Letters written by John Adams

From Bpljohnadamsmss

(Difference between revisions)
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Summary: Adams asks Foster to dine with him on “Saturday next at 3 o’clock.” Written in another hand.
Summary: Adams asks Foster to dine with him on “Saturday next at 3 o’clock.” Written in another hand.
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Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (177)
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New Call #: Adams 329
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Summary: Adams discusses the changes he made in administration on coming into office, saying none were because of personal dislike. States that he did remove certain officers at Portsmouth for showing hostility toward the government.  
Summary: Adams discusses the changes he made in administration on coming into office, saying none were because of personal dislike. States that he did remove certain officers at Portsmouth for showing hostility toward the government.  
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Former BPL Call#: Ch.E.8.39
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New Call #: Adams 330
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Summary:  Adams inquires on Rush’s health and activity.
Summary:  Adams inquires on Rush’s health and activity.
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (33)
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New Call #: Adams 331
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Summary:  Adams comments on the Franklinian system of government and compliments Rush on his fable.
Summary:  Adams comments on the Franklinian system of government and compliments Rush on his fable.
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (34)
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New Call #: Adams 332
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Summary:  Adams discusses motions in the Continental Congress on the treaty with France and comments on the French Revolution.
Summary:  Adams discusses motions in the Continental Congress on the treaty with France and comments on the French Revolution.
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (35)
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New Call #: Adams 333
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Summary: On recto, written by John Adams: “The Eastern Nations sink; their glory ends And Empire rises when their sun descends.” On verso: “Lines said to be inscribed on a [blank] at [blank]. Mentioned by President Adams at the Amer. Academy [of Arts and Sciences]. And written by him in the Academy Room at my request, 1807.” A. Holmes.   
Summary: On recto, written by John Adams: “The Eastern Nations sink; their glory ends And Empire rises when their sun descends.” On verso: “Lines said to be inscribed on a [blank] at [blank]. Mentioned by President Adams at the Amer. Academy [of Arts and Sciences]. And written by him in the Academy Room at my request, 1807.” A. Holmes.   
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Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (180)
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New Call #: Adams 334
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Summary: Adams comments on sexual morality and Aaron Burr.   
Summary: Adams comments on sexual morality and Aaron Burr.   
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (36)
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New Call #: Adams 335
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Summary: Adams names people who have libeled him.  
Summary: Adams names people who have libeled him.  
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (37)
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New Call #: Adams 336
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Summary: Adams decries the adulation of George Washington.  
Summary: Adams decries the adulation of George Washington.  
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (38)
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New Call #: Adams 337
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Summary: Adams discusses the political scene and prospects.   
Summary: Adams discusses the political scene and prospects.   
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (39)
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New Call #: Adams 338
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Summary: Adams comments on the destructive effects of commerce and avarice on republican governments.  
Summary: Adams comments on the destructive effects of commerce and avarice on republican governments.  
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Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (40)
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New Call #: Adams 339

Revision as of 14:54, 26 February 2007

Abbreviations Used


AD: Autograph document

ADS: Autograph document signed

AL: Autograph letter

ALS: Autograph letter signed

ANS: Autograph note signed

DS: Document note

DNS: Document note signed

LS: Letter signed

TD: Typed document

TDS: Typed document signed

TLS: Typed letter signed




Date: Feb. 1764

Type: AD

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston, Mass.

Recipient: Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature

Place of receipt: Boston, Mass.

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 25 x 18 cm.

Summary: Adams writes on behalf of William Field, in administration of the estate of Abijah Crane, which is heavily in debt. Signed by Field.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.F.11.93

New Call #: Adams 300


Date: Aug. 1765-July 1766

Type: AD

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: Treat & Pico, merchants

Place of receipt: Boston

Physical description: 6 items ; 19 x 34 cm. (max.)

Summary: Accounts for various clients of Adams’s, including Capt. William Wimble, Joseph Blake, and the schooner Molly.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.1194 (1-5)

New Call #: Adams 301


Date: 1766

Type: AD

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: Treat & Pico, merchants

Place of receipt: Boston

Physical description: 4 items ; 24 x 39 cm. (max)

Summary: Bill to Treat & Pico for Adams’s bookkeeping services.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.1194 (5a)

New Call #: Adams 302


Date: March 1766

Type: DS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: [Boston]

Recipient: Honorable Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature

Place of receipt: [Boston]

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 19 x 16 cm.

Summary: Appeal for affirmation of judgment by Benjamin Harrord and Benjamin Dolbeare against Francis Whitmore.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.C.6.62

New Call #: Adams 303


Date: March 1766

Type: DS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: [Boston]

Recipient: Honorable Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature

Place of receipt: [Boston]

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 20 x 11 cm.

Summary: Appeal for affirmation of judgment by Robert Ball against Joseph Russell; statement of costs of suit.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.J.1.7

New Call #: Adams 304


Date: March 10, 1767

Type: DS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: Boston Selectmen

Place of receipt: Boston

Physical description: 1 item (2 p.) ; 33 x 21 cm.

Summary: Boston citizens petition Boston Selectmen to appoint Nathaneal Oliver as master of North Grammar School.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (55)

New Call #: Adams 305


Date: Nov. 1769, term

Type: ADS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Salem, Mass.

Recipient: Salem Superior Court

Place of receipt: Salem, Mass.

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 10 x 15 cm.

Summary: Discusses the plea of Samuel Fitch and asks that it gets moved to the following term.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (5)

New Call #: Adams 306


Date: 1770

Type: AD

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: None

Place of receipt: None

Physical description: 10 items (20 p., last 7 pages blank) ; 14 x 10 cm.

Summary: Adams’s legal notes from the Boston Massacre trial. In fragile condition; use photocopies unless originals are necessary. Fully cataloged in OCLC and the BPL catalog. Transcriptions are available in both a verbatim version and a vernacular version.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (23)

New Call #: Adams 307


Date: Jan. 4, 1770

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826; Adams, Abigail (Smith), 1744-1818.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: Smith, Isaac.

Place of receipt: S. Carolina

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 30 x 19 cm.

Summary: Abigail Adams gives advice on proper conduct and quotes Polonius’s speech to Laertes; includes a postscript by Adams.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (21)

New Call #: Adams 308


Date: March 1770?

Type: AD

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826; for Adam Air.

Place of creation: [Boston]

Recipient: His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson … and His Majesty’s Council

Place of receipt: [Boston]

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 21 x 10 cm.

Summary: Answers to a libel for divorce of Martha Air, his wife. Denies charges and prays they be dismissed.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.J.1.6

New Call #: Adams 309


Date: Dec. 11, 1770

Type: AD

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: Nantucket County Sheriff, etc.

Place of receipt: [Nantucket, Mass.]

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 32 x 20 cm.

Summary: Legal document written by Adams on behalf of Paul [Hassey?]; several hundred words in Adams’s hand. Former BPL Call#: Ms.3723

New Call #: Adams 310


Date: May 1773

Type: ADS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: Inhabitants of Boston

Place of receipt: Boston

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 33 x 21 cm.

Summary: Petition about street names, specifically that the southernmost street in Boston be known as Pleasant St.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (28)

New Call #: Adams 311


Date: Aug. 7, 1773

Type: AN

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston

Recipient: None

Place of receipt: None

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 17 x 21 cm.

Summary: Genealogical note on the first members of the Adams family to settle in Braintree.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (24)

New Call #: Adams 312


Date: July 9, 1776

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Philadelphia, Pa.

Recipient: Chase, Samuel, 1741-1811.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 23 x 18 cm.

Summary: Adams describes the announcement and celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (28)

New Call #: Adams 313


Date: Feb. 8, 1778

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826 ; Adams, Abigail (Smith), 1744-1818.

Place of creation: Braintree, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 21 x 17 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on the bravery and skill of various American officers.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (29)

New Call #: Adams 314


Date: June 17, 1779

Type: DS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Philadelphia, Pa.

Recipient: Pickering, Jr., Timothy

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.); 23 x 32 cm.

Summary: Executive appointment of Timothy Pickering, Jr. to midshipman in the US Navy.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.3228

New Call #: Adams 315


Date: Mar. 18, 1780

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Paris

Recipient: Warren, James, 1726-1808. (General Warren, of Plymouth)

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (2 p.) ; 24 x 19 cm.

Summary: Monsieur Jean Baptiste Petry is to visit American and desires introduction to statesmen in Boston. Comments on the departure of Lafayette and his message to Congress. Explains the meaning of the allusion to the “Fruit of the Cracovie.”

Former BPL Call#: Ch.A.4.50

New Call #: Adams 316


Date: June 17, 1782

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: The Hague

Recipient: Warren, James, 1726-1808. (General Warren, of Plymouth)

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams regards the Dutch and their worthiness.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (135)

New Call #: Adams 317


Date: Apr. 9, 1783

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Paris

Recipient: James Warren, 1726-1808

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 22 x 17cm.

Summary: Adams discusses politics in Europe.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (139)

New Call #: Adams 318


Date: May 6, 1785

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Auteuil [France]

Recipient: Warren, Mercy (Otis), 1728-1814

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 23 x 18 cm.

Summary: Adams discusses the need for a minister in Great Britain and inquires after James Warren.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (151)

New Call #: Adams 319


Date: Dec. 12, 1785

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Grosvenor Square [London]

Recipient: Otis, James, 1726-1808

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams discusses the wisdom of various military decisions.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (175)

New Call #: Adams 320


Date: July 5, 1789

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Richmond Hill, [New York]

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 2 items (5 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm. (max.)

Summary: Adams comments on the importance and necessity of titles.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (30)

New Call #: Adams 321


Date: July 24, 1789

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: New York

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 25 x 21 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on the necessity of a more exalted title than “President.”

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (31)

New Call #: Adams 322


Date: July 28, 1789

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Richmond Hill, [New York]

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (8 p.) ; 26 x 21 cm. (pages 6-7 blank)

Summary: Adams discusses titles and their use in ancient Rome.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (32)

New Call #: Adams 323


Date: Sept. 12, 1790-Nov. 20, 1790

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826; Samuel Adams, 1722-1803.

Place of creation: Boston; New York

Recipient: Adams, John, 1735-1826; Adams, Samuel, 1722-1803.

Place of receipt: Boston; New York

Physical description: 1 item (32 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: A series of letters between John and Samuel Adams, discussing politics, etc.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.G.41.12

New Call #: Adams 324


Date: Nov. 16, 1792

Type: AL

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Copley, John Singleton, 1738-1815.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (2 p.) ; 22 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams received a print of Copley’s picture of The Death of the Earl of Chatham, but was not at Mt. Vernon when the case arrived so it has not yet been presented to him.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.F.6. 3-3a

New Call #: Adams 325


Date: Jan. 27, 1793

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Philadelphia, Pa.

Recipient: Copley, John Singleton, 1738-1815.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams acknowledges receipt of the Copley’s The Death of the Earl of Chatham, and has presented it to the President, who sends his appreciation.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.F.6.3

New Call #: Adams 326


Date: May 3, 1797

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: [Philadelphia]

Recipient: Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814.

Place of receipt: : [Philadelphia]

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 25 x 21 cm.

Summary: Adams states his principles toward the Republican system.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (25)

New Call #: Adams 327


Date: May 28, 1798

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Philadelphia, Pa.

Recipient: Inhabitants of Wells, [Ma.]

Place of receipt: Wells, [Ma.]

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 26 x 21 cm.

Summary: Adams thanks the people of Wells for their resolution of support. Note: Wells is now a part of Maine.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (26)

New Call #: Adams 328


Date: July 12, 1798

Type: AN

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826. (third person)

Place of creation: [Philadelphia, Pa.]

Recipient: [Foster, Dwight, 1753-1823.]

Place of receipt: Massachusetts

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 13 x 21 cm.

Summary: Adams asks Foster to dine with him on “Saturday next at 3 o’clock.” Written in another hand.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (177)

New Call #: Adams 329


Date: Mar. 10, 1800

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Philadelphia, Pa.

Recipient: General Benjamin Lincoln

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 20 x 25 cm.

Summary: Adams discusses the changes he made in administration on coming into office, saying none were because of personal dislike. States that he did remove certain officers at Portsmouth for showing hostility toward the government.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.E.8.39

New Call #: Adams 330


Date: Feb. 27, 1805

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 23 x 18 cm.

Summary: Adams inquires on Rush’s health and activity.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (33)

New Call #: Adams 331


Date: April 11, 1805

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on the Franklinian system of government and compliments Rush on his fable.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (34)

New Call #: Adams 332


Date: Sept. 30, 1805

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (8 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams discusses motions in the Continental Congress on the treaty with France and comments on the French Revolution.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (35)

New Call #: Adams 333


Date: [1807]

Type: ANS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Cambridge, Mass.

Recipient: None

Place of receipt: None

Physical description: 1 item (2 p.) ; 6 x 16 cm.

Summary: On recto, written by John Adams: “The Eastern Nations sink; their glory ends And Empire rises when their sun descends.” On verso: “Lines said to be inscribed on a [blank] at [blank]. Mentioned by President Adams at the Amer. Academy [of Arts and Sciences]. And written by him in the Academy Room at my request, 1807.” A. Holmes.

Former BPL Call#: Ch.M.1.7 (180)

New Call #: Adams 334


Date: Feb. 2, 1807

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 23 x 18 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on sexual morality and Aaron Burr.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (36)

New Call #: Adams 335


Date: June 25, 1807

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (8 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm. (Pages 6-7 blank)

Summary: Adams names people who have libeled him.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (37)

New Call #: Adams 336


Date: Feb. 25, 1808

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams decries the adulation of George Washington.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (38)

New Call #: Adams 337


Date: June 20, 1808

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 2 items (5 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm. (max.)

Summary: Adams discusses the political scene and prospects.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (39)

New Call #: Adams 338


Date: Sept. 27, 1808

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on the destructive effects of commerce and avarice on republican governments.

Former BPL Call#: Ms.Am.229 (40)

New Call #: Adams 339


Date: Mar. 25, 1809

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Guild, Elizabeth

Place of receipt: Quincy, Mass.

Physical description: 1 item ( 6 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams cites genealogical references to Quincy ancestors in various works in his library.


Date: Aug. 6, 1810

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Townsend, Alexander

Place of receipt: Boston

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on Townsend’s oration.


Date: Dec. 27, 1810

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 23 x 18 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on the evils of banks and on bankers becoming a new aristocracy.


Date: Dec. 27, 1810

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 23 x 18 cm.

Summary: Adams describes the romances he has been reading.


Date: Nov. 2, 1811

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 24 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams chronicles recent family illnesses and deaths.


Date: Mar. 19, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams relates anecdotes of his past.


Date: Apr. 22, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (6 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams relates recent conversations with Timothy Pickering about President George Washington.


Date: May 14, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on the current political scene.


Date: July 3, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on and corrects confused recollections.


Date: July 19, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 24 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams discusses disinterested benevolence and Adams family history.


Date: Aug. 1, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on British impressments and current events.


Date: Oct. 22, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams discusses mental illness and lack of naval strength.


Date: Dec. 16, 1812

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Plumer, William, 1759-1850.

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 25 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams feels a change in the attitude of the New England states, and queries the cause of it. He expresses a doubt to the qualifications of Madison’s competitor, and asks Plumer to express his own view of the state of the country.


Date: Jan. 4, 1813

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 2 items (7 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm. (max.)

Summary: Adams humorously outlines his life as told by his horse, Hobby.


Date: Feb. 21, 1813

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Rush, Benjamin, 1745-1813.

Place of receipt: Philadelphia, Pa.

Physical description: 1 item (3 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on opposition to naval power in Congress of 1774-1775.


Date: Dec. 4, 1814

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Plumer, William, 1759-1850.

Place of receipt: [New Hampshire]

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 24 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams comments on the corrupt election of one of his Councilors, and mentions the loss of his friend Elbridge Gerry. He believes the Convention at Hertford will resemble the Congress at Vienna.

Note: Stored in its original place with the pb manuscripts.


Date: Sept. 9, 1816

Type: ADS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826; et. al.

Place of creation: Cambridge, Mass.

Recipient: Committee of Proprietors of the Market House (Samuel Bartlett, Thomas Warland, Israel Porter, Samuel Child, and Eliab W, Metcalf)

Place of receipt: Cambridge, Mass.

Physical description: 1 item (2 p.) ; 34 x 21 cm.

Summary: Lease of a tract of land, Market House, in Cambridge, Mass. Signed by Adams, William Winthrop, Aaron Hill, and others.


Date: Jan. 28, 1817

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Gorham, Nathaniel

Place of receipt: Unidentified

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Summary: Discusses “chymists” [i.e. scientists] and the nature of the universe.


Date: April 4, 1818

Type: DS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826; Townsend, Alexander.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: [Adams, John, 1735-1826]

Place of receipt: Quincy

Physical description: 1 item (4 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: A biography of John Adams, written by Alexander Townsend, with notes by Adams. Signed by Adams as “A true account, errors accepted.”


Date: April 4, 1818

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: Bowditch, Nathaniel, 1773-1838.

Place of receipt: Salem, Mass.

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams acknowledges the gift of Bowditch’s Mathematical Papers (181) and offers to subscribe to Bowditch’s edition of LaPlace’s Mechanique Celeste.


Date: July 29, 1818

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Quincy, Mass.

Recipient: King, Rufus, 1755-1827.

Place of receipt: Long Island, New York, New York

Physical description: 1 item (1 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams praises King’s speech and expresses fears regarding the future of America.


Date: Nov. 4, 1820

Type: ALS

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Montezillo [Quincy, Mass.]

Recipient: Bowditch, Nathaniel, 1773-1838.

Place of receipt: Salem, Mass.

Physical description: 2 items (3 p.); 25 x 20 cm.

Summary: Adams thanks Bowditch for Mathematical Papers and laments his lost influence.


Date: Unidentified

Type: AD

Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826.

Place of creation: Boston, Mass.

Recipient: Otis, James, 1725-1783; Cushing, Thomas, 1725-1788.

Place of receipt: [Boston]

Physical description: 1 item (5 p.) ; 30 x 17 cm.

Summary: Written by Adams on behalf of the citizens of Boston.

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