Papers of John Adams, volume 21

James Mease to John Adams, 20 August 1792 Mease, James Adams, John

From James Mease

Honored Sir Philadelphia August 20th. 1792

I have taken the liberty of presenting you with a copy of my inaugural dissertation which I published and defended on taking my Doctors degree in our University last May.—1 It appears in very nearly the original dress which it wore, on being presented in manuscript for approbation or rejection to the professors; having had but little time to pay any attention in correcting it. Considerable allowances must therefore be made for the inelegance of style, or choice of words, which appear in the work.— At the request of my friends, and in pursuance of my own inclination I have settled in this city, 138 and if business continues to increase in the same proportion as it has began, I shall have no reason to complain. This you no doubt will think a bad sign, but as it happens that people will be sick, it is well that I have my share of the business.—

I hope Sir You will excuse the liberty I have taken in thus addressing you. Had not an absence from this City, and numerous avocations prevented me, I should have taken that liberty before. Be pleased to accept of my most grateful thanks for the attention you paid me, in the application to the secretary at War. You no doubt have seen by the papers that I resigned the commission,.—

To Mrs Adam’s my best respects are likewise due for the politeness she has always shewn me.— I am sincerely sorry that the air of our city has so far disagreed with her as to induce her to forsake it altogether. Please to present my compliments to miss Smith.—2

With every sentiment of / respect, I am Honored Sir / your obliged, & very humble servant

James Mease

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “The Vice President / of the United States. / Braintree”; internal address: “The Vice President of the United States—”; endorsed: “Dr Maese.”

Mease’s previous communication, addressed to either JA or Henry Knox, has not been found. Mease (1771–1846), University of Pennsylvania 1787, was a Philadelphia physician. He sent a copy of his dissertation, On the Disease Produced by the Bite of a Mad Dog, Phila., 1792, Evans, No. 24534. George Washington nominated Mease as a surgeon’s mate for the western army on 9 April and the Senate confirmed his appointment two days later. Mease attempted to preempt the process by declining the commission on 10 April and unsuccessfully pursuing the higher post of surgeon ( ANB ; Washington, Papers, Presidential Series , 10:236–240, 246–248).

Louisa Catharine Smith, AA’s niece.

Zabdiel Adams to John Adams, 24 August 1792 Adams, Zabdiel Adams, John

From Zabdiel Adams

Sir— Lunenburg August 24th 1792.—

Mr: L’Abbé De Mably’s Observations upon the History of France, which you long since loaned to me, I have now returned by my son; & thank you for the use of them. My son has had thoughts of Studying Law, & from an Uncle of his has received an invitation to study with him at Halifax in Nova Scotia.1 Could he continue there 2 years, & then finish his Clerkship in Some office in this part of the world, & be introduced to the practice in this or some other of the united States; it would be pleasing, as it would [. . .]e expence. But of this I am unc[ertai]n. If you are at leisure & would give him your opinion & advice relative to this matter, I shall be much obliged to you. He fluctuates in his mind between the Study of Physick & the 139 Law. To enter either is attended with difficulty. Divinity is more within his reach; but to this he has no inclination, that I can percieve. If you will permit him to consult yourself on this subject it will be gratefully receied by your friend & humble Servant—

Zabdiel Adams—

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “His / Excellency John Adams Esqr. / Quincy—”; internal address: “Dr John Adams.”; endorsed: “Rev Zabdiel Adams / August 24th 1792.” Some loss of text where the seal was removed.

This is the last extant correspondence between JA and his cousin, who died in 1801. Adams’ son, Zabdiel Boylston (1770–1814), Harvard 1791, practiced law in Lunenburg, Mass. (Adams, Geneal. History of Henry Adams , p. 411).