20 Sep. 1779
Original paper slip text:20 Sept. 1779.
Braintree,
Original paper slip text:Braintree
to
2 p.
- Received from Sang Autograph Collection of U.S. Presidents, Henry M. Seymour Library, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois 61401, 23 May 1990.
- ALs offered for sale, Goodspeed's, Cat. 510, item 2.
- 2. Adams, John. A.L.S., two pages, quarto, 1779. In brilliant condition. To Elbridge Gerry. 20 Sept. 1779. $425.00
- Times have not changed a bit since we sent John Adams to France to represent the emerging nation. Today our diplomats complain of the niggardly allowances for service overseas and in 1779 Adams returns home from France complaining about his cut of 50% for service abroad, pointing out . . . "not half, I suppose of what I could have honourably earned at Home, in my Profession: not half, to be Sure of what Some Gentlemen of the Bar have actually earned here, since my Departure. . . .
- "In short I have been very greatly baffled as every other, modest and virtuous Man, is like to be.
- "What is the Reason that you and I cannot Speculate in Change ally; that We cannot trumpet our own Praises, that we cannot avail ourselves of our public Characters, to get private Credit in Trade, and make Fame and Fortune like other Men? I begin to believe that we had better leave it to those who can? This is the Way to get Popularity as well as Power. This is the way I find to obtain the Confidence of the People. This is the only Way, in which they will suffer any Man to do them good." Adams then compliments Gerry. "You must depart from those fair, honourable, virtuous, benevolent & publick spirited Principles, or you must loose that Sagacity and Judgment which I ever found in you, before my Confidence, will be lost or diminished. What your Conduct has been in Congress, since I parted from you, I know not, but Some of your Votes that I have Seen were more consistent with Truth, Justice and Sound Policy, than others that I see in the Same Page. Pray let me know a little of these Things and believe me, with unabated affection, your / Friend & Servt / John Adams."
- See also: The Collector, 21(239), June 1908, 23(253), Aug. 1909. LCF, 28 Aug. 1957
- Information transferred from multiple blue slips now deleted. ER 8/25/2015
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