Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) to Joseph Pitcairn

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04900.01 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Place Written: Berlin, Germany Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 April 1801 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 23.3 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses their correspondence, personal matters, and politics. Mentions the "Silesian letters" and comments on the cession of Louisiana to Florida. Pitcairn was stationed at Hamburg. Sealed with black mourning wax.

Joseph Pitcairn was a merchant and diplomat who died in 1844.

Berlin 18. April 1801
Dear Sir.

I duly received your favou I duly received your favour of the 14th inst: with several letter from America - One of which marked by you as forwarded March 31. It must have been delayed at the Post-Office - Your constant puctuality in niticing the receipt of mine with enclosures for America, induces me also to mention that I sent you on the same 31. March a letter for my
brother, which I hope you received.

I now enclose several letters for America - That for my father I wish if possible to go by the same vessel with that I sent you by the past post - Because having the alarming illness of my wife after her delivery, I am desirous to remove by the information that she is now much better. - The letter for Mr. Little-page comes from
America, and I will be obliged to you to have it safely delivered to him.

You were right in your conjectures respecting the Silesian letters - They are those you were kind enough to forward to my brother - Written only for the perusal of him and my relations in America, but which he has thought worthgiving to the public.

I think like you, with respect to the cession of the Floridas' and Louisiana - It will have some inconveniences and some advantages - The balance between them must be under the lock and key of time.

Count Castel-Alfer, the Sardinaian Minister, encourages me to hope we shall have the pleasure of seeing you and your Lady soon here - I need not tell you how much will
gratify us, and how desirous we shall be to render your visit here as agreeable to you as
possible.
I sincerely hope the Danes will content themselves with one harsh practical lesson of wisdom, and that all the world will honestly and sincerely begin to wish for peace.

Truly yours'.
Mr. Pitcairn Verso:
Verso:
A Monsieur / Monsieur Pitcairn/ Conful Americain/ a/ Franco. Hamburg.
[docket]:
J.Q. Adams
18 April 1801
20 do[?] Rd.
21 and -

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Pitcairn, Joseph, fl. 1801-1815

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