John Quincy Adams to John Adams, May 13, 1781

Leyden May 13th 1781

Honour’d Sir

As you may possibly not come here before the 18th I write to know, if I must leave these
lodgings at that time, as the month will then be up, and if I stay any longer I must begin
another month.

I have finish’d Phaedrus’s fables and the lives of Miltiades, Themistocles, Aristides,
Pausanias, Cimon, and Lysander; and Am going next upon Alcibiades in Cornelius Nepos, I shall
begin upon Alcibiades next. 1 I transcribe and
learn also a Greek verb through the Active, Passive and Medium Voices every day.

We have no news here, though as you know Sir, this is a barren place for that. Please to
write me them if you have any. I saw Mr. Luzac last evening he desires his respects to
you.

I am your dutiful Son,

John Quincy Adams

P.S. I hope brother Charles has got entirely well. Dr. Waterhouse says he gets flesh. I
should be very glad if he would write to me.