Adams Papers Digital Edition

Diary and Autobiography of John Adams
Volume 3, Diary, 1782–1804; Autobiography, Part One to October 1776

Front Matter

Title Page

Copyright Page

Contents

Illustrations

Documents

1782

April 1782

22 April 1782Chez Messrs. De Pallandt}Korte Houtstraet chez Scheuer Lohman De Schepper Hekeren De Brantsenbourg Heeregragt Grand Pensionaire Van Blyswijk Heer...

September 1782

14 September 1782Supped last Night at Court in the Maison du Bois. M. Boreel told me he had been to Paris which he quitted 8 days ago. That M. Franklin had been sick. ...

19 September 1782Went to the Comedy. Saw the Sage dans sa Retrait, and Le Jugement du Midas—both well represented. The Mustek was good, and the Show upon the Stage spl...

October 1782

1 October 1782Dined with Mr. Boreel a Deputy to the States General from the Province of Holland, with Lt. General Van derdussen, Mr. De Llano, Mr. Thulemeyer, Mr. R...

2 October 1782Walked Yesterday to the House in the Woods in the rain. To day will dine with me Comte Sarseneld, Mr. Vischer and Mr. Gyselaer.— Received Yesterday a ...

3 October 1782Dined with Mr. Vanderdussen, Lt. General of the Cavalry, in Company with Mr. De Llano Minister of the King of Spain and Mr. De Renovalis, Secretary of...

5 October 1782In conference with the Grand Pensionary Bleiswick. He told me, it was determined to sign the Treaty of Commerce, on Monday next at Noon. That I should...

7 October 1782Mr. Dumas has been out, upon the Discovery.—Neither Mr. V. nor Mr. G. could guess the Reason, why their High Mightinesses had sent their Agent De Spie...

8 October 1782Mr. D. is indefatigable in his Way. He visits, every Day, the French Ambassador, Mr. G., Mr. V.—and occasionally Mr. K. and sometimes the Prince de Ga...

9 October 1782Went this Morning to the Secretary Fagel and returned him the original Treaty, and the original Convention which was designed for their High Mightines...

10 October 1782The Comte de Sanafé wrote a Card to Mr. Dumas desiring a Copy in French of the 22d Article. Said that I had read it to him in french but his Memory ha...

11 October 1782C.S. came in familiarly at Breakfast, and I had a hours Conversation with him upon the foregoing Extract. I shew him some Papers. He thinks the Americ...

12 October 1782Spent the day in signing Obligations and packing the Treaties and dispatches. ...

13 October 1782Sent 3 Copies of the Treaty of Commerce and as many of the Convention concerning Recaptures, by Mr. Storer to Amsterdam to go by three different Vesse...

14 October 1782Not long after my Reception here I was invited by Mr. Le Vaillant At Amsterdam, to dine with him in Company with Mr. Van Berckell, Mr. Bikker, and the...

15 October 1782This Morning at 10 made my Visit to the President Van Randwick of Guelderland to take Leave of their High Mightinesses and presented Mr. Dumas as Char...

16 October 1782Dined with the Baron De Linden de Blitterswick, the first Noble of Zealand. Llano, Almeida, Thulemeyer, Mirabel, Gallitzin and Markow, were all there....

17 October 1782Began my Journey to Paris from the Hague, dined at Harlem and drank Tea at five O Clock at Amsterdam. Paid Mr. Bromfield 200 Ducats 1050 Guilders and ...

18 October 1782Sat off, at ten from the Arms of Amsterdam with Mr. John Thaxter and Mr. Charles Storer. Refreshed our Horses at Loenen a Village, half Way to Utrecht...

19 October 1782From Utrecht to Gorcum is 8 Leagues. Here we dined, at the Doele kept by Mr. Van Dongen. He told Us that as soon as We should get out of Town We shoul...

20 October 1782Rising early this Morning and ringing for a Servant, was told that my Servant and most of those of the House were gone to Mass.—The Name of the Keeper...

21 October 1782Went to the Cathedral Church, where We saw the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the famous Altar Piece of Reubens, the Figures and Colouring are beautif...

22 October 1782Visited Mr. William Lee, in the Place de St. Mitchell with Mr. Jennings. Mr. Lee said that the Swallow was a Sign of Summer. My Appearance denoted Pea...

23 October 1782Rode to Mons in a great Rain, dined at the Couronne De L'Impereur, very well and very cheap, rode to Valenciennes and found our Axletree broken again....

24 October 1782Visited the Church at Valenciennes. Saw a notre Dame De Hall. She appears pregnant. A Collection of Portraits ancient and modern, and a Picture of the...

25 October 1782Dined at Gourney. Carriage broke again. Arrived at Night, at Pont-Sainte-Maxence, two Posts from Chantilly and one and an half from Senlis. ...

26 October 1782Parted from Pont Sainte Maxence, for Chantilly. The distance is two Postes, and We found the Road very good. We went to see the Stables, and Horses. I...

27 October 1782Went into the Bath, upon the Seine, not far from the Pont Royal, opposite the Tuilleries. You are shewn into a little Room, which has a large Window l...

28 October 1782Dined with Mr. Allen. ...

29 October 1782Dined at the Hotel du Roi. Mr. R. dined with Us. In the Evening, I went out to Passy to make my Visit to Franklin. ...

30 October 1782Dined with Mr. Jay. ...

31 October 1782Dined with Mr. Oswald. Dr. F., Mr. Jay, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Stretchy, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Whitford. ...

November 1782

1 November 1782Dined at Passy with Mr. F. ...

2 November 1782Mr. Oswald, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Jay, Mr. Strechy, Mr. W. Franklin, dined with me at the Hotel du Roi, Rue du Carrousel. Almost every Moment of this Week...

3 November 1782In my first Conversation with Franklin on Tuesday Evening last, he told me of Mr. Oswalds Demand of the Payment of Debts and Compensation to the Torie...

4 November 1782 All the forenoon from 11 to 3 at Mr. Oswalds, Mr. Jay and I. In the Evening there again, untill near II. Stretchy is as artfull and insinuating a ...

5 November 1782—Our Allies dont play fair, he told me. They were endeavouring to deprive Us of the Fishery, the Western Lands, and the Navigation of the Missisippi. ...

9 November 1782The M. de la Fayette came in, and told me he had been to Versailles and in Consultation with him Vergennes about the Affair of Money as he and I had a...

10 November 1782Accordingly at 8 this Morning I went and waited on the Comte. He asked me, how We went on with the English? I told him We divided upon two Points the ...

11 November 1782Mr. Whitefoord the Secretary of Mr. Oswald came a second Time, not having found me at home Yesterday, when he left a Card, with a Copy of Mr. Oswalds ...

12 November 1782 The Compliment of “Monsieur vous etes le Washington de la Negotiation” was repeated to me, by more than one Person. I answered Monsieur vous me faite...

13 November 1782 ...

14 November 1782 ...

17 November 1782 On Fryday the 15, Mr. Oswald came to Visit me, and entered with some Freedom into Conversation. I said many Things to him to convince him that it was...

18 November 1782Returned Mr. Oswalds Visit. He says Mr. Stratchey who sat out the 5 did not reach London untill the 10.... Couriers are 3, 4, or 5 days in going accor...

19 November 1782 ...

20 November 1782 ...

21 November 1782 ...

22 November 1782 ...

23 November 1782 ...

25 November 1782Dr. F., Mr. J. and myself at 11. met at Mr. Oswalds Lodgings. Mr. Stratchey told Us, he had been to London and waited personally on every one of the K...

26 November 1782Breakfasted at Mr. Jays, with Dr. Franklin, in Consultation upon the Propositions made to Us Yesterday by Mr. Oswald. We agreed unanimously, to answer...

27 November 1782Mr. Benjamin Vaughan came in, returned from London where he had seen Lord Shelburne. He says he finds the Ministry much embarrassed with the Tories, a...

28 November 1782This Morning I have drawn up, the following Project― That the Subjects of his Britannic Majesty, and the People of the said United States, shall conti...

29 November 1782Met Mr. Fitsherbert, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Jay, Mr. Laurens and Mr. Stratchey at Mr. Jays, Hotel D'Orleans, and spent the whole Day in Discuss...

30 November 1782We met first at Mr. Jays, then at Mr. Oswalds, examined and compared the Treaties. Mr. Stratchey had left out the limitation of Time, the 12 Months, t...

December 1782

1 December 17822 December 1782 ...

3 December 1782Visited Mr. Brantzen Hotel de la Chine. Mr. Brantzen asked me, how We went on. I told him We had come to a full Stop, by signing and sealing the Preli...

4 December 1782It is proper that I should note here, that in the Beginning of the Year 1780, soon after my Arrival at Paris Mr. Galloways Pamphlets fell into my Hand...

5 December 1782 ...

6 December 1782 ...

7 December 1782 ...

8 December 1782 ...

9 December 1782 Visited Mr. Jay, Mr. Oswald came in. We slided, from one Thing to another into a very lively Conversation upon Politicks.—He asked me what the Conduc...

10 December 1782Visited Mr. Oswald, to enquire what News from England. He had the Courier de L'Europe in which is Mr. Secretary Townsends Letter to the Lord Mayor of ...

11 December 1782 ...

12 December 1782Met at Mr. Laurens's, and signed the Letter, I had drawn up to Mr. Dana, which I sent off inclosed with a Copy of the Preliminaries — and consulted ab...

13 December 1782I went first to Mr. Jay, and made some Additions to the joint Letter, which I carried first to Mr. Laurens, who made some Corrections and Additions, a...

14 December 1782 ...

15 December 1782 ...

16 December 1782Mr. Fitsherbert and Mr. Oswald, Mr. Laurens &c. dined with me. ...

17 December 1782The 4 Commissioners dined with Mr. Fitsherbert. Ld. Mountnorris a celebrated Speaker in the Irish house of Lords dined there, and several English Gent...

19 December 1782Visited M. Louis Secretary of the Royal Colledge of Surgery, in order to form a Correspondance, between it and the medical Society at Boston. Was very...

20 December 1782Dined with Mr. Laurens. ...

21 December 1782Visited Mr. Jay and then went out to Passy to shew Dr. Franklin, Mr. Dana's Letter. The Dr. and I agreed to remit Mr. Dana the Money, to pay the Fees ...

22 December 1782Made several Visits &c. ...

23 December 1782Received from Monsieur Geoffroy, Docteur Regent de la Faculté de Medicine de Paris, a Letter of Thanks from the Societe Royale de Medecine, for my Let...

24 December 1782There are Men who carry the Countenance and Air of Boys through Life. This Evening Mr. Jay told me an extraordinary Story of Lord Mount Steuart, the B...

25 December 1782

26 December 1782Mr. Brantzen call'd upon me, at one. He says that Mr. Fitzherbert and he are yet a great Way asunder. The first Point of the Freedom of Navigation sti...

1783

January 1783

1 January 1783Went to Versailles, made my Visit and Compliments of the Season to M. Le C. de Vergennes and delivered him a Copy of our Treaty and Convention with th...

5 January 1783Dined with M. Vaughan, in Company with the Abbys de Mably, Chalut, Arnoux and Ter Saint Tersan.—Had more Conversation with de Mably than at any Time b...

11 January 1783Mr. W. T. Franklin came in to talk with me, about a Subject which he said he did not often talk about, and that was himself. He produced a Commission,...

12 January 1783Mr. B. Vaughan came in. I told him, I had some Facts to communicate to him in Confidence. They affected my personal Interest, Character, and Feelings ...

13 January 1783Mr. Oswald came to take Leave and shewed me a Letter from the Secretary of State for him to come home. He goes off, on Wednesday. I told him if he was...

19 January 1783Received a Note from Mr. Franklin, that the C. de Vergennes had written to him to desire me, to meet him at his office, tomorrow at ten. Went out to P...

20 January 1783Mr. Franklin and I met the Comte de Vergennes at his office at Ten. He told us, he was going to sign Preliminaries and an Armistice. At Eleven the C. ...

21 January 1783Went to Versailles to pay my Respects to the King and Royal Family, upon the Event of Yesterday. Dined with the foreign Ambassadors at the C. de Verge...

23 January 1783Mr. Whitefoord made me a Visit. He said it was the fatal Policy of the Earl of Chatham, in supporting the K. of Prussia against the House of Austria, ...

February 1783

18 February 1783Received a Letter from my Son John, dated at Gottenburgh the 1. of Feb. This Letter gave me great Joy, it is the first I have received from him since ...

24 February 1783Dined in Company with Mr. Malesherbes, the famous first President of the Court of Aids, Uncle of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, and Son of the Chancello...

25 February 1783Mr. Samuel Vaughan says that Cooks Voyage will be 3 Volumes 60 Plates, and will not be out these 12 Months. The Plates are of Islands discovered &c. H...

27 February 1783Dined at the Farmer Generals, in Company with the Comte de Polastron, Father of the Duchesse de Polignac. No Friend of D'Estaing. Spent the Evening in...

March 1783

7 March 1783In the Morning Chronicle of Saturday February 22, Mr. Secretary Townsend in the Debate upon the five Propositions of Lord John Cavendish, is represent...

8 March 1783Dined at Passy, the Spanish Ambassador, the Comte de Rochambeau, the Chevalier de Chatelux Chastellux, Mr. Jay &c. present. Chatelux said to the Abby ...

9 March 1783Mr. Picini Piccinni is the Author of Roland. In this Country, the Demon of Monarchy haunts all the Scaenes of Life. It appears in every Conversation, ...

April 1783

27 April 1783Mr. Hartley met Mr. Franklin, Laurens, Jay and me, at my Lodgings, and shewed Us an Instruction under the Kings Privy Seal, and signed George Rex, in ...

28 April 1783At 10 Mr. Jay came in, and I shewed him a Variety of Projects, which I had drawn up last night, concerning the Removal of the Troops, opening the Port...

29 April 1783At 11, We all met at Mr. Laurens's near the new French Comedy, and agreed upon a Proposition to open the Ports as soon as the U. States should be evac...

30 April 1783Mr. Hartley did me the Honour of a Visit to assure me, as he said of the Satisfaction he had in reflecting, upon what passed Yesterday, and upon what ...

May 1783

1 May 1783Dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, with the other American Ministers and others. Visited the Duke and Dutchesse de la Vauguion at the petite Luxemb...

2 May 1783Mr. Hartley came in to introduce to me his Secretary Mr. Hammond, whom he introduced also to mine, Mr. Thaxter and Storer. He told me that the C. de V...

3 May 1783When We met Mr. Hartley on Tuesday last at Mr. Laurens's, I first saw and first heard of Mr. Livingstons Letter to Dr. Franklin upon the Subject of Pe...

5 May 1783Dined with my Family at C. Sarsefields. The Dukes de la Vauguion and de la Rochefaucault, Mr. Jay &c. of the Party. ...

6 May 1783Dined at Mr. Jays. Lt. General Mellville, who is here to solicit for the Inhabitants of Tobago, the Continuance of their Assembly and Tryals by Jury, ...

7 May 1783Dined at Mr. Caluns Calonne's. ...

8 May 1783The Duke de la Vauguion and Mr. Hartley, Mr. Laurens and Jay, Mr. Barclay and Ridley, dined with me. ...

9 May 1783Dined with Mr. Laurens, with a large Company. The M. de la Fayette shewed me, the Beginning of an Attack upon the Chancellor &c. &c. ...

10 May 1783Dined with the M. de la Fayette, with a large American Company. ...

19 May 1783The American Ministers met Mr. Hartley at my House, and he shewed Us his Commission and We shewed him ours. His Commission is very magnificent, the Gr...

20 May 1783Saw Philadelphia Papers to the 12 of April. The Corvette dispatched from Cadiz by the Comte D'Estaing, carried the first News of the Preliminaries of ...

21 May 1783What is it, in the Air, which burns? When We blow a Spark with the Bellows, it spreads. We force a current of Air to the Fire, by this machine, and i...

22 May 1783This Morning I drew the following Letters to be laid before the Ministers this Evening. ...

23 May 1783Last Evening, the American Ministers and Secretary met, again at my House, and signed the Letters to Mr. Grand and to the Bankers at Amsterdam. Mr. La...

25 May 1783Mr. Hartley came in, and shew me a Letter concerning his Beloved Sister whose Case is very dangerous and keeps him in deep Affliction. She is his Hous...

26 May 1783I hope for News to day, from the Hague. ...

June 1783

1 June 1783The Loadstone is in Possession of the most remarkable, wonderfull and misterious Property in Nature. This Substance is in the Secret of the whole Glob...

8 June 1783Went to Versailles on the Day of Pentecôte. ...

17 June 1783Went to Versailles, had a Conference with the Comte de Vergennes.—Made my Court with the Corps Diplomatick, to the King, Queen, Monsieur, Madame, the ...

18 June 1783Visited the Duke de la Vauguion, and had a long Conversation with him. He was glad to hear I had been plusieurs fois a Versailles dernierement. The Du...

19 June 1783The Processions were less brillant than ordinary on Account of the Storm. Went with Mr. Hartley in his Carriage to Passy where he made his Proposition...

July 1783

23 June 1783I satt off in October for Paris where I arrived on the 26th of Oct. 1782, where the Peace has been made, and I returned here last Night. ...

September 1783

7 September 1783This Morning, I went out to Passy, and Dr. Franklin put into my hand the following Resolution of Congress, which he received last night, vizt., ...

October 1783

14 September 17836 October 1783Septr. 14. Mr. Thaxter took his Leave of me to return to America, with the definitive Treaty of Peace and the original Treaty with the States General....

7 October 1783I am now lodged in Mr. Barclays House, which he hires of the Comte de Rouault. There is a large Garden, full of all Vegetables and Fruits as Grapes, P...

20 October 1783Set out with my Son and one Servant, Leveque, on a Journey to London. We went from Auteuil, thro the Bois de Boulogne, and went out at the Port de Mai...

21 October 1783Dined at Amiens, and put up, at night, at Abbeville. The Roads are the best I have ever seen in France. They are not paved, or if they are, the Paveme...

22 October 1783Went to Calais. Dined at Boulogne sur mer. Put up at Mr. Dessins. ...

23 October 1783Went on board the Packet at Nine, put off from the wharf at Ten, but had such contrary Winds and Calms, that We did not arrive at Dover untill 3 O'Clo...

24 October 1783We are lodged at Dover, at the Royal Hotel Inn, kept by Charles Mariee. On the Backside of his house is one of the Dover Cliffs; it is an high Mountai...

25 October 1783Went in a Post Chaise, from Dover through Canterbury, Rochester, &c. to Dartford, where We lodged. ...

26 October 1783Went to London and the Post Boy carried Us to the Adelphi Buildings in the Strand, to John's Street. We are at Osbornes Adelphi hotel. I am obliged he...

27 October 1783Went to see Mr. Jay who is lodged with Mr. Bingham, in Harley Street, Cavendish Square, No. 30. And in the Afternoon went to see Mr. Johnson, Great To...

1784

Abigail Adams' Diary of her Voyage from Boston to Deal, 20 June–20 July 1784

20 June 1784Embarked on Board the ship Active Capt. Lyde commander, with my daughter and 2 servants for London. To go back to the painfull Scenes I endured in tak...

23 June 1784Our ship dirty, ourselves sick. Went upon deck and sent the servants down to clean her up: very little attention is paid on Board this Ship to that fi...

24 June 1784A fine wind and clear air but the Ship going before the wind rolls sadly. Dr. Clark has been well through the whole, and kindly attentive to us. If he...

27 June 1784I have been so sick that I could not be regular in my journal. We have had two days calm since we came to Sea. The rest of the time good winds which h...

28 June 1784A very dissagreeable Night. Wind at the southard near the Banks of Newfoundland. The morning damp. A most voilent Headack. Sick every one of us. Our S...

July 1784

1 July 1784I have not been able to write a line since Monday when a North east Storm came on and held till Wednesday Mor'g. It was with the utmost difficulty tha...

2 July 1784A fine wind and a pleasent day. Our sea sickness has left us in a great measure. Went all of us upon Deck to enjoy the fresh air, had our rooms cleane...

3 July 1784A fine morning. Rose by six o clock. Went upon deck. None of the Gentlemen up; our Second Mate, a grand son of the Revd. Dr. Chauncy of Boston. He was...

4 July 1784This is the Anniversary of our Glorious Independance. Whilst the Nations of Europe are enveloped in Luxery and dissipation; and a universal venality p...

6 July 1784I was not able to write yesterday the wind blew so fresh; and not very fair, so that there was too much motion of the Ship. In the afternoon it came o...

8 July 1784If I did not write I should lose the Days of the Weeks. Yesterday a cold wet day. Could not go upon deck. Spent a large part of the day in writing to ...

9 July 1784A fine day; but little wind; have been upon Deck the chief of the Day, engaged in reading Campbles political Survey of Great Britain. None of the adva...

17 July 1784I have neglected my journal for a week. During that time we have had 3 calm days, some wet weather but nothing worth remarking has occur'd. I have bee...

18 July 1784This Day about 2 oclock made land. It is almost a Calm, so that we shall gain but little. We hope to land at Portsmouth a tuesday; this is doing very ...

19 July 1784A calm. The vessel rolling: the wind freshning towards Night. We hope for a speedy passage up the Channel. Tuesday a fine wind but squally. We have se...

20 July 1784Early in the morning a pilot Boat came of to us from Deal. The wind blew very high and the Sea ran with a great Swell. ...

John Adams' Diary resumes.

22 June 1784Last night at Court one of the Ladies of Honour, told me, that the Supper was given, in a great Measure, for Mrs. Bingham. Cette Super a été donne, en...

July 1784

10 July 1784May not the Ascent of Vapours be explained, or rather accounted for upon the Principle of the Air Balloon? Is not every Bubble of Vapour, that rises, ...

August 1784

3 August 1784 ...

4 August 1784Sett off, for London, had a tedious Passage from Helvoet, of near two days. Obliged to put in at Leostoff Lowestoft, and ride from thence 24 miles in ...

7 August 1784Arrived at the Adelphi Buildings and met my Wife and Daughter after a seperation of four Years and an half. Indeed after a Seperation of ten Years, ex...

13 August 1784Arrived at Paris, at the Hotel de York on the . ...

17 August 1784Removed to Auteuil the at the House of the Comte de Rouault, opposite the Conduit. The House, the Garden, the Situation near the Bois de Boulogne, el...

1 September 178431 May 1785£sd Auteuil Sept. 10. 1784. Drew an order on M.M. Van den Yvers in favour of my son J.Q.A. for two hundred Louis D'ors or 4800 Livres4800:0:0 Oct. 11....

1785

January 1785

31 January 1785Last Evening the Marquis de la Fayette, lately returned from America, called upon me, in his Way home from Versailles. He gave me, a very pleasing Acc...

March 1785

19 March 1785Saturday. Met Mr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson at Passy, read the Letter from Mr. Carmichael at Madrid, with the Letters from C. de Florida Blanca, the ...

20 March 1785Sunday. Went early to Versailles, and found the C. De V.—communicated to him my Errand and Papers. He read those in Italian, Spanish and French, and M...

May 1785

3 May 1785Tuesday. At Versailles, the C. de Vergennes said he had many Felicitations to give me upon my apointment to England. I Answered that I did not know bu...

9 May 178516 May 1785Monday. The Posts within the Limits of the United States, not yet surrendered by the English, are Oswegatchy in the River St. Lawrence Oswego Lake Ont...

1 June 178531 July 1785Le Comte de Lusi. Minister of Prussia. Great Pultney Street. r De Tribolet Hardy. Secretaire de Legation de S.M. Prussienne. r Mr. De Jeanneret de Du...

1786

March 1786

27 March 1786March 26. Sunday, dined in Bolton Street Piccadilly, at the Bishop of St. Asaphs. Mr. and Mrs. Sloper, the Son in Law and Daughter of the Bishop; Mrs....

29 March 1786Dined at Mr. Blakes. Mr. Middleton and Wife, Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Williams, Mr. Jefferson. Coll. Smith and my Family. ...

30 March 1786Presented Mr. Hamilton to the Queen at the Drawing Room. Dined at Mr. Paradices. Count Warranzow Woronzow and his Gentleman and Chaplain, M. Sodorini ...

April 1786

4 April 178610 April 1786Mr. Jefferson and myself, went in a Post Chaise to Woburn Farm, Caversham, Wotton, Stowe, Edghill, Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham, the Leasowes, Hagl...

15 April 1786Dined with Mr. Brand Hollis in Chesterfield Street. His Mantle Trees are ornamented with Antiques. Penates. Little brazen Images of the Gods. Venus, C...

18 April 1786Yesterday dined here, Mr. Jefferson, Sir John Sinclair, Mr. Heard, Garter King at Arms, Dr. Price, Mr. Brand Hollis, Mr. Henry Loyd of Boston, Mr. Jen...

19 April 1786This is the Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, and of my Reception at the Hague, by their High Mightinesses. This last Event is considered by the...

20 April 1786Went with Mr. Jefferson and my Family to Osterly, to view the Seat of the late Banker Child. The House is very large. It is Three Houses, fronting as ...

23 April 1786Heard Dr. Priestley at Mr. Linseys in Essex Street. ...

24 April 1786Viewed the British Musaeum. Dr. Grey who attended Us spoke very slightly of Buffon. Said “he was full of mauvais Fois. No Dependence upon him. Three o...

June 1786

26 June 1786On Saturday night returned from a Tour to Portsmouth, in which We viewed Paines Hill in Surry, as We went out; and Windsor as We returned. We were abs...

July 1786

1 July 1786Last night, Coll. Smith and his Lady, took their Leave of Us, and went to their House in Wimpole Street. Yesterday visited Desenfans's Collection of P...

6 July 1786Dined at Clapham, at Mr. Smiths. Dr. Kippis, Dr. Reese, Dr. Harris, Mr. Pais, Mr. Towgood and his two Sons, Mr. Channing were the Company. Mr. Pais to...

8 July 1786In one of my common Walks, along the Edgeware Road, there are fine Meadows, or Squares of grass Land belonging to a noted Cow keeper. These Plotts are...

16 July 1786At Hackney, heard a Nephew of Dr. Price, who is settled at Yarmouth. It may be of Use to minute miscellaneous Thoughts like Selden, Swift &c. It is an...

20 July 1786“Every Act of Authority, of one Man over another for which there is not an absolute Necessity, is tyrannical.” “Le Pene che oltre passano la necessita...

21 July 1786Maj. Langbourne dined with Us again. He was lamenting the difference of Character between Virginia and N. England. I offered to give him a Receipt for...

24 July 1786Went with Mr. Bridgen, Col. Smith, Mrs. Smith, to The Hide in Essex, the Country Seat of Brand Hollis Esqr. We breakfasted at Rumford, and turned out ...

25 July 1786Mr. Brand Hollis and Mr. Brand, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. Adams, took a ride to Chelmsford, stopped at a Booksellers, the Printer of a News...

26 July 1786Mr. B. Hollis, Miss Brand, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Smith, and I walked to Mill Green, or Mill Hill the Seat of a Mr. Allen a Banker of London. We walked over...

27 July 1786Went with Mrs. Adams to Braintree about Eighteen miles from the Hide. As our Objects were fresh Air, Exercise and the Gratification of Curiosity, I th...

28 July 1786Returned to Grosvenor Square to Dinner. ...

1787

20 July 1787This day three years I landed at Deal. Since that time I have travelld to France, to Holland and several parts of England but have never kept any jour...

21 July 1787We set out about 9 in the morning, stoped and baited at Farnham, dinned at Alton and reached Winchester about 8 oclock. Robert Quincy Earl of Winchest...

22 July 1787Went to the Cathedral Church at Winchester. It is a very curious structure. It is said to have been part built by Bishop Walkelyne in the year 1079. I...

23 July 1787We dinned at South hampton and set out after dinner for Salsbury 22 miles, where we meant to have passt the night and taken a view of the Town, but wh...

24 July 1787We left this village and proceeded on our way to Blanford where we put up for the Night. Saw nothing striking in this place and met with poor accommod...

26 July 178727 July 1787Our next Stage was Bridport a small Sea port but a very bad harbour. No trade only in coal which is carried there by water for the supply of the inhab...

28 July 1787We left Axminster and proceeded to Exeter. Here we put up at the Hotell in the Church yard and opposite to the Cathedral Church. At this place lives M...

1 July 178731 August 1787Michael Sawrey, at Plymouth Gillies St. Martins Lane. Garthshores Sastres Edgware Road. No. 20. Mad. La Marquise de Champsenets au Chateau de Thuille...

August 1787

6 August 1787At Kingsbridge, the southerly Point of the County of Devonshire, the birth Place of my Brother Cranch. Went Yesterday to Church in the Morning, dined ...

6 August 1787Dined at Totness, thro which the River Dart runs to Dartmouth. Slept at Newton bushell. ...

1788

30 March 17881 May 1788Sunday London March 30. We took our departure from the Bath Hotell where I had been a Fortnight, and sat out for Portsmouth, which we reachd on Monday...

1789

John Adams' Diary resumes.

15 July 1789Mr. Carrol. The Executive Power is commensurate with the Legislative and Judicial Powers. The Rule of Construction of Treaties, Statutes and deeds. Th...

September 1789

16 September 1789Mr. Elsworth informed me That Governor Randolph of Virginia, opened the Convention at Philadelphia, and offered a Project of a Constitution. After him...

22 September 1789Mr. Grayson. No Census yet taken, by which the Center of Population— We have Markets, Archives, Houses, Lodgings.—Extreamly hurt at what has passed in...

23 September 1789Mr. Lee. Navigation of the Susquehannah. Mr. Grayson. Antwerp and the Scheld. Reasons of State have influenced the Pensilvanians to prevent the naviga...

24 September 1789Mr. Grayson. moves to strike out the Words, “in the State of Pensilvania.” Mr. Butler. The Center of Population the best Criterion. The Center of Weal...

1790

January 1790

25 January 1790It was not the sense of either House, or of any member of either, that the Business pending at the Adjournment should be lost. Where is the Oeconomy o...

1790

1 January 179031 December 1790Interest, Corruption, Prejudice, Error, Ignorance. Causes of wrong Judgments. Have not these Causes, as much Influence in one Assembly as in two? If e...

1791

November 1791

1 November 179130 November 1791Williamson. Great Numbers emigrate to the back parts of North and S.C. and G. for the Sake of living without Trouble. The Woods, such is the mildness ...

11 November 1791Yesterday a No. of the national Gazette was sent to me, by Phillip Freneau, printed by Childs and Swaine. Mr. Freneau, I am told is made Interpreter. ...

1795

June 1795

21 June 1795Lime dissolves all vegetable Substances, such as Leaves, Straws, Stalks, Weeds, and converts them into an immediate food for Vegetables. It kills the ...

1 January 179531 December 1795Mr. Meredith at Mr. Vaughans explained to me his Method. He takes a first Crop of Clover early: then breaks up the Ground, cross ploughs and harrows i...

1796

June 1796

20 June 1796Sullivan Lathrop came for 6 Months at 12 1/2. ...

22 June 1796Thomas Lathrop came for 6 Months at 9. ...

July 1796

12 July 1796Yesterday mow'd all the Grass on Stony field Hill. To day ploughing for Hilling among the Corn over against the House. Brisler laying the foundation o...

13 July 1796My new Barn is to be raised this Afternoon, a Rod or two from my Fathers which he built when I was two or three Years old—about 58 years ago, or 59. B...

14 July 1796The Wind N.W. after a fine rain. A firing of Cannon this morning in the Harbour. I arose by four O Clock and enjoyed the Charm of earliest Birds. Thei...

15 July 1796A very heavy Shower of Rain. Thunder in the morning. Billings still unable to work—goes over towards Basses first, then up in Town with Seth. Went wit...

16 July 1796Paid off Puffer, for Eleven Days Works at a Dollar a Day. Trask and Stetson at work in the Garden. Sullivan and Bass gone for another Load of Red Ceda...

17 July 1796Warm but clear. Billings at home but running down Cellar for Cyder. We are to have a Mr. Hilliard. Yesterday Dr. Tufts and Mr. Otis and Family dined w...

18 July 1796Billings is at hoe. The Kitchen Folk say he is steady. A terrible drunken distracted Week he has made of the last. A Beast associating with the worst ...

19 July 1796A plentifull Shower of Rain with Thunder and Lightning this Morning. Took a Tea spoonful of Bark in Spirit. Billings steady: but deep in the horrors, ...

20 July 1796Rode to the Swamp, at the Top of Penns hill. Trask is mowing the Bushes, cutting the Trees, and leaves only the White Oaks which he trims and prunes a...

21 July 1796Sullivan Lathrop and Bass carting earth into the Yard from the Ground which is to be thrown into the High Way over against my House. The old Appletree...

22 July 1796Billings sober and steady, persevering in his declaration that he will not drink, these 12 months. Paid Trask in full sixteen Dollars for 24 Days Work...

23 July 1796Rode down to the Barley and Black grass at the Beach. The Barley is better than I hoped. The Clover has taken pretty well in general. Parts where the ...

24 July 1796We are to have for a Preacher a Mr. Whitcomb. Billings is still cool and steady. In the 1st. Vol. of the Life of Petrarch page 52. it is said that Pop...

25 July 1796Dull Weather but no Rain. The Lathrops with the Team are going to the Swamp on Penns Hill for a Load of Wood that Trask has cutt. Rode up to the Swamp...

26 July 1796Cloudy and begins to rain, the Wind at N.E. The Men gone up the Hill to rake the Barley. In conformity to the fashion I drank this Morning and Yesterd...

27 July 1796Billings and Sullivan making and liming an heap of Manure. They compounded it, of Earth carted in from the Ground opposite the Garden where the Ha! Ha...

28 July 1796Billings and Sullivan are gone to the Beech for a Load of Seaweed to put into their Hill of Compost. Bass and Thomas hoeing still in the lower Garden....

29 July 1796Hot after Thunder, Lightening and an Hours Rain. The two Lathrops threshing. Billing and Bass carting Earth. Lathrops threshing. Billing and Bass brou...

30 July 1796All hands carting Earth and making Compost, i.e. 4 hands Billings, Bass and the two Lathrops. Billings is in his Element. Building Wall and making man...

31 July 1796A fine N.W. Wind, pure Air, clear Sky, and bright Sun. Reading the second Volume of Petrarchs Life. This singular Character had very wild Notions of t...

August 1796

1 August 1796Hands all gone to finish our Equinoctial Line of Wall as Billings calls it.—Hot, sultry, muggy last night Muskitoes numerous and busy, poor sleep, up ...

2 August 1796Wrote to Mr. Sullivan by Dr. Tufts an Answer to his Inquiries concerning Mitchels Map and St. Croix River. My own Hands with Nathaniel Hayden only and...

3 August 1796Brisler is going to Squantum and Long Island, for my Twin Oxen who are reprieved for a Year. The Lathrops to threshing and Billings and Bass, to manur...

4 August 1796Of all the Summers of my Life, this has been the freest from Care, Anxiety and Vexation to me. The Sickness of Mrs. A. excepted. My Health has been be...

5 August 1796A fine day. I have finished Petrarch. Walked up to the new Barn and over to the old Plain. Sullivan and Mr. Sam. Hayward threshing—Billings and Bass c...

6 August 1796Billings and Bass off by Day for Seaweed. Twin oxen sent to be shod. Omnium Rerum Domina, Virtus. Virtue is The Mistress of all Things. Virtue is The ...

7 August 1796I am reading a Work of Cicero that I remember not to have read before. It is intituled M. Tullii Ciceronis Si Deo placet Consolatio. Remarkable for an...

8 August 1796Billing and Bass gone to mowing Salt Grass at the Beach Meadow. T. Lothrop unloading the Sea weed. No Negro but James, who shall be the last.—Agreed w...

9 August 17964 hands mowing Salt Grass. Finished the Beach Meadow. Trask mowing Bushes to make room for the plough upon Penns hill. T. Lothrop, threshing Corn—Bris...

10 August 1796Billing and Bass collecting Compost. Brought up two Loads of Seaweed and carted several Loads of Earth from behind the Outhouse. Mr. Howell of Rhode I...

11 August 1796Mr. Howell lodged with Us and spent the whole Morning in Conversation concerning the Affairs of his Mission. He said by way of Episode that the Presid...

12 August 1796Billing, Bass and Sullivan carting Salt Hay from the Beech Marsh. Tirell and Th. Lothrop threshing and winnowing Barley. ...

13 August 1796Three Load of Salt Hay Yesterday from the Beach Marsh. Got in 51 Bushells of Barley winnowed and raddled. Billing, Bass, Sullivan Lothrop and E. Belch...

14 August 1796The Weather hot and dry. One great Advantage of the Christian Religion is that it brings the great Principle of the Law of Nature and Nations, Love yo...

15 August 1796My Team met the Abington Team at the Bars, and plough'd the Baulk between Burrells Corn and the great Wall, with the great Plough. Ploughed on the Nor...

16 August 1796Mr. Reed and Mr. Gurney with Billings ploughing below the lower Garden with 9 Cattle, and the small breaking up plough. It took a long time to fix the...

17 August 1796Seven Yoke of Oxen and a Horse, Mr. Reed, Mr. Gurney, Mr. Billings, Mr. Brisler, Sullivan and Thomas Lothrop and black James, Seven hands ploughing wi...

18 August 1796Ten Yoke of Oxen and ten Men ploughing in the Meadow below my House. ...

19 August 1796Ten Yoke of Oxen and twelve hands ploughing in the meadow. It is astonishing that such a Meadow should have lain so long in such a State. Brakes, Hass...

20 August 1796Bracket and Vinton left me. We procured Captn. Baxters Oxen and William Field Junr. and went on with Eight Yoke including my red Steers, and ploughed ...

21 August 1796The hottest day. Unwell. ...

22 August 1796Mr. Otis and Family went to Boston. Mr. C. Storer and Mr. Storrow breakfasted. Billings and Sullivan began the Wall against the Road opposite the Corn...

23 August 1796All hands and Tirrell, upon the Wall—carting Stones and Earth &c. Went down to Mr. Quincys and up to our Tenants with Mrs. Adams. Unwell. Brisler and ...

24 August 1796Billings, Bass and the Lothrops upon the Wall. The blacks going to pick Apples. I took Rhubarb and Salt of Wormwood. Bathing my Feet and drinking balm...

25 August 1796Billings, Bass and the two Lothrops all this Week upon the Wall over the Way. They make about a Rod and a half a day. Captn. Beale began Yesterday to ...

26 August 1796Cloudy. Wind. N.E. but not rainy. The shower last night has refreshed Us. The Corn, the Gardens, the Pastures, The After feed, the Fruit trees all fee...

27 August 1796Sullivan carting Seaweed, spread one Load among the red Loam in the Cavity in the Yard. Trask mowing Bushes in the meadow below the Garden. James cutt...

28 August 1796Hot. Went not out. Mr. Strong preached. Reading Bryants Analysis of ancient Mythology. ...

29 August 1796Warm. Billings, Bass and two Sullivans with James on the Wall. Carted 9 or 10 Load of excellent Soil into an heap, below the lower Garden Wall, and pu...

30 August 1796Prospect of another hot day. Pursuing the Wall. Tirrell worked with our Men. Trask cutting Bushes on the ploughed Meadow at the other Place. Wind shif...

31 August 1796Wind north and Air cold. Working on the high Ways. Carried a great Part of my gravel and spread it on the Road to the Meeting House. ...

September 1796

1 September 1796The Summer is ended and the first day of Autumn commenced. The Morning is cold tho the Wind is West. To Work again on the high Ways. Billings out upon...

2 September 1796To work again on the high Ways. They have taxed me this Year between forty nine and fifty days Works on the Roads besides the other Farm in Quincy and...

3 September 1796Pursuing the Wall. Tirrell is here and We expect French with his Team. Some soft warm Showers in the night and this morning. French came not, because ...

4 September 1796Fair. No Clergyman to day. ...

5 September 1796The Anniversary of The Congress in 1774. Sullivan brought a good Load of green Seaweed, with six Cattle, which We spread and limed upon the heap of Co...

6 September 1796Walked up to Trask mowing Bushes. ...

7 September 1796Belcher, Bass and Sullivan gone to mow the Marsh and get out the Thatch at Penny ferry. Billings laying Wall. Thomas, carting Earth. Stetson, widening...

8 September 1796Sullivan gone for Seaweed. Bass and Thomas carting Manure from the Hill of Compost in the Yard. Billings and Prince laying Wall. Brisler and James pic...

9 September 1796Appearances of Rain. ...

10 September 1796Walked, with my Brother to Mount Arrarat, and find upon Inquiry that Jo. Arnold's Fence against the New Lane begins at the Road by the Nine mile Stone...

1804

January 1804

1 July 180431 August 1804July2d.Mowed, over vs. Yard and Garden 3One Load, from the road to the ditch and from the cart path to the pasture Lane1 4Four Loads, over the Way and...

1 August 180431 August 1804The last Week in August We ploughed a ditch and brought the Earth into the Yard and 32 loads of Mud from the Cove. ...

Autobiography of John AdamsPart One: To October 1776

5 October 1802Begun Oct. 5. 1802. As the Lives of Phylosophers, Statesmen or Historians written by them selves have generally been suspected of Vanity, and therefor...

1 January 173431 December 1802My Father married Susanna Boylston in October 1734, and on the 19th of October 1735 I was born. As my Parents were both fond of reading, and my father...

1 January 175130 November 1804Continued November 30. 1804. In my own class at Collidge, there were several others, for whom I had a strong affection—Wentworth, Brown, Livingston, S...

1 January 175531 December 1755The two last years of my Residence at Colledge, produced a Clubb of Students, I never knew the History of the first rise of it, who invited me to beco...

1 January 175731 December 1757At the time when Fort William Henry was besieged, there came down almost every day dispatches from the General to the New England Collonies urging for...

1 January 175831 December 1758In 1758 my Period with Mr. Putnam expired. Doolittle and Baldwin visited me in the office, and invited me to settle in Worcester. They said as there w...

1 January 175931 December 1761The next Year after I was sworn, was the memorable Year 1759 when the Conquest of Canada was compleated by the surrender of Montreal to General Amhers...

25 May 1761On the 25 of May in this Year 1761, my venerable Father died in his 71st Year, beloved, esteemed and revered by all who knew him. Nothing that I can s...

1 January 175931 December 1761Sometime in 1761 or two Mr. Samuel Quincy with whom I sometimes corresponded, shewed to Mr. Jonathan Sewall, a Lawyer somewhat advanced before Us at t...

1 January 176331 December 1763Now become a Freeholder I attended the Town Meetings, as a Member, as I had usually attended them before, from a Boy as a Spectator. In March when I h...

1 January 176431 December 1765In the Winter of 1764 the Small Pox prevailing in Boston, I went with my Brother into Town and was inocculated under the Direction of Dr. Nathaniel Pe...

1 January 176531 December 1765This Year 1765 was the Epocha of the Stamp Act.... I drew up a Petition to the Select Men of Braintree, and procured it to be signed by a Number of th...

14 July 176531 December 1767On the 14 day of July of this Year 1765, Mrs. Adams presented me with a Daughter and in her confinement in her Chamber, I was much alone in my Office...

1 January 176831 December 1768In the Beginning of the Year 1768 My Friends in Boston, were very urgent with me to remove into Town. I was afraid of my health: but they urged so man...

1 January 176831 December 1770This Year 1768 I attended the Superiour Court at Worcester, and the next Week proceeded on to Springfield in the County of Hampshire, where I was acci...

1 January 177031 December 1770The Year 1770 was memorable enough, in these little Annals of my Pilgrimage. The Evening of the fifth of March, I spent at Mr. Henderson Inches's Hous...

1 January 177131 December 1773The complicated Cares of my legal and political Engagements, the slender Diet to which I was obliged to confine myself, the Air of the Town of Boston ...

1 January 177331 December 1773In the Year 1773 arose a Controversy concerning the Independence of the Judges. The King had granted a Salary to the Judges of our Superiour Court and...

1 January 177431 December 1774In the Fall of the Year 1773, The General Court appointed Mr. Bowdoin and me to draw a State of the Claim of this Province to the Lands to the Westwar...

1 January 177331 December 1773As I have written hitherto, wholly from my memory, without recurring to any Books or Papers, I am sensible I have made several Anachronisms, and parti...

10 June 176825 March 1769In the fall of the Year 1773, a great Uproar was raised in Boston, on Account of the Unlading in the Night of a Cargo of Wines from the Sloop Liberty ...

1 January 177431 December 1774It is well known that in June 1774 The General Court at Cambridge appointed Members to meet with others from the other States in Congress on the fifth...

1 January 177531 December 1775Upon our Return to Massachusetts, I found myself elected by the Town of Braintree into the provincial Congress, and attended that Service as long as i...

1 May 177531 May 1775Congress assembled and proceeded to Business, and the Members appeared to me to be of one Mind, and that mind after my own heart. I dreaded the danger...

1 June 177531 July 1775This Measure of Imbecility, the second Petition to the King embarrassed every Exertion of Congress: it occasioned Motions and debates without End for ...

1 August 177531 August 1775I have always imputed the Loss of Charleston, and of the brave Officers and Men who fell there, and the Loss of an Hero of more Worth than all the Tow...

1 September 177531 May 1776At the appointed time, We returned to Philadelphia and Congress were reassembled. Mr. Richard Penn had sailed for England, and carried the Petition, f...

1 February 177630 April 1776In the Course of this Winter appeared a Phenomenon in Philadelphia a Star of Disaster (Disastrous Meteor), I mean Thomas Paine. He came from England, ...

1 May 17764 July 1776I was incessantly employed, through the whole Fall, Winter and Spring of 1775 and 1776 in Congress during their Sittings and on Committees on mornings...

1 June 177631 August 1776The Committee for preparing the Model of a Treaty to be proposed to France consisted of When We met to deliberate on the Subject, I contended for the ...

18 September 17758 November 1775I have omitted some things in 1775 which must be inserted. On the 18th of September 1775. It was resolved in Congress, that a Secret Committee be appo...

29 November 177516 January 1776On Wednesday November 29. 1775. (See Journals of Congress for the Year 1775 page 272. and 273.) It was resolved that a Committee of five be appointed ...

12 June 177611 November 1777On Wednesday June 12. 1776 Congress resolved, That a Committee of Congress be appointed by the name of a board of War and Ordinance to consist of five...

5 October 1775On Thursday October 5. 1775. See the Journals. Sundry Letters from London were laid before Congress and read, and a motion was made, that it be resolv...

6 October 1775Fryday October 6. 1775. The Committee appointed to prepare a Plan &c. brought in a further report which was read. Ordered to lie on the Table for the ...

13 October 1775Fryday October 13. 1775. The Congress taking into Consideration the report of the Committee appointed to prepare a Plan &c. after some debate Resolved...

30 October 1775Monday October 30th. 1775. The Committee appointed to prepare an Estimate, and to fit out the Vessells, brought in their report, which being taken int...

2 November 1775On Thursday November 2. 1775 Congress resolved that the Committee appointed to carry into Execution the Resolves of Congress for fitting out four arme...

8 November 1775On the 8th of November 1775 Congress resolved, that the Bills of Sale of the Vessells ordered to be purchased, be made to the Continental Treasurers, ...

10 November 1775On the 10th of November 1775 Congress resolved that two Battalions of Marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Major...

17 November 1775On the 17th of November 1775. A Letter from Gen. Washington, inclosing a Letter and Journal of Colonel Arnold, and sundry papers being received, the s...

23 November 1775Thursday. November 23. 1775. The Committee for fitting out armed Vessells laid before Congress, a draught of Rules for the Government of the American ...

25 November 1775Saturday November 25. 1775. Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the Committee on General Washingtons Letter, and the same being debate...

1 November 177531 December 1775On Tuesday November 28. 1775. The Congress resumed the Consideration of the Rules and Orders for the Navy of the United Colonies,and the same being de...

2 June 1775On Fryday June 2. 1775. Journals of Congress, page 112. The President laid before Congress a Letter from the Provincial Convention of Massachusetts Ba...

3 June 1775Saturday June the 3d 1775. Congress however ordered the Letter to lie on the Table for farther Consideration. On Saturday June the 3d 1775. The Lette...

7 June 1775On Wednesday June 7. 1775. On motion resolved, that Thursday the 20th. of July next be observed throughout the twelve united Colonies, as a Day of Hum...

1 June 177530 June 1775On Fryday June 9th. 1775. The report of the Committee on the Letter from the Convention of Massachusetts Bay being again read, the Congress came into ...

1 October 177531 October 1775On Wednesday October 18. 1775. The Delegates from New Hampshire laid before the Congress a part of the Instructions delivered to them by their Colony,...

26 October 17753 November 1775On Thursday October 26. 1775. The Subject again brought on the Carpet, and the same discussions repeated, for very little new was produced. After a lo...

4 November 17755 December 1775On November 4th. 1775 The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the State of South Carolina, brought in their report, which being read a numb...

1 December 177529 February 1776About the sixth of December 1775, I obtained Leave of Congress to visit my Family and returned home. The General Court satt at Watertown, Our Army was...

1 January 177630 June 1776I returned to my daily routine of Service in the Board of War, and a punctual Attendance on Congress, every day, in all their hours. I returned also t...

9 February 1776On the 9th. of Feb. 1776 The day on which Mr. Gerry and I took our Seats for this Year, sundry Letters from General Washington, General Schuyler, Gove...

14 February 1776On the 14th. of Feb. 1776 sundry Letters from General Schuyler, General Wooster and General Arnold were read and referred with the Papers enclosed, to...

15 February 1776On the 15th of Feb. 1776. Sundry other Letters from General Lee, General Schuyler and General Wooster were referred to the Committee to whom the Lette...

16 February 1776Fryday Feb. 16. 1776. Agreable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole, to take into consideration the Pro...

17 February 1776Saturday Feb. 17. 1776. The Committee to whom the Letters from Generals Arnold, Wooster, Schuyler and Lee were referred brought in their report, which...

19 February 1776On Monday Feb. 19. 1776 Congress attended an Oration in honour of General Montgomery, and the Officers and Soldiers who fell with him. ...

20 February 177621 February 1776OnTuesday Feb. 20. 1776. and on Wednesday Feb. 21. Means were contrived to elude the Committee of the whole House. ...

22 February 1776Thursday Feb. 22. 1776. Two Letters from General Washington, were referred to a Committee of the whole house. Accordingly Congress resolved itself int...

23 February 1776Fryday Feb. 23. 1776. Resolved that Congress will on Monday next resolve itself into a Committee of the whole, to take into Consideration the Letters ...

26 February 1776Monday Feb. 26. 1776 arrived, and a Letter from General Lee, was referred to Mr. McKean, Mr. John Adams and Mr. Lewis Morris, but no Resolution of Con...

27 February 1776On Tuesday Feb. 27. 1776. The order of the day was renewed, but nothing done. ...

1 February 177629 February 1776Wednesday Feb. 28. 1776. The Committee to whom the Letters from General Lee &c. were referred brought in their report. Resolved that the Consideration...

1 March 17764 March 1776Fryday March 1. 1776. Resolved that this Congress will tomorrow resolve itself into a Committee of the whole, to take into Consideration the Letter of...

5 March 1776Tuesday March 5. 1776. Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole to take into their consideration the Letter from General Washington of t...

6 March 1776Wednesday March 6. 1776. A Letter from General Washington of the 26. of Feb. was read. Resolved that it be referred to the Committee to whom his other...

7 March 1776Thursday March 7. 1776. The order of the day was renewed. ...

8 March 1776Fryday March 8. No order of the day. The Committee to whom the Letters from Generals Schuyler, Wooster and Arnold were referred brought in their repor...

9 March 1776Saturday March 9. 1776. The Committee appointed to prepare Instructions for the Commissioners going to Canada, brought in a draught which was read. ...

11 March 1776Monday March 11. 1776. Congress took into Consideration the Instructions to the Commissioners going to Canada. Postponed. ...

12 March 1776Tuesday March 12. 1776. Postponed again. ...

13 March 1776Wednesday March 13. 1776. Although the System had been so long pursued to postpone all the great Political Questions, and take up any other Business o...

14 March 1776Thursday March 14. 1776. The State of the Country so obviously called for independent Governments, and a total Extinction of the Royal Authority, and ...

1 March 177631 March 1776Fryday March 15. 1776. Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole to take into Consideration the State of New York, and after some time th...

16 March 177617 March 1776Saturday March 16 1776. Mr. W. Livingston brought in a Proclamation for a Fast on the 17th of May. Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the wh...

18 March 1775Monday March 18. Order of the Day again. Mr. Harrison reported no Resolution. ...

19 March 1776Tuesday March 19. The order of the Day again. Mr. Harrison reported that the Committee have come to sundry Resolutions, which they directed him to lay...

20 March 1776Wednesday March 20. 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Instruction and Commission to the Deputies or Commissioners going to Canada, and a...

21 March 1776Thursday March 21. 1776. There are three Resolutions, which I claim Resolved That it be recommended to the several Assemblies &c. that they exert thei...

22 March 1776Fryday March 22. 1776. Congress took into Consideration the Declaration brought in by the Committee, and after debate, the further Consideration of it...

23 March 1776Saturday March 23. 1776. The Congress resumed the Consideration of the Declaration, which was agreed to as follows. Whereas the Petitions of the Unite...

25 March 1776On Monday the 25 of March 1776 I made a Motion and laid it in Writing on the Table in these Words Resolved That the Thanks of this Congress, in their ...

26 March 1776Tuesday March 26, 1776. Congress were informed of the Death of Governor Ward and on ...

27 March 1776Wednesday March 27 1776 they attended his Funeral in mourning for a Month. In this Gentleman who died of the Small Pox, We lost an honourable, a consc...

28 March 1776Thursday March 28. 1776 a Multitude of details but no Committee of the whole house. ...

29 March 1776Friday March 29. 1776. More Trifles but no Committee of the whole. ...

30 March 1776Saturday March 30. 1776. Ditto. ...

1 April 1776Monday April 1st. A Measure of Great Importance was adopted—a Treasury Office with an Auditor and a sufficient Number of Clerks. On the 17th. of Febru...

2 April 1776April 2. 1776. The Committee appointed to prepare a Letter of Thanks to General Washington, and the Officers and Soldiers under his command brought in...

3 April 1776April 3. 1776 great Things were done. The Naval System made great Progress. ...

4 April 1776April 4. 1776. We did great Things again. Agreable to the order of the Day, the Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole to take into Co...

5 April 1776April 5. 1776. Good Fryday. ...

6 April 1776April 6. 1776. Congress resumed the consideration of the Report, from the Committee of the whole, and the same being twice read, and debated by paragr...

9 April 1776Tuesday April 9th. 1776. No Committee of the whole. ...

10 April 1776Wednesday April 10. 1776. Resolved that the Letters from General Washington be referred to a Committee of the whole Congress. ...

11 April 1776April 11. 1776. Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed to enquire into the Truth of the Report respecting Governor Tryons exacting an Oath fr...

12 April 1776April 12th. 1776. No Committee of the whole. ...

13 April 177615 April 1776April 13. 1776. No Committee of the whole. April 15. No Committee of the whole. ...

16 April 1776Tuesday April 16. 1776. Whereas Information has been this day laid before Congress, from which there is great reason to believe that Robert Eden Esq. ...

17 April 177618 April 1776Wednesday April 17. 1776. Thursday April 18. No Committee of the whole. ...

19 April 1776Fryday April 19. Resolved that a Committee of seven be appointed to examine and ascertain the Value of the several Species of Gold and Silver Coins cu...

22 April 1776Monday April 22. 1776. A Letter from the Canada Commissioners, one from General Washington of the 19th, one from General Schuyler, inclosing sundry Le...

23 April 1776Tuesday April 23. 1776. The Committee to whom the Letters from General Washington, General Schuyler and the Letters from Canada &c. were referred brou...

24 April 1776Wednesday April 24. Thomas Heywood Heyward Junr. Esqr. a new Member from Carolina, and an excellent one, appeared in Congress from South Carolina. On ...

25 April 1776Thursday April 25. 1776. Two Letters from General Washington of the 22 and 23 were referred to Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. J. Adams and Mr. Hewes. Congress res...

26 April 177627 April 1776Fryday April 26. Postponed. Saturday April 27. Ditto. ...

29 April 1776Monday April 29 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Committee on General Washingtons Letter of the 19 and came to sundry Res...

30 April 1776Tuesday April 30. 1776. Congress took into Consideration the Report of the Committee on General Washingtons Letter of the 24 of March, whereupon resol...

2 May 1776Thursday May 2. 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Committee on General Washingtons Letter of the 24 of March last and afte...

3 May 1776Fryday May 3. 1776. A Petition from Peter Simon was presented to Congress and read. Ordered that it be referred to a Committee of three. The Members c...

6 May 1776Monday May 6. 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report on General Washingtons Letter of the 24th. of March, and thereupon came to the fo...

8 May 1776Wednesday May 8. 1776. The Instructions from the Naval Committee to Commodore Hopkins being laid before Congress and read: Ordered That they be referr...

9 May 1776Thursday May 9. 1776. A Committee of the whole:—Mr. Harrison reported a Resolution, which he read and delivered in. The Resolution of the Committee of...

10 May 1776Fryday May 10. 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Resolution reported from the Committee of the whole, and the same was agreed to as foll...

11 May 1776Saturday May 11. 1776. A Petition from John Jacobs in behalf of himself and others was presented to Congress and read. Ordered that it be referred to ...

13 May 1776Monday May 13. 1776. Sundry Petitions were presented to Congress and read, viz. one from Dr. Benjamin Church, and one from Benjamin, Samuel and Edward...

14 May 1776Tuesday May 14. 1776. A Letter of the 11th. from General Washington inclosing sundry Papers; a Letter of the 3d from General Schuyler; and a Letter of...

15 May 1776On Wednesday May 15. 1776 reported the following which was agreed to Whereas his Britannic Majesty, in conjunction with the Lords and Commons of Great...

16 May 1776May 16. 1776. Thursday. The following Letters were laid before Congress and read. One of the first from the Commissioners of Congress in Canada: one o...

20 May 1776Monday. May. 20. 1776. Lyman Hall and Button Gwinnet appear as Delegates from Georgia: both intelligent and spirited Men, who made a powerful Addition...

21 May 1776Tuesday May 21. 1776. Three Letters from General Washington, inclosing Letters and Papers of Intelligence from England, and a Copy of the Treaties mad...

23 May 1776Thursday May 23 1776. Resolved That a Committee of five be appointed to confer with General Washington, Major General Gates, and Brigadier General Mif...

24 May 1776Fryday May 24. 1776. The Committee appointed to confer with his Excellency General Washington, Major General Gates and Brigadier General Mifflin broug...

25 May 1776Saturday May 25. 1776. Resolved that a Committee be appointed to confer with his Excellency General Washington, Major General Gates, and Brigadier Gen...

27 May 1776Monday May 27. 1776. Agreable to order, the Indians were admitted to an Audience. ...

29 May 1776Wednesday May 29. 1776. The Committee appointed to confer with the Generals brought in a Report which was read and considered, Resolved that the farth...

30 May 1776Thursday May 30. 1776. Congress took into Consideration the Report of the Committee appointed to confer with the Generals. Resolved that it be referre...

31 May 1776Fryday May 31. The Committee of Conference brought in a farther report which was read. Resolved that it be referred to the Committee of the whole Cong...

1 June 1776Saturday June 1. 1776. Colonel Joseph Read resigned his Office of Secretary to General Washington. Committee of the whole again. Mr. Harrison reported...

3 June 1776Monday June 3. 1776 Committee of the whole. Mr. Harrison reported sundry resolutions. Leave to sit again. ...

4 June 1776Tuesday June 4th. 1776. Committee of the whole. Mr. Harrison reported more resolutions. Leave to sit again. Resolutions reported postponed. ...

5 June 1776Wednesday June 5th. 1776. Congress took into Consideration the report of the Committee of the whole; whereupon resolved, That a Committee of five be a...

7 June 1776Fryday June 7th. 1776. Certain Resolutions respecting Independency being moved and seconded. Resolved That the Consideration of them be referred till ...

8 June 1776Saturday June 8. 1776. Resolved that the Resolutions respecting Independency be referred to a Committee of the whole Congress. Mr. Harrison reported n...

10 June 1776Monday June 10. 1776. Committee of the whole. Mr. Harrison reported a Resolution. The Resolution agreed to in the Committee of the whole Congress bein...

11 June 1776June 11. 1776. Tuesday. Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed to consider of a Compensation to the Secretary for his services. The Members c...

12 June 1776Wednesday June 12. 1776. Resolved that the Committee to prepare and digest the form of a confederation, to be entered into between these Colonies, con...

15 June 1776Thursday June 15. 1776. Congress having proceeded to the Election of a Committee to form the Board of War and Ordinance, the following Members were ch...

28 June 1776Fryday June 28. 1776 a new Delegation appeared from New Jersey. Mr. William Livingston and all others who had hitherto resisted Independence were left...

1 July 1776Monday July 1. 1776. A Resolution of the Convention of Maryland, passed the 28th. of June was laid before Congress and read: as follows: That the Inst...

4 July 1776July 4. 1776. Resolved that Dr. Franklin, Mr. J. Adams and Mr. Jefferson be a Committee to prepare a device for a Seal for the United States of Americ...

9 July 177615 July 1776Monday July 15. 1776. A Letter from Mr. Jay and two Letters from the Convention of New York of the 11th with sundry Papers inclosed, among which were ...

17 July 1776Wednesday July 17. 1776. The Board of War to whom the Letter from General Washington of the 14th was referred brought in their report which was taken ...

18 July 1776Thursday July 18. 1776. Resolved that a Member be added to the Board of War. The Member chosen Mr. Carrol, an excellent Member, whose Education, Manne...

19 July 1776Fryday July 19. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration whereupon Resolved. See the Resolutions in the Journal....

20 July 1776Saturday July 20. 1776. Resolved that the Letter from General Lee with the papers inclosed, which were received and read Yesterday be referred to the ...

22 July 1776Monday July 22. 1776. The Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole, to take into consideration the Articles of confederation, and after ...

23 July 1776Tuesday July 23. 1776 was employed in making Referrences to the Board of War, and in receiving, considering and adopting their reports, as may be seen...

24 July 1776Wednesday. July 24. 1776. A Letter from Lieutenant Colonel William Allen was laid before Congress and read; requesting Leave to resign his Commission....

25 July 1776Thursday July 25. 1776. A memorial from sundry Officers, who served in Canada, referred to the Board of War. Committee of the whole on the Articles of...

26 July 1776Fryday July 26. 1776. A Committee of the whole, on the Articles of the Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair. ...

29 July 1776Monday July 29. 1776. A long List of Refferences to the Board of War of Letters from Washington, Schuyler, Reed, Trumbull, Convention of New Jersey, C...

30 July 1776Tuesday July 30. 1776. Two reports from the Board of War, with Resolutions in consequence of them as in the Journal. Committee of the whole on the Art...

31 July 1776Wednesday July 31. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration: whereupon Resolved as in the Journal. A Committee o...

1 August 1776Thursday August 1. 1776. Letters from General Mercer and General Roberdeau referred to the Board of War. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Con...

2 August 1776Fryday August 2. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was accepted as in the Journal. The Marine Committee brought in a report, on the Co...

3 August 1776Saturday August 3. 1776. A Letter from Neil McLean, referred to the Board of War. ...

5 August 1776Monday August 5. 1776. Two Letters from General Washington; one from the Council of Virginia, with sundry Copies of Letters from North Carolina And So...

6 August 1776Tuesday August 6. 1776. A Letter of the 5th. from General Washington, enclosing copies of Letters between him and General Howe, respecting the Exchang...

7 August 1776Wednesday August 7th. 1776. A Letter from George Measam referred to the Board of War. A Report from the Board of War, as in the Journal. A Committee o...

8 August 1776Thursday August 8. The Board of War directed to see certain Resolutions carried into Effect. Resolved that the Board of War be directed to take into i...

9 August 1776Fryday August 9th. 1776. The Board of War, brought in a report. Ordered to lie on the Table. Resolved that the Secret Committee be directed to deliver...

10 August 1776Saturday August 10th. 1776. The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken into Consideration: Whereupon Resolved, That Commissions be made out...

12 August 1776Monday August 12. 1776. A Letter from General Washington of the 8th. with sundry Papers enclosed, and one from General Mercer, with one inclosed to hi...

13 August 1776Tuesday August 13. 1776. The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken into Consideration; whereupon Resolved as in the Journal. A Letter of t...

14 August 1776Wednesday. August 14. 1776. A Letter of the 12th from General Washington with a return of the Army at New York, and sundry other Papers inclosed, bein...

15 August 1776Thursday. August 15. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration: whereupon Resolved as in the Journal. A Petition ...

16 August 1776Fryday August 16. 1776. Resolved that a Member be added to the Committee to whom were referred the Letters and Papers respecting the murder of Mr. Par...

17 August 1776Saturday August 17. 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Committee, to whom was referred Brigadier General Woosters Letter re...

19 August 1776Monday August 19. 1776. Letters from General Washington referred to the Board of War. A Letter of the 14th. from Commodore Hopkins was read; whereupon...

20 August 1776Tuesday August 20 1776. A Letter of the 18th. from General Washington, with sundry Papers inclosed, was laid before Congress and read. Resolved that t...

21 August 1776Wednesday August 21. 1776. A Petition from Prudehome La Junesse was read and referred to the Board of War. The Committee to whom part of the Report fr...

22 August 1776Thursday August 22. 1776. Letters from Generals Washington and Schuyler with Papers inclosed, referred to the Board of War. The Board of War brought i...

23 August 1776Fryday August 23. 1776. A Letter of the 21. from General Washington inclosing a Copy of a Letter from him to Lord Howe, together with his Lordships An...

26 August 1776Monday August 26. 1776. Three Letters of the 22 and 23 from General Washington with sundry Papers inclosed; a Letter from William Finnie, deputy Quart...

27 August 1776Tuesday August 27. 1776. A Letter of the 23d from General Mercer, was read and referred to the Board of War. The Board of War brought in a report, whi...

29 August 1776Thursday August 29. 1776. A Letter of the 27th. from R. H. Harrison, the Generals Secretary, and one of the 28th. from General Mercer, both giving an ...

30 August 1776Fryday August 30. 1776. A Memorial from Mr. Kosciusko was read and referred to the Board of War. ...

2 September 1776Monday. September 2. 1776. A Letter of the 31. of August from General Washington, inclosing the determination of a Council of War, and the reasons for...

3 September 1776Tuesday September 3. 1776. General Sullivan, having reduced to Writing the verbal message from Lord Howe, the same was read as follows: “The following...

4 September 1776Wednesday September 4. 1776. Resolved that the board of War be directed to call in the several Recruiting Parties of the German Battalions, and to hav...

5 September 1776Thursday September 5. 1776. A Petition referred to the Board of War. Resolved That General Prescot, and Brigadier General McDonald be sent by the Boar...

6 September 1776Fryday September 6. 1776. Resolved that General Sullivan be requested to deliver to Lord Howe, the Copy of the Resolution given to him. Resolved that ...

7 September 1776Saturday September 7. 1776. A Letter of the 5th. from Charles Preston, Major of the 26th. Regiment a Prisoner, was read and referred to the Board of ...

9 September 1776Monday September 9, 1776. Resolved, that in all Continental Commissions, and other Instruments where heretofore the Words, “United Colonies,” have bee...

13 September 1776Fryday September 13. 1776. The Committee appointed to confer with Lord Howe, having returned made a verbal Report. Ordered that they make a report in ...

17 September 1776Tuesday. September 17th. 1776. The Committee appointed to confer with Lord Howe, agreable to the order of Congress, brought in a report in Writing, wh...

13 September 1776 I return to the Journal of Congress. Fryday September 13. 1776. Two Letters of the 7th. and 11. from General Washington, one of the Eighth from Gene...

14 September 1776Saturday September 14. 1776. A Letter from R. H. Harrison, Secretary to General Washington, was read. Four French Officers, who arrived in the Repris...

16 September 1776Monday September 16. 1776. A Letter of the 14th. from General Washington, One of the 9th. from General Schuyler, inclosing a copy of one from General ...

17 September 1776Tuesday September 17. 1776. Sundry Resolutions being moved and seconded, in Addition to those passed Yesterday, relative to the New Army. After debat...

18 September 1776Wednesday September 18. 1776. The Board of War, brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration and six resolutions adopted, from it, which a...

19 September 1776Thursday September 19. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration, and five Resolutions adopted from it, which se...

20 September 1776Fryday September 20th. 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Articles of War, which being debated in Paragraphs, were agreed to as follows. ...

23 September 1776Monday September 23. 1776. A Letter of the 20 and 21st. from General Washington; two of the 19th. from J. Trumbull; one of the 21st. from the Conventi...

24 September 1776Tuesday September 24. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was read. Ordered to lie on the Table. The Board of War brought in a farther r...

25 September 1776Wednesday, September 25. 1776. Two Letters from General Lee; one of the 24th. of August to the President, the other of the 27 of the same Month to the...

27 September 1776Fryday. September 27. 1776. Two Letters of the 24th. and 25th from General Washington, with sundry Papers inclosed; one of the 20th. from the Conventi...

28 September 1776Saturday September 28. 1776. The Board of War, to whom the Petition of William McCue was referred, brought in a report, whereupon Resolved, as in the...

30 September 1776Monday September 30. 1776. Resolved that the Board of War be impowered and directed, on requisition of the General, or commanding Officers in the sev...

1 October 1776Tuesday October 1. 1776. Resolved that a Committee of four be appointed to confer with Brigadier General Mifflin. The Members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee, ...

1 October 1776October 1st. 1776. Resolved that a Committee of four be appointed to confer with Brigadier General Mifflin. The Members chosen Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. She...