SOME UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN ADAMS AND RICHARD RUSH, i8iI-I8i6 II. Washington October 24. 1813. Dear Sir. As soon as I received your acceptable and instructing letter of the 8th of this month, I wrote to a friend in Philadelphia, who is much in the literary and political way, to beg he would inform me, if he knew, who had been writing or preparing to write a commentary upon the ^Defence of the American constitutions,' for that I had understood there was such a work on hand, if not published. As to myself, I knew not. In his answer, which I received yesterday he answers, i6go quoque non sum injormatus? I infer, most probably, it has not had its birth in our part of the country; or to the south; but in New England, where, I fancy, the most of our writers are to be found. I venture, Sir, to infer another thing also, from the ignorance of my correspondent, from your ignorance, and from my not being able to learn any thing from my associates in this capital, as to the author;—and that is, that he is not likely to be any body very prominent, and that the "Defence" will continue to be complimented by statesmen as it has already been, and to supply the constructors of human governments with many great ideas of political and historical truth, long after the 630 pages have had their day. That he has written in the candid spirit of a gentleman, I am happy, however, to hear. All such books deserve to be read with candour when they treat of such important subjects. I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 12th. instant relative to Mr H. W. Gordon. It ought to be sufficient to obtain him the appointment, and I trust it will. Mr Madison has not yet returned, but is expected tomorrow or next day. I offer you my respectful congratulations on Harrisons victory, about which I would add a word or two, but that my wife invites me to a walk with her, the afternoon being very fine. On telling her how I was engaged, she says, by all means go on and finish your letter j 26 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll~l8l6 2J but I reply no, not now. So this, Sir, makes me rise from my writing desk sooner than my wishes would otherwise dictate, offering you, before I rise, the assurances of my respectful and devoted attachment. Richard Rush. The Hon: President Adams.

Washington November 8th. 1813. Dear Sir. According to the intimation contained in one of the letters I have had the pleasure to write to you, I took the liberty of enclosing to Mr S* George Tucker, though entirely unknown to him, not the copy, but the original, of your favor to me of the 13th of August. It was the one in which you acknowledged the receipt of his beautiful little poem, and I was sure the original, in your own hand writing, would be a great additional gratification to him. Moreover, without expressly asking your permission to send it to him, I had, with some little management, waited long enough, after apprising you of my inten- tion, to receive your objection had it been thought worth while to make any. And truly glad I was that none came; for the letter was calculated to give too much pleasure to have been withheld from him, and so it has turned out. I have the pleasure to send you herewith, a letter I have just re- ceived from Mr Tucker. You will perceive he has given a much better and more correct account of himself than it was in my power to give. If he has been full, he at least develops amiable feelings, and has shown the price he sets upon your praise, and his sensibility to a request moving from you. What he writes of himself corresponds with what I have always heard of the purity of his life. The three little works he mentions in his letter, viz the Bermudian, the Anchoret, and the pamphlet upon slavery, I will have the pleasure to send you by three successive mails. The first goes today. Of all three it is my agreeable task to ask your acceptance, from him thus conveyed through me. The letter I send I will ask the favor of being sent back to me when next I have the pleasure to hear from you. I am, Sir, at all times, your gratified correspondent and respectfully devoted friend. Richard Rush. Hon: John Adams. 28 J. H. POWELL January Washington, November 30. 1813 Dear Sir. I had hoped that this letter would have shaped itself by some of the agreeable topicks touched in your two most agreeable favors of the 5th and 20th, the former of which my better half has put into one of her own drawers claiming it as her own property and desiring her most dutiful compliments and acknowledgements for the hand- some things said of her; and the latter of which I received yesterday, with Judge Tuckers letter enclosed. But, since yesterday, the news of the abortions in the north, to give them no worse term, have filled me with nothing but disappointment, regret, chagrin, and vexation, so that I can scarcely think of any thing else. The belief here was decided and universal that Wilkinson would succeed. His army was known to be overloaded with supplies or at least with the means of obtaining them, anxious for battle, very well off for discipline, and to this moment is still believed to be largely superior in numbers to any forces of like quality that could have been brought to oppose it. Government has not yet, that I know of, received a word of intelligence to account for the failure, and can do nothing more than express its surprise, its regrets, and its conjectures. In the meantime, Sir, you who have lived so much longer than I, and than most of us in our country, and observed and reflected so much more widely, and are always so ready with your recollections of history, philosophy and politicks as applicable to all that is going on in the world below you, must favor me with a line of consolation. The cause is certainly as just as ever although Montreal is not ours. We have achieved wonders already, to be sure, in the present autumn j but the excitement for Montreal was so prodigious that I fear the effect of disappointment upon the publick sentiment, particularly in New England. It is, indeed, a horrible disappointment. I think more and more of what you told me in one of your letters of Marlborough's speech to Tallard, about the hundred, and hundred and one, blunders. Even this, Sir, is some consolation to me. A colonel in the imperial service once told Count Strahenburgh that the em- peror had made him a general. He has nominated you a general said the count, but I defy him to make you one. After all, how difficult a thing does it seem to find a general? Frederick was perhaps the only one in his army. The French brought not one that I recol- lect in the field against him, though they have lately made them 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 29 fast enough. In running through our revolutionary history, which I have lately been doing, it seems to me as if the whole seven years contest produced but two or three commanders of genius to our armies. The English for twenty years, though fighting all the while, have had nobody but Wellington; and their blunders and discom- fitures in trying to reduce Canada in the old French war were at least equal to any thing ours have been lately, if not greater. They lasted four years; ours only two as yet. Count Saxe said the first of all military qualifications was valor; the second ambition; and the third health. Wilkinson, to say nothing further, has, by all accounts, been deficient in the third this campaign; and it remains for us to hear how far this may have prevented his giv- ing activity to the other two, both of which he is generally imagined to possess. But I more than all fear, though nothing is now known, that the failure has grown out of other causes; and that a fine army, full of zeal, full of courage, with plenty of powder and ball, and a legion of boats at its beck, has been suddenly sneaked into quarters through some miserable sqabbles [sic] between the two generals, in which perhaps Hampton will turn out to be most in fault. But how this, should it prove the case, will incense, and justly incense the nation. I cannot conclude without desiring to offer my own, and my rib's, most respectful compliments to Mrs Adams. In refering again to the letter of the fifth and Lady Hamilton, it contains, undoubtedly, the best explanation and defence of the fact of aristocracy I have ever seen, or than could possibly be put, into the same compass. I have room to add nothing but my respectful and constant attach- ment. Richard Rush. Hon: John Adams.

Quincy Decr. 12. 13 Dear Rush I have nothing to say at present to that enchanting Lady who so easily drew my Correspondent from his Letter: but that if I should ever see her, I shall not be contented with the Vandallik Custom so fashionable in these degenerate days, of shaking Hands; but shall claim the Privilege granted by the civilized Ladies of France, 30 30 J. H. POWELL January years ago, to 70 years. And I hereby solemnly invite her to come and see me, and bring her Husband with her, that he may be an eye Witness of the Liberties I will take. In the infinite multitude of my thoughts concerning Wilkinson and Hampton, I scarcely dare to commit one of them to writing. Do Heros want Health? did Alexander, Caesar, Zingis, Frederick, Crom- well, Charles 12th complain of sickness? Did Saxe himself, tho carried in a Litter and dying of a Consumption, complain? and apologize? Did Prince Charles whine about his Gout? The Minds of Heros are too intent on their great Employments, their Muscles are too much agitated, they are necessarily too temperate to be sick. No man knows what Valour signifies. Vanity is more intelligible* Ambition is too sublime a Passion, for every mind. Did Hannibal or Bonaparte, ever propose so mean and corrupt a bargain as that to C. C. Pinkney to bring him in, if he would join in bringing in Jefferson? When a Government is reduced to the neces- sity of depending on Burrs, Ned Livingstones, Bidwells,31 Skinners &c &c &c, that government is to be pittied. Your Father has left Us an immortal Legacy, on the distempers of the Mind.321 know not whether our disease is of the Mind or Body or both: but one thing I know, it is the Hydrophobia. Can you cure Us of it? I will undertake to demonstrate, that every disappointment, Defeat, Disgrace Disaster, Reverse, Distress and Vexation we have experienced, has been caused by the landed aversion to Water Force. Why are We not more decidedly Superior on Lake Ontario? On St. Lawrence River? on Lake Champlain? on St Regis River? On Chazy River? and on every River, Lake and Water that touches our Frontier? A trifling Expence would have saved more Lives and more millions 5 I will not say than Canada is worth. How is it, that three or four miserable Gunboats have disarranged the Plans and defeated the operations of two great Armies commanded by two great Generals? I am not able to comprehend the Military science of these great Generals though directed by the great Armstrong. It has been a military maxim, not to leave a strong Fortress, and a powerful Gar-

81 See "Barnabas Bidwell, 1763-1833," by Julian P. Boyd; Proceedings and Collections of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, XX. 53-102. 82 Dr. Benjamin Rush's most famous work was his Medical Inquiries and Observations upon the Diseases of the Mind, published in 1812. 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll —l8l6 31 rison in your rear. When I learned that We had left Kingston and Prescott behind Us, I was very apprehensive that We should be swamped. Congress may appoint Committees of Inquiry: The President may institute Courts Marshall: and you may shoot Hull, Wilkinson or Hampton, or all of them: but in my Opinion, if any Body is Shot, they ought to be those who have neglected the command of the Lakes and Rivers. You are reading the History of the Revolution, and you do welL But your Father would tell you, there is no History of it extant, and never will be. You have found two or three Genius's. Warren, Mont- gomery, Green or Arnold, perhaps. Knox however, contributed, as much as any, to effectual service. No very splendid Genius has yet started in this War, at Land. Boyd and Harrison have conducted the most correctly: but their merited Laurells will not be decreed them, because they were officers of my appointment. Nature must have its perfect Work: the Business of the World will do itself. This Nation must be purified in the furnace of Affliction. Politicians and Warriors, at the most and at the best, are but Mid- wives to watch the throws of nature and assist a little in ushering into the World, great Events. When this War shall have been continued some years longer, and the Nation reduced to despair, or excited to a red hot rage with one another and against their Enemy: some great Genius some powerful mind will arise, and by gaining splendid Vic- tories in bloody Battles will carry all before him. Mankind cannot re- sist the Glory of Battles and Conquests. Whether this Hero is an honest Man, or one of those whose high minded Ambition Sacrifices all things to his own Interest 5 he will be equally dangerous to the Liberties of his Country 5 for he will do what he pleases. Watch him then Ye young Men: and "check and ballance him. Is not this as infallible as one of Merlins prophecies?33 I expect now, to be tortured all winter, to read eternal speeches in Congress repeating over and over again a thousand times the common place nonsense that we have read 20 times before in the Newspaper. The times require Ships and Cannon not Tropes and Figures.

88 It was indeed an infallible prophecy. A year later, on 8 January, 1815, Pakenham •was defeated by the Americans in the Battle of New Orleans, and Andrew Jackson arose as the "great Genius" and "powerful mind" of the generation. 32 J. H. POWELL January I have read the Message of the President which flew from Wash- ington to Quincy on the Wings of the wind. It is written with his masterly Pen and his deliberate mind. A candid statement, in chaste and elegant style. It is not in that mortal, more than this, to com- mand success; but as far as I can see he has deserved it. Courage! The Tide will turn. Cure the Hydrophobia, and all will be well. Thy Friend John Adams Richard Rush Esqr

Washington December 25. 1813, Christmas day. Dear Sir. I sit down to offer you the compliments of the season, in the most respectful, cordial, and friendly way in which they can be tendered. May you live to see many Christmases more, and may each find you in possession of health to enjoy the blessings and fame that sur- round you; of the faculties of a mind more full of wisdom as age continues to come over it; and of a heart still, as ever, alive to the welfare of your country. May you live to see that country prevail over its enemies, and establish all its just rights; its generals more skilful; its statesmen taught some things in the school of suffering, which, per- haps they would never learn in any other school; and above all may you live to see its hydrophobia completely cured; may you see its navy, which you founded, enlarged and perpetuated—upon the ocean formidable, upon the lakes of overwhelming power. This last will of itself go far towards terminating the war, which I fervently hope you may live to see end in complete success. Then, Sir, with some little respite in a comptroller's duties, and having perhaps earned a title to play truant for a little while by a longer tour of labour in my vocation than I have yet shown here, I know of nothing that would afford me more gratification than to take a summers excursion to Boston that I might be within an hour's ride of Quincy; where, (accompanied too according to invitation by my better half upon all the terms held out) I might congratulate you upon having lived to see your country triumph over the perils of three serious wars, the second not more brought about by you with all its train of advantages and glory than the justice of the third has been repeatedly asserted and illustrated by your pen. Thus to offer you my felicitations would be an event in 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, I 8 I I —I 8l6 33 my life of which I should be proud, and I will not give over the hope that such a gratification and such a happiness may one day be allowed me. Does it not, Sir, belong to our country to be firm under reverses, and take new courage from dangers? In this belief chiefly rest my hopes that it will fall upon its feet notwithstanding its present dif- ficulties. The season of its greatest trials is, however, I fear, coming on. The embargo going into operation cotemporaneously with the taxes, and both following upon the miserable failure of Wilkinson, and all the rest in that quarter no matter where the blame lies, will probably mark the tug of the war: Will New England bear the embargo? what is to become of us if she will not? I conclude with constant wishes that the year at hand, may, like the past, continue to shed its best influences upon your health, happiness, and honors. Richard Rush. The Honorable John Adams.

Washington December 31. 1813. Dear Sir. On Sunday last I saw the President, and he mentioned to me that not a single line had been received from our commissioners in Russia since they left the U. States. He spoke of it with surprise, and seemed at a loss to account for it, unless some dispatches from them had mis- carried, as it is near eight months since they went away. Yesterday he mentioned to me in conversation, that, by the late arrival from Got- tenburg, letters had been received from Mr Adams, and from him only. They were, however, he added, of old date—as far back as early in August—and shed no light upon the question of peace. Their more particular details I did not hear him state. Thus, Sir, it seems we are still as much in doubt as ever as to peace. I cannot help hoping that your son does not mean to let any con- siderable portion more of his life pass in Russia. Principles like his, sustained by talents so profound, ought not to be too long away from us. I think I see, I am afraid I see, crises before us that will require the aid of such statesmen as he in New England. The nation at large has a great stake in his principles, his patriotism, his high qualifications, his name. I have a thousand times wished since the war began that he VOL. LXL—3 34 J. H. POWELL January had been among us instead of six thousand miles off} that the public eye might have been more upon him; that he might have been ripen- ing still more largely in the public confidence than he stands already, and no individual in the country has more numerous claims to a high and lasting hold upon it} and above all that the nation in the important part of it to which he belongs might have had the benefit of his forcible and luminous pen towards the support of the just cause in which it is now fighting. It is fighting, Sir} but alas, it seems to fight for nothing but dis- aster and defeat} and, I dread to add, disgrace. The news from the Niagara frontier has produced universal concern among the friends of the national cause. This, with what may follow upon it, added to embargo and the taxes will indeed be a trial upon the people's firm- ness, upon their endurance. What, Sir, should be done. The prospect looks black. It is awful. Is it still left for us to "take courage, ["] in the hope that "the tide will turn"? or is not the torrent rolling too fiercely upon us to be turned back? Suppose the utmost efforts to be set on foot to replenish our army and make it more formidable than ever? where shall we find commanders? and may we not be doomed to pass yet an- other and another and another campaign in the school of affliction and disgrace? I cannot pursue the subject, and am sick at heart at the view of our publick affairs. Have we, Sir, ever seen worse times, and sur- vived them? and how? If your experience and wisdom cannot answer, that of no man's in America can. As I write on the last day of the year, passing away with its clouds upon our poor country, I must however beg leave to tender to you, in repetition, the same wishes I had the pleasure to offer on Christmas, and with them the assurances of my respectful devotion and friend- ship. Richard Rush. Honorable John Adams.

Dec: 31. 1813. Dear Sir. Since writing the enclosed, which I wrote at home, I have come to the Treasury building where Mr Nourse has stepped into my office to ask if I have heard any thing of the report of the morning. It seems it is, that a flag of truce arrived at Annapolis yesterday after a short 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 35 passage from England with dispatches from Lord Castlereagh to our government, which came on by express from Annapolis to the secre- tary of state last night. That dispatches have arrived I have no doubt from what Mr Nourse states. Their nature I have heard nothing of. Should they be important and I hear, I will have great pleasure in in- forming you, knowing the interest you take in all that concerns your country. Our affairs look so unpropitious at this moment that any opening to peace on honorable terms ought, one would think, to be joyfully hailed. I misunderstand your life and writings, Sir, if you would wish it on any other terms, low as things seem with us. R.R. Hon: John Adams.

Quincy Jan 7 1814 Dear Sir A thousand thanks for your favour of 25 and 31 Ult. The Times are too serious to write. I expect DeTroit and all Michigan, and all Perry's Fleet will go. I know not whait [sic] is to prevent Washington City, The Treasury office, the Presidents Pallace and the proud Capitol, from becoming The Head Quarters of British Principles. Admiral Warren might have done it long ago. Prejudice, Partiality, Affection, Interest, have too much dominion over me, to allow me to trust myself to write or speak, or almost even to think of the Gentleman you so plainly point out. I will only say that the universal opinion in the North is, that he was sent, 3, 4, 5, or 6 thousands miles from his native soil that he might be out of it, and out of the Way. I will say one thing more. I have long foreseen that he would be treated by his Country, with as much Unkindness, as your Father was, and from the same Motives and on the same Principles. It was a Maxim of the Romans never to treat in Adversity. When the Gauls were bearding the Senators, No Man dared to move for Negotiation, or pronounce the Word Peace. When Hannibal, trium- phant, thundered at the Gates of Rome, No Motion was made to send Ambassadors to Carthage or their General: No man dared to pro- nounce the Word Peace. The Britons have never for fifty years taken so profound a Measure as the present. Timeo Danaos, et dona ferentes. You will be surprised when I say that your own Stateman Finlay, is the only Member of Congress, who knows any thing of the Matter. 36 J. H. POWELL January I appeal to Governor M. Kean. I cannot appeal to your Father. He was not a Member of Congress in 1774. and 1775. But I can Appeal to Govr M. Kean with entire Confidence. This Country must have a Winnowing. The Chaffe must be sep- erated from the Wheat. You ask if I have ever known more difficult and dangerous Times. Yes, infinitely more difficult and dangerous Times. Every Mo- ment, from 1761 to 1774, was more difficult and dangerous than this. I have seen the time when Congress were chased like a Covey of Patridges from Philadelphia to Trenton, from Trenton to Lancaster and from Lancaster to Yorktown and from Yorktown to Baltimore. I have seen the time when Washington was hunted through New Jersey, and Brandywine to Valley Forge &c We had ropes about our Necks, then, and Axes and Hurdles before our Eyes I have seen the time, the moment, when the whole System of Europe and America, depended upon Holland. But enough, and too much, of Egotism and Vanity. Timeo T)anaos et dona ferentes. There must be a winnowing. The Chaff must be seperated from the Wheat, however the Winds blow for that purpose. The real military Genius and Experience have been neglected, and Chaff, Froth and Ignorance have been promoted. You may be Secret or not as you please. The Times are too solemn for me to dread any thing. John Adams Richard Rush Esqr Controuler of the Treasury

Washington January 17. 1814. Dear Sir.

Timeo T>anaos} et dona ferentes. Nothing can be more applicable to our situation, and the late offer of Britain. I repeated it in conversa- tion a few days ago in the hearing of Mr Ingersoll, of the house of representatives from Pennsylvania, and I have since heard with pleasure that he took occasion to thunder it out in his place, at the capitol, and that it caught the ear of the house to a charm. In the midst of our misfortunes I think, that since the war began I have not wit- nessed so determined a spirit in all branches of the government to push it with vigor, Mr Munroe's letter to Lord Castlereagh and the 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 37 nomination of Mr Clay and Mr Russell notwithstanding, as at this present time. I send for your acceptance by this mail, a pamphlet upon expatria- tion written by George Hay of Virginia. I have read it with singular interest as an able discussion of a question of high importance in juris- prudence, and deriving great additional importance at present from being so conspicuous in our public affairs. It is dispassionate and learned, and more full than any discussion of the same question, on either side, I have ever met with or heard of in any book of law. Mr Governeur Morris in an oration he delivered last 4th of July asserted, after Blackstone, the principle of perpetual allegiance as one of uni- versal law. I once thought so tooj but Mr Hay's book is entitled to a perusal from any one who holds this opinion. If, Sir, you, who have so long and so well considered all the great questions of law and government, shall find any amusement in looking through this pam- phlet I shall be highly gratified. It is in great repute at Washington. With the utmost respect and attachment I am, dear Sir, your con- stantly devoted and thankful friend. Richard Rush. The Honorable Mr Adams.

Washington February 7.1814. Dear Sir. Mr Hay is the son in law of Mr Munroe, and the day after I re- ceived your last favor I took the liberty to read a passage from it to the latter. This morning he requested of me an extract of it to send to Mr Hay, saying that he knew how highly it would gratify him. I have cheerfully consented. Thus, Sir, while your kind correspondence is a source of pleasure and of pride to me, I make it also the medium of a just gratification to others. Mr Hay's book continues to stand in great repute. I think I can already trace its effect upon the public mind here. There were hundreds who, taking it for granted what Blackstone said was universal law must be so, and wanting the desire or the industry to examine for themselves scouted, as the mere effect of ignorance or jacobinism, any denial of the doctrine of perpetual allegiance. Mr Hay has saved all such the labor of reading and think- ing, and shed new light before them. He might have been more full in his historical part but this, and further amplifications, will be left for others. In looking into the parliamentary debates for 1794,1 find 38 J. H. POWELL January that in the discussion of the bill for enlisting in the British service a corps of French emigrants, it was distinctly asserted that if they fell into the hands of the French and they dared to execute them as traitors, there would be instant and full retaliation. This is the very point they are now disputing with us. The ministry carried the bill with a high hand. The publication of the late Russian correspondence, besides other good effects which I hope it will have, has already served the purpose of putting more conspicuously before the nation the merits and services of Mr. J. Q. Adams. But useful as they have been, and may be, in Russia, I can only repeat my regret that he is away at such a juncture as this. What, Sir, is to be the fate of the European world? But a short time ago, we saw four brothers with four cotemporary crowns upon their heads j King Napoleon, King Louis, King J6seph, King Jerome. I am aware of no parallel in history to this. Now, where are the three last, and what is to become of the first? what of France? what is Eng- land to rise to? is antient Holland to revive? a Bourbon to come back again? Will Russia, Austria, and Prussia cut and carve in the south as they once have in the north of Europe? How may all these great vibrations reach us? What a fool has Bonaparte been? how like a mad- man no less than a tyrant has he sported with the best of all his ad- herents—his good fortune? For the present, and always, your most respectfully attached friend. Richard Rush. Hon: J.Adams. Quincy Feb. 16. 14 Dear Sir I perceive by your Letter of the 7th, that Mr Hay is married to a beautiful little Girl, that I once saw in Philadelphia, at her Fathers Apartments when she was not more than three or four years old. Before I proceed farther I must congratulate you on your trans- migration. The office of Att. Gen.34 must be more congenial, less con- fined and more liberal than that of Controuler. But your Entertain- 84 In February, 1814, Rush was offered the choice of two cabinet posts, the Secretaryship of the Treasury and the Department of Justice. He chose the latter, and served until Monroe's inauguration in 1815, when he was made temporarily Secretary of State. As Attorney General Rush edited the Laws of the United States, 1789-1815, in five volumes. 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 39 ment, is not my object. Any Plodder, like John Steel or old Duval could cast accounts in Eagles Dollars Cents and Mills. But Laws and Gov* and History are very different Things. Pursue the History of your own Country, and of England and of France and of all Nations in all Ages. Apply an impartial Philosophy to it all. Your Anecdote of 1794, the Corps of French Emigrants you ought to publish, not with your Name. The British Statute Book and their History are full of Proofs, that neither Achilles nor the Paper Money Duke of Orleans, ever adopted in Theory or practise, more implicitly the Maxim Jura negat Sibi lata> nihil non arrogat JLrmts> than the Britons have done and still do. If Europe submits to the maritime Despotism of England, the whole Globe is enslaved. Napoleons Despotism could not extend be- yond Europe. Is Mankind to submit to one or the other? If they do, I will not say with my Friend Raynal "Let them be annihilated" This I leave to eternal and almighty Wisdom. Zingis, in Asia established more of his sons, and over larger King- doms than Napoleon has done; Tamerlane subjected more Sovereigns. Alexanders four Generals, were appointed to command more People and larger Territories. The Barbarians who overran the Roman Em- pire, conquered France Spain Italy Germany and England too. Ma- homet conquered and divided among his Cousins more than Napoleon has. Charlemain and Louis 14 did as much. And what has not the Turk done. If Russia Austria and Prussia submit to Castlereagh I shall think Mankind degraded indeed, and all Europe ready to throw Firebrands Arrows and Death at the bidding of George Prince of Wales Now I will indulge the old Man. In 1755 I began the study of the Law under James Putnam Esqr of Worcester. The first Book he put into my hands was Woods Institute, the second Hawkins's Abrigement of Coke upon Littleton, the third Coke upon Littleton at large. Can you conceive any drier study? I pass over Puffendorf, Grotius, Bur- lamaqui Heineicius Vattell, Domats Civil Law and all the Institutes, Reporters and Entries of the common Law that were prescribed to me. in 1758 I was admitted to Practice in Boston. Mr Gridley the most methodical Systematical and universal Lawyer I ever knew invited me to spend a Sunday with him at his seat in Brokeline. I went on Sat- urday and staid till monday. Mr. Gridley then produced to me the 40 J. H. POWELL January first Fruits of Blackstone's Studies that ever reached the Shore of North America. It was his Inaugural Oration and his Analysis, both of which he made me read to him, and he pointed out to me the Improve- ments upon the antecedent Analyses of Noy and Hale. I was so smit- ten with Blackstone, that I seized on the first opportunity to procure his Tracts and his Commentaries. I had previously read Acherleys Britannic Constitution, Nathaniel Bacons discourses, and Boling- brokes Remarks and I have since read DeLolme. And I really think Bolingbroke more correct and De Lolme more luminous and more ample than Blackstone. We should be grateful to Blackstone, without adoring him. You have a fine young Fellow for a Friend, in Mr Ingersoll: but I have a bone or two to pick with him. He treated my answer to a New Jersey Address, upon memory I presume, with too much Severity, and he lately treated the English Constitution with too much Levity, and too little discrimination Whatever happens in Europe, let Us not be intimidated. Mon- archical France with all her Exertions could never get more than Ten Thousand Men to America, including the West India Islands with Canada. The Utmost Exertions of G. B. in our revolutionary War, never got 35,000 Men including Tories and Canadians. Calculate the Tonnage of shipping for Transports, at three Tons to a Man. They ransacked Europe. So far from having Ships of their own, they hired Transports in Holland, in Italy and Sweeden. These calculations have not been considered in America. The situation of G. B. is now more forlorne than it ever has been. I wish I could be more particular: but my Eyes and Fingers complain. I have been very sick and am not yet well. But yet heartily your friend John Adams The Honourable Richard Rush Esq Attorney General of the United States

Washington March 21. 1814. Dear Sir. At the very beginning of the last month my new appointment was bestowed upon me, and I was suddenly thrown into the midst of the supreme court the very day after, without the least previous ac- 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 41 quaintance with any of its business. There I have been, day in and day out, ever since until last thursday blundering on in an agony of em- barrassment and ignorance, doing the business of the court and not doing it} with Mr Pinkney, the late attorney general, for the most part as my prompter, but sometimes left awkwardly to stand upon my own legs, doing every thing but wearing the fooPs cap and almost that. The scene is now, thank heaven, over, and I have until next February to look about me. I feel what an immense deal of law, his- tory, literature, and every thing else, I must subdue before I can stand erect in this post, should I ever be able to do so. I am at least de- termined to be industrious. I feel its difficulty} its great resposibility [sic] y but there is thus much of hope—that its duties while anxious, are infinitely animating. You must, too, Sir, allow me to use you, in some measure, as a father as well as claim the guidance of your friendship, and this will serve in part to help me up the steep I have ventured upon. Your kind congratulatory letter of the 16th of last month, has, perhaps inadvertently, scattered a seed that I may make turn to good account in marking out the prospective catalogue of my own studies. It is gratifying as well as advantageous to know the ways (and through the most interesting channel) of one who has himself trodden all the paths of greatness and distinction in our country, and whose name is destined to be so intimately coupled with all the chief events that will ever be looked to as the most illustrious, the most magnificent, periods of its history. Yes, Sir, after all, the most beautiful day of our history, and which through the vista of time will look tenfold more beautiful, is the glorious day of the revolution. Its sages and heroes will ever hold the front ground} and, in due time, poetry and fable will step in and fabricate their fanciful superstructures upon the fair foundation of their merits. Much as I cling to the justice of the present war, the day of 1812 cannot so shine as that of 1776. I was sorry to find by your favor written in January, continued and concluded on the 23d of February, that it had been interrupted by your falling sick. I fervently hope you are quite well again, and that your venerable life may still be long spared, as well as your health, to your family, your friends, and your country. I am anticipating great pleasure from the dream, which, if it has not flown away, you must do me the favor to impart to me. What says Mr J. Q. Adams of the state of Europe? what of the 42 J. H. POWELL January intentions of Russia? Is it her wish to enter France with a carving knife, giving another to Austria, and a third to Prussia? They are an ex- perienced triumvirate in this kind of work; but I hope and believe better things of Alexander. You may have seen in the papers something said of an armistice. The English as yet have offered none; we shall not make the offer, and therefore it is not probable we shall have one. We are in some hopes today that the party calling itself the peace party (but which in truth is the party that prolongs the war) in New Hampshire, may be defeated this year. At any rate it seems pretty clear that Governor Gilman's majority will be reduced. I saw Mr Dexter frequently while he was here, and heard him often in court. He gave great and universal satisfaction. I was delighted with his talents and every thing about him. Oh, for so genuine an American patriot to be governor of Massachusetts in times like these! but I fear so great a public good is not to be expected. Let his enemies abuse him as they please; he will see, I trust, in the probable salvation and triumphs of his country through his instrumentality, a ground of satisfaction too solid and lasting to be taken away by their passionate denunciations. Should the friends of the nation not succeed in putting him in the chair, we at least hope he will receive such a vote as to draw off the Lowell's the Quincy's and the Strongs from the precipice to which they have been hurrying. We have no domestic news here of any importance; none indeed of any description but such as congress makes, and the newspapers detail. There seems, indeed, to be quite an hiatus. I hear with pleasure that the recruiting service goes on well, and so of our armament on lake Ontario. Hinc illce lacrymce. Had the vessels we are now building on that lake been built last year, it would have cost less money; we should probably have had Montreal, Kingston at all events, and been saved an infinite deal of shame. But upon the events of this war, it will not do to look back. We must look forward. We must hope, and hope, and hope again. I conclude, as at all times, with every expression of sincere, respect- ful, and devoted attachment to your person as well as character; for such sentiments, dear Sir, always animate my bosom towards you. Richard Rush. The Honorable John Adams. I937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 43 Washington April 17. 1814. Dear Sir. You could have sent me no greater treat than the letter of Mr Adams which you were so kind as to enclose in your last favor. I had before now, and from the best sources, heard that his diplomatic cor- respondence on file in the department of state exhibited when, taken from the beginning, a fulness, an elegance, an accuracy, an extent of ob- servation, a sagacity, a profoundness of political knowledge and fore- cast, not equaled by any other similar dispatches to be seen from the pen of a foreign minister appointed under the present constitution. This private letter to you puts the question of the Russian mediation in the most commanding lights I have yet seen, and with singular perspicuity and condensation places the conduct of the British nation as regards this point and the one of impressment, upon its true ground, while it unanswerably defends that of the U. States. The President and Mr. Monroe have read it with the greatest interest and pleasure, and desire that, with their highest respects, I will present you with their best thanks for the permission you were kind enough to give them to read it. All that part of it which so ably exposes the grounds of Britain's refusal to accept the mediation, I have taken the liberty to copy. To publish anything of this nature as from him, considering the delicacy of his station and the pending negociation, would, perhaps, be doing too much. But what he says is too sound to be lost to the public entirely, and I am therefore contemplating the plan of mixing up the part I have copied with some observations to be given anony- mously to the press. With what incomparable force and simplicity he writes. Able as this letter is, and as all his services may and will be abroad, again and again and again I lament his absence. For I persuade myself he would have been in the way of rendering services to his country still more important and valuable at home. You will rejoice I dare say, Sir, at the death of the restrictive sys- tem. It was matter of serious satisfaction to me, that at the first meet- ing of those officers of the different departments with whom the Presi- dent consults at which I had the honor to express an opinion, it was given in favor of "free trade" which I have ever valued no less than "sailors rights." The independence, the honest manly Americanism of Mr Dexter is looked to and estimated here at the highest rate; so are such qualities 44 J« H. POWELL January in such men, or in men at all approaching to his excellence, whenever found in New England: so is the genius, the energy, the power, of New England, with constant regrets at her present attitude. But, Sir, a majority of New England now stands identified with old England, if not in conduct at least in feeling and opinion. I sometimes get access to the newspapers of the latter, which are undoubtedly transcended by those of the former in a sturdy defence of all British maritime claims and a joyous exultation at British triumphs. How then can the rest of the union approach her with confidence at a crisis like the present? Her Adams's, her Dexter's, her Gerry's, her Gray's, her Story's can alone save her to the continent, and make her again, as ever, its orna- ment and strength. But I wait with real impatience for the dream, which I 'promise not to reveal even to my better half, and certainly will not to any one else. She is all acknowledgment under your polite compliment, and desires me to say that she will endeavour to earn, if she does not as yet deserve, your good opinions. I will have the pleasure to endorse Mr Adams's letter in a day or two, if I may trespass in keeping it thus much longer, and in the mean time make you the usual offerings of my attachment and respect. Richard Rush. His Excellency John Adams.

Washington April 20. 1814. Dear Sir. After having read, for a fifth time, the elegant letter of Mr J. Q. Adams, I return it with renewed thanks 5 and as in the postscript to your favor of the 6th instant I think I recognize the hand writing of Mrs Adams, I must beg my respectful compliments and thanks to her also, to whom I feel indebted in part for the pleasure and benefit of perusing the letter in question. And next, Sir, for the dream, the dream. I am all impatience for the dream. How will the repeal of the restrictive system be received in New England? Mr Gray, we have understood, was against it. This manacle upon the right of the citizen to do as he pleases being removed, and encouragement being given to a navy to as great an extent as is, per- haps, at this moment, safe or practicable, what other essential point is now left for real American patriots to differ about, whether they live in 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, I 8 I I —I 8 l6 45 New England or Virginia? I speak not of those who are determined to defend Britain under all circumstances, and who denounce this war as unprovoked and wicked; but of the mass of sober intelligent and virtuous citizens. The secretary of the treasury is in good hope about his loan, and should the war continue the opening of commerce, not- withstanding the belligerent pressure upon it, cannot fail to come greatly in aid of our finances. Our newspapers have lately been saying something about an armis- tice. There is foundation for their statements, so far as the pendency of a correspondence upon the subject is concerned. The first hint of it came from Sir George Prevost, as we say here, though not in the shape of an official proposal. Sir George denies this; but at all events the parties are brought together, and a correspondence is going on. How it may end is still uncertain. None will be concluded unless Sir George's Powers extend to the coast and Atlantic waters within our jurisdiction. But, Sir, after being beaten and disgraced for two years on land by that little colony on our north, ought we to wish for an armistice until further opportunity is afforded us to settle the account? I have my doubts. Would it not be better to be beaten still more into discipline and good generalship, and then in our turn beat them? It seems to me that in your revolutionary day, as times grew more gloomy you all became more inflexible and chivalric, until the glorious issue at last arrived. This is a great example that your sons should not forget. To conclude, Sir, if Mr J. Adams besides being engaged in making a treaty for us as you did, would obtain for us beforehand as opportune a loan as you did, it would add to the value of his services, and go nearer towards putting the similitude upon all fours. Though much would be left for him to do after that. I am, with my constant devotion and respect, R. Rush. His Excellency J. Adams.

Washington May 20. 1814. Dear Sir. On my return four days ago from Philadelphia where I had been for a fortnight I had the pleasure to find your favor of the 2d of this 4-6 J. H. POWELL January month which arrived during my absence, for which, as for all I get from you, I must return my thanks. One of the objects of my visit was to lay in a stock of new law books, as I hope, by hard study, to lay in a stock of law knowledge. At least I know this is my duty. My surviv- ing parent has done me the happiness to return with me from Phila- delphia, and is now in my family on a visit, much to our gratification and with a prospect as I ardently hope of the new scene having a friendly influence upon her spirits and feelings. She begs I will men- tion her affectionate compliments to Mrs Adams and yourself. What astonishing events in Europe, and in what are they to end? Despatches from our public agents abroad, even of dates anterior to the occupation of Paris, do not I think much encourage the hope of a speedy peace for us, though such an opinion I could only venture to express to you, Sir, and one other correspondent in Philadelphia. What, for example, would New England say to great Britain talking about excluding us from trade beyond the cape of good hope, from the West Indies, and from the Newfoundland fisheries? Though not absolutely authentic, yet we have lately had intimations to this, effect. The entry of Paris by the allies will place her at a still higher pitch of exaltation and of exWtation, from which she may but the more fiercely wreak herself upon us. Yet are there those among us,, and of the peace party too, who hail this late news as glorious news. We shall see the end of it. I can take no rational view of it that is not likely to lead to a prolongation of our war. As to Mr J. Q. Adams's destiny all I have to say at present is, that I think it ought to be, and that the time must come when it will be, the highest that a citizen of the American states can know. As to my humble self, never meaning to act any other part but such as I believe right I am happy that I can put at defiance newspapers, any set of men,, or any man. The lakes, the lakes, the lakes, O, how shocking is it that we have not yet the command of the lakes! I have digested all the preliminary observations about dreams, and am, somewhat more anxiously than ever, your attached and respect- fully devoted friend and Servant. R. Rush. Excellency John Adams. *937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 47 Washington May 24. 1814. Extract from a manuscript volume of the late Doctor Rush in which is recorded a narrative of some of the events of his life. "During the first session of congress I spent a long evening at General Mifflins in company with General Washington, the two Mr Adams's, General Lee and several other gentlemen who acted a conspicuous part in the American revolution. After supper several of the company looked forward to the probable consequences of the present measures and state of things. John Adams said he had no ex- pectation of a redress of greivances and a reconciliation with great Britain, and as a proof of this belief he gave" as a toast "Cash and gun- powder to the Yankees." Dear Sir. I have given the above extract exactly as I find it in a book of my venerated parent that I have just been reading, and which is full of interesting anecdote. I avow it in part as my motive, that I may ask you what toast you would give now if I had the happiness of being in your company at Quincy. That we shall have to fight longer is, as I intimated to you a few days ago, highly probable. The Yankees, of New England, at the present day want neither cash, nor gunpowder, nor men, nor spirit. But will they, Sir, O will they use them. Your constantly devoted Servt. Richard Rush. His Excellency John Adams.

Quincy June Ist. 1814 Dear Sir I long to see the narrative of Dr Rush's Life. I hope it will be printed. The Anecdote relative to me, in 1774, and the Toast ascribed to me, at Mifflin's Supper, is so exactly like me at that time, that I dare take my Bible Oath, that it is litterally true. My toast then was, as you say and as I believe 5 "Cash and Powder to the Yankees ["]. You ask me what would be my Toast now? I assure you, it would be a devout prayer, "A Restoration of common sense and natural Feelings to New England"! An Anecdote in my turn! In the same Year 1774, the Legislature of Pensilvania, gave a dinner to the members of Congress. Strange 48 J. H. POWELL January to tell! Mifflin presided. He was then a mighty clever Fellow. He gave Us a number of Toasts, which I would give Six pence to see again. Among them was One 5 I cannot recollect it exactly. Somewhat equivocal ; very benevolent in Appearance. The Quakers, among the Assembly Men, who were sufficiently wetted to sup with Us, cryed out} "this is not a Toast} it is a Prayer; let Us Offer it up!" And they quaffed their Bumpers as cordially as the best Presbyterian, Congre- gationalist, Anabaptist, or episcopalian of Us all. Alas! I was then marked as a black sheep; an Object of Jealousy, to all Parties; except but a very little flock. Suspicion of sinister Views, of Selfish Motives, and criminal designs have pursued me, through my whole life, and are not yet extinguished! Whatever anxiety they may have heretofore given me, at present they do but sooth my sleep.... J Adams

Washington June 17. 1814. Dear Sir. Since you first allowed me the honor and gratification of correspond- ing with you, I have observed, that important events in the political world have trodden so closely upon each other that they interpose themselves between the successive favors I receive from you, and to such a degree as often to bear out of view the subject of the last by drawing the eye towards some new occurrence, or great battle, or war, or revolution. This has been signally the case with your two last favors of the 30th of May and first of this month. What events have we not distinctly beheld in France since? Your reflections, Sir, I am al- ways anxious to possess as these events move along. More than once have they served to lift me up from a state of depression and half dispair as to our own public affairs; and I have seen them lend their aid towards working the same effect upon others. Mr Crawford writes word, that he dined with M. Marbois, at a large state dinner, after the provisional government was set up. He sat between Marbois and count La Forest. Lord Castlereagh was close by. Marbois proposed a toast for the four. It was "Universal peace. ["] Castlereagh drank it adding "upon just conditions." Lord Cathcart came to where they were, took his glass and drank it too, without the commentary. 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, I 8 I I~I 8 I 6 49 He also writes, that it was the talk of the day that the emperor Alexander was to be king of Poland, as well as emperor of Russia, and that Austria was not to have Belgium. But how the great arrangements of power for Europe were to be adjusted he was at a loss further to speak of even as report. He begs the secretary of state will send him six copies of Mr Jef- ferson's manuel, and as many copies of the rules of our house of representatives} for that the french, although they have now had what they have been calling deliberative assemblies for 20 years, are utterly ignorant of the first principles of parliamentary routine and order! A curious fact for the historian. The antient nobles, he says, openly speak of Alexander and the King of Prussia as jacobins, and are looking to the emperor of Austria as their friend. His despatches, so far as concerns us, are, as the newspapers state, friendly. So of those communicated by the French minister. They have an aspect at restoring the antient friendship that existed between the two countries. But Louis the 18th had not been installed. Is it not to be feared that he comes too fresh from England, and all the good things with which his eyes and his ears and his stomach have there been regaled, for us to hope for much courting from him—at least until the impressions of the company he has lately been keeping wear down? I fear so. When I have the pleasure of again hearing from you, I shall be, as ever, your instructed correspondent,— R. Rush. His Excellency John Adams.

Quincy June 25.1814 Dear Sir I can write you little, but the history of my diseases and their symp- toms. Your kind favour of the 17th found me ill in my bed, in which I have passed the greatest part of my time for fifteen days. Our cruel North, and North East Winds have given me a cold and fever so distressing that I could neither read, write, speak or think, stand go, sit or lye. What must have become of me? What and where could I be? But here I am at present, writing in great tranquity to you. Marbois Toast was as good natured and as silly as mine. After the VOL. LXL—4 50 J. H. POWELL January signature of our provisional Articles in 1782, We all dined together. When I was called upon for a Toast, I gave Universal and perpetual Peace. All drank it but Oswald, He refused, and I thought him the only Man of Sense in the Company. It is always foolish to toast the things We know to be impossible as I did. Marbois and La Forest, were my Companions de Voyage from L'Orient to Boston in 1779. They have found their Way, through Chaos to sunshine, as adroitly as Talleyrand and Seyeys. What an Acquisition of the means of Commerce and Naval Power will Poland be to Alexander? What an accession will Belgium be, to any Power to which it can be added? to Holland to Austria or to France? Are the noble Ports of Ostend Nieuport, Bruges and Ant- werp to be annihilated with the River Scheld, by Treaty? It seems that the maritime domination of Britain was never in greater Jeopardy. This splendid Palace of Ice must melt away. I am not surprised at Mr Crawford's Request of Mr Jeffersons Manual, and the Copies of the Rules and order of the House, but wonder he did not add those of The Senate, and the Quarto Volume of the Rules and orders of the H. of C. in Great Britain The Ignorance of the French, in every thing relative to free Gov- ernment and their conceited Presumption that they had made great discoveries has cost them all their revolutions for the last Thirty Years and I fear they are not yet ended. Turgot and Condorcet and Brissot were as ignorant as Marat and Robespierre. Had Russia Aus- tria Prussia and England in 1779, seriously attempted what they have now effected, they would have been cutt to Pieces; France was then full of Men, Confidence and Ardor: but 15 years of incessant Waste has exhausted their Men and their Spirits There is something so grateful to my feelings in the restoration of my old Friends the Bourbons, from all of whom I received invariably the most kind and condescending treatment; that if I were twenty Years younger I would solicit the office of Minister Extraordinary to congratulate them in the Name of The President and the United States. Yet I rejoice not without fears for them and for France. As I am not loaded with all the Prejudices which the English have in- sinuated into the World against Napoleon, and by no means wish his death, I think his retirement with Life is the greatest Action and most fortunate Event of his Life. If he can and will write Commentaries they will be worth many of Caesars. The Cause of religious Liberty, 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, l8ll-l8l6 $1 on which all other Liberties depend, there are reasons to fear, will be no gainer by the Revolution. That France will be friendly to Us there can be no doubt. Her Friendship however, cannot be very efficacious for some time. I apprehend nothing from the Influence of the great Event upon our affairs. The annual Threats of thousands and tens and twentys and thirtys and Fortys of thousands of Men, to be sent to America, have sounded in my Ears, these forty Years. My Answer is "How many Tons of shipping are necessary to trans- port one Soldier, with his Trimmings from Europe to America? And as one is to three, What is 40,000 to a fourth Number? Here! Tory! State your sum and try your skill in the rule of Three. 1:3:: 40,000 : And when since Noah Ark was a fleet of 120,000 Tons of shipping seen upon the deep? But I must conclude these profound nautical and mathematical speculations with assurances of the good Will, and Esteem of John Adams Richard Rush Esqr Atty. Gen. U. S. Washington July 11. 1814. Respected Sir. The pleasure I usually derive in opening a letter from you, was considerably abated at the receipt of your last favor, because it spoke of your indisposition. I hope the cessation of your north and north east winds, with a return of dryer weather, will have restored you to health. I hope that years of tranquility and happiness are yet to shine upon you before the close of your illustrious life. That you are yet to live a blessing to your friends, an ornament to your country. I ventured to put this last favor from you into the hands of the President for I knew it would give him pleasure. Nor was I mistaken. He returned it to me yesterday saying with what satisfaction he had read it. After dwelling on its contents his remark was "that opinions from such a quarter had the smack of rich and old wine." He was much struck with the calculation of three tons for every soldier, and thought it not only good arithmetic but good logick. He begged that when I next wrote I would present you his best respects, with his most cordial wishes for the restoration of your health. I believe, Sir, that he would be more gratified than you could be at your being the bearer of 52 J. H. POWELL January congratulations to the Bourbons! Joining him in his wishes for your health and happiness, I conclude, for the present, with my accustomed tribute of attachment and respect. R. Rush. His Excellency John Adams.

Washington September 5. 1814. Dear and venerable Sir. The last kind favor that I had from you, mentioned your indisposi- tion, and as it is a great while since, I am not without my apprehensions that you may be still unwell. Out of your own immediate family there is no one, Sir, in America, or the world, who feels a livelier interest in your health and happiness than I do. I know how old you are in service, in honors, and in years. But years of health may yet be in store for you, and I fondly hope are. I shall anxiously wait to hear, from under your own hand, of your restoration. What a dreadful time we have had of it here lately 3 and yet not dreadful, were it not for the national disgrace. We cannot mince the matter $ there is, I fear, no other view to take of it. What will America say to it? What Europe? To a Bostonian, or a Philadelphian, Washington appears like, what it really is, a meagre village; a place with a few bad houses, and ex- tensive swamps, hanging upon the skirts too of a thinly pleopled[w], weak, and barren country. Yet it was the capital of the nation, and six thousand troops have laid its best parts in ashes. How it will agonise your son in Europe when he hears of it? How it will make all our commissioners blush, when the British commissioners hand them general Ross's dispatch? But if good comes out of it, by rousing the country to exertion, and from its dreams of certain peace, we shall take some consolation. I offer you the usual tribute of my attachment, and highest respect. Richard Rush. His Excellency J. Adams. Quincy 14 Sept 1814. Dear Sir There is an height, beyond which the proudest Wave cannot ascend: there is a depth, at least a bottom, from which no Waters are left to rise or retire. There is a tide in the Affairs of Men. 1937 ADAMS-RUSH LETTERS, I 8 I I —I 8 I 6 53 It is a trite observation of Historians, that there is in human affairs, an ultimate point of depression, from whence, Things naturally but gradually rise and return to their Level. Our american Affairs are not yet fallen, but arc rapidly falling to that extremity. I see nothing to prevent the English from obtaining the command of all the Lakes and as many Posts, as they please upon our side of them. I see little to prevent them from demolishing as many of our Seaport towns as they choose. We have no regular Army and We cannot get one, for our Men will not enlist. The Militia will fight when they please, and run when they please. Our Revenue is inadequate, our Credit is fallen, our dignity lost. The English have guilotined Us. They have studiously inflicted upon Us, the most dar- ing and insolent mark of Contempt. Every Thing has a tendency to a dissolution of the general Government. The defence of each State, in that case will fall upon its own Government. How many of the States the English will conquer, I know not: but they will not subdue them all. When they carry the War into the Interior of the Country, the Pendulum will begin to swing the other Way. There is an Appearance of some little AWAKENINGS AND REVIVALS in this Neighborhood: Amid the low murmurs of submissive fear and mingled Rage, Governor Strong was heard to say "The Town of Boston shall be laid in Ashes before the 74 and Frigates shall be surrendered" and so glowing a speech from so cool and orator has in- fused a little electrical Warmth into some of the Inhabitants in and about the Capital. But I understand all is to be done by state Exertions, Never, my Friend, was a flock of Pidgions, allured by flutterers and flyers, under a Net more compleatly than We have been by that ruse de Guerre the negotiation for Peace. But my patience will not hold out. My health is restored to its usual Tone, and my Esteem has never been abated. It has been increased by an able and judicious Letter to our District Attorney, which has been read with much pleasure by your friend John Adams Richard Rush Esq. (To be continued)