorable approbation, my frend! and patronage—contentment and comfort at home—without debts, without cares—I can bear the loss of appetite and increased weakness of my Sight, without murmur, and return with pleasure to my musty records, the chief causes of this evil—
I hope mrs Clarke’s child Shall have recovered, that She might endulge her ardent wishes to wait upon her grand Father—and have her Share—in contributing to your domestic happiness—you will tell mrs Quincey, that I wrote already to Prof Keimper at Leyden and Send him her worthy mother’s lineage.
Reflecting last night—on the arduous task—in which the Secretary of State is engaged—it Struck me, it was possible, that a hint might be of use—or rather—few materals—if he did not possess these, might be of Service, and this caused my Sudden answer.
I possess among the remnants of my once valuable library Joannis Marianæ Hispani e Socie. Societate Jesu—Liber de Ponderibus et mensuris Moguntia 1605—bound together  with another work the Rege et Regis institutione—If this work can be of any Service to him, and he will accept it, and if informed in what manner to convey it I Shall chearfully comply with it. He, I presume, is acquainted with Arbuthnot on the coins weights and measures of the ancients—and Cumberland on the weights and measures of the ancient Jews, dedic. to mr Pepys London 1686—by Le Clercq Bibl. Univers Tom v p 149 Gebl. anc. & mod Tom xxxiii p. 308—mr. Serrand examined this treatise in a treatise Oxford 1688—If you think this communication deserve any notice, J. Q—I expect Shall receive it—, and I be informed of the result. Remember me to your family and believe me / Your obliged Frend;

Fr. Adr vanderkemp


Title: To John Adams from Henry Channing, 26 October 1820
From: Channing, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					New London, Connt. Octr 26th 1820.

				I cannot refrain from expressing my high gratification in perceiving that the Convention for amending the Constitution of Massts is to be honoured by your presence as a member. It must be gratifying to yourself to have this renewed proof of the undiminished confidence of  your fellow-citizens, at this advanced period of life.I perceive, with some surprize, in the Boston papers several writers come forth in support of the Article in your constitution, providing that all persons shall be compelled to pay taxes in support of ministers and public worship. It seems the old English cry is revived—“the church is in danger.” I should suppose honest & honourable men would be ashamed of this cantilena sacerdotis.Under our Former practice in this State, before the adoption of our present Constitution, the same canting language was used, to counteract every effort for rescuing the minor sects from the compulsion of paying taxes for the support of ministers, whose doctrine they abhorred, & whom they could not conscientiously hear. It was in vain urged, that some denominations, particularly the Quakers, were conscientiously opposed to paying money for the support even of their own preachers, and hence, must refuse to pay other preachers whom they believed “hirelings & not shepherds of Christ’s flock”—that, whether they were correct in this, or not, the civil authority were not competent to judge or decide.—That, if required to certify that they normally attended at Friends Meetings, this might be rendered impracticable as no meeting might be held near their places of residence. Besides it was giving a right to the dominant sect, to exercise authority over a minor sect; & thus destroy the independence & equal rights of different denominations. Our constitution has rescued us from these incongruities, and left the religion of the gospel to its own powers to support itself, thus paying due honour to its truth & excellency, and submitting to the declaration of Christ—“My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; &c” John XVIII. 36.Now, every one is left to exercise his own free choice to attach himself to any religious society or not; and, after paying all debts contracted while he belongs to a society, he has a right to lodge a certificate with the clerk of the society, declaring that he withdraws; after which he is no longer liable for subsequent debts.—Under this system we find none of the evils predicted. Our bibles are not burned—our churches are not destroyed—our ministers are supported by those who approve of their lives & doctrines.We have been for a century in the practice of much fulsome parade at elections—in some part of which the Governour was placed in not the most honourable situation. He was escorted into town to a tavern thronged by the multitude—cake, wine, spirits &c were liberally distributed at the public expense. This amounted generally to $150 including the wine &c at the houses where the escort met the Govr. This parade was on the day preceding the election. On election day the public entertainment would often amount to $750—the pay of Govr Guards, I think, was upwards of $200.—A public dinner was given to the clergy.—All these expenses we provided against at the session of Gen. Assembly, last May. I take the liberty of enclosing a paper containing a summary fo the remarks I offered on Election Expenditures which you may not have seen. There is an evident improvement in this state under our excellent Constitution.Praying that you may see many more years of health, et otium cum dignitate, with reiterated occasions of rejoicing in your country’s happiness, in whose deliverance & independence you have been honoured as a distinguished instrument, under a gracious Providence—I subscribe / With unceasing Respect & Affection / Your Obedt Servt

					Henry Channing


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Mason, Jr., 27 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Mason, Jonathan, Jr.

dear Sir—
Montezillo October 27th. 1820

When the enterprise against Cape-breton was planed and adopted by the Legislature of Masschusetts I was ten years old—My Father took the Newspapers and gave them to me to read—so that I became some what attentive to publick affairs—But my attention was more forcibly attracted by the din of Arms  The Militia where frequently called to-gether, And the Ensigns with their Colours—and the Sergeants with their Halberts, and the Drummers with their spirit stiring Instruments marched round their Regiments beating up for Volunteers And I with all the other Boys marched round with them—but Volunteers would not turn out—The Officers therefore were obliged to have recourse to Impressment—but this was an operation some what too hazardous, it was doubtful whether the Company had Patience enough to bear it—There were apprehensions of Mutinys Riots and Rescues—The company where dismissed—and a more Silent course was pursued—The next day the Sergeant with their Drummers, with Files of Men were sent about Town to impress Men in their own Houses and as my Father enjoyed the Envy of all the Officers to the Coll downwards, and their Resentment for his refusing to serve with them upon their termes—They singled him out for their prey—Accordingly the Sergeant with their files of Men—and their Drums were sent—And I saw them impress the two Young Men in my Fathers family—Epham. Webb and Joseph Thayer—who went upon the expedition, and fortunately returned in Safety to my Fathers House—A Coll Hunt a Neighbour and friend of my Father—Commanded a Regiment in that Expedition—who returned as well as all the other officers and Men who had served in it—Returned full of complaints against the imperious insolent and contemptous conduct of the handful of English—who had any concern in that affair—All these things impressed upon my  mind at that early age a deep concern and perhaps a deeper prejudice against the English Government their Officers, Governors and Government, and made me attentive to Public affairs, ever after, and more interested in them—But as I can give you but broken hints, I must be short, and conclude this letter with assurances of the high Esteem, and / sincere affection, of your humble / Servant

John AdamsP.S. I regret very sincerely that I am not to meet you in Convention, but our Sovereign Lords will have their freaks—


Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Bowditch, 30 October 1820
From: Bowditch, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

					Respected & Dear Sir
					Salem Octr 30. 1820

				I have taken the liberty to forward to you a pamphlet containing a few papers prepared for the 4th vol. of the Academy’s Trans with a request that you would do me the honor to accept it—It gives me great pleasure to find that the situation of your health permits you to accept a seat in the convention, where your advice & influence will be extremely important in preserving a constitution, written by your own hand, & which the experience of nearly half a century has proved to be excellent. It must be very pleasant to you to look around on all parts of our happy-country & see harmony of the Institutions, which promote its prosperity, owe their origin or improvement to your wisdom & foresight.On this anniversary of your birth, may I be permitted to join with your friends in my most respectful compliments & congratulations.With much respect I remain Sir / your most obedient & / humble Servant

					Nathel Bowditch


Title: From John Adams to Henry Channing, 3 November 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Channing, Henry

Dear Sir
Montezillo November 3d 1820

I have received your favour of the 26th of October with the Copy of the Connecticut Constitution; this is the second Copy which I have received from you, and I am afraid it is the first, that has been acknowledged, for this negligence I beg your pardon; And pray you to accept my Cordial thanks for both these Valuable favours—
The Cantelence sacerdotis will be sung as long as priesthood shall exist—I mean not by this however to condemn the Article in our Declaration of Rights—I mean to keep my mind open to conviction upon this subject untill I shall be called upon to give a Vote An Abolition of this Law would have so great an affect in this State that it seems hazardous to toutch it—However I am not about to discuss the question at present
In Rhode Island I am informed public preaching is supported by three or four Wealthy Men in the Parish who either have, or appear to have, a Regard for Religion while all others sneak away, and avoid payment of any thing— And such I believe would be the effect in this State almost Universally, yet this I own is not a decisive Argument in favour of the Law, Sub judice lis est—
 The feelings of the People will have Pomp, and Parade, of some sort or another, in the state, as well as in the Church. In the Church they have risen from the Parsons Band, and the Communion Plate, up to the Church of St Peters, and the Vatican Library—In the State they have risen from oaken Crowns and Olive Branches, up to Thrones, Septers and Diadems, gold Ivory and precious stones, to the amount of Millions, In Plinys Natural History you may see the gradual rise and progress for seven hundred years, of Luxury Ceremony from Iron rings upon the fingures to the splendours of Lucullus, Antony and Crassus
I have great reason to rejoice in the happiness of my Country, which has fully equaled, tho not exceeded the sanguine anticipation of my youth—God prosper long our Glorious Country and make it a pattern to the World.
As a Member to the Convention, I can be but the Shadow of a Man—An Election however to this situation at my great Age, and feeble condition of Body and Mind, I esteem the purest honour of my Life—and shall endeavour to do as much of my duty as my strength will permit I presume it will not be made a question now, as it was forty years ago, whether we should have a governor or a Senate, of Judge during good behaviour—what questions will be moved I cannot say—but I hope that no essential flaw will be found, or made in the good old forty two pounder, though it should be tried ever again, after forty years usage by a double Charge of power and Ball—
I am Sir with great, Respect and sincere / Esteem your obliged and / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Nathaniel Bowditch, 4 November 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Bowditch, Nathaniel

Dear Sir
Montezillo November 4th. 1820

I have received your obliging favour of October 30th.—And thank you for the very Curious, Ingenious and Valuable Mathematical papers inclosed with it—
My Election to a Seat in the Convention as it was the Spontaneous effect of the good Will of my Neighbours in my Native Town, has given me much pleasure, and as I have not perceived that it has been disapproved by  the Community at large—It affords me much satisfaction—but I fear it will prove but a Compliment, for I cannot flatter myself that I can do much good—The faint glimmerings of the expireing Lamp gives little light I cannot expect to be able to give a Constant attendance, I can no longer speak in public; and to Compare a little thing with a great, like Solon after his return from his travels; I shall find that I cannot harangue the People I have lost my influence But such is the mass of Wealth, Talents, Authority Virtues and Piety returned; as members of this Assembly I feel a Confidence that no material Alterations will be made in the old Fabrick—
The Contemplation, and Happiness, and Prosperity of our Country; is a Constant source of Consolation and delight to me. And I recollect with daily Veneration the great and good Characters, to whom we are obliged, As Instruments of this felicity, And with whom I acted a subordinate part, sometimes with general approbation—
Your recollection of my Birth day reminds me of my Age; And that I am soon to pass away—And if I should fall in this last service I shall die in the Bed of honour—
And with the Comfortable Consideration that I enjoyed the Esteem, and I hope the Friendship of the greatest Astronomer of this Age—
I am Sir with the highest Esteem, / and Respect, / your obliged Friend / and most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Mason, 6 November 1820
From: Mason, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir—
					Boston Novr 6. 1820

				I have been highly gratified with the manner, in which your State in particular & the Continent of America at large I may Add, have received the news of your election to the approaching convention—It has been marked with the approbation of every individual & affords an unequivocal proof of the gratitude of the Town of Quincy—Tho’ you have lived into Posterity, they have not been unmindful of your important services in the glorious revolution of the Country, & that, it is to you, with but a few others, they owe their present freedom & happiness—That their Country stands singularly blessed, under the guidance & protection of Providence, & is now become an exporter of its own light & principles to the Old World—I have now a single favor to ask of you—That you would make my house, your home, during the sitting of this Convention—I have a very comfortable Office, on the lower floor, with a good bed & fire in it—You can at all times, enjoy & participate in the society of my family, and at your, pleasure, at all times retreat to your Office, where you can be secluded, silent & comfortable to your best Wishes—My family is not large, & I am sure they are unanimously congenial &  well disposed—I do not see much company & I promise you, not a single hour, of parade, formality, or intrusion—For this favor I have some claims—I have prided myself, in having been your pupil, & if we judge by feelings, instead of blood, I will dispute my relationship, with any & every person in the Town. Be pleased to grant this favor—it will do me honour, & you shall be comfortable, agreeable to any definition you shall give of the word comfort—I have duly recd your two last letters—In the first, In your discription of the Episcopal Hierarchy at Braintree, I looked for the names of Winslow & Cleverly, the first the Parson, & the second the Clerk—who made it a part of their religion to pray to Almighty God, for the destruction of the rebels (among whom you was included) & the defeat of their cause, in the years 1775 & 6—But you did not bring your   narrative so far down—Their names however, & their conduct, will stand as a climax & substantial proof of every preceeding fact.—As to being chosen a member of the Convention, I have committed the unpardonable sin—I have endeavored to go to Washington with National, not local views—I have coincided with the administration of my country, & executed my feeble powers to strengthen & confirm the Union of its several parts—Therein I have offended the Essex Gentlemen & the Merchants of the Town of Boston—I have the honour to be / Your sincere friend & st

					Jona Mason—


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Mason, Jr., 7 November 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Mason, Jonathan, Jr.

Dear Sir
Montezillo November 7—1820

I thank you most sincerely for your very kind and friendly letter—
The general approbation which has been expressed of my resurrection to public view has been a sincere gratification to me—though I very much fear I shall disgrace myself and my Constituents; But if I do, it will be for want of Understanding, and not of integrity—
The Prayers of Winslow and Cleverly, and Veazey are no suprize to me, These I did not hear, but I have often had the pleasure of being pelted from the Pulpit in Foreign Countries, as well as in my own when I was present and hit by every Stone—I was once at the English Congregation in Utrecht and heard Parson Brown pray most devoutly for the King and Queen, Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family, Parliament and Nation of Great Britain for their Triumphant success in their Righteous Wars against the Rebellious Colonies in America—That their Arms might be victorious and that the Rebels and Rebellion might soon be compeled to hide their Heads in Shame—Sunday as it was and Sacred as the Place I was wicked enough to laugh inwardly because I recollected a pritty Fable invented in France while I was there St Gabriel and St Michael upon some occasion Condecended to look over the Battlements of Heaven down upon this little Ball of Earth—Gabriel perceiving a thick Fog arisesing from the Surface of our Ground, asked what mist is that, Michael answered this is the Prayers of the English Ascending for success in their Wars against the Colonies Poh! says Gabriel, and that Poh!!! dissipated all the vapours, and purified the Air as clear as Crystal—Parson Brown ought to have prayed that the Rebellion of the King and his Ministry, and the Parliament, and Nation, and Army, and Navy of Great Britain against the Colonies might be defeated for they were all in Rebellion not only against the Rights and Constitution of the Colonies but also against the Constitution of Great Britain and Essential rights of Mankind—In that Cease his Prayers would be have been heard and granted—
But to come to something more serious—
I am deeply affected with your kindness, in inviting me to your House—In your Family I am sure I should be as happy as my Nature and State can bear, I thank you most sincerely—But I have long since promised Mr Cruft in Pearl Street to take my Residence in his Family, and he has made arrangements accordingly—my kind regards to every member of your Family—
You did your duty in Congress with perfect integrity, and you cannot much regret, your retirement & Journey of five hundred Miles twice a year; and an absence of Six Months from your family and Friends, and affairs cannot be a desirable object to you, any more than to me—Your Sincere friend, and / most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 7 November 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Montezillo November 7th. 1820

I return you Captain Phillips’s sensible letter, I wish I could converse with you upon the subject; it is most certain that I never knew, heard, or suspected, that he Sailed without a Commission, I have no recollection that I ever gave orders, or consented to his dismission from the Service. Indeed I suspect he never was dismissed; and that he is now a Captain in the Navy, as much as ever he was—For I believe that Stoddert intended to consult me about it, and forgot that intention.—for I cannot suspect him of any Sinester design or motive in the Case—I greatly regret that Phillips did not come to me in Person, and explain the whole affair himself, If he had, I am confident he would have had no reason to complain—. according to his statement of the Case, If I had removed him for any thing, it certainly would have been for his temerity in going to Sea without a Commission: Certainly not for Hoisting his Flag: And in this Case, to be consistent, I must have removed Stodderts also for his neglegence in not sending his Commission.—But this is a Subject of extreme delicacy; and at this distance of more than twenty years, nothing can be reversed; nor can anything relative to it—be thoroughly investigated; since Mr Stoddard is dead—and can explain nothing—
Your last letter concerning high Conventional questions, I can say nothing till I have the Argument and then I shall give my Vote according to my poor old Judgement
I am as usual your friend

John AdamsP.S. kind regards to Mrs Waterhouse


Title: To John Adams from Henry Channing, 10 November 1820
From: Channing, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					New London, Conn. Novr 10th 1820

				I was honoured by your favour of the 2d Inst: in answer to my letter of 26th ult. I cannot refrain from expressing my very great pleasure, in perusing this renewed proof of the wonderful retention of mental powers at this advanced period of life. I should be happy, could I justly think that, though nearly thirty years younger than yourself, I now possessed the memory and powers of mental discrimination, evinced by my venerable correspondent.I should not again trouble you so soon with a line, had I not noticed the reported fact, of which you have been informed respecting Rhode Island.Permit me to observe, that, as I am a native of Newport, and have been ever well acquainted with the political and religious affairs of that State, I regret that reports, utterly unfounded, are prevalent in the neighbouring States, respecting our sister State.You have been informed that in R. Island, public preaching is supported by three or four wealthy men in a parish, who either have, or appear to have a regard for religion, while others avoid payment of any thing.—I beg leave to state what is within my own knowledge, or has been derived from my personal acquaintance with gentlemen in different parts of the State.In Newport are two congregational & one episcopal church, in which the ministers are supported by stated salaries; which are raised by a quit-rent annually upon the pews. The episcopal society is large. The two congregational societies are very small, and united would make one decent congregation. The pews in all these societies are held by the rich & the poor, who in general pay punctually. One of the congregational societies formerly under the care of Dr Samuel Hopkins, (the head of the Hopkinsians) is very poor. They settled a Mr Hitchcock, for the term of five years; which term has lately expired, and Mr Hitchcock has left them. There are in the same town four baptist societies—Two of them large, and by funds & rent of pews, regularly pay their ministers stated salaries. The other two are small & poor & contribute very little.In Providence, Bristol & Waren, the rich & poor hire pews & pay stated salaries. In most of the country towns the inhabitants are baptists. You know, with this sect it is a favourite point, generally, that what is given for the support of public worship must be given freely & not by compulsion. Their preachers are serious men—and some of them study, but generally, in the interior of the State, they work on their farms & derive their principal support from the work of their own hands.—Their ministers in the interior are generally men of a plain education—indeed, according to their practice many of the brethren are speakers; thus they have exhorters and teachers without number.The great error of R. Island is neglecting public schools and academies. I learn there is a powerful effort making in the State, to correct this error.In Providence, the pews in many of their churches were sold very high, subject to an annual quit-rent to raise the salaries of ministers & meet contingencies.—Wherever there is a salary given, it is raised by pews, sometimes, but seldom, by subscription. In all cases, but especially when the pews are leased, the middling & poorer classes pay their proportion, as much as in places where the funds are raised by tax.It has been said & Morse once gave currency to the report in his geography—“that in R. Island, a contract for the support of a minister, cannot be enforced by law.” It is true a society is not known in law, unless specially incorporated; hence they were not known in law as a contracting party: But, within the last forty five years, many societies have received charters—and possess all the rights & are subjected as corporate bodies.—I well recollect, that, when a boy, I heard the conversation of Dr Stiles, at Newport, when his society there obtained a charter, which I saw. I will not trespass further upon your patience. I would only add, in Connecticut, taxes for ecclesiastical purposes have been found very injurious, for fifty years, as producing great disaffection, & have driven hundreds, & even thousand from the congregationalists, which was the established church, previous to the adoption of our present constitution. This has given stability to the Baptists, Episcopalians & Methodists, which are now become very numerous.There has not been an Ecclesiastical tax levied in this town, for about forty years. In a large number of towns, taxes have been discontinued for several years; it being found ruinous to the congregational societies. They have had recourse to rent of pews.I am truly gratified in finding by the late papers, your name among the Electors of President & V. President of U. States.—In this State, the nomination given out by a republican committee, unfortunately was made under improper influence of reciprocity—five of the nine nominated, being members of said committee, and most of them men of no distinction. This gave great dissatisfaction & the meetings through the State, I learn, were attended not by a quarter of the freemen. In some towns having 2 & 300 voters, there were only 20 or 30 votes given.I am, Sir / With great Respect & Attachment / Yr Obliged & Obedt Servt

					Henry Channing


Title: From John Adams to Massachusetts State Convention, 15 November 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Massachusetts State Convention

Copy—Fellow Citizens
ca. 15 Nov. 1820

An Election, at my age and in my Circumstances, by the free sufferages of so ample a Representation of the fortunes and talents—the experience and wisdom—the authority, the virtues, and the piety of the ancient and renowned State of Massachusetts, I esteem the purest and fairest honor of my life; and my Gratitude is proportionally ardent & sincere: I pray you Gentlemen, to present to the Convention my most cordial thanks.
Your enumeration of services performed for this Country, recalls to my recollection the long series and succession of great and Excellent Characters, with whom I have had the honor to act in the former part of my Life; and to whose exertions I have endeavoured to add my feeble aid—Characters who have been employed by Divine Providence as Instruments in preserving and securing that unexampled Liberty which this nation now possesses—That Liberty which is the source of all our happiness and prosperity—a Prosperity which cannot be contemplated by any virtuous mind without Gratitude, Consolation and delight.—May it be perpetual.
Gentlemen as my age is generally known, it will really be believed, that my forces are too far exhausted, to perform the arduous duties of the high office, which the Benevolence of the Convention has assigned to me.
I am therefore under the necessity to request permission of the Convention to decline the appointment; and to pray that some other Gentleman may be elected, whose vigorous age, and superior talents, may conduct their deliberations with more convenience to themselves, and with great satisfaction to the people of the Commonwealth at large.

(signed) John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Massachusetts State Convention, 15 November 1820
From: Massachusetts State Convention
To: Adams, John

					In convention Nov. 15. 1820.

				Whereas the Honorable John Adams, a member of this convention, and elected President thereof, has, for more than half a century, devoted the great powers of his mind, and his profound wisdom and learning, to the service of his country and mankind; In fearlessly vindicating the rights of the North American provinces against the usurpations and encroachments of the superintending Government;—In diffusing a knowledge of the principles of civil liberty among his fellow subjects:—and exciting them to a firm and resolute defence of the privileges of freemen;—In early conceiving, asserting and maintaining the justice and practicability of establishing the Independence of the United States of America;—In giving the powerful aid of his political knowledge, in the formation of the constitution of this his native state; which constitution became in a great measure, the model of those which were subsequently formed;—In conciliating the favor of foreign powers, and obtaining their countenance and support, in the arduous struggle for independence;In negotiating the treaty of peace which secured forever the sovreignty of the United States, and defeating the intrigues which were used to prevent it;—And especially in preserving, in that treaty; the vital interests of the New England states;In demonstrating to the world in his “Defence of the constitutions of the United States,” the contested principle, since admitted as an axiom, that checks and balances in legislative power, are essential to the preservation of true liberty;—In devoting his time and talents to the service of the nation in the high & important trusts of vice President & President of the United States;—And—lastlyIn passing an honorable old age in dignified retirement, in the practise of all the domestic virtues, thus exhibiting to his countrymen, and to posterity, an example of true greatness of mind, and genuine patriotism;Therefore, Resolved, that the members of this convention, representing the People of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do joyfully avail themselves of this oppertunity to testify their respect, and gratitude, to this eminent patriot and Statesman, for the great services rendered by him to their Country; and their high gratification, that at this late period of life, he is permitted by Divine Providence to Assist them with his Councils in revising the constitution, which forty years ago his wisdom, and prudence assisted to form.—Resolved—That a Committee of five members be appointed by the chair, to Communicate this proceeding to the Honorable John Adams, to inform him of his election to preside in this Body, and to introduce him to the Chair in this House.—


Title: To John Adams from John Sanderson, 24 November 1820
From: Sanderson, John
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Philada: Nov. 24th: 1820.

				I have addressed to you, by the Post office, the first no. of the “Biography &c.”—of which I have now hazarded the publication; & which I beg the favour of you to accept, with my grateful acknowledgements, at the same time, for your kind attention to my former letter. This vol. has been hurried into the world but “half made up”, to meet the conveniences of printers & publishers. It has been prepared during the nights of the last eight months, in the midst of many domestic embarrassments, & the fatigues of a profession that more than all others is oppressive to the faculties of the mind; & I doubt whether, even with competent abilities, it could have been rendered, in the midst of the many obstacles that have been opposed to the execution of it, worthy of your approbation.—The succeeding numbers, with the assistance I have been promised, will perhaps appear with fewer imperfections; & being yet in the Spring of life, I may live long enough to render the whole work, with by the corrections my future experience may enable me to make, more equal to the importance & dignity of the Subject.—With great respect I remain / Your Obt. Sert

					John Sanderson

					Not knowing the address of Mr. Bradford I have used the liberty of joining a copy for him, & beg you to send it when convenient.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 27 November 1820
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldnbarneveld 27 Nov. 1820

I thank my God, that I enjoy the high gratification in congratulating you with the tribute, paid, so handsomely, by your enlightened fellow-citizens—to your talents virtues and Character;—to render my bliss perfect, and this may not be expected here—I ought to have been at your side, at Montezillo, and seen you, which crowns the Splendid Eulogÿ of New-England—possessing yet—firmness enough, to decline the acceptance of that laborious and distinguished Station—I expected the one and the other—as I knew Him, thoroughly whose obliged frend I will remain—as long my heart beats in my bosom—Your devoted frend

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp


Title: To John Adams from Lebbeus Chapman, 30 November 1820
From: Chapman, Lebbeus
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					New York 30 Novr 1820

				Inclosed herewith you will receive My Work on interest which I have taken the liberty to Send for your perusal When at leisure. I am preparing a Work on interest which will Consist of near 400 quarto pages with the calculations made at 6 pr ct pr Annum on all Sums from One dollar to Four hundred, then by Fifties to Two thousand, then by One hundreds to Three thousand, & then by One Thousands to Ten thousand dollars, from one to Three hundred & Sixty five days, and in addition Twelve pages More from One to Twelve months on the Same Sums. If on Examination you find my principle of calculation correct, and Should deem Such a work worthy of Public patronage Will you have the Goodness to Signify the Same in a Letter addressd to me, at the Same time allow me the honour to add your name to the List of my Subscribers,I am very respectfully dear Sir / Your Mo obedt humble Servt

					Lebbeus Chapman


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Sewall, 30 November 1820
From: Sewall, Samuel
To: Adams, John

					Hond. Sir,
					Burlington Novr. 30th. 1820.

				About a month ago I had the honour of a line from you, requesting transcripts of all such paragraphs in the Journal of the “most antient Cheif Justice Sewall”, as related to “any persons or events in the antient Town of Braintree”. Since the receipt of that letter I have been examining, as I had opportunity, that Journal, with a view to making such transcripts. The result you have below. It has been my aim to select every passage of the above description, that appeared in any respect material. Indeed some that I have taken may seem trifling in any other view, than as tokens of the intimacy which subsisted between the Author & the persons spoken of in them. Most of these extracts, you will perceive, refer to the antient family of Quincies. I have added some concerning near connexions of that family, although not residing in Braintree; as the Hunts of Weymouth, and the Gookins & Bakers of Sherburne. And the last leaf, (which had been otherwise vacant) I have filled up with passages wh. more immediately concern the Author alone; but with which I thought you might be gratified. The few remarks in the margin which are distinguished with notes of quotation, are copied from the journal itself. The rest I have taken the liberty to add myself as tending (I trust) to a more ready or thorough apprehension of the transcripts contain in the body of the page. I wish the whole work may prove acceptable to your Honour, as it has been cheerfully done by me. This Journal of judge Sewalls is contained in 2 small but thick quartos., and one thin folio. It comprises a period of 44 years, beginning in 1685, and being continued till Octr. 1729, about 2 months before his death. There is one peculiarity in the style running thro’ the whole, which perhaps it may be well to notice here, as frequent instances of it occur in the transcripts here made from it: and that is; the free use which the Judge makes of terms denoting kindred. The words “brother”, “cousin” &c he applies not only to persons thus related to him by blood; but also to those who are but very remotely related by marriage. For instance: he had an own sister, who married a Gerrish, and whom with her husband he properly enough calls in his Journals “brother” & “sister Gerrish”. But when Mr Samuel Gerrish of Boston married his daughter Mary, he gave the titles of brother & sister to the parents of his son in law with the like uniformity that he did to his own sister & her husband. But this is doubtless to be attributed in part to the custom of the age.With great respect / Your Honour’s most humble Servant

					Samuel Sewall


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Dana, November 1820
From: Dana, Samuel
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Novr. 1820

				Should you perform the duties of Elector of President &c. I request you, to consider Caleb Butler Esqr of Groton an applicant to carry the Votes to the Department of State.With considerations of high esteem / & the greatest respect / I am yr. Obed Servt

					Saml. Dana


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 December 1820
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and High-Respected frend!
Olden barneveld 3 Dec. 1820

The last tiding of your welfare, with which I was gratified—was by Judge Peter Smith. I had made an excursion to Albany and N. york, to See the Governour, and endeavour to obtain in the last place Some relief to my Sight—but it was fruitless. I met Judge Smith—whom I had not Seen during Several years—between Schenectady and Cagnarrage, where he took the Stage—we were pleased with this unexpected meeting. He informed me, He had been to Boston—to Quincy, and had been honoured with a courteous reception by the late President, who yet enjoy’d a comfortable State of health—in the full possession of all his mental powers. I thanked him cordially for this communication, and ardently pray, the Same invaluable blessing— may be vouchsafed unto you the remainder of your days—May these be happy—and may your last days be your best days—This is my devout wish—that may your lot be, and that of Mrs. v. d. k—whose 75 anniversary approaches within a few days—your’s—tho’ more advanced—is not less near—May I please the good God, that I may joÿ, your children, Relatives and friends—in its celebration.
The time of the electioneering campaign for the Presidency is now fast approaching: how happy Shall we be, my respected frend—if we are permitted to congratulate one another about its issue: may this blessing too be bestowed on our Country.
You Seem—my Dear  Sir! that our State convention did not press the Steps of Massachusetts—and I am apprehensive, that our People Shall not act equally wise and prudent.
Will you communicate to Mr. J. Quincy’s family—that a frend of Leyden writes me "Prof. Keimper is at present not home, as Soon he returns—I am confident he Shall give me a full account of his Genealogy, which I Shall have the pleasure of communicating to you" I request you, to remember me to that worthy family—and to all the respected members of your family—their remembrance contributes to my happiness—and You—my Dear Sir! to whom I am So deeply indebted, will condescend to add this boon to your numerous kindnesses—I Should fear that my Boston Friends—had drunk from the river Lethe—If I ought not rather to Suppose—that a chain of uninterrupted festivities, made them forget a while a Recluse—
I Send lately the 20 vol. of the translated Records—Several are highly interesting—If I can finish the present, the worst of all—relative to Curacao—then I dare Say Rubiconem transii—
Continue me the Same Share in your affectionate regard—and I Shall thank a bountiful God—and remain for ever— / My Dear and High Respected frend / Your Devoted and obliged / Frend!

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp.


Title: To John Adams from David Bolles, 4 December 1820
From: Bolles, David
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Ashford, Conn. Decr 4th. 1820

				Will you please to excuse my presumption, in sending to you a copy of my plea before the Hon. Gen. Assembly of Connecticut in May 1818 for religious liberty. Perhaps, it may not be unacceptable to you to know, what many of the Baptists think, on this important subject. New England people have, for years past, been too much divided for their own advantage; and a slight view of the line between their parties will shew, that their differing sentiments on this point are a principal cause of it. Union is greatly needed; and, if I do not much mistake, it will soon be needed more than ever.If there are any well-founded reasons in this pamphlet, no man will be more likely to discover, appreciate, and successfully inform them, than that venerable, and much beloved Patriot of the Revolution, who, like a Patriarch in piety, wisdom, and age, still adorns his native State, Massachusetts.Permit me to subscribe myself, with sentiments of profound respect, / and admiration, / Your most obedient, / and most humble servant

					David Bolles