Papers of John Adams, volume 20

To Samuel Barrett

To William Tudor

From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 11 June 1789 Adams, John Bowdoin, James
To James Bowdoin
Dear Sir New York June 11. 1789

I have recieved the Letter you did me, the honour to write me, on the 30. of May: but have not yet had an opportunity to See Mr Boid.1

Whenever that Gentleman shall appear, it will be a pleasure to me to give him all the Attention and Assistance, in my Power, which may be due to public Justice, and to your Recommendation.

We proceed Slowly: but in digesting Plans so new, so extensive and so important, it is impossible to bring Bodies of Man to a clear Comprehension of Things and a mutual Satisfaction without long deliberation and debate.

I called on Sir John Temple last Saturday and tho I was sorry to find him in so ill health, I apprehend with Exercise and Care he will get the better of his Complaint.2

19

With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, Sir, your most obedient and / most humble servant

John Adams.

RC (MHi:Winthrop Family Papers); internal address: “Governor Bowdoin”; endorsed: “1789. / Letter from John Adams / Esqr. Vice President of / the United States. / dated New York June / 11th:—” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 115.

1.

For American sympathizer James Boyd’s efforts to reclaim land near Passamaquoddy, Mass. (now Maine), see vol. 19:484–485.

2.

John Temple served as British consul general to the United States from Feb. 1785 to his death in 1798. He was married to Bowdoin’s daughter, Elizabeth (vol. 17:16; AFC , 4:240).