Quote Archive | The Wisdom and Folly of John Adams, American Founder

(Updated May 13, 2025)

John Adams (1735-1826) was an American Founder who played a key role in the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and served as the United States’ first Vice President, and second President.

Letters (pre-Vice President)

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 12, 1774)

We live my dear Soul, in an Age of Trial. What will be the Consequence I know not. The Town of Boston, for ought I can see, must suffer Martyrdom: It must expire: And our principal Consolation is, that it dies in a noble Cause. The Cause of Truth, of Virtue, of Liberty and of Humanity: and that it will probably have a glorious Reformation, to greater Wealth, Splendor and Power than ever…

We must contrive as many Ways as we can, to save Expenses, for We may have Calls to contribute, very largely in Proportion to our Circumstances, to prevent other very honest, worthy People from suffering for Want, besides our own Loss in Point of Business and Profit.

I can truly say that I have felt more spirits and activity since the arrival of this news [the blockade of Boston] than I had done before for years. I look upon this as the last effort of Lord North’s [the British Prime Minister] despair. And he will as surely be defeated in it as he was in the project of tea.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 4, 1774)

Heard the minister again upon “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). There is a great pleasure in hearing sermons so serious, so clear, so sensible and instructive as these.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 5, 1774)

I spent an Hour last Evening at Mr. Wyers with Judge Cushing. Wyers Father, who has a little Place in the Customs came in. He began, upon Politicks and told us, that Mr. Smith had a Fast last Week which he attended. Mr. Gillman preached, he said, Part of the Day and told them that the Judgments of God upon the Land, were in Consequence of the Mobbs and Riots, which had prevailed in the Country—and then turning to me, old Wyer said “What do you think of that Mr. Adams?”—I answered, I can’t say but Mobs and Violences may have been one Cause of our Calamities. I am inclined to think that they do come in for a share: But there are many other Causes; did not Mr. Gillman mention Bribery and Corruption, as another Cause?—He ought to have been impartial, and pointed out the Venality which prevails in the Land as a Cause, as well as Tumults—”I think he did” says Wyer.

I might have pursued my Enquiry, whether, he did not mention the Universal Pilfering, Robbery and Picking of Pockets, which prevails in the Land—as every Man’s Pocket upon the Continent is picked every Day, by taking from him Duties without his Consent.

I might have enquired whether he mentioned the universal Spirit of Debauchery, Dissipation, Luxury, Effeminacy and Gaming which the late ministerial Measures are introducing, etc. etc. etc. but I forbore.

How much Profaneness, Lewdness, Intemperance, &c. have been introduced by the Army and Navy, and Revenue—how much servility, Venality and Artifice and Hypocrisy, have been introduced among the Ambitious and Avaricious by the British Politics of the last 10 Years?

In short the original faulty Causes of all the Vices which have been introduced, these last 10 Years, are the Political Innovations of the last 10 Years. This is no Justification and a poor Excuse for the Girls who have been debauched, and for the Injustice which has been committed, in some Riots. But surely the Soldiers, Sailors, and Excisemen, who have occasioned these Vices ought not to reproach those they have corrupted. These Tories act the Part of the Devil—they tempt Men and Women into sin, and then reproach them for It, and become soon their Tormentors for it.

A Tempter and Tormentor, is the Character of the Devil—Hutchinson, Oliver, and others of their Circle, who for their own Ends of Ambition and Avarice, have procured, promoted, encouraged, counselled, aided and abetted the Taxation of America, have been the Real Tempters of their Countrymen and Women, into all the Vices, sins, Crimes and follies which that Taxation has occasioned: And now by [them]selves and their Friends, Dependents, and Votaries, they a[re] reproaching those very Men and Women, with those Vices and follies, Sins and Crimes.

There is not a Sin which prevails more universally and has prevailed longer, than Prodigality, in Furniture, Equipage, Apparel and Diet. And I believe that this Vice, this Sin has as large a Share in drawing down the Judgments of Heaven as any. And perhaps the Punishment that is inflicted, may work medicinally, and cure the Disease.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 6, 1774) [Letter I]

Mobs are the trite Topic of Declamation and Invective, among all the ministerial People, far and near. They are grown universally learned in the Nature, Tendency and Consequences of them, and very eloquent and pathetic in descanting upon them. They are Sources of all kinds of Evils, Vices, and Crimes, they say. They give Rise to Profaneness, Intemperance, Thefts, Robberies, Murders, and Treason. Cursing, Swearing, Drunkenness, Gluttony, Lewdness, Trespasses, Maims, are necessarily involved in them and occasioned by them. Besides, they render the Populace, the Rabble, the scum of the Earth, insolent, and disorderly, impudent, and abusive. They give Rise to Lying, Hypocrisy, Chicanery, and even Perjury among the People, who are driven to such Artifices, and Crimes, to conceal themselves and their Companions, from Prosecutions in Consequence of them.

This is the Picture drawn by the Tory Pencil: and it must be granted to be a Likeness; but this is Declamation. What Consequence is to be drawn from this Description? Shall We submit to Parliamentary Taxation, to avoid Mobs? Will not Parliamentary Taxation if established, occasion Vices, Crimes and Follies, infinitely more numerous, dangerous, and fatal to the Community? Will not parliamentary Taxation if established, raise a Revenue, unjustly and wrongfully? If this Revenue is scattered by the Hand of Corruption, among the public Officers, and Magistrates and Rulers, in the Community, will it not propagate Vices more numerous, more malignant and pestilential among them. Will it not render Magistrates servile, and fawning to their vicious Superiors? and insolent and Tyrannical to their Inferiors? Is Insolence, Abuse and Impudence more tolerable in a Magistrate than in a subject? Is it not more constantly and extensively, pernicious? And does not the Example of Vice and Folly, in Magistrates descend, and spread downwards among the People?…

Parties may go on declaiming: but it is not easy to say, which Party has excited most Riots, which has published most Libels, which have propagated most Slander, and Defamation.

Verbal Scandal has been propag[at]ed in great Abundance by both Parties. But there is this Difference, that one Party have enjoyed almost all public Offices, and therefore their Defamation has been spread among the People more secretly, more maliciously and more effectually. It has gone with greater Authority, and been scattered by Instruments more industrious…

These bickerings of opposite Parties, and their mutual Reproaches, their Declamations, their Sing Song, their Triumphs and defiances, their Dismals, and Prophecies, are all Delusion.

We very seldom hear any solid Reasoning. I wish always to discuss the Question, without all Painting, Pathos, Rhetoric, or Flourish of every Kind. And the Question seems to me to be, whether the American Colonies are to be considered, as a distinct Community so far as to have a Right to judge for themselves, when the fundamentals of their Government are destroyed or invaded? Or Whether they are to be considered as a Part of the whole British Empire, the whole English Nation, so far as to be bound in Honor, Conscience or Interest by the general Sense of the whole Nation?

However if this was the Rule, I believe it is very far from the general Sense of the whole Nation that America s[hould] be taxed by the British Parliament. If the Sense of [all] of the Empire, could be fairly and truly collected, it would appear, I believe, that a great Majority would be against taxing us, against or without our Consent. It is very certain that the Sense of Parliament is not the Sense of the Empire, nor a sure Indication of it.

But if all other Parts of the Empire were agreed unanimously in the Propriety and Rectitude of taxing us, this would not bind us. It is a fundamental, inherent, and unalienable Right of the People that they have some Check, Influence, or Control in their Supreme Legislature. If the Right of Taxation is conceded to Parliament, the Americans have no Check, or Influence at all left—This Reasoning never was nor can be answered.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 7, 1774)

A Notion prevails among all Parties that it is politest and genteelest to be on the Side of Administration, that the better Sort, the Wiser Few, are on one Side; and that the Multitude, the Vulgar, the Herd, the Rabble, the Mob only are on the other. So difficult it is for the frail feeble Mind of Man to shake itself loose from all Prejudices and Habits. However Andrew, or his Prompter is perfectly Right, in his Judgment, and will finally be proved to be so, that the lowest on the Tory Scale, will make it more for his Interest than the highest on the Whiggish. And as long as a Man Adheres immovably to his own Interest, and has Understanding or Luck enough to secure and promote it, he will have the Character of a Man of Sense And will be respected by a selfish World. I know of no better Reason for it than this—that most Men are conscious that they aim at their own Interest only, and that if they fail it is owing to short Sight or ill Luck, and therefore can’t blame, but secretly applaud, admire and sometimes envy those whose Capacities have proved greater and Fortunes more prosperous…

I am engaged in a famous Cause: The Cause of King, of Scarborough vs. a Mob, that broke into his House, and rifled his Papers, and terrified him, his Wife, Children and Servants in the Night. The Terror, and Distress, the Distraction and Horror of this Family cannot be described by Words or painted upon Canvass. It is enough to move a Statue, to melt an Heart of Stone, to read the Story. A Mind susceptible of the Feelings of Humanity, an Heart which can be touched with Sensibi[li]ty for human Misery and Wretchedness, must reluct [sic], must burn with Resentment and Indignation, at such outrageous Injuries. These private Mobs, I do and will detest. If Popular Commotions can be justified, in Opposition to Attacks upon the Constitution, it can be only when Fundamentals are invaded, nor then unless for absolute Necessity and with great Caution. But these Tarrings and Featherings, these breaking open Houses by rude and insolent Rabbles, in Resentment for private Wrongs or in pursuance of private Prejudices and Passions, must be discountenanced, cannot be even excused upon any Principle which can be entertained by a good Citizen—a worthy Member of Society…

I go mourning in my Heart, all the Day long, though I say nothing. I am melancholy for the Public, and anxious for my Family, as for myself a Frock and Trousers, an Hoe and Spade, would do for my Remaining Days.

For God Sake make your Children, hardy, active and industrious, for Strength, Activity and Industry will be their only Resource and Dependence.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)

Tomorrow We reach the Theatre of Action. God Almighty grant us Wisdom and Virtue sufficient for the high Trust that is devolved upon Us. The Spirit of the People wherever we have been seems to be very favorable. They universally consider our Cause as their own, and express the firmest Resolution, to abide the Determination of the Congress.

I am anxious for our perplexed, distressed Province—hope they will be directed into the right Path. Let me intreat you, my Dear, to make yourself as easy and quiet as possible. Resignation to the Will of Heaven is our only Resource in such dangerous Times. Prudence and Caution should be our Guides. I have the strongest Hopes, that We shall yet see a clearer Sky, and better Times…

Tell him [John Quincy Adams], if he devotes his Soul and Body to his Books, I hope, notwithstanding the Darkness of these Days, he will not find them unprofitable Sacrifices in future….

I hope our Husbandry is prudently and industriously managed. Frugality must be our Support. Our Expenses, in this Journey, will be very great—our only Reward will be the consolatory Reflection that We toil, spend our Time, and tempt Dangers for the public Good—happy indeed, if we do any good!

The Education of our Children is never out of my Mind. Train them to Virtue, habituate them to industry, activity, and Spirit. Make them consider every Vice, as shameful and unmanly: fire them with Ambition to be useful—make them disdain to be destitute of any useful, or ornamental Knowledge or Accomplishment. Fix their Ambition upon great and solid Objects, and their Contempt upon little, frivolous, and useless ones…Every Decency, Grace, and Honesty should be inculcated upon them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 14, 1774)

I have written but once to you since I left you. This is to be imputed to a Variety of Causes, which I cannot explain for Want of Time. It would fill Volumes to give you an exact Idea of the whole Tour. My Time is to totally filled from the Moment I get out of Bed, until I return to it. Visits, Ceremonies, Company, Business, News Papers, Pamphlets etc. etc. etc.

The Congress will, to all present Appearance be well united and in such Measures I hope will give Satisfaction to the Friends of our Country.

A Tory here is the most despicable Animal in the Creation. Spiders, Toads, Snakes, are their only proper Emblems. The Massachusetts Councilors, and Addressers are held in curious Esteem here, as you will see.

The Spirit, the Firmness, the Prudence of our Province are vastly applauded, and We are universally acknowledged the Saviors and Defenders of American Liberty.

The Designs, and Plans of the Congress, must not be communicated, until completed, and We shall move with great Deliberation…

My Compliments, Love, Service where they are due. My Babes are never out of my Mind, nor absent from my Heart.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 16, 1774)

Psalm of the Revolution

When the Congress first met, Mr. Cushing made a Motion, that it should be opened with Prayer. It was opposed by Mr. Jay of N. York and Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina, because we were so divided in religious Sentiments, some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists, some Presbyterians and some Congregationalists, so that We could not join in the same Act of Worship—Mr. S[amuel] Adams arose and said he was no Bigot, and could hear a Prayer from a Gentleman of Piety and Virtue, who was at the same Time a Friend to his Country…

[H]e [Samuel Adams] moved that Mr. Duché, an episcopal Clergyman, might be desired, to read Prayers to the Congress, tomorrow Morning. The Motion was seconded and passed in the Affirmative. Mr. Randolph our President, waited on Mr. Duchè, and received for Answer that if his Health would permit, he certainly would. Accordingly next Morning he appeared with his Clerk and in his Pontificallibus, and read several Prayers, in the established Form; and then read the Collect for the seventh day of September, which was the Thirty fifth Psalm—You must remember this was the next Morning after we heard the horrible Rumor, of the Cannonade of Boston—I never saw a greater Effect upon an Audience. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that Morning.

After this Mr. Duché, unexpected to everybody struck out into an extemporary Prayer, which filled the Bosom of every Man present. I must confess I never heard a better Prayer or one, so well pronounced. Episcopalian as he is, Dr. Cooper himself never prayed with such fervor, such Ardor, such Earnestness and Pathos, and in Language so elegant and sublime—for America, for the Congress, for The Province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially the Town of Boston. It has had an excellent Effect upon everybody here.

I must beg you to read that Psalm. If there was any Faith in the sortes Virgilianae, or sortes Homericae, or especially the Sortes biblicae, it would be thought providential.

It will amuse your Friends to read this Letter and the 35th. Psalm to them. Read it to your Father and Mr. Wibirt—I wonder what our Braintree Churchmen would think of this?—Mr. Duché is one of the most ingenious Men, and best Characters, and greatest orators in the Episcopal order, upon this Continent—Yet a Zealous Friend of Liberty and his Country.

I long to see my dear Family. God bless, preserve and prosper it. Adieu.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 18, 1774) [Letter I]

When the horrid News was brought here of the Bombardment of Boston, which made us completely miserable for two days, we saw Proofs both of the Sympathy and the Resolution, of the Continent.

War! War! War! was the Cry, and it was pronounced in a Tone, which would have done Honor to the Oratory of a Briton or a Roman. If it had proved true, you would have heard the Thunder of an American Congress.

I have not Time nor Language to express the Hospitality and Civility, the studied and expensive Respect with which we have been treated, in every Stage of our Progress.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 18, 1774) [Letter II]

The Proceedings of the Congress are all a profound Secret, as yet, except two Votes which were passed Yesterday, and ordered to be printed. You will see them from every Quarter. These Votes were passed in full Congress with perfect Unanimity.

The Esteem, the Affection, the Admiration, for the People of Boston and the Massachusetts, which were expressed Yesterday, And the fixed Determination that they should be supported, were enough to melt a Heart of Stone. I saw the Tears gush into the Eyes of the old, grave, pacific Quakers of Pennsylvania.

You cannot conceive my Dear, the Harry of Business, Visits and Ceremonies which we are obliged to go through.

We have a delicate Course to steer, between too much Activity and too much Insensibility, in our critical interested situation. I flatter myself however, that We shall conduct our Embassy in such a manner as to merit the Approbation of our Country…

There is No Idea of Submission, here in anybody’s head.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 29, 1774)

Patience, Forbearance, Long Suffering, are the Lessons taught here for our Province, and at the same Time absolute and open Resistance to the new Government. I wish I could convince Gentlemen, of the Danger, or Impracticability of this as fully as I believe it myself.

The Art and Address, of Ambassadors from a dozen belligerent Powers of Europe, nay of a Conclave of Cardinals at the Election of a Pope, or of the Princes in Germany at the Choice of an Emperor, would not exceed the Specimens We have seen.—Yet the Congress all profess the same political Principles.

They all profess to consider our Province as suffering in the common Cause, and indeed they seem to feel for Us, as if for themselves. We have had as great Questions to discuss as ever engaged the Attention of Men, and an infinite Multitude of them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 7, 1774)

I wish I could write to you, much oftener than I do. I wish I could write to you, a Dozen Letters every day. But the Business before me, is so arduous and takes up my Time so entirely, that I cannot write often. I had the Characters and Tempers, the Principles and Views of fifty Gentlemen total Strangers to me to study, and the Trade, Policy, and whole Interest of a Dozen Provinces, to learn when I came here. I have Multitudes of Pamphlets, Newspapers, and private Letters to read. I have numberless Plans of Policy, and many Arguments to consider. I have many Visits to make and receive—much Ceremony to endure, which cannot be avoided, which you know I hate.

There is a great Spirit in the Congress. But our People must be peaceable. Let them exercise every day in the Week, if they Will, the more the better. Let them furnish themselves with Artillery, Arms and Ammunition. Let them follow the Maxim, which you say they have adopted “In Times of Peace, prepare for War.” But let them avoid War, if possible, if possible I say.

Mr. Revere will bring you the Doings of the Congress, who are now, all around me debating what Advice to give to Boston and the Massachusetts Bay.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 9, 1774)

Visiting a Catholic Church

I am wearied to Death with the Life I lead. The Business of the Congress is tedious, beyond Expression. This Assembly is like no other that ever existed. Every Man in it is a great Man—an orator, a Critic, a statesman, and therefore every Man upon every Question must shew his oratory, his Criticism and his Political Abilities.

The Consequence of this is, that Business is drawn and spun out to an immeasurable Length. I believe if it was moved and seconded that We should come to a Resolution that Three and two make five We should be entertained with Logic and Rhetoric, Law, History, Politics and Mathematics, concerning the Subject for two whole Days, and then We should pass the Resolution unanimously in the Affirmative. The perpetual Round of feasting too, which we are obliged to submit to, make the Pilgrimage more tedious to me.

This Day I went to Dr. Allison’s Meeting in the Forenoon and heard the Dr—a good Discourse upon the Lords Supper. This is a Presbyterian Meeting. I confess I am not fond of the Presbyterian Meetings in this Town. I had rather go to Church. We have better Sermons, better Prayers, better Speakers, softer, sweeter Music, and genteeler Company. And I must confess, that the Episcopal Church is quite as agreeable to my Taste as the Presbyterian. They are both Slaves to the Domination of the Priesthood. I like the Congregational Way best—next to that the Independent.

This afternoon, led by Curiosity and good Company I strolled away to Mother Church, or rather Grandmother Church, I mean the Romish Chappell. Heard a good, short, moral Essay upon the Duty of Parents to their Children, founded in Justice and Charity, to take care of their Interests temporal and spiritual. This Afternoons Entertainment was to me, most awful and affecting. The poor Wretches, fingering their Beads, chanting Latin, not a Word of which they understood, their Pater Nosters and Ave Maria’s. Their holy Water—their Crossing themselves perpetually—their Bowing to the Name of Jesus, wherever they hear it—their Bowings, and Kneelings, and Genuflections before the Altar. The Dress of the Priest was rich with Lace—his Pulpit was Velvet and Gold. The Altar Piece was very rich—little Images and Crucifixes about—Wax Candles lighted up. But how shall I describe the Picture of our Savior in a Frame of Marble over the Altar at full Length upon the Cross, in the Agonies, and the Blood dropping and streaming from his Wounds.

The Music consisting of an organ, and a Choir of singers, went all the Afternoon, excepting sermon Time, and the Assembly chanted—most sweetly and exquisitely.

Here is everything which can lay hold of the Eye, Ear, and Imagination. Everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 30, 1775)

Keep your Spirits composed and calm, and don’t suffer yourself to be disturbed, by idle Reports, and frivolous Alarms. We shall see better Times yet.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 2, 1775) [Letter I]

Our Hearts are bleeding for the poor People of Boston. What will, or can be done for them I cant conceive. God preserve them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 8, 1775)

It would take many Sheets of Paper, to give you a Description of the Reception, we found here. The Militia were all in Arms, and almost the whole City out to Meet us. The Tories are put to Flight here, as effectually as the Mandamus Council at Boston. They have associated, to stand by Continental and Provincial Congresses, etc. etc. etc. Such a Spirit was never seen in New York…

Let me caution you my Dear, to be upon your Guard against that Multitude of Affrights, and Alarms, which I fear, will surround you. Yet I hope the People with you, will grow more composed than they were.

Our Prospect of a Union of the Colonies is promising indeed. Never was there such a Spirit. Yet I feel anxious, because, there is always more Smoke than Fire—more Noise than Music.

Our Province is nowhere blamed. The Accounts of the Battle are exaggerated in our favor—My Love to all. I pray for you all, and hope to be prayed for. Certainly, There is a Providence—certainly, We must depend upon Providence or We fail. Certainly the sincere Prayers of good Men, avail much. [James 5:16] But Resignation is our Duty in all Events. I have this Day heard Mr. Livingston in the Morning and Dr. Rogers this afternoon—excellent Men, and excellent Prayers and sermons.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (June 2, 1775)

Our Debates and Deliberations are tedious, from Nine to four, five, and once near Six. Our Determinations very slow—I hope sure. The Congress will support Us, but in their own Way. Not precisely in that Way which I could wish, but in a better Way than We could well expect, considering what an heterogeneous Body it is…

Poor Bostonians! My Heart Bleeds for them, day and Night. God preserve and bless them…

My Dear Nabby, and Johnny and Charley and Tommy are never out of my Thoughts. God bless, preserve and prosper them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (June 10, 1775) [Letter I]

I wish I could write freely to you my Dear, but I cannot. The Scene before me, is complicated enough. It requires better Eyes and better Nerves than mine. Yet I will not despond. I will lay all Difficulties prostrate at my feet. My Health and Life ought to be hazarded, in the Cause of my Country as well as yours, and all my friends.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (June 10, 1775) [Letter II]

I long to know, how you fare, and whether you are often discomposed with Alarms. Guard yourself against them my Dear. I think you are in no Danger—don’t let the groundless Fears, and fruitful Imaginations of others affect you.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 7, 1775)

It is not at all surprising to me that the wanton, cruel, and infamous Conflagration of Charlestown, the Place of your Fathers Nativity, should afflict him. Let him know that I sincerely condole with him, on that melancholy Event. It is a Method of conducting War long since become disreputable among civilized Nations: But every Year brings us fresh Evidence, that We have nothing to hope for from our loving Mother Country, but Cruelties more abominable than those which are practiced by the Savage Indians.

The account you give me of the Numbers slain on the side of our Enemies, is affecting to Humanity, although it is a glorious Proof of the Bravery of our Worthy Countrymen. Considering all the Disadvantages under which they fought, they really exhibited Prodigies of Valor.

Your Description of the Distresses of the worthy Inhabitants of Boston, and the other Sea Port Towns, is enough to melt a Heart of stone. Our Consolation must be this, my dear, that Cities may be rebuilt, and a People reduced to Poverty, may acquire fresh Property: But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever. When the People once surrender their share in the Legislature, and their Right of defending the Limitations upon the Government, and of resisting every Encroachment upon them, they can never regain it…

Does Mr. Wibirt preach against Oppression, and the other Cardinal Vices of the Times? Tell him the Clergy here, of every Denomination, not excepting the Episcopalian, thunder and lighten every sabbath. They pray for Boston and the Massachusetts—they thank God most explicitly and fervently for our remarkable Successes—they pray for the American Army. They seem to feel as if they were among you.

You ask if every Member feels for Us? Every Member says he does—and most of them really do. But most of them feel more for themselves. In every Society of Men, in every Club, I ever yet saw, you find some who are timid, their Fears hurry them away upon every Alarm—some who are selfish and avaricious, on whose callous Hearts nothing but Interest and Money can make Impression. There are some Persons in New York and Philadelphia, to whom a ship is dearer than a City, and a few Barrels of flower, than a thousand Lives—other Men’s Lives I mean.

You ask, can they realize what We suffer? I answer No. They can’t, they don’t—and to excuse them as well as I can, I must confess I should not be able to do it, myself, if I was not more acquainted with it by Experience than they are…

It gives me more Pleasure than I can express to learn that you sustain with so much Fortitude, the Shocks and Terrors of the Times. You are really brave, my dear, you are a Heroine. And you have Reason to be. For the worst that can happen, can do you no Harm. A soul, as pure, as benevolent, as virtuous and pious as yours has nothing to fear, but everything to hope and expect from the last of human Evils. Am glad you have secured an Asylum, though I hope you will not have occasion for it…

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 23, 1775)

Dr. Franklin has been very constant in his Attendance on Congress from the Beginning. His Conduct has been composed and grave and in the Opinion of many Gentlemen very reserved. He has not assumed any Thing, nor affected to take the lead; but has seemed to choose that the Congress should pursue their own Principles and sentiments and adopt their own Plans: Yet he has not been backward: has been very useful, on many occasions, and discovered a Disposition entirely American. He does not hesitate at our boldest Measures, but rather seems to think us, too irresolute, and backward. He thinks us at present in an odd State, neither in Peace nor War, neither dependent nor independent. But he thinks that We shall soon assume a Character more decisive.

He thinks, that We have the Power of preserving ourselves, and that even if We should be driven to the disagreeable Necessity of assuming a total Independency, and set up a separate state, we could maintain it. The People of England, have thought that the Opposition in America, was wholly owing to Dr. Franklin: and I suppose their scribblers will attribute the Temper, and Proceedings of this Congress to him: but there cannot be a greater Mistake. He has had but little share farther than to cooperate and assist. He is however a great and good Man. I wish his Colleagues from this City were All like him, particularly one, whose Abilities and Virtues, formerly trumpeted so much in America, have been found wanting.

John Adams, Abigail Adams (July 24, 1775)

It is now almost three Months since I left you, in every Part of which my Anxiety about you and the Children, as well as our Country, has been extreme.

The Business I have had upon my Mind has been as great and important as can be entrusted to [One] Man, and the Difficulty and Intricacy of it is prodigious. When 50 or 60 Men have a Constitution to form for a great Empire, at the same Time that they have a Country of fifteen hundred Miles extent to fortify, Millions to arm and train, a Naval Power to begin, an extensive Commerce to regulate, numerous Tribes of Indians to negotiate with, a standing Army of Twenty seven Thousand Men to raise, pay, victual and officer, I really shall pity those 50 or 60 Men…

[PS] I wish I had given you a complete History from the Beginning to the End of the Journey, of the Behavior of my Compatriots—No Mortal Tale could equal it—I will tell you in Future, but you shall keep it secret—The Fidgets, the Whims, the Caprice, the Vanity, the Superstition, the Irritability of some of us, is enough to…

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 17, 1775)

Georgia is now fully represented, and united to the other Twelve.

Their Delegates are Dr. Zubly, a Clergyman of the independent Persuasion who has a Parish in that Colony and a good deal of Property. He is a Native of Switzerland, is a Man of Learning and Ingenuity. It is said he is Master of several Languages, Greek, Latin, French, Dutch and English. In the latter it is said, he writes tolerably. He is a Man of Zeal and Spirit, as We have already seen upon several occasions.

However, as he is the first Gentleman of the Cloth who has appeared in Congress, I cannot but wish he may be the last. Mixing the sacred Character, with that of the Statesman, as it is quite unnecessary at this Time of day, in these Colonies, is not attended with any good Effects. The Clergy are universally too little acquainted with the World, and the Modes of Business, to engage in civil affairs with any Advantage. Besides those of them, who are really Men of Learning, have conversed with Books so much more than Men, as to be too much loaded with Vanity, to be good Politicians.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 1, 1775)

You may easily conceive the State of Mind, in which I am at present—Uncertain and apprehensive, at first I suddenly thought of setting off, immediately, for Braintree, and I have not yet determined otherwise. Yet the State of public Affairs is so critical, that I am half afraid to leave my Station, Although my Presence here is of no great Consequence…

I rejoice to learn that Nabby and her Brothers have hitherto escaped and pray God that his Goodness may be still continued to them—Your Description of the distressed State of the Neighborhood is affecting indeed.

It is not uncommon for a Train of Calamities to come together. Fire, Sword, Pestilence, Famine, often keep Company, and visit a Country in a Flock.

At this Distance I can do no good to you nor yours. I pray God to support you—I hope our Friends and Neighbors are kind as usual. I feel for them, in the general Calamity.

I am so far from thinking you melancholy, that I am charmed with that Admirable Fortitude, and that divine Spirit of Resignation which appears in your Letters. I cannot express the Satisfaction it gives me, nor how much it contributes to support me…

As to Politics, we have nothing to expect but the whole Wrath and Force of G. Britain. But your Words are as true as an oracle “God helps them, who help themselves, and if We obtain the divine Aid by our own Virtue, Fortitude and Perseverance, we may be sure of Relief.”

It may amuse you to hear a Story. A few days ago, in Company with Dr. Zubly, somebody said, there was nobody on our side but the Almighty. The Dr. who is a Native of Switzerland, and speaks but broken English, quickly replied “Dat is enough—Dat is enough,” and turning to me, says he, it puts me in mind of a fellow who once said, The Catholics have on their side the Pope, and the K. of France and the K. of Spain, and the K. of Sardinia, and the K. of Poland and the Emperor of Germany etc. etc. etc. But as to them poor Devils the Protestants, they have nothing on their side but God Almighty.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 7, 1775)

However, our lives are not in our own power. It is our duty to submit. “The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate” [quoting Joseph Addison’s tragic play, Cato], its designs are often inscrutable, but are always wise and just and good…

The Situation of Things is so alarming, that it is our Duty to prepare our Minds and Hearts for every Event, even the Worst. From my earliest Entrance into Life, I have been engaged in the public Cause of America: and from first to last I have had upon my Mind, a strong Impression, that Things would be wrought up to their present Crisis. I saw from the Beginning that the Controversy was of such a Nature that it never would be settled, and every day convinces me more and more. This has been the source of all the Disquietude of my Life. It has lain down and rose up with me these twelve Years. The Thought that we might be driven to the sad Necessity of breaking our Connection with G.B. exclusive of the Carnage and Destruction which it was easy to see must attend the separation, always gave me a great deal of Grief. And even now, I would cheerfully retire from public life forever, renounce all Chance for Profits or Honors from the public, nay I would cheerfully contribute my little Property to obtain Peace and Liberty—But all these must go and my Life too before I can surrender the Right of my Country to a free Constitution. I dare not consent to it. I should be the most miserable of Mortals ever after, whatever Honors or Emoluments might surround me.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 13, 1775)

Amidst all your afflictions, I am rejoiced to find that you all along preserve so proper and so happy a temper; that you are sensible ‘the consolations of religion are the only sure comforters.’ It is the constitution under which we are born, that if we live long ourselves, we must bury our parents and all our elder relations, and many of those who are younger. I have lost a parent, a child, and a brother, and each of them left a lasting impression on my mind. But you and I have many more relations and very good friends to follow to the house appointed for all flesh, or else we must be followed by them…

I bewail more than I can express, the Loss of your excellent Mother. I mourn the Loss of so much Purity, and unaffected Piety and Virtue to the World. I know of no better Character left in it. I grieve for you, and your Brother, and sisters, I grieve for your Father, whose Age will need the Succor of so excellent a Companion. But I grieve for nobody more than my Children, and Brothers Smiths and Mr. Cranch’s. Her most amiable, and discreet Example, as well as her Kind Skill and Care I have ever relied upon in my own Mind, for the Education of these little Swarms. Not that I have not a proper Esteem for the Capacity and Disposition of the Mothers, but I know that the Efforts of the Grandmother, are of great Importance, when they second those of the Parent. And I am sure that my Children are the better for the forming Hand of their Grandmother.

It gives me great Joy to learn that ours are well—let us be thankful for this and many other Blessings yet granted us. Pray my dear cherish in the Minds of my Nabby and Johnny and Charly and Tommy the Remembrance of their Grand mamma, and remind them of her Precepts and Example. God almighty grant to you and to every Branch of the Family, all the Support that you want!

You and I, my dear, have Reason, if ever Mortals had, to be thoughtful—to look forward beyond the transitory Scene. Whatever is preparing for Us, let us be prepared to receive. It is Time for Us to subdue our Passions of every Kind. The Prospect before Us is an Ocean of Uncertainties, in which no pleasing objects appear. We have few Hopes, excepting that of preserving our Honor and our Consciences untainted and a free Constitution to our Country. Let me be sure of these, and amidst all my Weaknesses, I cannot be overcome. With these I can be happy, in extreme Poverty, in humble Insignificance, nay I hope and believe, in Death: without them I should be miserable, with a Crown upon my Head, Millions in my Coffers, and a gaping, idolizing Multitude at my Feet.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 19, 1775)

Really it is very painful to be 400 Miles from ones Family and Friends when We know they are in Affliction. It seems as if It would be a Joy to me to fly home, even to share with you your Burdens and Misfortunes. Surely, if I were with you, it would be my Study to allay your Griefs, to mitigate your Pains and to divert your melancholy Thoughts.

When I shall come home I know not. We have so much to do, and it is so difficult to do it right, that We must learn Patience. Upon my Word I think, if ever I were to come here again, I must bring you with me. I could live here pleasantly if I had you, with me. Will you come and have the smallpox here? I wish I could remove all the Family, our little Daughter and Sons, and all go through the Distemper here—What if We should? Let me please myself with the Thought however.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 29, 1775) [Letter I]

Mr. Cranch the Friend of my youth as well as of my riper Years, whose tender Heart sympathizes with his fellow Creatures in every Affliction and Distress, in this Case feels the Loss of a Friend, a fellow Christian, and a Mother.

But alas what avail these mournful Reflections. The best Thing We can do, the greatest Respect We can show to the Memory of our departed Friend, is to copy into Our own Lives, those Virtues which in her Lifetime rendered her the Object of our Esteem, Love and Admiration. I must confess I ever felt a Veneration for her, which seems increased by the News of her Translation.

Above all Things my dear, let us inculcate these great Virtues and bright Excellencies upon our Children.

My Opinion of the Duties of Religion and Morality comprehends a very extensive Connection with society at large, and the great Interest of the public. Does not natural Morality, and much more Christian Benevolence, make it our indispensable Duty to lay ourselves out, to serve our fellow Creatures to the Utmost of our Power, in promoting and supporting those great Political systems, and general Regulations upon which the Happiness of Multitudes depends. The Benevolence, Charity, Capacity and Industry which exerted in private Life, would make a family, a Parish or a Town Happy, employed upon a larger Scale, in Support of the great Principles of Virtue and Freedom of political Regulations might secure whole Nations and Generations from Misery, Want and Contempt. Public Virtues, and political Qualities therefore should be incessantly cherished in our Children.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 29, 1775) [Letter II]

Human nature with all its infirmities and depravation is still capable of great things. It is capable of attaining to degrees of wisdom and of goodness, which, we have reason to believe, appear respectable in the estimation of superior intelligences. Education makes a greater difference between man and man, than nature has made between man and brute. The virtues and powers to which men may be trained, by early education and constant discipline, are truly sublime and astonishing. Newton and Locke are examples of the deep sagacity which may be acquired by long habits of thinking and study. Nay, your common mechanics and artisans are proofs of the wonderful dexterity acquired by use; a watchmaker, in finishing his wheels and springs, a pin or needle maker, etc. I think there is a particular occupation in Europe, which is called a paper-stainer or linen-stainer. A man who has been long habituated to it, shall sit for a whole day, and draw upon paper fresh figures to be imprinted upon the papers for rooms, as fast as his eye can roll, and his fingers move, and no two of his draughts shall be alike. The Saracens, the Knights of Malta, the army and navy in the service of the English republic, among many others, are instances to show, to what an exalted height valor or bravery or courage may be raised, by artificial means.

It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage; to accelerate and animate their industry and activity; to excite in them an habitual contempt of meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to excel in every capacity, faculty, and virtue. If we suffer their minds to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives.

But their bodies must be hardened, as well as their souls exalted. Without strength and activity and vigor of body, the brightest mental excellencies will be eclipsed and obscured.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 29, 1775) [Letter III]

There is, in the human Breast, a social Affection, which extends to our whole Species. Faintly indeed; but in some degree. The Nation, Kingdom, or Community to which We belong is embraced by it more vigorously. It is stronger still towards the Province to which we belong, and in which We had our Birth. It is stronger and stronger, as We descend to the County, Town, Parish, Neighborhood, and Family, which We call our own.—And here We find it often so powerful as to become partial, to blind our Eyes, to darken our Understandings and pervert our Wills.

It is to this Infirmity, in my own Heart, that I must perhaps attribute that local Attachment, that partial Fondness, that overweening Prejudice in favor of New England, which I feel very often and which I fear sometimes, leads me to expose myself to just Ridicule.

New England has in many Respects the Advantage of every other Colony in America, and indeed of every other Part of the World, that I know any Thing of.

1. The People are purer English Blood, less mixed with Scotch, Irish, Dutch, French, Danish, Swedish etc. than any other; and descended from Englishmen too who left Europe, in purer Times than the present and less tainted with Corruption than those they left behind them.
2. The Institutions in New England for the Support of Religion, Morals and Decency, exceed any other, obliging every Parish to have a Minister, and every Person to go to Meeting etc.
3. The public Institutions in New England for the Education of Youth, supporting Colleges at the public Expense and obliging Towns to maintain Grammar schools, is not equaled and never was in any Part of the World.
4. The Division of our Territory, that is our Counties into Townships, empowering Towns to assemble, choose officers, make Laws, mend roads, and twenty other Things, gives every Man an opportunity of shewing and improving that Education which he received at College or at school, and makes Knowledge and Dexterity at public Business common.
5. Our Laws for the Distribution of Intestate Estates occasions a frequent Division of landed Property and prevents Monopolies, of Land.

But in opposition to these We have labored under many Disadvantages. The exorbitant Prerogatives of our Governors etc. which would have overborn our Liberties, if it had not been opposed by the five preceding Particulars.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (December 3, 1775)¹

But I never will come here again [Philadelphia] without you, if I can persuade you to come with me. Whom God has joined together ought not to be put asunder so long, with their own consent…

Affairs are in a critical state, and important steps are now taking every day, so that I could not reconcile it to my own mind to be absent from this place at present…

But What can’t be cured must be endured.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 13, 1776)

I feel, upon some of these Occasions, a flow of Spirits, and an Effort of Imagination, very like an Ambition to be engaged in the more active, gay, and dangerous Scenes. (Dangerous I say but recall that Word, for there is no Course more dangerous than that which I am in.) I have felt such Passions all my Lifetime, particularly in the year 1757, when I longed more ardently to be a Soldier than I ever did to be a Lawyer. But I am too old, and too much worn, with Fatigues of Study in my youth, and there is too little need in my Province of such assistance, for me to assume an Uniform. Non tali Auxilio nec Defensoribus istis Tempus eget [“No such aid nor such defenders does the time require.” Virgil].

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 18, 1776)

Reconciliation if practicable and Peace if attainable, you very well know would be as agreeable to my Inclinations and as advantageous to my Interest, as to any Man’s. But I see no Prospect, no Probability, no Possibility. And I cannot but despise the Understanding, which sincerely expects an honorable Peace, for its Credulity, and detest the hypocritical Heart, which pretends to expect it, when in Truth it does not…

Dr. Franklin, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Charles Carroll of Carrollton in Maryland are chosen a Committee to go into Canada. The Characters of the two first you know. The last is not a Member of Congress, but a Gentleman of independent Fortune, perhaps the largest in America, 150 or 200, thousand Pounds sterling, educated in some University in France, though a Native of America, of great Abilities and Learning, complete Master of French Language and a Professor of the Roman catholic Religion, yet a warm, a firm, a zealous Supporter of the Rights of America, in whose Cause he has hazarded his all.

Mr. John Carroll of Maryland, a Roman Catholic Priest and a Jesuit, is to go with the Committee. The Priests in Canada having refused Baptism and Absolution to our Friends there.

John Adams, To Horatio Gates (March 23, 1776)

I agree with you, that in Politics the Middle Way is none at all. If We finally fail in this great and glorious Contest, it will be by bewildering ourselves in groping after this middle Way. We have hither to conducted half a War, acted upon the Line of Defense etc. etc. But you will See by tomorrows Paper, that for the future We are likely to wage three Quarters of a War…

Independency is an Hobgoblin, of So frightful Mein, that it would throw a delicate Person into Fits to look it in the Face.

I know not whether you have seen the Act of Parliament called the restraining Act, or prohibitory Act, or piratical Act, or plundering Act, or Act of Independency, for by all these Titles is it called. I think the most apposite is the Act of Independency, for King Lords and Commons have united in Sundering this Country and that I think forever. It is a complete Dismemberment of the British Empire. It throws thirteen Colonies out of the Royal Protection, levels all Distinctions and makes us independent in spite of all our supplications and Entreaties.

It may be fortunate that the Act of Independency should come from the British Parliament, rather than the American Congress: But it is very odd that Americans should hesitate at accepting Such a Gift from them.

However, my dear Friend Gates, all our Misfortunes arise from a Single Source, the Reluctance of the Southern Colonies to Republican Government. The success of this War depends upon a Skillful Steerage of the political Vessel. The Difficulty lies in forming Constitutions for particular Colonies, and a Continental Constitution for the whole, each Colony should establish its own Government, and then a League should be formed, between them all. This can be done only on popular Principles and Maxims which are so abhorrent to the Inclinations of the Barons of the south, and the Proprietary Interests in the Middle Colonies, as well as to that Avarice of Land, which has made upon this Continent so many Votaries to Mammon that I Sometimes dread the Consequences. However, Patience, Fortitude and Perseverance, with the Help of Time will get us over these obstructions.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (March 29, 1776) [Letter I]

You ask, what is thought of Common sense. Sensible Men think there are some Whims, some Sophisms, some artful Addresses to superstitious Notions, some keen attempts upon the Passions, in this Pamphlet. But all agree there is a great deal of good sense, delivered in a clear, simple, concise and nervous Style.

His Sentiments of the Abilities of America, and of the Difficulty of a Reconciliation with G.B. are generally approved. But his Notions, and Plans of Continental Government are not much applauded. Indeed this Writer has a better Hand at pulling down than building.

It has been very generally propagated through the Continent that I wrote this Pamphlet. But although I could not have written any Thing in so manly and striking a style, I flatter myself I should have made a more respectable Figure as an Architect, if I had undertaken such a Work. This Writer seems to have very inadequate Ideas of what is proper and necessary to be done, in order to form Constitutions for single Colonies, as well as a great Model of Union for the whole.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (March 29, 1776) [Letter II]

Mr. Stillman being the Anabaptist minister here [in Philadelphia], of which persuasion was the Governor, was desired by Congress to preach a sermon, which he did with great applause.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 14, 1776)

But let Us take Warning and give it to our Children. Whenever Vanity, and Gaiety, a Love of Pomp and Dress, Furniture, Equipage, Buildings, great Company, expensive Diversions, and elegant Entertainments get the better of the Principles and Judgments of Men or Women there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what Evils, natural, moral, or political, they will lead us…

As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh. We have been told that our Struggle has loosened the bands of Government everywhere. That Children and Apprentices were disobedient—that schools and Colleges were grown turbulent—that Indians slighted their Guardians and Negroes grew insolent to their Masters. But your Letter was the first Intimation that another Tribe more numerous and powerful than all the rest [women] were grown discontented—This is rather too coarse a Compliment but you are so saucy, I won’t blot it out.

Depend upon it, we know better than to repeal our Masculine systems. Although they are in full Force, you know they are little more than Theory. We dare not exert our Power in its full Latitude. We are obliged to go fair, and softly, and in Practice you know We are the subjects. We have only the Name of Masters, and rather than give up this, which would completely subject Us to the Despotism of the Petticoat, I hope General Washington, and all our brave Heroes would fight. I am sure every good Politician would plot, as long as he would against Despotism, Empire, Monarchy, Aristocracy, Oligarchy, or Ochlocracy.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 23, 1776)

This is St. George’s Day, a Festival celebrated by the English, as Saint Patrick’s is by the Irish, St. David’s by the Welch, and St. Andrew’s by the Scotch. The Natives of old England in this City heretofore formed a Society, which they called Saint George’s Club, or Saint Georges Society. Upon the Twenty third of April annually, they had a great Feast. But The Times and Politics have made a schism in the society so that one Part of them are to meet and dine at the City Tavern, and the other at the Bunch of Grapes, Israel Jacobs’s, and a third Party go out of Town.

One set are staunch Americans, another staunch Britons I suppose, and a Third half Way Men, Neutral Beings, moderate Men, prudent Folks—for such is the Division among Men upon all Occasions and every Question. This is the Account, which I have from my Barber, who is one of the Society and zealous on the side of America, and one of the Philadelphia Associators.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 28, 1776)

Instead of domestic Felicity, I am destined to public Contentions. Instead of rural Felicity, I must reconcile myself to the Smoke and Noise of a city. In the Place of private Peace, I must be distracted with the Vexation of developing the deep Intrigues of Politicians and must assist in conducting the arduous Operations of War. And think myself, well rewarded, if my private Pleasure and Interest are sacrificed as they ever have been and will be, to the Happiness of others…

You will see an Account of the Fleet in some of the Papers I have sent you. Give you Joy of the Admirals Success. I have Vanity enough to take to myself, a share in the Merit of the American Navy. It was always a Measure that my Heart was much engaged in, and I pursued it, for a long Time, against the Wind and Tide. But at last obtained it.

Is there no Way for two friendly Souls, to converse together, although the Bodies are 400 Miles off?—Yes by Letter—But I want a better Communication. I want to hear you think, or to see your Thoughts.

The Conclusion of your Letter makes my Heart throb, more than a Cannonade would. You bid me burn your Letters. But I must forget you first…

The late Act of Parliament has made so deep an Impression upon People’s Minds throughout the Colonies, it is looked upon as the last Stretch of Oppression, that We are hastening rapidly to great Events. [American Prohibitory Act, passed December 22, 1775, which declared all American ships and goods subject to seizure and in effect outlawed the colonists] Governments will be up everywhere before Midsummer, and an End to Royal style, Titles and Authority. Such mighty Revolutions make a deep Impression on the Minds of Men and sett many violent Passions at Work. Hope, Fear, Joy, Sorrow, Love, Hatred, Malice, Envy, Revenge, Jealousy, Ambition, Avarice, Resentment, Gratitude, and every other Passion, Feeling, Sentiment, Principle and Imagination, were never in more lively Exercise than they are now, from Florida to Canada inclusively. May God in his Providence overrule the whole, for the good of Mankind. It requires more Serenity of Temper, a deeper Understanding and more Courage than fell to the Lott of Marlborough, to ride in this Whirlwind.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 17, 1776)

I have this Morning heard Mr. Duffil upon the Signs of the Times. He run a Parallel between the Case of Israel and that of America, and between the Conduct of Pharaoh and that of George…

Jealousy that the Israelites would throw off the Government of Egypt made him issue his Edict that the Midwives should cast the Children into the River, and the other Edict that the Men should make a large Revenue of Brick without Straw. He concluded that the Course of Events, indicated strongly the Design of Providence that We should be separated from G. Britain, etc…

Is it not a Saying of Moses, who am I, that I should go in and out before this great People [Ex. 3:11]? When I consider the great Events which are passed, and those greater which are rapidly advancing, and that I may have been instrumental of touching some Springs, and turning some small Wheels, which have had and will have such Effects, I feel an Awe upon my Mind, which is not easily described.

G[reat] B[ritain] has at last driven America, to the last Step, a complete Separation from her, a total absolute Independence, not only of her Parliament but of her Crown, for such is the Amount of the Resolve of the 15th [calling on colonies to establish their own governments].

Confederation among ourselves, or Alliances with foreign Nations are not necessary, to a perfect Separation from Britain. That is effected by extinguishing all Authority, under the Crown, Parliament and Nation as the Resolution for instituting Governments, has done, to all Intents and Purposes. Confederation will be necessary for our internal Concord, and Alliances may be so for our external Defense.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 22, 1776)

We have dismal Accounts from Europe, of the Preparations against Us. This Summer will be very important to Us. We shall have a severe Trial of our Patience, Fortitude and Perseverance. But I hope we shall do valiantly and tread down our Enemies…

It is a cruel Reflection, which very often comes across me, that I should be separated so far, from those Babes, whose Education And Welfare lies so near my Heart. But greater Misfortunes than these, must not divert Us from Superior Duties.

Your Sentiments of the Duties We owe to our Country, are such as become the best of Women, and the best of Men. Among all the Disappointments, and Perplexities, which have fallen to my share in Life, nothing has contributed so much to support my Mind, as the choice Blessing of a Wife, whose Capacity enabled her to comprehend, and whose pure Virtue obliged her to approve the Views of her Husband. This has been the cheering Consolation of my Heart, in my most solitary, gloomy and disconsolate Hours. In this remote Situation, I am deprived in a great Measure of this Comfort. Yet I read, and read again your charming Letters, and they serve me, in some faint degree as a substitute for the Company and Conversation of the Writer.

I want to take a Walk with you in the Garden—to go over to the Common—the Plain—the Meadow. I want to take Charles in one Hand and Tom in the other, and Walk with you, Nabby on your Right Hand and John upon my left, to view the Corn Fields, the orchards, etc.

Alas poor Imagination! how faintly and imperfectly do you supply the Want of original and Reality!

But instead of these pleasing Scenes of domestic Life, I hope you will not be disturbed with the Alarms of War. I hope yet I fear.

John Adams, To Archibald Bulloch (July 1, 1776)

There Seems to have been a great Change in the sentiments of the Colonies, since you left us, and I hope that a few Months will bring Us all to the Same Way of thinking.

This Morning is assigned for the greatest Debate of all. A Declaration that these Colonies are free and independent States, has been reported by a Committee appointed Some Weeks ago for that Purpose, and this day or Tomorrow is to determine its Fate. May Heaven prosper, the newborn Republic—and make it more glorious than any former Republic has been…

…The Object is great which We have in View, and We must expect a great Expense of Blood to obtain it. But We should always remember, that a free Constitution of civil Government cannot be purchased at too dear a Rate; as there is nothing on this Side of the new Jerusalem, of equal Importance to Mankind…

Present my Compliments to Mr. [John] Houston. Tell him the Colonies will have Republics, for their Government, let us Lawyers and your Divine Say what We will.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 7, 1776) [Letter II]

It is worth the while of a Person, obliged to write as much as I do, to consider the Varieties of Style…The Epistolary, is essentially different from the oratorical, and the Historical Style…Oratory abounds with Figures. History is simple, but grave, majestic and formal. Letters, like Conversation, should be free, easy, and familiar.

Simplicity and Familiarity, are the Characteristics of this Kind of Writing. Affectation is as disagreeable, in a Letter, as in Conversation, and therefore, studied Language, premeditated Method, and sublime Sentiments are not expected in a Letter. Notwithstanding which, the Sublime, as well as the beautiful, and the Novel, may naturally enough, appear, in familiar Letters among Friends—Among the ancients there are two illustrious Examples of the Epistolary Style, Cicero and Pliny, whose Letters present you with Models of fine Writing, which has borne the Criticism of almost two thousand Years. In these, you see the Sublime, the beautiful, the Novell, and the Pathetic, conveyed in as much Simplicity, Ease, Freedom, and Familiarity, as Language is capable of…

Early Youth is the Time, to learn the Arts and Sciences, and especially to correct the Ear, and the Imagination, by forming a Style. I wish you would think of forming the Taste, and Judgment of your Children, now, before any unchaste Sounds have fastened on their Ears, and before any Affectation, or Vanity, is settled on their Minds, upon the pure Principles of Nature…Music is a great Advantage, for Style depends in Part upon a delicate Ear.

The Faculty of Writing is attainable, by Art, Practice, and Habit only. The sooner, therefore the Practice begins, the more likely it will be to succeed. Have no Mercy upon an affected Phrase, any more than an affected Air, Gate, Dress, or Manners.

Your Children have Capacities equal to any Thing. There is a Vigor in the Understanding, and a Spirit and Fire in the Temper of every one of them, which is capable of ascending the Heights of Art, Science, Trade, War, or Politics.

They should be set to compose Descriptions of Scenes and Objects, and Narrations of Facts and Events, Declamations upon Topics, and other Exercises of various sorts, should be prescribed to them.

Set a Child to form a Description of a Battle, a Storm, a siege, a Cloud, a Mountain, a Lake, a City, an Harbor, a Country seat, a Meadow, a Forrest, or almost any Thing, that may occur to your Thoughts.

Set him to compose a Narration of all the little Incidents and Events of a Day, a Journey, a Ride, or a Walk. In this Way, a Taste will be formed, and a Facility of Writing acquired.

For myself, as I never had a regular Tutor, I never studied any Thing methodically, and consequently never was completely accomplished in any Thing. But as I am conscious of my own Deficiency, in these Respects, I should be the less pardonable, if I neglected the Education of my Children.

In Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, my Education was imperfect, because unmethodical. Yet I have perhaps read more upon these Arts, and considered them in a more extensive View than some others.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 10, 1776)

You will see by the Newspapers, which I from time to time enclose, with what Rapidity, the Colonies proceed in their political Maneuvers. How many Calamities might have been avoided if these Measures had been taken twelve Months ago, or even no longer ago than last December?

The Colonies to the South, are pursuing the same Maxims, which have heretofore governed those to the North. In constituting their new Governments, their Plans are remarkably popular, more so than I could ever have imagined, even more popular than the “Thoughts on Government.” And in the Choice of their Rulers, Capacity, Spirit and Zeal in the Cause, supply the Place of Fortune, Family, and every other Consideration, which used to have Weight with Mankind…

I wish I were at perfect Liberty, to portray before you, all those Characters, in their genuine Lights, and to explain to you the Course of political Changes in this Province. It would give you a great Idea of the Spirit and Resolution of the People, and shew you, in a striking Point of View, the deep Roots of American Independence in all the Colonies. But it is not prudent, to commit to Writing such free Speculations, in the present State of Things.

Time which takes away the Veil, may lay open the secret Springs of this surprising Revolution…But I find, although the Colonies have differed in Religion, Laws, Customs, and Manners, yet in the great Essentials of Society and Government, they are all alike.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 29, 1776)

I am at this present Writing perplexed and plagued with two knotty Problems in Politics. You love to pick a political Bone, so I will even throw it to you.

If a Confederation should take Place, one great Question is how We shall vote. Whether each Colony shall count one? or whether each shall have a Weight in Proportion to its Numbers, or Wealth, or Exports and Imports, or a compound Ratio of all?

Another is whether Congress shall have Authority to limit the Dimensions of each Colony, to prevent those which claim, by Charter, or Proclamation, or Commission to the South Sea, from growing too great and powerful, so as to be dangerous to the rest.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 14, 1776)

A New National Seal

This is the Anniversary of a memorable day, in the History of America: a day when the Principle of American Resistance and Independence, was first asserted, and carried into Action. [Events in Boston August 14, 1765, detailed in Adams’ Diary, and put an end to the possibility of enforcing the Stamp Act in Boston] The Stamp Office fell before the rising Spirit of our Countrymen—It is not impossible that the two grateful Brothers may make their grand Attack this very day: if they should, it is possible it may be more glorious for this Country, than ever: it is certain it will become more memorable…

I am put upon a Committee to prepare a Device for a Golden Medal to commemorate the Surrender of Boston to the American Arms, and upon another to prepare Devices for a Great Seal for the confederated States…Dr. F[ranklin] proposes a Device for a seal. Moses lifting up his Wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh, in his Chariot overwhelmed with the water—This motto. Rebellion to Tyrants is obedience to God.

Mr. Jefferson proposed. The Children of Israel in the Wilderness, led by a Cloud by day, and a Pillar of Fire by night; and on the other side, Hengist and Horsa, the Saxon chiefs from whom we claim the honor of being descended, and whose political principles and form of government we have assumed.

I proposed the Choice of Hercules, as engraved by Gribeline in some Editions of Lord Shaftsbury’s Works. The Hero resting on his Club. Virtue pointing to her rugged Mountain, on one Hand, and persuading him to ascend. Sloth, glancing at her flowery Paths of Pleasure, wantonly reclining on the Ground, displaying the Charms both of her Eloquence and Person, to seduce him into Vice. But this is too complicated a Group for a Seal or Medal, and it is not original.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 18, 1776)

I have a very tender feeling Heart. This Country knows not, and never can know the Torments, I have endured for its sake. I am glad they never can know, for it would give more Pain to the benevolent and humane, than I could wish, even the wicked and malicious to feel.

I have seen in this World, but a little of that pure flame of Patriotism, which certainly burns in some Breasts. There is much of the Ostentation and Affectation of it. I have known a few who could not bear to entertain a selfish design, nor to be suspected by others of such a Meanness. But these are not the most respected by the World. A Man must be selfish, even to acquire great Popularity. He must grasp for himself, under specious Pretenses, for the public Good, and he must attach himself to his Relations, Connections and Friends, by becoming a Champion for their Interests, in order to form a Phalanx, about him for his own defense; to make them Trumpeters of his Praise, and sticklers for his Fame, Fortune, and Honor…

Let me have my Farm, Family and Goose Quill, and all the Honors and Offices this World has to bestow, may go to those who deserve them better, and desire them more. I covet them not.

There are very few People in this World, with whom I can bear to converse. I can treat all with Decency and Civility, and converse with them, when it is necessary, on Points of Business. But I am never happy in their Company. This has made me a Recluse, and will one day, make me an Hermit.

I had rather build stone Wall upon Penn’s Hill, than be the first Prince in Europe, the first General, or first senator in America.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 25, 1776)

We are now approaching rapidly to the autumnal Equinox, and no great Blow has yet been struck, in the martial Way, by our Enemies nor by Us. If We should be blessed this Year, with a few Storms as happy as those which fell out last Year, in the Beginning of September, they will do much for Us. The British Fleet, where they now lie, have not an Harbor, so convenient, or safe, as they had last Year. Another Winter will do much for Us too. We shall have more and better Soldiers. We shall be better armed. We shall have a greater Force at Sea. We shall have more Trade. Our Artillery will be greatly increased, our Officers will have more Experience, and our Soldiers more Discipline—our Politicians more Courage and Confidence, and our Enemies less Hopes. Our American Commonwealths will be all completely formed and organized, and everything, I hope, will go on, with greater Vigor…

Your Sentiments of the Importance of Education in Women, are exactly agreeable to my own. Yet the Femmes Scavans, are contemptible Characters. So is that of a Pedant, universally, how much soever of a male he may be. In reading History you will generally observe, when you light upon a great Character, whether a General, a Statesman, or Philosopher, some female about him either in the Character of a Mother, Wife, or Sister, who has Knowledge and Ambition above the ordinary Level of Women, and that much of his Eminence is owing to her Precepts, Example, or Instigation, in some shape or other.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 5, 1776)

Affairs are too delicate and critical—The Panic may seize whom it will, it shall not seize me. I will stay here, until the public Countenance is better, or much worse. It must and will be better. I think it is not now bad. Lies by the Million will be told you. Don’t believe any of them. There is no danger of the Communication being cut off, between the northern and southern Colonies. I can go home, when I please, in spite of all the Fleet and Army of Great Britain.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 6, 1776)

This day, I think, has been the most remarkable of all. Sullivan came here from Lord Howe, five days ago with a Message that his Lordship desired a half an Hours Conversation with some of the Members of Congress, in their private Capacities. We have spent three or four days in debating whether We should take any Notice of it. I have, to the Utmost of my Abilities during the whole Time, opposed our taking any Notice of it. But at last it was determined by a Majority “that the Congress being the Representatives of the free and independent states of America, it was improper to appoint any of their Members to confer, in their private Characters with his Lordship. But they would appoint a Committee of their Body, to wait on him, to know whether he had Power, to treat with Congress upon Terms of Peace and to hear any Propositions, that his Lordship may think proper to make.”

When the Committee came to be balloted for, Dr. Franklin and your humble servant, were unanimously chosen. Coll. R. H. Lee and Mr. [Edward] Rutledge, had an equal Number: but upon a second Vote Mr. R. was chosen. I requested to be excused, but was desired to consider of it until tomorrow. My Friends here Advise me to go. All the stanch and intrepid, are very earnest with me to go, and the timid and wavering, if any such there are, agree in the request. So I believe I shall undertake the Journey. I doubt whether his Lordship will see Us, but the same Committee will be directed to inquire into the State of the Army, at New York, so that there will be Business enough, if his Lordship makes none—It would fill this Letter Book, to give you all the Arguments, for and against this Measure, if I had Liberty to attempt it—His Lordship seems to have been playing off a Number of Machiavellian Maneuvers, in order to throw upon Us the Odium of continuing this War.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 14, 1776)

Yesterday Morning I returned with Dr. F. and Mr. R. from Staten Island where We met L[ord]H[owe] and had about three Hours Conversation with him. The Result of this Interview, will do no disservice to Us. It is now plain that his L[ordshi]p has no Power, but what is given him in the Act of P[arliament]. His Commission authorizes him to grant Pardons upon Submission, and to converse, confer, consult and advise with such Persons as he may think proper, upon American Grievances, upon the Instructions to Governors and the Acts of Parliament, and if any Errors should be found to have crept in, his Majesty and the Ministry were willing they should be rectified…

His L[ordshi]p is about fifty Years of Age. He is a well-bred Man, but his Address is not so irresistible, as it has been represented. I could name you many Americans, in your own Neighborhood, whose Art, Address, and Abilities are greatly superior. His head is rather confused, I think.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 22, 1776)

Unfaithfulness in public Stations, is deeply criminal. But there is no Encouragement to be faithful. Neither Profit, nor Honor, nor Applause is acquired by faithfulness. But I know by what. There is too much Corruption, even in this infant Age of our Republic. Virtue is not in Fashion. Vice is not infamous.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 1, 1776)

From four O Clock in the Morning until ten at Night, I have not a single Moment, which I can call my own. I will not say that I expect to run distracted, to grow melancholy, to drop in an Apoplexy, or fall into a Consumption. But I do say, it is little less than a Miracle, that one or other of these Misfortunes has not befallen me before now…

There is one Thing which excites my utmost Indignation and Contempt, I mean the Brutality, with which People talk to you, of my Death. I beg you would openly affront every Man, Woman or Child, for the future who mentions any such Thing to you, except your Relations, and Friends whose Affections you cannot doubt. I expect it of all my Friends, that they resent, as Affronts to me, every Repetition of such Reports.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 7, 1777) [Letter II]

The Society of Widows is very similar. Industry and Economy are remarkable in all these Institutions.

They shewed Us their Church which is hung round with Pictures of our Savior from his Birth to his Death, Resurrection and Ascension. It is done with very strong Colors, and very violent Passions, but not in a very elegant Taste. The Painter who is still living in Bethlehem, but very old—he has formerly been in Italy, the school of Paints. They have a very good organ in their Church of their own make. They have a public Building, on Purpose for the Reception of the dead, to which the Corps is carried as soon as it expires, where it lies until the Time of Sepulture.

Christian Love is their professed Object, but it is said they love Money and make their public Institutions subservient to the Gratification of that Passion.

They suffer no Lawsuits with one another, and as few as possible with other Men. It is said that they now profess to be against War.

They have a Custom, peculiar, respecting Courtship and Marriage. The Elders pick out Pairs to be coupled together, who have no Opportunity of Conversing together, more than once or twice, before the Knot is tied. The Youth of the two sexes have very little Conversation with one another, before Marriage.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 10, 1777)

What shall I say of or to my children? What will they say to me for leaving them, their Education and Fortune so much to the Disposal of Chance?—May almighty and all-gracious Providence protect, and bless them.

I have this Day sent my Resignation of a certain mighty office. It has relieved me from a Burden, which has a long Time oppressed me. But I am determined, that, while I am ruining my Constitution of Mind and Body, and running daily risks of my Life and Fortune in Defense of the Independency of my Country, I will not knowingly resign my own.

John Adams, To James Warren (February 12, 1777) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

A depreciating [decreasing in value] Currency, we must not have. It will ruin Us. The Medium of Trade ought to be as unchangeable as Truth; as immutable as Morality. The least Variation in its Value does Injustice to Multitudes, and in Proportion it injures the Morals of the People, a Point of the last Importance in a Republican Government.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 17, 1777)

I am as well as can be expected. How it happens I don’t know nor how long it will last. My Disposition was naturally gay and cheerful, but the Prospects I have ever had before me, and these cruel Times will make me melancholy. I who would not hurt the Hair of the Head of any Animal, I who am always made miserable by the Misery of every sensible being, that comes to my Knowledge, am obliged to hear continual Accounts of the Barbarities, the cruel Murders in cold Blood, even by the most tormenting Ways of starving and freezing, committed by our Enemies, and continual Accounts of the Deaths and Diseases contracted by our People by their own Imprudence.

These Accounts harrow me beyond Description.

These incarnate Daemons say in great Composure, [“that] Humanity is a Yankey Virtue—But that they [are] governed by Policy.”—Is there any Policy on this side of Hell, that is inconsistent with Humanity? I have no Idea of it. I know of no Policy, God is my Witness but this—Piety, Humanity and Honesty are the best Policy.

Blasphemy, Cruelty, and Villainy have prevailed and may again. But they won’t prevail against America, in this Contest, because I find the more of them are employed the less they succeed.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (March 16, 1777)

There is an observation, which I wish you to make very early in Life because it may be useful to you, when you grow up. It is this, that a Taste for Literature and a Turn for Business, united in the same Person, never fails to make a great Man. A Taste for Literature, includes the Love of Science and the fine Arts. A Turn for Business, comprehends Industry and Application as well as a faculty of conversing with Men, and managing Affairs.

I hope you will keep these two Objects in View all your Lifetime. As you will not have Property to enable you to pursue your Learning alone, you must apply yourself to Business to procure you the Means of subsistence. But you will find Learning of the utmost Importance to you in Business, as well as the most ingenious and elegant Entertainment, of your Life.

You must acquire the Art of mixing Study with Business and even with your Pleasures and Diversions—Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci [“He has gained every point who has blended the useful with the agreeable”]—There is a Bone for you to pick. Ask Mr. Thaxter, after giving my Love to him, to help you Parse this Latin Line. Take it Word by Word, and be able when I come home to give me the Construction of the Line, and the Parsing of every Word in it.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (March 16, 1777)

What Pleasures has not this vile War deprived me of? I want to wander, in my Meadows, to ramble over my Mountains, and to sit in Solitude, or with her who has all my Heart, by the side of the Brooks. These beautiful Scenes would contribute more to my Happiness, than the sublime ones which surround me.

I begin to suspect that I have not much of the Grand in my Composition. The Pride and Pomp of War, the continual Sound of Drums and Fifes as well played, as any in the World, the Prancings and Tramplings of the Light Horse numbers of whom are paraded in the Streets every day, have no Charms for me. I long for rural and domestic scenes, for the warbling of Birds and the Prattle of my Children. Don’t you think I am somewhat poetical this morning, for one of my Years, and considering the Gravity, and Insipidity of my Employment. As much as I converse with Sages and Heroes, they have very little of my Love or Admiration. I should prefer the Delights of a Garden to the Dominion of a World. I have nothing of Caesars Greatness in my soul. Power has not my Wishes in her Train. The Gods, by granting me Health, and Peace and Competence, the Society of my Family and Friends, the Perusal of my Books, and the Enjoyment of my Farm and Garden, would make me as happy as my Nature and State will bear. Of that Ambition which has Power for its Object, I don’t believe I have a Spark in my Heart. There [are] other Kinds of Ambition of which I have a great deal.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 8, 1777)

The History, you mention of Bamfylde Moore Carew, is worth your Reading although he was a very wicked Man, because it serves to shew you, what a Variety there is in the Characters of Men, and what Odd, whimsical and extravagant Effects are produced by great Talents, when misapplied, and what Miseries, Dangers and Distresses Men bring themselves into, when they depart from the Paths of Honor, Truth and Virtue.

You, my Son, whom Heaven has blessed with excellent Parts, will never abuse them to bad Purposes, nor dishonor yourself by any Thing unworthy of you.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 26, 1777)²

With the noblest prize in view that ever mortals contended for, and with the fairest prospect of obtaining it upon easy terms, the people of the Massachusetts Bay are dead. Does our State intend to send only half or a third of their quota? Do they wish to see another crippled, disastrous, and disgraceful campaign, for want of an army? I am more sick and more ashamed of my own countrymen than ever I was before…

Posterity! you will never know how much it cost the present 268 | 269 generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent it in heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 4, 1777)

If there is a Man, Woman or Child in America, who can read these Depositions, without Resentment, and Horror, that Person has no soul or a very wicked one.

Their Treatment of Prisoners, last Year added to an Act of Parliament, which they have made to enable them to send Prisoners to England, to be there murdered, with still more relentless Cruelty, in Prisons, will bring our Officers and Soldiers to the universal Resolution to conquer or die.

This Maxim, conquer or die, never failed to raise a People who adopted it, to the Head of Mankind.

An Express from Portsmouth last night brought Us News of the Arrival of Arms and ordnance enough to enable Us to take Vengeance of these Foes of Human Nature.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 10, 1777)

The Day before Yesterday, I took a Walk, with my Friend Whipple to Mrs. Wells, the Sister of the famous Mrs. Wright, to see her Waxwork. She has two Chambers filled with it. In one, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, is represented. The Prodigal is prostrate on his Knees, before his Father, whose Joy, and Grief, and Compassion all appear in his Eyes and Face, struggling with each other. A servant Maid, at the Fathers command, is pulling down from a Closet Shelf, the choicest Robes, to clothe the Prodigal, who is all in Rags. At an outward Door, in a Corner of the Room stands the elder Brother, chagrined at this Festivity, a Servant coaxing him to come in. A large Number of Guests are placed round the Room. In another Chamber, are the Figures of Chatham, Franklin, Sawbridge, Mrs. Maccaulay, and several others. At a Corner is a Miser, sitting at his Table, weighing his Gold, his Bag upon one Side of the Table, and a Thief behind him, endeavoring to pilfer the Bag.

There is Genius, as well as Taste and Art, discovered in this Exhibition: But I must confess, the whole Scene was disagreeable to me. The Imitation of Life was too faint, and I seemed to be walking among a Group of Corpses, standing, sitting, and walking, laughing, singing, crying, and weeping. This Art I think will make but little Progress in the World.

Another Historical Piece I forgot, which is Elisha, restoring to Life the Shunamite’s Son. The Joy of the Mother, upon Discerning the first Symptoms of Life in the Child, is pretty strongly expressed…

Is not this a pretty Employment for great Statesmen, as We think ourselves to be? Frivolous as it seems, it may be of some Consequence. Little Attentions have great Influence. I think, however, we ought to consult the Ladies upon this Point. Pray what is your Opinion?

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (July 27, 1777)

If it should be the Design of Providence that you should live to grow up, you will naturally feel a Curiosity to learn the History of the Causes which have produced the late Revolution of our Government. No Study in which you can engage will be more worthy of you.

It will become you to make yourself Master of all the considerable Characters, which have figured upon the Stage of civil, political or military Life. This you ought to do with the Utmost Candor, Benevolence and Impartiality, and if you should now and then meet with an Incident, which shall throw some Light upon your Fathers Character, I charge you to consider it with an Attention only to Truth.

It will also be an entertaining and instructive Amusement, to compare our American Revolution with others that Resemble it. The whole Period of English History, from the Accession of James the first, to the Accession of William the third, will deserve your most critical Attention.

The History of the Revolutions in Portugal, Sweden and Rome by the Abbot de Vertot, is well worth your Reading.

The Separation of the Helvetic Confederacy from the Dominion of the House of Austria, is also an illustrious Event, that particularly resembles our American Struggle with Great Britain.

But above all others, I would recommend to your study, the History of the Flemish Confederacy, by which the seven united Provinces of the Netherlands, emancipated themselves from the Domination of Spain.

There are several good Histories of this great Revolution. Sir William Temples is short but elegant, and entertaining. Another Account of this Period was written by Pufendorf, and another by Grotius.

But the most full and complete History, that I have seen, is one that I am now engaged in Reading. It is entitled “The History of the Wars of Flanders, written in Italian by that learned and famous Cardinal Bentivoglio, Englished by the Right Honorable Henry Earl of Monmouth, the whole Work illustrated, with a Map of the seventeen Provinces and above twenty Figures of the chief Personages mentioned in the History.”

Bentivoglio, like Clarendon, was a Courtier, and on the side of Monarchy and the Hierarchy. But Allowances must be made for that.

The first Cut is of Guido, S.R.E. Cardinalis Bentivolus.

2. The Emperor Charles the 5th. Prince of the low Countries.

3. Phillip the 2d. King of Spain, Prince of the low Countries.

4. William of Nassau, Prince of Orange.

5. Margarett Dutchesse of Parma and Piacenza, Daughter to Charles the 5th. Governesse of the low Countries.

6. Elizabeth Queen of England, France and Ireland.

7. Anthony Perenott Cardinal Granvel, Councillor of state to Margarett of Parma.

8. Peter Ernest Count Mansfeldt Governor of Luxemburg.

9. William Lodowic Count Nassau, Governor of Frisland.

10. John Lignius, Count Aremberg, Governor of Frisland, General at the Battle of Hilligal.

11. Ferdinand of Toledo Duke of Alva, Governor of the Low Countries.

12. Sancho Avila Governor of the Fort, at Antwerp, General at the Battle of Mooch.

13. Chiapino Vitelli Marquiss of Cetona, Camp Master General.

14. Robert Lord Dudley Earl of Leicester, Governor of the united Provinces.

15. Maximillian Hennin Count Bossu, Governor of Holland and Utrecht.

16. Lodovico Requesenes, Great Commandador of Castile, Governor of the Low Countries.

17. Phillip Croy Duke of Areschot, Knight of the golden Fleece, Governor of Flanders.

18. Don John of Austria, son to Charles 5th. Governor of the Low Countries.

19. Mathias, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy and Governor of the united Provinces.

20. Alexander Farnese, Prince of Parma, Governor of the low Countries.

21. Francis Hercules De Valois, Duke of Anjou, Alencon, Brabant and Protector of the Netherlands.

22. Phillip Count Holach, Baron of Langenberg, first General of the united Provinces.

23. Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange, Count Nassau, Governor of the united Provinces.

24. Adolphus Solm Count de Meurs, Governor of Gelderland and Utrecht.

There are three most memorable Seiges described in this History, those of Haerlem, Leyden, and Antwerp.

You will wonder, my dear son, at my writing to you at your tender Age, such dry Things as these: but if you keep this Letter you will in some future Period, thank your Father for writing it.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (August 11, 1777)

As the War in which your Country is engaged will probably hereafter attract your Attention, more than it does at this Time, and as the future Circumstances of your Country, may require other Wars, as well as Councils and Negotiations, similar to those which are now in Agitation, I wish to turn your Thoughts early to such Studies, as will afford you the most solid Instruction and Improvement for the Part which may be allotted you to act on the Stage of Life.

There is no History, perhaps, better adapted to this useful Purpose than that of Thucydides, an Author, of whom I hope you will make yourself perfect Master, in original Language, which is Greek, the most perfect of all human Languages. In order to understand him fully in his own Tongue, you must however take Advantage, of every Help you can procure and particularly of Translations of him into your own Mother Tongue.

You will find in your Father’s Library, the Works of Mr. Hobbes, in which among a great deal of mischievous Philosophy, you will find a learned and exact Translation of Thucydides, which will be useful to you…

If you preserve this Letter, it may hereafter remind you, to procure the Book.

You will find it full of Instruction to the Orator, the Statesman, the General, as well as to the Historian and the Philosopher. You may find Something of the Peloponnesian War, in Rollin.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (March 17, 1780)

Making Latin, construing Cicero, Erasmus, the Appendix de Diis et Heroibus ethnicis, and Phaedrus, are all Exercises proper for the Acquisition of the Latin Tongue; you are constantly employed in learning the Meaning of Latin Words, and the Grammar, the Rhetoric and Criticism of the Roman Authors: These Studies have therefore such a Relation to each other, that I think you would do well to pursue them all, under the Direction of your Master.

The Greek Grammar and the Racines I would not have you omit, upon any Consideration, and I hope your Master will soon put you into the Greek Testament, because the most perfect Models of fine Writing in history, Oratory and Poetry are to be found in the Greek Language.

Writing and Drawing are but Amusements and may serve as Relaxations from your studies.

As to Geography, Geometry and Fractions I hope your Master will not insist upon your spending much Time upon them at present; because although they are Useful sciences, and although all Branches of the Mathematics, will I hope, sometime or other engage your Attention, as the most profitable and the most satisfactory of all human Knowledge; Yet my Wish at present is that your principal Attention should be directed to the Latin and Greek Tongues, leaving the other studies to be hereafter attained, in your own Country.

I hope soon to hear that you are in Virgil and Tully’s orations, or Ovid or Horace or all of them.

P.S. The next Time you write to me, I hope you will take more care to write well. Can’t you keep a steadier Hand?

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (March 22, 1780)

As the Letter you enclosed in yours to me, was not Superscribed to anyone: I thought it was intended for me, and accordingly opened it, when, to my Surprise I found it written very differently from that to me—very hastily: very carelessly: the Letters badly made, the Lines as crooked as possible. I desire you would write it over again, and take more care. I will not overlook one such heedless Piece of Work. I have suffered too many Inconveniences myself, from writing a bad Hand, all my Life, to neglect your Education in this Particular, as mine was.

Let me give you one Piece of Advice more, which is not to spend much of your Time in learning to flourish, with your Pen. Ornaments of this Kind, if not done with very great skill, are worse than none, and an Accuracy, and real Elegance in them would cost you more time to acquire than they are worth.

John Adams, To Edmund Jenings (June 11, 1780)

I assure you, Sir, I am of your Mind, that Providence is working the general Happiness, and whether We co-operate in it, with a good Will, or without co-operate We must. We mortals feel very big sometimes, and think ourselves acting a grand Role, when in Truth it is the irresistible Course of Events that hurries Us on, and We have in fact very little Influence in them. The utmost that is permitted to Us is to assist, and it is our Duty to be very cautious that what we do is directed to a right End. When We are sure of this, We are sure We are right, and need not fear that things will go wrong. When We read of blinded Eyes and hardened Hearts, in the Case of the Jews and Egyptians and many other Nations; when We read of Infatuation, to which many great Historians ascribe Examples of remarkable Folly, in the Government of Nations and signal Calamities in Consequence of it, I do not think it necessary to bring in divine Interpositions, to account for such Occurrences in an extraordinary Manner.

When Nations are corrupted, and grown generally vicious when they are intoxicated with Wealth or Power, and by this means delivered over to the Government of the baser Passion of their Nature, it is very natural that they should act an irrational part. They are really as a Body in a State Drunkenness. They neither act nor think like men in sound Health, and in possession of their Senses. Ambition, Avarice and Pleasure, when they prevail among the Multitude of a Nation to a certain degree, produce the appearance of a general Delirium and Intoxication.

…Will not the American Trade, once free, spread beyond even my most sanguine Expectations? England should have considered this long ago. Americans did, to my certain Knowledge, in great Numbers. Hostility will come from the Side of the English. America will have no Temptation to it, but the Provocations which England will give. The true American System will be Peace, eternal Peace: but this very System will provoke England. In future Times, America at Peace, and England at War, what will become of her? How many will fly, Sailors especially, to the standard of the Olive Branch. Will not this excite her Envy, her Jealousy; her Rage?

…There never was given by any Nation, more dreadful proofs of deadly Hate, than have been constantly given these five Years by the English to Americans. Lord Mansfield’s Words have been adopted in all their Actions.³ Kill them, kill them, right or wrong, by fas and nefas [“lawful or unlawful”], kill them or they will kill you. Delenda est Carthago [“Carthage must be destroyed”]—sink them all upon one plank—burn them up, that they may not be useful to their Allies, nor destructive to Us. These have been their Words and Actions. Do You know the deep political Motive for ringing the everlasting Knell of Rebel and Rebellion. Have you not considered that the Nation have habitually settled it in their minds and Hearts, that Rebels have no Rights, that every thing is lawful against them. They are Insects, they are Reptiles, they are Serpents, they are wild Boars and Tigers, they are Devils in the English Imagination. Have not Parliament, Gazettes, Pamphlets, Common Prayers, Sermons, and everything for these six years, shot this Word down deep into the minds of the People of England and produced its Effect. The Government, the Church, the Nation itself means to establish an ineradicable Hatred and Animosity against us. I am sorry for it.

There is but one Way—that is make Peace—let Us live in Peace: in this Case We shall never designedly injure them. We shall trade with them, and in this Way help them to keep up some of their Importance. But they are in a right Way to drive away forever all our Trade, and make Us hostile too—for these horrible Passions engender the like in other Minds.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 20, 1780) [Letter I]

You are now at an University, where many of the greatest Men have received their Education.

Many of the most famous Characters, which England has produced, have pursued their Studies for some time at Leyden. Some, though not many of the Sons of America, have studied there.

I would have you attend all the Lectures in which Experiments are made whether in Philosophy, Medicine or Chemistry, because these will open your mind for Inquiries into Nature: but by no means neglect the Languages.

I wish you to write me, an Account of all the Professorships, and the names of the Professors. I should also be obliged to you for as good an Account of the Constitution of the University as you can obtain. Let me know what degrees are conferred there; by whom; and what Examination the Candidates undergo, in order to be admitted to them.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 20, 1780) [Letter II]

Write me as often as you can, and let me know what Professors you Attend and what Instructors attend you, whether you understand the Lectures etc.

The Lectures upon the Greek of the New Testament, I would have you all attend, and those upon Euripides, Sophocles, &c. too if you have Time, and it is thought proper.

You have now a Prize in your Hands indeed. Such as if you do not improve to the best Advantage, you will be without Excuse. [Rom. 1:20] But as I know you have an Ardent Thirst for Knowledge and a good Capacity to acquire it, I depend upon it, you will do no Dishonor to yourself nor to the University of Leyden.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 23, 1780) [Letter I]

I am pleased to hear that you continue writing in the Greek Testament, etc.

Your Letter is well written, but I think that in order to improve your Hand you should write Copies every day. Write to me, as often as you can, and let me know everything concerning that famous University, where you are.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 23, 1780) [Letter II]

You will apply the most of your Attention, I hope, to your Latin and Greek Master, for the present.

I am pleased to see that you recollect the 22 of December, the day on which, those Patriots and Heroes landed at Plymouth, who emigrated immediately from the Town where you now are. It is impossible, but you must ever entertain a Veneration for the Memory of those great and good Men, to whose adventurous Spirit and inflexible Virtue you certainly, as well as I owe our Existence.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 28, 1780)

The Ice is so universal now that I suppose you spend some Time in Skating every day. It is a fine Exercise for young Persons, and therefore I am willing to indulge you in it, provided you confine yourself to proper Hours, and to strict Moderation. Skating is a fine Art. It is not Simple Velocity or Agility that constitutes the Perfection of it but Grace. There is an Elegance of Motion, which is charming to the sight, and is useful to acquire, because it obliges you to restrain that impetuous Ardor and violent Activity, into which the Agitation of Spirits occasioned by this Exercise is apt to hurry you, and which is inconsistent both with your Health and Pleasure…

I would advise you, my Son, in Skating, Dancing and Riding, to be always attentive to this Grace, which is founded in natural Principles, and is therefore as much for your Ease and Use, as for your Pleasure.

Do not conclude from this, that I advise you to spend much of your Time or Thoughts upon these Exercises and Diversions. In Truth I care very little about any of them. They should never be taken but as Exercise and Relaxation of Business and study. But as your Constitution requires vigorous Exercise, it will not be amiss, to spend some of your Time, in swimming, Riding, Dancing, Fencing and Skating, which are all manly Amusements, and it is as easy to learn by a little Attention, to perform them all with Taste, as it is to execute them in a slovenly, Awkward and ridiculous Manner.

Everything in Life should be done with Reflection, and Judgment, even the most insignificant Amusements. They should all be arranged in subordination, to the great Plan of Happiness, and Utility. That you may attend early to this Maxim is the Wish of your affectionate Father…

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (January 31, 1781)

You should write me a few Lines, now and then, to inform me of your Health and of your Progress in Literature. I have a Set of Popes Works but I am so glad to see an old Acquaintance that I cannot part with him yet.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (February 12, 1781)

I shall make you a present of Some Volumes of Pope soon—I have seen a Terence, in three Volumes, with the Latin on one Side, and a French Translation on the other. Should you be fond of having it?

Terence is remarkable, for good Morals, good Taste and good Latin—his Language has a Simplicity and an elegance, that makes him proper to be accurately studied, as A Model. But perhaps your Master would not choose you should have a Translation.

These great Masters of Antiquity, you must sooner or later, be able to judge of critically. But you must never imitate them. Study nature, and write accordingly, and you will resemble them. But it is nature not the Ancients that you are to imitate and Copy. But I must stop. I wish I had nothing to interrupt me, from indulging this familiar Way of Writing to you.

John Adams, To Edmund Jenings (February 27, 1781)

It has been, these two or three years, a philosophical Speculation as well as a political, to discover the true Cause of this European Suspicion. Is it natural? Men don’t usually disquiet themselves about Evils, so distant in Futurity.

Whoever made himself uneasy about a Thing which was to happen 3 hundred years hence? However the Evil here Apprehended, never will nor can happen, unless a Silly Jealousy, should induce the Europeans to take unfriendly Measures, So as to excite ill Will.

I Suspect that this Jealousy is artificial. That it is artfully managed by the Courts of Europe. These dread the Forms of Government in America. They dread that high Sense and Spirit of Liberty, and those popular Principles, with which America is full. They are afraid of their Spreading in Europe and propagating like a Contagion, So as to produce Revolutions.

But the People of Europe, and the Men of Letters ought for the [same] opposite Reasons, to cherish America as their only remaining Barrier against Despotism. For if the Spirit of Liberty is Subdued in America there is now an end of it in the World.

I am weary however of Speculation. I See that our poor Country must bid farewell to all Ideas of Peace. Warlike she must be or not exist. For she will be involved in eternal War, that is plain. Britains [sic] and French and Spaniards, and others will keep poor America the constant Sport of their infernal Politicks. Let Us warn our Countrymen therefore to be Soldiers and Seamen, and teach them to love War Since Europe will oblige them to it.

It will depend entirely upon Europe, whether America shall ever hurt it or not. If she treats America with Suspicion and Jealousy, Envy and Malice, she will necessarily, produce the Same Passions in America towards her. And she will bring it, to this question whether America shall be, desolated and totally depopulated, or not? It is easy to see that this is not in the Power of all Europe. European Jealousy however will have one Effect. It will keep America longer United. Without Unkind and ungenerous Treatment from Europe, God knows America will too soon divide and quarrel with itself.

But it is not the Part of Policy or Philosophy, to torment itself with Prospects into such distant Futurities, I don’t expect that America will turn the Earth into a Heaven or a Hell. This World will continue to be Earth and its Inhabitants Men, and Wars and Follies will abound as much as ever. We have full enough to do with those of the present Age. Don’t let Us distress ourselves about those which are to happen a thousand Years hence.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 14, 1781)

I am glad you have finished Phaedrus, and made Such Progress in Nepos, and in Greek.

Amidst your Ardor for Greek and Latin I hope you will not forget your mother Tongue. Read Somewhat in the English Poets every day. You will find them elegant, entertaining and instructive Companions, through your whole Life. In all the Disquisitions you have heard concerning the Happiness of Life, has it ever been recommended to you to read Poetry?

To one who has a Taste, the Poets serve to fill up Time which would otherwise pass in Idleness, Languor, or Vice. You will never be alone, with a Poet in your Pocket. You will never have an idle Hour.

How many weary hours have been made alert, how many melancholy ones gay, how many vacant ones useful, to me, in the course of my Life, by this means?

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 18, 1781)

You go on, I presume, with your Latin Exercises: and I wish to hear of your beginning upon Sallust who is one of the most polished and perfect of the Roman Historians, every Period of whom, and I had almost said every Syllable and every Letter is worth Studying.

In Company with Sallust, Cicero, Tacitus and Livy, you will learn Wisdom and Virtue. You will see them represented, with all the Charms which Language and Imagination can exhibit, and Vice and Folly painted in all their Deformity and Horror.

You will ever remember that all the End of study is to make you a good Man and a useful Citizen—This will ever be the Sum total of the Advice of your affectionate Father…

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 29, 1781)

But I want to have you, upon some higher Authors than Phaedrus and Nepos. I want to have you upon Demosthenes. The plainer Authors you may learn yourself at any time. I absolutely insist upon it, that you begin upon Demosthenes, and Cicero. I will not be put by. You may learn Greek from Demosthenes and Homer as well as from Isocrates and Lucian—and Latin from Virgil and Cicero as well as Phaedrus and Nepos.

What should be the Cause of the Aversion to Demosthenes in the World I know not, unless it is because his sentiments are wise and grand, and he teaches no frivolities.

If there is no other Way, I will take you home, and teach you Demosthenes and Homer myself.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 30, 1781)

There were so many Rarities, at the Fair of Amsterdam, that I think these Fairs worth seeing. A Youth may store his Mind with many new Ideas, and with many useful Reflections by attending to these Things. To open your Views and enlarge your Ideas of Nature, you ought not to neglect any innocent Opportunity.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 14, 1781)

Make it a Rule, my dear Son, to lose no Time. There is not a moral Precept, of clearer Obligation, or of greater Import. Make it the grand Maxim of your Life, and it cannot fail to be happy, and useful to the World.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 15, 1781)

I don’t perceive that you take Pains enough with your Handwriting. Believe me, from Experience, if you now in your Youth resolutely conquer your impatience, and resolve never to write the most familiar Letter or trifling Card, with Attention and care, it will save you a vast deal of Time and Trouble too, every day of your whole Life. When the habit is got, it is easier to write well than ill, but this Habit is only to be acquired, in early life.

God bless my dear Son, and preserve his Health and his Manners, from the numberless dangers, that surround Us, wherever We go in this World.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (December 18, 1781)

The King of England consoles his People under all their Disgraces, Disasters, and dismal Prospects, by telling them that they are brave and free. It is a pity for him that he did not allow the Americans to be so Seven Years ago. But the great designs of Providence must be accomplished. Great Indeed! The Progress of Society will be accelerated by Centuries by this Revolution. The Emperor of Germany is adopting as fast as he can American Ideas of Toleration and religious Liberty, and it will become the fashionable system of all Europe very soon. Light Spreads from the day Spring in the West, and may it shine more and more until the perfect day.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (February 5, 1782)

I am much pleased with your Letter to Mr. Thaxter, but it is a Mortification to me to find that you write better, in a foreign Language than in your mother Tongue. Your Letters discover a Judgment, beyond your Age, but your Style is not yet formed in French or English.

You must study accurately the best Writers in both, and endeavor to penetrate into their Spirit, to warm your Imagination with theirs, to enkindle the flame of Wit by their Fires and to watch the Delicacies in the Turn of Phrases and Periods which constitute the Charms of style.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 28, 1782)

I am well pleased with your learning German for many reasons, and principally because I am told that science and literature flourish more at present in Germany than anywhere. A variety of languages will do no harm unless you should get a habit of attending more to words than things.

But, my dear Boy, above all Things, preserve your Innocence, and a pure Conscience. Your morals are of more importance, both to yourself and the World than all Languages and all Sciences. The least Stain upon your Character will do more harm to your Happiness than all Accomplishments will do it good.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 13, 1782)

Your Studies I doubt not, you pursue, because I know you to be a studious Youth: but above all preserve a sacred Regard to your own Honor and Reputation. Your Morals are worth all the Sciences. Your Conscience is the Minister Plenipotentiary of God almighty in your Breast. See to it, that this Minister never negotiates in vain. Attend to him, in Opposition to all the Courts in the World.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (August 18, 1782)

It is with Pleasure that I enclose this amiable Letter from your Sister, which breaths a very commendable affection for You and solicitude for your Welfare. There is nothing more tender than these Correspondences between Families, as there is nothing more sacred than the Relations of Brother and sister, except that of Parent and Child. It is your duty to answer her.

I say again, it is a moral and a religious duty to cultivate these amiable Connections by constant Correspondence, when We cannot by Conversation. But I need not recur to any Thing so austere as the Idea of Duty. The Pleasure of corresponding with a sister so worthy of you ought to be Motive sufficient. Subjects can never be wanting. Descriptions of Cities, Churches, Palaces, Paintings, Spectacles, all the Objects around you, even the manners and Dress of the People will furnish ample materials.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 27, 1783)

Let me recommend an immediate Attention to the Greek Testament.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 14, 1783)

I find that, although, your handwriting is distinct and legible, yet it has not engaged So much of your Attention as to be remarkably neat. I Should advise you to be very careful of it: never to write in a hurry, and never to let a Slovenly Word or Letter go from you. If one begins at your Age, it is easier to learn to write well than ill, both in Characters and Style. There are not two prettier accomplishments than a handsome hand and Style, and these are only to be acquired in youth. I have Suffered much, through my whole Life, from a Negligence of these Things in my young days, and I wish you to know it. Your hand and Style are clear enough to Shew that you may easily make them manly and beautiful, and when a habit is got, all is easy.

I See your Travels have been expensive, as I expected they would be: but I hope your Improvements have been worth the Money. Have you kept a regular Journal? If you have not, you will be likely to forget most of the Observations you have made. If you have omitted this Useful Exercise, let me advise you to recommence it, immediately. Let it be your Amusement, to minute every day, whatever you may have seen or heard worth Notice. One contracts a Fondness of Writing by Use. We learn to write readily, and what is of more importance We think, and improve our Judgments, by committing our Thoughts to Paper.

Your Exercises in Latin and Greek must not be omitted a Single day, and you should turn your Mind, a little to Mathematics. There is among my Books a Fennings Algebra. Begin it immediately and go through it, by a Small Portion every day. You will find it as entertaining as an Arabian Tale. The Vulgar Fractions with which it begins, is the best extant, and you should make yourself quite familiar with it.

A regular Distribution of your Time is of great Importance. You must measure out your Hours, for Study, Meals, Amusements, Exercise and Sleep, and suffer nothing to divert you, at least from those devoted to study.

But above all Things, my son, take Care of your Behavior and preserve the Character you have acquired, for Prudence and Solidity. Remember your tender Years and treat all the World with Modesty, Decency and Respect…

The Art of asking Questions is the most essential to one who wants to learn. Never be too wise to ask a Question.

Be as frugal as possible, in your Expenses…

The principal Satisfaction I can expect in Life, in future will be in your good Behavior and that of my other Children. My Hopes from all of you are very agreeable. God grant, I may not be disappointed.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 19, 1783)

I am glad to learn, by your Favor of the 12^th, that you have begun to translate Suetonius. This is a very proper book to teach you to love your Country and her Laws. Do you translate it into French or English?

You Should always have a Book of Amusement, to read, along with your Severe Studies and laborious Exercises. I should not advise you to take these Books always from the shelf of Plays and Romances, nor yet from that of History. I Should recommend to you Books of Morals, as the most constant Companions, of your Hours of Relaxation, through the whole Course of your Life. There is in Barbeyrac’s Writings, an History of the Rise and Progress of the science of Morality which I would have you read with Care, early in Life. It is printed with his Pufendorf I think in English.

The Writings of Clark, Cudworth, Hutchinson, Butler, Woolaston, and many Sermons, upon Morals subjects will be worth your Attention, as well as Cicero Seneca etc.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (June, 1784)

There is no Accomplishment, more useful or reputable, or which conduces more to the Happiness of Life, to a Man of Business or of Leisure, than the Art of writing Letters. Simplicity, Ease, Familiarity and Perspicuity, comprehend all the necessary Rules. But these are not acquired without Attention and Study. The Habit you now form will go with you through Life. Spare no Pains then to begin well. Never write in haste. Suffer no careless Scroll ever to go out of your hand. Take time to think, even upon the most trifling Card. Turn your Thoughts in your Mind, and vary your Phrases and the order of your Words, that a Taste and Judgment may appear, even in the most ordinary Composition. I cannot offer you my Example, with my Precept.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (June 6, 1784) [Letter II]

A young Gentleman of 17, must not talk of low Spirits for Small disappointments. He must reconcile his Mind to them. He will meet with many. My Friend Dr. Warren often told me, I was the most uniformly lucky Man, he ever knew, and indeed I must acknowledge, I have been often fortunate, both before and Since his Compliment. Notwithstanding which my Life has been a Series of disappointments, checkered with only now and then a Ray of good Luck, and this rather for the Public than myself…

Let nothing fret you, or grieve you but your own faults which I hope will be few. Nothing Should distress Us in this World but our own Blunders. Hardly any Man that ever existed, met with more Vexations than I have, and although I have not been always able to observe my Maxim, I have often found an Advantage in it. So I recommend it to you in its Utmost Extent. Have a Care of Mistakes. Be Sure you do your own Duty; fill your own Sphere: and then leave the Rest.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (June 21, 1784)

You have had a Taste of the Eloquence of the Bar and of Parliament: but you will find Livy and Tacitus, more elegant, more profound and Sublime Instructors, as well as Quinctilian Cicero and Demosthenes.

There will be everlastingly a Demades and an Aeschines to plague a Demosthenes. Wherever a great able and Upright Man appears, there will be ever a Swarm of little, corrupt, weak or wicked ones, who will find among the People Such Numbers like themselves, as to form a Body capable of obstructing diverting and interrupting him, so that he will be able to serve the public only now and then and generally by surprise and against their Will. Such will be the Fate of Mr. Pitt, if he perseveres in the Line of Integrity he has taken.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (August 31, 1785)

I have no other Idea of an happy Life: Than Health and Competence, with a clear Conscience and among People who esteem and love you. All these you may and will have, I hope. The Conscience Health and Competence I may have here. I may even be esteemed: but never can be beloved, as you may easily suppose.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (September 9, 1785)

But why am I entertaining you, with public Affairs? At your Age, and with your Prospects, Justinian’s Institutes or Theophilus’s Commentary, would be more proper. I would not advise you, to be wholly inattentive or insensible to the Prosperity or Adversity of your Country, but on the other hand I hope you will not Sour your temper or diminish the natural Cheerfulness of your Disposition by dwelling too much upon the gloomy Complaints of the times. Letters and Science demand all your Time, and you must prepare yourself to get your Bread. Instead of being able to provide for you, I think it very probable that in a very little time, I shall find it very difficult to provide for myself. I have no longer youth and strength on my Side, and cannot labor as you can and as I could five and twenty Years ago. You must set an Example of Frugality, Modesty and Sobriety among your young Friends.

I would warn you against the danger of keeping much Company. It consumes one’s time insensibly, and young as you are, you will have none to Spare. Choose your Friends with caution and Reflection. There is nothing in which a young Man shews his Judgment more than in this. Have an Eye to the moral Character, and the Virtues and fine Feelings of the Heart in this Choice, as well as to Talents, Genius and Studies.

I See with Pleasure, that your Style is improving and begins to run very easy. It is well worth your while to be attentive to this. You have Time and means to make your Self a Master of your native Language.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (March 19, 1786)

I have read the Conquest of Canaan and Vision of Columbus, two Poems which would do honor to any Country and any Age. Read them, and you will be of my mind. Excepting Paradise lost, I know of nothing Superior in any modern Language. What Success they will have in England is uncertain, at least for some years.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 26, 1786)

If you pursue your Studies and preserve your Health you will have as good a Chance as most of them, and I hope you will take Care to do nothing now which you will in any future Period have reason to recollect with shame or Pain.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (June 3, 1786)

In order to get acquainted with the other Classes enquire who are the most remarkable Scholars in each, and drop in upon them frankly, make them a visit in a Leisure hour at their Chambers, and fall into Conversation. Ask them about their Tutors manner of teaching. Observe what Books lie upon their Tables, ask Questions about the Towns they were born in, the Schools they were fitted in. Ask them about the late War, what good officers belonged to their Town. Who is the Minister and who the Representative and who the Justices or Judges that live there. What Brigade or Regiment of Militia it is in? etc. Or fall into Questions of Literature, Science, or what you will…

One should always be a Year or two beforehand with one’s affairs, if possible. Pray, do you think of any Place, or office in which to study Law? A Year will soon be round. Or shall I come home and take you into my office? Or are you so disgusted with our Greek Breakfasts at the Hague, and our Euclid suppers at Auteuil as to prefer another Praeceptor?

Take care of your Health. The smell of a Midnight lamp is very unwholesome. Never defraud yourself of your sleep, nor of your Walk. You need not now be in a hurry.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (January 10, 1787)

When you come into a Lawyer’s office, you will find it more necessary Still. At present, Attendance on Prayers, Recitations and public Exhibitions, and the Amusements of Conversation with your fellow Students, are instead of Exercise. But when you come to pore alone over Law, which is not very entertaining, you will find a difference.

But at all times and in all Places, above all Things, preserve the Sentiments and the delicate sensibilities of youth, throughout your whole Life. Honor and Integrity, Humanity and Modesty are natural to Man. Let not the Commerce of the World, ever wear them out or blunt the Edge of your sensibility of them.

Libertatem, Amicitiam, Fidem, praecipua humani animi bona, retinebis. [“You will hold liberty, friendship, and fidelity as the highest goods of the human soul.” Tacitus, Histories Book 1.15, lines 22-24] According to your Friend Tacitus. Riches and Grandeur are empty Baubles: but the moral Sentiments must be your Companions every hour of your Life: and infallibly your constant Comforters, or Tormentors. Consult your own heart, consult Experience, and History and they will all concur, with this Advice of your affectionate Father…

John Adams, To Thomas Jefferson (August 25, 1787) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

All the perplexities, confusions, and distresses in America arise, not from defects in their constitution or confederation, not from a want of honor or virtue, so much as from downright ignorance of the nature of coin, credit, and circulation.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (January 23, 1788)

I am much pleased with your Oration and much obliged to you for it. it seems to me, making allowance for a fathers Partiality, to be full of manly Sense and Spirit. By the Sentiments and Principles in that oration, I hope you will live and die, and if you do I don’t care a farthing how many are preferred to you, for Style Elegance and Mellifluence.

To Vattel and Burlamaqui, whom you Say you have read you must Add, Grotius and Pufendorf and Heineccius, and besides this you should have some Volume of Ethics constantly on your Table. Morals, my Boy, Morals should be as they are eternal in their nature, the everlasting object of your Pursuit. Socrates and Plato, Cicero and Seneca, Butler and Hutchinson, as well as the Prophets, Evangelists, and Apostles should be your continual Teachers.

But let me advise you, in another Art, I mean oratory, not to content yourself with Blair and Sherridan, but to read Cicero and Quintilian—and to read them with a Dictionary Grammar and Pen and Ink, for Juvenal is very right. Studium Sine Calamo Somnium. [“To study without a pen is to dream”]

Preserve your Latin and Greek like the Apple of your Eye.

When you Attend the Superior Court, carry always your Pen and Ink and Paper and take Notes of every Dictum, every Point and every Authority. But remember to show the same respect to the Judges and Lawyers who are established in Practice before you, as you resolved to show the President Tutors Professors, and Masters and Bachelors at College…

But you have now an intercourse with his Clients, whom it is your Duty to treat with Kindness, Modesty and Civility, and to whose Rights and Interests you ought to have an inviolable Attachment.

Letters (Vice President, 1789-1797)

John Adams, To Benjamin Rush (June 19, 1789)⁴

I wish with all my heart that the Constitution had expressed as much homage to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe as the President [Washington] has done in his first speech. The Petit Maitres [“little masters”] who call themselves Legislators and attempt to found a government on any other than an eternal basis of morals and religion have as much of my pity as can consist with contempt.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (July 9, 1789)

P.S. There was a public Character among the Romans, who was called Prince of the Senate, Princeps Senatus, I believe. As you may have leisure I wish you would look in Livy, Tacitus Cicero and all the rest, and write me what you find concerning him.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (February 9, 1790)

I hope your Anxiety, about your Prospects of future Life, will not be indulged too far. If, after your Term with Mr. Parsons expires your Judgment, Inclination and Advice of your Friends lead you to Boston, you shall have my full Consent and Approbation…

May the Blessing of God attend you my dear son.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (February 19, 1790)

There is a set of Scotch Writers that I think deserve your Attention in a very high Degree. There are Speculations in Morals Politicks and Law that are more luminous, than any other I have read. The Elements of Criticism and other of Lord Kaims’s Writings—Historical Law Tracts—sir James Stuart—Adam Smith &c both his Theory of Moral Sentiments and his Wealth of Nations—There are several others whose Names and Titles I don’t at present recollect…

Write me as often as you can. I hope the contracted ignorant Prejudice against your Profession will not be pushed so far as to render you uncomfortable.

Preserve my Son, at every risk—at every Loss—even to extreme Poverty and obscurity; Your Honor and Integrity, Your Generosity and Benevolence, your enlarged Views and liberal Philanthropy. Candor and Honor are of more importance in your Profession even than Eloquence Learning or Genius. You will be miserable without them whatever might be your Success.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 1, 1790)

Your Information on political Subjects is very Satisfactory, as it is given with that Freedom and Independence of Spirit, which I wish you always to preserve.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 16, 1790)

The Dangers that threaten this Country, are very serious—I see them exactly in the same light with you. be Attentive: but cautious and discreet—Neglect not your private Studies and proper Business: for the sake of thinking or Speaking or Writing upon public affairs. Uncertainty of sovereignty is a great Evil and Danger, and wherever there are more than one pretender to it, there is always Uncertainty. Rivalries of Sovereignties involve Rivalries of Men, and produce Jealousies Envy, Resentment and all the Passions incident to such Situations. Governors of States compare themselves with the President Senators of States with national Senators and Representatives of States with Representatives of the Union. and these Comparisons produce Passions and Heartburnings, which will end in Collisions Disputes perhaps [Solutions]. In short, although the new Government has had all the Influence on public Prosperity that could be expected, the Danger of its Existence grows more apparent. the People have the Power to pull it down if they Will. But what will be the Consequence? Confusion, Disgrace, and Adversity. In Proportion as the Beneficence of the Govt. appears the Disposition to destroy it, increases.

John Adams, To Richard Price (April 19, 1790)

I love the Zeal and the Spirit which dictated this Discourse, and admire the general Sentiments of it. From the year 1760 to this hour, the whole Scope of my Life has been to support such Principles and propagate such sentiments. No sacrifices of myself or my family. No dangers, no labors, have been too much for me in this great cause.

The Revolution in France could not, therefore be indifferent to me. But I have learned, by awful Experience, to rejoice with trembling. I know that Encyclopedists and Economists, Diderot and D’Alembert, Voltaire and Rousseau, have contributed to this great Event, more than Locke, Sidney or Hoadley, and perhaps more than the American Revolution. And I own to you, I know not what to make of a Republic of Thirty Million Atheists.

The Constitution is but an Experiment; and must and will be altered. I know it to be impossible that France should be long governed by it. If the Sovereignty is to reside in one Assembly: The King, the Princes of the blood, and principal Quality, will govern it, at their pleasure, as long as they can agree. When they differ they will go to War, and act over again, all the Tragedies of Valois, Bourbons, Lorrains Guises and Colignis, two hundred years ago.

The Greeks sang the praises of Harmodius and Aristogeton for restoring equal Laws—Too many Frenchmen after the example of too many Americans, pant for Equality of Persons and Property. The impracticability of this, God almighty has decreed, and the Advocates for Liberty who attempt it, will surely suffer for it.

…As it has been the great Aim of my life to be Useful; if I had any reason to think I was so, as you seem to suppose, it would make me happy. For “Eminence” I care nothing—For, though I pretend not to be exempt from Ambition, or any other human passion, I have been convinced from my Infancy, and have been confirmed, every year and day of my life, that the Mechanic and Peasant, are happier than any Nobleman or Magistrate or King; and that the higher a man rises, if he has any sense of duty, the more anxious he must be.

Our new Government is a new Attempt to divide a Sovereignty. A fresh Essay at Imperium in Imperio. It cannot, therefore, be expected to be very stable, or very firm. It will prevent Us, for a time, from drawing our swords Upon each other: and when it will do that no longer We must call a Convention to reform it.

The difficulty of bringing millions to agree in any measures, to act by any rule; can never be conceived by him, who has not tried it. It is incredible, how small is the number in any Nation of those who comprehend any system of Constitution, or Administration; and those few it is wholly impossible to Unite.

I am a sincere inquirer after truth, but I find very few who discover the same truths. The King of Prussia has found one which has also fallen in my way: ‘That it is the peculiar quality of the human understanding, that example should correct no man. The blunders of the father are lost to his children, and every generation must commit its own.’

I have never Sacrificed my Judgment to Kings, Ministers, nor People; and I never will. When either shall see as I do, I shall rejoice in their Protection Aid and honor: but I see no prospect that either will ever think as I do; and therefore I shall never be a favorite with either. I do not desire to be.

But I sincerely wish, and devoutly pray, that a hundred years of civil Wars, may not be the Portion of all Europe, for the want of a little Attention to the true Elements of the Science of Government.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (before September 8, 1790)

At the Age of 23, My son, I know by Experience, that in the Profession of the Law, a Man is not to expect a run of Business, nor indeed enough to afford him a subsistence. I mean to assist you, till you can do without my Aid: I only ask of you to recollect that my Circumstances are not affluent: that you have Brothers and a sister who are equally intitled to assistance from me: and that therefore as Strict an Economy as is consistent with your Comfort and with decency is necessary…

Dread not “unmerited Enmity” nor “unprovoked Ma[li]ce” “Industry” and “honor” will dissipate every Vapor of those kinds. Patience will be necessary. You must take large draughts of Patience. nothing is to be done in this World without that.

If you meddle with political subjects, let me Advise you to never lose sight of Decorum. Assume a Dignity above all Personal Reflections: and avoid as much as possible a Party Spirit. The true Interest and honor of your Country should be your only Object. And may you be a Terror to those evil Doers, to whom Truth and Falsehood are equally but sport, honor but a Phantom, and their own insignificant importance their only objects. The hands of too many such Creatures appear in some of the Boston Newspapers.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (September 13, 1790) [Letter I]

However tedious it may be, never be absent a moment nor let anything of practice escape you. take minutes of Cases, Notes of Practice and Argument as well as Authorities and preserve them. This kind of Patience will do more than any Thing else—You must have another kind of Patience too: a Patience under all the mortification Humiliation and Ennui, of Want of Business for Days Weeks, Months if not Years together. Without these Several kinds of Patience, you will not succeed at last. With it, you have nothing to fear: Success is certain.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (September 13, 1790) [Letter II]

There are Several Objects of Enquiry, which I would point out to your consideration without making any noise or parade about them.

1. The State of Parties in Religion, Government Manners, Fashions.
2. The Leading Characters in Church and State.
3. The Machines, Arts and Channels, by which Intelligence and Reports are circulated through the Town.
4. The Makers and Spreaders of Characters.
5. The State of the various Tradesmen and Mechanics, their Views designs and Projects
6. The State, Hopes, Views, Plans, Passions, and Sentiments of the old Tories, and their Correspondences abroad and at home in their own State and in other States.
7. Ditto of the old Whigs of 1764 and 1774.
8. Ditto of the Neutrals.
9. Ditto of those who have Sprung up Since the Revolution.
10. The Characters of all the Clergymen, of all denominations Physicians, surgeons Apothecaries, Lawyers, and Merchants of Eminence & shopkeepers
11. The Foreigners in or out of offices, French English, Dutch &c
12. The Various Combinations of all these.
13. The State of Diversions Amusements, Spectacles. &c
14. The various Clubs, Lists of all which you should obtain.
15. The Buffoons, the Merry Andrews, the story tellers the song Singers, the Mimics.

These are all Wheels Springs Cogs, or Pins, Some of them dirty ones which compose the Machine and make it go.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (October 4, 1790)

You might very easily induce either Side to make much of you, by becoming a zealot for it: but my Advice to you is Nil Admirari Nil contemni. [Horace, Epistles, Book I, epistle vi, line1] Admire neither Party—despise neither Party. Treat both Sides with Civility and respect but be the Devotee of neither. Be always on the side of Truth Justice Honor Virtue and public Spirit…

The Youth you mention has considerable Advantages, but his Contempt will hurt him, not you. Let me tell you however, once for all, that however painful, the mortifications of Emulation may be, you must learn to bear them and be Superior to them. You will see one, preferred to you for his Party, another for his Church, a third for his family connections a fourth for an unmeaning fluency, a fifth for his figure Air, Gate. and some for their Profligacy and Debauchery—others for their Want of Principle. Let not those Things move you out of your Course.

In your Studies, you have yet to begin a system. from all I have Seen and read, I have formed an opinion of my own, and I now give it you as my Solemn Advice, to make yourself Master of the Roman Learning. Begin with Livy—take your Book your Dictionary, your Grammar, your Sheet of Paper and Pen and Ink. begin at the Beginning and read the Work through— put down in Writing every Word with its meaning as you find it in Ainsworth. You will find it the most delightful Employment you ever engaged in. When you have finished the 35^th. Book you will say, that you have learned more Wisdom from it than from five hundred Volumes of the trash that is commonly read—The Writings of Cicero too, you should read in turn. When I Speak of reading I don’t mean holding a book in hand and dreaming over it— take your Pen—and make yourself Master of every Sentence—By all means make yourself Master of the Latin Tongue and that immediately. Polybius and Plutarch and Sallust as sources of Wisdom as well as Roman History, must not be forgotten, nor Dionisius Hallicarnassensis. Read them all in Latin—Nor would I by any means consent that you forget your Greek. keep it alive at least, and improve in it by degrees…

Above all Things keep up your Spirits and take Care of your Health.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (October 23, 1790)

Your Anxiety is too great—You have no right to expect and no reason to hope for more Business than you have. Remember, Your Reputation is not formed but to form—Confidence in your Talents and Fidelity, must arise by degrees and from Experience—The Interests of Clients are too dear and important to them to be committed by hazard to the Care of a Lawyer. Your Name can as yet be no more than that of a promising Youth—They will call you after sometime a growing young Man.

Your Sensibility at your first essay at extemporary oratory your Agitation, your Confusion, if they were as lively as you describe them, are not at all Surprising. Had you been calm and cool, unaffected and unmoved, it would have been astonishing. Mr. Pratt Said to me, “I should despair of a young Man, who could be unmoved at his first Attempt.” This will by no means hurt your Character or your Reputation. Such Modesty is amiable. Such Bashfulness is touching: it interests the People in ones favor. I hope however, that you will never wholly conquer this Modesty. The Audience have a right to be respected and venerated. A sense of Decency; the Awe of a Gentleman ought always to be upon your Mind when you Speak in public. The Judges, the Lawyers the Jurors, the Parties and Witnesses, have all a right to be treated with respect from You, and no other manners or Language than those of a Gentleman should ever escape you towards any of them…

It is to me a severe mortification that I cannot have more of your society: But Providence has ordered my Course of Life in such a manner, as to deprive me for the most Part of the Company of my Family. Now I totally despair of ever living with them together…

There are some Figures there of unbounded Ambition and deep Insincerity. Ambition is a good quality, when it is guided by Honor and Virtue: but when it is Selfish only, it is much to be dreaded.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 13, 1790)

A respectful, attentive and complaisant Behavior will engage you the good Will of the World: and your extensive Knowledge will give you great Advantages, as soon as you shall have opportunities to act yourself.

It is accident commonly which furnishes the first Occasions to a young Lawyer, to Spread his Reputation. I remember, it was neither my Friends nor Patrons among the great and learned: it was Joseph Tirrel the Horse Jockey who first raised me to fame. At Plymouth Court he had a sister, who had a popular Cause depending. He advised her to engage me in it: and I had the good fortune to conduct it in such a manner that from that time forward I was engaged in all the Causes in the County. Some odd incident, altogether unforeseen and unexpected, will very probably bring you into some popular Cause, and Spread your Character with a thousand Trumpets at a time. Such a Thing may not happen however in several years. meantime Patience Courage.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (February 15, 1792)

At Philadelphia too We have had our Curiosities but I have not so much Courage as you, to undertake to explain them. When first Places are the Objects of pursuit to clashing Grandees, and the means of obtaining them are popular Arts, you know very well from History and even from your Short Experience, what is to be expected. For my own part I wish myself out of the Scuffle at almost any rate.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 9, 1792)

It is not Anti-federalism against Federalism, nor Democracy against Aristocracy. This is all Pretext.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 26, 1792)

Your Observations on the Scurrility disgorged at me, as well as on the insidious Attacks on the general Government, are just to a certain degree. but not wholly so. The Newspapers guide and lead and form the public opinion. Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi sed sæpe cadendo. A continual dropping will wear a stone. We shall never have a fair Chance for a good Government until it is made a rule to let nothing pass unanswered. Reasoning must be answered by reasoning: Wit by Wit, Humor by Humor: Satyr by Satyr: Burlesque by Burlesque and even Buffoonery by Buffoonery. The stupidity of Multitudes of good Friends of their Country and its Government is astonishing. They are carried away with every Wind of Doctrine and every political Lye: but the Docility with which they receive an answer when it is put into their Mouths is the only resource We have left—Hundreds even of the Officers of Government, Stand aghast like Children not knowing what to think nor what to Say, until another Gazette furnishes them with Matter.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (January 2, 1793)

A Republic must have Laws and those Laws must be executed. Mankind Seems to be bent upon trying over again, the Experiments with which all Governments began of elective first Magistrates. Elective Legislatures or at least an Elective Branch of a Legislature may do very well in France: but I have long thought and still think that Elective Executives will do only in America. We shall Soon see how they operate in Europe. An hereditary Executive cannot be admitted in a free Government without an hereditary senate to contrast it. on the other hand an hereditary senate without an hereditary Executive would be equally dangerous and destructive. My Opinion has always been that in France a free Government can never be introduced and endure without both an hereditary Executive and Senate. But the Voice of all the World seems to be against me. A few Years will shew whether the French Republic will last longer than the English one did in the last Century.

I think however there will be a general Revolution in Religion and Government all over Europe. how many Centuries will be employed in civil distractions and what new form of Things will rise up I pretend not to foresee or conjecture. If the Influence of their Confusions does not produce Anarchy among Us, we may be happy.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (February 19, 1793)

“The Rivalries of our most conspicuous Characters” are such as human Nature produces under the Cultivation of such a Constitution as ours, and they never will be less. If they should have the Effect to convince this nation of one of the most obvious, Simple, certain and important Truths vizt [“]The Necessity of Subordination—in Society” it will be well. if otherwise We must have Anarchy.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (December 14, 1793)

These Democratical Proceedings have brought upon Us, the Jealousy of the Combined Powers, and of all the French who do not concur with the Jacobin Clubs, and these will soon be, if they are not at present the Majority of the Nation. Our People would do well to consider, to what Precipice they are running. When Junius Said The opinions of the People were always right and their Sentiments never wrong, I wonder what World he lived in. Is not a Mahometan Religion, the opinion of a People as well as the Christian and have not the Sentiments of the People of England for Example been furious against Monarchy in one year and for it in another. Such Popular Adulation is to me most contemptible, Although it is so pernicious that it ought to excite more Indignation than Contempt.

For myself, my Race is almost run. You have a long Career before you, and I am happy to observe that you have not accommodated your opinions nor Sentiments to the momentary Fashions of the present times, but have Searched for Principles which will be more durable.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (March 13, 1794)

The Decline of my beloved Mother is a source of Melancholy to me, which I cannot and ought not to dissipate. My You and I my dear son fulfill our Duties in Life as well as she has done. We can never be too sensible of the Obligations We are under to this worthy Woman. She is about to leave a World on fire for Abodes of Innocence Peace and Bliss. Such is my Faith, and without it I should be in despair.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 3, 1794)

My sons according to all Appearances, must be content to crawl into fame and be satisfied with mediocrity of fortune, like their Father. Either nature has not bestowed on Us her most exquisite favors, or We have some Awkwardness in Address, or some peculiarity of feelings, which condemn Us to perpetual Drudgery, without much fame fortune, or Attention from the World. so be it. We are under so much less Obligation to Others. You must not complain. The World will take Advantage of every murmur, and revenge itself on you for that superiority in some Things which it knows you possess—You must extort Admiration or you will never have it. If you appear to want it and to seek it, it will fly from you. He who asks favors of the People never fails to be favored with their Contempt. You must compel them to ask favors of you. If you cannot excite their Enthusiasm, and make them afraid of you, they will never respect you.

When you arrive at my Age, and look back upon your youth you will see your Errors as I do. If I were to live over again I would not again be the slave of an ungerous World…

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 5, 1794)

This Country has been upon a Precipice. A few of Us have been Steady to Peace and Neutrality and We shill hope to avoid a fall. But there is so much more Prejudice than sense, Passion than Reason, and Cunning than Integrity, in Numbers that We shall be long in great danger. If the sound Part of the Community does not exert itself to support Us, they will have severe Cause of Regret, when it may be too late.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 23, 1794)

I congratulate the People of the Massachusetts upon the Discovery that they are not base and ungrateful enough to disgrace, in his last moments the Man to whom they are under the greatest Obligations. What a Triumph it would have been to Despots through the World, to have Seen Sam. Adams forsaken by the People!

I approve of your caution in political matters. These are times when Such Circumspection is as much a Duty as an Interest.

The Mediocrity of Fortune that you profess or affect ought not to content you—You come into Life with Advantages which will disgrace you, if your success is mediocre—And if you do not rise to the head not only of your Profession but of your Country it will be owing to your own Laziness, Slovenliness, and Obstinacy.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 7, 1794)

In the Discourses on Davila, you will remember, there were many Observations on the Universality Constancy and Energy of the Passion for the Approbation of others. very important Consequences were drawn from it— No less indeed than the whole Theory of Government, Despotic as well as free. Emulation which is the source of so many Virtues and the motive to so much good; is also the source of many Vices and much Evil. I wish I could See a complete Treatise on this Ingredient in the Composition of human Nature.

You, I fancy, will, one day, find means of compelling, those who are now reluctant, to celebrate Talents which they see and feel although they do not acknowledge. Much reserve however is necessary much Delicacy and much Caution— A Man must not commit him self—he must not furnish his Rivals with stories to tell, of his Pride of his Vanity of his Imprudence etc. Indeed almost too much Design and Art and Craft, is necessary, for an honest Man to stoop to it.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (May 26, 1794)

Your Knowledge of Dutch and French: Your Education in that Country: your Acquaintance with my old Friends there will give you Advantages, beyond many others—It will require all your Prudence and all your other Virtues as well as all your Talents…

Be Secret. Don’t open your Mouth to any human Being on the Subject except your Mother. Go and see with how little Wisdom this World is governed.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (August 25, 1795)

Go on my worthy son in your glorious Career and may the Blessing of God crown you with success…

Poor Jay has gone through as fiery an ordeal As I did, when I was Suspected of a blasphemous Doubt of Tom Paine’s Infallibility, in Consequence of Publicola’s Eloquence and Jefferson’s Rashness. The People repent of these Faults, but they are the Sin that too easily besets them.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (September 19, 1795)

The Mob has established every Monarchy upon Earth—The Mob has ultimately overthrown every free Republic.

The Doctrine of universal suffrage is so manifest a Courtship to the Mob as to need no Comment—But it never can Succeed, for any length of time—These good Creatures never look forward for two days. The Mob must ever be in the Power of Government—Government never in the Power of the Mob—Property is universally and eternally irreconcilable with Universal Suffrage. It is one of the Sweetest Consolations of my Life that I had the Constancy to resist this Doctrine through every stage of our Revolution…If all are admitted to a Vote, the Question instantly arises between Men of Property and Men of No Property and as the latter are always the most numerous, three to one at least, the Vote is always carried by them against the others. A Man of Property is instantly in the Case of the Lamb in the Custody of the Wolf.

It is humanity to those People themselves to exclude them from a Vote, for they never have it and Use it but to their own Disgrace, Remorse and Destruction…

Be of good Courage and of good Cheer…I am my dear son, with best Wishes and constant Prayers for your Wisdom Virtue and Prosperity, your affectionate Father…

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (November 17, 1795)

I cannot Say with you, however that most Heresies are eternal Truths: for Heresies as well as orthodoxies have been often Nonsense, Villainy and Blasphemy…

A few Families will more decidedly govern. This appears to me—time will show. The natural Descent of Popularity in Governments perfectly elective will be found to be So certain and so general, that it will produce an Aristocratical Government everywhere, an exclusive Aristocratical Government, until Laws and Regulations are introduced to prevent it, against the popular Inclination…

Nullius Addictus jurare in verba Magestri. [“I am not bound over to swear as any master dictates”; Horace, Epistles, Book I, epistle i, line 14]—I cannot believe what I please: much less what is dictated by every Fool who pleases to think himself popular.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (April 5, 1796)

I am not sorry that you are not a favorite at Court or with the People of England. I would never owe them Any Obligation and I hope my Children never will because I know that a cordial Kindness and Friendship will never exist in their Bosoms towards our Country. Their Jealousy and Envy will eternally generate Hatred. Their Generals Admirals and Governors have no more discretion than peevish Boys in their Conversation concerning this Country and in their Behavior towards our Citizens. I will never fail to do them Justice: but I know them full well.

But, my Son, Independence is essential to Self Esteem as well as to command the Esteem of others. and where is your Independence? If you would return to the Bar, you might be independent, I grant. But I would not advise you to return to America yet. Go to Lisbon and Send me as good Intelligence from all Parts of Europe as you have done.

My Entrance into Office is marked by a Misunderstanding with France, which I shall endeavor to reconcile, provided that no Violation of Faith, no Stain upon Honor is exacted. But if Infidelity, Dishonor, or too much humiliation is demanded, France shall do as she pleases and take her own course. America is not Scared.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams Smith (February 21, 1797)

In your solitary hours, my dear daughter, you will have a delightful opportunity of attending to the education of your children, to give them a taste and attachment to study, and to books. A taste for science and literature, added to a turn for business, never can fail of success in life. Without learning, nothing very great can ever be accomplished in the way of business. But not only a thirst for knowledge should be excited, and a taste for letters be cultivated, but prudence, patience, justice, temperance, resolution, modesty, and self-cultivation, should be recommended to them as early as possible. The command of their passions, the restraint of their appetites, reverence for superiors, especially parents, a veneration for religion, morals, and good conduct. You will find it more for your happiness to spend your time with them in this manner, than to be engaged in fashionable amusements, and social entertainments, even with the best company.

Letters (President, 1797-1801)

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (October 25, 1797)

And may the Blessing of God Almighty be bestowed on this Marriage and all its Connections and Effects…

I have not laid it down to myself as a Law never to appoint any of my Relations to office, as my Predecessor did, and I never will impose upon myself any Such Shackle. I shall be cautious and delicate, in Such Cases: but merit in my Family deserves as well of its Country as in another.

Letters (Retirement, 1801-1826)

John Adams, To Benjamin Rush (September 19, 1806) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

But oh my Country, how I mourn over thy follies and Vices, thine ignorance and imbecility, Thy contempt of Wisdom and Virtue and overweening Admiration of fools and Knaves! the never failing effects of democracy. I once thought our Constitution was quasi a mixed Government, but they have now made it, to all intents and purposes, in Virtue, Spirit and effect a democracy. We are left without resources but in our prayers and tears, and have nothing that We can do or Say but the Lord have mercy upon us.

John Adams, To F.A. Vanderkemp (December 31, 1808)

How is it possible this old Fellow [Voltaire] Should represent the Hebrews in Such a contemptible Light? They are the most glorious Nation that ever inhabited this Earth. The Romans and their Empire were but a Bauble in comparison of the Jews. They have given Religion to three quarters of the Globe and have influenced the Affairs of Mankind more, and more happily than any other Nation ancient or modern.

John Adams, To F.A. Van der Kemp (February 16, 1809) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

Our Medium is depreciated by the Multitude of Swindling Banks which have emitted bank Bills to an immense amount beyond the Deposits of Gold and Silver in their Vaults, by which means the Price of Labor and Land and Merchandise and Produce is doubled, trebled and quadrupled in many Instances. Every dollar of a bank Bill that is issued beyond the quantity of Gold and Silver in the Vaults represents nothing and is therefore a cheat upon Somebody.

John Adams, To Benjamin Rush (October 13, 1810) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

Our Financial System and our Banks are a Species of fraudulent oppression upon the Community: But you would think me mad enough for your Tranquillizing Chair if I Should Say There is no Remedy but to return to a circulating Medium of Gold and Silver only.

Commerce has in all times made wild work with elections, but it never invented so artful a scheme of corruption for that purpose as our American banks.

John Adams, To Benjamin Rush (December 27, 1810) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

The Banking Infatuation pervades all America. Our whole System of Banks is a violation of every honest Principle of Banks. There is no honest Bank but a Bank of Deposit. A Bank that issues Paper at Interest is a Pickpocket or a Robber. But the Delusion will have its Course. You may as well Reason with a Hurricane. An Aristocracy is growing out of them, that will be as fatal as The Feudal Barons, if unchecked in Time…

Paper Money was better than this Bank Money, because the Public reaped the Benefit of the Depreciation: but the Depreciation of Bank Money accrues wholly to the Profit of Individuals. There is no honest Money but Silver and Gold.

Think of the Number, the Offices, Stations, Wealth, Piety and Reputations of the Persons in all the States, who have made Fortunes by these Banks, and then you will See, how deeply rooted the Evil is. The Number of Debtors who hope to pay their debts by this Paper united with the Creditors who build Palaces in our Cities and Castles for Country Seats, by issuing this Paper form too impregnable a Phalanx to be attacked by anything less disciplined than Roman Legions.

John Adams, To John Adams II (February 2, 1812) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

Have you considered the Meaning of that Word “worthy”? Weigh it well. I had rather you Should be worthy Sergeants, than Unworthy, though conquering Generals, Worthy Midshipmen than unworthy though conquering Admirals, Worthy Attorneys or Solicitors than Unworthy Serjeants or Judges or Lords Chief Justices, Worthy Ministers of a petty Parish, than Unworthy Popes Cardinals Archbishops or Bishops, Worthy Country Shopkeepers in America than unworthy Medici, Hopes, or Wheelwrights. I had rather you should be the worthy Possessors of one Thousand Pounds, honestly acquired by your own Labor and Industry, than of Ten Millions by Banks and Funding Tricks. I had rather you Should be worthy shoemakers than Secretaries of State or Treasury acquired by Libels in Newspapers. I had rather you Should be worthy Makers of Brooms and Baskets than unworthy Presidents of the United States procured by Intrigue Faction Slander and Corruption.

John Adams, To Thomas Jefferson (November 14, 1813)

The Psalms of David, in sublimity, beauty, pathos, and originality, or in any word, in poetry, are superior to all the odes, hymns, and songs in any language…

Blacklocks translation of Horace’s “Justum” is admirable; Superior to Addison’s. Could David be translated as well; his Superiority would be universally acknowledged.

We cannot compare the Sibylline Poetry. By Virgils Pollio we may conjecture, there was Prophecy as well as Sublimity. Why have those Verses been annihilated? I Suspect platonick Christianity, pharisaical Judaism, or Machiavellian Politicks, in this case; as in all other cases of the destruction of records and literary monuments. The Auri Sacra fames, et dominandi Sæva cupido. [Latin: “accursed hunger for gold, and cruel lust for power”; from Virgil’s Aeneid, 3.57]

Among all your researches in Hebrew History and Controversy have you ever met a book, the design of which is to prove, that the ten Commandments, as We have them in our Catechisms and hung up in our Churches, were not the Ten Commandments written by the Finger of God upon tables, delivered to Moses on mount Sinai and broken by him in a passion with Aaron for his golden calf, nor those afterwards engraved by him on Tables of Stone; but a very different Sett of Commandments?

There is such a book by J. W. Goethens Schristen. Berlin 1775–1779. I wish to See this Book.

you will See the Subject and perceive the question in Exodus 20. 1–17. 22–28. chapter 24. 3 &c ch. 24. 12. ch. 25. 31 ch. 31. 18. ch. 31. 19. ch. 34. 1. ch. 34. 10 &c.

I will make a Covenant with all this People. Observe that which I command this day.

1

Thou Shall not adore any other God. Therefore take heed, not to enter into covenant, with the Inhabitants of this country; neither take for your Sons, their daughters in marriage. They would allure thee to the Worship of false Gods. Much less Shall you in any place, erect Images.

2

The Feast of unleavened bread, Shall thou keep. Seven days, Shall thou eat unleavened bread, at the time of the month Abib; to remember that about that time, I delivered thee from Egypt.

3

Every first born of the mother is mine; the male of thine herd, be it Stock or flock. But you Shall replace the first born of an Ass with a Sheep. The first born of your Sons Shall you redeem. No Man Shall appear before me with empty hands.

4

Six days Shall thou labor: the Seventh day, thou shall rest from ploughing and gathering.

5

The Feast of Weeks shalt thou keep, with the firstlings of the wheat Harvest: and the Feast of Harvesting, at the end of the year.

6

Thrice, in every year, all male persons shall appear before the Lord. Nobody shall invade your Country, as long as you obey this Command.

7

Thou shall not Sacrifice the blood of a Sacrifice of mine, upon leavened bread.

8

The Sacrifice of the Passover Shall not remain, till the next day.

9

The Firstlings of the produce of your land, thou Shalt bring to the House of the Lord.

10

Thou shalt not boil the kid, while it is yet Sucking.

And the Lord Spake to Moses: Write these Words; as, after these Words I made with you, and with Israel a Covenant.

I know not whether Goethens translated or abridged from the Hebrew, or whether he used any translation Greek, Latin, or German. But he differs in form and Words, Somewhat from our Version. Exod. 34. 10. to 28. The Sense Seems to be the Same. The Tables were the evidence of the covenant by which the Almighty attached the people of Israel to himself. By these laws they were separated from all other nations, and were reminded of the principal epochas [sic] of their history.

When and where originated our Ten commandments? The Tables and The Ark were lost. Authentic copies, in few, if any hands; the ten Precepts could not be observed, and were little remembered.

If the Book of Deuteronomy was compiled, during or after the Babylonian Captivity, from Traditions, the Error or amendment might come in there.

But you must be weary, as I am at present, of Problems, conjectures, and paradoxes, concerning Hebrew, Grecian and Christian and all other Antiquities; but while We believe that the finis bonorum will be happy, we may leave learned men to this disquisition and Criticism.

I admire your Employment, in Selecting the Philosophy and Divinity of Jesus and Separating it from all intermixtures. If I had Eyes and Nerves, I would go through both Testaments and mark all that I understand.

To examine the Mishna Gemara Cabbala Jezirah, Sohar Cosri and Talmud of the Hebrews would require the life of Methuselah, and after all, his 969 years would be wasted to very little purpose.

The Dæmon of Hierarchical despotism has been at Work, both with the Mishna and Gemara. In 1238 a French Jew, made a discovery to the Pope (Gregory 9th) of the heresies of the Talmud. The Pope Sent 35 Articles of Error, to the Archbishops of France, requiring them to Seize the books of the Jews, and burn all that contained any Errors. He wrote in the same terms to the Kings of France, England Aragon, Castile Leon, Navarre and Portugal. In consequence of this Order 20 Cartloads of Hebrew Books were burnt in France: and how many times 20 cartloads were destroyed in the other Kingdoms? The Talmud of Babylon and that of Jerusalem were composed from 120 to 500 years after the destruction of Jerusalem. If Lightfoot derived Light from what escaped from Gregory’s fury in explaining many passages in the New Testament, by comparing the Expressions of the Mishna, with those of the Apostles and Evangelists, how many proofs of the Corruptions of Christianity might We find in the Passages burnt?

John Adams, To F.A. Vanderkemp (December 26, 1813)

What think you of Free thinking? Free Speaking? and Free Writing? Is there a Man in his Senses, now upon our Globe, who dares to Speak his mind? Is there a Country in which he could do it, without Persecution and Martyrdom? Think not these questions foolish. They are very grave and Solemn. I add was there ever Such a Man or Such a Country.

Our Theologians, liberal, candid and critical as they are, now Set up Alexander Hamilton, Fisher Ames and Theophilus Parsons as great Authorities in Support of Revelation. Suppose I should publish, what I fully believe, that neither of the three knew more of the controversy than they did about the Shasta and the Koran and the immortal Lama; do you think I could walk the Streets without having my brains beat out? I might: but Calumny is worse than Death; worse than the Stoning of Stephen. I Should be held up in the Pulpit and the Press, and what is worse, circulated in private Letters and Secret Whispers as a Deist An Atheist, and the Devil knows what…

Neither Monticello nor Mount Wollaston are ambitious of being quoted as Authorities in the Science of Theology. It has not been our Profession. We Should make no great Figure, nor even any little discoveries in Controversies that have employed the Minds of Philosophers, Divines Statesmen Generals and Armies for 5 or 6 thousand Years and deluged our Globe in blood…

But neither Mr. English nor Mr. Carey nor Mr. Channing will throw any new Light upon this great Subject which has employed all the Learning Genius and Talents of the World for So many Centuries. I wish they would endeavor to enlighten the darkness of the three first Centuries especially the first. Or at least lay together in a Short Compass all that can now be known. I have read Lardner and Jones. They give us their very learned opinions, but I want their Witnesses, their Authorities and their Proofs. Abdias and Hegesippus are not inspired Oracles.

The Bible is the best Book in the World and for that reason among a thousand others, I want to know more about it.

John Adams, To John Taylor (July 29, 1814)

We may make ourselves popular, Mr. Taylor, by telling our Fellow Citizens, that they have made Discoveries, conceived Inventions, and made Improvements; We may boast that We are the chosen People; We may even thank God that We are not like other Men. But after all it will be but flattery, and the delusion, the Self-deceit of the Pharisee.

John Adams, To Thomas Jefferson (February 2, 1816)

We must come to the Principles of Jesus. But, when will all Men and all Nations do as they would be done by? Forgive all Injuries and love their Enemies as themselves? I leave those profound Philosophers whose Sagacity perceives the Perfectibility of Humane Nature, and those illuminated Theologians who expect the Apocalyptic Reign, to enjoy their transporting hopes; provided always that they will not engage Us in Crusades and French Revolutions, nor burn Us for doubting.

John Adams, To John Quincy Adams (November 13, 1816)

Philosophy and Theology must Submit to the Decalogue [Ex. 20; Deut. 5; Matt. 5-7] and the Sermon on the Mount, and trust the Ruler with his Skies.

John Adams, To Henry Colman (January 13, 1817)

Your reasoning on the Project of a Colony of free Blacks on the Coast of Africa, is no less ingenious than humane. This Subject is vast and ominous. More than fifty years has it attracted my thoughts and given me much anxiety. A Folio Volume would not contain my Lucubrations on this Subject. And at the End of it, I should leave my Reader and myself as much at a loss, what to with it, as at the Beginning—

It is certain We have more Barrels of Gunpowder planted under the United States, than Guy Fauks placed under Parliament. It is certain, that our tender Mother, has twice attempted, in parental kindness, to Set fire to this Magazine. We know her Conduct towards the Negroes, in the revolutionary War equally benevolent to the Slave and his Master—

For her atrocious Violation of her Faith, both to the Negroes and the United States—she has never been made to repent as she ought to have been. Her Conduct in the last War, is known to Individuals: but not to the Public. The timorous Planters are afraid to State their own Grievances. The Policy of Britain is changed. Instead of leaving the stolen Negroes to Starve in Halifax and London or Sending them to Sierra Leona, they have now planted a Colony of them in Nova Scotia. A thousand Families are established in one Settlement, with ten Acres of Land granted by the Crown to each with an Allowance of Instruments and Provisions for two Years. From this Nursery are hereafter to be drawn recruits to invade the Southern States to entice and Seduce other blacks to desert for rebel against their Masters and the Nation.

The present Slave holders cannot justly be reproached. They have given proofs of dispositions favorable to the gradual abolition of Slavery—more explicit than could have been expected—All Nations civil and Savage have practiced Slavery and time must be allowed to eradicate an Evil that has infested the whole Earth

I wish after all that some Nation would plant Colonies black, White or Grey on the Coast of Africa. That quarter of the Globe ought to be explored and better known.

John Adams, To Peter Ludlow, Jr. (February 20, 1819)

I have always found it as difficult to satisfy my mind what ought to be the system of conduct of the civilized part of America towards the Indians as what ought to be that of the Masters towards their African domestics all possible humanity consistent with public safety ought to be exercised towards both. I would purchase the friendship of the Indians at any price. I would teach them agriculture and manufacture at any expense, but if emissaries from foreign civilized nations will intermix with them—take advantage of their ignorance and excite their ferocious natures to commit their barbarous hostilities against us—though my nature shudders at the extremities even of the law of Nations yet we must resort to such of them as will subdue their brutality—

If Ambrister [sic] had possessed the sentiments and feelings of English men when they had to conduct wars against the Indians he would not have met his melancholy destiny. When General Amherst was in Massachusetts—he fell in Company with Dr Ames of Dedham at a time when he was marching up to meet the French and Indians in the State of New York—the Dr who was a religious man after complimenting the General upon his great character—devoutly prayed that the General and his Army might be made the instruments in the hands of Providence to Gospelize the poor Indians, the General smarting under the recollection of General Braddock’s late defeat—Made the Dr no other answer than turning on his heel with Vengeance on his countenance broke out—God damn the Indians!!!—I hope this anecdote will not be considered as too ludicrous or too profane a conclusion of so great a subject— it expresses in my opinion a volume of refutation of English politics of the present day.

John Adams, To John Taylor (March 12, 1819) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

I have never had but one opinion concerning banking from the institution of the first in Philadelphia by Mr. Robert Morris and Mr. Governeur Morris—and that opinion has uniformly been that the banks have done more injury to the religion, morality, tranquility, prosperity, and even wealth of the nation, than they ever have done or ever will do good; they are like party spirit the delusion of the many for the interest of a few.

Silver and gold are but the commodities as much as wheat and lumber—the merchants who study the necessity and feel out the wants of the community can always import enough to supply the necessary circulating currency as they can broadcloths or sugar—the trinkets of Birmingham and Manchester—or the hemp of Liberia. I am old enough to have seen a paper currency annihilated at a blow in Massachusetts in 1750, and a silver currency taking its place immediately and supplying every necessity and every convenience…

It has always been incomprehensible to me that a people so jealous of their liberty and property as the Americans should so long have borne impositions with patience and submission which would have been trampled underfoot in the meanest village in Holland or undergone the fate of Woods half pence in Ireland.

I beg leave to refer you to a work which Mr. Jefferson has sent me translated by himself from a French Manuscript of the Count Destutt Tracy. His Chapter “Of Money” contains the sentiments that I have entertained all my life time. I will quote only a few lines from the analytical table page 21—“It is to be desired that coins had never borne other names than those of their weights and that the arbitrary denominations are called monies of account as £—S—d. etc. had never been used but when these denominations are admitted and employed in transactions to diminish the quantity of metal to which they answer by an alteration of the real coins is to steal and it is a theft which even injures him who commits it—A theft of a greater magnitude and still more ruinous is the making of paper-money it is greater because in this money there is absolutely no real value it is more ruinous because by its gradual depreciation during all this time of its existence it produces the effect which would be produced by an infinity of successive deteriorations of the coins; all these iniquities are founded on the false idea that money is but a sign.” Permit me to recommend this volume to your attentive perusal.

John Adams, To Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams (December 23, 1819)

I am not so much afraid of manufacture’s Bankrupt Acts and twenty other dittos that may pass under the Ship—But the Missouri question will be a very serious one…

The Missouri question however hangs like a Cloud over my imagination—I am strongly inclined to believe, that if the Sentiments of the People in that Territory could be fairly collected and Ascertained a majority of the Suffrages would appear against the admission of Slavery—I am sure it is their interest to exclude it, and I think I can prove it to be so, to a demonstration—That Territory will multiply in people in a quadruple Ratio without Slavery—for Migrations into it from all the States North and East of Virginia—will be very numerous if there are no Slaves there—and very few of them are Laboring people. In New-England New-York Pennsylvania &—hate to go among Slaves because they cannot get employment among them—or if they do, they are considered upon a level with them—and the middling Class of People of those who have houses and families and small Farms, will not sell their little Establishments and remove to such a distance, to settle in the Neighborhood of the great Lords of immense tracts of Uncultivated Lands—Inhabited chiefly, and Cultivated wholly by great hordes of Black Serfs—the rapid multiplication of Inhabitants in Ohio, and Indiana, is a practical ocular demonstration of this truth—if the objects of the great Speculators in Missouri Lands is a rapid increase of the Value of their property, they ought for their own interest as well as for the feelings of humanity to exclude Slavery from their State.

John Adams, To Louisa Catherin Johnson Adams (January 13, 1820)

The Missouri question is the most magnificent and portentous. I have no doubt of the right of Congress to stop the progress of Slavery…I am very glad to hear that Mr. A. is becoming popular—but popularity is an ignis-fatuus after all. Mr. Hayes ‘American’ is well written by an able hand—but he lies open to answers in abundance the bible itself has not authority sufficient in these days to reconcile negro Slavery to reason, justice, & humanity the Presidents two negroes who attacked his butler ought to be considered a sample of what is to come hereafter I shudder when I think of the calamities which slavery is likely to produce in this country you would think me mad if I were to describe my anticipations. If the gangrene is not stopped I can see nothing but insurrections of the blacks against the whites and massacres by the whites in their turn of the blacks military forces call’d in from the neighboring States where there are no blacks—to suppress disorders where there are till at last the whites exasperated to madness shall be wicked enough to exterminate the negroes as the English did the Rohilas and as the Edward’s anciently did the Welch, their Druids, records monuments, ballads, singers and all. Pray don’t let this deleterious ebulition transpire…Well done I say stand upon the defensive for your right & maintain it—your independence let come what will come, or can come. Our republican simplicity is the most fantastical affection in the world, & the inconsistencies and contradictions in public opinion are ridiculous enough to defy all power of face & sides.

Diary

John Adams, Diary (March 29, 1756)⁵

We find ourselves capable of comprehending many things, of acquiring considerable degrees of knowledge by our slender and contracted faculties. Now may we not suppose our minds strengthened, and capacities dilated, so as fully to comprehend this globe of earth with its numerous appendages? May we not suppose them further enlarged to take in the solar system in all its relations? Nay why may we not go further and suppose them increased to comprehend the whole created universe with all its inhabitants, their various relations, dependencies, duties, and necessities? If this is supposeable [sic], then a Being of such great capacity, endowed with sufficient power, would be an accomplished Judge of all rational beings…would be fit to dispense rewards to virtue and punishments to vice.

John Adams, Diary (April 30, 1756)⁶

The stupendous plan of operation [of the universe] was projected by him who rules the universe, and a part assigned to every particle of matter to act in this great and complicated drama. The Creator looked into the remotest futurity, and saw his great designs accomplished by this inextricable, this mysterious complication of causes.

John Adams, Diary (May 28, 1756)⁷

[W]e find ourselves lost and swallowed up in this incomprehensible I had almost said infinite magnificence of nature. Our imaginations after a few feint efforts sink down into a profound admiration of what they cannot comprehend. God, whose almighty fiat first produced this amazing universe, had the whole plan in view from all eternity, intimately and perfectly knew the nature and all the properties of all these his creatures. He looked forward through all duration and perfectly knew all the effects, all the events and revolutions, that could possibly, and would actually take place throughout eternity.

John Adams, Diary (May 29, 1756)⁸

What is the proper business of mankind in this life? We come into the world naked and destitute of all the conveniences and necessaries of life. And if we were not provided for and nourished by our parents or others should inevitably perish as soon as born. We increase in strength of body and mind by slow and insensible degrees. One-third of our time is consumed in sleep, and three-fourths of the remainder is spent in procuring a mere animal sustenance. And if we live to the age of three score and ten and then set down to make an estimate in our minds of the happiness we have enjoyed and the misery we have suffered, we shall find, I am apt to think, that the overbalance of happiness is quite inconsiderable. We shall find that we have been through the greatest part of our lives pursuing shadows, and empty but glittering phantoms rather than substances. We shall find that we have applied our whole vigor, all our faculties, in the pursuit of honor or wealth or learning or some other such delusive trifle instead of the real and everlasting excellences of piety and virtue. Habits of contemplating the Deity and his transcendent excellences, and correspondent habits of complacency in and dependence upon him, habits of reverence and gratitude to God, and habits of love and compassion to our fellow men, and habits of temperance, recollection and self-government will afford us a real and substantial pleasure. We may then exult in a consciousness of the favor of God, and the prospect of everlasting felicity.

John Adams, Diary (June 14, 1756)⁹

He is not a wise man and is unfit to fill any important station in society that has left one passion in his soul unsubdued…These passions should be bound fast and brought under the yoke. Untamed, they are lawless bulls, they roar and bluster, defy all control, and sometimes murder their proper owner. But properly inured to obedience, they take their places under the yoke without noise and labor vigorously in their master’s service. From a sense of the government of God, and a regard to the laws established by his Providence, should all our actions for ourselves or for other men primarily originate. And this master, passion, in a good man’s soul, like the larger fishes of prey, will swallow up and destroy all the rest.

John Adams, Diary (July 21, 1756)¹⁰

I am resolved not to neglect my time as I did last year. I am resolved to rise with the sun and study the Scriptures.

John Adams, Diary (August 1, 1761)¹¹

No man either King or Subject, Clergyman or Layman has any Right to dictate to me the Person I shall choose for my Legislator and Ruler. I must judge for myself, but how can I judge, how can any Man judge, unless his Mind has been opened and enlarged by Reading. A Man who can read, will find in his Bible, in the common sermon Books that common People have by them and even in the Almanack and News Papers, Rules and observations, that will enlarge his Range of Thought, and enable him the better to judge who has and who has not that Integrity of Heart, and that Compass of Knowledge and Understanding, which form the Statesman.

John Adams, Diary (February, 1765)

I always consider the settlement of America with Reverence and Wonder—as the Opening of a grand scene and Design in Providence, for the Illumination of the Ignorant and the Emancipation of the slavish Part of Mankind all over the Earth.

John Adams, Diary (July 24, 1766)

Thanksgiving for the Repeal of the Stamp-Act. Mr. Smiths Text was “The Lord reigneth, let the Earth rejoice, and the Multitude of the Isles be glad thereof” (Ps. 97:1). Mr. Wibirts was Genesis 50th. 20th.—“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this Day, to save much People alive” (Gen. 50:20).—America is Joseph, the King Lords and Commons—Josephs Father and Brothers. Our Forefathers sold into Egypt, i.e. Persecuted into America, etc. Wibirt shone, they say.

John Adams, Diary (December 24, 1766)¹²

Who are to be understood by the better sort of people? There is in the sight of God, and indeed in the consideration of a sincere Xtian [Christian], or even of a good philosopher, no difference between one man and another but what real merit creates. And I mean, by real merit, that I may be as well understood as my adversary, nothing more nor less than the compound ratio of virtue and knowledge.

John Adams, Diary (July 26, 1796)¹³

The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity, let the blackguard Paine say what he will. It is resignation to God—it is goodness itself to man.

John Adams, Diary (August 14, 1796)¹⁴

The Importance of Christianity to Society

One great advantage of the Christian religion is, that it brings the great principle of the law of nature and nation—Love your neighbor as yourself, and do to others as you would that others should do to you—to the knowledge, belief, and veneration of the whole people. Children, servants, women, and men, are all professors in the science of public and private morality. No other institution for education, no kind of political discipline, could diffuse this kind of necessary information, so universally among all ranks and descriptions of citizens. The duties and rights of the man and the citizen are thus taught from early infancy to every creature. The sanctions of a future life are thus added to the observance of civil and political, as well as domestic and private duties. Prudence, justice, temperance, 423 | 424 and fortitude, are thus taught to be the means and conditions of future as well as present happiness.

Other Documents

John Adams, Autobiography (June 2, 1778)

The Importance of Family and Women to National Morality

From all that I had read of History and Government, of human Life and manners, I had drawn this Conclusion, that the manners of Women were the most infallible Barometer, to ascertain the degree of Morality and Virtue in a Nation. All that I have since read and all the observations I have made in different Nations, have confirmed me in this opinion. The Manners of Women are the surest Criterion by which to determine whether a Republican Government is practicable, in a Nation or not. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch, all lost their public Spirit, their Republican Principles and habits, and their Republican Forms of Government, when they lost the Modesty and Domestic Virtues of their Women.

What havoc said I to myself, would these manners make in America? Our Governors, our Judges, our Senators, or Representatives and even our Ministers would be appointed by Harlots for Money, and their Judgments, Decrees and decisions be sold to repay themselves, or perhaps to procure the smiles of profligate Females.

The foundations of national morality must be laid in private families. In vain are schools, academies, and universities instituted, if loose principles and licentious habits are impressed upon children in their earliest years. The mothers are the earliest and most important instructors of youth…The vices and examples of the parents cannot be concealed from the children. How is it possible that children can have any just sense of the sacred obligations of morality or religion if, from their earliest infancy, they learn that their mothers live in habitual infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant infidelity to their mothers.

Besides the Catholic Doctrine is, that the Contract of marriage is not only a civil and moral Engagement, but a Sacrament, one of the most solemn Vows and Oaths of Religious devotion. Can they then believe Religion and Morality too anything more than a Veil, a Cloak, an hypocritical Pretext, for political purposes of decency and Conveniency?

Footnotes

1. John Adams, Frank Shuffelton, ed., The Letters of John and Abigail Adams (New York: Penguin Books, 2004), 127. ↩︎
2. John Adams, Frank Shuffelton, ed., The Letters of John and Abigail Adams (New York: Penguin Books, 2004), 268-69. ↩︎
3. JA may be referring to the speech of William Murray, 1st earl of Mansfield, on 20 Dec. 1775 during the debate in the House of Lords over the American Prohibitory Bill. In his speech Mansfield declared that the northern colonies had sought independence since 1763, and he supported the use of any means necessary to put down the rebellion. He cited the admonition of a Swedish general to his troops: “if you do not kill them, they will kill you”; and then continued “if we do not, my lords, get the better of America, America will get the better of us” (Parliamentary Hist., 18: 1100–1103). ↩︎
4. John Adams, Gordon S. Wood, ed., John Adams: Writings from the New Nation, 1784-1826 (New York: Library of America, 2016), 222. ↩︎
5. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 10. ↩︎
6. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 13. ↩︎
7. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 16. ↩︎
8. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 16-17. ↩︎
9. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 18. ↩︎
10. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 19. ↩︎
11. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 64. ↩︎
12. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 162. ↩︎
13. John Adams, Gordon S. Wood, ed., John Adams: Writings from the New Nation, 1784-1826 (New York: Library of America, 2016), 320. ↩︎
14. John Adams, Charles Francis Adams, ed., The Works of John Adams, Vol. III (Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1851), 423-24. ↩︎