John Adams to John Quincy Adams, September 12, 1801

Quincy September 12. 1801

My dear son

The 11 th. of September is reckoned
among the happiest days of my Life: The Navy officers who composed the late Court
Martial on Capt Little, came out to visit me, with M r shaw
who brought me your favor of the 4 th dated at Philadelphia, informing me of your arrival on that day with my Daughter and
Grandson in as good health as could be expected.— 1 You do not expressly say whether you intend to
accompany M rs Adams to Washington or not. if you do it will
be much more than three Weeks before I shall have the pleasure to embrace you. But
knowing that you are on American ground, I shall not be impatient. However this may be I
hope you will consider my house as your home, for yourself your Lady and son, as well as
for your and her servants and Domesticks,. We can accommodate you all as well as Destiny
intends that you and I ought to be accommoded, at least untill you have Time to
deliberate on your future Arrangements.

It is fortunate that your Brother, was the first to see you in
America. He can tell you every Thing, and will not deceive you. He is prudent as well as
intelligent: honest, as well as candid.

I have many projects in my head to communicate to you, for your
Establishment, which however must be all very modest, very humble, very unassuming.— I
shall leave them all to your choice knowing;—very well knowing that your Judgment is
better than that of your affectionate Father

John Adams