Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 February 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy 25th. Feby 1825

Every line from you exhilarates my spirits and gives me a glow of pleasure—but your kind congratulations are a solid comfort to my heart. The good-natured and good-humoured acquiescence of the friends of all the candidates gives me a comfortable hope that your prediction may be fulfilled, that the ensuing administration will not be so difficult as in a former letter I had apprehended.
Here we have lost Eustace in whom the people appeared to be better united than under any former Governor but we have a prospect now of a successor in Lincoln in whom the people promise to be still more united so that it is probable that this State will not be so troublesome to the National administration as it was some time ago.
I had not heard of the death of Major Cartwright—that gentleman has been an anxious and laborious writer against boroughs and borough-mongers for more than fifty years. He appears to have had an ardent love for liberty but he never understood the system necessary to secure it—One of those ardent spirits whose violent principles defeated all their benevolent purposes—of whom Horne Took was the most eminent and the great Greek scholar another.
I look back with rapture to those golden days when Virginia and Massachusetts lived and acted together like a band of brothers and I hope it will not be long before they may say redeunt saturnia regna, when I hope the world will hear no more of Hartford Convention or Virginian Armories.
Have you read Genl. Smyth’s Apocalypse? I wish he had read Dupuis. This Genl Smyth appears to have an ardent inquisitive head. I like him much for his curiosity.—My old friend Randolph whose fierce fires appears to have cooled down into a more moderate and dignified light and splendour appears to have lost some of his animosity against me—he has not honoured me with a compliment for a year or two.
I wish your health may continue to the last much better than mine. The little strength of mind and the considerable strength of body that I once possessed appear to be all gone—but while I breathe I shall be your friend. We shall meet again so wishes and so believes your friend—but if we are disappointed we shall never know it.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from George Watkins, 1 March 1825
From: Watkins, George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Greenesboro’, Georgia, March 1st. 1825.

The result of the late presidential election, induces me altho’ quite remote & to you almost wholly unknown, to tender you an expression of my feelings on this important & highly interesting occasion. Please therefore to accept of the sincerest congratulations that Divine Providence having prolonged your life, you see & know that the first honor within the gift of the American people has been conferred upon your son; and also that his conspicuous talents & qualifications, joined with long & faithful Services devoted to his country eminently entitle him to it. From the first moment of an annunciation of his being a candidate to succeed president Monroe, he was & continued to be my first choice, among others, & it was hoped you would live to see the successful issue. I may also here congratulate you, that your name stands imperishably enrolled, among the worthies, as a signer to the ever memorable Declaration of Independence, & as one of the three remaining survivors. I have heard my uncle, the late judge Walton, who was engaged with you at this eventful crisis, often mention you & say, you were among its ablest & firmest supporters. It may be said to have been an astonishment to the world, & it must & will remain as an everlasting monument of heroism & magnanimous greatness.
Having taken the liberty of addressing you, an opportunity is afforded to recur to my letter written, by request, to the hon: judge Clayton relative to Mr. Crawford’s federalism. You will, it is sincerely hoped, believe me when I say, it has been cause of much regret as to an expression in it. I should & ought to have said, that your administration, as president, had been & was at that time highly marked with approbation: for it evidently appeared you had been mainly pursuing the course of your illustrious predecessor, with efficiency, & evident intention to promote the nation’s welfare & prosperity. I was never among those who joined in disapprobating your after administration; the clamorous & originally disaffected seeming to rejoice at the opportunity afforded them to heap all the blame exclusively on you, not willingly reflecting that the, to them obnoxious acts, were virtually the acts of the nation, by its representatives. Future & impartial history, however, will decide between yours & the administration of your successor. I do verily believe, that had you not have been supplanted, such a course would have been devised & adopted during a succeeding four years, & if afterwards pursued, might have possibly avoided the seeming necessity of the ruinous embargo, non-intercourse, & expensive & injurious war with Great Britain.
I have the honor to be, / Sir, most respectfully, / your obedient Servant,

Geo. Watkins.


Title: From John Adams to Horatio Gates Spafford, 2 March 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Spafford, Horatio Gates

Friend Spafford
Quincy 2d. March 1825.

I have transmitted your letter to Mr Adams but in total despair of success. The heads of Department are jealous of the interference of the President in the appointment of their clerks. I never could get in one clerk into any office during the whole of my administration. You must apply to the heads of Departments if you have any hopes of success. The Representatives from N. York will probably recommend you. I wish it was in my power to serve you but it is not and never will be.
I am your sincere friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Peter Whitney, 2 March 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Whitney, Peter

Dear Sir:
Quincy, 2 March, 1825.

John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, now called Quincy, in the year 1767, in the white house, near the foot of Penn’s Hill, which you sir, once inhabited. I had been attending Plymouth Court the whole week under the greatest anxiety. Returning on Saturday afternoon from Plymouth, I met Dr. Tufts on Hingham Plain between Dr. Shute’s house and Mr. Cushing’s tavern, who informed me that I had a son. He must therefore have been born Thursday or Friday. The next morning I carried him out to be baptized by Mr. Smith of Weymouth, his grandfather. His great-grandfather; John Quincy, was then dying. His daughter, the child’s grandmother, requested me to call him John Quincy.
These minute details are not worth remembering; but, as there seems to be a curiosity on the subject, you now have the truth.Most respectfully,
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Catherine Farnham Hay, 4 March 1825
From: Hay, Catherine Farnham
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Boston Vine Street March 4th—

				In this Universal Joy & celebration this day on your own Elevation to  first President of the United States; I partake as much  of it at my fireside. I cannot refrain to put pen to paper to congratulate you on this important event to this Country. That you have lived to see your son as Honourably situated & that he is considered decidedly the best Man for this Office, must be highly gratifying to you, I greatly rejoice in the happy event. It must be a great Solace to you in your decline of Life. I cannot help wishing his expected Mother might have been permited to have lived to have seen this—But I hope & trust, her Spirited Spirit is hovering around her dearest Earthly friends to ward off Evils & procure them to every Blessing necessary to fill Honourably & faithfully every station Providence placed them in,—I have been confined many Weeks or I shou’d have rode out  to personally to have congratulated you & Miss Smith as I know she partakes of this pleasure, we use these few lines as they  are felt with  real friendship, my best regards to Miss SmithWith great respect / Your Friend & Servt

					Catharine Hay


Title: To John Adams from Charles Holt, 4 March 1825
From: Holt, Charles
To: Adams, John

					Venerable Sir,
					New York, March 4, 1825.

				As you may now have some respite from the respectful attentions of your more immediate friends on the auspicious result of the recent Presidential Election, I take the liberty of asking permission, also, to congratulate you upon an event so honorable to yourself, so creditable and beneficial to our country, and so fortunate for the distinguished subject of the popular choice. We perceive, Sir, in the election of your son, a signal proof that republics are not forever insensible to personal merit, nor always ungrateful to faithful servants; and that the long wished time has at length arrived, when good sense has triumphed over party spirit, and patriotism prevailed over political hostility.—It is to your glory, Sir, that your son has proved himself worthy of your instructions, your wisdom, and your experience, and become confessedly the fittest and most deserving object to succeed, after time has restored the empire of reason, his father in the highest confidence and trust of a great and free people.I remain, Sir, (changed with the times (tempora mutantur) since 1798, and notwithstanding my trial of the Sedition Law) with the most sincere deference, esteem, and veneration, and desirous of contributing my mite to the consolations of a political Simeon, / Your very obedient humble Servant,

					Charles Holt.


Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Johnston, 15 March 1825
From: Johnston, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

					My Father,
					Happy Valley. Hillsboro N.H. March 15.’25.

				Permit one of your children who although in obscurity will ever feel an ardent desire for the best interests of his Country, to congratulate you on having lived to witness your amiable and worthy Son, President of the United States. I think you may now in aspirations like Simeon of old, “depart in peace.”That your last may be your best days, and when finished you may receive the reward of a true patriot and faithful friend of your Country, is the sincere hope and prayer of an affte. Child.I have the honor to be with / the truest respect & esteem, / your obt. Servt.

					Nathl. Johnston.


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 19 March 1825
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Washington March 19th. 1825

				To the frequent inquiries which I make respecting your health I have the satisfaction to receive the general answer that you enjoy a larger share of that blessing than usually belongs to a person who is so nearly approaching the beginning of his second century. You have my best wishes for its continuance.A desire to leave be hind me a less objectionable impression of the only work I ever published than the first edition has induced me to revise and correct it; and I now ask you to accept a copy of my history of the colonies, originally the Introduction to the Life of Washington;—as a testimonial of my grateful recollection of former personal kindness, and of the profound respect with which / I remain your Obedt. Servt

					J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to Catherine Farnham Hay, 22 March 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Hay, Catherine Farnham

Dear Madam
Quincy 22 March 1825

I recollect with great satisfaction the many pleasant days, that in time of my departed Consort, we passed together in France, in England, and in America. And I now receive with peculiar pleasure your kind congratulations on a late event, which I devoutly pray may be propitious to this great and growing Country. Though I am every day awaiting my Summons, I should be very happy to see you here, as long as I live, if you can afford me a visit—
I am Madam your sincere friend / and humble Servant
John Adams
P.S. Miss Smith presents her kind regards to Mrs. Hay


Title: From John Adams to Charles Holt, 22 March 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Holt, Charles

Sir
Quincy March 22—1825

I am much affected with your kind letter of the 4th. You are not alone Sir, in your change of opinion since 98. great numbers have since been convinced that at the sacrri sacrafice of my Popularity and my office I saved this Country from a ruinous and Foreign War and Civil War—. I thank you Sir for your two candid and civil letters—and for your kind congratulations on the choice of a President—. and am sir your obedient / humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Pearson Titcomb, 12 April 1825
From: Titcomb, Pearson
To: Adams, John

					Venerable Sir,
					Salem N. Hampr. April 12th. 1825

				May I hope that you will pardon the liberty I have taken of obtruding on your notice the enclosed trifle—being sensible that it possesses less poetry than truth, which is its only recommendation: I have indulged in the belief of your forgiveness, from the consideration, that you had the goodness, when chief Magistrate of the Union, to interest yourself in my behalf, on the following occasion.—In the year 1799 or 1800 I entered the service of the United States as a Cadet, in the 2d Regiment of Artilerists & Engineers—But owing to an informal appointment, I did not receive any pay for about six months—I waited on you, Sir, with a letter from Major Jackson, of that Corps, stating these facts; and you had the goodness to write to Mr. McHenry, Secry of War, in my behalf; but without avail;—I received only a Cadets warrant from him, with pay from the date of it. Not long after, I was honored with your signature to a Commission of first Lieutenant.—On your immediate Successor’s coming into office, the two Regiments, were reduced to one, of twenty Companies; in which, I was retained. In 1803, from some circumstances which rendered it very unpleasant for me to remain in the Army, I requested, and had leave to resign my Commission. But alass! After making every laudable exertion, and adhering to the strictest economy in my pecuniary concerns, I have never found myself placed on the list of Fortune’s favorites.Permit me Sir to congratulate on an event, the like of which, perhaps, will not occur again, in a Republican Government for ages—A father, living to see his son raised to the highest dignaty, in the power of a great & free people to confer, after having been, himself, the Nation’s choise! With fervent wishes for your happiness both here, and hereafter, I beg leave to subscribe myself your devoted and very humble Servant

					Pearson Titcomb


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

dear Sir
Quincy 19th April 1825

Mr. Charles Sigourney & Lady, a respectable pair in Hartford, Connecticut, the Husband a Son of my old friend in Amsterdam, and the Wife, a very conspicuous literary Lady, have requested a line to you, as they are bound on a journey to the seat of your University—and wish I suppose an apology for visiting Monticello—I have lost your last letter to me, the most consolatory letter I ever received in my life, what would I not give for a copy of it—
Your friend to all eternity
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Anne Royall, 29 April 1825
From: Royall, Anne
To: Adams, John

Hond: Sir
Boston April 29th 1825

Permit me to indulge my feelings in grateful acknowledgments for the very kind & polite reception with which you sir distinguished an humble stranger—nothing but the fear of disturbing your repose could have forced me from you so soon I could have conversed with you an age—The same fear Obliged me to suppress the pleasur it would have given me to have informed you that I was present at the exhibition of the students at Cambridge & delight with which I witnessed the delicacy of Your Grandson Mr Charles F. Adams upon "Internal improvements, commerce, & manufactures as objects of National policy"—But you will see it—The modest youth was overwhelmed with applause—I had the paper containing the order of the performance with the names, when at length the charming youth arose, I should have known him amongst a thousand by his angel-mother whose image he is—I stood up during his performance that I might not loose one particle of him, regreting that he was unapprized that one was so near him who took a deep interest in that manly eloquenc with which he acquited himself—But I tire you sir—May your future days be as pleasent & happy as your long life has been honourable & useful, is the fervent prayer of your sincere friend

Anne Royall

NB I beg the Ladies of your family to accept the homage of my profound regard & esteem


Title: From John Adams to Anonymous, April 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Anonymous

dear Sir
Quincy April 1825

I am almost  most ashamed to acknowledge to you my tardy obligation, for your handsom Edition of your History of the Colonies—butt I am heartily thankful for your valuable present—but ninety years are extremely heavy—ninety years are greatful to me—heavy as ninety years are


Title: To John Adams from William Sullivan, 10 June 1825
From: Sullivan, William
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston June 10. 1825.

				I have the honor to enclose a card for the celebration on the seventeenth; An occasion on which your presence would add, beyond that of any other man’s, to its interest and importance.—I pray leave to take this opportunity to express my deep and lasting regret, that in the sketches of professional life, it should have been my misfortune to have omitted yourself, so distinguished an honor to the Bar, as among the surviving Barristers.—I have no consolation in this positive affliction, but this, that I endeavoured to express the long cherished admiration of your professional exertions in the celebrated trial of the Massacre.—If my humble performance should reach another edition I shall publicly atone for my error.—I have the honor to be, sir, most respectfully yr. ob. serv.

					Wm: Sullivan.


Title: To John Adams from J. Brazer Davis, 26 June 1825
From: Davis, J. Brazer
To: Adams, John

					Boston 26th June 1825

				The Washington Society, desirous to evince their respect for one of the Fathers of American Liberty, have directed me to request you, in their behalf, to accept the enclosed Ticket to the Dinner, prepared by the Society on the ensuing anniversary of American Independence.With the highest respect, /  I have the Honor to be, / Your most obedient servant

					J Brazer DavisCorrespd Secy W. Socy.


Title: To John Adams from Edward Everett, 29 July 1825
From: Everett, Edward
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Boston July 29. 1825.

				His Serene Highness, the Duke Bernard of Saxe Weimar has expressed a Strong desire of being introduced to you. He is the Second Son of the reigning Grand-Duke of Weimar, who so honorably distinguished himself in 1817, by being the first German Prince to give a Popular Constitution to his subjects. The Wife of the Duke Bernard is sister to the reigning prince of Saxe Meiningen. He is himself a Major General in the Army of the King of the Netherlands, And military governor of Eastern Flanders. I Should feel very happy to be the medium of procuring him the honor of An introduction to you, if Your health permits you to do him favor: & for this purpose I will Accompany him to Quincy, Any day You will be pleased to appoint.—I am, Dear Sir, With Sincere veneration, / Your faithful humble Servant,

					Edward Everett


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Delafield, 13 August 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Delafield, Joseph

				To Joseph Delafield Esqr: Agent of the United States under 6. & 7th Art’s of treaty of Ghent—
					 Sir.
					Quincy. Aug. 13. 1825

				In reply to your question, upon what map did the Commissioners trace the boundary line described in the Treaty of 1783—I answer that it was Mitchells map.And to your question, whether by the Long Lake intended by the treaty was meant the Long Lake laid down in Mitchells Map,—I answer, that it was, & that we used no other authority for places named in the description of the boundary line than Mitchells map.Your Obt. Sert

					John Adams

					Signed in presence of Wm. E. Payne


Title: To John Adams from Gurdon S. Mumford, 25 August 1825
From: Mumford, Gurdon S.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
New York 25th. August 1825

As a Member of the French benevolent Society established in this City more than 20 years ago for charitable purposes, and feeling for suffering humanity and desirous to contribute my mite towards aiding their benevolent intentions I have been induced to compose a brief view of the Honor’s render’d to General LaFayette by the People of this State, and the Constituted Authorities both of the State and Corporation of this City, from the day of his arrival in our City 16 August 1824 untill his final departure on the 14 July 1825.—The main object of the writer of, “The Pamphlet’s” is for the purpose of having it them offer’d for Sale here, and likewise sent out to the liberales in France for the same end, and the whole proceeds to be applied to alleviate their unfortunate Countrymen who may have been overtaken by misfortunes beyond their controul.—This institution was founded on the laudable motive of aiding their distressed Countrymen and thereby prevent them from becoming a charge on the bounty of the Corporation of the City. There are more than 400 French Inhabitants permanently residing within the City and County of New York, some in affluence, some in moderate circumstances and others in deep adversity. all of remarkable industrious habits, and generally good Citizens.—some have been proscribed by the iron hand of Arbitrary power in the old World, and have been compelled to seek an Asylum and a resting place in this Land of freedom.—
I do not send you The Pamphlets as containing any thing new, the subject is familiar to you, but they are intended more immediately to serve for the information of the rising generation as a Memento; and for Strangers abroad, & for the liberales in France to whom a number of Copies have been already transmitted.—
“Charity vaunteth not itself, it is kind, it is not puffed up, it envieth not.”—and as my object is to aid the benevolent intentions of the Society, I must request the favor of you, not to say anything about the name of the writer, and to consider this communication confidential.—
As “every Man is not a Prophet in his own Country” I have deemed it most advisable under all considerations to assume the name of a Philadelphia Gentleman (under the signature of S—— my middle name) on a visit to New York
Having retired from Political life for the last 14 years where I was desirous of remaining in peace and quietness; but as I had the happiness to be placed in the Family of the great and the good Doctor Franklin at Passy during the eventful periods of our glorious Revolution; and the same hand that writes these lines had the satisfaction to place on record his Dispatches to Congress conveying to that body the very important services render’d by General LaFayette to our beloved country in the Hour of peril and at a time that tried the Souls of Men: under these impressions and knowing the very affectionate regard that my benefactor entertain’d for the “Disinterested” Marquis De la Fayette” a denomination he frequently applied to him.—I could no longer remain in retirement, and have been called an enthusiast in his praises—no wonder, for I knew & could duly appreciate the meritorious services he had voluntarily render’d to our Country.—
 Born in the land of steady habits, brought up in the republican School of Dr: Franklin, and of the great & good George Clinton, I have steadily deemed it a great happiness under the blessing of God to endeavour to follow them through good, and thro’ evil report.—and I now take great satisfaction in sending you George Clinton’s Political Legacy as corresponding with the sentiments of the 48 Protestants who enter’d their protest against the Doctrine of infallibility in the year 1808—altho’ 48 Members of Congress agreed verbally to support the Protest, only 17 came up to the sticking place, and signed their names.—
With Sentiment of great Esteem and Respect I have the Honor to be, Dear Sir, / Your most Obedient Hum: Servant

Gurdon Saltonstall Mumford

Gurdon. S. Mumford had the pleasure to see Mr: Adams in company with Mr. Elkanah Watson 44 Years ago at the Academy at the foot of the Hill at Passy on the Banks of the River Seine, where his son John Quincy Adams, R: Izard, Charles B Cochran and Jesse Deane were placed for their Education, and the writer in the Office of Doctor Franklin in the same village—of those five young Men who occasionally amused themselves in a promenade through the Bois de Boulogne, they then could not in the nature of things have expected that they should all be alive in 1825. nor that they should be honoured with the respective stations which they have held since that period held in Society.—The first, is President of the United States. The second, was a General Officer with Army of the United States. The third, is President of the Union Bank Charleston, has been State Senator & in Assembly &c. The fourth, is a Respectable Merchant at Hartford. The fifth, Represented six years in Succession the City and County of New York in the Congress of the United States.—The first is authorised to select 24000 acres of Land for General La Fayette. The third, a distinguished friend of, and translated Stanzas in Honor Genl: La Fayette. The fifth, presented Dr: Franklin’s every Day cane to General La Fayette. The great Cane of Ceremony was bequeathed to our beloved Washington.


Title: To John Adams from Henry Clay, 27 August 1825
From: Clay, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Washington 27 August 1825

				Mr. Rabello being about to visit Boston and your residence, and being very desirous of the honor of your acquaintance, I take particular satisfaction in introducing him to you as the Chargé des Affaires of the Emperor of Brazil and as a gentleman whose official and private intercourse with me has inspired me with high respect for him.I have the honor to be / with great respect /  Your obedient Servant

					H. Clay


Title: To John Adams from Captain Ryk, 2 September 1825
From: Ryk, Captain
To: Adams, John

					on board HM the King of the Netherlands Sloop Pallar. Boston Harbour Sept: 2d. 1825

				Captain Ryk takes his leave and presents the Expression of his Veneration to His Excellency President Adams.Among all the pleasant recollections his stay in Boston never will fail to give him. certainly he allways will remember with the greatest interest that he had the honour to be introduced to the Veteran of the American liberty, ones the first Magistrate now the father of the first Magistrate of this happy land.He begs His Excellency to accept his deep respect.


Title: To John Adams from John Brennan, 4 September 1825
From: Brennan, John
To: Adams, John

Very esteemed Sir,
Kingston N.Y. 4th. Sepr. 1825—

Were it not that I am well acquainted with the illustrious place you deservedly hold, in the annals of your Country; and that I know also, that your whole life; in its dawn; meridian; and (according to the limited age of man) your matured days, were devoted, and most usefully devoted, to the best interests of your Country; I should not trouble you with this letter:—I have addressed more than fifty letters to such characters; but our history, with all its imperfections and prejudices, (which, permit me to say, Sir, are not few) record no name, more deservedly illustrious, than the Gentleman to whom I have the honor of addressing myself—I am no sycophant, Sir; like you yourself; (though something less than 40. years your junior) I was born a Royalist; and like yourself also, I was born under the British Crown;—in one of its numerous apenda, (not more than 300 miles from the British metropolis—) Aye, Sir, and with pride, with a pride such as none but those who feel it, can understand; my Fathers too, raised their swords against the undue oppression of a Nation, not more illustrious than mine, and that of my Fathers, for arts, learning & civilization—
Having promised, Sir, that I pretend to know the Gentleman, to whom I address myself—(and who, but the more illiterate, do not know you, Sir, in your brilliant career through life?) I repeat it, that from my knowledge of the distinguished rank, which your name has, and must hold, in the history of our Country at, and during the period, and subsequent to the Revolution, I will be pardoned for obtruding myself on your Notice.—
The subject, to which I most respectfully crave to draw your attention, is the "Travels of the Marquis De’Chastellux through the Atlantic States, in the years 1780. 81. 82 & 83—I suppose that you were not acquainted with the name and character of that distinguished Nobleman; would be, (in my humble opinion, little less than an insult,) as he was, and is, well remembered by every surviving Patriot and Statesman of the eventful period of our Revolution—If there were no other books in existence, but the two Volumes of this amiable and distinguished Traveller, there is sufficient proof the distinguished, and disinterested patriotism of Two Adamses—John & Samuel—And ere I proceed any further permit me, very respectfully to ask the following Historical question:—Whether John or Samuel Adams, wrote the Constitution of the Form of Government of Massachusetts Bay?"—There is a singular discrepancy between the Marquis De Chastellux, and his Translator—The former affirms, that in a conversation with Mr. Saml Adams at Philadelphia, in (I think) the year 1781—) among many other subjects discussed, it was expressed, or at all events, the language made use of by Mr. S. Adams, implied, that he was the Author of The admirable system of Government of Massachusetts Bay; as the Marquis De C. expresses it.—But his translator,—who appears to be well acquainted with every subject, and every event, upon which the Marquis treats, affirms boldly, that it was not the Production of Mr. Samuel Adams, but of Mr. John Adams (then, 1787) Ambassador in London"—One man, (perhaps) out of 500, would wish to know the truth of this matter, and if 50,000 people know it, throughout the united states, future Ages will be just enough, I hope to give credit to the real Author:—Every School-boy knows the Fable of the ‘Dove with borrowed Feathers’—Thousands have employed their pens to ascertain who the Author of Junius was.—Mankind, till within a few years, attributed  the sole writing of the Declaration of Independence, to Mr. Jefferson; but with a becoming candour, that great and good man, has acknowledged, that he was not the Author of it, in its present shape—
I have already observed, Sir, that I presumed you were familiar with the name of the Marquis De Chastellux—and although he does not give you credit for writing ‘The admirable System of Government of Massachusetts Bay;’ he does in many other parts of his truly interesting Work, do you that justice, which characterises the whole of the numerous sketches he gives of the great men of our Country—The two Volumes of his Travels I am about republishing, were  written during the periods already mentioned—They were originally printed in Paris, in 1785—and in 1786-7, they were translated into English, "By an English Gentleman (anonymous) who was in America during the period of the Revolution, with explanatory and elucidatory Notes, by the Translator"—The copy in my possession was the only one, that ever I heard, found its way to this country:—it was sent to my Wife’s Father, Coll. Bauman, (formerly Post Master of N. York) by the Translator, immediately after its publication—The work has never been published in this Country—And as I have taken some pains to inform myself upon the subject of the events of the Revolution—I boldly affirm, that there is no one, individual work, in our country, which contains so much instructive, as well as entertaining matter, as these Travels—Having devoted several months to the preparation of this work—and having already prepared many useful notes, to throw some light on subjects that may seem to be at variance with other historical documents:—I am desirous of having your opinion, Sir, on the subject already submitted to your consideration; as it respects the Authorship of the Constitution of Massachusetts.
The work which I have the honor to submit to your consideration—& to the publication of which, permit me very respectfully, to solicit your patronage as a Subscriber—is already encouraged by several of your Compatriots of the Revolution—and by their immediate Successors—From among several letters in my possession, I shall only trouble you with the perusal of two.—
The first is from your ancient and venerable Friend, Jefferson—whose name, with your own, and that of the Venerable Carrol, now only dwells among the living, of that Gallaxy of Patriots who signed the declaration of our Independence—
The Second is from Genl. Armstrong, a Gentleman whose name is identified with the best interests of his country.—
(Copy)
Sir
Monticello Aug. 5th.—25.
Your letter of July 25. finds me in so low a state of health as to be able only to say in reply to it, that I had too much regard and friendship for the M. De Chastellux to decline any thing which might bear witness to his merit. To the publication therefore of his life (memoirs) and travels I willingly subscribe according to your request. and pray you to accept assurances of my great respect—
(signed) Th: Jefferson—
(Copy)Dear Sir,
 Lower Red Hook 22d aug. 1825
I have been favored with the receipt of your letter of the 16th. instant. and am very much pleased to learn, that we are about to have a new Edition in our own language, of the Travels of the Marquis De Chastellux, in the United States in the years 1780. 81. 82 & 83—You are not mistaken in supposing, that I was personally acquainted with the Marquis De. C—— and that I have always entertained a very high opinion of his talents & acquirements.—I beg you to consider me as a subscriber to your work, and that I shall be glad to see both you and it, at this place, whenever it may be convenient for you to cross the River—
With great respect, I am, Dear Sir, / your most obedt. Servant
(signed) J. Armstrong
Having already extended this letter, to (I fear) an unreasonable length, I have to crave your excuse, Sir; and shall only add, that I am merely waiting answers from a few more of the illustrious Patriots of the Revolution, to whom I have written;—and that it is my intention to put the Work to Press, in the course of the early part of next month—and that it will be sent to subscribers free of expence, about the middle of November—
The 2. Vols. contain about 450pp—each, and with the additional notes will contain perhaps, 500, in the new Edition—the price to subscribers will be   $6 per set, in Boards —& $8 in Calf—extra: binding—gilt and lettered—only 500 Copies will be published in the first Edition—and of that number more than 100 are already engaged and subscribed for—The City of Boston alone, I am persuaded, would purchase more than the whole of the above number—but my pecuniary means are not adequate to a greater number of sets ’till I realize something from the work—All who have read it pronounce it to be one, which will reconcile many of the discrepancies in the history of the periods in which it was written—Sincerely wishing you good health, and life to read this work, permit me to assure you of the respectful consideration, / with which I am Sir, / your mo. obt. Sert.

J: Brennan

   At the time of the translation of this work—


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Perkins, 16 September 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Perkins, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy 16th Septr. 1825.

I am deeply indebted to you for a polite and friendly letter and for a noble basket of Grapes, which were the more delicious for the fair hand by which they were presented. Such clusters and varieties of Grapes, I have never seen, since I lived some part of the day in Boileau’s garden, at Auteuil in France. They are perfectly delicious. You have merited the thanks of the Country, by giving full proof, by experiment, that such fruits may be raised in our climate and in our soil. Accept my sincere thanks for this splendid and kind remembrance of me, which I shall never forget.
I have the honour to be your / Obliged friend & Hble Servt.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 18 September 1825
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and High Respected Friend!
Oldenbarneveld 18 Spt. 1825

After Such a long protracted Silence you will not find fault, that I indulge once more in writing you a few lines—your kindnesses, of which I received So many proofs during more than forty years—your affectionate esteem, which never was abated would be a Sufficient apology—even if I had from time to time obtained a few lines from one of your family. But the last pertinent account of the Situation of your health—was, when I was honoured by Mrs Quincy with her affectionate Letter of the 14th Apr. By all my former acquaintences the remembrance of your frend Seems to be obliterated. Except by Mr Tyng—whose warm attachment is not cooled—Nay—he even visited me for a day—with his Spouse, and persuaded me to accompany him to Utica, where I Stay’d one night at my frend Platt’s house, under whose roof I had not been in four years. Frendship—my Dear Respected Frend! is the balm of my live, and refines my domestic happiness—could you not have persuaded George—to write a few lines—if any other member of the family could not condescend to it?—By me not one is forgotten. Often, when I labour in my garden and I do So  usually from Sunrise—till its Setting—and often in my room, I expatiate with you or your Son in your delightful mansion—but this pleasing phantom Soon dwindles away—and I repeat with a deep Sigh—O Boston! O Quincy o Montezillo! numquamne te revisam? alas! I dare not foster that hope.
Soon every thing around you Shall brighten—you Shall revive a while, when the President your Son visits you, may happiness be your lot during that period—indeed—your last days appear to me your best days—now your grateful heart Shall be resigned to depart in peace—to bestow on those worthy children your Fatherly blessing—to reunite again with your beloved, revered, blessed Abigail—
Be So kind, to remember me respectfully to John Quincy—and I Solicit you, to enquire of Him—as I cannot with propriety obtrude a Letter to Him—if About three years past—Genl. Kirkland, then our member of congress—delivered to Him Some of my Mss among these—that on the Achaic Republic—on copper by the Ancients—on incestuous marriage—when I Solicited, to be favourd with his criticisms—if he had leisure to glance these over If these papers were not delivered, I Should wish to be informed of it—if So, as He can not now devote his precious times to Such triffles He may return these by the Hon. H Storrs—this winter or convey them to my Son at Philadelphia. My object in this request is—I contemplated Some time Since—for which these papers might be of use, to draw a paralel between the Achaic and ancient Dutch—and our American Republic—and Show the Superiority of the last. You recollect I drew the outlines for Such an undertaking—in a preface, when I published—forty years past—Trumbull and Livingston Lett—which you then honoured with your distinguished approbation. Not, that I am vain enough, my Dear Respected Frend! to flatter myself—that I can—now—after 73 Finish Such a work—and if I could—it was impossible to execute it in English—my idiom is too incorrect—Such a noble task—a comparision between ancient and Modern Republicks—and America Superiority, can only be accomplished by the pen of a John Quincy A. and would encircle his head with a never failing wreath. My object is—to draw a memorandum—of some rough Strokes—which might in time induce a grandson to fill up the gap—
I was delighted—with my enraptured family—when my Son read to us—the President’s farewell addres to La Fayette—I heard once more my departed frend John Luzac—and more than John Luzac amazed the astonished audience and poured a flood of exquisite feelings in La Fayette’s bosom.
Remember me kindly to Mr & Mrs Quincy—and—My Dear and high Respected frend! If I Should Start, before you on our long—Soon approaching journey—I am confident—I Shall even then not be forgotten by you and I pray, that I then may be deemed deserving to See you again—I remain with the deepest respect and warm affection / Your devoted and / obliged Frend!

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp

P.S. I forgot to mention that my grandson Adrian after an examination of nearly two hours has been admitted as an Alumnus of Yale College—God bless his exertions Did you receive by mr Gebhard from N. York my frend P. Vreede’s treatise on Nat industry and commerce—the French translation—It was by him received—and promised—to forward it—which I feel Some what anxious—that it might not have been performed—


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, September 1825
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

					Olden Barneveld, Sept. 1825.

				 Often when I labour in my garden,—and I do so usually from sunrise till its setting—I expatiate with you and your son in your delightful mansion. Soon everything around you shall brighten, you shall revive a while, when the president your son visits you. Indeed your last days appear to me your best days.


Title: To John Adams from John Henry Sherburne, 4 October 1825
From: Sherburne, John Henry
To: Adams, John

					Honored Sir,
					Portsmouth October 4. 1825.

				As the nephew of your late friend General William Whipple, who signed with you the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and who afterwards defended it, with his sword, and as the Nephew of the late Governor John Langdon, who assisted, in framing our all wise Constitution, I beg your acceptance of the Volume herewith transmitted, being the Life & Charactor of your late friend, and Patriot John Paul Jones.and am with the highest respect  / & veneration Your obt. Servant

					John Henry Sherbourne.


Title: To John Adams from T. D. Clark, 6 October 1825
From: Clark, T. D.
To: Adams, John

					My Dear sir
					Columbia Tennessee 6. Octr 1825

				In order not to be tedious or Embarrassing to you I must be brief. I am a son of a Republican who fought and Bled in the Cause of liberty and Equality. he died in 1804 but in the Revolutionary he was so Disabled by his wounds Recd. that he had his leg amputated—he belonged to Genl. Greens Division his name was Samuel Clark. he bore a Majors Commission in the Continental army. My whole object in writing these few Imperfect lines is merely to acknowledge our greatest Esteem and veneration to you for your many Services Rendered to the benefit To our common Country. I anxiously wish to Receive a few lines written (If possible by your own hand writing) how your Health is and thereby procured your own writing as a Relic for me to Treasure up with the letter of the Immortal Jefferson Recd. 16 Augt last—In writing these few lines my motive is not for the sake of popularity or any selfish motive but as a tribute of Respect from a poor (but I hope Respected) Member of the Community my own venerable father of our highly favoured Republic Enjoy every good that this life is capable of Enjoy while the lamp holds out to burn—may his sun Recline in Tranquility and Immortal Glory, and may The Administration of J. Q. Adams president be a Joyful one may partisan Recede and we all be cemented in one compact Brotherhood is the sincere wish of your serv

					T. D. Clark


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Frothingham, 13 October 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Frothingham, Samuel

					October 13th, 1825

				Know all Men by these Presents, That I John Adams of Quincy Do make, constitute and appoint Samuel Frothingham of Boston my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to transfer to the Treasurer of the United States in trust for Said states, all the Exchanged  6 P. Cent Stock of the United States, and 6 P Cent Stock of the Loan of 1812 standing in my name on the Books of the Bank of the United States at Boston; to receive payment therefor and place the amount to the Credit of Thomas B. Adams my agent at Said Bank in Boston, with power also an Attorney or Attornies under him for that purpose to make and substitute; and to do all lawful acts requisite for effecting the premises, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my the said Attorney or Substitute or Substitutes shall do therein by virtue hereof.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the thirteenth day of Octr. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five

					J Adams

					Sealed and delivered in the presence of
				John Adams Junr.
			BE IT KNOWN, That on the thirteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty five Before me, Thomas B Adams a Justice of Peace Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, duly commissioned and authorised, dwelling in the Town of Quincy—came John Adams, above named, and acknowledged the above Letter of Attorney to be His act and deed.IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal, the day and year last aforesaid.Thomas B Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Coffin, 24 October 1825
From: Coffin, Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Hudson Oct 24—1825

				Permit me Sir, to ask of you one Small favour, that is to write a few lines to the Presdent of the United States in behalf of my Son Alex Coffin junr, for the appointment of Surveyer of the Port of New York, it is understood that General Swift, who now fills that office, will Resign soon after the meeting of Congress in Decm next, And on that supposition, I make to you this application. The person for whome I ask this appointment, was a lad in the Compting House of Delalandy & Fynee Merchants in Amsterdam, when you was Minister in Holland—and you may perhaps recollect you procured him an appointment as Midshipman on board the South Carolina Frigate—Come Gillon, and he Served on board Sd ship 14 months—your Son Charles was passenger on Board at same time—When the office of Surveyer was Vacant Some years ago, President Monroe promised it to the above applicant (perhaps not unconditionally) but Some intervention took place which prevented, his appointment at that time,—as to his compotency or fittness to fill the office & discharge its dutys. with Punctuality and good Faith, and to the Satisfaction of Goverment, I have no doubt—his Character and Standing in Society, may easily be ascertained from from the first Characters in New York where he now resides, he has been agint of the State Prison in New York for 8 or 9 years past, but Resigned last Winter—Perhaps there may be Som other office Vacant, if the Surveyers office Should be ingaged, which might Suit as Well—It is Said the Port master in New York will resign the winter Coming,—A letter from you to the President on the Subject above mentioned, may be of great Service to the applicant,—and will most Assuredly very much oblidge your Assured Friend & Obt Servt—

					Alex: Coffin


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Green, 26 October 1825
From: Green, Samuel
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					New London (Con) Oct 26, 1825

				A stranger who holds your character in affectionate and reverential regard, requests you to accept a copy of An Address delivered on Groton Heights, the 6th ult. by Wm H. Brainard, Esq. of this city, in commemoration of one of the most painful, but glorious events of the war of the revolution; assured that the recorded evidences of the voluntary sacrifices, heroism and patriotic devotedness of the generation of the Revolution can never fail of interesting one who acted so important and  a part honorable a part in these perilous times; and that you, who achieved so much towards gaining the invaluable prize of Independence, can never be in indifferent to the means adopted  & adopting for rendering permanent the History of those events which will most forcibly impress our descendants with a due sense of the magnitude of the price paid for the blessings transmitted to them—stimulating them to emulate the deeds, to venerate the memory, and immortalize the principles of their ancestors.—Wishing you every comfort in life, & humbly praying for your immortal happiness, I am with the highest  regard, / most respy yr. obt servt

					Saml Green


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 November 1825
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and High Respected Friend!
Olden barneveld 13 Nov. 1825

You will not be displeased, I am confident, if I address you again a few lines—perhaps—one or other of your family may consider it proper, to favour me at a proper period with Some information—with respect to your continued health—of which the N. papers assure us, you enjoy a considerable Share—What a blessing at Such an advanced age! My family was with me highly gratified—in Seing in these your 91 anniversary celebrated by your friends and acquaintances—what a delightful choice was that for the minister, who celebrated it—May your last days be your happiest, if any terrestrial blessing can be added to what has fallen to your Lot—All who know you, and more So, they who gathered—during So many years Such a rich harvest of your uninterrupted kindnesses can not be Sufficiently thankful to a Bountiful God.
Health and comfort remains up on the whole our lot—although during the hot Season—mrs. v. d. k. was Somewhat enfeebled She has now again obtained more Strenght. If it pleases providence to prolong her days till the 16th Dec—She then Shall enter her 80—How can we be Sufficiently thankful!
An Essay on the liberty of maritime commerce and National industry was published by my old frend J. Vreede, whom had Seen, when in Holland—I requested—that He would remit to you the French Translation of it, which Mr. Gebhard of New-york informed me, was forwarded by the Collector of the Port. Althoug you may not peruse it you will be pleased with its contents, if they are communicated to you by your Son—Judge Adams. I was delighted by the perusal of the President’s Letter to the Citizens of Baltimore—This was in the true noble Roman cast—He need not to fear competitors, and cannot be driven from his course by the most artful and boldest.
I Should become Some what apprehensive—my dear respected frend—if I could once more return to N. England that Scarce any one would recollect me, if you did not, renew to them the remembrance of an old Dutch Recluse!
My grand Son is now at New-haven college—If his conduct remains unimpeached, and his progressing industry equals his promising talents—He may become an ornament to that College. May we and his worthy Parents be blessed in this regard—and So is my ardent wish that your amiable George may attain the Same end—can you not employ him as your Secretary? Remember me kindly to every member of your family—you are fully persuaded, my Dear and high Respected Frend! that I, as long I breathe, I Shall remain / your devoted and obliged Frend!

Fr. Adr. van der kemp


Title: To John Adams from Dr. Thomas Sewall, 21 November 1825
From: Sewall, Dr. Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Washington City Nov. 21 1825.

				Believing that you Still continue to feel a deep interest in the promotion of Science through the country, & that you will take a particular pleasure in the establishment & prosperity of Scientific institutions at the Seat of the National Government I take the liberty to forward to you a copy of the circular of our Medical insti School, with a copy of the Introductory lecture delivered at its opening.With Sentiments of the highest / consideration & esteem I am / Your obedt humble Servt

					Tho. Sewall


Title: From John Adams to John Henri Isaac Browere, 23 November 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Browere, John Henri Isaac

					November 23, 1825

				This certifies that John H. I. Browere Esq. of the City of New York has yesterday and to-day made two portrait bust moulds on my person and made a cast of the first which has been approved of by my family.

					John Adams.

					P.S. I am authorized by the Ex President to say that the moulds were made on his person without injury, pain or inconvenience.Thomas B. AdamsJudge


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy December 1st. 1825

I ought not to have neglected so long to write you an account of the delightful visit I received from Mr. and Mrs. Cooledge, Mrs. C—— deserves all the high praises I have constantly heard concerning her, She entertained me with accounts of your sentiments of human life, which accorded so perfectly with mine that it gave me great delight—In one point however I could not agree—She said, she had heard you say that you would like to go over life again, in this I could not agree, I had rather go forward and meet whatever is to come—I have met in this life, with great trials—I have had a Father, and lost him—I have had a Mother and lost her—I have had a Wife and lost her—I have had Children and lost them—I have had honorable and worthy Friends and lost them—and instead of suffering these griefs again I had rather go forward and meet my destiny—
I am as ever, affectionately
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 December 1825
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

my ever dear Friend
Quincy 1st. December 1825

I thank you for your kind Letters I agree with you that we can never be thankful enough for the blessings we enjoy—I congratulate you upon the blessings you enjoy—and the prospects you have in your children and Grand Children—Virtuous children are the greatest comforts, and the greatest Blessings we old people can enjoy—
I regret that I cannot write to you oftener As to your project of making George my Secretary—that is quite out of the question he is a Man of too much business—and besides he comes to see me but once a week
The minister who preached in our Parish the day of the my 90th anniversary is a charming young Man, his Name is Brooks he is worthy to be a successour of good old Mr. Norton, good old Dr. Gay—The good Dr Ware, and the good Mr. Coleman—all of whome have been occasional luminaries in our candle stick ever since I can remember—
Our great Mayor of Boston—and his virtuous family, are in Boston—enjoying the blessings and praises, and thanks of their fellow citizens for his great exertions—for the ornaments and improvements to the Town
I am very sorry to see in the newspapers the gendarmerie at Rouan fired on the people who assembled to show their joy at the arrival of La Fayettee This is another blot in the history of France—every one of which I regret—
We wait the meeting of Congress but not perceive many dark clouds and hope that all will be fair weather—
I congratulate you on the preservation of Mrs. Vanderkemp—my compliments and respects to her—
I remain as ever and remain / forever your affectionate / Friend

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Hull Burton, 30 December 1825
From: Burton, Hull
To: Adams, John

My unknown yet respected friend—J. Adams—
Boston December 30th: 1825

The first disciples of Jesus-Christ did not hesitate at times to ascert that the Love of Christ—the invisable yet sencible influence of redeaming love was the cause of theire preaching and writing—And if the maxim be true that that which has been may be again—I presume you will not view me as boasting when I observe that my mind has felt the influence of something this morning—that I beleaved appears to be Devine love—to raise heart felt desires in me that your long and useful life might close to the hounour of God & the immortal felisity of your own soul—that the blessings & smiles of the "Great I am,"—may support your good desires overshadow your closeing days—and brighten your prospects of a happy immortality Eternity—And the same invisable and immeterial excitement of God, for God is love,—has enduced me thus to address you beleiveing that your heart is already sufficiently acquainted with the influence of this redeaming love to render any other apology  any—save "the Love of Christ constrainith me," Some little time since as I was passing by your habitation, it seemed good to leave a smal pamphlet of my writing with you—entitled A Letter to John Adams a Methodis Preacher—&c—And As I viewed him to be a man whose conduct was right honourable in the Sight of God I gave him that title, & for no other cause in particular—I knew not at the time I wrote it that it would even be printed—but as it was and I having some of them when passing through Quincy I took the liberty to cut out the "Methodis Preacher"—from the title page—knot knowing but what you would read it with more intrest if you thought it addressed to yourself—Excuse my childish act therefore  it—As I stand upon the steps of your door—I felt a flow of Divine Love to some one or  more in your house which left a conviction on my mind, that some one beneath it its roof did love the Lord And who ever truly loves the Lord is my brother or my Sister—This feeling produced a desire in me to see you—But finding that you were in the upper part of the house I declined the offer of seeing you, & jurneyed towards Boston &c
I was happy to find in my reading a letter this day from the penn of your aged friend Thomas Jefferson that the hope and support of his declining years appear to be founded upon the Christian Religion—Previous to my leaveing home in N.Y—I took the liberty to forward to friend Jefferson a pamphlet containing my views of the Christian Religion observing that it was designed to put and end to party Spirit and Sectarianism—& make more good and happy &c and I find that Friend Jefferson is of the same opinion & I should be pleased to know if you are also
I have been called upon in my youth to leave my friends and earthly prospects—and ushered forth into the world as an Advocate for the Gosple of Jesus Christ—But as I cannot feel aprobated by the God of Heaven in joining any sect parties—Believing that Jesus never designed to make any—but to make all good people bretheren & Sisters—bound together by no other cord but Devine Love—Hence I cannot contribute to the support of Sectarianism and Religious hate so called by joining any sect under Heaven—Hence bigots & selfish professors of every order—prove my persecutors, more so than the world & professed Deist
Whilst the real & disinterested bileaver of every order—with whome I form a real acquaintence became my friends
The Lord knows that his spirit alone has called me to my present post & to him alone I look for support & direction—He did support & prosper illiterate fishermen in the Days of Paul & his arm is not shortened; nor his ear grown deaf at the present day blessed be his name—Cast thy all upon his arm—And let the desires of thy soul ascend to his sacred throne—And he will crown thy gray hairs with eternal glory saith thy unworthy friend

Hull Burton

PS If consistent with existing circumstances—a few lines from you before I leave Boston would be esteemed a favour HB


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 14 January 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

My dear Sir,
Quincy 14th. January 1826.

Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance, a young Lawyer by the name of Josiah Quincy, and with the title of Coll. being an Aid to our Governor. The name of Coll. Quincy has never I believe been extinct for two hundred years. He is a Son of our excellent Mayor of the City of Boston and possesses a character unstained and irreproachable. I applaud his ambition to visit Monticello and its great inhabitant, and while I have my hand in, I cannot cease without giving you some account of the state of my mind. I am certainly very near the end of my life. I am very far from trifling with the idea of Death, which is a great and solemn event but I contemplate it without terror or dismay aut transit, aut finit, if finit, which I cannot believe, and do not believe there is then an end of all, but I shall never know it and why should I dread it which I do not.—if transit, I shall ever be under the same constitution and administration of Government in the Universe and I am not afraid to trust and confide in it.
I have not the pleasure to see Mr & Mrs Coolidge as often as I wish—but I hear nothing of them but what is respectable and pleasing.
I am as ever your friend
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel L. Knapp, 26 January 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Knapp, Samuel L.

					Sir.
					Montezillo Jany 26th 1826.

				I have too long neglected to acknowledge my thanks for your volume of Biography. I am well pleased with the general spirit of this work, and the style is agreeable. I am glad to see so many circumstances preserved of the history and character of several men, illustrious in their time; but you have omitted many names, once important at our Bar, and in our Courts of Justice. For example John Avering, once Attorney Genl for the province and a competitor for the favour of the public in the management of causes, with Read, Gridley, Trowbridge, Bollan, Paul Dudley & Shirley. You have omitted the two Auchmuty’s Father & Son—and Shirley himself who struggled at the bar of the County of Suffolk, several Years, and lived with his family, in this Town of Quincy in the house now with the sign of the Golden-ball—opposite the Meeting house. Here he buried two of his children in the Episcopal Church yard and here he lived until his Wife returned from England with his Commission as Governor of this Province.You have omitted Bollan who married Shirley’s Daughter, and who was afterwards Agent for this province. You have omitted Samuel Quincy, Josiah Quincy Junr. Nay, you have omitted Judge Paine and Chief Justice Dana.The latter as a Statesman, a member of Congress and a foreign Minister, and especially as chief Justice, was an able & faithful Servant to his Country—As a Lawyer he was equal to any man of his age; in no degree inferiour to his Successor in Office—Chief Justice Parsons. You have omitted Dexter and Pynchon of Salem—and Chipman of Marblehead, Worthington of Springfield, Hawley of Northampton—Putnam, of Worcester—White of Taunton, Daniel Leonard of Norton& William Brown of Salem—and Wyer & Bradbury of Falmouth & Farnham of Newbury-port—Lincoln of Worcester and Simeon & Caleb Strong of Hampshire. I hope you will continue your researches into the history of these characters and describe them as well as you have those already printed. I thank you Sir for the present of the Volume and am your Obliged friend / & humble Servt.

					J. A.


Title: To John Adams from Henry Whiting, 6 March 1826
From: Whiting, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Old Point Comfort, Va Fortress Monroe March 6. 1826

				It is with great reluctance I presume to intrude upon your venerable retirement; but I am desirous, in common with some of my brother officers, of being informed of a fact, which probably can now be obtained from yourself alone.—In the Journal of the Continental Congress, under date Oct—1776, we observe that a committee, on which your name (as it does upon almost all others) appears, was appointed, “to prepare and bring in a plan of a Military Academy.” As no result of the deliberations of this committee appears on record, and we are very anxious to know what it may have been, we take the liberty of applying to the only living source of information. The high credit of the present Military Academy, renders every fact connected with this revolutionary project exceedingly interesting. But we would not obtain it at the cost of one troublesome moment to you: we only ask, that at some moment of leisure,  you will make a brief dictation to some person, who will do us the favor to transmit it to us.With great veneration / and respect, / I am, Sir, / Your most humble serv.

					Henry WhitingCaptain U.S.A.


Title: From John Adams to Henry Whiting, 16 March 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Whiting, Henry

Dear Sir,
Quincy, 16th. March, 1826.

In answer to your letter, I remember that the time referred to in the Journal, I moved a few resolutions for the Institution of a Military School or Academy for the instruction of the young Gentlemen in the Military, science and practice. These resolutions were adopted by Congress and a Committee appointed to carry them into execution. A committee was appointed of which I was one; but, it was a very busy time in Congress, and I do not remember that the Committee ever prepared any plan. But, the idea has been taken up since, and matured into an excellent Institution at West Point, to which I wish well. But I am not able to consult the Journals, and this is all that I distinctly remember upon the subject. And this I communicate to you with great pleasure, and am your / friend and humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

my dear Sir.
Quincy April 17th. 1826—

Your letter of March 25th. has been a cordial to me, and the more consoling as it was brought by your Grandsons Mr. Randolph and Mr. Coolidge, every body connected with you is snatched up, so that I cannot get any of them to dine with me, they are always engaged—how happens it that you Virginians are all sons of Anak, we New Englanders, are but Pygmies by the side of Mr. Randolph; I was very much gratified with Mr. Randolph, and his conversation. Your letter is one of the most beautiful and delightful I have ever received—
Public affairs go on pretty much as usual, perpetual chicanery and rather more personal abuse than there used to be; Mr. Randolph and McDuffie have out Heroded, Herod—Mr. McDuffie seems to be swallowed up in chivalry, such institutions ought not to be suffered in a republican Government our American Chivalry is the worst in the World. it has no Laws, no bounds, no definitions, it seems to be all a Caprice—
my love to all your family—and best wishes / for your health—

John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, 21 April 1826
From: Anonymous
To: Adams, John

					April 21—1826

				a Bostonian who reveres the “Sage of Quincy” takes the liberty of transmitting him this newspaper from Ohio—as possibly it may not reach his retreatHe cannot avoid expressing his gratification, that after all the shallow abuse which has been recently poured forth upon the present administration, there is a good feeling in the Western country, correspondent to that which is felt by the high minded and intelligent citizens in every part of the Union


Title: To John Adams from R. Riker, 28 April 1826
From: Riker, R.
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					New York 28th: April 1826.

				The Corporation of the City of New York have caused medals to be struck, to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal which unites the great Western Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean.The Corporation, influenced by a deep and profound respect for those memorable and patriotic citizens who affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence, and pledged in its support “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor” have instructed us, as a Committee, to prepare Medals of Gold of the highest class, and present, in the name of the City of New York, a Medal to each of the three surviving signers of that Great State paper—In obedience to the order of the Common Council, and in the name of the City of New York, we have the honor to transmit to you, Sir, a Medal of Gold of the highest class.It affords us the greatest satisfaction to convey to you the testimonial of public respect. We accompany the Medal with a box, Made of Maple, brought from Lake Erie in the first Canal boat, the Seneca Chief.A Memoir on the New York Canals will be transmitted to you as soon as it is printed.With the utmost respect / We subscribe Ourselves / Your Obedt: servants

					R: RikerJohn AgnewTho Bolton


Title: From John Adams to Jacob Taylor, 24 May 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Taylor, Jacob

Gentlemen
Quincy May 24th 1826

I have received your polite letter of the 28th. with the Splendid testimonial of the benevolence of the City of New York in a Gold medal, and a Silver one in commemoration of the great Canal in New York, which is the pride and wonder of the age and deserves to be commemorated by every effort of Art. I rejoice that the City of New York has taken the lead in Striking medals on important events. The Hollanders have a History of their Country, engraved on gold, and Silver medals, and it is the most permanent history of any. My gratitude to the City of New York cannot be expressed in words, I pray you Gentlemen to accept my thanks, for the polite and obliging manner in which you have presented this Splendid token to me.
I am your friend and / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from J. Morton, 31 May 1826
From: Morton, J.
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					New York May 31st. 1826

				I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed communication from a Committee of the Corporation of this City—I am Sir / with very great respect / Your Hb. Sert.

					J. MortonClerk of Common Council


Title: To John Adams from John Whitney, 2 June 1826
From: Whitney, John
To: Adams, John

					 Honored sir—
					Quincy, 2d June, 1826.

				With the profoundest reverence of respect, it has again fallen to my happy lot, in behalf of the committee of arrangements for the approaching celebration of our national independence, on the fourth of July next, to solicit the pleasure of your company to dine with the citizens of Quincy, at the Town Hall, on that day. That your health and strength may be such that you will be enabled to comply with this request, is the ardent wish of the citizens of this place, and in particular of him who now supplicates in their behalf. The approaching anniversary is one big with the grateful recollections of those patriots and statesmen, who, fifty years since, dared, in the then infancy of our country, to proclaim to the world, these Untied Stales to be a free and independent nation; among that august band it is the pride and boast of this town to recognize the names of Hancock and Adams, and in particular the last, who, thank God, still survives, and whose brilliant talents shape with peculiar lustre, and was made the instrument under Providence, in no small degree, of producing that revolution which has redounded to the glory and happiness of this nation, and I trust its benign influence is destined to be felt and enjoyed, by all the other nations in the globe. Your presence, on that day, cannot fail of producing the highest gratification in the minds of those who may then assemble. The sight of one, who has done so much for our beloved country, and in particular for this town, will greatly heighten the pleasures of that day.I am, with much respect, /
Your obedient and humble servant,

					John Whitney, ChairmanBy order of the committee of arrangements.


Title: To John Adams from John Whitney, 3 June 1826
From: Whitney, John
To: Adams, John

					Honoured Sir,
					Quincy 3d June 1825

				With the profoundest reverence of respect, it has again fallen to my happy lot, in behalf of the Committee of arrangements, for the approaching celebration of our National Independence, on the fourth of July next, to solicit the pleasure of your Company to dine with the Citizens of Quincy at the Town-Hall on that day; that your health and strength may be such that you will be enabled to comply with this request, is the ardent wish of the Citizens of this place, and in particular of him who now supplicates in their behalf; the approaching anniversary is one big with the grateful reccollection of those Patriots & Statesmen who fifty years since, dared in the then infancy of our Country to proclaim to the World these United States to be a free and Independent Nation; among that August band it is the pride and boast of this Town that three of these were natives of this soil one of whom thank God still survives and whose brilliant talents shone with peculiar lustre and was made the instrument under Providence in no small degree of producing that revolution which has redounded to the glory and happiness of this Nation, and I trust its benign influence is destined to be felt and enjoyed by all the other Nations on the Globe; your presence on that day cannot fail of producing the highest gratification in the minds of those who may then assemble, the sight of one who has done so much for our beloved Country and in particular for this Town will greatly heighten the pleasures of that day.I am with the greatest respect your obedient / and humble servant, By order of the / Committee of Arrangements

					John Whitney Chair—


Title: From John Adams to John Whitney, 7 June 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Whitney, John

Sir
Quincy June 7th: 1826.

Your letter of the 3d Instant, written on behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, for the approaching celebration of our National Independence; inviting me to dine, on the fourth of July next, with the Citizens of Quincy, at the Town-Hall, has been received with the kindest emotions. The very respectful language with which the wishes of my Fellow Townsmen have been conveyed to me, by your Committee, and the terms of affectionate regard toward me,  individually, demand my grateful thanks, which you will please to accept and to communicate to your Colleagues of the Committee.
The present feeble State of my health will not permit me to indulge the hope of participating, with more than by my best wishes in the joys & festivities and the Solemn Services of that day; on which will be completed the fiftieth year from its birth, the Independence of these United States. A Memorable epoch in the annals of the human race; destined, in future history, to form the brightest or the blackest page, according to the use or the abuse of  human those political institutions by which they shall, in time to come, be Shaped, by the human mind.
I pray you Sir to tender in my behalf to our fellow Citizens my cordial thanks for their affectionate good wishes, and to be assured that I am / very truly and Affectionately / Your’s & their Friend & / Fellow-Townsman
J Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 June 1826
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and High Respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 9 June 1826.

So many months are past Since I received a Single line from Massachusetts—in former days I was now and then remembered with kind regard by mrs Quincy—my frend Tyng allways men tioned to me the State of your health now and then your beloved Emily honoured me with Some information about her beloved Relatives—and—now—I appear worse as a Stranger—of one thing I remain nevertheless confident, that John Adams does not forget the man whom He honoured with his affectionate esteem Since 1782—Whom He with His beloved and Revered Lady honoured him with—the warmest frendship and that, I trust, that the Liberty I take, in addressing you these lines will not be unacceptable. I will endeavour to make it legible, but I Can Scarce See enough to read or write even to distinguish a path from a bed—when I am labouring in my garden. It can not
My family and that of my Son have been Severily afflicted during the months with the Influenza, but are all recovering—though mrs v. d. k. remains feable—not Surprising indeed—as She approaches her 80th year. I fostered a faint hope, that I yet Should See you once more at Montezillo, but am apprehensive I must give it up, and then pray—that I may be blessed in Seeing you in a more blessed orbit—although placed in an inferior Station!
I made every exertion in my power to obtain a view of Flourens treatise on the nervous system in vertebrated animals in Boston, N.y. and Phildelphia—but in vain M—— Carey engaged himslf to my Son, he would procure me one from London but I did not receive it. If any of your Learned acquaintancs possess it, procure me the perusal of it—a J. Adams can never be weary in well-doing—although I cannot reciprocate your favours as by a grateful acceptance.
I hope you with your honoured family may enjoy this Season the delight of Seing your Son the President among you—You may recollect, that I was Solicited to inquire by Him, if 3 or 4 years past, Genl J. kirkland, then our Representative in Congress delivered to Him for his perusal Several mss. of a diss. on the Achaic Republic—on the age of copper by the Antients, on the lawfulness of marriage with a deceased wife’s sister—and since requested mr H. Storrs—to Solicit their return from the President, if perused. Perhaps they may never have been received. Assure the President of my unabated respect—and may the last days of his Administration be the most prosperous for his Country—the most honorable to Him, the most delightful to his frends. His enemies can not hurt Him.
If Sooner or later I am honoured with a few lines by one of your family, let me obtain a full detail of the happiness of you all—of the progressive prospects of your promising grand-Children, not omitting the lovely George—Thomas’s Son—if I am not mistaken.
Renew the remembrance of your frend by Mr & Mrs Quincy, and accept my Sincere tribute—what, I owe you in So many regards—while I Shall remain till my last breath— / My Dear and High Respected Frend / Your Devoted and Obliged Frend

Fr. Adr. van der Kemp—


Title: From John Adams to Jacob Taylor, 10 June 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Taylor, Jacob

Gentlemen,
Quincy 10th: June 1826

Your very polite and cordial letter of invitation, written to me in behalf of the City Corporation of New York, has been gratefully received, through the kindness of Genl J. Morton.
The Anniversary you propose to celebrate “with increased demonstrations of respect,” in which you invite me to participate in Person, is an event sanctioned by Fifty years of experience, and it will become memorable by its increasing age, in proportion as its Success shall demonstrate the blessings it imparts to our beloved Country and the maturity it may attain in the progress of time.
Not these United States alone, but a mighty Continent, the last discovered but the largest quarter of the Globe, is destined to date the period of their birth and emancipation from the fourth of July 1776
Visions of future bliss in prospect, for the better condition of the human race, resulting from this unparalleled event, might be indulged but Sufficient unto the day be the Glory thereof; and while you Gentlemen of the Committee indulge with your fellow Citizens of the City of N York, in demonstrations of joy and effusions of hilarity worthy the occasion,—the wonderful growth of the State, whose Capital you represent, within the lapse of half a Century, cannot fail to convince you, that the indulgence of enthusiastic views of the future, must be stamped with any epithet other than Visionary.
I thank you, Gentlemen, with much sincerity for the kind invitation with which you have honoured me to assist in your demonstrations of respect for the day and all who honour it; and in default of my personal attendance, give me leave to propose as a sentiment for the occasion.
Long and lasting prosperity to the City and State of New York.
I am, Gentlemen, with my best wishes for you individually / Your very Obedt Servt.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Roger Chew Weightman, 14 June 1826
From: Weightman, Roger Chew
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Washington, June 14. 1826.

				As chairman of a committee appointed by the citizens of Washington to make arrange for celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Acan Independence in a manner worthy of the Mtropolis of the nation, I am directed to write re as one of the signers of the ever memorable Declaration of the 4th of July 1776, to honor the city with your presence on the occasion.I am further instructed to inform you, that on receiving your acceptance of this invitation, a special deputation would have been sent to accompany you from your residence to this city and back to your home, but as the shortness of the time will not admit of this course, Colonel House of the army, will,  the request and on behalf of the comm have the honor to attend you.With sentiments of the highest / respect and veneration, / I have the honor to be, / your most obedient servant,

					R.C. Weightman, Mayorof Washington & chairman of the Comee: of Arrangements


Title: From John Adams to Roger Chew Weightman, 22 June 1826
From: Adams, John
To: Weightman, Roger Chew

Sir
Quincy June 22 1826

Col House of U.S. Army now stationed at  Fort Independence in my neighborhood, has favored me with a call, and communicated your very polite letter, desiring him to offer me a escort to Washington in order to celebrate with your approaching Fiftieth Anniversary of our National Independence
I feel very gratefull for this mark of distinguishing and respectful attention on the part of the citizens of the City of Washington, Which the present state of my health forbids me to indulge the hope of participating only with my best wishes for the increacing prosperity of your City, and the constant health of its inhabitants. I am Sir with much respect, / Your friend and humble Servant

 John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Clough, 26 June 1826
From: Clough, Ebenezer
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Boston June 26th 1826

				By the direction of the Committee of Arrangements for the Approaching national Anniversary I have the pleasure to present to you the inclosed Card, and to solicit the honor of your Company with us in Fanueil Hall, the hall of liberty on the 4th of Next Month, in order to celebrate the Festivity of a Day, which you were one of the Authors of obtaining for Us, Fifty Years Ago.From Sir, Yours very Respectfully

					Ebenr CloughSecretary to the Committee of Arrangements


Title: From William Smith Shaw to Abigail Smith Adams, 2 March 1801
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Aunt
City of Washington March 2d 1801

For a few days past, every moment of my time has been so compleatly occupied in official duties, that I have had hardly a moments time to write or even to think for myself—We have not heard from or , since your last letter to the President from Philadelphia.
The President has nominated all the officers for this district Mr F. Johnson of Frederick—Mr Marshall of Alexandria, brother to ex Sec of State & Mr Cranch are the judges of the supreme court for the District—No minister for France has been or will be nominated, since Mr Bayard’s refusal—under the present administration. Mr Briesler went to see Mr J. a few days since—Mr J. told him, that he had sent to LeTombe to procure him a steward, if he did not succeed, he should send to France—that he had more anxiety on his mind in procuring a good & honest steward, than he had in the future administration of the government!!
We shall leave this city on Wednesday Morning Briesler has secured Maglauklins stage & we go by ourselves. Shipley & Betsy go on tomorrow.
In very great haste, / I am yours very respectfully
Wm S Shaw


Title: From John Adams to William Cranch, 3 March 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Cranch, William

John Adams, President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these presents,—
Greeting:3 March 1801

Know ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Wisdom, Uprightness and Learning of William Cranch of the District of Columbia, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint him one of the assistant Judges of the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Columbia; and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of that office according to the Constitution and Laws of the said United States; and to Have and to Hold the said Office, with all the Powers, Privileges and Emoluments to the same of Right appertaining unto him the said William Cranch during his good behaviour.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my Hand, at the City of Washington the third day of March in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and one, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the Twenty fifth

John AdamsBy the President, J MarshallActing as Secretary of State.


Title: To John Adams from William Cranch, 3 March 1801
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, John

Sir,
City of Washington March 3d. 1801

Having had the honour of receiving a Commission, appointing me one of the associate Justices of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, I beg leave to resign the Commission which I have heretofore held, by which I was appointed one of the Commissioners under the act of Congress, for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States; and while, with diffidence, I accept the office of one of the associate Justices of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, I can not omit the opportunity of expressing the grateful sensations which the appointment has created in my mind, and to intimate a hope that I may not be found deficient in those qualifications which are necessary duly to discharge the duties of the Office.—
With the highest consideration / and respect, I have the honour to be / Sir, your obedient servant
William Cranch.


Title: Abigail Adams’ Memorandum on Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To:

post 4 March 1801

Mr Jefferson in his Speech; preaches observes, that, He may “I Shall often go wrong through defect of Judgment, when right, I shall often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground. I also ask Support against the Errors of others, who may condemn what they would not if Seen in all its parts;” If the Same measure was to be meeted to the new administration by the federalist, which has So rancourisly and maliciously follow’d persued that of Washington and Adams, mr Jefferson would have little reason to hope for Support, however wise his measures, or upright his conduct; witness the vile publications which have unceasengly issued from the Aurora and other democratic papers for these 12 years past; these papers have received the countanance and encouragement of the leaders of a faction and the Heads of a party, who by Such means and measures have wrested from the government that confidence and respect which, which was its firmest Support;
I would request mr Jefferson to read the Letter of Lyons addrest to the late president, and ask himself whether if there could possibly be amongst the federal party a Character equally low, mean & base he will would have my preeminence for Shield to protect him against such malicious Slanders, such grose miss misrepresentations.—to these and such like falshoods, propogated throughout the united States, by the leading partizens of a faction, aiming with more than fanatic zeal to obtain prosilites, is the world furnishd with one more example, how the most important Services to the public, and a long laborious life anxiously and Successfully devoted to their welfare, are rewarded in popular governments; I hope and I confidently believe: that our late chief Majestrate possesses a mind too firm, and too independant not to Suffer this event with calmness and composure, or to think more hardly of his Country than She deserves. Her truest friends I am persuaded will more keenly feel his removal from the head of her administration than himself. In his retirement he will have, not only the consolation of a consciousness that he has discharged all the duties of a virtuous citizen, but the genuine pleasure of reflecting, that by the wisdom and firmness of his administration, he has, left that very Country in safe and honorable peace which at the period of his entrance into office was involved in a dangerous and complicated dispute, with more than one formidable foreign power—That without the Smallest Sacrifice of National honour and dignity he has Succeeded in Settling a quarrel with France, which under any other System of conduct, than that which was persued, would at this moment have burst into a most ruinous and fatal war, or could only be pacified by disgracefull and burdthensome humiliations—The merrit of this System, is so intirely and exclusive belongs to the magnanimous Character who pland it, and that in opposition to most of the principle leaders of the party friendly to the Constitution, and the Union; the great Supporters of his former Election, and that it is my firm opinion, that to this defection of the federal party, originating Solely in the adherence of our Chief Majestrate to the System he had adopted against their opinions must be asscribed his removal from the Chair at this time; but if this be the case, it is not the fame or honour of mr Adams that will suffer by the result—The common and vulgar herd of Statesmen and warriours are so wont to promote on every occasion their private and personal interest and influence to the at the expence of their Country, that to him it will be a great and glorious preeminence to have exhibited an example of the contrary; of a statesman who made the Sacrifice of his own interest and influence to the real and unquestionable benifit of his Country.
altho I am satisfied convinced that the Gentlemen who were so much dissatisfied with the last Mission to France, acted from motives of pure patriotism at first, however they may have sufferd wounded pride and angry passions to influence their conduct since. But in their aversion to the last embassy they certainly proceeded upon inaccurate information as to the general State of things in Europe, and upon judgments into which more of there entered more of temper than of consideration. Had the issue of the Mission been eventually unsuccessful, it would still have been a measure grounded upon the soundest policy: but if ever the wisdom of a questionable plan was justified to the utmost by the event, it has been so on this occasion—The convention with France has not indeed given us every thing, we could have wished, but it has secured us more than we could have obtained without it. it has intirely removed the danger of a War which must probably have ended in a dissolution of our union—and this without giving any umbrage to England, since the british government have given a formal assurence that they see nothing in the convention, of which they have reason to complain—
That a want of a Stipulation for a compleat indemnity, for the spoilations committed upon our commerce—should have induced the Senate to have put this convention at hazard is Sincerely to be regreeted by a regection of that article is Sincerely to be regreeted when we consider how impossible any Stipulation of indemnity is to obtain when it cannot be compelled, or how illusive and nugatory