From John Adams to John Quincy Adams

I inclose a Slip with an Essay in it, Signed Richlieu The Editor has poisoned it, with a Silly introduction; but that will not hurt it with you, ‘tho’ it Spoils it here. Who this Connecticut Gentleman is, I cannot conjecture. I did not believe, and cannot yet believe, that there is Brains enough, united with Courage and application enough, in that State to produce Such a paper. Trumbul? Humphreys? Oh! No! Poets produce no Such Things. Who then? I am weary of Conjectures. I Should Suspect, your Everett, or your Rival Lloyd; but I cannot.

Your and my dear Boys will carry this. How can I part with them? They will demand all your Wisdom. John is Activity itself, with a fine Capacity. He can learn readily any Thing you please. George, knows more of my Library than I do. He is So good and Useful to me that I know not what to do, without him.

Mr Samuel G. Perkins and his Lady, once Miss Barbara Perkins Higginson will have the Guardianship of your Sons in England till you give Orders concerning them. We long for Letters from You at Paris, and hope you have made the promised Visit to Madam de Stael to whom my respectful Compliments