Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848 to James Brooks

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05508.001 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: January 20, 1842 Pagination: 2 p. : free frank ; Height: 25.4 cm, Width: 20.2 cm Order a Copy

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 judgments on two principles: the equality of men and the love of God and neighbor. Adams alludes to Chinese demands of submission, and contrasts that with the Britons, "a Christian nation of Freeman" whom he hopes will practice mercy and moderation.

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Brooks, James, 1810-1873

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources