Unexpectedly I found myself once mor honoured with a few lines and well in a Season—in which the Severity of the weather might prevent any other—besides your Ladyship to bestow Similar favours: It cheered indeed my nearly benumbed Spirits; but—what enhanced the value of this gratification—was your courtesy in permitting me the perusal of a gift—intended by the Embassador for his favoured...
As I was, unexpectedly, So highly gratified with your favour of the 2d. instant, it might appear Some what Strange, that I Should delaÿ till now its answer, there I could not plead anÿ indisposition—neither would the multiplicity of mÿ dayly labour afford, in my opinion, a Sufficient motive for its delaÿ, as I felt my Self So highly obliged by it. No Madam! it was a more Sentic cause, and your...
Had I not been honoured, So often; with proofs of your kindness, with which you was pleased to distinguish me among the numbers, who know, how to value the privilege of paying their homage to truth, I might deem an apologÿ necessarÿ for Sending a few insignificant lines from Philadelphia—From this point of view they would be considered by others—They may reallÿ be Stamped in this manner—your...
Did I not foster Such an exalted opinion of John Quincy Adams, then yet I might deem it a becoming courtesy to address his excellent Parents on this Solemn occasion—But now I will indulge the irresisteble impulse, of allowing my Self the exquisiste gratification, which not often can be offered, in congratulating his Mother with the certainty—that the highest office—in the gift of the...
I was then once more honoured with your affectionate favour of the 27th favour—from which I receive a fresh proof, that you do justice to my feelings, and perceive, how highly I value Such distinguished marks of your attention. I regard these indeed as one of the great blessings, which a kind Providence bestows on my chequered life, and for which I can never be too ardently thankful, could I...
How can I express mÿ deep Sense of gratitude for your condescending kindness, in gratifying me So unexpectedly with your affectionate Letter of the 24. last. you art thoroughly acquainted with the art of enhancing the value of a gift. what drooping Spirits would not be revived bÿ Such a powerful tonic? and I owe you the acknowledgment, that theÿ dispelled a while the gloom—But—it has So manÿ...
Although I highly value the honour of your esteemed correspondence—even if it should be limited within the limits of a few lines, yet I receive a far higher gratification from the kind sentiments of friendship, and the unquestionable proofs of your good opinion, which you art pleased to bestow upon me. My only regret remains, that I can not reciprocate these—and that from my part, I often...
Again I owe an increase of my happiness in my Solitude to your kindness in honouring me with your interesting letter of Febr. 3d—with which I was So unexpectedlÿ favoured. It is true, I owe it in part to an unwelcome guest, but it would be in me ungrateful—to defraud him of mÿ thanks, how unpleasant his appearance may have been to you. That visitant at least is in So far good natured, that,...
Among Several letters—laid aside—during my late exertions in behalf of a countrÿ, which I cannot cease to love, I must do my Self the pleasure, of paying you a debt of the gratitude for your favour of Febr. 23, with which you was So obliging to honour me again. Knowing the yet infirm State of your health, I had not dared to flatter mÿ Self, to receive So Soon a fresh proof of your kind...
Although I have it not in my power to make this Letter in any manner interesting—yet I am So fullÿ confident of your good opinion, and your willingness to oblige me, that you will permit me, in acquitting me of a duty, by assuring you of my grateful Sense of your favour. This acknowledgment you might not doubt—but it is a pleasure to indulge it. It was however a higher gratification—as it was...
I presume, it is not abusing your kindness, in addressing you with a few lines, to assure you of mÿ Sincerest thanks for the unexpected gift of Quincÿ Adam’s Lectures—which you have bestowed on me. What enhances the value of this present, is that Seems to have been a mark of filial affection of a beloved Son, now endorsed to me bÿ your own hand. It is mÿ misfortune—Madam! that I can onlÿ...
12From François Adriaan Van der Kemp to John Adams, 13 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
How was I delighted in Seing your handwriting on the Addres—I could not guess—it was a Letter—I did not expect one—although I was confident, that, if the State of your health had been worse, Cornelia Amelia would have deemed it her duty to Send me a line—You can guess—how I was delighted—when opening it—I Saw it was a Letter from my revered frend—I glanced over it, without looking at the...
The unexpected and exquisite gratification I received from the polite Letter, with which you honoured me, convinced me more than ever of the truth, that in pleasure, as well as in the pain it is often difficult to ascertain the point, at which it can not bear a farther increase. I am entirelÿ at a loss, Madam! how to address you with empty hands, more So, as you Shower Such–a–profusion of...
This morning I received the letter, with which you was pleased to honour me the 28th of June. your medical advice, how Salutarÿ in its effect, Should, I believe, not have prompted me to answer it So Soon, had you not destroy’d its beneficial influence—by rousing all mÿ fears for the live of a man, whom you know, I love and revere. By recollecting, it appears to me, that I am unjust towards...
I hail this happy day—the Snow and rain can not lessen my enjoyment—I arose chearfully and thanked a bountiful God—when my Son delivered me your affectionate Letter, which giveth a new zest to my delightful feelings—you intended to assuage the heart rending pangs of Sorrow—which had been already Soothed by a Sense of religion—by the noble example of my amiable Daughter in Law—who has learned...
16To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 14 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I regret, that So often I must wearÿ you with mÿ complaints about myself, and yet I must do it, in apologÿ to myself, when I write a dull Letter. I have again be tortured with head-ache, and enjoÿ now only a little relief, which I am apprehensive Shall not last long—but I must take hold of this interval, to give me the pleasure, of answering your last favour of the 2d inst. I believe, I Shall...
17To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
Although I did not hear from Montezillo—Since your very affectionate Letter of 30 May—except by our friend Tyng, on 27 July—I am confident, that I can not be forgotten—and Supposed, that health and contentment must have remained your familys Share, increased yet by the presence of the Secretary of State, and the distinguished progress of your grandson—yet these pleasing contemplations were...
18To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
Confident, that, after Such a long Silence, a few Letters of an old friend, who allways revered you, and will continue to do So till his last breath, Shall not be unacceptable, I once more take up my pen I can not—after approaching my 73th foster the hope, that I Shall be permitted to do it often—But I will not delay it longer—as I hear neither from you or my N. England frends a word—except...
19To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
Although my health is very indifferent, and my eyes soo weak and dim, that within a fortnight, I could Scarce affect any thing, either by labour or in writing—yet I must indulge the gratification of thanking you, for the few affectionate lines with which your kindness favoured me with. My Physician Says—all will be Soon well—the chief remedies are—abstinentia et quiete.Was your life less...
20To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
He published—his opinions on Jus Eccles. Protest . in the Ses—which were—under his presidium—defended publicly by his most eminent Students. This could not be performed without awakening the intolerant zeal of the clergy—Their rage—increased when manÿ of their Brethren Strengthened him with their open Support—then the Church became in danger. Spies—under pious pretexts were Send to him for...
21To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 18 April 1820 (Adams Papers)
I dare not, no, I will not delay longer my answer to your affectionate Letter, with which I was honoured again—neither my Severe headache, nor bad eyes would not have occasioned it, but, I flattered myself from day to day, to receive tidings from your Dear and estimable Caroline—or her Pastor—but I do not feel any anxiety about that family—as I am persuaded that the Rev. Westbrook would have...
22To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
Tu m’aduli, ma tu mi piace says anÿ where Chesterfield—but so you do in a most egregious manner—but you make your Physic so highly palatable, that it is swallowed, before reason can with sufficient coolness examine, if the encomium—so kindly bestowed is really deserved. You want not to be informed—that I am highlÿ pleased, when I am favoured with your encouraging approbation—and whÿ should I...
23To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 August 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have now before me your favour of July the 15th, with which, as usual, I was highlÿ gratified. I could have wished, to have delay’d its answer longer, till the assaults of that relentless Demon of head-ache had been abated, who possesses me again Since three weeks, but I know not, to what charm he will listen—So that I must Submit with resignation, till he is tired of the contest. Indeed...
24To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Once more I must give you my cordial thanks for this proof of your remembrance—not, that I suspected it—but I did not expect so soon an answer. Every one, which I receive every letter of myself—I consider—nearly unwillingly—that it may be the last of our correspondence—continued now since more than forty years—during which—whatever Station you fulfilled—I was allways honoured with your kind...
25To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I was highly gratified with your affectionate Letter, and answer it directly, not to renew my thanks, as I can no more express these as lively, as I See it impossible to reciprocate these—and then you dare to ask me, if my residence at Montezillo had been tolerable—did not then my friend read my contentment—in every gesture, in every feature of my visage—then certainly my countenance...
26To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
If anÿ man rejoice in the prosperity of the united States i wil hope that me shal not be denied a place amongst them, and I think it mÿ dutÿ to congratulate your Excellencÿ with the complete victorÿ of your arms in the chesapeak-baÿ and the Burgoynishing of that mighty Lord with his many thousand Slaves. Now wil the proud of the British nation be humiliated—now shal a venal and corrupt...
27To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, July 1820 (Adams Papers)
As you will not wait in bestowing your kindnesses, till I arrive at Montezillo, you must permit me to give you my cordial thanks for this renewed proof of frendship—If well, then I leave my family—half of August—and hope to See you befor, the end of that month. I Shall be at mrs Eliot’s about the 21—if I come Safe as far at Cambridge.— Saturday we were unexpectedly visited by mr Dwight Miss C....
28To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to address You with few words upon your election to the Presidencÿ of the United States: Mÿ wishes in this part are entirely accomplished—May America remain happÿ in peace, and prosper under your administration—So that the names of Washington and Adams may be combined at every new election—as those of August and Trajan; maÿ its Thankfulness compensate in part the Sacrifices, which...
29To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Sensible pleasure, received from your Excell:s favour of the 25th Dec. with which I was honoured quite unexpected, induces me to a rescription. I hope, this will not be consider’d as abusing your Excell. condescendence, in devoting few moments of your precious time to an old client, who may boast of your Excell. esteem, continued in different Situations of life Since twenty years. Maÿ I...
30To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 March 1807 (Adams Papers)
As your Letter of the 29 of Jan—afforded me a Sensible pleasure, I will procure meself another in writing you again. God be praised, that your health is unimpaired—it must continue so manÿ daÿs, if the warm wishes of your Relatives and friends obtain their accomplishments—our own interests—mÿ Dear Sir! prompts this wish. I spent this winter verÿ agreablÿ—partlÿ with mÿ old Classick friends...