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[Instructions to James Brown, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to France]

Written by Quincy Adams as Secretary of State to Brown as American Ambassador to France. Lists 14 items he included with instructions, including: a commission for his post, a letter of credence to King Louis XVIII, full powers for negotiating...

GLC03922

to Edgar Mason

President Adams sends a copy of a letter from Edmund Gage to Massachusetts congressman Jeremiah Nelson (not included) to District Attorney Mason. Asks Mason to verify the claims in the letter; if they are true "Captain Gage and his vessel may both...

GLC04004

Report upon weights and measures.

An attempt to synthesize history, philosophy and physics into a coherent whole that illuminates the nature of human relations. Recommends the adoption of the metric system, as a blessing that will lead to "the improvement of the physical, moral and...

GLC04045

The Jubilee of the Constitution, a discourse...

A speech "...delivered at the New York Historical Society... on the 50th Anniversary of the Inauguration of George Washington." Printed by Samuel Colman. 8vo. One of the Adams' most important speeches. The recipient's name has been clipped-off...

GLC04046

to Thomas L. McKenney

Adams offers advice on McKenney's work on American Indian tribes, "History of the Indian Tribes of North America." Adams, who had read the book's proofs, suggests defining terms like prairie for the European audience. Expresses his hopes that the...

GLC04077

to Sylvanus Bourne

Discusses the appointment of a consular agent at Embden, mentioning a Mr. Gregory as a possible appointee. Notes changes in France's government (Napoleon's seizing of power), doubting that it will produce a general peace in the Quasi-War between the...

GLC03298

to P.P.F. Degrand

Thanks Degrand for sending Boston newspapers containing "The Message of Govr. Gerry concerning libels, and the Act of Incorporation of the State Bank." Mentions lost correspondence from Degrand. Comments on an anecdote about assassination and...

GLC03299

[Signed engraving of John Quincy Adams]

Engraved by Nathaniel Dearborn, a Boston engraver. Depicts Adams late in life. With the following note on verso: "Mr. Adams' autograph by himself on the 3rd March 1842. Obtained at the request of Mr. Cross by Judge Underwood of Ky." Possibly...

GLC02809

to Levett Harris

Adams thanks Harris, the United States Charge d'Affaires in Russia, for obtaining and sending Adams' passport while Adams attended peace negotiations in Ghent. He refers to European peace proceedings in Vienna, stating that "The late symptoms of a...

GLC01644

[Passeport N.5: Passport introducing American Joel Post as Envoy Extraordinary to England]

In French. Introduces Joel Post as Envoy Extroadinary to England and certifies that he is an American citizen. Also provides physical description of Post: his age (46), height (5' 9.5"), brow (high), eyes (grey), nose (straight), mouth (average)...

GLC01676

The Jubilee of the Constitution a Discourse.

JB00318

Oration on the Life and Character of Gilbert Motier De Lafayete

JB00319

Letters from John Quincy Adams to his Constituents

JB00363

Jubilee of the Constitution

JB00367

to: Revd. W.B. Sprague

On the occasion of Sprague's new book, engages in emotional reflection on the role of religion, his deceased daughter Louisa, and being a father and grandfather of girls: "But the blessings which I now enjoy a large portion consists in three infant...

GLC08324

Procuring safe passage on American ship to Algiers for two Algerian men in Amsterdam.

Procuring safe passage on American ship to Algiers for two Algerian men in Amsterdam, Sidi Mustapha Ben Braim Rais and Sidi Mahomet Ben Mustapha Cagio.

GLC08329

[Certifying copyright for the 1825 enlarged edition of Nathan Daboll's Schoolmaster's Assistant].

Notes that Samuel Green, stereotype printer, is granted copyright to Nathan Daboll's Schoolmaster's Assistant a "plain, practical system of arithmetic,... adapted to the United States." Marked "No. 687." Written while Adams was Secretary of State.

GLC05320

to James Brooks

Adams comments upon his "essay" in defense of British actions in China during the Opium War. He maintains that he confined himself "to the question of right from wrong between the parties, as it stood upon the ransom of Canton." He bases his...

GLC05508.001

to John Angier

Sends Angier a condolence letter upon the death of his wife (and Adams' niece), Abigail Smith Adams.

GLC05513

Speech... upon the right of people ... relating to the annexation of Texas

Full title: "Speech... upon the right of the people ... to petition; on the freedom of speech and of debate in the House of Representatives of the United States... relating to the annexation of Texas." Printed by Gales and Seaton.

GLC05934

[Patent for Simeon Brown's invention for moving brick, stone, or wooden buildings with the chimneys, furniture, and families therein]

Signed by Adams as President. Countersigned by Henry Clay as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Contains a seal and faded red ribbon.

GLC06237

to Joseph Blunt

Discusses an example of a British sailor executed for serving on an American ship during the war of 1812. Also discusses Andrew Jackson's election, de-emphasizing its importance, and comments that "the real difficulties of the Country are in another...

GLC06312

to Aaron Hobart

Discusses disagreements in Congress over his positions at a time when, in his capacity as congressman, he was opposing patronage policies and the proposed "Gag Rule." Comments that "It was unfortunate for Mr. [Daniel] Webster that in the position...

GLC06313.01

to Aaron Hobart

Encloses "a copy of the Journal of the Federal Convention," in accord with a congressional resolution issued on 19 January 1820. Written from the Department of State.

GLC06313.04.099

to Aaron Hobart

Writes that Daniel Webster, in his attempt to gain control of the Senate, has destroyed his own ambitions to be President and any Senate opposition to Jackson. Has "no confidence in the present administration" regarding the national bank crisis and...

GLC06314

to Gerrit Smith

Political situation, Gag Rule, opposition to slavery. "The condition of the African race in this Union has ever been to me subject of deep concern... I have felt an anxious wish that slavery might be abolished... throughout the Union and throughout...

GLC06315

[Indiana land grant to Samuel Cook]

Countersigned by George W. Graham, Commissioner of the General Land Office. Partially printed document granting Cook eighty acres in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

GLC06418.04

[Patent for George M. Selden's improvement in the tide pump basin or reservoir]

Signed by Adams as President. Countersigned by Henry Clay as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Selden's written description of his improvement is signed by Thomas Addis Emmet and Dudley Selden as witnesses. Contains a...

GLC06467

to James Mease

Returns a pamphlet on weights and measures (not present) and thanks him for loaning it. Mentions that he is looking forward to sending his own pamphlet on the same subject to Mease.

GLC06550

[Patent for Hercules Thomas' invention of the Herculean Hub, an improvement in hubs for carriage wheels]

Signed by Adams as President. Countersigned by Henry Clay as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Thomas' description of the Herculean Hub is signed by [Charles?] Dwight and [Angus?] Peabody as witnesses. Sealed and bound with...

GLC06595

to Thomas B. Adams

Adams, then a Massachusetts senator, writes to his brother about "the receipts and expenditures, upon the Seamen's fund" and the Louisiana Purchase. Discusses the legislation relating to Louisiana that would "tax them, then make a government for...

GLC06606

[Inaugural address of John Quincy Adams]

President Adams inaugural address printed in an extra from the National Intelligencer, a Washington, D.C., newspaper.

GLC06661

to Nathaniel Cutting re: appointing arbitrator to settle disputes

Appointing an arbitrator to settle a dispute between Daniel Pettibone of Philadelphia, and Peter Townshend and Van Tassel of Newburg, N.Y., who both claim to have invented a drill for boring cannon.

GLC06694

Patent for improvement of building fireplace and chimneys, to Cyrus Blood

Issued to Cyrus Blood. Ribbon is dirty and rather unattractive

GLC06782

to Anthony Collamore re: pensions for Revolutionary War veterans' widows

Letter of Adams, with conjugate leaf (p. 3) containing clerical "Copy of Mr. Edward's letter to Hon. J.Q. Adams." Docketed p. 4. (Text loss on page 1 to center lower left affecting some words.)

GLC06933

Railroad Depot Speech for Unitarian Coalition [Christian unity and tolerance]

Addressed to "Fellow Citizens - Christians, Brethren and Sisters." Adams's hope for unity among all Christians; he even quotes an unnamed Roman Catholic poet at the beginning. While describing dissenssions between denominations in various countries...

GLC06965

Patent issued to Robert Dennis for improvement to steam engine (c/s Clay)

Countersigned by Henry Clay. Joined with a yellow ribbon.

GLC07020

Certifying copy of patent issued to Nathaniel and Philip W. Miller

For improvements in weaving (attached patent clerically signed for James Madison).

GLC07021

to Thomas B. Adams

Signed with his initial "A." Adams discusses family matters, his declining a seat on the Supreme Court. He expects war with Great Britain: "All the information that we receive from the United States... indicates a disposition and measures leading to...

GLC07118

to Samuel Elliot re: inability to review Elliot's book

Returning Elliot's book "upon Politics and Law, Morals and Religion" and saying he is unable "to give my opinion upon its merits" because of "perpetual pressure of indispensable occupations and absorbing cares." He writes "I have read many of its...

GLC07119

to Thomas B. Adams

Observations of riots by the poor of London, who were attempting to get more power from the government. Adams calls the rioters "Revolutionists" and notes their hunger, possibly indicating that they took inspiration from the French Revolution and...

GLC00392

An oration delivered before the inhabitants of the town of Newburyport, at their request, on the sixty-first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1837.

Inscribed on front cover: "John Connell Esq. from John Quincy Adams" Discusses the history of the independence movement; finding support from the Declaration of Independence; attacking nullification and states rights; condemning slavery; supporting...

GLC00506

to William Plumer

Discusses his isolation and the lack of fresh news, his criticisms the writings of a man named Walsh (probably Robert Walsh), his opposition to War of 1812, and his inability to write openly because his letters are opened and read in transit. Adams...

GLC00529.03

to Dolley Madison

The letter includes stories for the eulogy of James Madison.

GLC00639.04

[Certification of courier and transmittal of the Treaty of Ghent]

Cosigned by James A. Bayard, Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell, and Albert Gallatin. The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812. The word "Passport" appears on the verso. Written in Adams' hand.

GLC00639.06

to Alexander Everett

Discusses their correspondence and Everett's international travel. Comments on Oxford and mentions Shakespeare. Discusses reading Clarke's travels, possibly referring to Edward Clarke's "Travels in various countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Part...

GLC00639.07

to Joseph Gales, Jr.

Previously received one hundred copies of a pamphlet, sent by a Mr. Franklin. Only recently had time to revise it, and transmits his corrections. Notes that he will free frank the pamphlets, saving Mr. Franklin the trouble. The Executive Committee of...

GLC01194

to J. Jones & Co. re: selection to publish orders, resolutions, laws, etc.

To editors of Columbian Phoenix & Providence Patriot.

GLC07188

[Patent for Silas Hyde's improvements in the bedstead]

Signed by Adams as President. Countersigned by Henry Clay as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Docketed and signed by Henry L. Ellsworth, Commissioner of Patents. Sealed and bound with bright red ribbon.

GLC07324

Speeches given in Congress re: resolutions of seven state legislatures

Discusses annexation of Texas. Collateral to GLC 567 Adams fragment, a draft of the preface to this compilation of speeches given June 16- July 7 in the House. The fragment was expanded in details on pp. 6-8.

GLC07397