Adams, John (1735-1826)

Description:

Adams, John (1735-1826), Autograph Letter Signed, November 10th, 1810, two pages, to the Honorable William Plummer, Epping, New Hampshire, concerning his health, his son John Quincy Adams (referring to him as "The American Minister to Russia"),whose experiences are relayed in the letter concerning receptions, the Emperor's opinions of the United States, and our overall relations with Russia, particularly commerce, (left edge with seal loss effecting a few letters, dime-size burn lower right). Text in full: Quincy November 10, 1810 / Sir, For your kind congratulations and benevolent wishes Accept my best Thanks. My health is much better and more constant than could be reasonably expected by a Man, who after a Life of care Toil and Storms has entered his sixteenth Lustre. / The American Minister in Russia, in the Extremity of the cold about the middle of last Winter, was slightly indisposed so as to keep House for a few days, but soon recovered his usual health till the tenth of July, since which we have heard nothing. How soon he will return to the United States (I kn)ow not - but I fear not so soon as his Friends here wish to see him. I believe you may write without fear of his leaving Russia before your letter reaches it. / The last letters we have received from him were dated in July; none later that the Tenth of that month. His health was then good. What the object of his Mission was, and what his Prospect of affecting it, I know no more than is known to you and all the World. / The reception that has been given him and every branch of his Family by the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager, The Minister of Foreign Affairs and all the Foreign Ambassadors has been as flattering as ever was given by a Court to a Foreign Minister. The Emperor seems to think more highly of our Country than we do, and is more fond of Intercourse with us than we seem to be with him. The Commerce between the two Countries is already of great value to both: and, without some enormous blunder in our Policy will become more important every day. / The good Will of an Empire like that of Russia is not a matter of Indifference to our young nation and growing Country. We ought to have had it Thirty years ago. It was within our grasp, but was snatched from our Embraces by Intrigues: Such Intrigues as our simple inexperienced Nation has been too often duped by. I am Sir with much esteem/ your very humble servant, John Adams / Hon. William Plummer/ Epping New Hampshire.
Estimate $20,000-30,000

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