Adams, John, second President

Autograph letter signed ("John Adams"), one page (9 7/8 x 7 5/8 in.; 250 x 193 mm), Quincy, 23 October 1814, with separate address leaf franked by Adams ("J. Adams"), to Governor William Plumer of New Hampshire, with Plumer's draft of his reply (25 November 1814) on the verso of Adams's letter and both sides of the address leaf, commenting on New England opposition to the War of 1812; washed and pressed, long tear on Adams's letter repaired, address leaf inlaid with seal tear closed. Beige linen folding case, black morocco spine, russet morocco lettering pieces.  

Adams comments on New England opposition to the War of 1812. Plumer, a former Federalist who joined the Jeffersonian Republicans in 1808, sent Adams a copy of his "Address to the Clergy of New England ..." a pamphlet attacking Congregationalist ministers who preached against support of the government's war efforts. Adams remarks: "It is written with admirable temper, and carries demonstration with it, to every mind that is not rendered by party prejudice and passion, insensible to evidence. Too many of our Clergy are going the Way of the Magi, the Druids, the Mandarines, the Mufti, the Brahmins, the Pontiffs of antient and modern times; by making themselves the willing instruments of an ignorant popularity an insolent Oligarchy, or a tyrannical foreign Power. I have heared some of the grossest Newspaper Slanders trumpeted from the Pulpit; against the most important men in the Nation; and I have heared a Philipii against myself as ardent and virulent as any of Cicero against Cataline or Anthony or Vorres in a most Solemn and fervent prayer to all mighty God, deliv[ere]d on the Sabbath before a numerous Congregation, in the Seat of one of our most respectable Universitys ... " Although reluctant to be more explicit in the matter, Adams cannot resist sounding out Plumer on the fate of Massachusetts' call for the Hartford Convention: "Upon public affairs  I cannot write. Let me nevertheless ask one question: Are the People of New Hampshire, prepared, ready and willing to second our Massachusetts Legislature in the great and bold atchievements which they appear to have in Contemplation?"

Plumer's draft reply offers insight into the political situation in New Hampshire concerning support for the war and for the secessionist movement embodied in the Hartford Convention. Plumer responds by writing: "You ask my opinion whether New Hampshire is prepared to adopt the measures of the Massachusetts Legislature.. I think not. Though dismemberment has its advocates here, they cannot obtain a majority of the people or their representatives to adopt or avow it. How far their covert proceedings, aided by the imposition of taxes, and the adoption of other measures necessary to carry on the war, may eventually influence our people to aid them in their projects, time alone can disclose." He concludes: "If we are worthy of the blessings of a free govt.—if we possess the temper & virtue of freemen, I cannot but think a spirit will soon pervade the people which will hurl these modern Jeroboams who have not the ambition suited to govern a whole people, into that obscurity they so richly merit."