16 Sep. 1812
Original paper slip text:16 Sept. 1812.
Quincy
Original paper slip text:Quincy
Unable to lookup name for quincy.1 p.
- Parke-Bernet, Sale 2054, "Boston Attorney," 17 Oct. 61
- 1. ADAMS, JOHN. Second President: Signer. A.L.s., 1 p. 4to. Quincy. 16 Sept. 1812. To Elkanah Watson. Margins slightly trimmed, not affecting any words: pieced together at center fold.
- An historic letter. Adams begins by commenting on the culture of wheat: "Let me tell you, my Friend, there are no fanatics in Religion, no Visionaries in Phylosophy, no Heroes in an Army or a Navy: No, nor any Misses in dancing or Musick, more enthusiastik, than the devotees of Agriculture and Horticulture. They are more harmless, and more innocent, to be sure. . . ." After a few vigorous comments on the lack of academic appreciation for agriculture, Adams discusses the war:
- "The fall of Hull, may have thunderstruck all, but it was clearly forseen and confidently expected by Some to my knowledge.
- "Not an Anthill, not a Single Atom of ‘Arnoldism' was in the Business. But Sheer Ignorance, Inconsideration and Incapacity enough, both in Administration and Execution. If one grain of common Sense had been used, nothing would have been attempted, without a commanding superiority of Naval Forces upon all the Lakes.
- "As to the illuminations and rejoicings at Montreal, I should not wonder if they should threaten to march to Boston, New York, and Phyladelphia and conquer the United States from Mississippi to St. Croix, as confidently as Hull threatened to overwhelm upper Canada.
- "Now the Tomahawk will compell the Southern States to be warlike, or to do justice to the Northern by consenting to a Navy. . . ."
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Adams Papers microfilm: reel 118
Original held by:Massachusetts Historical Society
From the collection: Letterbook copy, Adams Family Papers
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