The Adams-Jefferson Letters: The Complete Correspondence Between Thomas Jefferson and Abigail and John Adams (Published for the Omohundro Institute of ... History and Culture, Williamsburg, Virginia) by Lester J Cappon (ed)

Author:Lester J Cappon (ed)
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Published: 1988-09-30T04:30:00+00:00

Adams to Jefferson

Quincy May 29. 1813.

DEAR SIR

To leave the Pettifogger of Fu[r]nivals Inn, or Cliffords Inn, his Archbishop Laud, and his Chevalier of St. lago of Compostella, Sir Christopher Gardiner, for the present; Paulo Multo majora canamus.64

There has been put into my hands, within a few days a gross Volume in octavo, of 544 Pages, with the Title of “Memoirs of the late reverend Theophilus Lindsey, M. A.” including a brief “Analysis of his Works; together with Anecdotes and Letters of eminent Persons, his Friends and Correspondents: also a general View of the progress of the Unitarian doctrine in England and America. By Thomas Belsham, Minister of the Chapel in Essex Street [London, 1812].”

Whether you have seen this Work, I know not. But this I know, the Author, and his Friends ought to have sent you a Copy of it; and therefore I conclude they have.

With Lindsey, Disney, Price, Priestley, Jebb, Kippis etc. and their Connections, whom I could name, I was much Acquainted in London from 1785 to 1788. These Characters, with Cappe, Farmer, and a multitude of others, figure in this Work. The Religion, the Philosophy, the Morality, the Politicks which these People teach, have been Objects of my anxious Attention for more than Three Score Years, as I could demonstrate to you, if I could give you a brief Sketch of my Life. But my Life has been too trifling and my Actions too insignificant for me to write or the Public to read. In my wandering romantic Life, with my incessant Res angusta Domi,65 and my numerous unfortunate Family, of Children and Grand Children without the honour, which you have attained of being a great grandfather, tho’ I have a near prospect of it; it has been impossible for me to pursue such Inquiries with any thing like Learning.

What may be the Effect, of these “Memoirs” in the U. S. if they should become public I know not; and I will add I care not, for I wish every Subject to be discussed at all Events. The human Mind is awake: Let it not Sleep. Let it however consider. Let it think, Let it pause.

This Work must produce a noise in U. S. Fiat Justitia [“Let justice be done”]. The 12th. Article in the Appendix is “Letters from Dr. Priestley to Mr. Lindsey: and from Thomas Jefferson Esq. President of the United States to Dr. Priestley, p. 525. The first Letter from you is dated March 21. 1801, at Washington. The second April 9. 1803 at Washington.66 Dr. Priestleys Letter to Mr. Lindsey, containing remarks upon Mr. Jeffersons Letter is dated Northumberland April 23. 1803.

I wish to know, if you have seen this Book. I have much to say on the Subject. And you may depend upon it, I will discuss the Subject with as much Candour, as much Friendship, as much Freedom, as Price, Priestley, Lindsey, Cappe or Farmer ever displayed in their Controversies. I have not time to enlarge at present.

I will only Add, have you seen the Naval History by Mr.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.