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Adams, John, 1735-1826 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05014 Author/Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826 Place Written: Braintree, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 June 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Vice President Adams to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 10 June. Is happy Knox is pleased with his situation at Bush Hill. Hopes to hear soon "of the Birth of a peaceable son of Mars." Says he did not know about the paragraphs in the New York newspapers. Just heard of the "Lyes" from New Haven yesterday. Does not think the criticism originated with Roger Sherman or Ezra Stiles. Says "The Preface to [Thomas] Paines Nonsense has occasioned much Speculation. It is thought rather early for Electioneering. My head I thank God is not easily diverted from its Views nor my heart from its Resolutions; and therefore neither Paine nor his God father will much affect me." This is a reference to Thomas Jefferson. Mentions the cordial reception President Washington is getting on his tour. Says the present Indian campaign is "a just and a necessary war," and hopes the necessary forces can be collected. Expresses sadness over the death of Dr. Richard Price. Says three members of his family had the "Fever and Ague," but are better. Hopes to see him in October "by which time I hope our mutual Friend will get the better of his frenchified delirium." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Adams, John, 1735-1826
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Price, Richard, 1723-1791
Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809
Sherman, Roger, 1721-1793
Stiles, Ezra, 1727-1795

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