record number: 071159

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Dates:

26 Apr. 1795

Original paper slip text:26 April 1795.

Author's location:

Quincy

Original paper slip text:Quincy

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Author:

John Adams

Original paper slip text:JA

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(followed by

Abigail Smith Adams

Original paper slip text:AA

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to TBA)

Recipient:

Thomas Boylston Adams

Original paper slip text:to TBA

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Title:

Length:

4 p. (and typescript of JA to TBA section, 2 p.)

Notes:

Previously at PWaC Feinstone and on deposit at the American Philosophical Society Library
At some point this letter, which has 2 notes to TBA, one signed by JA and one signed AA, was cut into 2 parts following JA's signature and each section was sold separately. Now together on deposit at PPAmP although accessioned separately at different times.
Auction history for JA's section: ALS offered for sale, Ben Bloomfield, 65 University Place, New York 3, N.Y., List: DM-10, June 1959.
"You will soon learn the meaning of the word ENNUI ... which has no parallel expression in English. I suffered from this Demon in Europe more than I can express; more than from all the other Pains of my whole life. Had I not found in BOOKS a relief from it, I should have perished under it. Your brother as well as yourself in your purchases of Books, will I hope be more Economical than I was. PURCHASE NONE BUT THE BEST. I purchased Everything with too little discrimination." ADAMS hopes his son will learn to speak French "as they speak it in Paris, where it is spoken with greater Accuracy and Elegance." Regarding "THE NEW DUTCH CONSTITUTION" dictated by victorious France, Adams had this to say: "I fear FRANKLINIANISM and TURGOTISM will prevail there and if they should, they will do more Mischief than MAMMONISM and DEVILISM of every other Species," etc. etc. etc. A REMARKABLE LETTER, underpriced because of condition. $125.00
RC offered for sale, 31 May 1966, Charles Hamilton Auction Cat. 13, item 4 ($325). Actual sale pr. #150.
and again in their Cat. 17, item 1 ($275), 1 Feb. 1967.
Auction history for AA's section: ALs offered for sale, Charles Hamilton, New York, Sale No. 63, 7 December 1972, item 6, $200 (with two other items)
ALs offered for sale, Ben Bloomfield, 65 University Place, New York, NY, List: DM-10, June 1959, $25
ALS offered for sale, Parke-Bernet. N.Y. 10 Feb. 1959.
1a. ADAMS, JOHN, AND ABIGAIL ADAMS. A.L.s. by John Adams, 2 pp., 4to, "Quincy, April 26, 1795". To his Son "T.B. Adams, Esqr.". A.L.s. by Abigail Adams, wife of Pres. John Adams, 1/2 p., 4to, [April 26, 1795]. To "Dear Thomas". Together 2 pieces; both are water-stained, and fragile; first letter has pieces chipped from top margin, deleting a word, and is mended with tissue along margin.
Written by Adams while service as Vice-President In The Cabinet Of President Washington. Adams' son had been having difficulty with his study of the French language and offers him suggestions; advises him to walk for exercise. Writing about the new "Dutch Constitution" he states "But I fear Franklinianism and Turgotism will prevail there and if they should they will do more mischief than Mammon . . ."
Mrs. Adams writes her son: "that all the fine girls in Phyladelphia are marrying off. Kitty Morris is married to a Mr. Marshall of Virginia, Miss Anthony to Mr. Polock of N. York . . . I find you were susceptable in England—Miss Copley was fine girl when I was there . . . Be careful of your health; the air of Holland is as liable to ague & rheumatism as Pensylvania.".
Typescript attached to Justin Turner's letter of 19 Aug. 1959, Corr'ce File. 2p. Photostat of JA to TBA section from CL Turner, J.G. also in Acc. file (Acc. 10440)
Information transferred from multiple blue slips now deleted. ER 9/15/2015

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