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 (1735-1826) to Benjamin Lincoln

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07101 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Quincy, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 November 1793 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25.3 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Adams as vice president to Lincoln after his unsuccessful mission to make peace with the Northwest Indians. Says he read with interest Lincoln's report on why peace was not achieved. Says the report fits with the facts he learned while in Europe and that he has not "the least difficulty in believing that you have develloped the true Causes of the Continuance of the Indian War." Praises America's policy of neutrality toward the European powers and says "while they are exhausted I hope we are safe." Says he is jealous of the English-Spanish alliance and would like to be able to work with France in an alliance to be just as powerful, but this he claims is "impossible."

Quincy November 14. 1793
Dear Sir
The inclosed Reasons why the Commissioner did not make Peace with the Indians, I have read with all the Interest that the Subject and the manner of treating it naturally inspire. The Facts are so natural and conformable at the same time to all the Observations I was able to make, and all the Information I could obtain during my Residence both in France and England, that I have not a doubt of their truth, nor the least difficulty in believing that you have develloped the true Causes of the Continuance of the Indian War.
Providence by abandoning the Powers of Europe to the blind Domination of their Passions, is working out for us, I hope, that Safety which I despaired of enjoying so long, When I left [struck: Europe] that Quarter of the World. While they are exhausted I hope We may be safe. [2] But it may not be many Years before the impatience of our own People may involve them in Quarells as exhausting as those of Europe. I am a devout Churchman in one Point "Give us Peace in our Day."
The present unnatural Combination of England with Spain, gives me sometimes so much jealousy that, if I could in Conscience, I should be disposed to go all Lengths with the Rulers in France. But this is impossible.
I am, dear Sir with great Esteem
And sincere affection your Friend
John Adams
General Lincoln

[docket]
Vice President
Nov 14. 1793

Adams, John, 1735-1826
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources