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, 1735-1826 to Benjamin Rush re: balanced government under the Constitution

Order a pdf of this item here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05289 Author/Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826 Place Written: Braintree, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 12, 1788 Pagination: 3 p. + addr 25 x 19.5 cm Order a Copy

Adams mentions his Defence (just received by Rush) and writes "It is an opinion here that they [the volumes] contributed Somewhat to to restore permanent Tranquility to this Commonwealth, as well as Suppress the pestilent County Conventions, Insurrections and Rebellion." He continues to argue that balanced government is the only way to protect the laws and secure "Liberty, Property, Life and Character...." Adams also mentions Rush's expectation that he will have higher office, "[y]ou tell me my Labours are only beginning, Seven and Twenty years have I laboured in this rugged Vineyward and am now arrived at an Age when Man sighs for repose."

Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813
Adams, John, 1735-1826

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources