1. Adams, John. Extraordinary autograph letter signed (“John Adams”), 3 pages (6.5 x 8 in.; 165 x 203 mm), London, 3 June 1786. Written to Dr. Samuel Williams, who was the Hollis Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at Harvard, under whom Adams’ sons, John Quincy and Charles, were studying. Slight separations at fold intersections.

Less than three years after the War of Independence between the United States and Great Britain, John Adams writes with remorse about the broken state of relations between the two sovereign nations.

“I am sorry to say that it appears to me the Seperation [sic] between the two Nations must and will be final and perpetual in affection as well as in Laws.”

Adams, as Minister to Great Britain, pens in full: Sir: I am much obliged to you for your Letter of the 9 of April. The Memoirs of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, shall be sent to Sir Joseph Banks, and the other Packet to Manheim. I am much more at ease in my own Mind to have my Sons with you, than I should be to have them here with me, or at any other University and nothing can give me more satisfaction than to hear, that they behave with Propriety. Dr. Gordon’s voyage to England, and his Intention of remaining here, have probably diminished the Number of Subscribers in America, and I much doubt whether he will meet that encouragement in Europe which he expects. Nobody thrives, no Book will sell in this Country, unless it is encouraged by the Court, and the Dr’s History be it what it may, will never be cherished there. The Court and the Nation would be glad to have the whole story blotted out of Memory. There is a general Disposition to prevent every American Work and Character from acquiring Celebration. Every Thing American is so unpopular, that even Printers and Booksellers are afraid of disobliging their Customers, by having any thing to do with it. Nothing of the kind will sell in Prose or Verse. I am sorry to say that it appears to me the Seperation between the two Nations must and will be final and perpetual in affection as well as in Laws. This, which is false Policy in this Country, will be ultimately its destruction, and make it a Signal Example to the World. It is a pity that because a People has been divided in halves, that the two Parts should be destined to be forever Rivals and Enemies at heart, and I cannot say that our own Countrymen, have in all Things acted a rational Part. Yet I do think it has been and is in the Power of this Cabinet, to restore a real Friendship between the two Peoples. But I think now there is very little chance of it because those very Men who acquired their Fame, Popularity and Power by professing friendship to us are now at least as bitter against us and the others. All this however should not prevent us from doing our Duty, in all Points. We shall find our interest in it at last. With great Respect and Esteem
I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and humble Servant John Adams

The English-born clergyman, William Gordon, was pastor of the Third Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He took an active part in public measures during the Revolution, and returned to England in 1786 and published his epistolary history between American and British correspondents entitled, History of the Rise, Progress and Establishment of Independence of the United States in 1788, which was long regarded a faithful narrative, indicative of the passion and urgency of Revolution.

A wonderful letter in which Adams bemoans the distrust between the United States and Great Britain following the War of Independence. Despite his pessimism, Adams, in holding true to his ministerial position, ends on a high note by stating, “All this however should not prevent us from doing our Duty, in all Points. We shall find our interest in it at last.” $30,000 - $50,000