John Adams Free Frank, Addressed to Massachusetts Politician and Author, H.A.S. Dearborn

Dearborn, son of General Henry Dearborn, was Collector of the Port of Boston and the first president of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society

Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn was a Massachusetts politician and author, and son of the Revolutionary War General, Henry Dearborn. In 1822, he was serving as the Collector of the Port of Boston and was an active member of several historical and scientific societies (he was the first President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society). He was also a general in the state militia. Dearborn engaged in correspondence with both John Adams, who was 87 years old at the time, and John Quincy Adams, who was Secretary of State.

On November 20, 1822, Adams wrote Dearborn a letter, thanking him for sending along a work related to Revolutions. He wrote, “I know of no Monument that has ever yet been erected in America, of persevering application and indefatigable research, which has resulted in such a Mass of knowledge, as it relates to regions which will infallibly attract the attention of mankind, for Centuries to come, more than any other; and produce Revolutions, which no human sagacity can foresee in detail.”

This is the free frank from that letter. The letter is likely addressed by Adams’ granddaughter: “Quincy, Ms, November 20, 1822,” the word “Free,” and the addressee “Genl. H.A.S. Dearborn, Boston.” Adams has then signed and added the word “Roxbury,” indicating that the letter would more likely to reach Dearborn there. Roxbury was the place Dearborn lived. Adams had developed a condition later in life that made writing difficult and created hand tremors.