Explanation of Departure from Washington as Mourning for Son's Death
Item
Type
Letterbook
Title
Explanation of Departure from Washington as Mourning for Son's Death
Description
Addresses an apparent inquiry into his sudden and unannounced departure from the capital before the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson by stating that he left in the midst of mourning the recent death of his son Charles Adams. Reports quietude in New England.
year created
1801
month created
03
day created
24
author
sent from location
Stony Field, Quincy
recipient
in collection
in image
note
Recipient cannot be confirmed from image.
notable person/group
Samuel Dexter
John Adams
Joseph Dougherty
domestic
son
notable location
Quincy
Massachusetts
Stony Field
notable item/thing
papers
mourning
funeral
grief
tranquility
notable idea/issue
death
document number
1801032440001
page start
1
transcription
Stony field Quincy March 24 1801.
Sir
I have received your favor of March 8th, with the letter inclosed for which I thank you. Inclosed is a letter to me of your domestick Joseph Dougherty
Had you read the papers inclosed they might have given you a moment of melancholly or at least of sympathy with a mourning father. They related wholly to the funeral of a son, who was once the delight of my eyes & a darling of my heart, [sent?] off in the flower of his days, amidst very flattering prospects by causes which have been the greatest grief of my heart.
heart and the deepest affliction of my life. It is not possible that any thing of the kind should happen to you & I sincerely wish you may never experience any thing in any degree resembling it.
This part of the union is in a state of perfect tranquility & I see nothing to obscure your prospect of a quiet & prosperous administration which I heartily wish you.
With great respect I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient & very humble sert
Sir
I have received your favor of March 8th, with the letter inclosed for which I thank you. Inclosed is a letter to me of your domestick Joseph Dougherty
Had you read the papers inclosed they might have given you a moment of melancholly or at least of sympathy with a mourning father. They related wholly to the funeral of a son, who was once the delight of my eyes & a darling of my heart, [sent?] off in the flower of his days, amidst very flattering prospects by causes which have been the greatest grief of my heart.
heart and the deepest affliction of my life. It is not possible that any thing of the kind should happen to you & I sincerely wish you may never experience any thing in any degree resembling it.
This part of the union is in a state of perfect tranquility & I see nothing to obscure your prospect of a quiet & prosperous administration which I heartily wish you.
With great respect I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient & very humble sert
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (2 pages) | IDB24 (2 pages) | Collection: John Adams Papers | R: 120 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | John Adams | Stony Field, Quincy | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Samuel Dexter | [unknown] | [n/a] |