Papers of John Adams, volume 20
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
19With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, Sir, your most obedient and / most humble servant
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.
For American sympathizer James Boyd’s efforts to reclaim land near Passamaquoddy, Mass. (now Maine), see vol. 19:484–485.
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).