Papers of John Adams, volume 20

From John Adams to Peter Cunningham, 21 July 1789 Adams, John Cunningham, Peter

To Peter Cunningham

Dear Sir New York July 21. 1789

I have received your favor of the thirteenth of this month, from the hand of Mr McGuire, and am much obliged to you for the information of your welfare, and the situation of your family.1 A country life like yours, retired on a farm is sedom acceptable to a man educated in a city and accustomed to the sea: and therefore your inclination to return into the active world is no surprise to me. Yet 96 there is more safety, more tranquility, and perhaps better prospects for your family, in your present course. What opening there may be, for the employment of your talents in the public service, I am not at present able to conjecture. But I should be obliged to you, if you would write me, in confidence an account of your former actions and services, which will at least be a pleasure to know, if I should never have an opportunity to make use of it to your advantage.

My Family consists of a daughter and three sons. The former is married to Col: Smith and has presented me with two grand sons. My Eldest son, John, is in the study of the law at Newburyport with Mr Parsons— Chas had his degree this month and is now with me— Thomas will take his degree next year.

By this detail you will see, what you knew however very well before that I am not a young man. But I shall never be too old to wish well to your prosperity and that of your family: being with great esteem, Yours

J A

LbC in CA’s hand (Adams Papers); internal address: “Peter / Cunningham Esqr / Pomphret”; APM Reel 115.

Peter Cunningham (1750–1827), JA’s first cousin, served aboard the Continental vessel Hazard during the Revolutionary War ( AFC , 2:341–342). Cunningham, who was struggling as a farmer in Pomfret, Conn., wrote to JA applying for a naval post on 13 July (Adams Papers). He did not receive a post in the Washington administration, and this is the last extant letter between Cunningham and JA.

From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 21 July 1789 Adams, John Hamilton, Alexander

To Alexander Hamilton

Sir Richmond Hill July 21. 1789

Mr Charles Adams, my Second son, the Bearer of this Letter, I beg leave to introduce to you.— He took his degree at our University of Cambridge this Year, and is destined to the Study of the Law.— I wish to get him into some office in New York, and should give the Preference to yours1

But there are two Contingencies, one possible the other probable in the Way. The first is that Congress may force me to Philadelphia or the Lord knows where: the other that you may become a Minister of State, or some other Thing better or worse than the Practice of the Bar, but, however, incompatible with it.

As it is my Intention that my Son Shall board with me, he must follow, wherever Congress shall lead me— If you should leave the Bar, Some other Arrangement must be made for him.

He may go into Town, and come out, with me every day, and attend 97 your Office, from between ten and Eleven, to between three and four. When Your Business presses, he may attend earlier or latter as you shall direct.

If you will take him into your Office immediately, Subject to these Contingencies, I shall be obliged to you, and ask the favour of you to mention to me your Terms. The Circumstances of my Family and Fortune will not permit me to be generous: but it is my determination, in every Circumstance of Life, to be just.— With great Esteem I have the Honour to be, sir your most / obedient Servant

John Adams.

RC (DLC:Alexander Hamilton Papers); internal address: “Col Hamilton.”; endorsed: “21 July 1789 / John Adams”; notation: “COPIED.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 115.

Following his Harvard graduation in June, CA studied law with Hamilton from July to September ( AFC , 8:334, 401). When Hamilton stepped in to serve as treasury secretary, CA removed to a new law office, for which see JA’s letter of 19 Sept. to John Laurance, and note 1, below.