Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 29 July 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            Rock Hall, Germantn 29th July 1799.

          The 26th: instt: brought me yours of the 18th: & the 28th: that of the 21st: with accompanyments— Accipe gratias et incepto permanete. You anticipated my request to be informed of how the rituals were this year performed at Alma mater. I am, among other pursuits, attempting to renew my acquaintance with school & College books, for which I own I had little relish while they occupied me as a task; had I made this confession at the time I was employed in reading the classics & saying them “like a lad,” my Masters & all others concerned in my education would have said I was a stupid, idle boy, who had no business to indulge or even entertain his likes & dislikes, & with them, a well grounded disgust would have passed for a cloak to an idle humor or as a mark of deficiency of intellect. I made no such avowal and I learnt, like others, just as much lattin & Greek as I was bound to, and no more— I never saw or never distinguished

the beauties, classic & poetic of Virgil or of his master Homer— The eloquence of Cicero, envellopped in what, to me was difficult language, never melted my frigid and congealed faculties so that I could perceive wherein he surpassed predecessors, cotemporaries & successors in that style for which he was most aptly formed to excell; nor did his copia verborum then arrest my admiration, as it has done since. Horrace with all his wit, could scarcely boast of having excited a smile on my visage and as to his Satires, had they never been written, my wisdom & instruction would not have been less that they are. Juvenal is not one of our College books—Nor is Ovid—or even Tacitus— I am ashamed to acknowledge that I never read them in their original dress— Ovid, with a french translation, is now under my eye and it strikes me as one of the most necessary of all the lattin poets to be read in schools—it is in fact a useful nomenclator to the rest— Fiction, to use a strong expression is made intelligible—even “the melancholy madness of poetry” becomes rational matter of fact, in comparison to the obscurity which seems to envellope antient literature without this author’s aid.
          We have very few classic scholars in this Country; and the number will not increase until the capacities of boys in our Grammar schools & Colleges are better discriminated—until our Masters, Tutors, preceptors, professors & Presidents, become schollars themselves in the dead languages, which they pretend to teach. Who ever undertakes to advise boys to read the biography of the authors they read learn at school; or points to the beauties & properties peculiar to each? Who attempts to explain the difficult passages continually occurring in the best classic writers or comments upon an allusion without which it lies hid in “darkness visible” from the apprehension of a child?
          It would be a source of high satisfaction if I read lattin with as much facility as I do french— One of them I learnt involuntarily by seven years reading, when young—the other I acquired in less than three years at a more advanced age, unassisted by a teacher. Since I came out here, I have been infinitely more amused, instructed, & gratified with the company I have kept, than that I was obliged to frequent in the City. I converse with Cicero, Tacitus, Ovid, Horrace, in addition [to] professional writers— But these will not give me bread, no! we must dwell with bricks & stones & filth & heat & all the disagreeables of life, because there dwells man, sordid, money making animal. It is time this strain should cease for it begins to border on the querulous—

          In one of the boxes of books lately arrived at Quincy, there must be certain odd volumes of a work. (I think the history of France) which my brother presented to the College— If you can find them, they should be sent to complete the sett at Cambridge.
          I am as usual Your’s

            T B Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 July 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

            my Dear son
            Quincy July 30 1799—

          Mr Houghten, an acquaintance of your Brother Thomas, call’d upon me last Evening, with the kind offer of taking Letters to you. I readily Embrace the opportunity, as it gives me the pleasure of sending you a Number of News papers, and two orations, neither of which stand in need of any Eulogy from me; they will proclaim their own Worth; and the public are not insensible to their merit. two thousand of Mr Pains were subscribed for in Boston
          Since I wrote you last, I have had the pleasure of receiving from you a Letter dated March 16th No 43— The sentiment I know were all your own, but being coppied in an other Hand, I was deprived of some of those agreable feelings, which the sight of your Hand writing always communicates to me. It was like the sensation which my Dear Louissa complaind of, when I call’d her Mrs Adams instead of my daughter, without however any diminuation of affection, and which you may assure her, I will not again repeat. upon the Evening of Commencment day your Father returnd to Quincy, and brought me your favor of May 17th No 44— I have sent the Letter to Thomas; but think I am right as to date— I rejoice to learn by it, that you were well, but Grieve at the repeated misfortune of my daughter, least it should essentially injure her Constitution—
          we have heitherto had a Charming Summer, and my own Health is growing firmer—which is a pleasing circumstance, as the season is

approaching, when I was last year a great sufferer. Boston N york, and I may add Philadelphia, are at present Healthy, tho a few instances of the fever have occured in the latter. I may also add, that Peace is in our borders, and plenty in our habitations. the stupid spirit of Insurrection which so blindly led the ignorant people of Northhampton, was soon quelld, by the appearence of some troops; and the energy of Government their leader Fries, was taken, and about a dozen more who opposed the Marshall in the Execution of the Laws. the Jury were unanimous with respect to Fries, but his counsel have contrived to obtain a new trial for him, as they proved, that one of the Jury had exprest an opinion respecting his guilt, previous to trial. the rest of the insurgents were convicted, and penalties agreable to the Laws of Pensilvana adjudged them— all has since been tranquill I presume upon your Brothers writing you a more full detail but the whole was but a small affair, in comparison of the western Rebellion. let Britans and French Men look at Home what is a few ignorant Men in one single Town rising in opposition to Government, to Ireland? be sure it ought not to be sufferd in the Green Tree, least the dry ones should kindle into Flames—
          our Infant Navy, and our wooden walls, are the popular toast of the day; they are the objects which the President has most nearly at Heart: he may really be calld the Father of them— our Countrymen appear to be daily more & more imprest with their importance; in building up the Glory, and preserving and supporting the honour and safety of the Country. the sailors prefer engageing on Board our ships of War, to the Merchant service, tho the pay of the latter is 4 dollars higher pr month
          The frigate Constitution saild from Boston last week commanded by capt Talbot, a brave active officer, well known to the British last war, for some of the boldest, and most daring exploits, performed against them, during the War— the Boston a New frigate of 30 Guns saild a day after her, commanded by capt Little. on board of these vessels are several Young Gentlemen as midshipmen who this year graduated at Harverd college. you can scarcly form an Idea of the ardour for Naval service which has taken possession of our Countrymen— My good wishes attend them with hopes, that their success may be equal to their zeal.
          I have the pleasure to inform you that your Books have all arrived safe, and are lodgd in the House and Room of your Nativity— they are all in good order and will remain, where they are, in safety. The trunk containing your shirts, made and unmade, with a peice of

Linnen belonging to you; and a peice of Broad Cloth, with several articles of wearing apparel are here in my care as are two peices of Linnen, Markd with Whitcombs Name together with some Cloathing:— The Peice of Linnen of yours which is unmade, I will take if you please and pay to your Brother the value, if you have the Bill of it, and will send it him; otherways it will remain to your order with the rest of the things— your Brother has gone to Germantown during the summer Months— every Body fears to remain in the City, from past experience— we heard last Evening from him— I presume he wrote his sister an account of his visit to Maryland, with which he was much delighted.
          You diverted me with the extract from de Leincourts Journals. there is so much truth in what he writes that I can forgive him his errors— I well remember the attitude of surprize, and the silent astonishment in which he appeard, upon his first visit Here— I could as I thought then, trace his reflections— Many of the Great and important services, for a long course of years, which the owner had Renderd his Country, were well known to the duke, and his reflections were, “What would have been the Reward of such services under a Monarchy?” yet I can with truth assure him, that I delight more in this habitation, humble as it appeard to him, and as in reality it is, the abode of innocence and peace, than all the directorial Palaces of the Despots of France can yeald, enveloped as they must be, with the Curses, and Imprecations, of the devoted wretches from whom they are wringing the last livre.—
          we cannot but rejoice that the French Nation, are many of them, receiving the measure which they have meeted to others— we trace the Horrors of the Revolution in every foot step—but who of us will Live to see the winding up of the drama, or the expansion of the healing wings of Peace, is known only to that Being, who Rides upon the Whirlwind and directs the storm—
          our Friends and connection here are well we have not had any Family Breaches Since the death of our venerable Aunt Thaxter. some have been added to our Numbers— William Cranch has a daughter, Mrs Norten an other son, born a day or two after your Brothers return, and named for him. Mrs Lucy Greenleaf has also a son— I have not heard for more than a month from your sister smith, but she was well. from N york I do not hear so often as from Berlin— would to heaven I could hear good tidings—but alass—I will not distress you—every Heart knows its own bitterness—

          I have great cause for rejoicing that your Father enjoys so good a state of Health, notwithstanding the weight of Buisness, and perplexity which frequently attends it. he continues firm as a Rock—tho the Waves sometimes beat, and the Billows Roar
          My Love to my dear daughter from Her and your affectionate Mother

            Abigail Adams—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 August 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother.
            Philadelphia 8th: August 1799.

          As I am in the City for a few days, you may wish me to write rather oftener than usual, to convince you that I am not ill. The weather since the month of June has been generally more than commonly favorable for this climate— it still continues so, and we begin to flatter ourselves that the City may escape the afflicting scourge it has heretofore experienced.
          The mortality which lately prevailed on board the friggate Genl:

Green, was a very distressing affair— I lament it the more, as I see among the list of victims in the crew several names of persons with whom I made a slight acquaintance, when I was at Newport.
          You will have read the publication for which the Aurora-man has been bound over to appear & answer at the next district Court. It was republished by Brown & Relf in the Philada: Gazette of the [. . .] currt:— His defence, will, I understand, be an attempt to prove the tr[uth] of what he has asserted— The letter under the hand of John Adams is said to be one in which the subject of his recall from the mission in England & Mr: Pinckney’s appointment as Successor, was spoken of & animadverted upon with freedom— The partition of Braintree into three separate & distinct townships, bearing several names and the calling that Quincy in which he resides, is jocosely mentioned in the same letter as having deprived the Duke of his title. I collected these particulars in conversation, a few minutes ago, with a young man, who is in the secrets of the Aurora party, from being one of its patronizers— Truth, said another, of the same sett to me, is no libel— the Aurora man means to justify by proof of the facts alledged.
          I was told further, by the first of these youth’s, that it looked as if there was likely to be a division in the Cabinet— How so? said I— They say, the old gentleman wont go with them— with whom? Why the violent war party, that pretends to dictate all Executive measures— It is further said, continued he—that the violents are in despair, because the President will have an opinion of his own & will not follow the extravagances of any body. If he perseveres he will shortly have the hearts of all the democrats— God forbid! I exclaimed— I dont mean said he, that the P——t must turn democrat, but only if he acts Independently— Has he ever done otherwise—said I— No, but then we were not always sure of him so much as we are now. This pap & sugar, might do to pacify a crying hungry baby, but what else it is good for, I pretend not to know.
          Report says that Truxtun has resigned—disputing precedence with Talbot— This, I suppose, is in part, the tale, which you told me, hung upon the report of Talbots resignation— I heard yesterday, the matter had been referred to the President & he had decided in favor of Talbots right—
          You accompanied the P——t, I perceive, to Castle William and assisted at the Baptismal rites of Fort Independence— I was rejoyced to see your name in company with Mrs: Washington—

          I find the Mansion house in Market Street a very comfortable resort when I come to town, even though I meet but poor cheer—even the water pump is dry in the yard— I believe some of the wood has been carried away, though not much— I shall take particular care of the things I use, & see every thing as secure as I found it.
          There is a leak somewhere in the room that serves as a passage from the entry to the kitchen— I found the floor almost covered with water, and as I have no keys to the doors, I cannot open them to admit the air— I have left open the inner doors, which were shut, and the floor is gradually drying, though the next rain will probably wet it again— Dust & Cobwebs are plentiful enough—
          Present me kindly to my father & every body—

            T. B. Adams.

              August 10th: 1799.

            P S. The Supreme Court of the U. S. adjourned this day— Little business was done, because there was little to do— I paid my respects to the chief Justice & Judge Chase, but the latter I did not see.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 August 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother.
            Germantown 12th: August 1799

          I thank you for your kind letter of the 4th: instt: which came to hand last evening, accompanied by one from Dr: Tufts, enclosed by William. My letters are left usually at Mr: Wistar’s and Sarah when she gave me those of last evening—say’s “Thomas, I expect I have got a rich treat for thee; from the number of packets addressed to thee, I should judge thee a favorite among thy friends”— I enclose for your amusement a specimen of poetic talent in this lady, which though humble is not entirely destitute of merit. To explain the occasion, which produced it, you must understand, that during the excessive heat of the weather, for several days after I came to the Country, I found it pleasanter to read under a shade in the open air than in the house—accordingly I explored the adjoining g[rove] & finally pitched upon a little thicket of shrubs & bushes, in which I made a comfortable seat, on the land belonging to the Wistar family— My retre[at] was secret for some days, but at length was discovered by some one, and the enclosed verses attached by a drab colored ribband to a tree, were found one morning on entering my arbor— I only guess at the author, but think it probable I am right in my conjectures on that head. I have returned no answer to this invocation as yet, nor do I expect the muses will gain a votary at my age, since they have deferred their Courtship to so late a period. Yet I some times threaten to make an effort in their service, and am only restrained by pride, which whispers in my ear this wholesome advice— You had better stick to humble prose in which you have some experience, than venture upon hobbling verses, which can do you little credit and may detract from it much— The counsel is salutary & I let it govern me.
          I received the letter with the extracts, you enquire for, and thought I had noticed them casually since—however, I was amused by the communication.
          You will observe how full of electioneering all our papers are— The friends of Mc.Kean have come out with a fresh manifesto, as have

those of Ross— Each party is sanguine in expectation of triumph, but McKean’s friends say that a schism will happen in the County of York, & that will turn the scale in their favor. I am doubtful of the event, but from former experience of this State, I believe it will go contrary to my wishes.
          Your present society at Quincy is very enviable, and I should delight to participate in it on some accounts, though on others I am better here. It is so common a thing for people to take up their abode in the Country at this Season, that when you meet an acquaintance in town, the question is, well where abouts are you? The Country has in fact become so thickly settled within ten miles of the City in every direction, that one need never to be at a loss for society if disposed to frequent it. I feel more inclined to seclusion than I ever did before, & I hope the same disposition will strengthen rather than diminish. When you come on in the fall, I shall be able to determine how far a compliance with your kind proposal, will coincide with my advantage— It will subject me unavoidably to more company and more invitations to idleness, dissipation & interruption, than if I lodged in another place & family, besides terrifying clients, who would never think of going to the Presidents house for a young lawyer— It seems to me that this is one serious disadvantage under which I shall labor for some time, that most people think I am not in want of business or the reward of doing it, for my support, and they will rather favor a poor man’s son, than me on that account. This is a very serious error & one I am much interested in removing.
          With best love to all friends, I am, Your

            Thomas


Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 16 August 1799
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            Töplitz 16 August 1799.

          I received your N. 6. dated 3. June, about three weeks ago, at this place, and should have replied to it sooner, but for a violent fever which seized me on the first of this month, and confined me for about ten days— It was only an intermittent, and paid me no more than five visits; but they were long and severe enough to leave me very weak.— I think myself now altogether recovered, and can moralize, upon the difference between human purposes and their issues.— I came here with the hope that the baths and waters would restore my wife to health— The journey was certainly of great service to her; but it is yet a problem whether the baths will eventually do her good or harm— Hitherto, they have had no good effect upon her, and instead of making her well, the result has been to make me sick.— Yet they tell us so much of the efficacy of these baths, that we shall give them their full chance, and propose to remain here untill the 10th: of next month, after which we intend to pass three or four weeks at Dresden, and return, about the middle of October to Berlin.
          Your account of the federal City, is by no means calculated to inspire confidence, in its progress, and does not tempt me to become a purchaser in it.— I had much rather you should employ the remainder of my money, as you had the first draught you made.— In general I wish you to be extremely cautious with regard to speculation; every day’s experience more firmly convinces me that it is incompatible with security, which is by far the most essential object to me.
          The manner in which the public money has been squandered upon the federal city, is not surprizing, to those, who recollect how the building of the frigates was managed— Bulöw says in his book, after observing that Congress had granted 500,000 dollars towards building the city, that they must know such a sum, would effect very little in America— It appears that the grant has been trebled, and yet has effected very little.— It might be doubled again ten-fold, and still effect very little— All governments pay much dearer for the same thing, than individuals, and our Government pays three times more than any other
          The day before I left Berlin, I wrote you that I had drawn upon Mr: Pitcairn, for 2000 of your money, and I sent you at the same time an order upon the Secretary of State for 1000 dollars, out of which I desired you to pay yourself, according to the exchange at

par between Philadelphia, and Hamburg, and pass the remainder to my credit in accompt.
          I have already twice written you that I had concluded to keep my obligations in Holland; and will take your’s at par; authorising you to draw on the Secretary of State, for 2000 dollars, in my name, on the 1st: of January next; for which you will make over to me, your obligations.
          By a letter from my mother of 12. June, I learn that my books had then arrived from Lisbon, at Boston; but they had not reached Quincy.— I hope they were in good condition.
          Your two muskets have been sent to Mr: Pitcairn, who has already forwarded them, or will send them by the first good opportunity.
          I am here not at all in the way of political news.— I can therefore only tell you, that every day adds to the probability that the french will soon be totally expelled from Italy.— Mantua capitulated on the 28th: of last Month— Alessandria in Piedmont had done the same about a week earlier— All Tuscany, and Lucca, are in possession of the imperialists— Naples is restored to its original sovereign; and there remain under Moreau and Macdonald, scarcely 30,000 men, of at least 120,000 with which the campaign in Italy was begun at the close of March.— The fortresses of Tortona and Coni in Piedmont still remain to be taken.
          Your’s affectionately.

            ——— ———


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 23 August 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            Rock-hall 23d: August 1799

          I received your agreeable birth day tribute the day following the date of my last; since then the deadly pestilence has burst forth again with ten fold violence & every part of the City is more or less infected. The inhabitants are flying in every direction & not a room

is left unoccupied at Germantown. I go there but seldom. The Banks & other public Offices are soon expected. New York, we understand, is equally afflicted & alarmed. Another mournful Autumn menaces on all sides, & yet the weather seems favorable to an high degree of health in the Country. I shall not expose myself to fever infection, so, be of no concern for me;
          I had heard nothing of the pamphlet you mention, but am desirous of seeing it, wicked & abandoned as it is— Barloe is deep in the mysteries of modern philosophy— He is not only a deliberate plodding villain, but of slender intellect— His mind was never capable of a manly thought on subjects of government— Poets in general are the worst of politicians— they are by trade & occupation worshipers of ideal images, dealers in fiction, builders of air born castles & master workmen only in the edifices of Parnassus’ sumit. These things belong not in any manner to the Science of Government. In France indeed, under the mockery of Republicanism, the Chénier’s the Beaumarchais’s have prostituted their muses to the vile purpose of blasphemy & Atheism— In Republican france, Poets may be legislators, for the Republic originated in fraud, has been maintained by violence & yet exists only in imagination. All these things appertain to Poetry. Ergo a poetical form of Government is the most arbitrary, absurd & monstrous that ever prevailed among mankind. Who but a frenchman would have endured a rhyming race of governors & legislators?
          The above is about on a level with the reasoning of Tom Paine in “Age of Reason part 2d:” wherein he levels aims all the shafts of his railery & gibes at the Bible— He dwells much on a conceit which he thinks original, in both parts of this work, viz— That prophet, originally meant nothing more nor less than poet, and that the prophesies are only poems in the Eastern style, which deals much in allegory fable & parable, so that to sanctify these poems by calling them prophesies & respecting them as authentic traditions of the word of God; is solemn mockery. Well, I have proved that the french nation have in latter days pay’d more respect than any other to these sort of folks called poets, by admiting them to give laws to their Country, & therefore france is incontestably more culpable in retaining a reverence for impostors than all the world besides.
          I hope Dr: Hopkins is not ranked among the fraternity, though he is rather a visionary than otherwise in some of his opinions. His professional reputation at Hartford is very good.
          I got a letter from JQA. dated 29 April, a day or two since— It was

brought by a vessel that was carried in & detained a month in England, but was finally liberated, being freighted with a cargo for Government. The subject of this letter is business merely, on the details of which I shall write shortly to my Mother— I have no letter from her later than the 4th: currt:.
          Truxton insinuates that he has been coaxed to go out after another Monsieur friggate— I dont believe this would have been done if the S of N— had felt himself unconscious of promising more than he had a right to do on the subject of rank. He is resolved to persist in his resignation. He has a right so to do, but he is preparing chagrin discontent & torment for himself during his life, by the obstinate exercise of it. Discipline must be established at the outset, for the vices & errors of infancy are hard to correct in maturer age. Our Navy is the most hopeful & promising of our Country’s offspring & I hope it will be trained up in the nurture of due subordination to its parent authority. A really good & valua[ble o]fficer or servant, is he that unites courage, capacity, humanity & humility, but how rare is the association complete! I wish Truxton well, but older & abler must not be overlooked, however they may have been eclipsed by a fortunate & well timed adventure.
          Dear William you write a very slovenly hand and you spell shockingly ill— Truth is sometimes disagreeable, but ought not therefore to be disguised— She is, you know, the only female that wants no fig leaf to cover her nakedness.
          I am dear William sincerely / Your’s

            T. B. Adams

            PS. If the Post Office does not remove it will be difficult to get letters very soon from town or to it—you must make due allowance therefore for irregularity.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 30 August 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

              Dear William.
              Germantown 30th August. [1799]

            I enclose, as directed, under cover to you, the Summary statement of services rendered at an important & critical period of our Country’s affairs, by an intelligent, brave, & deserving Officer. I think it an hardship that such merit & such services are so soon obliterated from the recollection or so much out of the knowledge of Gentlemen now in Office, that a statement under the hand of the Agent himself should be deemed necessary to obtain for them the notice they merit.
            We have in the papers of yesterday and the day before the letters of the Secretary of the Navy & of Truxtun himself on the subject of his resignation. The Secretary differs, I perceive, from the President as to the right of this decision, and as I am ignorant of the principles which governed it, I can form no other opinion of its propriety, than my confidence in the deciding authority would inspire. Whether Talbot’s Commission is new, & subsequent to Truxtun’s, or whether in consideration of Talbots former services, he is judged worthy of a rank above Truxtun, is what I should like to know, for Truxtun says

“every palpitation of his soul tells him that the injury he has received is unaccountable.”
            I have spent two days in preparing a statement for publication on this subject, but my information & the means of obtaining it are so insufficient that I wave the thoughts of sending any thing to the press— Indeed the difficulty of sending to the printing Office at this time operates as a restraint. I am loth to be suspected of interference in deed on a question of this sort— The proper authority has decided & I doubt not justly, between the disputants, and the public will acquiesce. If Truxtun was not too proud, he might bear a Commission under Talbot without despising himself— Even Dale would not serve under him
            If none of my letters have miscarried, I ought to have a reply from you very soon— I shall deliver your enclosure of last week shortly.
            Present me kindly to Boylston &ca: & believe me / Yours in haste

              TBA.

              PS. The fever abates in town but little— The banks are not yet removed.

              September 2d:

            I am going this morning to attend the Supreme Court, which is to meet at Frankfort— I shall apply for admission as a Counsellor during the term. I was in hopes to have got a letter last evening, but did not. I am three or four in advance with you


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 4 September 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            Dear Thomas
            Quincy sep’br 4th 1799

          I received your two Letters together of August 26th. I have every day since designd to write to you, but have not been very well. I do not know the cause yet for many years, the Month of sep’br has depressed my Spirits more than any other. I believe it always brings with it, some dregs of the old Ague and fever—
          I most sincerely mourn for the distressess of N york and Philadelphia; but know not how to succor them— Boston has yet escaped—and I hope will not be again visited.
          In the Aurora of what [da]te I am unable to say, as the paper is lent, but in that [ar]ticle was publishd a farewell address to the Citizens of North thumberland, by Cooper, who it seems had been Editor of a News paper. whether the paper did not answer the views of the Author, or his customers did not pay, I know not. reasons are not assignd for laying it aside,—but the whole address is one continued libel upon the Government; artfully couchd. the Navy is ridiculed, and the President covertly attackd— the old story of employing none but those altogether subservient to his views is brought up again. this lets the cat out of the Bag for Cooper & Preistly for him, solicited to have him appointed one of the commissoners for settling British claims—and this not being complied with, has excited his Malovelence— it is a fire Brand, full of Mad french, and English democracy. it was printed in Hand Bills and circulated by dr Preistly amongst his parishoners— I suppose Peter will get hold of it— the N England Man was not the person peter supposes— peter is a tool; and a Black guard— his low vulgar stuff hurts his usefulness— he ought not to be Patronized by our Government; but if he had his deserts—he would be sent packing, but he could not live under his own Government unless he mended his manners—without cropt Ears—
          I send you a poem which you may present to Miss Wistar if you please; the Lady Author ask’d permission to dedicate it to me— when I am not too laizy I may send you my replie to her— the poem has merrit you know she once wrote the virtues of Nature—
          when you see Mrs Powel present my Regards to her. she is one of your sentimental Ladies, always well satisfied with herself. Mrs Hare is not so loquasious, nor Mrs Francis whom I respect. they are all three sensible women. Miss Hare is a fine Girl

          I did not fail to read the annecdote to your Father who remembers when he first left off his Wig and supposes that must be the time when he lookd like a crop
          we have not any thing new—which may be Communicated— Peter you know says—he presumes assureances have been received— who & who may be in office, time must develope
          I see by the papers Truxton cannot sit down quiet— If six officers are named and appointed to a similar service, three of which are employd, do the others forfeit their Rank—when it is not from any fault of theirs that they did not serve?— that he was named anew to the senate, and appointed to a command cannot invalidate his Prior Rank, for Rank is determind by the Age of the first commission— however Truxton must sputter away— the difference is that Talbot would have retired without uttering a word— I hope you will keep yourself out of Philadelphia, and mix as little as possible with persons from thence
          I shall Sit out in october, tho not so early as I at first intended yours most / affectionatly

            A Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 8 September 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

              Dear William.
              Germantown 8th: September 1799

            I have your favor of the 31st: ulto: with an enclosure for R. Peters Junr: which shall be delivered as soon as an opportunity of sending it, presents— I have not yet found means to forward the last enclosure you made me—which is rather the effect of misfortune than neglect, though you doubtless will think I have no excuse for being nine weeks within 3 miles of the Bishops, without having made one single visit there. The fact is, I have been very little from the spot of my retreat in any direction except to Frankford, where I last week attended Court & took the oath as a practitioner therein. I hope that the money which a licence to practise costs, may be placed at good interest, but the prospect is barren—
            I shall have to attend another Court next this week at Frankford, where a Cred Debtor of my brother is to avail himself of the cheating insolvent law of this State passed last year, and under which the most flagrant frauds & perjuries are practised. The debtor always gets out, unless you can convict him of perjury by discovering property which he has not disclosed. The man in question, is a swindling fellow, who borrowed money of my brother at the Hague, to prevent his going to Jail in Holland. It seems he has not been able to escape it here. His name, J P. Ripley.
            This morning (the 10th: Septr) I got your favor of the 2d: with enclosures, for which accept my cordial thanks. The affray between Livermore & Lee, had fallen under my observation, but the pieces I had never seen, except Lee’s publication. Fisher Ames’s remark, that “a character, even unjustly aspersed, never appears so unsullied, as before,” occurs forcibly to my recollection on this occasion.
            One of my speculative letters to you of the latter end of July, remains, I think yet unacknowledged—I wont be sure however— The subject most descanted on was, my attempting to renew an acquaintance with School & College books— I notice this circumstance for no particular reason, though a doubt exists whether it reached you.— Several of my letters went to town by different private conveyances

and some of them might have miscarried naturally enough. At present we have a regular post Office established here during the fever.
            The Aurora pronounces the letters which appeared a few days since in the papers, relative to the assassination of the frenchmen at Rastadt, a bare faced forgery. The story is so consonant to my own suspicions & to the appearances which struck our notice in the relation on the french side, that I think them genuine, though their coming here first from St Sebastian is against them. We shall soon know the fact.
            The mortality in Philadelphia increases slowly—for many days the average was about 20. and has never exceeded 31. A long spell of rainy weather has prevailed and we hope checked the disease in a degree. Several useful men have fallen within a short time.
            I have nothing of moment to say further than an assurance / of the esteem & friendship / of

              T. B. A.

            If you can obtain for me the words of the patriotic songs, written by Mr: Paine, I shall thank you— There are two or three. Quincy will ask for them of the Author, if you give him a hint with my best remembrance. Paine has a claim on me for a retribution, which on occasion I shall be happy to make. I think highly of his poetic talents, and wish he might meet as much admiration & encouragement as his genius merits. A professional poet cannot live here by his trade, & unluckily he is seldom fit for any other— I think, that when the Gods make a man poetical, it is a sure mark of their vengeance not their mercy.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 16 September 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            Rock Hall. Germantown 16th. Septr [1799]
            My dear Mother.

          On the 11th: instt: I received your favor of the 4th: and last evening, on my return from Mr: Breck’s Country seat, where I passed Friday & Saturday night’s, your’s of the 8th: had come to hand. Same time, recd: from William the poem you sent me for Miss Wister & his letter of the 6th: I am obliged by all these things & newspapers to boot. Coopers address, valedictory, I now remember to have seen & read at the time it first appeared, and upon a second perusal, I shall only say, that if Dr: Priestly could recommend such a man as Cooper to office, & assist in giving currency to such opinions as are here expressed, he deserves all, that Porcupine ever wrote or any body else could think against him— I had never heard of his meddling before in any of our political concerns—But I have been told, that “the french Republic,” is still a standing toast with him. Dennie, does not like him, as you may have observed from his remarks on the New Englandman’s letter, though he had only seen the prospectus of it when he commented. These exotic reputations are slipp’ry things to build on. I find so little fame, that stands the test of all trials & all scrutiny, that I am sometimes disposed to become a cynic & carp indiscriminately at all that fa[ll] in my way.
          I enclose you an extract of a letter from J.Q.A. which came to hand a few days ago— The original letter I shall have to answer before it could be returned to me if I should send it. Indeed, the rest is all of

a private and uninteresting nature to any body but myself. I had an idea of sending this extract to the Printer, but he has neglected something I sent him a few days ago, so ungraciously that I wont subject myself to a second slight. These Philadelphia Printers are poor tools to work with on their own side. The Aurora is infinitely the best edited of any among them. This extract will better appear at this moment in a Boston paper, if it be worth appearing at all, so that you may send it to Russell in its present shape, altering only the name of [the] place where received. The Treaty with Prussia was signed on the 11th: July, and I suppose a copy has been received e’re this by the Secy—though I know not that it has been. I got a letter from Whitcomb since that from my brother, though not so late—& I expect a letter or two of an earlier date from him than the one I have.
          Mr: & Mrs: Breck, their daughter & Mrs: Wilson all desired me to present you their best respects— I was very pleasantly & agreeably entertained during my visit there, which was the first frolic I have had since I left town.
          I have not yet perused the poem you sent as a present to Sarah— nor communicated the treasure to her— she will be gratified by this little token of your notice, more than by any reply I could have made to her effusions. It is a little singular, that the father of this family (Mr: Wistar) of German origin, is violently democratic in opposition to all the connection.
          Judge Rush it is, not the Dr: who is using all his influence in favor of Mr: Mc:Kean— I undertook to annalyse the characters of the Republican committee who write for the Chief, but Brown & Relf have not dared to publish & I cannot get the piece from them to send it elsewhere—
          I am in haste dear mother / Your Son

            T B Adams.


Title: Elizabeth Ellery Dana to Abigail Adams, 17 September 1799
From: Dana, Elizabeth Ellery
To: Adams, Abigail

            Dear Madam
            Cambridge Sept 17 1799

          It was fully my intention to have called upon you before I went with Mr Dana on the Western Circuit, either the last week or before next Friday, when he will set off for Northhampton, but I have been much afflicted with a cold which has confined me to my house and will prevent my visit. I flatter myself to have the pleasure of seeing you at Quincy upon our return—
          Having understood that the President wished to have some persons of education enter the navy as Midshipmen and having been applied to by the friend of a young man of this Town, who from the inability of his Mother to continue him at College, has been obliged to take up his connections at the end of the second year of his course, and whom I beleive to be a young man of good character, I have presumed to mention him to you— His name is John Goodwin, a nephew to Capt— Goodwin who sails out of Boston and Son of our late Gaoler— He is desirous of going in Capt Seaver, because he expects our Son as well as two of his Classmates goes with him, to whom he is known— If it might be done, I should be glad to know of it before my departure that he might be preparing to go when Capt Seaver shall be ready, which I understand will be in the beginning of next Month— I am dear Madam with respect / your friend

            Eliza. Dana


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 September 1799
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            Dresden 21. September 1799.

          I received at Töplitz, on the 3d: of last month, your kind favour of 12. June, which I did not immediately answer, because I was then in bed, with a fever, which however confined me, only for about ten days, and since then my health has again been very good.— The principal motive of our Journey to Töplitz, I wrote you before I left Berlin. It was on account of my wife’s health, and with the hopes that she would derive benefit from the warm baths of that place; besides which we were glad to get away for two or three summer months from the unpleasant residence of a populous city, which has not even the advantage of a country in its neighbourhood; for the moment you pass through its gates you step into a sand-hill, which for many miles surrounds the city on every side.— I was likewise desirous to see a part of Germany highly interesting for its fertility in the productions of nature, and its abundance in the masterpieces of art, and a small part at least of Bohemia; being a tract of Country where I had never before been.— We left Berlin on the 17th: of July— The usual course followed by those who seek health and strength from the Bohemian streams and wells, is, to go first to Carlsbad, and drink the waters there in May and June; and to take the Töplitz baths, in July and August— But the baths were considered as the most essential for my wife, and I was not at liberty to leave Berlin before the middle of July.— We came first to Dresden, where we rested, for three

or four days.— It is the Capital of the electorate of Saxony, and an handsome city; remarkable for various objects of curiosity; particularly for one of the finest collections of pictures, extant.— My brother paid a visit to it about a month before he left me, and I suppose he has given you some account of it.— On the 24th: of July, we proceeded to Töplitz which is only one day’s Journey; that is about forty of our miles, from this place— About half way on the road, we crossed the boundaries between Saxony and Bohemia, and immediately came into a country wild and mountainous, beyond what I had seen for many years— Töplitz itself is situated in an extensive and beautiful valley, between two ranges of immense mountains which form the boundaries of Bohemia, on one side next to Silesia, and on the other towards Saxony; they make between them an angle in which this valley is placed— On the summit, or on the most craggy and inaccessible sides of almost every one of these mountains, there still remain, the ruined walls, more or less decayed, of ancient feudal castles, generally designated in Germany by the name of robber-castles, with an epithet, justified not only by the practices of the people who formerly inhabited these mansions, but by the general state of manners and society of the times when they were built— Most of these places must have been impregnable, before the invention of gunpowder and of cannon; but from the moment when it was possible to bring artillery to bear upon them, they must have been almost entirely defenceless.— The revolutions of time, and of manners, and the firm establishment of Governments capable of affording protection to persons and to property, have long since drawn the tenants of these solitary and inconvenient habitations down upon the level ground, and into towns or villages, where the advantages of Society can be enjoyed, and the massive walls of the old castles have been left for centuries past to crumble by the gradual lapse of time, as many centuries more may pass before the walls and arches yet standing will be levelled entirely with the ground which they encumber.
          At Töplitz we spent about seven weeks, during which, my wife by the assiduous use of the baths, and I believe, still more by the change of air, and by daily exercise recovered her health and gained strength which I hope she will find of permanent advantage to her.— During my own illness, she nursed me, with all the tenderness and affection, which women only can display, and which she possesses in a degree so eminent even among her own sex: her attention was as indefatigable, as if she herself has been in perfect health, and would have

added, had it been possible to the ties of affection by which I was before bound to her.
          In order to vary our Journey, and to avoid the ascent of a steep and somewhat dangerous mountain, where a carriage can only be drawn by oxen, we came from Töplitz to Aussig a small town, near it, on the banks of the Elbe, and on the 10th: of this month came from Aussig by water, down the river in a boat, to this place.— The views upon the banks of the Elbe, which we passed on the Journey, were sometimes wild and sublime, and sometimes elegant and cheerful. Sometimes the river appears like the bottom of a ditch between two ranges of rocks, two thousand feet high, and ascending nearly in a perpendicular direction from its sides— At others it flows between gently rising hills, less elevated, and clad with vines— Now it meanders through meadows dressed in green, covered with flocks and herds, and now it washes the walls of a fortress, a town, or a village. Among the most remarkable objects which meet the eye of the traveller upon this tour, are, the fortress of Königstein; the strong hold of Saxony, and one of the strongest places in Europe; being on the river side at least hewed out of a solid rock; one of those which I have just described— The town of Pirna, where Frederic the second of Prussia, at the commencement of the seven years War, shut up the whole Saxon army, untill they were compelled by famine to surrender themselves as his prisoners— And the town of Pilnitz, where the Elector has a palace at which he resides during the summer, but which since the year 1791. has been famous, as the spot where the first coalition against the french revolution was formed, by a secret convention which has never yet been made public, and instead of which the french Treaty-forgers have palmed upon the world such impostures as best suited their purpose.
          Since I came here, I have been presented to the Elector and his family, by Mr: Elliot the English Minister here— He held the same station at Berlin, during the War of our Revolution, at the time, when Mr: Arthur Lee lost his papers; but of that transaction probably Mr: Liston could give as accurate an account as Mr: Elliot, to whom I am indebted for many attentions and much civility
          The night before last I received your letter of 30. July, forwarded from Bremen by Mr: Houghton, and learn with inexpressible delight that your health is growing firmer— I can make to Heaven no more fervent prayer than that you may continue to regain strength untill perfect health shall be restored to you, and that you may then enjoy it uninterrupted these many, many years.

          I am very glad to hear that my books and other things sent from Lisbon arrived safe, and in such good condition— I have already written to my brother Thomas (who had mentioned to me that you would be glad to use part of the linen) requesting that you would take all, or any part of it that you please.— The two pieces marked with Whitcomb’s name belong to him. They cost him about ten guineas, but he got them by some extraordinary occasion, uncommonly cheap— He is perfectly willing that you should take them at the same price, which I will thank you to pay, either to Doctor Tufts (to whom, I am glad to take this opportunity of requesting you to remember me, with affection and respect) or to my brother Thomas, and I will account with Whitcomb for it— The piece of linen, not made up, marked with my name, cost me 36 stuivers an ell, Dutch measure— But the number of ells in the piece I do not recollect— Whitcomb thinks there were 34— If so, it came to about 24 dollars.
          The reason why my letter of 16. March, was not in my own handwriting, was, because upon cool reflection, I thought it best to strike out nearly an whole page, which I had first written, upon a subject, which will readily occur to you, and which I thought might give you pain. My brother Thomas has perhaps told you, what returns for my confidence and trust had been made at New-York, and you may thus have learnt that even the apologetic account, which had been given you of the employment of my property, was very far from being the whole truth.— I had touched upon this, in my letter with feelings which I afterwards thought it best to suppress; and after blotting out above half a page, I found that the letter was not fit to send in that condition, and was obliged to have it copied— If the thing should happen again, however, I would certainly make the copy myself.
          I give you no news, because I know nothing but what in all probability the newspapers will give you more at large, and much sooner than you can receive my letter— We propose to remain here about a fortnight longer, and shall probably not reach Berlin before the middle of next month.
          Ever your’s

            ——— ———


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 22 September 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            Germantown 22d: September 1799.

          I received your obliging & copious communication of the 13th: and render thanks for the trouble you have taken to explain a subject, which had excited my curiosity & interested my feelings, but which, without your aid, I should have been unable to comprehend to my satisfaction. I think it necessary only to observe in reply, that I fully concur in the opinion of the rectitude, propriety & justice, of the ultimate decision in this case, and entertain no doubt respecting the correctness of the judgment that the public will form upon the circumstances of it. I hold this historical detail in perfect confidence & high estimation; it is drawn with ability and the arrangement of materials is methodical & accurate.
          Since I last wrote you I have been a journey of 30 miles from this place, to accompany a lady on a visit to her sick child. We were summoned by a messenger from the place where the boy resides, after all our family had retired to bed. The nature of his disorder (a putrid sore throat) struck terror to the minds of the parents; whose anxiety was the more poignant from the recollection of two lovely babes, who died of the same complaint in 1793, at the same place. The father sat off immediately & I gave him my word to accompany his wife the next morning, which I accordingly did; we performed the journey in a few hours & had the satisfaction to find the lad recovering from his disorder which had taken a favorable turn the same

morning & his physician had pronounced him out of danger. I must not forget to mention, that within two or three hundred yards of our journey’s end, our chaise upset, & spilt its contents on the ground, in performing which it gave me a pretty violent contusion on the left leg, which however is mending fast. The lady was a good deal bruised, but not materially injured. We were both able to return the day but one following. It was in the discharge of an act of friendship of the most interesting kind that this accident occurred, but it was of so slight a nature, that I only mention it because no bad consequences ensued upon it. The gentleman & lady are fellow lodgers with me during the sickness in the City, my very valuable & particular friends & intimate acquaintances, to whom I have been indebted for more acts of kindness & attention than I ever received out of the circle of my own family connections. When you return I will make you known to them; you are already acquainted with some of the ladie’s family, through my introduction, last winter.
          I passed through Norristown, the shire of Montgommery County, where the State prisoners were lately transferred & where their trial is to take place on the 11th: October. Fries & Co: are in good spirits, and I am told, rather sanguine in the expectation of being acquitted on this trial. Marks, one of the number, is very impudent & violent in his language, persisting in his error & justifying his conduct, which was much more outrageous than that of Fries. I believed, that Fries would be acquitted on the first trial, but I now incline to think the second verdict will be like the first. There is a guard kept at the Jail to prevent a rescue, but I heard fears expressed lest some of the prisoners should escape notwithstanding.
          The day of our election approaches fast— The Citizens are summoned to vote at the usual place, the State house, and present prospects justify a belief, that we may retu[rn] in safety by that day to the City. Dr: Rush permits his friends to return already, but enjo[ins] them not to go into the suburbs. The Banks no longer contemplate removal, and we may expect the town will very soon reassume its wonted appearance. I shall not be too hasty to venture in, rather to satisfy my mother, than because I am personally apprehensive.
          My vote will count one in the majority, which our side count upon with so much certainty, but against which I have made a wager of a pair bootees. Mc:Kean will outrun us by 1500 or 2000. We say 4000 will be the majority in our favor. No election in this State ever excited such interest on all sides.
          I am, dear William, Your’s sincerely

            T. B. Adams.

            PS. Please to make my congratulations acceptable to our Cousin Foster, on the happy event which you notice in one of your last favors. What name has it received?
            Professor Pearson, whose critical remarks on style & composition I highly approve, says that dashes under emphatical words & phrases are very inellegant, and should be omitted altogether or very sparingly used. He recommends attention to orthography & punctuation.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 24 September 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, William

            Dear William,
            Germantown 24 September 1799.

          Your favor of the 19th: instt: is before me, with the enclosure for Judge Cushing, which I shall forward with my next letters to Quincy, with request to have it sent on. The terms & expressions of your application, strike me as perfectly apt & proper. Judge Cushing, was taken ill on his journey to Philadelphia, and returned home, but the Court met & dispatched business as usual. I waited on the Chief Justice, and mentioned to him what I had heard, of the intended resignation of Mr: Bayard, of the Clerkship of the Supreme Court, on the removal of Government to the federal City, & at the same

time named you as a competent, well qualified & convenient, Successor to the Office, requesting his influence to promote your appointment. He received the application with flattering deference and promised to lay it before his colleagues, so that if priority of intercession should have an influence on pretentions of equal degree, your’s should claim its rank, which I presume is unquestionably the first. I thought further interference on my part superfluous; nevertheless if occasion should offer, I will follow up the affair yet further, for I am desirous you should obtain this appointment, though its advantages & emoluments may be remote. There is no doubt in my mind that Bayard will resign after the next term, in February.
          I am still an exile from Philadelphia & expect to be so at least another month— Within a few days past the fever has increased the number of its victims & the extent of its ravages. The mortality however is not comparable to that of the last season.
          We are full of electioneering for Governor in this State; the trial will take place on the 9th: of next month, & I think the Chief Justice will carry the day.
          I owe my namesake Tom: Johnson a letter, & intend payment ere long— Present me kindly to the family & tell them that my brother & Sister at Berlin were well on the 13th: July.
          With best regards to Mrs: Cranch & the little ones I am, &ca

            T. B. Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

					My Dearest Friend
					Quincy October 5th [1799]

				I rejoice in the fine weather you have had. accounts from N york & Philadelphia are rather unfavourable, but I hope Frosts will make the city fit for Breathing by Nov’br I shall sit out on Wednesday the 9th for several reasons. in the first place, I shall avoid the parade of the 10th which would be very inconvenient, as I wish to put my House in order to leave it. in the next place Mr & Mrs otis will wait for me at Westtown, where they go this week—& proposed leaving on Wednesday next. it will be pleasenter to me to have some gentleman in company, and Mrs otis is next to a Sister; So you need not feel anxious about me—
				The Leiut Goveneur is to Breakfast with Me on monday morning on his way to Plimouth— o how Mortified he was, that you was at westtown & he to know nothing of it untill you were gone. he is much delighted with his Tour & his Reviews, particuliarly in the counties of Berkshire which he speaks of in terms of Rapture—
				I inclose Some Letters received Since your absence Love to William
				yours affectionatly

					A A


Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 5 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

					My dear sister
					Quincy october 5 1799

				I sent by the stage to Haverhill some cloaths for the Children, a suit of their Grandfathers which may serve to cut up for them. I also sent a spotted cloth for to make them overalls for daily wear, and some spotted thickset for Sundays. these I hope will last them. I must depend upon you to get them made. I also Sent what shirts were done at that time. I now send by mr smith the remainder, which will make four a peice for them. as to Stockings, I must get You to see them supplied, and with fine yarn I think. I really do not know what they have— I inclose Ten dollors to you, and I shall write to mr Peabody and send 50 dollors in advance for their Board. I should be glad to hear more frequently from you, and from them. the greater the distance, the more anxious we are to hear from our Friends—
				I received a Letter from my Son at Berlin of July 3d when they were all well, and mr Adams was going to pass a few Months in travelling. From Thomas I heard as late as the 29th of sep’br he was at German-town, from mrs smith last week. the col was then gone to bring mrs Adams & children to east Chester, a person having taken the fever and dyed in the House where she Boarded
				I received a Letter from your son dated Worster where he arrived with the President on twesday last. on Wednesday I sit of with my domesticks, and expect to meet mr & mrs otis at West Town, and go in company with them from thence—
				Mr smith removes with his family into Boston this week, so that Quincy will be solitary. I think if you could make a visit here after the Vacancy it would benefit Your Health. I shall regreet that it could not be before your son left us— I hope Abbe will have her health

better this winter than the last my Love to her and compliments to miss Palmer
				I hope you will not fail to write to your truly affectionate Sister

					Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 5 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

					my Dear Madam
					Quincy October 5 1799

				The pleasing Emotions excited by the sight of a Letter, in Your Hand writing, were similar to those we experience at Meeting long absent Friends doubly endeard to us, by the perils and Dangers through which they have past.
				I rejoice my dear Madam that you have recoverd so much Health, as to be able to assume your pen, and Such a portion of spirits, as to discover the same flow of soul which has So often enlivened your Friends, and communicated pleasure to your acquaintance.
				I have enjoyed much more health, this Season than the last, but my constitution received such a shock, by the long debilitating Sickness of the last Summer, that I am very far from enjoying a confirmed state of Health. I am frequently reminded, that here I have no abiding place. I have collected Sufficient courage to enable me to follow my Friend to Philadelphia, and I shall commence my journey on Wednesday. Mr and Mrs otis, wait for me at Westtown I shall proceed in company with them as far as East Chester 20 miles on this side of N york, and there remain with my Daughter, untill the Pestilence subsides at the Seat of Government.
				I shall always feel gratified by a Letter from You, and I will endeavour to overcome the reluctance I have felt at writing ever since my

Sickness— no other employment has So frequently injured me as sitting a short time at my pen. through want of Sleep, for weeks I have not been able to write at all; and tho I have in Some degree recoverd my Rest, I have frequent interruptions of it for whole Nights.
				As I have an opportunity by the Leiut Govenour I send you a late publication by the Abbe Barruel, which will remove I presume all doubts from Your Mind, respecting the existance of such a person as wishaupt: when You have read the Books, you will oblige me by returning them to Judge Cranch’s— the Abbe was the writer of the History of the French Clergy. You will perceive that he is a Bigoted Catholick, but a Man of Science, and great industery. the system which he discloses freezes one with horror. it was reserved for wishaupt to put in practise, the Principles of Voltair, and the whole junto of French Phylosophers, aided by Frederic the Great as he is call’d.
				You will be so good as to present my Respects to the Gen’ll and to beleive me at all / Times your truly affectionate / Friend

					Abigail Adams


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 6 October 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dear Aunt
					Stamford Oct 6th 1799 Web’s tavern.

				We arrived at this place last evening about seven Oclock, where we have found most excellent accommodations. We have been highly favored with charming weather—excellent roads and good entertainment ever since we left you.— find the chariot a much easier carriage than the coachee. The President thinks he never made so great a progress in his journey with so much ease to himself as the present.

At Worcester I bought Ovids metamorphoses, the melody of whose verse and sound observations, in some measure deluded us of time and has made our journey quite agreeable.
				We have been to church the whole day—have had two very good sermons and have heard musick, equal to the musick of the spheres. One could hardly sit still and hear it. To hear such musick, would I think be quite an object for one to go to church if there were none other.— Love to Louisa if you please— tell her that we have not been into a tavern where apple pies have not been put on the table, but we did not eat them— We left them all for her.
				With a wish that your journey may be as comfortable and agreeable as ours has hitherto been
				I am your

					Wm S Shaw—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dearest Friend
					Trenton Octr. 12. 1799

				We arrived on the 10th. I, much oppressed by one of my great Colds, which is now going Off.— I could obtain only one little Room and one little bedroom. but We can make a shift. I came here more loaded with Sorrow than with Rheum.— Sally opened her Mind to me for the first time. I pitied her, I grieved, I mourned but could do no more. a Madman possessed of the Devil can alone express or represent.— I renounce him.— K. Davids Absalom had some Ambition and some Enterprize. Mine is a mere Rake, Buck, Blood & Beast.
				To go from a private Calamity to a public the Fever in Phyladelphia is still bad, from ten to fourteen in a day. The great black frosts which come before the Middle of Novr.
				If the Weather has been as wett in New England as here, you will have a damp Journey and not pleasant Roads.
				I must be seperated from you a whole month, which will appear to me long enough.


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 12 October 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dear Aunt
					Trenton Oct 12th 1799

				After quite an agreeable journey we arrived at this place on the 10th inst. where we have found much better accommodations than we had any reason to expect. We are at present with two old maids Miss Barnes’s, who appear to be civil and obligeing— they have furnished The President with two rooms, a parlour handsomely furnished and a convenient bed chamber. The City is very much crouded at present there being many officers here both civil and military.
				We dined and slept last Monday at East Chester—found Mrs. Smith and little Caroline very well. The Col spends his time chiefly at his encampment—organiseing his men—is in his element and therefore happy. Mrs. Adams was there too with her two children, who were well.
				No doubt you will be anxious to know how the late election in Pensylvania for Govenor has been determined.
				This at present is impossible to ascertain with any degree of certainty but from many circumstances I fear, that McKean will be elected. In some of the Counties, in which the federalists placed great confidence that Ross would have large majorities, we are dissappointed in our expectations of some hundreds of votes. You know the Germans and Quakers well enough to know, that there is little or no end dependence to be placed in their promises of an electioneering kind. The yellow fever too being in the city, I suspect has operated rather unfavorably to Mr. Ross election, many gentlemen being out of the city and not having it in their power to return in season, but the other candidate you will easily conceive has not lost a single vote by it—his supporters consisting of the mob chiefly—poor miserable beings—possessing not a farthing to move out with. These are some of the reasons which incline me to believe that Mr Ross will not be elected. I may be mistaken— I pray to God I am.
				With respect I am your affectionate nephew

					Wm S Shaw.


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 13 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					Sunday EvengBrookfield October 13 1799
					My dear sister

				I got to Westown on Wednesday by four oclock and was met two miles from Town by Mrs otis, accompanied by Mrs Marshall who insisted upon my putting up with them I accordingly went, and was very kindly and hospitably receivd by the col and his Family. the old Gentleman who is now more than 80 years, still retains much of the fire and sprightlyness of youth, he is very infirm in health, but delights in the company and Society of his Friends and acquaintance. Mrs Marshall you know. she is a charming woman: and strives to render the col comfortable and happy— thursday was so rainy, that we could not go out of the House. on fryday morning we set out, and got on 27 miles to Peases, which being a neat good house, and good Beds, we put up for the night, and yesterday proceeded to this place, where it has been my lot oftner to keep Sabbeth, than in any other Town upon the Road. we have renderd it more agreable to day, by attending public worship, and hearing two good sermons, and some delightfull Singing— tomorrow we hope to reach springfield, and get

along by degrees, but the Young Farmer whom James has founderd by giveing him grain, is very lame, and unpleasent travelling with— I heard of the President who got to East Chester on Monday last, almost sick with a voilent cold. I am very anxious about him. I pray you to write me how Brother Cranchs is. direct your Letters to me at East Chester. write by Brisler who will call upon me.
				Remember me kindly to all Friends / Your affectionate Sister

					A Adams—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 13 October 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

					Dear William
					Germantown. 13th: October—99

				I must beg you to congratulate the President & yourself from me, on your safe arrival in our neighborhood. Your journey was, I apprehend, more favorable in point of weather than my mother’s is likely to be, for we have had very heavy rains & dull skies all the last week more or less— Even on Tuesday, the all important 8th:, of October, big with the fate of Pennsylvania, we had in the morning a very unpromising prospect of weather, but it fortunately cleared away before noon & left a chance for a fair trial of strength on both sides. I was present on the election ground a considerable part of the day, & retired with stronger hopes of success than I went. The Demo’s however mustered strong after dark & poured in their numbers beyond calculation, so that we came off with only a small majority in the City. It was however larger than I expected, and the federal candidate yet keeps his competitor at a respectful distance. I am in better hopes than I was prior to the Election, but not by any means confident of success—
				It will give me great pleasure to see you here, though I cannot promise to accompany you back to Trenton, very speedily. If it should be in my power however, without inconvenience to make the excursion, I will give you timely notice. If you meet, as you cannot fail, I

think, with the Lay preacher, return him my best thanks for his recent remembrance of me, communicated by my friends Ross & Simpson.
				Your letters of the 20th: 29th: ulto: & 11th: instt: came in course; If you could have acquainted me with the time of your intended departure, it would have been acceptable, as I wanted some books put into my trunk, which is coming round by water. I shall not go into the City to stay sooner than the 1st: November, about which time we expect the public Offices will return.
				I have a letter from JQA, of July 16th: the latest from him, & but a few lines— From Consul Pitcairn I got the precis des événemens militaires Nos 2 & 3. with a line to the 10th: August; no, news—
				Present me kindly to my father & believe me / Your’s sincerely

					T. B. Adams.

					PS. I have the key of the President’s house, remember!—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dearest Friend
					Trenton October 14. 1799

				I Sent you a Letter this morning before I recd yours of the 13. from Brookfield. I rejoice that you had arrived so far and born your Journey so well: but the Weather has been so wet that I doubt whether you have been able to reach East Chester to day. I am more convinced that the Air is a great Repository of Diseases and that it is impossible to guard against them. Be always ready. Yet I now fancy that if I had been prudent enough to put on my flannell and my Cloak I should have escaped my Cold till I reached the City.— I hope I shall not have such another there. I know not whether a Yellow fever would be a greater Evil than two such Colds.
				I am impatient to hear of your Arrival at E. Chester.— You will find there sally & her Mother and glooms enough. The Reprobate shall be punished.
				I shall mention no Politicks nor News. We had a Frost last night black as well as white. But I doubt whether Such Frosts touch in Phyladelphia or New York. An heat gets into the Air in great Cities that nothing but great frosts can affect. And even great frosts do not remove a thick damp putrid nauseous Vapour very deleterious to humane Systems. Write me every day. You ought.

					J. A.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 October 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dear Mother.
					Germantown 15th: October 1799

				Your favors of the 5th: & 7th: currt came in course, and I am much indebted to you for the disposition you made of the letters, which arrived, after my father’s departure. I have lately recd: several European letters & pamphlets & ought to have received another with the letter you enclosed me from Mr: Pitcairn, in which he desires particular respects to you. He acknowledges the receipt of my letter of June 28. which contained the order for your bed quilts of edder down, but only upon the back of a letter. I presume you will receive the quilts this winter.
				For my last letter to my father; I mean the contents of it, I got, as I

anticipated, a rap or two across the knuckles, but very good humoredly, and perhaps for my benefit. I thought it rather a saucy letter, but when I was once mounted on the high ropes it was hard to get down again without a fair swing.
				A letter from JQA of the 16th: August from Töepliz, a watering place, where he took his wife, for the benefit of her health, says he had just recovered from a severe intermittent fever, & expected to be there & at Dresden, some time longer. He writes no news.
				I am glad you are so well escorted on your journey, though the weather has I think been unfavorable for travelling. When you reach East Chester, if you should not see fit to send for me please to give my love to Sister & the Col: and ask for a sword Cane I left there last spring, with my Cypher on the top—perhaps it is at Charles’s in New York. I have a little business at N.Y. but not enough to authorise the jaunt unless you require it. My father has invited me to join him at Trenton, which I shall probably do in a few days.
				We have lost our Election by a considerable majority; so says report, at least, and I believe it true. My conviction of it before the tryal took place was so strong, that I have won a beaver hat & pair of half boots by the event, having wagered against my own Candidate. The chief thank fortune is off of the bench, so that in addition to being well covered top & bottom, I shall have the satisfaction of his paying for all the bows & scrapes I may be obliged to make him as Governor.
				The wear & tear of hat & sole leather is paid me in advance. Such are my consolations for the loss of a very important object, but I can safely say it was not my fault that it was not gained.
				Present me kindly to all friends & believe me / Your son

					T. B Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 15 October 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir.
					Germantown 15th: October 1799.

				Your favor of the 12th: instant came to hand this morning, and I am greatly obliged by the kind invitation it contains to join you & my cousin at Trenton, which it would give me great pleasure to do immediately, but for the desire I feel of procuring an office in to which I may enter immediately on my return to the City. The inhabitants are daily flocking to town, but I have not thought it perfectly safe to venture in myself; the moment however, that I can secure my object, I will pay my duty to you at Trenton.
				The strain of levity, that ran through my last letter to you, deserved the reproof it has met with in your reply, which though gentle and indulgent, will not fail to persuade me that gravity is an attribute of wisdom, though its opposite may not always be an indication of folly.
				I remember once to have asked my brother, while we were in Holland, how he contrived to make so many precious confessions, respecting himself, in his letters to you and my mother? Observing at the same time, that I had not the courage to do it. His reply was, that “he regarded that freedom of communication between children & parents as a sort of moral obligation, the practise of which served to create & confirm reciprocal confidence.” I was struck with the sentiment & endeavored thenceforward to adopt it, so far as I was capable, and though feelingly alive to either censure or praise, which such ingenuousness may draw upon me, I still believe in its utility, to correct the evil or to confirm the good propensities of nature or habit.
				I should have been more convinced of the extravagance of my surmise respecting the influence of wisdom’s rival upon the generality of mortals, if the instance you adduce, wherein wisdom triumphed, had not claimed “descent from heaven” and “birth of heav’nly race.” The labor & difficulty of the victory was judged a task worthy of Hercules the son of Jove.
				The “lesson of wisdom from a negro,” is, I hope, rather designed for instruction than imitation; under this impression I shall be glad to profit by it.
				Of one thing, if I know my own heart, I can venture to assure you, that I will never alter my present situation in life, until I shall have been fortunate enough to find “a point on which I can stand,” without a prop. I wish this assurance may be believed, because if there exists a jealousy of me on any score, I think it is this. My use of the

word Mistress in my last, was rather in a figurative than a literal sense, but most assuredly in no other than a “lawful, delicate & honorable one.” Had I been aware of the construction it admitted, I might have been more cautious in the use of it.
				I received a letter from my brother this morning, via New York dated at Töepliz 16 August. He had just recovered from a violent attack of intermittent fever, but hoped benefit from the waters of that place, which are said to be efficacious in such disorders. He writes me nothing so new as what we have in the papers.
				I am with true respect & attachment / Dear Sir, / Your Son

					T. B Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dearest Friend
					Trenton October 18. 1799

				I have written you but once Since I bid you farewell. I was Seized in Connecticutt with one of those direful Colds, which have Sometimes brought my frame into danger and I was afraid to let you know how ill I was. I am now so much better as to be able to do Business.
				We have no News of you Since the ninth indeed Since the Note in which you told Us of James’s fever. The Weather has given Us great Anxiety in your account as well as much inconvenience on our own.— If you are at East Chester and have a mind to come nearer to Phyladelphia, you may find comfortable Accommodations at Van Tilsbourgs at Kingston where I can Visit you every other day. I pray you to let me know when you intend to sett out from East Chester and where you propose to put up the first and the second night.— I hope to see Brisler soon. We have cold nights and white Frosts, but black frosts are necessary and Severe ones too, Such as freeze half an Inch upon the Ponds, to cleanse the Atmosphere of those invisible Vermin that pray upon the Vitals of poor human Creatures. Brisler can have lodgings at Howells at the Ferry, till he can go to Philadelphia.

					J. A


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 19 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					My dear Son
					Trenton October 19. 1799

				Since you are desirous of a Confidence, in the Breast of your Father, and he is not less anxious to possess one in yours, I will open myself to you as soon as time will permit, upon Several Subjects and without assuming to dictate or controul will give you my candid and frank Advice.
				Although you have had a regular Education in the Theory and

Practice of the Law, under a Master as eminent as Mr Ingersol, and on a Theatre as conspicuous as Pennsylvania and the City of Phyladelphia; yet, I have many reasons to doubt whether you have ever attended particularly to the manner in which young Gentlemen rise in all Countries to fame and importance at the Bar. This is a Subject which it is of great importance you Should understand and feel, at your first setting out and of which you should never loose Sight.
				At every Bar, in which I have ever practised, or had any Knowledge, and indeed at every one I have ever heard or read of, there are commonly four Lawyer of Eminence above the rest, who are generally engaged in all Causes of Consequence; who take the lead, who give the Tone, and who in some measure have the Command and control of the whole Business. There are commonly three or four others of a second order, who come in for some share of Influence and Some proportion Business at particular times and on Special occassions. These form a natural and never failing combination, which excludes young Gentlemen for a long time from all participation in the Employments and Profits and honors of Practice. It is only by engaging the Confidence and Esteem & affection of these or some of them or at least of some one of them in a high degree, that I ever knew any young Man make his way and rise. For to force his Way against these is almost impossible, at least without a Genius, Talents, Steady Labour, and resolution so decidedly Superiour as to Strike all the World and carry all before them. I have known it attempted, but it allways failed, and the mortified Youth found like Phaeton “Non est mortale quod Optas.
				The four first Lawyers, too in a free Country are generally Supported by different political Parties, who are always ready to support them and assist them in depressing all aspiring and disrespectful Rivals.
				I am told that in Phyladelphia this Combination is the worst and most untractable in the World, four or five Gentlemen have the entire Monopoly of Practice and that it is even necessary to draw the sword or at least bring its point into Serious View sometimes to obtain even a decent treatment. I have been told that Mr Ingersol himself has been obliged to appeal to his Brethren at the Bar and declare that he would call to the field of honor, the Man who should treat him ill. & Mr Ingersol is a cool, modest decent as well as virtuous honourable learned and ingenious Man.
				Mr Ingersol, Mr Lewis, Mr Dallas, and Mr Tilghman are I believe

the four Gentlemen, who command at least the principal share of Practice. You know the political Parties that support three of these Gentlemen. The new Governor perhaps you cannot rely upon as your friend without flatteries and complyances which you ought not and cannot Submit to. Mr Ingersol and Mr Lewis & perhaps Mr Tilghman will not be your Ennemies. My Advice to you is to be civil and Sociable and obliging to them all. But you must have the heart, the Confidence and real friendship of one of them or you will not Succeed. These Gentlemen are all of an Age that it may be expected they will be promoted to public offices, or be fatigued with Labours and Satisfied with Profits before long. With a total Sacrifice of Pleasures and Amusements with an assiduous Attendance at your Office and in Court, with an ardent devotion to study and indefatigable devotion to labour you may hope to take the place of one of them. I pray you to give me your thoughts freely upon this subject.
				with great Affection

					John Adams


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 19 October 1799
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dear Sister
					Quincy october 19th 1799

				I was very glad to hear by the Letter you sent me from Brookfield, that you had got Safely so far. the week prov’d so Stormy & disagreable I was affraid I Should hear you were Sick. this week has been in general So pleasant excepting one day very windy that I hope you are Safe at eastchester this evening, & that the President is recover’d from his cold. your children well & the Sweet Caroline rejoicing to see Grandmama
				I went yesterday to see mrs Black— it was the first time I had seen your House Since you left it— all was Safe there: but I did not want to

stay in it— I mett mr D Greenleaf & wife mrs Black & her Daughter Blake at mr Blacks. mr Blake is in Jail in Boston mr & mrs Greenleaf regret the absence of your Family very much, mr Shaws company especially. I believe they will spend the winter in Boston. mr Apthorps Family mov’d into Boston today: I am no great visitor or I should feel deserted So many have left us. mrs Black will be in Boston the Siting of the court with her Husband. if We Should be Well, I may Sometims go to Town With them this is all the excursions I expect to make till you return—
				I went over to Weymouth the day you left Quincy & took with me the Gown & Flour for mrs Norton She sends her Duty & many thanks— Richard & willm walk’d over to see the Parade Which Was to have been the next day but the rain disappointed them, as it did hundreds of others
				mr [Gunrry] has return’d your Sons Letter which you lent him. I Shall inclose it, as I suppose you would wish to have it with you—
				Judge Cushing call’d upon us this afternoon I gave him my Sons Letter, & mr Cranch talk’d with him upon the Subject— he Says unless the other Judge Should be prejudgicd in favor of some other Person he does not doubt his obtaining the office he wishes for— I believe the office is respectable—& if it will Support him & make him cheerful I Shall be glad— He is Scarcly ever out of my mind— I hope my dear Sister you will find time to write to him— he does wrong to be so deprest his misfortuns have in a manner destroy’d his usefulness he is too good to be lost—for want of fortitude & a resolute Spirit— Since cousin Thomas’ visit he feels as if he had a Friend & indeed a Brother—cousins visit was an unspeakable advantage to him— I hope they will meet again Somehow or other the very Face of Cousin Thomas will inspire him with courage
				Mr Cranch’s cold is much better— Doctor Phipps has lost his Son. Gaius Thayers Wife & two children are Sick with the Fever his Son dy’d off. his Wife he hopes will leave him he says—wretch—I hope he will never have another
				Did you think to leave a pair of St[ockings] for Miss Paine? I forgot to take them if you did.
				remember me kindly to the Presidentt your children & all Friends & write as often as you can to— / your ever affectionate & gratefal / Sistr

					Mary Cranch


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

					My Dearest Friend
					East Chester october 20th 1799

				I reachd this place yesterday about 11 oclock and found the Family all well the col with his Regiment gone to the Jersies— Mrs Smith and Nancy reachd here on fryday from Baltimore, the fever still so bad in N york, that it is not adviseable to go in. we had two very frosty nights upon our Journey, some fogs. I took some cold. mr otis a very Bad one. I left him & Family at mrs Hortens, about 7 miles from hence; our Journey to springfield was pleasent, with fine roads there. I was obliged to hire a Horse, as young Farmer became so very lame that he could proceed no further in a carriage James led him on untill we got to Webbs, when having a Horse of Webbs, we thought it best to blead Farmer in his feet take off his shoes & put him into a good pasture, and let him run a few days. I could not help feeling angry with Riggins for his obstinacy. the Horse is naturally lazy and deficient in spirit, which was the reason that he never would drive him if he could form any excuse. Favorite performd very well, stood the journey better than he ever did before. old Farmer very well & Ceasar Brislers purchase I am quite delighted with, steady & spirited as peacock without his rashness— Fille the Young Horse came on with James very well—
				Brisler will be on this week. he will proceed to Trenton there to take Your directions as to going into Philadelphia— I do not expect we shall get in earlier than the 2d week in November. I shall be for crosing the N river as early in the season as possible. I am anxious to learn

if you have got rid of Your cold. I found a Letter from you here; but it containd more subject for distress of mind, than comfort.—
				as Your quarters are so small at Trenton, You will not wish for company. I will come however and Nurse You, and submit to any inconvenience if You do not soon get better. You must get some oxemal squills, and take two Teaspoon full in any tea drink of Hysop or sage, or Balm at [Bed] time. has william escaped a cold
				Mrs Smith & Caroline send / Duty / Yours affectionatly

					A Adams—