Mary Wollstonecraft, An Historical and Moral View of the Origin and Progress of the French Revolution (London: J. Johnson, 1794), vol. 1 (no more published). John Adams's copy: Boston Public Library, Adams 221.15. Read and annotated 1796, re-read and added to 1812. 264 annotated pages, ~10,000 words of commentary — the most heavily annotated book he owned.
- Complete scan of his copy: Internet Archive
- Base transcription: LibraryThing WikiThing (made with Boston Public Library staff help)
- Checked against: Zoltán Haraszti, John Adams and the Prophets of Progress (1952), ch. XI; the PBS/BPL "Adams Unbound" selections; and 13 scan pages read by eye (see ledger at end).
- Page numbers are the printed pages of the 1794 edition. Each entry links to the exact scan page.
Method — how the modern English was made
Two passes, Fathers-style. Adams = his words, spelling/punctuation cleaned only where the transcription or the scan plainly shows a slip (all such fixes listed in the ledger). Modern = the same thought in current English, in his voice; shown only where it differs from the original. Nothing added that isn't in his note; bracketed words are editorial glosses, not his.
Standing modernizations (applied throughout, not noted each time): 18th-century noun capitals lowered; spelling normalized to his own American forms (Defense, favor); it's → its; & → and; ye → the; vid. → see; Ton → fashion [the fashionable tone]; belie → slander; ascertained → established; Intelligence → understanding; Projects → schemes; allows → admits; Manius, Silla → Marius, Sulla; Rochefoucault kept as he spells it [= La Rochefoucauld]; Needham kept [= Marchamont Nedham]; ore rotundo, felo de se, per saltum, summum bonum kept, glossed at first use.
Underlinings, keywords (The Queen.), and dates (1796, 1812) are his and are kept. Wollstonecraft's own text is not reprinted; the scan link on each page carries her words.
I. Origins to August 4, 1789 (pp. iv–294)
p. [iv] scan
His closing verdict, written on a front blank — read it first:
Adams, 1796/1812This is a lady of a masculine, masterly understanding. Her style is nervous and clear, often elegant: though sometimes too verbose. With a little experience in public affairs and the reading and reflection which would result from it, she would have produced a history without the defects and blemishes pointed out with too much severity perhaps and too little gallantry in the notes.
The improvement, the exaltation of the human character, the perfectibility of man, the perfection of the human faculties are the divine object which her enthusiasm beholds in beatific vision. Alas, how airy and baseless a fabric!
Yet she will not admit of the only means that can accomplish any part of her ardent prophecies: forms of government, so mixed, combined, and balanced as to restrain the passions of all orders of men.
Modern EnglishThis is a lady of a masculine, masterly understanding. Her style is forceful and clear, often elegant — though sometimes too wordy. With a little experience in public affairs, and the reading and reflection that would come of it, she would have produced a history without the defects and blemishes pointed out, with too much severity perhaps and too little gallantry, in the notes.
The improvement and exaltation of the human character, the perfectibility of man, the perfection of the human faculties — these are the divine objects her enthusiasm beholds in blessed vision. Alas, how airy and baseless a fabric!
Yet she will not admit the only means that could accomplish any part of her ardent prophecies: forms of government so mixed, combined, and balanced as to restrain the passions of men of all ranks.
p. vi scan
Adams, 1796/1812She means Daniel and John, no doubt.
p. viii scan
Adams, 1796/1812Wollstonecraft's empire of superstition and hypocrisy should be overthrown, happy indeed will it be for the world: but if all religion and all morality should be overthrown with it, what advantage will be gained? The doctrine of human equality is founded entirely in the Christian doctrine that we are all children of the same Father, all accountable to him for our conduct to one another. All equally bound to respect each other's self love.
If nature has no father, no creator, no governor, and men are to perish, inequality is a right and it would be folly in him who possesses or can obtain an advantage to forego it.
Modern EnglishIf Wollstonecraft's empire of superstition and hypocrisy were overthrown, happy indeed would it be for the world. But if all religion and all morality were overthrown with it, what advantage would be gained? The doctrine of human equality is founded entirely on the Christian doctrine: that we are all children of the same Father, all accountable to him for our conduct to one another, all equally bound to respect each other's self-love.
If nature has no father, no creator, no governor, and men are simply to perish, then inequality is a right — and it would be folly in whoever holds an advantage, or can obtain one, to give it up.
p. 15 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Heavenly times!
p. 17 scan
Adams, 1796/1812i.e. We must get entirely clear of Christianity.
Modern EnglishThat is, we must get entirely clear of Christianity.
p. 51 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Indelicate.
A lady is the writer.
p. 61 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The opinions in this page are those of a weak woman.
p. 69 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Can an army or society move in order without ranks! Are riches to be the only distinction? Is there any distinction more degrading than riches? Good God!
Modern EnglishCan an army or a society keep its order without ranks? Are riches to be the only distinction? Is there any distinction more degrading than riches? Good God!
p. 70 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Is the degeneracy of the higher greater than that of the lower orders?
p. 71 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Are those plants all rooted out? Are not fresh ones sown?
It is wealth that produces the inequality of conditions.
There is more wit and point than sense in this.
Very pretty!
p. 73 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Beautiful.
God grant it!
p. 77 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The edge on these phrases is too sharp to be strong.
p. 83 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Nobles must be peers, or envious.
Modern EnglishNobles must be peers — or they will be envious.
p. 87 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A conceit!
p. 89 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Poor eloquence!
p. 90 scan
Adams, 1796/1812New notions indeed! And very short lived.
Modern EnglishNew notions indeed! And very short-lived.
p. 92 scan
Adams, 1796/1812By the court as the insinuation is. but is there proof?
Modern EnglishBy the court, as the insinuation runs. But is there proof?
p. 93 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Is this proved?
p. 94 scan
Adams, 1796/1812American war.
Thank you, miss!
Modern English[He takes her to mean the American war; she means Versailles luxury.] Thank you, miss!
p. 99 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The indivisible assemblies have done wonders!
p. 100 scan
Adams, 1796/1812They have rallied round this point and made fine work with evils.
Modern EnglishThey rallied around this point, and made fine work of its evils. [Sarcastic.]
p. 101 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Vigor indeed!
p. 104 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The fundamental principle of which is the abolition of all property!
p. 107 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Beccaria says this of every man in all nations.
Why this ambiguity?
p. 114 scan
Adams, 1796/1812When will these instants become hours?
p. 126 scan
Adams, 1796/1812They were forbid by law to trade.
Modern EnglishThey were forbidden by law to trade.
p. 127 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Honest words!
p. 128 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A warning on unnecessary revolutions.
p. 129 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Dissimulation. How could this poor thing avoid the imputation of dissimulation?
The only way in which nobles ever buried their rivalries. And this only by the compulsion of the people.
Modern EnglishDissimulation! How could this poor creature avoid the charge of dissimulation?
The only way in which nobles ever buried their rivalries — and this only by the compulsion of the people.
p. 131 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Partial to the people and versus the court.
Her beauty was chiefly the fiction of flattery.
Modern EnglishPartial to the people, and against the court.
Her beauty was chiefly the invention of flattery.
p. 132 scan
Adams, 1796/1812I never could see it.
She was giddy with vivacity.
Miss Wollstonecraft is too fond of such words.
p. 133 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Where is the evidence of this?
p. 134 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is no proof.
Those luscious words might have been avoided by a lady.
p. 135 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is not true. Some thousands of sovereigns in Europe have proved the contrary. But it is the ton to belie princes. Aristocracy is again preparing Barons' Wars under other names. The people I hope will be gainers by them in the end, but the process is cruel.
Modern EnglishThis is not true. Thousands of sovereigns in Europe have proved the contrary. But it is the fashion to slander princes. Aristocracy is again preparing Barons' Wars under other names. The people, I hope, will gain by them in the end — but the process is cruel.
p. 136 scan
Adams, 1796/1812It is the ton too to belie priests.
This is probably true.
Modern EnglishIt is the fashion, too, to slander priests.
This is probably true.
p. 137 scan
Adams, 1796/1812I never heard this in France.
This I never heard.
Corrupt in common with all ranks in Europe: but not more ignorant.
Modern EnglishCorrupt in common with all ranks in Europe — but no more ignorant.
p. 138 scan
Adams, 1796/1812They were debarred from more privileges than they enjoyed.
As often by plebeians as by nobles.
p. 139 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This was a restraint hardly recompensed by his privileges.
The nobles began the innovations.
Modern EnglishThis was a restraint hardly repaid by his privileges.
The nobles began the innovations.
p. 140 scan
Adams, 1796/1812What is the evidence that the cabinet produced it?
p. 141 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Yes. But this enthusiasm cannot long be kept up.
p. 142 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Is it ascertained whether this measure was offensive or defensive?
The court suspected that Paris meditated the destruction of the King and royal family. Paris suspected the court to intend the dissolution of the National Assembly.
Mutual suspicion is natural and unavoidable in such cases, and rendered incurable by fools on both sides.
I wish this were true: But Alexander and Frederick and Caesar and many others have unhappily proved that freedom is not always superior to discipline.
Modern EnglishIs it established whether this measure was offensive or defensive?
The court suspected that Paris was plotting the destruction of the king and royal family. Paris suspected the court of intending to dissolve the National Assembly.
Mutual suspicion is natural and unavoidable in such cases — and is rendered incurable by fools on both sides.
I wish this were true. But Alexander, Frederick, Caesar, and many others have unhappily proved that freedom is not always superior to discipline.
p. 145 scan
Adams, 1796/1812How can a court in such cases obtain credit for sincerity?
p. 154 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This malignity versus Necker was not merited.
Modern EnglishThis malice toward Necker was unmerited.
p. 163 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Amiable melancholy questions.
p. 175 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Very good.
p. 178 scan
Adams, 1796/18121796. The third essay is now in operation but it is to be feared the three attempts more will not produce the constitution solid as reason.
It is not certain that this cabinet intended more than self defense.
Modern English1796. The third attempt is now in operation, but it is to be feared that three attempts more will not produce the constitution "solid as reason."
It is not certain that this cabinet intended more than self-defense.
p. 179 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This negligence is evidence that they intended only self defense.
Modern EnglishThis negligence is evidence that they intended only self-defense.
p. 182 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Alas! this has not been always the case. Russians and Prussians have beat Poles, Alexander Athenians, the Romans Germans, all fighting for liberty. This is youthful and female enthusiasm.
Perhaps artfully spread.
Modern EnglishAlas! This has not always been the case. Russians and Prussians have beaten Poles, Alexander the Athenians, the Romans the Germans — all fighting for liberty. This is youthful, female enthusiasm.
Perhaps artfully spread.
p. 206 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Too severe upon the King.
p. 208 scan
Adams, 1796/1812These transports and sympathies are oftener the destruction of liberty than its creators or preservers.
A just sentiment.
Modern EnglishThese transports and sympathies more often destroy liberty than create or preserve it.
A just sentiment.
p. 209 scan
Adams, 1796/1812May a better arise!
p. 211 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is always so till universal ruin, distress, and famine convince the people we have been all wrong. This will never do. There must be some power that can unite us, that knows more than we do.
Modern EnglishThis is always so, until universal ruin, distress, and famine convince the people: "We have all been wrong. This will never do. There must be some power that can unite us — that knows more than we do."
p. 213 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Can there ever be more equality where there is equal wealth? Or less vice and artificial manners? Wealth is the mischief.
Heaven grant it.
p. 215 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The duplicity of democracies, aristocracies and oligarchies is equally great where there is equal wealth and power. Mixed government only can detect these duplicities.
Modern EnglishThe duplicity of democracies, aristocracies, and oligarchies is just as great, where wealth and power are equal. Only mixed government can expose these duplicities.
p. 216 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The dissimulation of the King was the constant charge versus Charles I and will be versus all things in like cases.
Modern EnglishThe king's dissimulation was the constant charge against Charles I, and will be against all kings in like cases.
p. 217 scan
Adams, 1796/1812When will this mistrust be remedied? When the morals are better. When will that be? Perhaps when a great part of the nation is depopulated and arts, manufactures, commerce, and riches destroyed, and then it is to be feared the rage for introducing them again will produce as bad morals and as much distrust as ever.
p. 218 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This intention does not appear.
I saw no more sincerity in any class of people than at courts.
p. 219 scan
Adams, 1796/1812It can never be effected in a great nation of immense wealth and power.
A complication of laws can never be avoided in a great commercial nation. Plato's commonwealth alone can accomplish it only in part.
Modern EnglishIt can never be done in a great nation of immense wealth and power.
A complication of laws can never be avoided in a great commercial nation. Plato's commonwealth alone could accomplish it, and only in part.
p. 220 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Miss Wollstonecraft is a deep reasoner.
p. 221 scan
Adams, 1796/1812How shall we mend morals and laws in a rich nation?
Modern EnglishHow shall we mend morals and laws in a rich nation? [Sarcastic — he thinks she has no answer.]
p. 222 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Aristides's ambition overturned the constitution of his country.
p. 223 scan
Adams, 1796/1812How came the equality of man sacred but by that revelation that Miss Wollstonecraft endeavors to discredit?
Miss Wollstonecraft is not a whole philosopher.
Pray on what foundation does Miss Wollstonecraft base her morality?
Modern EnglishHow did the equality of man become sacred, except by that revelation which Miss Wollstonecraft labors to discredit?
Miss Wollstonecraft is not a complete philosopher.
Pray, on what foundation does Miss Wollstonecraft base her morality?
p. 224 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Very bad kings.
Very bad priests.
Would you make the child the judge?
Would you divorce her when she pleased?
Would you have no women because some are incorrigible prostitutes? Would you have no husbands because some are brutal? Would you have no beauty because it often seduces? Would you have no writers because some like yourself are licentious?
p. 225 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Ay! that's no doubt the grievance.
This and the former part are but juvenile and female rants.
p. 226 scan
Adams, 1796/1812If Christianity could not will the abolition of it?
No age has produced more than those committed by the French reformers.
Witness Marat, Robespierre, Collot, etc.
Modern EnglishIf Christianity could not do it, will abolishing Christianity?
No age has produced cruelties greater than those committed by the French reformers.
Witness Marat, Robespierre, Collot, and company.
p. 227 scan
Adams, 1796/1812By Louis XVI and Necker.
No The guillotine is more expeditious: so are the drowning boats.
Modern EnglishBy Louis XVI and Necker.
No. The guillotine is more expeditious — so are the drowning boats. [The mass drownings at Nantes.]
p. 228 scan
Adams, 1796/1812These were heathen gods, Miss Wollstonecraft. Thank Moses and Jesus that you have better notions of divinity.
This jargon you have adopted in all its energy.
p. 229 scan
Adams, 1796/1812But it is religion and government that have effected this.
Modern EnglishBut it is religion and government that have brought this about.
p. 230 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Now everything is and we see the effect in France.
Now they are to be bound by no tenures and under no restraints. But taxes are almost as bad as tenures and atheism is worse than even Catholicism if we judge by its effects.
Modern EnglishNow everything is founded on philosophical principles — and we see the effect in France.
Now they are to be bound by no tenures and under no restraints. But taxes are almost as bad as tenures, and atheism is worse than even Catholicism, if we judge by its effects.
p. 232 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A house 100 foot square all in one room would be more simple than if it had chambers and rooms, garrets and cellars, but would not be so comfortable.
Modern EnglishA house 100 feet square, all in one room, would be simpler than one with chambers and rooms, garrets and cellars — but it would not be so comfortable.
p. 234 scan
Adams, 1796/1812I thank you, Miss Wollstonecraft. May we long enjoy your esteem.
p. 235 scan
Adams, 1796/1812One man alone would be free, but give him a wife and children and they must all lose a part of their liberty.
These leaders were generally as ignorant as their followers, and both leaders and followers are still as ignorant as ever of the form of government which is indispensable to preserve liberty in rich commercial states--and neither will learn.
it would be quite as correct to say that the progress of navigation and commerce and manufactures necessitated men to agree to fixed laws of property, and from those laws knowledge and liberty have increased. But in the course, commerce and wealth have destroyed the institutions that preserved morals as well as property and now all nations and all parties, except a very few individuals, appear to be ignorant of the political organizations and equipoises necessary to preserve liberty, property, life or anything.
Modern EnglishOne man alone would be free — but give him a wife and children, and they must all lose part of their liberty.
These leaders were generally as ignorant as their followers, and both leaders and followers are still as ignorant as ever of the form of government indispensable to preserve liberty in rich commercial states — and neither will learn.
It would be just as correct to say that the progress of navigation, commerce, and manufactures compelled men to agree on fixed laws of property, and that from those laws knowledge and liberty have grown. But in time, commerce and wealth destroyed the institutions that preserved morals as well as property; and now all nations and all parties, except a very few individuals, appear ignorant of the political structures and counterweights necessary to preserve liberty, property, life, or anything.
p. 236 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Pedants, priests, and sycophants will flatter the people when supreme, an oligarchy or aristocracy as readily and as successfully as they will a despot. How then will you make and execute law? That is the question.
Modern EnglishPedants, priests, and sycophants will flatter the people, when supreme — or an oligarchy or aristocracy — as readily and as successfully as they will flatter a despot. How, then, will you make and execute law? That is the question.
p. 237 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The college and the government will always be connected.
p. 238 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Ah! Riches. How will you manage riches? But by laws: and how make and execute laws?
Modern EnglishAh! Riches. How will you manage riches, except by laws? And how will you make and execute laws?
p. 239 scan
Adams, 1796/1812I hope so: but they must learn to know the emulation of their own hearts and how to control it by checks.
Mrs. Wollstonecraft did not understand this great subject.
Unpopular with one and very popular with two. With what delight did two thirds of the nation talk of the vast advantages to the nation in conquering the America! And what pleasure did they anticipate the ruling America with a rod of iron? And how freely did they express this pleasure in anticipation?
Modern EnglishI hope so. But they must learn to know the rivalry in their own hearts, and how to control it by checks.
Mrs. Wollstonecraft did not understand this great subject.
Unpopular with one part, and very popular with two. With what delight did two-thirds of the nation talk of the vast advantages of conquering America! What pleasure did they take in anticipating ruling America with a rod of iron! And how freely did they express this pleasure in advance!
p. 240 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This prosperity has been wholly owing to the knowledge of a sure way of making and executing equal laws by a balanced government.
And how many overturns have succeeded?
Arts, sciences, literature were cultivated in every kind to greater extent than in any other nation under heaven by these benumbed faculties.
1812 The effect is now observable enough, all over the globe. Napoleon and George III have made the effects very striking.
Modern EnglishThis prosperity has been wholly owing to knowing a sure way of making and executing equal laws: a balanced government.
And how many overturns have followed since?
Arts, sciences, and literature were cultivated in every kind, to a greater extent than in any other nation under heaven, by these "benumbed faculties."
1812. The effect is now plain enough, all over the globe. Napoleon and George III have made the effects very striking.
p. [241] scan
Adams, 1796/1812Ah! this oblivion of tomorrow will make a strange republic.
Modern EnglishAh! This forgetting of tomorrow will make a strange republic.
p. 242 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Raptures are very dangerous in republics.
Etiquette is one thing: organization is another. The legislative organ may weaken, disgrace, insult or destroy the executive organ. Mirabeau's eloquence could not prove the contrary.
Modern EnglishRaptures are very dangerous in republics.
Etiquette is one thing; organization is another. The legislative organ may weaken, disgrace, insult, or destroy the executive organ. Mirabeau's eloquence could not prove otherwise.
p. 245 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A sacred word! But how shall it be made? And what shall it be?
Jerusalem.
p. 246 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is pathetic. These enthusiasms are contagious. But they must be regulated.
These fevers in republics where all should be cool, reasonable, thinking deliberately, calculating, are deleterious distempers.
Modern EnglishThis is moving. These enthusiasms are contagious — but they must be regulated.
These fevers, in republics where all should be cool, reasonable, deliberate in thought, and calculating, are poisonous distempers.
p. 247 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Patience, moderation, steadiness, reflection, perseverance, firmness are the necessary qualities of Republicans. When will the metamorphosis take place? Will atheism and infidelity produce it? Will stage players and romance writers produce it? Such have for sometime been legislators in France.
Modern EnglishPatience, moderation, steadiness, reflection, perseverance, firmness — these are the necessary qualities of republicans. When will the transformation take place? Will atheism and unbelief produce it? Will stage players and romance writers produce it? Such men have for some time been legislators in France.
p. 249 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Very just.
The absolute government of Robespierre or of a majority in the National Assembly or Condorcet have gone as far and farther. But how is liberty known and preserved? But by a government of checks.
Modern EnglishVery just.
The absolute government of Robespierre, or of a majority in the National Assembly, or of Condorcet, has gone as far and farther. But how is liberty known and preserved, except by a government of checks?
There is some truth in this.
p. 250 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is a trait in the character of the family of Bourbon.
Modern EnglishThis is a trait in the character of the Bourbon family. [The desire to prevent bloodshed.]
p. 251 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Guillotine. But the drowning boats of the Loire and the langridge of Lyons and the pikes in the prisons were worse than the guillotine.
Modern EnglishGuillotine! But the drowning boats of the Loire, the langrage at Lyons, and the pikes in the prisons were worse than the guillotine. [The Nantes drownings, the cannonades of grapeshot at Lyons, the September prison massacres.]
p. 252 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Does this weak woman expect that jealousy and envy, ambition and vanity will ever disappear?
Will a nation all ever act for the happiness of the nation?
Whence is this morality to come? If the Christian religion and all the power of government has never produced it what will? Yet this mad woman is for destroying the Christian religion!
True indeed.
Modern EnglishDoes this weak woman expect jealousy and envy, ambition and vanity ever to disappear?
Will a whole nation ever act for the happiness of the nation?
Where is this morality to come from? If the Christian religion and all the power of government have never produced it, what will? Yet this mad woman is for destroying the Christian religion!
True indeed.
p. 253 scan
Adams, 1796/1812An allusion to disgusting reports which I often heard in France.
p. 254 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A fact like this is not to be taken on the credit of any historian. The evidence should have been produced.
Mirabeau. I shall not take the character of this man upon the authority of Miss Wollstonecraft.
Modern EnglishA fact like this is not to be taken on any historian's word. The evidence should have been produced.
Mirabeau! I shall not take this man's character on the authority of Miss Wollstonecraft.
p. 258 scan
Adams, 1796/1812But what are morals according to Volney? Not even feelings: mere dry rules of convenience.
Modern EnglishBut what are morals, according to Volney? Not even feelings — mere dry rules of convenience.
p. 259 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Ay! Cast all upon despotism and superstition. Are the cruelties of savages owing to despotism and superstition? Allow the truth that all men are ferocious monsters when their passions are unrestrained. Prepare bridles for them.
Was Achilles servile?
Modern EnglishYes! Blame it all on despotism and superstition. Are the cruelties of savages caused by despotism and superstition? Admit the truth: all men are ferocious monsters when their passions are unrestrained. Prepare bridles for them.
Was Achilles servile?
p. 260 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The Turks say that anarchy does more mischief in one night than tyranny in twenty years. It is perhaps nearer the truth to say that tyranny and anarchy are equally cruel and destructive.
It was shrewd to throw the blame on the Bastille: but it is curious to compare the cruelties of the last seven years with all the acts of tyranny of Louis XV and XVI through their whole reigns.
Modern EnglishThe Turks say anarchy does more mischief in one night than tyranny in twenty years. It is perhaps nearer the truth to say tyranny and anarchy are equally cruel and destructive.
It was shrewd to throw the blame on the Bastille. But it is worth comparing the cruelties of the last seven years with all the acts of tyranny of Louis XV and XVI through their whole reigns.
p. 261 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Rival lovers, authors, artists have often committed murders. Witness the League and the Fronde.
Modern EnglishRival lovers, authors, and artists have often committed murder. Witness the League and the Fronde. [France's 16th- and 17th-century civil wars.]
p. 265 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Then it is not safe to trust a militia. Who then can we trust?
p. 267 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Doubtful.
p. 268 scan
Adams, 1796/1812He had then lately read the Defense.
Modern EnglishHe had lately read the Defense. [Adams's own Defence of the Constitutions.]
p. 272 scan
Adams, 1796/1812No opportunity is lost to stigmatize Necker.
p. 274 scan
Adams, 1796/1812His capacity was too large to be duped to destruction by either side. He wanted an English constitution which neither King nor nation would agree to.
Modern EnglishHis capacity was too large to be duped into destruction by either side. He wanted an English constitution, which neither king nor nation would agree to.
p. 275 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Natural enough when checks are taken off.
Vain expectation!
p. 276 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Of how many falsehoods is the page of history cited in proof? The Romans were never more enlightened than in the times of Manius, Silla, and Caesar, and never so unquiet. The French and English were never more enlightened than in these days and never so uneasy.
Modern EnglishHow many falsehoods is the page of history cited to prove? The Romans were never more enlightened than in the times of Marius, Sulla, and Caesar — and never so unquiet. The French and English were never more enlightened than in these days, and never so uneasy.
p. 282 scan
Adams, 1796/1812There will always be such in such times.
Nations! You have all this to go through if you will have revolutions.
Modern EnglishThere will always be such men in such times.
Nations! You have all this to go through, if you will have revolutions.
p. 291 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The Viscomte de Noailles has said to me, "When I gave up my nobility with one hand I expected to have received it back again with the other!"
Repentance. The views of the commons were as shallow as those of the nobles or the priests.
Modern EnglishThe Vicomte de Noailles said to me: "When I gave up my nobility with one hand, I expected to have it given back with the other!"
Repentance! The views of the commons were as shallow as those of the nobles or the priests.
p. 292 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Hear! Read!
Hear! Read!
i.e. Potent enough to destroy itself and the nation!
Modern EnglishHear! Read!
Hear! Read!
That is, potent enough to destroy itself and the nation!
p. 293 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Oh, foul confession! Tacitus, Rochefoucault, Mandeville all agree with Miss Wollstonecraft or rather Miss with them.
This is all that can be expected of patriotism. But who were these? Maury or Mounier?
What becomes of the perfectibility of man?
Modern EnglishOh, foul confession! Tacitus, Rochefoucauld, and Mandeville all agree with Miss Wollstonecraft — or rather, Miss Wollstonecraft with them.
This is all that can be expected of patriotism. But who were these patriots? Maury or Mounier?
What becomes of the perfectibility of man?
p. 294 scan
Adams, 1796/1812And does this foolish woman expect to get rid of an aristocracy? God Almighty has decreed in the creation of human nature an eternal aristocracy among men. The world is, always has been, and ever will be governed by it. All that policy and legislation can do is to check its force by force. Arm a power above it and another below it: or if you will, one on its right hand the other on its left: both able to say to it, when it grows mad, Maniac! Keep within your limits.
Modern EnglishAnd does this foolish woman expect to get rid of aristocracy? God Almighty has decreed, in the creation of human nature, an eternal aristocracy among men. The world is, always has been, and ever will be governed by it. All that policy and legislation can do is to check its force by force. Arm a power above it and another below it — or, if you will, one on its right hand and the other on its left — both able to say to it, when it grows mad: "Maniac! Keep within your limits."
II. The Framing of the Constitution (pp. 295–398)
p. 295 scan
Adams, 1796/1812It is artful to impute the morals of France to despotism: but it is sophistry. The truth is 'like people like priest' is as true as the reverse, 'like priest like people.' 'Like people like rulers' is as true as 'like rulers like people'--wealth and commerce have corrupted all Europe nearly alike and governors and governed are all of a piece. Insomuch that elective governments are in danger of destroying the small remains of honor, faith, and principle, and the regeneration will be only a more complete reprobation.
Modern EnglishIt is artful to blame the morals of France on despotism — but it is sophistry. The truth is, "like people, like priest" is as true as the reverse, "like priest, like people." "Like people, like rulers" is as true as "like rulers, like people." Wealth and commerce have corrupted all Europe nearly alike, and governors and governed are all of a piece — so much so that elective governments are in danger of destroying the small remains of honor, faith, and principle, and the "regeneration" will prove only a more complete reprobation.
p. 296 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Morals hitherto have been depraved rather than improved and there is cause to fear will grow worse and worse.
Who shall make and who shall execute these laws?
Who and what shall check these flatterers of foibles and gratifiers of weakness? Permanent institutions alone have ever been found sufficient.
Who and what shall check such daring innovators? Permanent institutions alone can accomplish it where principle fails.
Modern EnglishMorals have so far been corrupted rather than improved, and there is cause to fear they will grow worse and worse.
Who shall make these laws, and who shall execute them?
Who and what shall check these flatterers of foibles and gratifiers of weakness? Permanent institutions alone have ever been found sufficient.
Who and what shall check such daring innovators? Permanent institutions alone can do it, where principle fails.
p. 297 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Madness was tracing the road to vice, infamy and misery.
Theatrical actors, romance writers, etc.
And English too.
A suspicious multitude will watch every succession of leaders and set up new rivals to supplant them as long as that multitude have the elections of the executive and senate while principle is wanting.
Modern EnglishMadness was tracing the road to vice, infamy, and misery.
Theatrical actors, romance writers, and the like.
And English too.
A suspicious multitude will watch every succession of leaders, and set up new rivals to supplant them, so long as that multitude elects the executive and senate while principle is wanting.
p. 298 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Integrity of conduct will be certain ruin to rulers when their electors are corrupt.
And there perish without hope, as every one has done. No. No.
Emulation in profligacy, hypocrisy, and villainy there will be. Emulation in virtue can only be where virtue is respected.
Modern EnglishIntegrity of conduct will be certain ruin to rulers when their electors are corrupt.
And perish there without hope, as everyone has done? No. No.
Rivalry in profligacy, hypocrisy, and villainy there will be. Rivalry in virtue can exist only where virtue is respected.
p. 299 scan
Adams, 1796/1812And by more debasing artifices under the new.
This I believe, unless they adopt a government better balanced. When cunning is balanced versus cunning, the most cunning will triumph. When force is balanced against force, the strongest will prevail. When cunning and force united are balanced against cunning and force united, reason must be armed to mediate between them. There must be an armed neutrality.
The constant fate of all unbalanced parties.
Modern EnglishAnd by more debasing artifices under the new government.
This I believe — unless they adopt a better-balanced government. When cunning is balanced against cunning, the most cunning will triumph. When force is balanced against force, the strongest will prevail. When cunning and force united are balanced against cunning and force united, reason must be armed to mediate between them. There must be an armed neutrality.
The constant fate of all unbalanced parties.
p. 300 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Fayette, Mounier, etc.
Lyons, Loire, prisons, guillotine: an awful warning to the advocates of Needham's legislation.
They deserve not the stigma. They retreated from certain and useless death.
It is passing strange that all these things did not convince Miss Wollstonecraft that the French nation were incapable of a republican government.
Condorcet and Rochefoucault did more harm than Calonne by their idolatry to Franklin, the weak disciple of Needham. Their simple form of government by causing the murder of hundreds of thousands of innocent heads of families has produced complicated evils to the conviction of mankind. This experiment is nearly blown out.
Modern EnglishLafayette, Mounier, and the like.
Lyons, the Loire, the prisons, the guillotine: an awful warning to the advocates of Needham's legislation. [Marchamont Nedham, apostle of the single assembly.]
They do not deserve the stigma. They retreated from certain and useless death.
It is passing strange that all these things did not convince Miss Wollstonecraft that the French nation was incapable of a republican government.
Condorcet and Rochefoucauld did more harm than Calonne by their idolatry of Franklin, the weak disciple of Needham. Their simple form of government, by causing the murder of hundreds of thousands of innocent heads of families, has produced complicated evils, to the conviction of mankind. This experiment is nearly blown out.
p. 301 scan
Adams, 1796/1812To escape a certain and useless death.
Alas! Poor girl! Vanity and selfishness will never vanish while riches remain at least.
Ignorance and audacity would have triumphed and murdered knowledge and modesty if they had stayed.
That is if God Almighty had wrought a greater miracle for the delivery of France than he ever did for the preservation of the Hebrews.
The best talents in France were blind disciples of Franklin and Turgot and led the blind to destruction. I mean Rochefoucault and Condorcet.
Modern EnglishTo escape a certain and useless death.
Alas, poor girl! Vanity and selfishness will never vanish — while riches remain, at least.
Ignorance and audacity would have triumphed, and murdered knowledge and modesty, if they had stayed.
That is, if God Almighty had worked a greater miracle for the deliverance of France than he ever did for the preservation of the Hebrews.
The best talents in France were blind disciples of Franklin and Turgot, and led the blind to destruction. I mean Rochefoucauld and Condorcet.
p. 302 scan
Adams, 1796/1812All that astonished me in the whole revolution was that all the disasters which overwhelmed the empire and destroyed the repose of Europe were not foreseen and foretold by every man of sense in Europe.
Very true!
She has condemned them more universally than any other historian that I have read see Page 291. Selfish principles, love of glory are not absolutely and universally to be condemned. They are to be condemned when they do wrong but not when they do right. But there were gracious and benevolent principles in this business.
Modern EnglishAll that astonished me in the whole Revolution was that all the disasters which overwhelmed the empire and destroyed the peace of Europe were not foreseen and foretold by every man of sense in Europe.
Very true!
She has condemned them more sweepingly than any other historian I have read — see p. 291. Selfish principles, and the love of glory, are not absolutely and universally to be condemned. They are to be condemned when they do wrong, but not when they do right. But there were gracious and benevolent principles in this business too.
p. 303 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Fraternity implies a common father. Men are not brothers without that idea.
Joel Barlow in his History no doubt on this principle will record Tom Paine as the greatest politician of the revolution.
Yet these sacrifices were all made from jealousy, revenge and vain glory according to Miss Wollstonecraft. see page 291.
Ah! Tollendal! Thy filial piety is immortal! I have eaten and drunk in thine apartments. I am proud to say thou wert my disciple and convert to the doctrine of branches. But if Guy Fawkes had put a spark to his powder, it would have been too late for the speaker to call the house to order.
Modern EnglishFraternity implies a common father. Men are not brothers without that idea.
Joel Barlow, in his History, will no doubt on this principle record Tom Paine as the greatest politician of the Revolution.
Yet these sacrifices were all made from jealousy, revenge, and vainglory, according to Miss Wollstonecraft — see p. 291.
Ah, Tollendal! Your filial piety is immortal! I have eaten and drunk in your rooms. I am proud to say you were my disciple and convert to the doctrine of branches [a multi-chamber legislature]. But if Guy Fawkes had put a spark to his powder, it would have been too late for the Speaker to call the House to order.
p. 304 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Such resentment and envy exists in every nation and bursts out when fomented. Witness Geneva.
The envy and rancor of the multitude versus the rich is universal and restrained only by fear or necessity. A beggar can never comprehend the reason why another should ride in a coach while he has no bread.
Foreseeing the evils that could not exist they hid themselves very wisely.
Verging towards civil war! Was not the country already in the whirlpool and inextricable from the vortex?
Modern EnglishSuch resentment and envy exist in every nation, and burst out when fomented. Witness Geneva.
The envy and rancor of the multitude against the rich is universal, restrained only by fear or necessity. A beggar can never comprehend why another should ride in a coach while he has no bread.
Foreseeing evils that could not be avoided, they very wisely hid themselves. [Sarcastic.]
Nearing civil war! Was not the country already in the whirlpool, and inextricable from the vortex?
p. 305 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Man always has conducted in the same way when his passions were not restrained.
By what means? By the Christian religion and those very distinctions.
Under color of destroying unnatural distinctions and veteran prejudices, they have destroyed all the institutions to which they owe their superiority to Asia and Africa.
Modern EnglishMan has always conducted himself the same way when his passions were not restrained.
By what means? By the Christian religion, and those very distinctions.
Under cover of destroying unnatural distinctions and veteran prejudices, they have destroyed all the institutions to which they owe their superiority to Asia and Africa.
p. 306 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Such parasites and advocates have no doubt done much wrong: but the parasites and advocates of the mob have not done less.
Nations in every stage of society, from savages to the most civilized, are too much addicted to war, and the freer they are, the greater their pride, the stronger their resentment, and the more prone to war. Governments are not more disposed to quarrels than people. Witness the Peloponnesian War and all others. England though free has not been less disposed to war than France, Spain, Germany, Prussia, Russia, though despotic.
Modern EnglishSuch parasites and advocates have no doubt done much wrong. But the parasites and advocates of the mob have done no less.
Nations in every stage of society, from savages to the most civilized, are too much addicted to war — and the freer they are, the greater their pride, the stronger their resentment, and the more prone to war. Governments are no more disposed to quarrels than peoples. Witness the Peloponnesian War and all others. England, though free, has been no less disposed to war than France, Spain, Germany, Prussia, and Russia, though despotic.
p. 307 scan
Adams, 1796/1812I shall be indicted for this garrulity of age and I plead guilty in my 77th year.
As the respect for property wears away, his ferocity will return.
Modern EnglishI shall be indicted for this garrulity of age, and I plead guilty in my 77th year. [1812.]
As respect for property wears away, his ferocity will return.
p. 308 scan
Adams, 1796/1812As long as property is secure, distinctions will exist. The distinction of wealth is the greatest and most influential distinction. The distinction of birth has been cultivated as its rival.
This commonplace imputation upon courts is scarcely well founded. Nations are as much addicted to war as courts.
What can secure them but government? Steady government. Laws made and executed.
p. 309 scan
Adams, 1796/1812From the example of France especially.
Where was there ever a better body or soul with so much riches?
Wealth, wealth, how shall we prevent thee from producing this effect? Many are like Indians when rum is to be had; they will get intoxicated. The cup of Circe is irresistible to many. How can they take it away if property is sacred and the cup is one's own?
Modern EnglishFrom the example of France especially.
Where was there ever a better body or soul, with so much riches?
Wealth, wealth — how shall we prevent you from producing this effect? Many are like Indians when rum is to be had: they will get intoxicated. The cup of Circe is irresistible to many. How can they take it away, if property is sacred and the cup is one's own?
p. 310 scan
Adams, 1796/1812It would require a volume to make a comparison between the moral characters of the two nations, the French and the English. And after all, which to choose would be difficult for me to decide.
This is a true picture.
I shall be thought a visionary, no doubt: but is not the predominant interest of agriculture and the consequent perpetual demand of the nobility of an increase of the army in France, and the predominant interest of commerce and the consequent continued demand of an augmentation of a navy in England, the true secret of the policy of the two nations? Is not this the secret of the conduct and history of Holland? And is not this the secret of the inscrutable conduct of our American Congress? Commerce has vitiated morals in England more than agriculture in France.
Modern EnglishIt would take a volume to compare the moral characters of the two nations, French and English. And after all, which to choose would be hard for me to decide.
This is a true picture.
I shall be thought a visionary, no doubt. But is not the predominant interest of agriculture — and the nobility's consequent perpetual demand to enlarge the army in France — and the predominant interest of commerce — and the consequent continual demand to enlarge the navy in England — the true secret of the policy of the two nations? Is this not the secret of the conduct and history of Holland? And is it not the secret of the inscrutable conduct of our American Congress? Commerce has corrupted morals in England more than agriculture has in France.
p. 311 scan
Adams, 1796/1812If there is any inferiority of morals in France has it not sprung for the power of pardon and absolution in the priests? Religion has corrupted France more than England.
Wherever riches exist, purse-pride will do the same if family pride were extinct.
The anxiety of elections, the irritations of party politics. The insolence of liberty, the severe studies of Republicanism will destroy this ease and grace and good humor.
Modern EnglishIf morals are in any way inferior in France, has it not sprung from the power of pardon and absolution in the priests? Religion has corrupted France more than England.
Wherever riches exist, purse-pride will do the same, if family pride were extinct.
The anxiety of elections, the irritations of party politics, the insolence of liberty, the severe studies of republicanism — these will destroy this ease and grace and good humor.
p. [313] scan
Adams, 1796/18124. August 1789.
Modern EnglishAugust 4, 1789.
p. 314 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Every word of all these reproaches is true and well founded.
Modern EnglishEvery word of all these reproaches is true and well-founded.
p. 316 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This always happens.
Under what do they crouch now, in 1812?
Modern EnglishThis always happens.
Under what do they crouch now, in 1812? [Under Napoleon.]
p. 318 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Universal regeneration!
p. 319 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A wise observation.
p. 320 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Nothing so infallibly gulls the people and nothing more universally deceives them in the end than this pretended disinterestedness.
Modern EnglishNothing so infallibly gulls the people, and nothing deceives them more universally in the end, than this pretended disinterestedness.
p. 323 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is a very curious leaf!
p. 325 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A curious distinction between a philosopher and a politician! And not without sense.
p. 328 scan
Adams, 1796/1812What did they mean by sacred?
p. 329 scan
Adams, 1796/1812These remarks were the most judicious that were made.
p. 330 scan
Adams, 1796/1812An amusing picture.
p. 333 scan
Adams, 1796/1812He has read the Defense. Pity he had not adopted more of it.
They have guillotined them as well as expelled them.
Modern EnglishHe has read the Defense. Pity he did not adopt more of it.
They have guillotined them as well as expelled them.
p. 334 scan
Adams, 1796/1812He and they, under that Constitution of 1789, were equally interested to establish an hereditary aristocracy: for such only could defend the people versus king or king versus people as was soon found.
Modern EnglishHe and they, under that constitution of 1789, were equally interested in establishing a hereditary aristocracy — for only such a body could defend the people against the king, or the king against the people, as was soon found.
p. 336 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The veto was useless in that constitution: So was the royal office. It could resist nothing. It was no check.
A blind and passive instrument he must be under that constitution whether with or without a veto or be guillotined, as we see he was.
Modern EnglishThe veto was useless in that constitution. So was the royal office. It could resist nothing. It was no check.
A blind and passive instrument he must be under that constitution, with or without a veto — or be guillotined, as we see he was.
p. 337 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The people will be spurred on too fast by the folly or art of some, to the end of time without a check.
Nothing should be instituted for the gratification of any one, all should be for the public good.
This is very exact.
Modern EnglishThe people will be spurred on too fast, by the folly or scheming of some men, to the end of time, without a check.
Nothing should be instituted for the gratification of anyone; all should be for the public good.
This is very exact.
p. 338 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Their absurdity is not yet exhausted, 1796.
p. 339 scan
Adams, 1796/1812And what governments are to succeed? I fear they will be despotisms instead of monarchies. Turkish republics, Algerian, or Moroccan republics. Tyrants cutting off heads at will – without law or judge. If they will not adopt balanced governments, they will be subdued by military tyrannies.
Modern EnglishAnd what governments are to succeed? I fear they will be despotisms instead of monarchies: Turkish republics — Algerian or Moroccan republics. Tyrants cutting off heads at will, without law or judge. If they will not adopt balanced governments, they will be subdued by military tyrannies.
p. 340 scan
Adams, 1796/1812There is too much truth in this. But it might be worse.
p. 341 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Well enough as wit.
What a consistent government? Two armies in battle array. One a single general, the other a whole nation. Daniel in the lion's den. Shadrach etc. in the fiery furnace.
According to Necker, this pride or ignorance prevented the king from agreeing to a constitution like the British. They have since in 1795 adopted three branches: but still unbalanced and undigested. They must come nearer to a balance or still go wade on in blood.
Modern EnglishWell enough as wit.
What a consistent government! Two armies in battle array: one a single general, the other a whole nation. Daniel in the lions' den; Shadrach and company in the fiery furnace.
According to Necker, this pride or ignorance kept the king from agreeing to a constitution like the British. They have since, in 1795, adopted three branches — but still unbalanced and undigested. They must come nearer to a balance, or still go wading on in blood.
p. 342 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Fine judges of wisdom!
Who were the patriots?
Modern EnglishFine judges of wisdom! [Sarcastic.]
Who were the patriots?
p. 343 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Not swinish.
One party in an assembly will ever form an alliance with the multitude out of doors.
Modern EnglishNot swinish. [Burke called the multitude the "swinish multitude"; Adams refuses the word.]
One party in an assembly will always form an alliance with the multitude out of doors.
p. 344 scan
Adams, 1796/1812One party will always endeavor to increase this torrent.
The vanity of invention and original genius was ridiculously paraded, because all their system is a servile imitation of Needham.
The Proteus Needham, who changed sides like an Arnold had, no doubt traced the progress of reason and calculated the perfectibility of the human faculties. Oh young woman!
Modern EnglishOne party will always endeavor to swell this torrent.
The vanity of invention and original genius was ridiculously paraded — because their whole system is a servile imitation of Needham.
The Proteus Needham [the turncoat, who changed sides like an Arnold] had no doubt "traced the progress of reason and calculated the perfectibility of the human faculties." Oh, young woman!
p. 345 scan
Adams, 1796/1812With infallible truth and reason.
What principles.
Wild enthusiast! The progress of anarchy has nearly convinced the world that her system for the highest stage of civilization is a perfect Golgotha.
Modern EnglishWith infallible truth and reason. [Sarcastic.]
What principles?
Wild enthusiast! The progress of anarchy has nearly convinced the world that her system "for the highest stage of civilization" is a perfect Golgotha — a place of skulls.
p. 346 scan
Adams, 1796/1812With great propriety and justice.
Provisions versus the abuse of the legislative part are equally necessary. The efficiency of the executive cannot be derived but by its independence and its independence cannot be maintained without a negative.
Modern EnglishWith great propriety and justice.
Provisions against the abuse of the legislative part are equally necessary. The efficiency of the executive can be secured only by its independence, and its independence cannot be maintained without a negative [a veto].
p. 347 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Antibicamerists.
Their unbalanced power has made sad havoc.
Modern EnglishEnemies of two chambers.
Their unbalanced power has made sad havoc.
p. 348 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This hydra has not only 100 heads but millions of millions. They will sprout to all eternity; as long as there are three men left, one at least will be an aristocrat.
There must be some counterpoise. Wealth is not a prejudice, I suppose. More overbearing passions have degraded mankind still more since the Revolution.
They have since voted that two thirds should be reelected, whether the voters would or no.
Self denying ordinances. Robespierre made a curious use of his exclusion from the legislature.
Nobility divided.
These secret motions are developed with skill and prove the ignorance of the nobility as well as the King and the people.
Modern EnglishThis hydra has not only a hundred heads, but millions of millions. They will sprout to all eternity: so long as three men are left, at least one will be an aristocrat.
There must be some counterweight. Wealth is not a prejudice, I suppose. More overbearing passions have degraded mankind still further since the Revolution.
They have since voted that two-thirds be reelected, whether the voters will or no.
Self-denying ordinances! Robespierre made a curious use of his exclusion from the legislature.
Nobility divided.
These secret motions are laid out with skill, and prove the ignorance of the nobility as well as of the king and the people.
p. 349 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Another jealousy very natural.
That public has been since converted. 1796.
So it ought to be.
These motives are well timed.
Modern EnglishAnother jealousy, very natural.
That public has since been converted. 1796.
So it ought to be.
These motives are well timed. [Sarcastic.]
p. 350 scan
Adams, 1796/1812These however were men very unfit to form a constitution of government.
The veto is given as a weapon of defense, to prevent the executive from being run down by the legislature. It is to defend the Constitution. This ignorant woman knows nothing of the matter. She seems to have half a mind to be an English woman; yet more inclined to be an American. Perhaps her lover gave her Lessons.
Without a veto, an aristocracy will concentrate all authority in themselves.
Modern EnglishThese, however, were men very unfit to frame a constitution of government.
The veto is given as a weapon of defense, to keep the executive from being run down by the legislature. It is to defend the constitution. This ignorant woman knows nothing of the matter. She seems half inclined to be English, yet more inclined to be American. Perhaps her lover gave her lessons.
Without a veto, an aristocracy will concentrate all authority in itself.
p. 351 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The independence of the executive power is not a bauble nor glass nor beads. Without it there can be no government, no security for life, liberty, or property.
Dress and government are very properly studied together by a lady: but not by a philosopher or statesman.
As to simplicity, my watch would be more simple if it had but one wheel but it would neither tell the minute nor hour, much less repeat both in the night.
Pageantry and foppery will be practiced where there is wealth and that wealth secure.
She who thinks a veto useless knows not the disposition of popular assemblies to usurp and encroach - an unprincipled chief must be felo de se to use his veto but in self defense.
Modern EnglishThe independence of the executive power is not a bauble — not glass, not beads. Without it there can be no government, no security for life, liberty, or property.
Dress and government are very properly studied together by a lady — but not by a philosopher or statesman.
As for simplicity: my watch would be simpler if it had but one wheel, but it would tell neither minute nor hour — much less repeat both in the night.
Pageantry and foppery will be practiced wherever there is wealth, and that wealth is secure.
She who thinks a veto useless knows nothing of the disposition of popular assemblies to usurp and encroach. An unprincipled chief magistrate would have to be felo de se [a suicide, legally] to use his veto except in self-defense.
p. 352 scan
Adams, 1796/1812i.e. To prepare two sieves that the flour may be fine. Popular declaimers with a clapping gallery and obsequious multitude at their beck can intimidate popular assemblies into anything from fear.
Eloquence is but a tool. The check must be provided to the lust of power that uses the tool.
The same faction will overrun both assemblies if both are elective.
It will if it is elective. An hereditary second chamber is the only effectual check to faction in the first, in opulent nations with great armies, navies, churches, revenues, i.e. a great patronage.
Modern EnglishThat is, prepare two sieves so the flour may be fine. Popular declaimers, with a clapping gallery and an obsequious multitude at their beck, can intimidate popular assemblies into anything through fear.
Eloquence is only a tool. The check must be fitted to the lust for power that wields the tool.
The same faction will overrun both assemblies if both are elective.
It will, if it is elective. A hereditary second chamber is the only effectual check on faction in the first, in opulent nations with great armies, navies, churches, and revenues — that is, a great patronage.
p. 353 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The orators in both houses will address themselves to the same prejudices, passions, and feelings among the people. i.e. to the same popularity as France will soon see.
But age is as susceptible of fear as youth and popular clamors and applauding or reprobating galleries are as dangerous to an election of old men as young.
But not more courageous and self denying perhaps.
There is wisdom in this.
There is weight in this.
Modern EnglishThe orators in both houses will address the same prejudices, passions, and feelings in the people — that is, the same popularity, as France will soon see.
But age is as susceptible to fear as youth, and popular clamors, and applauding or hissing galleries, are as dangerous to the election of old men as of young.
But not more courageous and self-denying, perhaps.
There is wisdom in this.
There is weight in this.
p. 354 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Something like this has been done in 1795 and a great improvement it is, but not yet well matured.
This is sound sense. Why did not all men foresee this? How could Mr. Burke say that the Constitution of the States General was a good constitution? He certainly understood not the Constitution of the States General: nor had he considered the history of France as connected with and springing out of that constitution. A Ligue and a Fronde should have convinced Mr. Burke that an undefined sovereignty could not be a good constitution. The question never was decided [next page]
Modern EnglishSomething like this was done in 1795, and a great improvement it is — but not yet well matured.
This is sound sense. Why did not all men foresee this? How could Mr. Burke say the constitution of the States-General was a good constitution? He certainly did not understand the constitution of the States-General, nor had he considered the history of France as connected with and springing out of that constitution. A League and a Fronde should have convinced Mr. Burke that an undefined sovereignty could not be a good constitution. The question was never decided [continued next page]
p. 355 scan
Adams, 1796/1812whether the sovereignty was in the King or in the States General. Besides, it was never decided in the States General whether the concurrence of the three branches i.e. the nobles, the clergy and the commons, or Tiers Etats, was necessary to a sovereign act, i.e. a legislation act.
This rhapsody is full of sense and nonsense. It is true of France to whom she thinks it peculiar, and it would be equally true of England and every other nation of Europe. What shall I say of America? Oh! my country!
What books? From Needham? And Turgot? And Franklin?
The only equality of man that is true was taught by Jesus: do as you would be done by. The same Jesus taught "render to to Caesar the things that are Caesars."
Modern English[continued] whether the sovereignty lay in the king or in the States-General. Besides, it was never decided in the States-General whether the agreement of the three branches — the nobles, the clergy, and the commons, or Third Estate — was necessary to a sovereign act, that is, a legislative act.
This rhapsody is full of sense and nonsense. It is true of France, to whom she thinks it peculiar — and it would be equally true of England and every other nation of Europe. What shall I say of America? Oh, my country!
What books? From Needham? And Turgot? And Franklin?
The only equality of man that is true was taught by Jesus: "Do as you would be done by." The same Jesus taught, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's."
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Adams, 1796/1812"Whilst", i.e. to all eternity for so it will be.
It is provoking to see Needham's model called a perfect system of government. It was not Hume's.
Civilization may advance to all eternity and Hume's commonwealth will remain a monument of a greater blockhead than he pronounced Mr Locke to be. If ever there existed a wise fool, a learned idiot, a profound deep-thinking coxcomb, it was David Hume. As much worse than Voltaire and Rousseau, as a sober decent libertine is worse than a rake.
Modern English"Whilst" — that is, to all eternity, for so it will be.
It is provoking to see Needham's model called a perfect system of government. It was not Hume's.
Civilization may advance to all eternity, and Hume's commonwealth will remain a monument of a greater blockhead than he ever called Mr. Locke. If there ever existed a wise fool, a learned idiot, a profound deep-thinking coxcomb, it was David Hume — as much worse than Voltaire and Rousseau as a sober, decent libertine is worse than a rake.
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Adams, 1796/1812What Americans? Not Franklin, for they adopted his system. Not the first Constitution of Pennsylvania, for they adopted it. Not the Constitution of Massachusetts, New York, or the United States, for they rejected them all for Franklin's, Turgot's, i.e. Needham's. Servile idolatry of Franklin, which was the true source, is called self-sufficiency. They are now as servile imitators of De Mably's dialogue with Lord Stanhope. 1796.
Still call it a sublime theory? horrible!
Still call it extension of truth and reason? Oh horrible!
She had read the Defense too, but to little purpose.
Modern EnglishWhat Americans? Not Franklin — for they adopted his system. Not the first constitution of Pennsylvania — for they adopted it. Not the constitution of Massachusetts, New York, or the United States — for they rejected them all for Franklin's, Turgot's, that is, Needham's. Servile idolatry of Franklin, which was the true source, is called self-sufficiency. They are now just as servile imitators of De Mably's dialogue with Lord Stanhope. 1796.
Still call it a sublime theory? Horrible!
Still call it the extension of truth and reason? Oh, horrible!
She had read the Defense too, but to little purpose.
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Adams, 1796/1812It promised precisely what it performed universal ruin. Devastation and massacre. Such was the equal freedom and general happiness it promised and produced!
The clock would be more simple if you destroyed all the wheels and left only the weights or the spring, but it would not tell the time of day. A city would be more simple if you built it all in one house or barracks without departments and turned all the people in together. The solar system would be more simple if all the planets were destroyed and you left only the sun. The universe would be more simple if it were all in one globe. The earth would be more simple if it were all fire, water, air, or earth, but its inhabitants must perish in either case. The laws would be more simple if all reduced to one "Be it enacted that every man, woman, and child shall do their duty." It is silly to be eternally harping upon simplicity in a form of government. The simplest of all possible governments is a despotism in one. A farmer's barn would be more simple if without apartments and he turned in all together his horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs: yet his haymows would be wasted and his stock killed and gored. A ship would be more simple without a rudder, with but one mast and but one sail. Simplicity is not the summum bonum.
Modern EnglishIt promised precisely what it performed: universal ruin. Devastation and massacre. Such was the "equal freedom and general happiness" it promised and produced!
The clock would be simpler if you destroyed all the wheels and left only the weights or the spring — but it would not tell the time of day. A city would be simpler if you built it all in one house or barracks, without departments, and turned all the people in together. The solar system would be simpler if all the planets were destroyed and you left only the sun. The universe would be simpler if it were all in one globe. The earth would be simpler if it were all fire, water, air, or earth — but its inhabitants must perish in any case. The laws would be simpler if all were reduced to one: "Be it enacted that every man, woman, and child shall do their duty." It is silly to be eternally harping on simplicity in a form of government. The simplest of all possible governments is a despotism in one. A farmer's barn would be simpler without stalls, if he turned in all together his horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs — yet his haymows would be wasted and his stock killed and gored. A ship would be simpler without a rudder, with but one mast and one sail. Simplicity is not the summum bonum [the highest good].
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Adams, 1796/1812It is provoking to see a legislature, a sovereign, in one house called refined theory. It is a savage theory. A barbarous theory. Indians, Negroes, Tartars, Hottentots would have refined more.
Modern EnglishIt is provoking to see a legislature — a sovereign — in one house, called refined theory. It is a savage theory. A barbarous theory. Indians, Negroes, Tartars, and Hottentots would have refined it further.
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Adams, 1796/1812They dreaded too the loyalty of the people and their habitual affection for the king, and their superstitious reverence for the Lords anointed. The holy phial at Rheims was still worshipped. That ampule brought down from heaven by the Holy Ghost in the form of a pigeon.
The mischievous power of the nobility would have been rendered nugatory by 3 branches.
It has regenerated poor Geneva and poor Holland and had like to have regenerated America.
Modern EnglishThey dreaded, too, the loyalty of the people, and their habitual affection for the king, and their superstitious reverence for the Lord's anointed. The holy vial at Rheims [Reims] was still worshipped — that ampoule brought down from heaven by the Holy Ghost in the form of a pigeon. [The Sainte Ampoule, used to anoint French kings.]
The mischievous power of the nobility would have been rendered nugatory [made void] by three branches.
It has regenerated poor Geneva and poor Holland, and nearly regenerated America. [Sarcastic.]
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Adams, 1796/1812There was in France much real patriotism in nobles, clergy, commons, citizens, and countrymen, and in women as well as men.
Gallantry, grace, theatrical pride, vanity comprehend most of the patriotism I fear in France, and I fear in most other nations.
Modern EnglishThere was in France much real patriotism in nobles, clergy, commons, citizens, and countrymen — and in women as well as men.
Gallantry, grace, theatrical pride, and vanity make up most of the patriotism, I fear, in France — and I fear in most other nations.
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Adams, 1796/1812Natives only to reign in France.
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Adams, 1796/1812It is cruel to call that insincerity which was effect of terror, duress, and necessity.
Modern EnglishIt is cruel to call insincerity what was the effect of terror, duress, and necessity.
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Adams, 1796/1812His escape was the only way to save his life.
The duplicity of the Assembly was greater than that of the King.
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Adams, 1796/1812These very deep reflections are of little use. They account for nothing. Ignorance in the King, court, nobility, clergy, philosophers, and commons was the true cause of the errors.
Modern EnglishThese very deep reflections are of little use. They account for nothing. Ignorance — in the king, court, nobility, clergy, philosophers, and commons — was the true cause of the errors.
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Adams, 1796/1812Whether the French are the vainest men or not, English melancholy pride would behave as ill or worse in a revolution.
God grant it.
And does this great lady suppose that such interruptions can be prevented or avoided in any great assembly?
Modern EnglishWhether the French are the vainest of men or not, English melancholy pride would behave as ill or worse in a revolution.
God grant it!
And does this great lady suppose such interruptions can be prevented or avoided in any great assembly?
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Adams, 1796/1812The disinterestedness and benevolence of Louis XVI had appeared on many occasions before this.
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Adams, 1796/1812Necker. The malice of this lady versus Necker is unworthy of her.
Modern EnglishNecker! The malice of this lady toward Necker is unworthy of her.
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Adams, 1796/1812The famous Mr. Wilkes told me in London that Mirabeau affected to be ignorant of his own eloquence and to value himself on his depth of thought. But, says Wilkes, he is a very eloquent man and has no depth of thought at all. Wilkes however seems to have mismeasured him.
Modern EnglishThe famous Mr. Wilkes told me in London that Mirabeau affected to be unaware of his own eloquence, and prided himself on his depth of thought. But, says Wilkes, he is a very eloquent man and has no depth of thought at all. Wilkes, however, seems to have mismeasured him.
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Adams, 1796/1812Not all. Some were very deliberate.
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Adams, 1796/1812Buried to rise again in more ghastly forms.
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Adams, 1796/1812Who shall dare to set limits to the power of the British Navy? said Barry.
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Adams, 1796/1812How soon was this adulation followed by the guillotine?
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Adams, 1796/1812This was to be the fate of France too. May liberty at length have the glorious birth.
Modern EnglishThis was to be the fate of France too. May liberty at length have its glorious birth!
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Adams, 1796/1812She has been among the economists, who may be right.
Modern EnglishShe has been among the economists [the Physiocrats] — who may be right.
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Adams, 1796/1812Her American husband then has not taught her to condemn a funding system. But the question is, what is the principal? In paper money, is it the nominal value or the real value? In bank bills, is it the real or the current nominal value?
Paper is always a dangerous expedient. It will soon make a well established government an ill established government.
Modern EnglishHer American husband, then, has not taught her to condemn a funding system. [Gilbert Imlay — not legally her husband.] But the question is: what is the principal? In paper money, is it the nominal value or the real value? In bank bills, is it the real or the current nominal value?
Paper is always a dangerous expedient. It will soon make a well-established government an ill-established one.
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Adams, 1796/1812Paper money never was and never will be conducted with any moderation or any sagacity. Neither the monarchy nor the democracy of France, nor the limited monarchy of England nor the representative democracy of the United States have ever discovered either moderation or sagacity on this subject.
Did this silly woman think it possible for any minister or any king or any national assembly to take decided measures? No! They had ignorantly and madly introduced the despotism of old anarchy and old chaos: and must leave it to fate, fortune, or providence to create order out of this confusion. If there had been moderation or sagacity among them, they [next page]
Modern EnglishPaper money never was, and never will be, managed with any moderation or sagacity. Neither the monarchy nor the democracy of France, nor the limited monarchy of England, nor the representative democracy of the United States, has ever shown either moderation or sagacity on this subject.
Did this silly woman think it possible for any minister, any king, or any national assembly to take decided measures? No! They had ignorantly and madly introduced the despotism of old Anarch and old Chaos [Milton's Paradise Lost], and must leave it to fate, fortune, or providence to create order out of this confusion. If there had been moderation or sagacity among them, they [continued next page]
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Adams, 1796/1812must have seen that a military power alone could effect it. 1812. A military power has effected it. But how? Not much to the satisfaction and suspect of the moderate and sagacious Miss Wollstonecraft.
Why not wholly?
And who could make such arrangements? The angel Gabriel could not have taken such measures in such an assembly with such a court, clergy, nobility, and mob about it. Poor Necker must be the scapegoat.
This is wisdom!
Modern English[continued] must have seen that a military power alone could effect it. 1812. A military power has effected it. But how? Not much to the satisfaction — and, I suspect, of the moderate and sagacious Miss Wollstonecraft. [The last clause is obscure in the original.]
Why not wholly?
And who could make such arrangements? The angel Gabriel could not have taken such measures, in such an assembly, with such a court, clergy, nobility, and mob around it. Poor Necker must be the scapegoat.
This is wisdom! [Sarcastic.]
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Adams, 1796/1812No man appeared in France with half his energy, unless we except Robespierre, till Napoleon.
No talents were sufficient, and never will be.
Why did not all men know this in season? I know of no improvements in morals since the days of Jesus.
Defense.
Improvements in physical and metaphysical philosophy have made none in the science of politics. This is still the sport of passions and prejudices, of ambition, avarice, intrigue, faction, caprice, and gallantry as much as ever. Jealousy, envy, and revenge govern with as absolute a sway as ever. Enthusiasm and superstition have lost but little of their power.
Modern EnglishNo man appeared in France with half his energy — unless we except Robespierre — until Napoleon.
No talents were sufficient, and never will be.
Why did not all men know this in time? I know of no improvements in morals since the days of Jesus.
Defense. [A reminder to himself — the argument is in his book.]
Improvements in physical and metaphysical philosophy have made none in the science of politics. This is still the sport of passions and prejudices — of ambition, avarice, intrigue, faction, caprice, and gallantry — as much as ever. Jealousy, envy, and revenge govern with as absolute a sway as ever. Enthusiasm and superstition have lost little of their power.
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Adams, 1796/1812Moses never saw the promised land. Witty and pretty enough.
I wish they had. I wish we would. They did, and we do. But they labored to transmit their prejudices, and we to propagate and transmit ours.
Clever enough.
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Adams, 1796/1812Are vanity and weakness soon to vanish?
Necker then was not at all to blame.
This era must be the millennium. Amen and amen! Glorious era come quickly! Men must search their own hearts and confess the emulation that is there: and provide checks to it. The gentlemen must be compelled to agree. They never will from reason and free will. Nothing short of an independent power above them able to check their majorities ever can keep them within bounds. It is the interest and true policy of the people, for their own safety, always to erect and maintain such a power over the gentlemen: and such another under them. Power must be opposed to power, force to force, strength to strength, interest to interest, as well as reason to reason, eloquence to eloquence, and passion to passion.
Modern EnglishAre vanity and weakness soon to vanish?
Necker, then, was not at all to blame.
This era must be the millennium. Amen and amen! Glorious era, come quickly! Men must search their own hearts and confess the rivalry that is there — and provide checks to it. The gentlemen must be compelled to agree. They never will, from reason and free will. Nothing short of an independent power above them, able to check their majorities, can ever keep them within bounds. It is the interest and true policy of the people, for their own safety, always to erect and maintain such a power over the gentlemen — and such another under them. Power must be opposed to power, force to force, strength to strength, interest to interest, as well as reason to reason, eloquence to eloquence, and passion to passion.
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Her Book V begins here.
Adams, 1796/1812How could it be helped? They could agree in nothing.
How gained it? She was further from it than ever.
Modern EnglishHow could it be helped? They could agree on nothing.
How had she "gained it"? She was further from it than ever.
III. The Removal of the King to Paris (pp. 400–522)
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Adams, 1796/1812How were these truths ascertained? Forty-nine fiftieths of the nation knew no more about them than the King's menagerie. Among the remaining fiftieth part, there were ten thousand different opinions about the meaning, limitations, restrictions, and exceptions with which they were to be understood. Besides, very few of them appear to have held any idea of one of the most essential truths of all, the drunkenness of absolute power in any assembly of nobles, commons, or mixture of both as well as in an emperor or king. The National Assembly had to contend against the prejudices of nine-tenths of the nation, their own people, their own Constituents.
There was no practical knowledge. There was no theory in which a tenth part of the nation could agree. I believe there was more principle than there was practice or theory.
Modern EnglishHow were these truths established? Forty-nine fiftieths of the nation knew no more about them than the king's menagerie [the royal zoo]. Among the remaining fiftieth, there were ten thousand different opinions about the meaning — the limitations, restrictions, and exceptions — with which they were to be understood. Besides, very few of them appear to have held any idea of one of the most essential truths of all: the intoxicating effect of absolute power in any assembly of nobles, commons, or mixture of both, as well as in an emperor or king. The National Assembly had to contend against the prejudices of nine-tenths of the nation — their own people, their own constituents.
There was no practical knowledge. There was no theory on which a tenth of the nation could agree. I believe there was more principle than there was practice or theory.
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Adams, 1796/1812Thank you, miss, for your complaisance to America: you are not quite correct, but no matter.
They were men of experience in popular assemblies as well as theorists.
Aims at perfection will always fall short.
None but an idiot or a madman ever built a government upon a disinterested principle. Such pretensions are false and hollow: all hypocrisy. Like Franklin's will and his article in the Pennsylvania Bill of Rights.
Modern EnglishThank you, miss, for your kindness to America. You are not quite correct, but no matter.
They were men of experience in popular assemblies, as well as theorists.
Aims at perfection will always fall short.
None but an idiot or a madman ever built a government on a disinterested principle. Such pretensions are false and hollow — all hypocrisy. Like Franklin's will, and his article in the Pennsylvania Bill of Rights.
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Adams, 1796/1812Is it not astonishing that the National Assembly did not foresee that the press would be employed against them? That their own creatures would uncreate their creators? That their own tools would cut their own throats? That their own devils would become their tempters first and tormentors afterwards?
The jests, epigrams, and caricatures did not produce the divisions. The divisions were deep and ineradicable. The divisions produced the jests. Jests and libels were thick and terrible from all parties. Of what party were Marat and Tom Paine and their jests?
Modern EnglishIs it not astonishing that the National Assembly did not foresee that the press would be employed against them? That their own creatures would uncreate their creators? That their own tools would cut their own throats? That their own devils would first become their tempters, and afterward their tormentors?
The jests, epigrams, and caricatures did not produce the divisions. The divisions were deep and ineradicable. The divisions produced the jests. Jests and libels were thick and terrible from all parties. Of what party were Marat and Tom Paine and their jests?
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Adams, 1796/1812And yet, the nation had ascertained the most important political truths! A decree against libels would not have restrained the temper of the times. Libels would have been multiplied by it.
Such a decree would have been epigrammatized more than rustic gaits. Is there any nation that will distinguish between the license and the freedom of the press? Not the English. Nor the Americans most certainly. Neither government can do it and the people will not. I had preached this doctrine a whole year in Congress in 1775 and 1776 before I could prevail upon that body to pass my resolution of the 15th of May 1776 recommending that measure to the people of the states.
Modern EnglishAnd yet the nation had "established the most important political truths"! A decree against libel would not have restrained the temper of the times. It would have multiplied libels.
Such a decree would have been turned into epigrams more than rustic gaits were. Is there any nation that will distinguish between license and freedom of the press? Not the English. Certainly not the Americans. No government can do it, and the people will not. I had preached this doctrine for a whole year in Congress, in 1775 and 1776, before I could prevail on that body to pass my resolution of May 15, 1776, recommending that measure to the people of the states.
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Adams, 1796/1812How was it possible to bring twenty-five millions of Frenchmen Who had never known or thought of any law but the King's will to rally round any free constitution at all? A constitution is a standard, a pillar, and a bond when it is understood, approved, and beloved. But without this intelligence and attachment, it might as well be a kite or balloon, flying in the air.
These machines called constitutions are not to be taken to pieces and cleaned or mended so easily as a watch.
Did this lady think three months time enough to form a free constitution for twenty five millions of Frenchmen? 300 years would be well spent in procuring so great a blessing, but I doubt whether it will be accomplished in 3,000. Not one of the projects of the Sage of La Mancha was more absurd, ridiculous, or delirious than this of a revolution in France per saltum from a monarchy to a democracy. I thought so in 1785 when it was first talked of. I thought so in all the intermediate time, and I think so in 1812.
Modern EnglishHow was it possible to bring twenty-five million Frenchmen, who had never known or thought of any law but the king's will, to rally around any free constitution at all? A constitution is a standard, a pillar, and a bond when it is understood, approved, and beloved. But without this understanding and attachment, it might as well be a kite or balloon, flying in the air.
These machines called constitutions are not to be taken to pieces and cleaned or mended as easily as a watch.
Did this lady think three months was time enough to form a free constitution for twenty-five million Frenchmen? Three hundred years would be well spent in securing so great a blessing, but I doubt whether it will be accomplished in three thousand. Not one of the schemes of the Sage of La Mancha [Don Quixote] was more absurd, ridiculous, or delirious than this one — of a revolution in France per saltum [at a leap] from monarchy to democracy. I thought so in 1785, when it was first talked of. I thought so through all the intervening time, and I think so in 1812.
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Adams, 1796/1812This woman sees no difficulties: yet she makes her readers see innumerable and insuperable difficulties. She is a most incongruous creature. She shows in every page things to be impossible which nevertheless she pronounces easy.
All their prejudices were still inveterate.
Their ignorance was total.
How was liberty secured by the Declaration of Rights? No more than their innocence and obedience by the Decalogue, i.e. the Ten Commandments. Besides there were not two men in fifty who believed in those rights. There were in France twenty times as many who believed in the King's divine right.
The disputes were between the people and the people more than between the people and the court. Those who were called the people were for butchering King, court, nobility, clergy, and all the rich; even the National Assembly itself.
Modern EnglishThis woman sees no difficulties — yet she makes her readers see innumerable and insuperable difficulties. She is a most incongruous creature. On every page she shows things to be impossible which she nevertheless pronounces easy.
All their prejudices were still inveterate.
Their ignorance was total.
How was liberty secured by the Declaration of Rights? No more than their innocence and obedience were secured by the Decalogue — that is, the Ten Commandments. Besides, not two men in fifty believed in those rights. There were in France twenty times as many who believed in the king's divine right.
The disputes were between the people and the people, more than between the people and the court. Those who were called "the people" were for butchering king, court, nobility, clergy, and all the rich — even the National Assembly itself.
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Adams, 1796/1812I would rather call the natural, civil, and political rights of man the foundations than the pillars. If they are pillars, they must stand upon a firm foundation. Is a declaration then a foundation? No more than a heap of sand or a pool of water. They stand as firmly without a declaration as with, if nothing more is done. Laws and guardians of laws must be made and guardians to watch one another.
A declaration of these rights will have no more influence than the Ten Commandments without laws executed.
An informal bastion of character.
Modern EnglishI would rather call the natural, civil, and political rights of man the foundations than the pillars. If they are pillars, they must stand on a firm foundation. Is a declaration, then, a foundation? No more than a heap of sand or a pool of water. Rights stand just as firmly without a declaration as with one, if nothing more is done. Laws must be made, and guardians of the laws — and guardians to watch one another.
A declaration of these rights will have no more influence than the Ten Commandments, without laws executed.
An informal bastion of character. [Obscure — the sense is uncertain; see scan.]
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Adams, 1796/1812This decree did neither good nor harm.
Vile slander I believe.
Popular commonplace. Plausible trash.
The supreme head of the executive of a great nation must be inviolable or the laws will never be executed. If such heads are liable to civil actions and criminal prosecutions and impeachments the government will easily be ruined. The absurdity consisted in establishing an hereditary executive as a balance to a vast legislature in one National Assembly. You might as well constitute an army to determine every movement by a vote of an 100,000 men and give the General a veto upon each vote. A gladiator in a pit without arms to defend himself against an hundred lions.
Modern EnglishThis decree did neither good nor harm.
Vile slander, I believe.
Popular commonplace. Plausible trash.
The supreme head of the executive of a great nation must be inviolable, or the laws will never be executed. If such heads are liable to civil suits, criminal prosecutions, and impeachments, the government will easily be ruined. The absurdity consisted in establishing a hereditary executive as a balance to a vast legislature in one national assembly. You might as well raise an army, have every movement decided by a vote of 100,000 men, and give the general a veto on each vote: a gladiator in a pit, unarmed, defending himself against a hundred lions.
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Adams, 1796/1812Mirabeau probably intended to introduce an hereditary senate between the King and the popular assembly.
No infallibility is implied in the maxim and Mirabeau had more sense than Miss Wollstonecraft. The maxim means no more than that the laws will not impute blame to the King but to his ministers because he can do nothing but by ministers. This policy is for the safety of the people.
It was not for the person but the office that this policy was adopted.
The evils arising from exposing a king to prosecutions civil and criminal are infinitely greater than any that can spring from their inviolability.
The Constitution was not made for Louis XVI but for the nation, for future kings and people. Pusillanimity, no doubt. At that time they could do nothing without the King.
Modern EnglishMirabeau probably intended to introduce a hereditary senate between the king and the popular assembly.
No infallibility is implied in the maxim ["the king can do no wrong"], and Mirabeau had more sense than Miss Wollstonecraft. The maxim means no more than that the laws will not impute blame to the king but to his ministers — because he can do nothing except through ministers. This policy exists for the safety of the people.
It was not for the person but for the office that this policy was adopted.
The evils arising from exposing a king to civil and criminal prosecutions are infinitely greater than any that can spring from their inviolability.
The constitution was not made for Louis XVI but for the nation — for future kings and people. Pusillanimity, no doubt: at that time they could do nothing without the king.
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Adams, 1796/1812Though she writes handsomely, she shows in every page that she sees nothing to the bottom. She is totally ignorant of the subject. But in this ignorance, she is equaled and indeed surpassed by the greatest men of the age.
Modern EnglishThough she writes handsomely, she shows on every page that she sees nothing to the bottom. She is totally ignorant of the subject. But in this ignorance she is equaled, and indeed surpassed, by the greatest men of the age.
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Adams, 1796/1812All this is splendid nonsense.
It was not mistaken lenity in Mirabeau. He saw that absolute power in the Assembly would be absurd: and meant to give the King a bridle to it, not considering that that bridle was but a silken thread or rather a rope of sand, or a cord of burnt tow.
Modern EnglishAll this is splendid nonsense.
It was not mistaken leniency in Mirabeau. He saw that absolute power in the Assembly would be abused, and meant to give the king a bridle for it — not considering that the bridle was but a silken thread, or rather a rope of sand, or a cord of burnt tow.
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Adams, 1796/1812Nothing less than a numerous body of rich, powerful, able, and hereditary senators placed between that Assembly and the King could have saved him or the constitution. It is indeed very doubtful whether that could have done it.
If they had made this proclamation, they could have done no more than they have done: created the empire of Napoleon.
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Adams, 1796/1812They have laid the foundation of something. An empire. And destroyed many foundations of other governments.
Joseph might have been spared these epithets. His toleration was to his honor.
Modern EnglishThey have laid the foundation of something: an empire. And destroyed many foundations of other governments.
Joseph [the emperor Joseph II] might have been spared these epithets. His toleration was to his honor.
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Adams, 1796/1812And still more if republics generally prevail.
This is wicked misrepresentation. The nation could do nothing at this time but in the name of the King. After all her censures of the Assembly, she allows that their conduct might be politically necessary.
Modern EnglishAnd still more, if republics generally prevail.
This is wicked misrepresentation. The nation could do nothing at this time except in the name of the king. For all her criticism of the assembly, she admits their conduct may have been politically necessary.
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Adams, 1796/1812If they had made him responsible, they would have impeached, tried, and guillotined him sooner than they did. His veto and his inviolability, sacred as it was, did not save him.
A miserable experiment of a kingly government if she means a limited monarchy.
All the ages of the world and all the history of courts cannot show more impudent and more bloody and cruel and perfidious examples of Machiavellian cunning than the successive leaders of the French conventions and assemblies for the last seven years.
Modern EnglishIf they had made him responsible, they would have impeached, tried, and guillotined him sooner than they did. His veto and his inviolability, sacred as it was, did not save him.
A miserable experiment in kingly government, if she means a limited monarchy.
All the ages of the world, and all the history of courts, cannot show more impudent, more bloody and cruel, or more perfidious examples of Machiavellian cunning than the successive leaders of the French conventions and assemblies over the last seven years.
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Adams, 1796/1812All this reproach upon all the governments of Europe: in what has it ended? Are the people ameliorated in their condition? Is Napoleon milder than the Bourbons?
The Throne of the Bourbons!
Drones and myrmidons! Words very grateful to discontent, meaning the clergy and the armies. But are the drones diminished? and are not the myrmidons increased three fold?
Her enmity to monarchy and hierarchy is as strong as that of the republicans who beheaded Charles I. It would be laudable if she would reveal to us any way of getting rid of them but by substituting greater evils in Europe.
Modern EnglishAll this reproach upon all the governments of Europe — in what has it ended? Are the people improved in their condition? Is Napoleon milder than the Bourbons?
The throne of the Bourbons!
Drones and myrmidons! Words very pleasing to discontent — meaning the clergy and the armies. But are the drones diminished? And are not the myrmidons increased threefold?
Her enmity to monarchy and hierarchy is as strong as that of the republicans who beheaded Charles I. It would be laudable if she would reveal to us any way of getting rid of them, in Europe, except by substituting greater evils.
p. 416 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The great advocates for the rights of expatriation ought not to deny it to a king any more than a subject.
The court misjudged the character of the nation as much as the Assembly did. Both were the dupes of their hopes and their credulity.
Modern EnglishThe great advocates of the right of expatriation ought not to deny it to a king any more than to a subject.
The court misjudged the character of the nation as much as the assembly did. Both were the dupes of their hopes and their credulity.
p. 417 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The army was become revolutionist. The rights of man had been insinuated into them by their officers as well as by citizens. They had a horror of opposing the nation in a struggle for liberty. They thought it impious against fraternity to fire upon their brothers.
Modern EnglishThe army had become revolutionary. The rights of man had been insinuated into them by their officers as well as by citizens. They had a horror of opposing the nation in a struggle for liberty. They thought it impious, against fraternity, to fire upon their brothers.
p. 419 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Nor had the Assembly discernment to perceive that the people were neither to be led nor driven.
Court and Assembly equally deceived.
There is great truth in this.
Tyrants they will ever be made to be while they exert their sovereignty by simple majorities, whether collectively or by representation.
Modern EnglishNor did the assembly have the discernment to see that the people were to be neither led nor driven.
Court and assembly equally deceived.
There is great truth in this.
Tyrants they will always be made into, so long as they exercise their sovereignty through simple majorities, whether directly or by representation.
p. 420 scan
Adams, 1796/1812How correct this history is, I cannot say. It was very ill-judged, but no body of men judges right in such times. It seems as if nothing could be right but flight and that secretly. Had the King resigned his crown, the Assembly would not and could have accepted it. Had he asked leave to retire out of the kingdom and taken an oath never to return, they would not have consented. They could not. It would have ruined them.
Modern EnglishHow correct this history is, I cannot say. It was very ill-judged — but no body of men judges rightly in such times. It seems as if nothing could be right but flight, and that secretly. Had the king resigned his crown, the Assembly would not, and could not, have accepted it. Had he asked leave to retire out of the kingdom, and taken an oath never to return, they would not have consented. They could not. It would have ruined them.
p. 421 scan
Adams, 1796/1812They had instilled into the soldiers such ideas of liberty, equality, fraternity, humanity, and tenderness of blood that I do not believe there was a regiment in the army that would have fired upon the people in obedience to their officers; no, not even to defend the King's castle or his life.
p. 423 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Such cries in such cases come out of the ground. Nobody knows where or by whom conjured up. Like the wind they blow where they list. None knows whence they come nor whither they go.
Modern EnglishSuch cries, in such cases, come out of the ground. Nobody knows where, or by whom conjured up. Like the wind, they blow where they list. None knows where they come from, nor where they go.
p. 424 scan
Adams, 1796/1812A dreadful circumstance, whether natural or artificial.
p. 425 scan
Adams, 1796/1812"Few knew." There was not one of the Poissonieres, not one of the mob of women, who did not know in what liberty consisted as well as Miss Wollstonecraft, Mr. Condorcet, the Duke de la Rochefoucault, Mr. Turgot, or Dr. Franklin. This is said ore rotundo! I know it. But the mask must be torn off from these imposing visages. And I am stark mad or every one of these was an idiot in the science of government.
Equality, a more fascinating watchword, was equally constant and fraternity, a more enchanting watchword still, was equally constant. Liberty flattered the natural savage. Equality flattered all the pride and vanity of civil life, but fraternity added the moral, the Christian feelings, and melted all into tears. Here is a miniature of human nature. This fraternity was set up by men who at the same time annihilated marriage and thereby destroyed the relations of father, son, and brother. And this Madame Wollstonecraft was as good a sister as any of those philosophers was a brother.
How long a time does it require to introduce an alteration in a national character?
Modern English"Few knew"! There was not one of the poissonnières [the market fishwives], not one of the mob of women, who did not know what liberty consisted in as well as Miss Wollstonecraft, Mr. Condorcet, the Duc de la Rochefoucauld, Mr. Turgot, or Dr. Franklin. This is said ore rotundo [in round, swelling tones]! I know it. But the mask must be torn off these imposing faces. Either I am stark mad, or every one of these men was an idiot in the science of government.
Equality, a more fascinating watchword, was equally constant; and fraternity, a more enchanting watchword still, was equally constant. Liberty flattered the natural savage. Equality flattered all the pride and vanity of civil life. But fraternity added the moral, the Christian feelings — and melted all into tears. Here is human nature in miniature. This fraternity was set up by men who at the same time annihilated marriage, and thereby destroyed the relations of father, son, and brother. And this Madame Wollstonecraft was as good a sister as any of those philosophers was a brother.
How long does it take to introduce an alteration in a national character?
p. 427 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The female rabble.
This was an universal sentiment among the soldiers as well as the people. A horror of firing at brother. Nay, the doctrine among the people was, to my certain knowledge, if you were attacked by an highwayman who charged at your person with a pistol at your breast, rather than knock him down or blow his brains out or run him through, you ought to deliver him your purse.
Modern EnglishThe female rabble.
This was a universal sentiment among the soldiers as well as the people: a horror of firing on a brother. Why, the doctrine among the people was — to my certain knowledge — that if you were attacked by a highwayman who held a pistol to your breast, rather than knock him down or blow his brains out or run him through, you ought to hand him your purse.
p. 429 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is not peculiar to Paris. Wherever there are parties, mutual blacking of characters prevails.
Every people is found to have this intriguing character when the mob is resorted to as a power in the state. This intriguing character will forever belong to many in all elective governments and in all times when original power is appealed to.
Modern EnglishThis is not peculiar to Paris. Wherever there are parties, mutual blackening of character prevails.
Every people is found to take on this intriguing character when the mob is resorted to as a power in the state. This intriguing character will forever belong to many, in all elective governments, and in all times when original power is appealed to.
p. 431 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The Bastille used to be a precaution against such characters.
This ought to be ascertained by evidence, not credited merely on suspicion.
Modern EnglishThe Bastille used to be a precaution against such characters.
This ought to be established by evidence, not believed merely on suspicion.
p. 434 scan
Adams, 1796/1812In this whole business, the King was evidentially under duress.
Modern EnglishIn this whole business, the king was evidently under duress.
p. 436 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Robespierre begins his career: a more remarkable one than that of Orleans or the King.
p. 437 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The people, the nation.
p. 440 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Bickerings between the women and the soldiers.
p. 441 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Quarrel between National Guard and bodyguard.
A cheerful scene.
Modern EnglishQuarrel between National Guard and bodyguard.
A cheerful scene. [Sarcastic.]
p. 443 scan
Adams, 1796/1812His whole life was a proof of his sincerity in this declaration.
Happy had it been for France if he had escaped.
Modern EnglishHis whole life was proof of his sincerity in this declaration.
Happy would it have been for France if he had escaped.
p. 446 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Prowl. This is not the style of a democratic lady.
Ruffians gaping for the Queen.
Modern English"Prowl"! This is not the style of a democratic lady.
Ruffians gaping for the Queen. [Gaping — baying — for her blood.]
p. 452 scan
Adams, 1796/1812I often heard that he was hated even by these heroines.
p. 455 scan
Adams, 1796/1812They are oftener boasted than performed.
I dont find that she allows anything but mock patriotism yet. When shall we come to the patriotism?
Modern EnglishThey are more often boasted than performed.
I don't find that she allows anything but mock patriotism yet. When shall we come to the patriotism?
p. 457 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Why not by their own intemperance and idleness?
p. 458 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The mob will always have courtiers as servile as those of kings.
Wisdom etc. can only be expected from those who are protected: by checks, never from unbridled majorities. The obedience of the people will follow the present power.
Modern EnglishThe mob will always have courtiers as servile as those of kings.
Wisdom and the like can be expected only from those who are protected — by checks — never from unbridled majorities. The obedience of the people will follow whatever power is present.
p. 459 scan
Adams, 1796/1812They wished as much as the gang to have the King in their power.
By their passions, their avarice and ambition, and their fears.
Happy harmony between the legislators and the people, no doubt it was called.
Modern EnglishThey wished as much as the gang to have the king in their power.
By their passions, their avarice and ambition, and their fears.
"Happy harmony between the legislators and the people" — no doubt it was called.
p. 462 scan
Adams, 1796/1812No doubt a popular national wish, nor foreseeing the consequences.
Modern EnglishNo doubt a popular national wish — not foreseeing the consequences.
p. 463 scan
Adams, 1796/1812An assembly in the power and under the influence of Paris expected to act with integrity! Paris dictated all their decrees! The members dared not give offence to the ruling majority in Paris.
Modern EnglishAn assembly in the power and under the influence of Paris, expected to act with integrity! Paris dictated all their decrees! The members dared not give offense to the ruling majority in Paris.
p. 464 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Ay. The multitude of Paris were the real government, the ruling power at that time.
Strictly true. The minority by their alliance with Paris overawed the majority.
Modern EnglishYes. The multitude of Paris was the real government, the ruling power at that time.
Strictly true. The minority, by its alliance with Paris, overawed the majority.
p. 465 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Very correct.
This trick, however stale, will always be successful.
Many such there always will be.
The minority, by crying out for more freedom, will allways gain the people and undermine the majority.
Modern EnglishVery correct.
This trick, however stale, will always succeed.
Many such there always will be.
The minority, by crying out for more freedom, will always gain the people and undermine the majority.
p. 466 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The nation did not see this. The people of Paris were considered as the nation.
Such will always be the effects of a government in one assembly.
Modern EnglishThe nation did not see this. The people of Paris were taken for the nation.
Such will always be the effects of a government in one assembly.
p. 467 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The public mind should always be consulted but not always followed. It should be informed and conducted by rational and honest means.
I hope not.
Modern EnglishThe public mind should always be consulted, but not always followed. It should be informed and guided by rational and honest means.
I hope not.
p. 469 scan
Adams, 1796/1812So be it.
p. 471 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The transports are contagious. The firmest minds can hardly resist.
p. 472 scan
Adams, 1796/1812An observation more profound than common in this work.
They wanted to shine in the eyes of the ladies of Paris, as well as of the multitude.
Modern EnglishAn observation more profound than is common in this work.
They wanted to shine in the eyes of the ladies of Paris, as well as of the multitude.
p. 473 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Such it has been ever since. 1796
I suspected in the former page the motives of Mirabeau and others.
Modern EnglishSuch it has been ever since. 1796.
I suspected, on the former page, the motives of Mirabeau and others.
p. 474 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Built Since I left France.
Modern EnglishBuilt since I left France.
p. 475 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Fine painting.
Modern EnglishFine description. [Literally "painting" — her word-picture of Paris.]
p. 476 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is the burden of her song. If the world grows wiser, it will grow more sensible of the emulation of the human heart and provide checks to it.
Modern EnglishThis is the burden of her song. If the world grows wiser, it will grow more sensible of the rivalry in the human heart, and provide checks to it.
p. 477 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The understanding will only make rivalries more subtle and scientific and the passions will never be prevented; they can only be balanced.
No doubt all those things were contrived.
Talleyrand.
Modern EnglishThe understanding will only make rivalries more subtle and scientific; and the passions will never be prevented — they can only be balanced.
No doubt all those things were contrived.
Talleyrand.
p. 478 scan
Adams, 1796/1812That will with a whisp has led them into many a black bog. Now De Mably with his plural executive is doing the same. 1796
It was no doubt intended to get the members into the power of the popular party, and Brissot and the other delegates of great cities such as Bordeaux, Lyons, Marseilles, Nantes, etc., not foreseeing the rivalry of cities to which they afterwards fell a sacrifice, were at this time for removing to Paris.
Modern EnglishThat will-o'-the-wisp [Rousseau] has led them into many a black bog. Now De Mably, with his plural executive, is doing the same. 1796.
It was no doubt intended to get the members into the power of the popular party; and Brissot and the other delegates of the great cities — Bordeaux, Lyons, Marseilles, Nantes, and the like — not foreseeing the rivalry of cities to which they afterward fell sacrifice, were at this time for removing to Paris.
p. 479 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Mounier, Lally, Tollendal, bicamerists despairing of their cause from the terror of a Paris mob, most probably.
Mirabeau, if he was not a single assembly man, was a dupe of his love of the pleasures of Paris and his passion to be admired.
Modern EnglishMounier, Lally, Tollendal: men of two chambers, despairing of their cause from terror of a Paris mob, most probably.
Mirabeau, if he was not a single-assembly man, was a dupe of his love of the pleasures of Paris and his passion to be admired.
p. 480 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The removal to Paris surrendered the sovereignty to libels and riots.
And secretly hired and taught them.
Modern EnglishThe removal to Paris surrendered the sovereignty to libels and riots.
And secretly hired and taught them. [The libelers — hired by faction.]
p. 482 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This was a tyranny as absolute as that they complained of.
They could yet do nothing without him.
p. 483 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Nothing better than this has yet appeared.
p. 484 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The theory they adopted was the weakest that ever has been thought of in the world.
What writers? Rousseau? De Mably? Condorcet? I trow not.
Modern EnglishThe theory they adopted was the weakest ever thought of in the world.
What writers? Rousseau? De Mably? Condorcet? I think not.
p. 485 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This can only be done by equal laws equally executed.
This polish and improvement is nothing if his passions are not restrained by checks.
Hereditary distinctions among the Greeks and Romans and in all Europe since their times have been essential to the liberty that has been enjoyed.
Modern EnglishThis can only be done by equal laws, equally executed.
This polish and improvement is nothing if his passions are not restrained by checks.
Hereditary distinctions — among the Greeks and Romans, and in all Europe since their times — have been essential to what liberty has been enjoyed.
p. 486 scan
Adams, 1796/1812The distinction of property will have more influence than all the rest in commercial countries if it is not rivaled by some other distinction.
No part of the citizens ought ever to be precluded from a chance of improvement.
The higher class, by insisting on their property and by engaging the lower class to unite with them in this principle, secured most of the liberty enjoyed in Europe.
Modern EnglishThe distinction of property will have more influence than all the rest in commercial countries, if it is not rivaled by some other distinction.
No part of the citizens ought ever to be shut out from a chance of improvement.
The higher class, by insisting on their property, and by engaging the lower class to unite with them in this principle, secured most of the liberty enjoyed in Europe.
p. 487 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This code will make knowledge more general, but how much more general is still a problem.
So be it.
This ought to be.
p. 488 scan
Adams, 1796/1812But the question is who shall be the guardian of the law? And what shall secure its efficacy and energy?
Modern EnglishBut the question is: who shall be the guardian of the law? And what shall secure its efficacy and energy?
p. 489 scan
Adams, 1796/1812After America had first adopted them.
But hereditary wealth first began to demand them. Witness the barons who demanded Magna Charta.
Modern EnglishAfter America had first adopted them.
But hereditary wealth first began to demand them. Witness the barons who demanded Magna Carta.
p. 490 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is much doubted.
This is commonplace cant: but very probably vulgar error.
The parasites of the people will excite war as often as these of courts.
Has the republic lessened these horrors or are her councils better?
Will Europe be more safe from a French republic than from a French monarchy?
Modern EnglishThis is much to be doubted.
This is commonplace cant — but very probably vulgar error.
The parasites of the people will excite war as often as those of courts.
Has the republic lessened these horrors, or are her councils better?
Will Europe be safer from a French republic than from a French monarchy?
p. 491 scan
Adams, 1796/1812So be it.
So be it.
So may it be: and so it may be.
p. 492 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is not true. They have all a system of policy.
Modern EnglishThis is not true. They all have a system of policy.
p. 494 scan
Adams, 1796/1812If confusion cannot be otherwise avoided, absolute governments will always be resorted to, for confusion is more intolerable. Let Sam Adams say what he will.
Cities have advanced liberty and knowledge by setting up kings to control nobles.
p. 495 scan
Adams, 1796/1812And the cities have enabled them to do it as a security against their own mobs, as well as against the nobility.
Modern EnglishAnd the cities have enabled them to do it — as a security against their own mobs, as well as against the nobility.
p. 496 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Of the nobles rather.
p. 499 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Freedom of talents, industry, and commerce infallibly produce inequalities as great as any that have existed.
Modern EnglishFreedom of talents, industry, and commerce infallibly produces inequalities as great as any that have existed.
p. 501 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This woman's head runs forever on love.
Modern EnglishThis woman's head forever runs on love.
p. 505 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Well enough!
p. 506 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This observation is new to me, and it may be just.
The French Republicans have imitated this policy.
p. 507 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Rather of commerce.
Modern EnglishOf commerce, rather.
p. 508 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Paris will perish before a Republican government can be established in France.
Modern EnglishParis will perish before a republican government can be established in France.
p. 512 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This is not so clear.
p. 517 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Since the existence of courts, the barons have been humbled and the People liberated from villainage.
It is wealth and commerce, not courts, that has done this.
Courts are not more splendid now in proportion than the courts of the barons were in the times of deadly feuds.
Modern EnglishSince the existence of courts, the barons have been humbled and the people liberated from villeinage.
It is wealth and commerce, not courts, that has done this.
Courts are not more splendid now, in proportion, than the courts of the barons were in the times of deadly feuds.
p. 518 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Ay! Now you come to something to the purpose.
This aristocracy of wealth is now destroying the aristocracy of birth. That is all, unless it should destroy the aristocracy of genius, talents, and merits too.
Modern EnglishYes! Now you come to something to the purpose.
This aristocracy of wealth is now destroying the aristocracy of birth. That is all — unless it should destroy the aristocracy of genius, talents, and merits too.
p. 519 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Thus, money is getting the better both of birth and merit.
p. 520 scan
Adams, 1796/1812Ay! Destroy all arts and manufactures as well as commerce and build Plato's Republic.
What sacred feelings! What divine feelings! Is there anything sacred, anything divine! Miss Wollstonecraft?
Modern EnglishYes! Destroy all arts and manufactures as well as commerce, and build Plato's republic. [Sarcastic.]
What sacred feelings! What divine feelings! Is there anything sacred, anything divine, Miss Wollstonecraft?
p. 521 scan
Adams, 1796/1812They saw the execution on the wheel of two officers for crimes.
Ay! Lay all the blame on the court.
This you learn from Rousseau, but it is not true.
I hope improvements are making but I wish to see the fruit of them before I depend too much upon them.
Modern EnglishThey saw the execution on the wheel of two officers, for crimes.
Yes! Lay all the blame on the court. [Sarcastic.]
This you learn from Rousseau, but it is not true.
I hope improvements are being made — but I wish to see the fruit of them before I depend too much on them.
p. 522 scan
Adams, 1796/1812This word simplicity in the course of seven years has murdered its millions and produced more horrors than monarchy did in a century. As if all excellence and perfection consisted in simplicity. A woman would be more simple if she had but one eye or one breast: yet Nature chose she should have two as more convenient as well as ornamental. A man would be more simple with but one ear, one arm, one leg. Shall a legislature have but one chamber then, merely because it is more simple? A wagon would be more simple if it went upon one wheel: yet no art could prevent it from oversetting at every step.
There can be none more simple than despotism. The triple complication, not simplicity, is to be sought for.
This nasty rhetoric could be learned only in France. By an English lady, it could be only written in the Temple of Cloacina at her devotion to the goddess.
Modern EnglishThis word "simplicity" in the course of seven years has murdered its millions, and produced more horrors than monarchy did in a century. As if all excellence and perfection consisted in simplicity! A woman would be simpler if she had but one eye or one breast — yet Nature chose she should have two, as more convenient as well as ornamental. A man would be simpler with but one ear, one arm, one leg. Shall a legislature have but one chamber, then, merely because it is simpler? A wagon would be simpler if it went upon one wheel — yet no art could keep it from overturning at every step.
There can be none simpler than despotism. Triple complication, not simplicity, is what should be sought.
This nasty rhetoric could be learned only in France. By an English lady, it could only have been written in the temple of Cloacina [goddess of the sewers], at her devotions to the goddess.
Ledger: readings corrected
Base = LibraryThing transcription. [scan] = read by eye from the Internet Archive copy. [Haraszti] = Zoltán Haraszti's 1952 reading from the original.
- p. 71: "factions" → "fresh ones" [scan]
- p. 131: "versus the court" kept; Haraszti's "cabinet" rejected [scan: "& vs ye Ct"]
- p. 135: "but the progress is weak" → "but the process is cruel" [scan]
- p. 250: "that character of that family" → "the character of the family" [scan]
- p. 251: "langrage of lions" → "langridge of Lyons" [scan]
- p. 301: "if had stayed?" → "if they had stayed" [Haraszti]
- p. 341: "still go wade on in blood" kept, insertion confirmed [scan]
- p. 400: "their own constraints" → "their own Constituents" [scan]
- p. 405: "for but sharing King" → "for butchering King" [scan]
- p. 407: "criminal persecutions" → "criminal prosecutions" [parallel, p. 408]
- p. 410: "would be absurd" → "would be abused" [Haraszti]
- p. 425: "melted all into time" → "melted all into Tears" [scan]; "poissoniers" → "Poissonieres" [scan]
- p. 446: "Russians raping for the Queen" → "Ruffians gaping for the Queen" [scan]; "is is" → "is" [scan]
- p. 520: "as well as commence" → "as well as commerce" [Haraszti]
- p. 521: "Thy law the execution" → "They saw the execution" [Haraszti]
Still obscure, left as transcribed: p. 245 "Jerusalem."; p. 379 "said Barry" [unidentified]; p. 395 "to the satisfaction and suspect of"; p. 406 "An informal bastion of character."