record number: 053232

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Dates:

25 Dec. 1787

Original paper slip text:25 Dec. 1787.

Author's location:

London, England

Original paper slip text:London.

Author:

John Adams

Original paper slip text:JA

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Recipient:

Mercy Otis Warren

Original paper slip text:Mercy Warren

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Title:

Length:

3 p.

Notes:

Previously at PWaC Feinstone and on deposit at the American Philosophical Society Library
Facsimile in Charles Hamilton Autographs Catalogue, Auction NO. 42 (4 June 1970), Lot 3.
Accessioned from printed copy and listed as "Ac 26144." -_SEG, 10/14/2011
ALs. offered for sale, Charles Hamilton Autographs, N.Y., Auction 42 (4 June 1970), lot 3, est. price $500.
"The Sack of Rome, has so much Merit in itself that for the honour of America, I should wish to see it acted on the Stage in London before crowded audiences. The Dedication of it does so much honour to me, that I should be proud to see it in print even if it could not be acted. I have shewn it, in discreet confidence to several good Judges, but least their opinion might not be Satisfactory, I procured it at last to be Seriously read, by Several of the first tragical Writers in this nation, among whom were the Author of the Grecian Daughter and the Author of the Carmalite. They have noted their opinion in a Writing . . . It required almost as much interest and Intrigue to get a Play Acted, as to be a Member of Parliament, and a printed Play that has not been Acted will not sell.—I have not been able to find a Printer who would accept the Copy on Condition of printing it.
"In short, nothing American sells here. Ramsay's History, Dwight & Barlows Poems are not sold nor, I fear will Dr. Gordons, notwithstanding the pressious Materials he must be possessed of. There is a universal desire and endeavour to forget America, and an unanimous Resolution to read nothing which shall bring it to their Thoughts. They cannot recollect it, without Pain.
"Your Annals or History, I hope you will continue, for there are few Persons possessed of more Faith, or who can record them in a more agreeable manner. Yet let me not deceive you. America must Support the Publication of it, no other Country will contribute much towards it..."
Information transferred from multiple blue slips now deleted. ER 9/3/2015

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Original held by:

David Library of the American Revolution

From the collection: Previously owned by Sol Feinstone of Penn. and on deposit at the American Philosophical Society Library.

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Printed and Online :

Viewable online
PJA, 19:239–240

Papers of John Adams, volume 19, page 239

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Printed: Warren-Adams Letters, Mass. Hist. Soc., Colls., 73 (1925):300–301.

Original paper slip text:Printed: Warren-Adams Letters, Mass. Hist. Soc., Colls., 73 (1925):300–301.

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