Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, September 24, 1822
Borden Town [ , Start insertion, 24-26 Sept. 1822 , End, ] 24 Sept We dined at the Counts and while walking in the garden he told me an excellent…
Louisa Catherine Adams was the first lady of the United States from 1825 to 1829 during the presidency of her husband John Quincy Adams. She was born in England and raised in France. Her father was an influential American merchant, and she was regularly introduced to prominent Americans. After her family returned to England, she met John Quincy Adams in 1795, and the two began a tenuous courtship. They married in 1797 after being engaged for a year, beginning a marriage of disagreements and personality conflicts. She joined her husband on his diplomatic mission to Prussia, where she was popular with the Prussian court. When they returned to the United States, her husband became a senator and she gave birth to three sons. John was appointed minister to the Russian Empire in 1809, and they traveled to the Russian Empire without their two older sons, against Louisa's wishes.
Borden Town [ , Start insertion, 24-26 Sept. 1822 , End, ] 24 Sept We dined at the Counts and while walking in the garden he told me an excellent…
Washington 25 Octbr. 1822 My Dear Charles John in his last Letter to me tells me that you make a secret of my Letters to you and will not let…
Washington 25 Octbr 1822 My Dear John Your last is written under such disagreeable circumstances it partook a good deal of your general discomfort in its tone and expression. I…
Washington 1 November 1822 My Dear Charles I am so concerned at the style of your last Letter I hasten to answer it immediately although I have not had it…
[ , Start insertion, 14-31 Dec. 1822 , End, ] 14th December. We were all so exhausted that we determined to keep quiet all day at home. Received a Note…
[ , Start insertion, 1-20 Jan 1823 , End, ] 1st January. If the weather to day is ominous of the storms of the ensuing year we must not expect…
Washington 23 Feby. 1823 At last my dear Charles I find a moment of leisure to address you not having had a moment since you left us disengaged from company—We…
Washington 11 March 1823 I have been so sick with the Influenza it has not been possible to write independent of which the perpetual round of dissippation in which I…
Washington 21 March 1823 My Dear John Worn out by fatigue parties influenza and all sorts of weariness both of mind and body I have really been too idle to…
Washington 26 April 1823. I have been very sick confined to my bed for several days therefore not able to write to either of you as I have intended as…
Washington 3 May 1823 My Dear Father I should certainly have answered your last very kind Letter immediately, had I not been very suddenly siezed by a violent Fever which…
Washington 5 May 1823 Being better to day my dear Charles I hasten to write to you fearful if I delay that a Chill and another attack of fever should…
Washington 10 May 1823 What shall I say to you my Dear John? or how shall I refrain from reproaching you? I will not judge you because I cannot yet…
Washington 11 May 1823 I received yesterday my dear Charles your Letter of the 4th. and hasten to answer it as I really feel anxious lest the heated atmosphere in…
Washington 11th. May 1823 From Letters received from Edward Taylor and Charles, I at length understand that the unpleasant occurrence which has taken place at Cambridge has again proved one…
Washington 28 June 1823 Huzza, my little gallant Soldier—what wonderful feats of glorious prowess am I to anticipate from your valour?—Military and philosophical a union of necessity for I believe…
Washington 3d July 1823 My Dear John I am, as well as your father, much delighted at the account you give of your Grandfathers health, and heartily pray that he…
Washington 5 July 1823 My Dear Charles I am very much pained by your account of your health and hope sincerely that you have made a short visit to Quincy…
Washington 17 July 1823 I am very sorry my Dear Charles to find by your last Letter that your health is not good but am glad to see that your…
Washington 18 July 1823 I cannot imagine my Dear John what can be the reason of your not writing to me. You used to be a very regular correspondent, but…
Washington 27 July 1823 You are right my Dear Charles to go Quincy for a few days to restore your health a little before the vacation and I am glad…
Washington 3 August 1823 Your Letter my dear John gave us great uneasiness on your Grandfathers account and we feel very anxious lest the violence of the shock should have…
Washington 6 August 1823 In answer to your last my Dear John I can only say that if the accomodations are so suitable and the price so reasonable as you…
Washington 18 October 1823 My Dear Mary We have arrived safely after a most unpleasant journey which however I richly meritted for my wilfulness in travelling in such weather—I lost…