Adams Family Correspondence, volume 4

John Thaxter to John Adams, 19 December 1780 Thaxter, John JA

1780-12-19

John Thaxter to John Adams, 19 December 1780 Thaxter, John Adams, John

John Thaxter to John Adams

Sir Leyden 19th. Decr. 1780

We arrived here last Evening at six oClock. This Morning We have a Sky and Air truly in the American Style. We have been to a Lecture, where many curious Experiments were made by the Professor of Medicine Mr. Horne.1 At four Clock We go to a Law Lecture.

I have engaged two Rooms at fifteen Guilders per Month, in the same Lodgings with Mr. Waterhouse, whom I find very polite and attentive. On Thursday We take possession of them—I am very sorry We cannot be accommodated sooner.2

The Master for the Greek and Latin Languages will be engaged as soon as possible.

I hope soon to learn that your Eyes are much better.

I have the Honour to be, with perfect Respect, Sir, your most obedient Servt., J Thaxter Junr. 38

RC (Adams Papers).

Johann David Hahn; see note 7 on (second) letter of JA to JQA, 23 Dec., below.

For details on the lodgings see JQA to JA, 21 Dec., below.

John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1780 JA JQA

1780-12-20

John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1780 Adams, John Adams, John Quincy

John Adams to John Quincy Adams

My Son Amsterdam Decr. 20. 1780

You are now at an University, where many of the greatest Men have received their Education.

Many of the most famous Characters, which England has produced, have pursued their Studies for some time at Leyden. Some, tho not many of the Sons of America, have studied there.

I would have you attend all the Lectures in which Experiments are made whether in Philosophy, Medicine or Chimistry, because these will open your mind for Inquiries into Nature: but by no means neglect the Languages.

I wish you to write me, an Account of all the Professorships, and the names of the Professors.1 I should also be obliged to you for as good an Account of the Constitution of the University as you can obtain. Let me know what degrees are conferred there; by whom; and what Examination the Candidates undergo, in order to be admitted to them.

I am your affectionate Father, John Adams2

RC (Adams Papers).

JA himself shortly supplied these to JQA, in his (second) letter of 23 Dec., below.

The order in which JA wrote his two letters to JQA of this date has been established only by guesswork. The beginning of the letter here placed second suggests that JA had been expecting a letter from JQA by the post of this day and was disappointed not to receive one. Besides writing twice to JQA, JA wrote twice this day to Thaxter at Leyden (see Thaxter to JA, 22 Dec., below), but these letters have not been found.

John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1780 JA JQA

1780-12-20

John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1780 Adams, John Adams, John Quincy

John Adams to John Quincy Adams

My dear John Amsterdam Decr. 20. 1780

I have just received a Letter from Mr. Thaxter and another from your Brother,1 and should have been equally pleased with one from you.

Write me as often as you can, and let me know what Professors you Attend and what Instructors attend you, whether you understand the Lectures &c.

The Lectures upon the Greek of the New Testament, I would have you all attend, and those upon Euripides, Sophocles, &c. too if you have Time, and it is thought proper.

You have now a Prize in your Hands indeed. Such as if you do not improve to the best Advantage, you will be without Excuse. But as I know you have an Ardent Thirst for Knowledge and a good Capacity to acquire it, I depend upon it, you will do no Dishonour to yourself nor to the University of Leyden.

Your affectionate Father, John Adams

RC (Adams Papers).

Their letters were dated on the 19th, as stated in the following letter. That of Thaxter is printed above, but CA's has not been found.