Dear Sir | Quincy June 9th 1819 |
Please to accept the third Voloum of the “Defence” the first you will please to return when you have made all the use of it you wish for—the second I hope you have received—a fourth I may here–after lend you on the same condition I have the first[ ]—As you are the only Man now living who studies the Science of Government as far as I know—I should be willing if I had many days to live—to become your Pupil and Disciple, but as it is I can only furnish you with the results of the imperfect inquiry’s of my former days—but I hope you will adopt the sentiment and the resolution, “nullius addictus Iurare inverba magistri”
When I hear you have received the Second and third Volume I will lend you a fourth—
But I fear that so much lumber will incumber you and make you repent of having Commenced a Correspondence / with your most obidient humble Servant
John Adams
MHi: Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.