Adams, John (1735-1826) To: Hezekiah Niles.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03999 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Quincy Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1817/06 Pagination: 2 p.+engraving. 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Enclosure of papers for publication in Nile's Weekly Register. Adams mentions a letter of Washington's which may have been lost in the burning of Washington, D.C. and warning "Conclude not, from this that my papers are of any great value."
( I have received my pamphlet and your Register, with your letter of the 20th)
"Enclosed are four papers-N. I A letter from President Washington, Aug 27, 1790. N.2. Another Letter on the Same Subject Aug 27, 1790. N.3. First rough draught of an Answer, in my hand Writing 9 [struck] A copy of my answer to the President, which was sent to him dated August 29, 1790, and which, if it was not as consumed in the Vandalion Combustion of Washington is probably now in being among the Archives of the President.
I have motives of private honour and public duty, for wishing to preserve these Papers in print. Your Repository in the best: and if you will insert them you may. But whether you print them, or not I pray you return them to me, as I find it is neccessary, for me to preserve Vouchers."
It is hard at my age and unasisted as I am, to be called upon for Papers accumulated ofr forty year: when a Man must examine a hundred Trifles to find one sentence worth preserving.
You have very civilly invited me to Send papers of publication. This has embarrassed me. The task would require a young Man more time than I have to live. Conclude not, from this that my papers are of great Value. (In my Opinion, if they are printed all printed they would do no good.)
For example, I have Papers, voluminous Papers in Spanish French and English, relative particular Event. I mean, Mirandes, delirious Expeditions to the Carraccas (sic). Papers in which the Honour and interest of England Spain France and especially, of the United States is concerned. And if it is not impudent to name myself, (struck) after such interest, I must say in which, my own public and private Character are deeply interested
I know you cannot publish them: but if you wish to See them, I will Send them to you, on condition that you promise to return to me, all the originals, as you have done very honourably hitherto. For I must as well as I can, preserve Vouchers.
John Adams
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