Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 11 October 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Waterhouse
Montezillo Oct. 11. 1818

I am really grieved at your Misfortune, if it were only on the Principle of Rochefaucault and Swift, that “In all Misfortunes of our FriendsWe first Consult our private Ends.”
I lost a long expected and desired Visit. But when I reflect that your head might have been precipitated into the magnificent Entrance into the Domicil of a Woodchuck, I am Seized with horror. A late Experiment in natural Phylosophy on Billings’s plain, has Shewn what might have been the fatal Consequence. You ought to be thankfull that no Bones were broken and no Flesh cut.
Madame and Monsieur are very thankfull that the Accident was nothing worse. We are both agreed that our Friend has received no essential Injury. It is Waterhouse Still.
My Advice, in my own particular, is, to keep the Reins in your own hands, till you are married and then resign them to your Spouse. Experientia docet.*

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Peter Paul Francis Degrand, 12 October 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Degrand, Peter Paul Francis

Sir
Quincy October 12th 1818.

I can express my Feelings on the Recipt of your favour of the 5th of this month, only by my Thanks for your Politeness in Sending me from your own Stores a case of your excellent Hermitage Wine. I have long since taken a final Leave of my old and dear Friend Wine—
Could I obtain the Common Wine of Burgundy, which I have heretofore purchased for two Louis a Burrique, or the Bino de Pais which I have drank in Spain at three or four meals a Gallon, it seems to me I could live five or ten years longer, provided I observed the Advice of Don Quixott to Sancho Pancho Trempe bien votre vin dans l’Eau. But the generous and liquorish Wines now in fashion in this Country I cannot drink touch
Every Glass of your Hermitage however, though I dare not taste it myself, will make me a Friend.—
Again I thank you and hope you will come and drink some of your Own Hermitage, at the Hermitage of your obliged humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William John Coffee, 16 October 1818
From: Coffee, William John
To: Adams, John

					Most Honorabl Sir
					Oct 16—1818 Greenwich St 501 New York

				The Subject of which I write I believ you are Acquainted with by the Honorabl Thos Jefferson & lines he wrote to me relates to my being Employed—to take a Small Bust of you Head—I have being Employed by Mr J. Madison & his Excellence Mr Munro & many others of celebrity—in June last at Monticelo Mr Jefferson Inform’d me he had wrote to you on the Subject and of you willingness to admit me to that Honor,—I Shall Shortly leave this City for the City of Washington, on which accnt will you be so Obliging to Inform me as to the Most agreeable time to you to Sit within the Span of three weeks when I will do my Self the Plesure of ing on you at your Seat—I Shall Only require of you in person One hour Each day for four or five days. you may Sit walk or Stand as you Please in your room—as I want no formall SitingMy turms are $35 for the Model at the last Siting I then pack it up Make it terra-Cotta kiln it and Send it home as soon as it is redy & Any of your friends may have a Copy of Said Model for $10 Eachwith great respect Sir / I Am your Most Obet and / Hum Sert

					W. J. Coffee


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

My dear Friend
Quincy Octr 20. 1818

One trouble never comes alone! At our Ages We may expect more and more of them every day in groups, and every day less fortitude to bear them.
When I saw in Print that You was gone to the Springs, I anxiously Suspected that all was not healthy at Monticello.
You may be Surprised to hear that your favour of the 7th has given me hopes. “Imposthume, general Eruptions Colliquative Sweats,” Sometimes and I believe often indicate Strength of Constitution and returning Vigour. I hope and believe they have given you a new Lease for Years, many Years.
Your Letter which is written with your usual neatness and firmness confirms my hopes.
Now Sir, for my Griefs.! The dear Partner of my Life for fifty four Years as a Wife and for many Years more as a Lover now lyes, in extremis, forbidden to Speak or be Spoken to.
If human Life is a Bubble, no matter how Soon it breaks. If it is as I firmly believe an immortal Existence We ought patiently to wait the Instructions of the great Teacher.
I am, Sir, your deeply affected Friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Warren, 29 October 1818
From: Warren, Henry
To: Adams, John

					My venerable & respected friend
					Plymouth Octr 29. 1818

				Permit me on the sad & melancholy annunciation of the papers of this day of the death of Mrs. Adams to address a line to you.—not of condolence—for you are beyond that,—but of sympathy. The irreparable breach in your domestic felicity can never be healed: the friendship of youth can never be restored. The loss of such a woman as Mrs: Adams society must ever deplore; how much more her partner, who through a long life of pleasure, however intermingled with partial interruptions, touching the frail state of humanity, enjoyed so much of her advice, assistance, & strength of mind which few ladies can exhibit.—How much those ancient friendships, never to be forgotten by their posterity, that existed between long & much loved friends. Be assured, my dear Sir, that this event has probed to the quick the few survivors of a long-long existing respect & attachment, which has been evolved hereditarily to my brother & to myself.—With your years, experience & reflection you must have long been prepared for such a separation: & your Christian character has taught you resignation & you will evince under this the greatness of your mind under this awful dispensation, as you have hitherto displayed it under the various scenes of a long & important life with so much personal dignity & honorable character in society.Nothing but my personal indisposition would prevent myself & Mrs. Warren from being at Quincy on saturday to pay the last sad tribute of respect at the obsequies of your departed friend—Accept my venerable friend, the united respects of myself, my wife, & Mr. James Warren on this eventful occasion—& believe me personally / most respectfully / Your obedt Servt

					Henry Warren


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 November 1818 to 2 November 1818
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 1 Nov. 1818.

If my delaying to answer ÿour favour of the 2 of oct was a just measure of my valuing your condescending kindnesses then—no doubt—I ought to be deemed not to deserve your So distinguished attention—but I am happy indeed, that you cannot foster Such an idea—and I Should rather be prompted to make an apologÿ for an insignificant Letter, was I not fully persuaded—that—imperfect as it may be, it is allways acceptable as a thankful tribute for the numberless proofs you and your Lady have bestowed upon me—Indeed—my Dear and respected Sir! Such proofs I count among the Greatest blessings, bestowed upon me in my Solitude by a kind providence—The indisposition of my Dear Daughter interrupted my correspondence—She is recovered—God be praised! and enjoys again health and contentment—and even assists her father with her pen—My daÿly labours are now Some what abated—and I am returned to the Records—although I am apprehensive, that my Success may be compleated with the Sacrifice of my eyes—They are greatly dimmed—but I Shall make use of these faithful Servants, as long as they will last. The Records of this State are indeed a treasure, whose value is yet unknown—more So—as in part these have been destroy’d in Europe—I have offered—a Supply from the archives of the King of Netherland, the original Documents of the W. Ind. Company having all been carried of—during the Despotic rule of Bonaparte—provided—I could defraÿ the expences of copying these—but this is above my reach. I mentioned to our Government the possibility—of recovering what it did not possess—but doubt very much, if the Executive Shall be daring enough—or can prudently charge himself with this responsibility—neither believe that our popular government could be tempted to Spend So much for musty papers—
I met with a Suit of one Capt. Thomas Adams—23 jan 1653—will you look at your Genealogy—if that Gentleman was among your Ancestors—if So—I Should wish to mention it in my annot. on the Records—He must have been a man of respectability—as one Provoost—Not: Public and the Secret. of State Carl Verbrugge—accepted to act as Arbiters in his be half in a certain contest.
I Solicited Some further information about your Patriotic james Otis—I have been Satisfied in part—one of our Country papers having giving us an Small Extract of your corresp—with Judge Tudor Wilmington—with your lett. of Cæsar A Rodney Sept. 5. 1818 and your answer from Quincey Sept. 13—From Niles Register—
How Should I value myself could I deserve Similar distinctions!—You will permit me—as it is not in mine power—to communicate even triffles of my own—to fill this Letter with more valuable materials relating to your Self
It gives me pleasure—that here—J. Adams—remains honoured and revered by all who knew his worth—as well as in Massachusetts.
At the Cattle Show in Watertown—jefferson County—George Parish Esq—toast was “the Venerable John Adams the Patriot, the Statesman and distinguished Agriculturist” will not this my communication be a passport for an Extract of  a Letter—of my worthy friend D. A. T—the man whom I love and respect?—
“your old and valued friend, the Expresident, at the age of 83, is Still very active. Almost every week we are favoured in our Newspapers, with a Letter to a friend in Boston, containing discussions in a Style of much Solidity, and not without considerable animation on the memorable events and distinguished character of our Country in its Struggles with the Government of Great Brittain, previous to the war which ended in our Independence.” It will be much to be lamented, if He does not leave behind him memoirs of those and Succeeding events and characters, written when his pen flowed more easily and his recollections were more lively yet and vigorous—He is certainly the most competent of any man now living—perhaps the Only man, able to give us a view of the real causes of events and the proper weight of Individuals, who took distinguished part in that contest”
Having bestowed So many distinguished—unpaid for—Services to your Countrÿ—why Should you withold this? I offer myself—to publish whatever delicacy might forbid to you or your Children—and I Should value—Such a distinguished proof of regard far higher—than any Academical honours what-ever—you know—I have not yet received the last or  vol—of your Society—or must I not expect it?—then I may claim a notice of it,—and I Shall not regret it much—if I receive, now and then, a line—that I am not forgotten, and that you remember me to your Lady—while even without these, I must remain, willing, unwilling, with the highest consideration / Dear and respected Sir! / your affectionate and / obliged frend

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp

This instant I receive Miss. Welsh Letter—God be praised! my Dear and respected frend—your excellent partner is Spared She must—She Shall continue to do good—She will chear and comfort you in your last moments—and then depart in peace to her Lord—Leaving her Children—her frends—her acquaintance an example—to follow—and her Heavenly Father will reward her—by placing her in brighter circle of usefulness. 2 Nov. vdk.


Title: To John Adams from Henry Colman, 2 November 1818
From: Colman, Henry
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir,
					Baltimore 2 Novr. 1818—

				I have just learnt by this morning’s mail, with heartfelt grief, the death of Mrs Adams. I have looked with trembling solicitude upon every obituary since I left home, yet this painful intelligence from its delay was at last unexpected. I am deeply afflicted and feel that I have lost one of my best and one of my most revered and valued friends. I esteem it one of the greatest blessings of my life that I knew her and was honored with her friendship and I shall ever cherish her memory with grateful reverence.—I dare not trust myself to say on this subject what I feel. May Almighty God, the faithful Friend of your long life, grant you support and consolation under this heavy affliction. Accept the assurance of my unfeigned Sympathy and believe me, my dear Sir, / With the greatest respect and affection, / Your obliged friend & Servt:

					Henry Colman—

					P.S. I ask the favor of a kind remembrance to Miss Smith & Mrs Clark, to whom this event must be deeply afflictive—


Title: To John Adams from Julia Stockton Rush, 4 November 1818
From: Rush, Julia Stockton
To: Adams, John

               Dear Sir
               Philadelphia Nover 4th. 1818

            With the deepest regret I have read in our papers an account of the death of Mrs Adams. Will you permit one whom she honored with her friendship to approach you, and to mingle her tears of respect and affection with yours on this occasion.To you Sir who by this stroke have lost the friend and companion of your declining years, it is impossible for me to say any thing that could soothe your feelings, that being, who bestowed upon you so rare a gift, and who has spared her so long to bless you, can and I have no doubt will support you on this trying bereavement.It will be very gratifying to me to be informed of the particulars of her illness and death should any of your family be with you that will do me the favor to communicate them to me.With great respect / and sympathy I am Dr. Sir

               Julia Rush


Title: To John Adams from William John Coffee, 10 November 1818
From: Coffee, William John
To: Adams, John

					Honorable Sir
					New York Nov 10—18

				I Som three weeks ago took the liberty of writing to you in Concequence of the Advice of Mr Jefferson’s but he I fear will no longer have Permission to give Advice he being given Over by his Physicians, but that Sad news you no doubt—Sir are too well aquainted with now Sir as I must Shortly go to Washington and the Cold wether would hinder my proceeding in The Modeling Sir will your goodness Condesend to favour me with an Erly Answer as relates to my being so Honorably Employed as Mentiond in my former Letter to you and I Shall Consider My Self Much ObligedSir I Am your Most / Obt and Sincere well wisher

					W. J. Coffee


Title: From John Adams to Henry Colman, 11 November 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Colman, Henry

Dear Sir
Quincy November 11 1818.

Your favour of the 2d is among the dearest of my Consolations. The whole World Sympathises with me. All Animosities and Party feelings are forgotten. It is impossible that Relations, Friends, Neighbours or the Public could have been more kind.
An Example to the World has dissapeared but cannot be forgotten. I can Say no more.
Your Friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1818
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Monticello Nov. 13. 18.
The public papers, my dear friend, announce the fatal event of which your letter of Oct. 20. had given me ominous foreboding. tried myself, in the school of affliction, by the loss of every form of connection which can rive the human heart, I know well, and feel what you have lost, what you have suffered, are suffering, and have yet to endure. the same trials have taught me that, for ills so immeasurable, time and silence are the only medecines. I will not therefore, by useless condolances, open afresh the sluices of your grief nor, altho’ mingling sincerely my tears with yours, will I say a word more, where words are vain, but that it is of some comfort to us both that the term is not very distant at which we are to deposit, in the same cerement, our sorrows and suffering bodies, and to ascend in essence to an ecstatic meeting with the friends we have loved & lost and whom we shall still love and never lose again. God bless you and support you under your heavy affliction.Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Henry Colman, 14 November 1818
From: Colman, Henry
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir,
					Baltimore 14 Novr 1818

				I regret very much that the enclosed is not more worthy of your acceptance by being more worthy of its lamented Subject.I hope you will not be displeased with it; but accept it as a small expression of my sincere veneration for the departed and my unfeigned Sympathy in your deep afflictions—I am, my Dear Sir, / with the highest respect / yr obliged & obed sert

					Henry Colman

					P.S. It appeared here with some errors if the press in yesterdays Gazette. A few copies have been struck off in this form to send to some friends. I leave this for Washington on Monday to remain there a week, I shall proceed thence to Phila to remain until the first day of December, when I shall proceed homewards & embrace the earliest opportunity of seeing you, which, I pray may be, in health and safety.—


Title: From John Adams to John Lowell, 15 November 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Lowell, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Nov. 15. 1818

In the distresses and confusions of my family I saw not your address from yourself till yesterday I had read it on its first publication. It is full of information instructive to the Farmers of this Country elegantly written and perfectly adapted to the occasion on which it was delivered.
Accept the sincere of your obliged / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 November 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Vanderkemp
Quincy Nov. 15th 1818

I cannot answer your two last Letters.
Of Thomas Adams I know nothing; except that a Man of that name was one of the Counsell of Plymouth and named in the Charter, and Parson Prince Somewhere Says the most active Man in promoting the Translation of the Charter to New England.
Our Friend D. A. Tyng, cannot Surely expect Miracles from his and your Friend

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from LeRay de Chaumont, 28 November 1818
From: Chaumont, LeRay de
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Philadelphia 28 Nov. 1818

				I was travelling in the wilderness of the West part of Pensylvania, where I have some property when your most esteemed favour of the 6th ulto reached LeRaysville, from whence it has been sent to me at Philadelphia, to wait for my arrival—The pleasure I received from it was soon turned into morning when the public voice learnt me the irreparable loss you met with—My sympathetick heart knows too well how dreadfull the event must be to you. However I hope you will say with me “not lost but gone before” This we must also add with the desire of leading us to resignation, when we consider Eternity “what are years”? they are but one moment—yet I will agree with you that for a feeling heart like yours, that moment appears as long as eternity itselfI have found my dear Sir, that of all the wordly concerns there is but one who can present itself—to a man prepossessed with deep sorrow without appearing repugnant to his feelings—it is Agriculture—The other concerns when offered to a deep afflicted mind appears to him like false friends or tiresome intruders, who by selfish motives want to force you into the disgusting scenes of that world which has become so irksome to us & from which we now desire to be withdrawnBut agricultural concerns present themselves as the friendly field, you can the most naturally pass through to arrive to the desired mansion—it seems to be the flowery path which gently leads you to the Elisian fieldsThen I will continue our communications upon this favourite subject of ours.You do me the honour, my dear Sir, to ask my opinion upon the late address of Mr. Madison to his agricultural society. I have found it a very able & pertinent one & I have been wondering how a man whose occupations & elevated pursuits in life have been since his youth quite opposite to the rural life could have acquired such a deep & exact knowledge of the different branches of agriculture which requires so much study & that at the same time so much experience. With you my dear Sir I conceive the greatest hopes, when I see such men take so much at heart the promotion of that art, which when properly attended to must consolidate more than any thing else the growing prosperity of the United States.The great indulgence with which you have received my first address to the agricultural society of Jefferson Cy, encourages me to send you the one I have delivered at the first exhibition of the different productions of our county & distribution of premiums.I never witnessed such a disposition towards improvements & such a general satisfaction as I observed in the large reunion of people who attended the meeting of that day where our farmers exibited the most evident proofs how beneficent those agricultural Societies were to be to the welfare & happiness of the communityI must request my dear Sir a new store of Indulgence from you when you will read this address as when I wrote it I was labouring painfully under the deep sorrow of the loss of my only Grand Child & my mind chiefly employed in trying to console my daughter who by that death was deprived of her first & only child.I remain with the utmost regard & respect / your obed hume. serv.

					LeRay de Chaumant

					P.S. I join a news Papers which be pleased to return when you have noticed me To it.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Milligan, 30 November 1818
From: Milligan, Joseph
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Georgetown November 30th 1818

				Your esteemed favour of the 20th inst was received this day I am happy to have it in my power to give you the information that you desire respecting the health of Mr: Jefferson you will see by the enclosed letter in his own hand writing (to my esteemed friend John Barnes eqr collector of the port of Georgetown) that his health is improving and by a copy of a book on Political Economy that has been translated under his eye and revised by him as he has stated in his letter to me of the 25th October and now printed as part of the book to follow the title page that his mind is yet Vigourous—the prospectus is from his pen but that was Written two years ago. The book which I have now sent you I am particularly anxious to have in the hands of all the distinguished men of our country as it was denied the right of appearing in the original language whilst Napoleon held the destinies of Europe subject to his Will Through the unwearied industry of my Esteemed friend and Patron Mr Jefferson it is now presented to you in American language and dressMay God preserve you many years / your obedient / humble Servant

					Joseph Milligan


Title: To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 1 December 1818
From: Bradford, Alden
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston, Decr. 1—1818

				Mr Shaw has suggested to me the propriety of omitting (in the proposed Vol. of Masstts. State papers) the long altercation between Govr. Hutchinson & the House of Rep. respecting the holding of the Genl. Court at Cambridge, or any where out of Boston—I had, before he spoke to me on the subject, thought it would not be necessary to publish that controversy any further, than one communication on each side, with, perhaps, an abridged statement of the considerations offerd pro & con—But I am desirous of your opinion, Sir, in this thing—If not too much to ask, will you be so good as to inform me, or Mr Shaw, what you think proper respecting it.with the highest respect & / Consideration, I am, Sir, / Your Obt. Servt:

					Alden Bradford


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 4 December 1818
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

					Dear and Respected Sir.
					London December 4. 1818.

				Out of the circle of your own family, there are none who can feel more sorrow at the heavy affliction that has fallen upon you than we do here. We heard the melancholy news two days ago. “What exalted and long-tried excellence, exclaimed my wife, has gone to the tomb.” “As soon as my confinement was over,” she continued, “I had intended that my first letter, after one to my own mother, should have been to Mrs Adams, to convey my thanks for her last to me, full of such flattering and affectionate kindness.” Alas it is now too late. Believe me, venerable sir, we feel sincerely for your bereavement. We can conceive the desolation of your heart. But your known firmness we trust will not forsake you. That this and all other sources of support and consolation may be open to you, is most ardently the hope of one, who is at all times dear sir, / with sentiments of the / utmost respect, your / attached and devoted / friend.—

					Richard Rush


Title: To John Adams from John Philippart, 7 December 1818
From: Philippart, John
To: Adams, John

				Private
					Sir
					Military Library, Whitehall, London 7th December 1818

				I trust my motive will be received by your Excellency as an excuse for this intrusion. I am desirous of recording authentic accounts of the most distinguished Princes, Statesmen, Public and Literary Characters of every Country in the same manner as I have written those of all the British Generals in my Work the Royal Military Calendar and in other  publications which I have Edited. From the plan of the undertaking those individuals who afford assistance for the purpose of rendering it accurate cannot be regarded as their own historiographers which would be objectionable:—They simply narrate facts and leave the colouring to the Editor. If therefore your Excellency would be so obliging as to direct my being supplied with a sketch of your career I should have the greatest pleasure in paying to it every attention, and observe the utmost confidence towards the communication. It is my wish to accompany the Memoir by such Documents and Papers as you may consider essential to the full accomplishment of the object I have in view: and also to embellish the Work with a correct Portrait of your Excellency if I can be honoured and obliged with one. Should this meet your attention I will do my self the honor of communicating further on the subject.I have the honor to be / With every consideration / Sir / Your Excellency’s most obedient / humble ervant

					 John PhilippartKnightAttached to the Establishtof HRH The Duke of Kent


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 December 1818
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and high respected friend!
Oldenbarneveld 7 Dec. 1818

yes, I am thankful—I am Sensible of my high obligations towards you—how few can follow your example! to remember a friend—in the days of prosperity deserves praise, but to do So in the hour of Sorrow—to Set this a Side to Sooth his anguish is not common—I knew—you did So, and if it was possible, that I could doubt it, the few affectionate lines from your own hand would have dispelled it—She is no more here—you feel your loss in its full extent—as you knew her graces and virtues, as your hearts and Souls were linked together with ties—Slackened but not dissolved by death, and yet you are Soaring above it, and even in this justify her exalted opinion of the frend of her bosom—what a blessing—that Such a Separation is not for ever—it is only—as if She, in her turn, crossed first the great Atlantic, to meet you again—at the other Side, and embrace you—and crown your head with never-fading laurel’s—at your victory over the grave—So good is our Bountiful Father, to all—who Served Him faithfully in their days—and were the means of administering his blessings to thousands of their Brethren—
I was just—a few moments I received the fatal Letter—reading Mauro Capitole le Carnesechi—how applicable to her the few lines—
Quella Natura, che vi fè Si bella,
Insiemamente ad essen buon V’insegna,
e giovar volontieri a questo, e a quello;
e veramente ogni bontà in voi regna.—
I thank our Father for your composure—this blessing remain your portion during the remainder of your days—and I doubt not, or it will be So. Mrs guild writes me "I visited a moment your venerable friend—he was calm and collected, and received us in his usual hospitable manner—what I considere’d a Sublime Sight, age and dignity like his bending under Sorrow, with the composure of Christian resignation and gratitude,—fully realising his loss, and Still conversing with gratitude upon the Short time he Shall remain here without the comforts She has given, and rejoicing, that So many years have been given him—I wished, I could give you more particulars of the closing Scenes of a life So highly valued, So interesting to you—So important to her frends—I feel thankful, that her mind was calm and clear—that She Suffered no great bodily anguish"—But I forget—that I write to my frend—although I can not apprehend—that I have touched an unpleasing String. I Suppose—miss Welch is yet at Quincy—thank her in my name for her affectionate Letter—I returned Since a month to my Records—and intended, to mention Some particulars—but I feel utterly indisposed—Shall perform it at another time. I remain with deep respect / your affectionate and / obliged friend!

Fr. Adr. van der Kemp


Title: To John Adams from Joseph m. Sanderson, 9 December 1818
From: Sanderson, Joseph m.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir—
					48 Market Street Baltimore Dec. 9. 1818

				I send you the prospectus of a Work I am about to publish—I wish to have your opinion on the subject & if not intruding too much on your leisure I would request some facts relative to the passage of the law & such other information as you Might think would be interesting to the people of the United States—But I fear it would be trespassing too much on your time & subjecting you to inconvenience which is far from my wish—That a Work of the kind is much wanted I think will be your opinion—for many of these illustrious characters are entirely unknown to two thirds of the people—The avidity recently displayed for the possession of the print of the Declaration of Independence, & the anxiety to Know the history of the several signers is a proof that they have been very much neglected—A few hasty remarks, by way of an obituary notice is the only Memorial we have of many of their lives & if that is sufficient to commemorate the names of the founders of the only republic on earth, I must think it but poor encouragement for others to forfeit their lives their fortunes & their honor for their Country—Such however is my opinion of the subject—But, that I have a liberal people to deal with & that I shall have success in the undertaking is what prompted me to so laborious a business—With wishes therefore for your happiness & ease / I remain very respectfully / your humble servant

					Joseph M. Sanderson


Title: To John Adams from James Bing, 18 December 1818
From: Bing, James
To: Adams, John

					Venerated Sir
					New York Decr 18 1818

				Having been appointed by mr James Simpson (our old Consul in Morocco) his agent to settle his accounts (which have been standing since the year 1795) with our Government, and to Petition Congress in his behalf for arrearages of pay to which he has always considered himself, Justly entitled—or for such other relief as Congress shall see fit to afford him, in his present embarrassed circumstances, occasioned by his long residence in a Barbarous Country. Where his necessary expenditures have from the first been much more considerable than the salary he has received,I have taken the liberty to enclose you a printed copy of his Representation & Petition which I shall soon lay before Congress, and beg permission to request you to have the goodness to examine this document, particularly as many of the facts therein stated must have come within your official knowledge when President of the United States,If mr Simpson has here stated the facts correctly (which I have no reason to doubt) and if he has uniformly sustained a Character for probity unblemished & faithfully discharged the various duties of his office economically and with a due regard to the Public good, I think there cannot be a doubt but he is entitled to the consideration & munificence of the government & the CountryAbroad his name is every where mentioned with the greatest respect & his exertions have I believe been unremitted & he has been guided by the strictest economy, and yet he has expended over & above his Salary all his private property in the Public service & finds it necessary, (though humiliating) in order to pay his just debts to Determine upon this course of proceedingI beg leave further to request you in mr Simpsons name to make such favourable remarks on his Petition as your known benevolence & Justice shall dictate & forward it together with such remarks or observations as you may deem fit to the Honourable, the secretary of state, (your Worthy, enlightened & magnanimous Son) in order that he may be prepared to answer in a satisfactory manner, such enquiries as a Committee of Congress may think proper to make on the subjectWishing you health, with considerations of / the most profound respect & esteem for your / many Virtues / I have the honour to be your most / humble & most devoted servant

					James Bing


Title: From John Adams to Horace Holley, 25 December 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Holley, Horace

Dear Sir
Quincy Decr 25th 1818

Although I have lately received many kind and admirable Letters from my Friends, for which they have my Sincere thanks; Yet neither on the late most melancholly and affecting Occasion nor in my whole life have I ever received one so congenial to my own Sentiments, and so consolating to my feelings as yours, of the fourth of this month.
If we  reason from Analogy, and how can We reason otherwise concerning the high Subject of The Universe is there any thing to convince Us, that among the intelligent Inhabitants, of all the Suns and Stars, We behold there are any more durable than Ourselves, and if they are all grass and tales told by an Idiot what is the whole but a Puppet Show a mere magnificent exhibition of Fireworks,
Without the Supposition of a Future State I should believe the “Το Παν" be an eternal Self existent Folly.
That I shall very soon meet my dear departed Friend I have no more doubt than I have that Wisdom and Benevolence are predominant Principles in nature and in the goverment of the World That you may be of the Party much oftner than you have been here and that Forever I heartily wish and have no reason to disbelieve.
I hope however that many years will pass away before you follow Us—because it is greatly to be desired that mankind may be persuaded to think more favourably of themselves the World and the Universal Cause than they have been taught to think, and I know no man better qualified or disposed for this great Service of Humanity and Philanthrophy than the Gentleman who has the highest Esteem and best Wishes of his Friend and humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William John Coffee, 26 December 1818
From: Coffee, William John
To: Adams, John

					Honorable Sir
					New York 26—18 501 Greenwich St

				I cant help Expressing my great disapointment at not being favored with an answer to my Solicitaions so Long Past, I know that I am to you a Stranger and on that accnt feel sorry to trouble or Intrude on your time or retirement, but at the same time having executed busts of all the other Presidents its proper to have yours I have also a considerable wish to Employ my talents on your bust to render the set compleat otherwise your Sincere friends who have requested me to apply to you will not be satisfied with wat is now donwill you therefore Sir be so obliging as to favor me with a replyI am sir your / Most Obet.

					W. J. Coffee


Title: To John Adams from Theodore Lyman, Jr., 28 December 1818
From: Lyman, Theodore, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Sir.
					Rome. December. 28. 1818.

				I have just heard here with a deep and sincere grief of the truly great misfortune which it has at length pleased God to inflict upon you. I feel most profoundly with what cruel bitterness this calamity will fall upon you, but let it be permitted to us to hope, that better and more healing consolation can be found than in the thought that God had delayed it so long. I am not ignorant of the high virtues and singular endowments of the distinguished person, who so constantly and for so great a number of years has been joined with you in the remarkable events of a life, which will always be dear to posterity, neither can I conceal from myself, that, with whatever satisfaction our country and the friends of the family all may look upon the illustrious destinies that have accompanied that remarkable Person, still the separation will not be less grievously felt by Him, who has devoted his latter years to a strict retirement, as useful as it has been distinguished. Those, Sir, who have had the Honour and Happiness of being Known to you, have regarded the circumstances of that life as a reward with which you were justly blessed, and it is now with a feeling of sorrow, the expression of which of w it is not in my power to withhold from you. I have finally heard, that in the hidden ways of God it has been appointed, that the golden chain should be loozened, and that the bright and tranquil splendor of a good and great man’s days should be covered towards their close with solitude and mourning. As I venerate and love you, Sir, as I have been taught from my infancy to look upon your name as a name to which the best gratitude is due, I do not feel but the more deeply how closely my grief will be united with the great and general grief of your country, and that among the distinguished personages of distant nations, to whom your name is equally familiar and by whom equally honoured, there will be Seen a similar feeling of sincere sympathy.We Know how many events in your life have been marked by the most conspicuous firmness and wisdom, and how many trials and difficulties you have had strength from Heaven to overcome. In this last and terrible trial I pray that God may withhold from you none of his support. I pray that He may grant you, all your firmness and all your wisdom, for we but too truly Know that you have need of them all. May it not fall too heavily upon a great and good man, so distinguished, so beloved, so venerable, for his years, for his virtues and for his high and useful services to his country and to mankind.Accept, Sir, the assurance of my most sincere grief / and of my profound and most affectionate respect.

					Theodore Lyman. junr.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 30 December 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Dec 30th. 1818 6-clock

Late last night I received Your Report and your translation of Tracy, for both of which, tho’ I have read neither I thank You. but the full proof of Your returning health has given me more Pleasure than both. I envy your Eyes and hands and Horse. Mine are too dim, too tremulous and my head is too dizzy for the Sovereign Doctor.
All is now Still and tranquil. There is nothing to try Mens Souls nor to excite Men’s Souls but Agriculture. And I Say God Speed the Plough and prosper Stone Wall.
Had I your Eyes and Fingers, and 100 Years to live I could write an 100 Volumes in folio: but neither myself nor the World would be the wiser or the better for any thing that could be done by your assured Friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Milligan, 31 December 1818
From: Adams, John
To: Milligan, Joseph

Dear Sir
Quincy December 31st 1818

I know not how to express my obligation to you for the repeated presents of beautiful books the proof of Mr Jeffersons Convalescence was  more precious to me than all the rest I had indeed before received a most excellent letter from his own hand which convinced me that his health might be restored but the spirit which dictated the resolution to mount the sovereign Doctor Horse convinced me that the principles of life was still so Strong as to promise a continuance of his useful existence many years to come Mr Jeffersons translation of Tracy I have long expected and wished to see and your favour has now gratified the wish of your friend and obliged humble servant
John Adams
PS. I have been obliged to borrow a hand to continue a letter that I could not finish. I am distracted for news of a granddaughter and great Grand daughter of mine. If you can give me any news of a lieutenant in the Navy whose name is Charles F. Clark who three or four weeks ago was destined to George town. you will greatly oblige.

J A


Title: To John Adams from Haym M. Saloman, 6 January 1819
From: Saloman, Haym M.
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir
					New York Jany 6. 1819

				In addressing a letter to you, One feels that profound awe & Veneration which can only be conceived by one of our present generation of native American CitizensAnd of which I am one, feeling the double benefit of your services Including the former and present period of your Glorious LifeIn approaching you with the recollections of those criticle and ardous times, in which you shewed yourself realy your Country and its people’s Father. By the manifestation of those exertions for promoting the Fredom and happyness of a Nation then almost unborn we must feel more than ordinary gratitude and diffidence in claiming any of  your present precious moments of tranquilityCould the writer expect a Reply to his present troublesome letter from an Unknown Correspondent he would wish you to state whether you knew a person named Haym Solomon who deid in Phila in 1785 month of Jany. A Native of Poland and had some agency in the then office of finance he resided there, at the then Seat of Government from about 1780. to his Death—Left no relations in this Country The writer of this was Born the same year the above person died and one of his nearest Connections; I make no doubt if he was of servise to our Government then you may be acquainted the facts—And no doubt you will freely communicate the Same—If you could name the persons who now Survive of the Officers & Members of Congress that Served in 1781 to ‘85 or Some of the most Active I would feel obliged, as they might know of those Servises and their particulars, should it have Slipped your memory as matters not worthy your then Valuable attentions.With the Greatest Veneration / & Respect. I am with the utmost / consideration. Your Obt. Sert

					Haym M. Soloman


Title: From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 9 January 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Niles, Hezekiah

Mr Niles
Quincy January 9th 1819

You asked me for papers; but I know not what papers you wish If such as the bundle enclosed with please you I can fill your register for years Whither you print any part or none I pray you to return them as you have always done to

John AdamsI wait for another volume of your registerJ.A


Title: From John Adams to James Brackett, 15 January 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Brackett, James

Dear Sir
Quincy Jan 15th 1819

I am informed that Mr Pratt and Mr Hunt are cutting wood upon my land by your order that they cut last year twenty cord and have now marked out 30 more If this is true I presume it is by mere mistake of the boundaries between you and me. I shall be obliged to you if your will inform me upon what lot of yours they are cutting which joins me and wish that this may be inquired into. I am perfectly assured that neither you nor they would knowingly trespass upon another I will thank you for a line in answer by the bearer from yourself or your son / to your friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 16 January 1819
From: Niles, Hezekiah
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Balt. Jan. 16. 1819

				I am honored with your brief note, & enclosure of many letters & papers. So far as these are shew the spirit and feelings of the times, they are very acceptable; & thought not used in extremis, will furnish many interesting extracts.I shall next week put to press my long contemplated collection of revolutionary papers. I cannot yet even myself venture an opinion as to what its merits or extent will be. Some valuable things with certainly be rescued from oblivion, & I shall consider myself fortunate, indeed, if the collection has some influence to bring the people back to the civic virtues of the revolutionary period. It is true, I shall not be displeased, if I make a little money by the project—but that is not the leading consideration with me.I shall proceed with this work slowly—as well because I cannot devote much time in any one week to it, as to extend the collection of matter by delay—the subject being kept alive before the people. Whatever you may be pleased to send to me shall be carefully preserved until I have done with them & then faithfully returned.Could you give a list of the names of those who, disguised as indians, destroyed the tea? Your 14th vol. & the Gen. Index were sent to Mr. Ballard long since—the 15th finishes with next mo. & shall be forwardedWith great respect / Your obt st

					H Niles


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 19 January 1819
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello Jan. 19. 19.

				About a week before I recieved your favor of Dec. 30. the 22d. No. of the North American review had come to hand, without my knowing from what quarter. the letter of mr Channing to mr Shaw, which you have been so good as to inclose, founds a presumption that it was from mr Channing, and that he is the editor. I had never before seen the work; but have read this No. with attention and great satisfaction. it may stand boldly on the shelf by the side of the Edinburg Review; and, as I find that mr Channing has agents in George town and Richmond, where I can readily make the necessary payments. I shall write to one of them to enter me as a subscriber. I see with pride that as we are ahead of Europe in Political science, so on other subjects we are getting along side of them.I hope you have  read our University Report with approbation, as I am sure you will the work of Tracy, if you trouble yourself with such subjects. we are all atiptoe here in the hourly expectation of hearing what our legislature decides on the Report. being a good piece of a century behind the age they live in, we are not without fear as to their conclusions. we have to contend with so many biasses, personal, local, fanatical, financial Etc. that we cannot foresee in what their combinations will result.God bless you, and preserve you in good health & spirits.

					Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 22 January 1819
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					Boston 22d. January 1819

				I have been persuaded (though I doubt of it’s Success) to forward to You the earnest Request of Mr. Wait, the Printer of “the state Papers & public Documents of the United States”. In a Paragraph of his printed Advertisement he expresses so strong a Regret for having omitted the inaugural Address which he now wishes to procure a Copy of, that I will hope, if in your Power, You will indulge him with.Inclosed You will have a Return of the Letters of J. Q. A. I have been highly gratified with them as expressing the glowing Effusions of a deeply distressed Mind. They are the Eloquence of a Heart, which such a son alone could elicit while contemplating the exalted Virtues of such a Mother.Will you again permit me to renew my Request for a few more Reminiscences of your eminent co–patriot S. A. There has never yet been a Satisfactory Portrait of this Man agreeing with my Ideas of him. From You only can I now obtain those discriminating Traits which established the Rank which he held throughout our Contry, at a Period of distinguished great Characters. Firmness & unshaken Constancy were universally allowed him. But was he versed in those sound Principles of Government that give it Stability, & that extensive legal Knowlege so necessary to create & rule a Nation in which Avarice, Ambition, Rivalship & Jealousy would be perpetually at work to impede it’s Operations, or subvert its measures. Surely there Must be much more than Republican Simplicity Necessary to sway, & to gratify a Nation of proud Freemen & elevated Spirits. Municipal Governments are the frail creatures of a Day. A boundless Territory & multitudinous Population, require other Measures, & higher Gratifications, for the quieting its numerous perturbed Spirits. But lest you think I am getting upon stilts, I will now only ask you to be assured of my most affectionate / Attachment

					Wm Tudor


Title: To John Adams from Henry Channing, 27 January 1819
From: Channing, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Boston January 27th 1819

				Permit me to ask your acceptance of the enclosed Register. It contains the Constitution of Connecticut, also exhibits the arrangement of the government & fiscal concerns of that State, which may not be uninteresting.I cannot forbear mentioning the high gratification afforded me, yesterday, by the opportunity of again seeing and conversing with one whom I venerate and love, whose devotion and services to his beloved country, will live with me in grateful remembrance, till I sleep with my fathers.In your recent sorrows, your numerous friends have deeply shared. Your consolations appear to have enabled you to triumph in hope, and submissively meet the will of a Father, whose tender mercies never fail.—I am Sir, / Very Respectfully & Affecty / Your Obedt Servt

					Henry Channing


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 January 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy January 29th: 1819

If I am not humble I ought to be, when I find myself under the necessity of borrowing a juvenile hand to acknowledge your kind favour of the 19.th: I have read your university report throughout with great pleasure, and hearty approbation; Of Tracy’s report I have read as much as I could, the translation appears to me an original written with all the purity, accuracy, and elegance, of its author in his maturest age if it can destroy the Parasite Institutions of our country it will merit immortal honor.
The Medici rose to the despotism of Europe, ecclesiastical, & political, by the machinery of banks, hundreds of mushrooms or Jonah’s gourds have sprung up in one night in America by the strength of the same rotten manure, how has it happened that the bank of Amsterdam has for so many years conducted all most all the commerce of Europe without making any profit to the proprietors. and how has it happened that religious liberty, fiscal science,—coin, & commerce, & every branch of political economy should have been better understood and more honestly practised in that Frog land, than any other country in the World?
Your letter shall be communicated without loss of time to Mr Shaw and consequently to Mr Channing by your Friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Pickering, 29 January 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Jan 29th 1819

I am ashamed to have delayed so long and at last to be obliged to Borrow a hand to acknowledge the receipt of your learned and ingenious essay on the pronunciation of the Greek language. I rejoice to see that men of letters are rising up to investigate such subjects with an extent of learning and a reach of sagacity that would do honor to any of the learned men in Europe.
Accept my thanks for this valuable present and my best wishes for the success of your studies and your happiness in life. “Macte virtute esto” so wishes and so prays.
your friend and humble servant
JOHN ADAMS


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 February 1819
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Frend!
Oldenbarneveld 1 Febr. 1819.

Persuaded, that it is a gratification to be informed of our continued health—a Severe cold Since three weeks excepted—I indulge myself in the pleasure, of Sending you a few lines—although I foresee, I cannot make these interesting. But it will give you a fresh proof, that the passing years can not obliterate the deep and grateful Sense, which I cultivate, of the numerous kindnesses, which you bestowed upon me, neither abate the ardour of my respectful attachment—If I shall survive you—who can or will fill up that gap? it is now rendered impossible! I pray a bountiful God—that he may continue to bestow his Blessings upon you—and preserve your chearfulness and vigour of mind—with the health of your bodÿ—till you are Summoned in peace—and then may your exit be calm, undisturbed—
I visited once more Albany—at the Govs Solicitation—It seems thus far I stand approved—my expences have been paid in $100—and $500—on account, of what I had performed—all the remaining Records—about forty vol—have been Sent to Oldenbarneveld—leaving it to me, without any Stipulations, in what manner I Should resolve to proceed.
Although I am not without apprehension, that I Shall not be able to accomplish the task—yet I Shall proceed—and do not yet despair. Dr Collins informs me, that he is encouraged to enter the same career, in regard to the Swedes in Pennsylvania—I hope, he may be successful, and that, in process of time, I may be of Service to Him.
As early as 1638—blacks cultivated a part of the Soil in the Island of Manhattans—and in the same year—existed Several Tobacco plantations—there and upon the North-River—to a considerable extent.
Thursday I made again a beginning with the Records—and when ever I meet any art worthy your notice, then I Shall communicate it
Can you recollect—from the chronique Scandaleuse of the day—the name of that Ladÿ—who pilfered—or borrowed—from under his pillow—the instructions of Congress from B. Fr.?
Continue to favour with your affectionate regards him—who remains—Dear and respected friend! / Your obliged friend!

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Guild, 4 February 1819
From: Guild, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir,
					4th Feby. 1819 Tremont Street

				The peculiar appropriatness of the enclosed letter, and the wish, often expressed by my mother, that you Could see it, induced Mrs Guild to Copy it, and is my apology for the liberty I take in sending it. The hope which, brightened the affection, and chastened the affliction, of Mr Jones, is also your hope. Such testimonies of the upholding power of the Almighty, to those who put their trust in him, are their richest earthly rewards, and our religion exhibits its most lovely features, when its disciples, in affliction, are enabled to feel, “Nevertheless, if the word of God be my Companion, & his holy Spirit my guide, I need not be solitary till I shall once more meet my departed Saint, never more to be seperated, which God grant in his good time, according to his word and promise in our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.”With great regard I am / My dear Sir, yr ob Set

					Ben Guild


Title: From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 5 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Niles, Hezekiah

Dear Sir
Quincy Feby. 5th: 1819.

I send you enclosed two pieces of paper.
1st. “Broken Hints to be communicated to the committee of Congress for the Massachusetts.” by Major Joseph Hawley of Northhampton.
This is the original paper which I read to Patrick Henry in the fall of the year 1774 which produced his rapturous burst of approbation & his solemn asseveration “I am of that Man’s mind.”
2d. A letter from Jonathan Sewall, March 11th. 1761. in answer to a letter I had written to him in which I had enclosed a copy of the notes I had taken of Mr. Otis’s argument against writs of assistants. I pray you to print these two papers in your Register, or whether you print them or not to send them back to me as soon as possible, for I would not exchange either of these originals for the show book at Harvard College and printed they shall be if it is at my own expense in the the handbill
I am Sir your friend & humble servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Gulian C. Verplanck, 6 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Verplanck, Gulian C.

Dear Sir.
Quincy Feby. 6th: 1819.

Had I been able to write or read your should not have been a month without an answer to your obliging favour of Jany: 7th: It was only the last evening that I had an opportunity to court a young Lady of sixteen to read your discourse to me & to her I am obliged this morning to write this feeble expression of my gratitude.
I have no recollection that I ever heard or perused any American oration with so much pleasure. The design of doing honour & celebrating the praise of those great and excellent & illustrious characters who have contributed so much to the rise & progress of our American system would become the best heart and the execution of it would do honour to the best head in the United States. I have not observed a single sentiment or opinion that I can disapprove.
If I had my senses I should be glad to write a few commentaries illustrative of the truths which you have so ably stated. But I must forbear & conclude with assurances of the great and sincere esteem of / your obliged friend / & humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to J.B. Binon, 7 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Binon, J.B.

Dear Sir—
Quincy Feby. 7th: 1819.

I have received your polite favour of the 3d: of this month. I am afraid that you are engaged in speculations that will never be profitable to you. The age of sculpture & painting have not yet arrived in this country and I hope it will not arrive very soon. Artists have done what they pleased with my face & eyes head & shoulders, stature & figure and they have made of them monsters as fit for exhibition as Harlequin or Punch. They may continue to do so as long as they please. I would not give a sixpence for a picture of Raphael or a statue of Phidias. I am confident that you will not find purchasers for your bust & therefore I am sorry that you are engaged in so hopeless a speculation because I believe you to be a great artist & an amiable man.
I am Sir with sincere esteem / your most obedient / humble servant
J Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 9 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

(Copy.)Dear sir,
Quincy February 9. 1819

In your last letter you consider me in debt, I will not dispute it.
You seem to wish me to write something to diminish the fame of Samuel Adams to show that he was not a man of profound learning, a great lawyer, a man of vast reading, a comprehensive statesman. In all this I shall not gratify you.
Give me leave to tell you, my friend, that you have conceived prejudices against that great character, and I wonder not at it. At present, I shall make only one observation, Samuel Adams to my certain Knowledge from 1758 to 1775 that is for seventeen years made it his Constant rule to watch the rise of every brilliant genius, to seek his acquaintance to court his friendship, to cultivate his natural feelings in favor of his native Country, to warn him against the hostile designs of Great Britain and to fix their affections and reflections on the side of their native Country. I could enumerate a list but I will confine myself to a few. John Hancock afterwards President of Congress and governor of the state. Doctor Joseph Warren afterwards major General of the militia of Massachusetts and the martyr of Bunkers Hill. Benjamin Church the poet and the orator, once a pretender if not a real patriot, but afterwards a monument of the frailty of human nature. Josiah Quincy the Boston Cicero, the great orator in the body meetings, the author of the observations on the Boston Port Bill, and of many publications in the newspapers I will stop here for the present. And now I will take the liberty of perfect friendship to add, that if your Judge Minot, your Fisher Ames, and your honorable senator Josiah Quincy the third had been as intimately acquainted with Samuel Adams as Hancock, Warren, and Josiah Quincy the second, they would have been as ardent patriots as he was.
If Samuel Adams was not a Demosthenes in Oratory, nor had the learning of a Mandsfield in law, or the universal history of a Burke, he had the art of commanding the learning, the oratory the talents, the diamonds of the first water that his country afforded without any body’s Knowing or suspecting he had it, but, himself and a very few friends. I have much more to say concerning Samuel Adams, but I cannot write and I am exhausted with dictating & must content myself with adding that, I am & believe ever shall be / Your affectionate friend
(signed) John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Brackett, 10 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Brackett, James

Dear Sir
Quincy Feby. 10th: 1819.

I have received your letter of the 5th: of Feby. As you have not agreed to any of my proposals in my last letter I now make a new one and that is that we both write in a petition or requisition to the fence viewers of the town that they would go upon the spot choose their own surveyor examine all the witnesses that they may summon or that either party may produce before them & determine the boundary line between us  forever & if they decree a legal fence of stone wall or posts and rails to be erected between us I will pay for my half of it with pleasure. but this will not be necessary if they will erect permanent marks that may prevent our posterity from being puzzled as we have been & still are. this will satisfy me. The same fence viewers may assess the damages due to me for shaving off a forest of trees of several acres undoubtedly my property.
I request an immediate and direct answer to this letter.
I am as I have been for four score years as nearly as I can remember never your enemy but invariably your friend and I know if you & I could go upon the spot we could settle the controversy in a few hours but this supposition is as chimerical as it would be to summon our Great Grandfathers to arbitrate between us
John Adams
P.S. It is with astonishment that I see a pretension set up of any boundary or mark of boundary already agreed upon. no human being has ever had authority or colour of authority from me to agree upon any thing except what I have written to you in black & white. The fence viewers must have the whole subject at large before them unshackled & unembarrassed by any thing but by the law of the land
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Josiah Nightengale, 11 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Nightengale, Josiah

Sir
Quincy Feby. 11th: 1819.

I have received information that you have mistaken the boundary line between your lot in the six hundred acres & mine that I bought of the late Genl. Ebenr: Thayer as to have cut & carried off a considerable quantity of wood from my land. I therefore propose to you to join with me in an application to the fence viewers of the town requesting them to go upon the spot choose their own surveyor, examine all witnesses that they may please to summon & all others which you & I may produce before them or such as we may request them to summon & then determine the line of partition between us by permanent boundaries. And also estimate the damages, if any, which have been done to me. I should be glad of an answer to this letter as soon as it is convenient.
And am you friendly neighbour
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Peter Ludlow, Jr., 11 February 1819
From: Ludlow, Peter, Jr.,Sheys, James B.
To: Adams, John

					Highly Esteemed Sir—
					New York February 11th: 1819

				Having been advised to arrange an unbiassed history of the events which have grown out of the late Seminole War, especially as relating to the conduct of General Jackson we assume the liberty of requesting your generous aid in an undertaking which we esteem laudable and important—In calculating the difficulties which might impede our project we were persuaded that no plan could be pursued preferable to the one proposed—Your Excellency’s Opinions on the various interesting questions arising from the operations of Genl. Jackson—the recent proceedings of Congress in regard to them—and such other assistance as your Excellency may be pleased to present—will be alike honorable to the Publishers and invaluable to the Readers of the contemplated Volume—And indeed Sir we cannot conceive of any more useful or pleasing pursuit than that of acquainting our fellow Citizens with the high and disinterested sentiments of him whose time has been spent and whose energies have been employed to atchieve for them that independence of “Soul and Community which is their present glory and their duty to perpetuate—May we request an early answer from your Excellency to this Letter:—if we are presumptuous permit the motive to excuse our Offence—Be pleased Esteemed sir to accept of our sincere wishes for your happiness and the assurance of our deep consideration—We are Sir / Your Obt. & humbl Servants

					Peter Ludlow jrJames B Sheys


Title: From John Adams to James Brackett, 12 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Brackett, James

Dear Sir
Quincy Feby. 12th: 1819.

I have received your favour of yesterday. The condition you mention or refer to is altogether inadmissable. No line or  section of any line or point of any line between us has ever been agreed upon by me or any person authorized by me or by my order or with my consent or knowledge.
I have been informed that boundary trees or blazed trees have been cut down & carried away that heaps of stones known for marks of boundary have disappeared and others have risen up which you will not believe have dropped from the skies or risen from the earth without hands. If such confusion of land marks takes place in that wilderness it is high time for some one to rise up & appeal to the laws and see if they will afford him justice in that wilderness. I am not capable of being such a champion but you know that if you refuse to unite with me in an application to the fence viewers, I have a right to demand of them to undertake the decision between us. The present fence viewers I know to be men of substance, experience, judgement & integrity. But March meeting is so near that it will be impossible for them to go through the business before their office will expire. I shall therefore wait to see who will be their successors and shall take my own time & my own way to seek my own remedy. In the mean time I remonstrate against your cutting one tree or one shrub within my right line.
It will be extremely difficult to convince Judges, Jurors or Fence viewers that a claim of an ox-bow or a half moon crowded into the right line of my lot is or can be well founded.
I am Sir, notwithstanding our present difference of opinion still & ever your friend / & humble servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Feby. 13th: 1819.

As you was so well acquainted with the philosophers of France I presume the name and character of Mademoiselle De Lespinasse is not unknown to you.
I have almost put out my eyes by reading two volumes of her letters which as they were printed in 1809 I presume you have read long ago. I confess I have never read any thing with more ennui, disgust and loathing. The eternal repitition of mon dieu and mon ami—je vous aime; je vous aime eperdument; je vous aime a la follie; je suis au desespoir; je espere la mort; je suis morte; je premme l’opium &c &c &c
She was constantly in love with other women’s husbands, constantly violating her fidelity to her own keepers with other women’s husbands constantly tormented with remords & regrets constantly wishing for death and constantly threatning to put herself to death &c &c &c
Yet this great lady was the confidential friend of Mr: Turgot the Duke De la Rochefaucault the Duchess D’anville, Mr Condorcet; the only lady who was admitted to the dinners which Madame Geoffrim made for the litterati of France & the world and the intimate friend of Madame Boufflers and the open acknowledged mistress of the great D’allembert and much admired by Marmontel.
If these letters & the fifteen volumes of De Grimm are to give me an idea of the amilioration of society & government and manners in France I should think the age of reason has produced nothing much better than the Mahometans the Mamalukes or the Hindoos or the North American Indians have produced in different parts of the world.
Festine lente, my friend in all your projects of reformation abolish polytheism however in every shape if you can, and unfrock every priest who teaches it, if you can. To compensate in some measure for this crazy letter I enclose to you Mr Pickering’s essay on the pronounciation of the Greek language which very probably you have received from various quarters before now and with it I pray you to accept assurances of the unabated friendship of / your humble servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 14 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir —
Quincy 14th. Feby: 1819.

Your letter of 20th: of two sheets of paper would require eight sheets at least to answer it and I cannot write one line. My head is brimfull & running over with observations on Mr Jefferson’s letter but I will not commit one of them to writing.
What great work you have in contemplation I know not. I have not even read “Tempus.”
Do you suppose I am sleeping on a bed of roses? Samuel Adams many years before my age was laid prostrate in his bed weeping & wailing. The robust Herculean & gigantic Franklin was confined for years before my age to his chamber & for the most part to his bed and have I not sorrows & griefs enough of my own?
However if you had not encumbered your letter with a copy of Mr Jefferson’s I would have transmitted your griefs puris maturalibus to President Mnroe but I can never advise him to remove Mr Hill from his office to make way for any other person.
I am Sir as ever your friend
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Dawes, 16 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Dawes, Thomas

Respected & Beloved Judge Dawes
Quincy Feby 16th: 1819.

Inclosed are copies of two letters written by me to my Wife one in the morning, and the other in the evening of the 3d: of July 1776 the day after the vote of Independence was passed in Congress. An extract of one of them has been published in the newspapers. Once on a time, upon my Stony field Hill, you interrogated me concerning that extract in so particular a manner that I thought you felt a tincture of pyrrhonism concerning its authenticity. If you have still any doubts I will show you the original letters, in my hand writing, whenever you will do me the honour of a visit in Quincy.—In those days my principle correspondent was my Wife, who was then surrounded by many of the principle Politician of the age, such as Genl: James Warren of Plymouth, and his Lady, Dr: Cotton Tufts of Weymouth, my Brother Richard Cranch of Braintree and Genl: Joseph Palmer of Germantown and many others who were constantly inquiring of her the news from Congress. Whatever related merely to public affairs she read to them or suffered them to read.
I am Sir with perfect esteem and / sincere affection your friend / and humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 17 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Feby 17th: 1819.

I sincerely and cordially pity you. But why are you not candid & explicit with me? If you expect me to assist you in your sublime and beautiful projects why do you not let me know what they are? From your enigmatical letter I can conclude nothing but that you are employed in a work to prove Governor Adams and Govr: Hopkins the joint authors of American Independence. If this is your design you will produce as ridiculous a mouse as was ever brought forth by a mountain. You might as well prove that Govr: Ward of Rhode Island was the author. No man living or dead was the author. You might as well prove that Serjeant Joyce was the author.
If you will write me a modest and candid representation of your situation I will transmit it directly to President Monroe and recommend it to his serious consideration. But I will never advise him to remove any old, able and faithful officer to make room for any other person whatsoever.
I am your steady friend though scarcely / able to write the name of
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from John Taylor, 20 February 1819
From: Taylor, John
To: Adams, John

					Respectable Sir
					Virginia—Port Royal—Feb: 20. 1819

				I am sorry you terminated your strictures upon my Enquiry because it is probable that I may comply with a late solicitation to issue a new edition, which I incline to enrich with your observations, as I formerly intimated to you. Its value would be still farther enhanced, if you would favour me with your opinion upon banking, which corresponded, I think, in some degree, with my own. The subject of a monied or Stock aristocracy, to which the Enquiry is chiefly directed, is becoming in my view, so important, as to justify this suggestion, since, should it succeed, it would be the means of my obtaining new lights for the publick.As I am writing, permit me to express my concurrance with your remarks in relation to Mr: Wirt’s history of Mr: Henry. I was old enough to serve often in our legislature with this gentleman, to know him and many other patriots of the revolution personally, and to take a deep interest in its progress from beginning to end. And although Mr: Henry possessed very popular talents as an orator, yet I know that he had but little celebrity as a statesman, and none as a soldier or writer. He had certainly some merit as a revolutionary patriot, but I  sincerely believe that its efficiency in promoting that event, was not one tenth part of that resulting from the efforts of many other gentlemen, among whom I cordially and conscientiously class yourself, as an offering to justice, and in some degree (should this letter reach future times) to supply your forbearance to vindicate your own claim. This testimony is, I confess, from a source too  inconsiderable to be very important, but as it comes from a contemporary witness, who has subsequently differed from you in several political opinions, its integrity may perhaps give it some weight.I am, with great respect, Sir, / Your mo: obt: Sert.

					John Taylor


Title: From John Adams to William Willis, 21 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Willis, William

Dear Sir
Quincy Feb 21. 1819:

I thank you for your address to the New Bedford Auxilliary Society for the suppression of Intemperance which I have read with pleasure and edification it abounds in ingenuity and information it is eloquent and pathetic it is pious and virtuous it addresses itself to the understanding & the heart. A drunkard is the most selfish being in the universe he has no sense of modesty shame or disgrace he has no sense of duty or sympathy of Affection with his father or mother his brother or sister his friend or neighbour his wife or Children no reverence for his God no sense of futurity in this world or the other all is swallowed up in the mad selfish joy of the moment. Is it not humiliating that Mahometans and Hindoes should put to shame the whole Christian world by their superior examples of Temperance? is it not degrading to Englishmen & Americans that they are so infinitely exceeded by the French in this cardinal virtue & is it not mortifying beyond all expression that we Americans should exceed all other & millions of people in the world in this degrading beastly vise of Intemperance
I am your obliged & Humble Servant
J Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 23 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir—
Quincy Feb’y 23d—’19

Enclosed is your letter to me of Feb’y 10th wh’ I return to you as you request—
I wrote to the President in your favour in as strong terms as I could pen—it is a rule as well established as it is indispensible, that the President shall answer no letters, recommendations, or testimonies, in favour of candidates for  office, accordingly, although Mr. Monroe did not answer my letter in your favour, yet he condescended to whisper to a friend a kind of apology to me, for having appointed Mr. Lovell—the representations to him of the merit of Mr. Lovell, had been so strong that he thought it his duty to appoint him,. This Mr. Lovell I never saw, nor heard of such a person,. till I heard of his appointment—I cannot but rejoice that a grandson of the one of the oldest & steadiest friends I ever had, has a grandson who supports a good character,. I wish with all my heart that some better fortune may attend you—but I know not any way in which I can promote it—. but it is a fixed principle with me, never to remove an able and faithful officer—to make way for any other—Though I could not write the body of this letter—I hope I shall be able in half an hours time to write the name of y’r friend & servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Feb’y—24th—1819

I am diligently & laboriously occupied, in reading & hearing your “political economy”—I call it yours because I do not believe that Tracys is more of an original in point of purity, perspicuity or precission—I have read as yet only to the 90th page—it is a connected chain of ideas & propositions, of which I know not which link to strike out. His philosophy appears to me to be precisely that of Dupuis—that is the eternity, infinity, & mechanism of the universe—his philosophy appears to me to roll on in a continued stream untill it disembogues itself into the unfathomable gulph of liberty & necessity—Is liberty a word void of sense? If it is there no merit or guilt—& there can be neither reward or punishment in the universe. His ethics appear to me in substance and essence to be those of Butlers sermons on human nature; & his preface to them of Hutchinsons writings throughout & of Tristram Shandy. At the bottom of the gulph of liberty & necessity for aught I know the key may lie which is to unlock the universe—but you know my opinion is that the key will never be found but by one being who will ever keep it in his own custody—Human understanding will never dive in this state of existence to such depths, & it is a vain & impertinent curiosity to think of it. Our duties are the charities, of father, friend & brother, fifty years ago I delighted more to see metaphysicians dance upon the point of their needles, than to see the exploits of dancers on the slack ropes or tight rope, but now my eyes are not keen enough to see the agility & capers of either—I am very glad however I have read so much and I intend to read the rest or hear it read. At present I will acknowledge one great obligation to it, that is the Chapter sixth—of money page 21st “When these denominations are admitted & employed in transactions to diminish the quantity of metal to which they answer by an alteration of the real coins, is to steal, a theft of greater magnitude & still more ruinous is the making of paper. It is greater because in this money there is absolutely no real value. It is more ruinous because by its gradual depreciation during all the time of its existence it produces the effect which would be produced by an infinity of successive deteriorations of the coin.” That is to say an infinity of successive felonious larcenies. If this is true as I believe it is we Americans are the most thievish people that ever existed, we have been stealing from each other for an hundred & fifty years. If anything like health remains to me, you shall hear more upon this subject from your friend & humble servant.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Brackett, 3 March 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Brackett, James,Brackett, Lemuel

Gentlemen
Quincy March 3d 1819

I have received with pleasure your civil & friendly letter of Feb’y 26th I am very far from censuring your fathers attachment to the lands of his ancestors I have felt & still feel a similar fondness for those of my own, these are natural feelings & amiable sentiments I have not tender Motives for doating on the lot in questions it was purchased for me with the hard earnings of my laborious youth by my departed consort now a saint in heaven under the auspices of my second father Dr. Tufts of weymouth whose anxiety to as certain what was right & to do no injury to any man induced him to put me to the expense of making a survey of the lot & plan of all its lines & limits which he transmitted to me & is now in my possession—between thirty & forty years ago when I was dashing through waves of the sea more mountainous than the six hundred acres as clamboring over the mountains of Asteriias & the Pyranees more rocky rugged and impracticable than any in New England:or wandering through deserts exposed to the dangers of robbers & assassins to preserve to your father & to you what not only the security of your property, but your liberties & lives. No considerations like these however should ever make us forget to do to others—what we would that they should do to us—nor tempt us to covet a tree, a bush, a shrub, a rock, or a weed, on the land of our neighbour. I have never yet heard one single person say, or that any one had given an opinion in favour of your claim, as there is a difference of opinion then between you and me—why will you not agree to submit this question between us to the investigation & decission of impartial judges: I have offered to submit it to the selectmen or the three deacons, or the fence viewers or any other impartial arbitrators you should name. You have agreed to neither, there is no other way of bringing the controversy to a close & that is by a process at law—which may be easily commenced but not so soon concluded: a hundred chances to one that both your father & I—shall be seal’d up in our tombs before the litigation shall be half way advanced & then all must be begun anew seventeen years of my life spent in laborious & anxious contentions among these processes have left upon my mind no affection for them, an action once brought either party will have a right to demand a view of the premises by a jury. A journey of twelve men from Dedham to this mountain under the custody of a sheriff & assisted by a surveyor appointed by the court would accumulate an expense far exceeding the value of all the land & wood in question & this I this I think would not become the characters of such wise old men as your father & myself.
The town I am told have chosen for fence viewers for the ensuing year Mr. Edmund Billings, Mr. Frederic Hardwick, & Mr. James Hall, to them I am willing to join you in an application to them to determine the line between us: or I am willing to submit it to the selectmen, the deacons, or any other impartial arbitrators that you shall name. I am Sirs your / respectful neighbour & very good friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 3 March 1819
From: Bradford, Alden
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston March 3d. 1819

				In your letter to me of Octo. last, for which I beg you accept my very respectful acknowledgements, you were pleased to recommend, that a pamphlet, “called an appeal to the world, in vindication of the town of Boston from the aspersions &c of Govr. Bernard & others” printed in the autumn of 1769, should also be inserted in the Vol. which I proposed to publish—And you observed, that it was the last effort of James Otis Esq—It is my intention to have that pamphlet, & some other proceedings of Boston connected with the dispute, then agitated, between the Colonies & the British Ministry, in the Vol. and from your authority, I should say, that the pamphlet was written by Mr Otis. But a Mr. Saml. A. Welles a grandson of the late Saml Adams, says that pamphlet was written by Mr Adams: and that he has the Ms. or part of it, in the hand writing of Mr. Adams, now in his possession.I have some doubts on this subject. This Mr Welles is very partially disposed as to the services of his Grand Father, & seems to think that every thing written & proposed by the town of Boston, the general Court of Massachusetts, & Congress even in 1775 & 1776, was suggested & proposed by Mr S. Adams—& in fact that he was Solus—as without him the revolution would not have taken place, nor the Independence of the Colonies declared  & maintained.I am not ignorant of the great & useful services of the late S. Adams. I find from my researches, that he was active & forward in 1767, 1768 &c—My only wish is to be correct, & to do justice to every one, in my book. If Mr Adams, & not Mr Otis, was the original writer of the pamphlet, I should be sorry to say, that it was written by the latter Gentleman—I am sorry to trouble you—& only request your opinion & advice in this case—My book progresses—I have 200 pages of it printed—& am now in the midst of the controversy between Lt. Gov. Hutchinson & the general court, respecting his right to keep it at Cambridgevery respectfully

					A. Bradford