Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, May 16, 1802
Philadelphia 16 th: May
1802
Dear Brother.
I received, at Norristown, while attending a County Court, your
favor of the 25 th: ult: with an enclosure for Old-school,
which is already delivered to him. 1 He is
thankful for it, as well as for the translation of Bülow, which you will perceive he has
begun to publish. The concluding sentence of the Editor’s introduction will excite your
smile, as being the first instance, wherein he has indulged, even a complacent
expression, in behalf of Republican freedom. 2 He is now fully convinced, that an Editor of a
public paper, in this Country, must learn to sooth, if not to flatter, the ruling
passions of the multitude; that he must sometimes coax & intreat opinion, even where
opposed to his own conviction; because mankind are very little disposed to hear their
foibles censured with the severity of a Cato, or their justice measured by the scale of
an Aristides.
Oliver threatens to epistolise you for goodfellowship’ sake, and I
assure him, you are not tardy of reply. His patronage, this year, is not equal to that
of the last, though, in my opinion, the merit of his paper is greater. Do you ever
discuss the topic, in any of your meetings?
In those volumes of letters, which you found in Holland I recollect
many, which would bear publication; and Shaw can do nothing
better than copy such as you may designate. What a sly old fox, was that Monsieur
Franklin. I never read a more wary diplomatic document than the letter you sent. 3
I lately received from M r: Charles
Cushing Jun r: of Boston, two notes of hand, drawn by the
house of Forrest & Stoddert in favor of M r: Charles House & endorsed by him. M r: Cushing supposed, that the house of Forrest & Stoddert
was established in this City & therefore requests me to present the notes for
payment.
I have written to him on the subject & requested further
instructions, but have yet received no answer. 4 I wish you would take the trouble to see him,
and ask what I am to do with the notes. I believe the house of Forrest & Stoddert
failed, and think it doubtful whether any thing can now be had from them. I should
nevertheless wish to know what disposition I am to make of the Copies of notes. M r: Cushing informed me, in his
letter, that he had other documents in his possession, confessing the debt &
promising payment.
With best love to your wife & all friends / I am dear brother /
Your’s
T. B. Adams.