361From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter M r Thomas Boylston, is one of the clearest and most Solid Capitalists, that ever raised himself by private Commerce in North America. He Seems to be desirous of assisting Us, in introducing the Knowledge and Use of our white Sperma Cæti Oil, into France. His Judgment and Abilities to carry through whatever he undertakes may be depended on. Let me beg your Attention...
362From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 16 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your Letters to Priestley, have encreased my Grief if that were possible, for the loss of Rush. Had he lived, I would have Stimulated him to insist on your promise to him to write him on the Subject of Religion. Your Plan, I admire. In your Letter to Priestley of March 21. 1801, dated at Washington you call “The Christian Philosophy, the most Sublime and benevolent, but the most perverted...
363John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 19 May 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Must We, before We take our departure from this grand and beautiful World, Surrender all our pleasing hopes of the progres of Society? Of improvement of the intellectual and moral condition of the World? of the reformation of mankind? The Piemontese Revolution Scarcely assumed a form; and the Neapolitain bubble is burst. And what Should hinder the Spanish and Portuguese Constitutions from...
364Resumption of Correspondence with John Adams, followed by John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
As you are a Friend to American Manufactures under proper restrictions, especially Manufactures of the domestic kind, I take the Liberty of Sending you by the Post a Packett containing two Pieces of Homespun lately produced in this quarter by One who was honoured in his youth with Some of your Attention and much of your kindness. All of my Family whom you formerly knew are well. My Daughter...
365From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 15 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have long entertained scruples about writing this letter, upon a subject of some delicacy. But old age has over-come at last. You remember the four Ships, ordered by Congress to be built, and the four Captains appointed by Washington—Talbot & Truxton & Barry & ca. to carry an Ambassador to Algiers and protect our Commerce in the Mediterranean. I have always imputed this measure to you; for...
366John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
If I am neither deceived by the little Information I have, or by my Wishes for its truth, I Should Say that France is the most Protestant Country of Europe at this time, though I cannot think it the most reformed . In consequence of these Reveries I have imagined that Camus and the Institute , meant, by the revival and continuance of the Acta Sanctorum, to destroy the Pope and the Catholic...
367John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
May I inclose you one of the greatest curiositys and one of the deepest Mysterys that ever occoured to me—It is in the Essex Register of June the 5 th 1819.— it is entitled from the Raleigh Register Declaration of Independence— How is it possible that this paper should have been concealed from me to this day— had it been communicated to me in the time of it—I know, if you do not know, that it...
368From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have received three Letter of the Tenor and Date of the within— I cannot find in any Gazetteer or geographical Dictionary any Such Place as Roscoff, and I can make nothing of the Story. I hope you have more Skill in Divination. I have no Letters from Congress, nor any Answer from the Ministry. Pray what are the Sentiments in France upon the American Acts of Navigation? and what has been the...
369John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 2 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot be Serious! I am about to write You, the most frivolous letter, you ever read. Would you go back to your Cradle and live over again your 70 years? I believe you would return me a New England Answer, by asking me another question “Would you live your 80 Years over again”? If I am prepared to give you an explicit Answer, the question involves So many considerations of Metaphysicks and...
370To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 3 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
You have undoubtedly hit upon, the true Word of the Riddle. Yet there was no riddle, nor any clear meaning. It is impossible for any Country to give to another, more decided Proofs of Preference, than our thoughtless Merchants have since the Peace given to this, in matters of Commerce. He had seen this Preference sufficiently prevail. This alone then could not be his Meaning. If he meant a...