John Adams to William Smith Shaw, July 10, 1808

Quincy July 10. 1808

Mr. Shaw

I request the favour of you to insert the foregoing Letter in the next Anthology. It is a material Document in the Life of Washington, as well as in mine and my Sons. As I was bitterly reproached for promoting my Son, though I never did promote him, but only removed him with the same Rank and Appointment from Lisbon to Berlin, Washingtons Letter ought to have been considered as a Justification of it, or at least an Apology for it, if I had really promoted him. I have never before made any Use of this Testimony, and probably it would have remained forever unknown had not my Son as well as myself been so cruelly used. But as Things are now circumstanced, I am determined it shall be published: and if you will not insert it I will send it to Ben Russell, and if he will not, to the Chronicle. The original Letter all in Washingtons own hand, may be seen when you please. affectionately yours,

J. Adams