Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848 to Thomas B. Adams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00392 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848 Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: December 26, 1795 Pagination: 3 p. 25 x 20 cm + docket Order a Copy
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 referencing the poor harvest of 1795 as a direct cause for the unrest. Mentions Parliament's suppression of these outrages against "the royal virtues and crimes of the Jacobins" by passing the Treasonable Practices Act and the Seditious Meetings Act, which limited political discussion. Praises Thomas, who was John Quincy's brother, for becoming "a thinking animal." Discounts flattery from their father (referred to as "the great man") as well as from London's press, which attempted to portray John Quincy as an "Envoy Extraordinary." Discusses family matters, and personal and governmental financial issues.
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