1From John Adams to Peter Force, 1825 to 1829 (Adams Papers)
What is the News ? Please send me some Copies of the Message if ready— Yrs &c— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
2From John Adams to Peter Force, 1825 to 1829 (Adams Papers)
Mr Elliot has sent to ask permission to have a copy of the Message, so as to put it in his evenings paper. The President directs me to say that he has no objection to gratifying Mr Elliott— Yrs in great haste— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
3From John Adams to Samuel L. Southard, 1826 (Adams Papers)
Mr J. Adams presents his compliments to Mr Southard, and will be much obliged if he will inform him what arrangement has been made regarding the draft which Mr A. had the honour to present. As it is a money matter of some amount Mr A wishes to give all the information in his power to Mr Cruft of Boston by whom it was sent— NjP : Samuel L. Southard Papers.
4From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 18 September 1826 (Adams Papers)
I hereby authorise John Adams in my name and behalf to make proposals for renewing the Insurance, at the Massachusetts Mutual Fire Insurance Company, at the expiration of my Policies No 3592. and 3593. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
5John Adams, Inventory of Estate, 5 September 1826 (Adams Papers)
Norfolk, ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to Daniel Greenleaf Esquire, Josiah Bass, Gentleman, and Josiah Adams, Yeoman, all of Quincy, in the County of Norfolk Greeting. Whereas , at a Court of Probate, held at Dedham, in and for the said County of Norfolk, on the first Tuesday of August, A. D. 1826. John Quincy Adams and Josiah Quincy both of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, Doctors of...
6July Fourth Toast by John Adams, 30 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
From Diary of George Whitney: “Spent a few minutes with him in conversation, and took from him a toast, to be presented on the Fourth of July as coming from him. I should have liked a longer one; but as it is, this will be acceptable. ‘I will give you,’ said he, ‘Independence forever!’” He was asked if he would not add any thing to it, and he replied, “not a word.” Printed Source--The Works of...
7To John Adams from Ebenezer Clough, 26 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
8To John Adams from C.S. Daveis, 24 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
On the eve of the great national jubilee, in which you have providentially been continued to join, permit me to testify my sense of respect by requesting your acceptance of the accompanying chronicle of an interesting event, that once was in our New England Annals—and which occurred not many years before your birth.— I do not know that a copy may not have been some time since transmitted,...
9From John Adams to Roger Chew Weightman, 22 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
10To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 16 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
I am deeply sensible of all your kind feelings towards me, as express’d in your affectionate Letter of the 24th Ultimo. my wishes are in union with yours, that we were nearer each other, than we are, the sigh, is at present vain—I often contemplate a possiblity that if I sent my carriage & Thos. Alker a faithfull & well experienced driver, & you could feel strong enough to bear a ride of 10...
11To John Adams from Roger Chew Weightman, 14 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
As chairman of a committee appointed by the citizens of Washington to make arrange for celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of A can Independence in a manner worthy of the M tropolis 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...
12From John Adams to Jacob Taylor, 10 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
13To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
14From John Adams to John Whitney, 7 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
15To John Adams from John Whitney, 3 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
16To John Adams from John Whitney, 2 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
17To John Adams from J. Morton, 31 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
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. MHi : Adams Papers.
18To John Adams from R. Riker, 30 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The ensuing Fourth of July being the Semi=Centenial Anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence the Corporation of this City have resolved to celebrate it with encreased demonstrations of respect, and—we are appointed a Committee to make the necessary Arrangements— While the coming day fills our minds with emotions of pride and gratitude, we are naturally led to contemplate those...
19From John Adams to Jacob Taylor, 24 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
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....
20From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 24 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice that you have arrived safely at Princeton where may your health be perfectly restored—my kind regards to Mrs Boylston and to the young family—I am labouring & sorrowing according to the oracle and for nothing more than I know of than my distance from you—We go on here in a dull round—no news of any kind that is worth repeating. I am in a kind of solitary imprisonment to which I...
21From John Adams to Edward Everett, 24 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
Having after much persuasion prevailed upon my Cousin to remain still longer with us, we were again nearly disappointed by discovering that the Vessel which conveys your things had sailed before her box could be recovered. Our difficulties were now renewed and we could secure an acquiescence in our wishes only by promising that we would make one more call upon your kindness, and request of you...
22To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 21 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The summer has come upon us very rapidly without giving us any of our usual Spring weather. Some few days within the past week have been almost as warm as any during the last summer. This brings us at least peace and quiet. Almost all strangers have left the place and many members of Congress. Both houses adjourn tomorrow, having been excessively hurried in their business during the week....
23To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 7 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The warm season has come again and delightful as it is to me, is no doubt also very acceptable to you, Sir. The prevailing rule I believe, is a moderate heat, and one which is perhaps better adapted to afford ease to you than extremes either way. My attachment to warm weather excludes any idea of a medium or rather of what is commonly called so. And it is for this reason that I prefer the...
24To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 29 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
I wrote before I left Roxbury expressing as I really felt my deep regret that I could not see you before I set out for this place—for the first since the 28’ of Jany I tried my strengh on Sunday last, but a ride of a mile wch I endured with wch the hope I should be able in the course of the week to have reachd Quincy, but the next day Tho’ Alken injured his hand so much as to render him...
25To John Adams from R. Riker, 28 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
26To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 23 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
My last letter I believe, evinced a degree of excitement very uncommon for me. But the transactions of that week were of a nature to act upon the blood of persons less impetuous even than myself. And the feeling was shared by almost all persons in the city. You are probably aware of what took place the day before I wrote although at that time I was ignorant of it myself. Persons will praise or...
27To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
I have from day, to day, for the last fortnight flatter’d myself with an improvement, so far as to enable me to take the air, but in this I have been sadly disappointed. The utmost I have been able to do has been to walk from one Room to another, & even that with pain—my feet and ancles, being so much enlarged, tho’ I conclude in some measure from long confinement, & in some degree from the...
28To John Adams from Anonymous, 21 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
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 retreat He 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...
29From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 17 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of March 25 th has been a cordial to me, and the more consoling as it was brought by your Grandsons M r Randolph and M r Coolidge. every lady 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 M r Randolph; I was very...
31From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 13 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
A thousand thanks to my ever dear Cousin, for his unbounded benevolence to me. The barrel of cider will last three of my lives, & the wine I presume is excellent for your wine is always Superlative. I am rejoiced that you and Mrs B are convalescent. George has done his duty in waiting upon you, and I hope he will do so as long as you live—Your kind and thankful friend Miss Smith sends her...
32To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 13 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
I was made very happy in hearing by Mr G W. Adams (who was so kind as to Take his birth day dinner with us,) that you continued as well as you had been for sometime past—also that all our Friends at Washington were as we wish them in, perfect health— I have my Dear Cousin, sent another Barrell of the same Cask, from wch. the last I sent you was drawn,—if you find it as good I shall be...
33To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 9 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
I have even less than usual of interest to relate today, since Tuesday last, I have been entirely at home owing to a slight attack of sickness. And my time has been employed in reading the later productions of the day and thereby making up a deficiency which I have long been guilty of. Indeed it is such a waste of time generally speaking that were it not for the ugly appearance one makes in...
34From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 27 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
My anxiety for you is greater than, that for myself, I long to know the state of your Health, and I cannot longer forbare to send and enquire after it. my love to Mrs. Boylston, and Prayers for your health, and comfort—from your affectionate friend / and Cousin MHi : Boylston Family Papers.
35To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 27 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
Your kind concern for me, fills me with deep feelings of gratitude—I am as yet confined to my Room, where I been suffering varieties of pain & debility in so much that in various stages, I began to consider I shd never have the happiness of seeing you again—but after a hard conflict the violent inflamation in my lungs, yielded to a constant blistering of more than five weeks—& would have been...
36To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 26 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
"Who doth time gallop withal?" Instead of answering this as Shakespeare has done, I would say that it gallops with persons in the days of youth and pleasure without any great care to oppress them. Such I deem mine to be and such is the passage of time. It is hardly possible to keep the regular count of the weeks as they go, and to notice the revolution of months, which has already brought me...
37To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
My grandson Th: Jefferson Randolph, being on a visit to Boston, would think he had seen nothing were he to leave it without having seen you. altho’ I truly sympathise with you in the trouble these interruptions give, yet I must ask for him permission to pay to you his personal respects. like other young people, he wishes to be able, in the winter nights of old age, to recount to those around...
38From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 25 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
My grandson Th: Jefferson Randolph, being on a visit to Boston, would think he had seen nothing were he to leave it without having seen you. altho’ I truly sympathise with you in the trouble these interruptions give, yet I must ask for him permission to pay to you his personal respects. like other young people, he wishes to be able, in the winter nights of old age, to recount to those around...
39From John Adams to Henry Whiting, 16 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
40To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 12 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
The past week has brought us summer weather and makes the city look as green as it is wont, in the month of May. This appearance is the more strange to us, as we do not associate easily with it the idea of Congress. But as we are to have a session here until June this season there will be abundant time to become reconciled to this state of things. Politics are now much the order of the day as...
41To John Adams from Henry Whiting, 6 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
42To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 26 February 1826 (Adams Papers)
Another fortnight has passed since I had the honour to address you, and the end of it has found me but little wiser than the beginning. It has in fact been spent in the lounging dissipated manner which Washington society so soon produces. My seceding from society produced so much dissatisfaction in the family, that I have again thrown myself into the middle of the stream and my law in...
43To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 12 February 1826 (Adams Papers)
A fortnight has passed over, since I last addressed you, and scarcely any thing of interest has happened. The City having considerably recovered from the severe epidemic which has been raging here, the gaity is becoming rather more extensive, and the number of Strangers who accompany the Supreme Court upon its Session here, have a tendency to enliven us. The town is always most full at this...
44From John Adams to Edward Everett, 11 February 1826 (Adams Papers)
In compliance with your request, I am directed by the President to return the enclosed letter. As relates to the Letter of General Lafayette, it is his intention to address you as soon as a moment of leisure will permit. Your’s very respectfully MHi : Edward Everett Papers.
45From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
I herewith inclose to you a letter addressed to me from Mr. Shaw written at my request—I can only add that I entirely coincide with him in his opinion I am &ca. your affectionate / Father NN : William Smith Papers.
46From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
I herewith inclose to you a letter addressed to me from Mr Shaw written at my request. I can only add that I entirely coincide with him in his opinion I am &ca. your affectionate / Father DLC : John Quincy Adams Papers.
47To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 29 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
Since my last letter the whole family have been suffering from violent colds. I did not escape lightly, on the contrary, I was two days in greater trouble than was ever occasioned me by any cold before. My father has also been attacked and indeed every member of our family in regular order. To make the assertion more general, I might say that the whole City had been under the influence of this...
48From John Adams to Samuel L. Knapp, 26 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
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...
49To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 19 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
It has been a great mortification to me, that in every attempt in every direction I have sought, I did not untill yesterday, succeed, in procureing the two Barrels of Cyder now sent—its declared to me, to be three years old, its perfectly clear & fit for immediate use. I wish you to taste it, & let me know if the quality that suits your palate—I have also sent half a Dozen pints of the same...
50From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter inclosing the letters from Mr Basset and Mr. Custis Congress had resolved, but I believe not passed int o a law, to erect a monument to President Washington; but they passed resolutions requesting the then President to write a letter to Mrs. Washington soliciting her consent to have her remains removed, to be entombed with those of her Husband in the City of...