From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams

The Laws of descent, & of [devisee] of intestate are so intricately involved in the case stated by your letter of the 9th. instt. & it may be so much affected by Statutes of the Commonwealth passed since I was in the practice of the Law, that I can only say that I will sanction any act of my father which can dispose of my eventual title to a portion of the estate So far as I understand your Statement, my fathers right is by the Curtesy, a life estate. The remainder being in my mothers Children & their representatives in Common. The right of remainder cannot I believe be legally retained conveyed by him: but I am ready to give my consent to his conveyance in any form that may be necessary. In your enumeration of the heirs, you have omitted Mrs James [R] Tyler & Louisa E. Smith

I have not seen the Letter, which you mention as having Seen published in the Courier extracted from Dr Morse’s “Annals.”

I rejoice to hear, that you are all in health. Ours is variable like the weather. I have the remnant of a stubborn influenza upon me. Mary Hellen is convalescent from a more severe attack. The rest of us tolerably well.

Affectionately your’s.