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PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF NORMAN S. BOAS
ADAMS, John (1735-1826). Autograph letter signed (“John Adams”) to Jedidiah Morse, Quincy, 11 September 1815.
Details
ADAMS, John (1735-1826). Autograph letter signed (“John Adams”) to Jedidiah Morse, Quincy, 11 September 1815.
One page, 250 x 203 mm, bifolium. Integral transmittal leaf addressed in another hand (light soiling, small loss from seal tear). Housed in custom clamshell case.
John Adams lends letters and pamphlets concerning the 1765 Stamp Act Congress to Jedidiah Morse for his Annals of the American Revolution. Adams opens by apologizing for his inability to correspond recently, explaining that “For some time past I have been unable to read or write or see, so that it has been impossible for me to answer your Expectations as I wished. And now it costs me more pain and time too write a line than it did but seven years ago to write a page. You will find me but a miserable resource for information or advice in your great Undertaking. I can give you nothing but broken hints. At present I send you a few documents [not present] from the oldest States man in America Governor Mackean, Four Letters Aug. 20. Oct. 9. Nov. 15, 1813 Jan. 1814. Also a Pamph[l]et ‘Authentic account of the Proceedings of The Congress held at New York. A.D. 1765 on the Subject of the American Stamp Act.’ Instead of Specimens or hints of the manner in which I should try History if I could, I send you a Specimen of the manner in which I did write, history, poorly enough indeed, Five and Forty years ago. These Letters and Pamphlets I rely upon your Friendship to return to me by the Mail, after you have noted what may appear to your Purpose. When these shall be returned if my inflamed Eyes and quivering fingers will permit, I may give you a few hints but probably of no great importance...” Adams continued to supply Morse with additional information over the next several years, much of which proved to be valuable source material for his 1824 history, Annals of the American Revolution.
1
One page, 250 x 203 mm, bifolium. Integral transmittal leaf addressed in another hand (light soiling, small loss from seal tear). Housed in custom clamshell case.
John Adams lends letters and pamphlets concerning the 1765 Stamp Act Congress to Jedidiah Morse for his Annals of the American Revolution. Adams opens by apologizing for his inability to correspond recently, explaining that “For some time past I have been unable to read or write or see, so that it has been impossible for me to answer your Expectations as I wished. And now it costs me more pain and time too write a line than it did but seven years ago to write a page. You will find me but a miserable resource for information or advice in your great Undertaking. I can give you nothing but broken hints. At present I send you a few documents [not present] from the oldest States man in America Governor Mackean, Four Letters Aug. 20. Oct. 9. Nov. 15, 1813 Jan. 1814. Also a Pamph[l]et ‘Authentic account of the Proceedings of The Congress held at New York. A.D. 1765 on the Subject of the American Stamp Act.’ Instead of Specimens or hints of the manner in which I should try History if I could, I send you a Specimen of the manner in which I did write, history, poorly enough indeed, Five and Forty years ago. These Letters and Pamphlets I rely upon your Friendship to return to me by the Mail, after you have noted what may appear to your Purpose. When these shall be returned if my inflamed Eyes and quivering fingers will permit, I may give you a few hints but probably of no great importance...” Adams continued to supply Morse with additional information over the next several years, much of which proved to be valuable source material for his 1824 history, Annals of the American Revolution.
1