To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams

17 January 1814

Dear and Honoured Grandpapa.

St: Petersburg 17. January 1814

I have been learning to write more than a year; and it is high time for me to try to turn my learning to some use; and I can make no better use of it than by writing to my Grandparents and my Brothers to give them tokens of my duty and affection. It is so long since I came from home, that I cannot remember how they look, nor the place where I was born; but I shall never forget the love and duty that I owe to my Grandparents, my Brothers and my Country: and I shall always be proud that I am a free-born American.

I learn at school English, German, and Russian; Drawing and Cyphering: but I have only learnt Addition and little Subtraction; and am now learning the Multiplication Table.

Papa says that he thinks you would like better to hear of my learning Greek and Latin; but I hope that will come in due time.

Meanwhile, I remain, / Honoured Sir, / your dutiful and affectionate Grandson,

Charles Francis Adams.

MHi: Adams Papers.

This early access document derives from raw transcriptions, prior to editing and publication in Rotunda's American History Collection. If this document is cited in formal research, it should be noted that it is not a final version, and that the URL you used to access it is not permanent.
Please report any errors or problems you notice in documents.