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56. A Little Letter from a Future President
BY JOHN QUINCY ADAMS (1774)[152]

October 13, 1774.
SIR,—

I have been trying ever since you went away to learn to write you a letter. I shall make

illustration

YOUNG JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

[Description: Poorly reproduced portrait of John Quincy Adams, age twenty-five.]
189

poor work of it; but, sir, mamma says you will accept my endeavors, and that my duty to you may be expressed in poor writing as well as good. I hope I grow a better boy, and that you will have no occasion to be ashamed of me when you return. Mr. Thaxter says I learn my books well. He is a very good master. I read my books to mamma. We all long to see you.

I am, sir, your dutiful son,

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

[[152]]

The boy was then only seven years old.

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