Adams Family Correspondence, volume 10
Your Letter of Yesterdays Date has given me much Pleasure. I recognize in it, my own son. Your Language to the Gentleman was manly and your sentiments independent. Col. Smiths Aberrations from the true system of his Country have given me great Uneasiness. You must let me know in Confidence, the Name of the Gentleman.
Every Citizen has a right to think, speak and Act for himself in his own Sphere, and I have no Authority to dictate to Col smith. But I think his Conduct imprudent, and will not be responsible for his sentiments.
If he is determined to unite himself with French Politicks and Antifœderal Parties, he must take the Consequences, but I will give 109 him no Countenance in it. Write me candidly and in Confidence all you know of his Manœuvres. I am my / Dear Charles your Father
RC (MHi:Seymour Coll.); internal address: “Charles Adams.”