Title: George Cabot to Abigail Adams, 17 January 1794
From: Cabot, George
To: Adams, Abigail

            Madam—
            Philadelphia 17th Janry 1794

          The ice in the Delaware having delayed the post beyond it’s usual period I had not the honor to receive your esteemed letter of the 8th until this moment, but my respect for the writer constrains me to acknowledge it’s arrival before I can be prepared to give an answer to its contents.
          in a free country it is so important that the people shou’d entertain just sentiments respecting their public affairs, that I feel myself much more indebted to those who contribute by their labors to rectify public opinion than I do to those who immediately share the administration of the Government, and upon this principle I have expressed very freely my obligation to Columbus.—
          as I beleived that the peices under that signature woud be useful I have made it a practice to circulate among my friends the Newspapers which contained them, & thus it happens that at the moment I wish to review them they are not at my command.— I have hopes however that the Vicepresident has them, & with this expectation I have engaged Mr. Otis to procure them.— when this is done I shall reexamine them for the purpose you have suggested & shall shew you by my frankness & sincerity that I am ambitious of retaining the confidence you have so generously bestowed.—
          it was natural enough that Mrs. Cabot shoud be a little alarmed at

seeing me read, with a pleasure which I coud not disguise, a letter from a Lady with a feigned signature & without the date of place—but as she discoverd that you expressed all your affection for her & only respect for me, her agitations subsided & she desired me to send back an unfeigned assurance of both—in which I might join / with every consideration

            G Cabot


Title: Abigail Adams to George Cabot, post 17 January 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cabot, George

            my dear sir
            [post 17 January 1794]

          Your obliging favour of the 17 of Jan’ry reachd me a few days sine the polite and Friendly manner in which You communicate Your inttentions call for my acknowledgment. our Legislators never having considerd our Sex sufficiently dangerous to enact a salique Law or perhaps entertaining too good an opinions of us to suppose we would encroach upon their establishd perogatives have left us to the fre excercise of our judgments and opinions upon political subjects fixing however a sutle Stigma upon the character of a Female politician to deter us from entering too far into the character. At such an Aeon as the present who can be an unconcern’d Spectator? of the mighty Revolutions which are revolving round us—in which kingdoms Principalities & powers are shaken to thir center, when the shocks of the old world extend their agitations even to our peacefull Shoars and would envolope us in the general Crush if the matrials of which we are composed were alike combustible.
          Heaven avert the dangers which threaten us, and as we reside in a glass House, may our politicians beware of throwing stones
          tell mrs C. that I am no Friend to Favoriteism, yet in this instance she will permit me to unite with her in those Sentiment of respect and esteem which long ago attached her affections to a Friend who has done much honour to her taste and judgment that she must now be satisfied to share with all those who must not resuse others an attachment from the same source

          and to whom she will not refuse the plasure of Subsribing with renewed assurences of Regard / his Friend & Humble / Servant

            Issabella

            as not to permit


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 January 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia January 18 1794

          I Send you, at present the Negotiations with Mr Hammond as I sent you before those with Mr Genet. I wish I could send you “The Example of France a Warning to Britain” a Pamphlet of Arthur Young the Secretary of Sir John Sinclairs Agricultural Society: but it is borrowed and must be returned. He is more Burkish than Burke I think.
          Congress will do little this session I believe and perhaps the less the better.
          Americanus has received just such a Flagellation as he has deserved these twenty Years. His Blunders, his Ignorance his Dulness, his Duplicity and Insincerity has been detected and exposed. And if The Blockhead had always been treated with the Same Freedom & Spirit he would have been held in total Contempt before this day and would have been quite harmless. I hope however that Barneveld will not make himself cheap by meddling much with Such Fools and Knaves.
          Nec Deus intersit nisi dignus Vindice nodus.
          Thomas has Sent to his Brother, two hundred dollars for you, in a Check on some bank.
          We have an open Winter, much too mild to clear the Atmosphere of all its Vapours. It is Said that a dry Fall is commonly followed by an open Winter. When the large Tracts and great Lakes in the North West are not wet and full of Water in the Fall before Winter setts in, there is seldom must snow or great Cold in the Course of it. I presume the Ice is not sufficient any more than the Snow for our Wall Operations but our Wood may be brought home for the whole summer I should Supppose. There is a quantity of manure thrown out of the Ditches of the Coves which I should wish carted or Sledded into the yard if it can be conveniently: but I would not plan too much Work. Duty & Love

            J. A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 January 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia January 21. 1794.

          We go Slowly forward: So Slowly as to produce no Results, which is a better course than to run rapidly in a Career of Mischief.
          I go to Senate every day, read the News papers before I go and the Public Papers afterwards, see a few Friends once a Week, go to Church on Sundays; write now and then a Line to you and to Nabby: and oftener to Charles than to his Brothers to See if I can fix his Attention and excite his Ambition: in which design I flatter myself I shall have Success.
          John may pursue his Studies and Practice with Confidence as well as Patience. His Talents, his Virtues his Studies and his Writings are not unknown, nor will they go without their Recompence, if Trouble is a Recompence for Trouble. If the People neglect him the Government will not: if the Government neglect him the People will not, at least very long.
          Thomas is reading Clarendon, in order to form a Judgment of the Duration of the French Republick; and all other such Democratical Republicks which may arise in the great Maritime and commercial, Avaricious and corrupted Nations of Europe.
          Cheesman I hear is returned to Boston— Our Trunk had better be taken out. Thomas’s Books and Boots should be Sent here: but the rest may be carried to Quincy. I want nothing and Brisler says having done without his Things so long, he had rather do without them now till We return.
          The Senators and Reps. Say that We must Sit here till May— Some hope to be up in April. I cannot flatter myself to be at home till the first of May. If the Yellow Fever Should make its Appearance, We Shall Seperate earlier, but the general Opinion and universal hope is that it will not return at all: at least till after the extream Heats of summer.
          Col. Smith Spent about a fortnight here and is now returned. He

is tormented by his Ambition but has taken very unsagacious measures to remove his Pains. I know not what he is in Pursuit of.
          I am affectionately yours


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 24 January 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy Janry 24. 1794

          We have had four days and Nights of Rain an old fashiond rain. if there had been upon the Ground a Body of snow, the flood of Rain, would have carried away all our Mills and Bridges it has laid our fenses in the meddow below the House flat the water is a foot above the bridge at mr Blacks, and over the Top of his wall which he built last Summer. till this Rain we have not had water to Grind with in Town, & the wells were very low. I expect a Fe’bry. winter.
          The news of last Evening is that the duke of yorks Army with himself are captured and Toulon retaken with every ship, this in a hand Bill from Genet, who seems out of Breath for Joy, as he represents the whole city of Philadelphia he says the News arrived by a vessel from France which was sent there by the President, “and that Congress could not stay in their sitting”
          if I thought such an event would accelerate an Honorable Peace in Europe and enable France to Govern themselves, I could most sincerely unite in acclamations and congratulation’s but such is the state of wild Frenzy which possesses that devoted Nation, that they

will instanly invade England if in their power, possess themselves of Spain, & over turn every Throne, which they have ability to assault. Brissot and 14 others have follow’d the Queen in quick succession. Houchard we are told is also Goullitened, if it was not treating a subject so melancholy, with too much levity; one might advise any future general, whom the Convention may be disposed to invest with the Chief command, to send them such an answer, as it is said Harry the 8th of England received from a Foreign Lady to whom in the latter part of his Reign, he signified that it was his pleasure to marry her. to which she replied, [“]I am highly sensible of the honor your Majesty intends me, and if I had more Heads than one, should be proud of the Alliance, but as I have not, I must beg leave to decline the connexion”
          I hope tomorrows post will bring us more particulars, than Genets hasty hand Bill. I am some times almost tempted to wish that I was as ignorant of the Affairs of my Country, as those who are busied in a Round of dissipation. I should at least be free from the constant anxiety and solicitude which at present occupies all my thoughts, if by it, I could render any Service to my country, I should receive some compensation. I want to hear every day from you. I want to sit down and converse with you. every evening, I sit here alone and Brood over probabilities and conjectures. The Democratick Societys might more properly be termd Genetian. the resolves publishd in yesterdays paper of that society in Philadelphia, are rather more assuming than their Boston Brethren. they are not yet sufficiently powerfull to carry their measures into effect. Swift says that [“]Man is so much of the Nature of a sheep, that whoever is bold enough to give the first great Leap over the Heads of those about him, tho he be the worst of the flock, shall be quickly followd by the rest, besides when Parties are once formd, the Stragglers look so ridiculous and become so insignificant, that they have no other way but to run into the herd, which at least will hide and protect them, and where to be much considerd requires only to be very voilent.” from these causes I dare say do the Numbers in these Societyes increase, for the People are happy are contented Satisfyed with the Government and those who administer it. all those who wish to disturb it, will be found like Jarvis Austin Morten when weighd in the balance, wanting—wanting office wanting property or wanting morals—

          Thus do I run on, merely for the sake of saying something to you, which may perhaps be as much to the purpose, as somethings which you hear in the assembly over which you preside, and if it should not, why then I can relinquish my right to a terms so long hackned that I am almost tempted never to claim it again, except it is to assure
          You that my Heart bears an equal degree of affection and tenderness towards you with that expressd by your own, for your

            A Adams

            Mrs Brisler was well this evening
            Love to son Thomas—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 26 January 1794
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, William

            My dear William
            Philadelphia 26th: Jany:. 1794—

          I hasten within two hours after the receipt of your Letter, which came to my hands while at my Father’s lodgings, to commerce an Answer—tho’ I must frankly own, without the smallest idea of the arrangement of the matter which crouds itself upon my mind in the perusal of your favor— I wish to communicate my whole soul to a friend, of all others, most deserving of the confidence— But how I shall begin, or where find a fit point for pausing after I have entered upon the task, must be left to the same kind of casualty, which I fear will be found too intimately interwoven with anticipated joys & delightful reveries whenever they are indulged. I could be angry with you for having so long forborne the communication, now received— And yet I am unhappy in my knowledge, & fain would wish it had slept for ever in silence—for I know not what to say, think, or do. Such was the conflict, (if sacred writ be true) that agitated the human breast, when first the fatal apple plucked from the Tree of knowledge, met the lip of Eve— Excuse the greatness of the example adduced for illustration;—the mixture of sacred with profane. Humannature from this first period, bears the stamp of frailty. The iron rules of Society allows less indulgence to our weakness—Than the laws of God to our vices. In one case, a single fatal error draws down damnation on the offenders head, without the hope of a mediator; in the other, repentance, penitent & sincere will “work out salvation.” I believe neither you or myself expected such a begining, to this—what shall I call it?

          The introduction shall stand God-Mother, and pronounce its baptismal ceremony; I christen it then, by the amorous name of Love Song. As you have accidentally been made the Father Confessor, between me and another, in an affair perhaps of all others the most delicate— I shall withhold none of my thoughts, and will endeavor to explain such parts of my conduct, as may have given occasion to a result of this nature.
          If I mistake not, you once had an “Eclairecissement” of this kind while you resided in Boston, with Miss F—— it is rather hard that you should have to fight in the wars of Cupid, not only your own, but the Battles of your friends— I feel much obliged by your prowess, and the feats of General-ship so ably displayed; certain I am, that I never could have managed my own cause with half the dexterity & cleverness, & so much to the mutual satisfaction, (as I hope) of the parties concerned. Accept therefore my thanks, and now the relation.
          The Letter which contained the expressions (too strong I confess, if esteem & friendship alone had guided the pen,) and which I wished might rather be communicated by the ear, than the Eye, to the object that occasioned them—was written but the day previous to my intended departure for Philada.— You knew not the real cause perhaps of my sudden resolution to return; and thought not of the true reason of my studied avoidance of a visit, to which your pressing invitation, and my strong inclination were such powerful inducements— You see my conduct explained by those very lines;— another weeks delay would have left me no excuse for declining your request— Had I complied—I felt the consequence—I might have commited that unpardonable offence to which I observed before the laws of Society allow no indulgence. You have painted the consequences, which you say haunt your dreams and have illustrated by an example already realized Happy then is he, that foresees & shuns the rock— I have practised that inestimable virtue—self renunciation—longer than you immagine—but I never have repented when the struggle ceased. The rules of Society are doubtless wise—but they produce an eternal conflict between the discordant passions of man. Prudence is a virtue little known in savage life; an unbridled gratification of Passion is its substitute— You will not think I hope that I prefer the latter— No, I take Society as I find it, and exert my reason, against my will. The immortal Shake-spear has not left this trait of human nature unconsidered— His words are these—
          “If the ballance of our lives had not one Scale of reason, to poise

another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures, would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions. But we have reason, to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts.” &ca.
          The note’s of confession and subsequent explanation which passed between you & Miss H, are to me a fresh evidence that my partiality was not misplaced The confession itself so flattering that I cannot take it in the full latitude which the just rules of interpretation might admit. I perceive by your answer, appeared to you rather too frank & undisguised. In cases of this kind it is at least doubtful, whether a “third eye should ever be witness;” if there can be such an instance, this is it. I have not another friend on Earth to whom this business could have been communicated without causing me great anxiety—with you it is a secret still; and instead of exciting unfavorable sentiments of either party, must increase your esteem for one, & confirm it towards the other.
          You will never think that my German Constitution can be worked up to the pitch of Romantic extravagance, which must necessarily have contributed largely to the completion of my wishes, if the event alluded to before had taken place. I am not one of those who brave impossibilities— I hardly suffer myself to think of a thing, until I know it prudently practicable. Sometimes however I have been surprised when off my guard, and the contest to regain my post is allways arduous & painful. The footing on which this affair, (it is a novel term to be applied to a transaction in which I am a party) now rests, is the best I could look for— If I dared I would swear to her, that the “Friend of my younger days” should never be forgotten, whatever might become of the favorite—but you have commanded me to silence, & I know the command however irksome must be obeyed. I wear about me a constant memento of this friend— it is a Broach; you may have seen it— “Dark in itself & indigent, but rich in borrowed lustre from an higher Sphere.” But I have done—I am sure your patience will be tried with this, I will not say uninteresting, but at least unsatisfactory explanation.
          Adieu
          I think you have recd: my letter of nearly the same date with yours, before this— write me soon—


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 January 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My deares Friend
            Quincy 31 Janry 1794

          We have had a severe Snowstorm but attended with such a voilent wind that half the Ground is bare, whilst the other is almost impassible Banks; I hear nothing from Town this week. even the post has not come, but I have good domestick intelligence for you, which is that this day I think our Parent better, and I am much encouraged she says with one of her smiles, tell my son that I am here pestering yet, and that I have the best daughter in the whole world. I am obliged to do the whole message or be undutyfull.
          we are all waiting with impatience to learn the purport of the last news from Frane. it must be of concequence to Electrify congress in such a manner that they could not keep their sittings
          I have written only a few lines—least I should not be able to get my Letters in town soon enough for the post, on monday Captain Beals is kind enough to call this evening and let me know that he is going to town tomorrow, and would take Letters for / your ever affectionate

            A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 February 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy Fe’bry 2. 1794

          I last Evening received your kind Letters of Jan’ry 18, 21 & 22d accompanied with the Negotiation’s I have read the two pamphlets

you sent me before. if the American pamphlet is the production of the person to whom report asscribes it, I think very little honour is due to his Head, and none to his Heart. I am sorry he is calld to fill so important an office, as the one to which he is lately appointed. his Ideas are many of them derived from the Gambling table and his allusions from a Brothel which he coarsly distributes without respect to his readers. he might not imagine that his subject would draw the attention of a Female reader yet he who respects himself would have been more delicate, if the Ideas had not been too Familiar to him, and his uncloathd Negroes had blackned his mind. I cannot give full credit to his representations respecting the Banks and funding system, nor can I asscribe such dreadfull plots to those who have the management of them as this modern Argus sees. that multiplied Banks are productive of many of those evil concequences which he enumerates I both see and feel. that many persons are making fortunes from them I believe, that they are an indirect tax upon the comunity I fully credit, but his proposed remedy would be worse than the disease. his attempt at wit and his affected ridicule upon the balance of power, proves his grose ignorance of a subject, upon which his Ideas, are all bewilderd, and incoherent. it is plain however that this pamphlet is the continuation of the system adopted last winter & Breaths the same spirit with Giles & his veterans. the Letter addrest to mr Pitt, is well written, and contains matter of weighty concequence, and serious consideration. the writer accounts in the most rational Manner for that Spirit of Frenzy & Madness which continues to Swallow up reason, reflection and all the social affections and manly virtues, in the French Nation. Shakspear has well described these scenes too applicable to the present.

            “The gates of Mercy are all shut up;
            And the fleshd soldier, rough and hard of Heart.
            In liberty of Bloody-hand, doth range
            With conscience wide as hell, mowing like grass
            The fresh fair virgins, and the flowering Infants
            Fathers are taken by their Silver Beards
            And their most reverend heads dashd to the walls
            or spitted upon pikes, whilst their enraged wives
            With their loud howls, do break the clouds
            What rein can hold licentious wickedness
            When down the Hill he holds his fierce career”

          The warning to Great Britain I have not read. our son brought it up one Saturday Evening but not having read it himself and being obliged to return it on Monday prevented my reading it. I wish it might be a sufficient warning to us to continue our Neutrality unimpared.
          The dull and gloomy weather I perceive had influenced your spirits, and the politicks of the day had made you sick. you wanted the repose of your Family and the Bosom of your Friend. I know how it was by your Letter Pupil of woolsoncroft confess the Truth, and own that when you are sick of the Ambition the intrigues the duplicity and the Treachery of the aspiring part of your own sex, it is a comfort and a consolation to retire to the simplicity the Gentleness and tenderness of the Female Character. those qualities, says a candid writer are more benificial to the humane race than the prudence of all its individuals, and when conducted with good Sense, approach to perfection.
          You can do much service to your sons by your Letters, and advise. you will not teach them what to think, but how to think, and they will then know how to act. I am glad you have read Barnevelt, and do not think him too roughly handled. his Age only intitled him to any respect. he evidently felt himself in the back ground, and sunk out of sight, but Secretly from the dark shoots a poisond Arrow.
          I shall attend to your wishes with respect to every thing which can be done. the winter has been unfavourable for buisness. the pond is hard enough frozen, if we had but sufficient snow to cover those parts of the Ground which are bare. the wood we get when practacable, but I have made an important discovery viz that an old Man is not a young one. Belcher however is in many respects preferable but cannot be so active as when young he is not devoted to the Rum bottle. I informd you that I had received the Bills, and have dischargd the accounts of Phipps Savil & bought an other load of Hay—paid to mrs Brisler ten Dollors which she had occasion for, which you may mention to him.
          I have been to visit our Parent who is low and weak I do not however see any imediate danger— I hope the Phylidelphians will keep a viligent look out, and if the dreaded fever should break out—remove the inhabitants. the Rain of three days which I mentiond to you was warm & relaxing to an allarming degree. it affected me so much that I was several days sick, and all the servants were debilitated in one way or other. it brought on your Mothers illness and in many instances in Town a Lung fever. mrs Field now lies sick with it, mrs

Brislers Mother. Your Letters was the first intelligence I had of the return of Cheeseman. I shall make inquiry into the Matter.
          adieu my Dearest Friend and be / ever assured of the affectionate Regard / of your

            A Adams

            I received a letter last Evening for mrs Brisler which I sent to her she was finely to day the Boy is stout & strong


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 3 February 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

            My Dear Mrs. Smith,
            Quincy, 3 February, 1794.

          I have not written to you since I received yours of January 5th. I go from home but very little, yet I do not find my time hang heavy upon my hands. You know that I have no aversion to join in the cheerful circle, or mix in the world, when opportunity offers. I think

it tends to rub off those austerities which age is apt to contract, and reminds us, as Goldsmith says, “that we once were young.” Whilst our presence is easy to youth, it will tend to guide and direct them.

            “Be to their faults a little blind,
            Be to their virtues ever kind,
            And fix the padlock on the mind.”

          To-morrow our theatre is to open. Every precaution has been taken to prevent such unpleasant scenes as you represent are introduced upon yours. I hope the managers will be enabled to govern the mobility, or the whole design of the entertainment will be thwarted.
          Since I wrote you last, a renewal of the horrid tragedies has been acted in France, and the Queen is no more.

            “Set is her star of life;—the pouring storm
            Turns its black deluge from that aching head;
            The fiends of murder quit that bloodless form,
            And the last animating hope is fled.
            Blest is the hour of peace, though cursed the hand
            Which snaps the thread of life’s disastrous loom;
            Thrice blest the great, invincible command,
            That deals the solace of the slumbering tomb.”

          Not content with loading her with ignominy, whilst living, they blacken her memory by ascribing to her the vilest crimes. Would to Heaven that the destroying angel might put up his sword, and say, “It is enough;” that he would bid hatred, madness, and murder cease.

            “Peace o’er the world her olive branch extend,
            And white-robed Innocence from Heaven descend.”

          I wish, most ardently, that every arm extended against that unhappy country might be withdrawn, and they left to themselves, to form whatever constitution they choose; and whether it is republican or monarchical is not of any consequence to us, provided it is a regular government of some form or other, which may secure the faith of treaties, and due subordination to the laws, whilst so many governments are tottering to the foundations. Even in one of the freest and happiest in the world, restless spirits will aim at disturbing it. They cry “A lion! a lion!” when no real dangers exist, but from

their own halloo, which in time may raise other ferocious beasts of prey.
          I hope to hear from you soon. I wrote to you by Dr. Appleton. Your grandmother has been very sick, and is still in so poor a way that I have very little expectation of her ever going abroad again. She is cheerful and pleasant, and loves to hear from her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has ever been a woman of exemplary benevolence, a friendly, open, candid mind, with a naturally good understanding, and zealousy anxious for the welfare and prosperity of her family, which she has always promoted by every exertion in her power. Her only anxiety seems to be, lest she should live to be a burden to her friends; but this will not be her hard lot.
          Your mother,

            A. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 February 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Feb. 4. 1794

          The Mail of Yesterday brought me, a rich Treasure in your kind Letters of the 18. 24 and 25th of January— Ice in the Rivers or Snow or some other Obstructions on the Roads have delay’d the Conveyance of some of them and occasioned their Arrival all together.

          Columbus and Barneveld were both written with Elegance and Spirit and the poor Wretches who so justly fell under their Lashes were never before nor Since so exemplarily and so justly punished.
          I hope my old Friend, will never meet the Fate of another Preacher of Egalite, who was I fear almost as sincere as himself. By The Law of Nature, all Men are Men and not Angells—Men and not Lyons—Men and not Whales Men and not Eagles—That is they are all of the same Species. And this is the most that the Equality of Nature amounts to But Man differs by Nature from Man, almost as much as Man from Beast. The Equality of Nature is Moral and Political only and means that all Men are independent. But a Physical Inequality, an Intellectual Inequality of the most serious kind is established unchangeably by the Author of Nature— And Society has a Right to establish any other Inequalities it may judge necessary for its good.
          The Precept however Do as you would be done by implys an Equality which is the real Equality of Nature and Christianity, and has been known and understood in all Ages before the Lt. G. of Massachusetts made the discovery in January 1784.
          I am pleased to hear that the Court appointed again their late state Attorney.— Mr Dalton called on me a few Weeks ago to communicate to me a great Secret. The President had the Evening before took him aside and enquired of him very particularly concerning the Vice Presidents Son at Boston: his Age, his Practice, his Character &c &c &c at the Same time making great Inquiries concerning Mr Parsons of Newbury Port— From all which Mr D. conjectured that Mr Gore was to be appointed Attorney Gen. of U. S. and J. Q. Adams Attorney for the District.— I was somewhat allarmed and was determined to Advize my son to refuse it, if it should be so, though I did not beleive it.— I would not advize Mr J. Q. A. to play at small Games in the Executive of U. S.— I had much rather he should be State Attorney for Suffolk. Let him read Cicero & Demosthenes, much more eloquent than Madison & smith.
          The rascally Lie about the Duke of York in a Cage at Paris and Toulon and all the English Fleet in the Hands of the Republick was fabricated on purpose to gull the Gudgeons and it completely Succeeded to my infinite mortifications. An Attempt was made to get me to read the red hot Lie in Senate in order to throw them into as foolish a Confusion as that below them: but I was too Old to be

taken in, at least by so gross an Artifice, the falshood of which was to me palpable.
          You Apologize for the length of your Letters and I ought to excuse the shortness and Emptiness of mine. Yours give me more entertainment than all the speeches I hear. There is more good Thoughts, fine strokes and Mother Wit in them than I hear in the whole Week. An Ounce of Mother Wit is worth a Pound of Clergy— and I rejoice that one of my Children at least has an Abundance of not only Mother Wit, but his Mothers Wit— It is one of the most amiable and striking Traits in his Compositions— It appeared in all its Glory & severity in Barneveld.
          If the Rogue has any Family Pride, it is all derived from the Same source. His Pa renounces and abjures every Trace of it. He has Curosity to know his descent and Comfort in the Knowledge that his Ancestors on both sides for several Generations have been innocent— But no Pride in this— Pomp Splendor, Office Title, Power, Riches are the sources of Pride, but even these are not excuse for Pride— The Virtues & Talents of Ancestors, should be considered as Examples and solem Trusts and Produce Meekness Modesty and Humity, least they should not be imitated & equelled. Mortification & Humiliation can be the only legitimate feelings of a Mind conscious that it falls short of its Ancestors in Merit.
          I must Stop. / yours affectionately

            John Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 February 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            private & secret
            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Feb. 4. 1794

          The Indisposition of my ever honoured and beloved Mother gives me a very tender Anxiety— I hope she may yet get the better of her Disorder and enjoy a good share of Health— remember me to her in the most affectionate and dutiful manner
          You ask me if I wish to give any Directions. I pray you not to let the good old Lady know that you have asked or I answered such a

Question. But if the Melancholly Event should unhappily take Place, I desire to be at the whole Expence of a decent Funeral and pray My Brother to accept of all Claims from me of any share in whatever may be left. But if Health should be restored I pray you to burn this Letter and say not a Word of it to any one.
          yours

            John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 8 February 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy Febry 8th 1794

          I was very sorry to learn by your last Letters that you had little hopes of getting home till May. there are so many new Arrangments to make upon our places that I really feel unequal to the Task, but if it must be so, I will do the best I can according to my ability, and if I fail in the execution, you must at least allow for the intention. I would wish you to think what you would have done upon the several Farm’s: Humphries is gone into the Country, and I doubt very much, whether Porter will not be so quidling that I shall not be able to agree with him. his woman is so weakly, and Maids are so nice now, that they cannot drive a Cow to pasture, &c I mentiond to you in a Former Letter that I had offers of several persons, and I have seen the Son, & daughter, of the Richards Family, and told them my Terms. they have them under consideration; I have inquired their Characters of Dr Tufts and he apprves of them. he thinks I could not do better. they are an able Family and have been used to a dairy upon a large scale. the young Man is a Shoe Maker, but would like to let himself for 6 or 8 months the rest of his Time he would work at his trade. what his terms would be he could not tell, yet. Shaw came down last week to let me know that he and Alice had a mind to come and live upon one of the places. I told him my terms, not quite so liberal as those you agreed to Porter, and he will come if we chuse. he brought with him a Man by the Name of Joy, a smart looking man who wanted to go upon a place, whose wife Shaw Says, made 9 hundred weight of Cheese last year from six cows— as I considerd one of the places engaged to Porter, I did not converse with him only as I told shaw that he might mention the Terms to him. I am determind however that Porter shall give me his answer in the course of a few Days— Thayer removed this week, and shaw would come by the first of March. Faxon does not go of till sometime in

April which will be inconvenient on some accounts, as the Team would be useful to us for much business before that time. I had thoughts of letting shaw; if you approve come into Thayers House by the first of March, and as he will not have any stock to look after, to employ him here to Tar trees, and in such other business as we have to do, or I will put him off till the first of April if you think best. if we keep a dairy only upon Thayers place, it will be best to place the Family there, who are the most accustomed to a large dairy and will not think much of the work. if we divide and keep a dairy upon both places; Shaw may be fixt at either place, as he is now a good deal used to a Team. if you thought it best not to commit either place to Shaw, he would like to come down, and take part of the H[ouse] in which Faxon, is & let himself here by the Year upon this place to work occasionally upon either. I wish you to consider of all these matters here is Arnold and Copland, as jealous of each other as two ministers of State, each of them eager to be employd and watching the motions of each other. I have not had much occasion for either, but that their Rivalry might not be too great, have employd them alternatly. if Young Stock is to be purchased what Month will it be best to Send out for it? if cows the beginning of April will be the best season Dr Tufts gave 18 dollors last week for a cow to calf in March
          do you propose to sow grass-seed with the Barley? and what kind suppose I could get it. I purchasd Thayer Cheese press—other things he took with him.
          Cheeseman is in South Carolina instead of Boston. he has just escaped with his Life sufferd every thing both he his mate, and a Boy were washd over board. they recoverd the captain and mate, but lost the Boy. I fear your Trunk will be in bad plight if you ever get it. he lost every article of, of deck
          I wish my dear Friend I could tell you that our parent was essentially better, but that would be flattering you further than I dare. her strength daily declines. her coughs is in some measure relieved. she does not suffer pain but I do not think she will ever go abroad again she may continue in this way, for some weeks, and she may sink in less than one I know you would not permit your Brother were you here to be at expences which sickness necessarily occasions in a Family, such as an extra fire, Candle Light, and other necessaries— I have attended to these things as well as to every comfort she May want, and would as far as in me lies, that she should not feel the want of an own daughter who has so well deserved from all her

children. her Granddaughters are very attentive and good I have been with her every day when I have been well enough to go out, and shall so long as her Life is spaired. I am however fearfull of this Month on my own account, as two years it has been very unfortunate to me adieu I am just going to your Brothers. col Thayer departed this Life yesterday. Mrs Brisler and child are well, but mrs Feild is very dangerously sick— I am my dear Friends / most affectionatly yours

            A Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 February 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Feb. 8. 1794

          I have recd yours of the 30th. Ult. and given the inclosed to son Thomas, who will do with it what he can.
          Congress have been together, more than two Months and have done nothing, and will continue Sitting two Months longer, and do little. I for my part am wearied to death with Ennui— Obliged to be punctual by my habits, confined to my Seat, as in a Prison to see nothing done, hear nothing Said, and to Say and do nothing. Oh that my Rocks were here within a mile or two, and my little habitation and pretty littl Wife above all. Ah I fear that some fault unknown has brought upon me such Punishments to be Seperated both when We were too young and when We are too old.
          I dont believe We shall adopt Mr Madisons Motions nor build a Navy: But if We do not purchase a Peace with the Algerines We shall all deserve to become their Captives.
          The Genetians had a frolic on the 6th in commemoration of the Treaty and drank Toasts enough to get merry. so cordial so loving so

fraternal, so neat and elegant, so sweet and pretty! have you read them. Franklin Bryant, Reed, Hutchinson & sargeant the Heroes. fit company for Dallas Mifflin & Genet.— No harm done however that I hear of.— a sharp shot or two at the President.
          The Havock made in our Trade I fear will distress Us— I suspect that immense sums borrowed of Banks have fallen a sacrifice in France, as well as on the seas and When the day of Payment comes, more Credits must be given or Bankruptcies ensue. Borrowing of Banks for a trading Capital, is very unmercantile. However, We shall not go to War, and nothing is to be dreaded so much as that.
          I fear The English will have all the West Indies leaving a little to Spain. This I dont like at all. We shall see what another Campain will do in Europe. If the English assist La Vendee, which if they had been cunning or wise they would have done last Year it is thought that Brittany Normandy and Pichardy will declare for a King: But of this there can be no certainty.
          I am going to dinner at Mr Daltons with Judge & Mrs Cushing who will call on you on her return and tell you the News in the South.
          My Mother I hope is growing better— Remember me to her tenderly
          Tenderly says Eccho yours

            J. A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 February 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Feb. 10. 1794

          I have recd yours of Jan. 31.— And it has relieved me from a Melancholly which has hung upon me and been taken notice of by every body, since you wrote me of my Mothers illness— Present her my dutiful Affection and tell her that I hope to enjoy the Pleasure of her Company yet for many Years— That I am of her Opinion that she has the best Daughter and that the best Mother ought to have such a Daughter.

          It is Day about with the Newsmongers. France is in not so good a Way. Even Mr Butler told me this day that “he turned away his Face and thoughts from France with Disgust and Horror.”— A shambles is called a Republic—And if they would but have read the Discourses on Davila they would have seen all this foretold in plain Language. St. Bartholomews Days are there said to be the natural and necessary Consequence of such a form of Government. And St. Bartholomews Days will endure as long As the form of Government— Aussi longtems qu’il plaira a Dieu.
          I am weary of this eternal Indecision. I wish for the Times when Old sam. and Old John conducted with more Wisdom and more success. This is Egotism enough to deserve the Guillotine to be sure but I cannot but recollect old scænes, and old Results.—
          The Rascals are now abusing the President as much as ever they abused me— And We shall see that A life of disinterested Devotion to the Publick is no more sacred in him than in another. In this Days Paper he is compared to Cosmo De Medicis to sylla to Cæsar: and charged with arbitrary illegal Conduct in many particulars particularly in the Proclamation respecting Duplaine.
          He cannot get out, any more than the Stirling, but I believe he desires it as fevently. I am determin’d to be saucy and I say that a Parcell of ignorant Boys who know not a rope in the ship, have the Vanity to think themselves able seamen.
          We ought to authorize the President in perfect Secrecy to go as far as two hundred Thousand Pounds to obtain a perpetual Peace with the Algerines— Build a few Frigates if you will but expect they will be useless because unmanned.— But there is not a Member of either House who is not more master of the Subject than I am— so I should be modest
          yours as ever

            J


Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 13 February 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            My dear Brother
            Boston February 13. 1794.

          I received by the last post your favour enclosing a draft upon the branch Bank, for 100 dollars.
          The political speculations of which your fraternal feelings have formed so favourable a judgment, originated in motives at least as disinterested, as are the common sources of patriotism. That a literary reputation is an object of Ambition to the writer, it would be false and absurd to deny. That the public mind, required some light upon the subjects discussed, at the time of their appearance, I believe is true. But political ambition was not in the smallest degree concerned in the production.— If those writings have done any service, to the cause of real Liberty, and of my Country, I am amply rewarded; and if my vanity has been flattered by the approbation of my friends, it was but a momentary exultation, which immediately vanished, and left me in possession of all the humility ever allotted to me.
          I know very well, that my own opinion ranks me in the scale of importance, at least as high as I deserve; that it rates my powers perhaps more than at their full value. Yet my success in the world

has not hitherto been such as to feed my vanity very plenteously. Though advanced almost to the age of thirty, I have no political existence, and my ideas of Liberty and Government, are so widely distant from the fashion of the day, that they are much more likely to be injurious than beneficial to my advancement. At the bar after nearly four years practice, I remain obscure and unknown; without any expectation of brilliant success, and scarcely with the Hope of obtaining with all the industry in the power of Man, and with integrity unblemished, even a decent subsistence. Surely then as far as success is the criterion of talents, I have no Reason to be vain.
          From what I have last said, you will not I trust conclude that I am discontented with my present situation. My greatest fear for myself at present is, that I shall grow too easy, careless and indolent.
          My profession at present gives me bread, and my business, however slowly seems gradually to improve. At our late Court of Sessions, I acted again in behalf of the Commonwealth: and again was in every instance of indictment successful.— At the Court of Common Pleas which sat at the same time, I argued three Causes to the Jury, and obtained two verdicts. Our Supreme Court, sits here the next week, and I shall be engaged in several Causes which are for trial; two or three of them important. So that you may conclude I am not entirely idle. I am still however upon probation and still consider all my professional employment as accidental and precarious.
          We have this day a Town-meeting to consider what measures they will take to secure their carrying trade.— I shall not attend it. The measure is perfectly Jacobin, and I am afraid they will do something foolish. I do not like altogether the complexion of this Town’s present sentiments, and the democratical Societies, are much more dangerous than a pestilence. Parties grow warm and bitter. There must be a critical time for the present Government, and that crisis I think is fast approaching.— I will keep myself out of troubled waters as long as possible.
          Present my compliments to Mrs: Wilson, and tell her that the Heart which even her charms could not unlock and expand; must have been reserved and unsocial indeed. The frost must be rigorous indeed, which is not disolved by a solstitial Sun.
          The other Boston Ladies at Philadelphia, particularly the Miss Brecks’, are often present to my mind, and are very pleasing in remembrance. They cannot be admired beyond their merits And

whatever pleasure their presence gives to the new place of their residence, it is at least equall’d by the regret which their absence leaves in that of their former abode.
          Adieu

            J. Q. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 February 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia February 17. 1794

          We have done nothing hitherto, but prevent our Countrymen from plunging blindfold into a War, with they know not whom, and for they know not what. If We continue to sit till June, and do no more nor less We shall do well.
          Tomorrow the Senate is to discuss the Election of Mr Gallatin, with their Doors open for the first Time. Whether a Vote will be carried for building a Gallery or for keeping the Doors open upon other Occasions of Legislative and Judiciary Business I know not.
          You gave me, in one of your late Letters, one of your sly Jokes about Family Pride. I answer in the Words of Horace which I desire your son and mine to translate for you and study well for himself.

            Longe mea discrepat istis
            Et Vox et Ratio, nam Si natura juberet
            A certis annis ævum remeare peractum
            Atque alios legere ad fustum quosumque parentes
            Optarit Sibi quisque: meis contentus, honestos
            Fascibus et Sellis nollem mihi Sumere; demens
            Judicio Vulgi, Sanus fortasse tuo. Hor. Satyr. 6. line 92. &c

          It is not however the less true, as He says line 33 &c

            Sic qui promittit Cives, Urbem Sibi curæ,
            Imperium fore, et Italiam, et delubra Deorum;
            Quo patre Sit natus, num ignotâ matre in honestus
            Omnes mortales curare et quærere cogit.

          nor is it less true as he says in the 19th Line

            populus Lævino mallet honorem
            Quam Decio mandare novo;

          You may however tell John that he is in more danger of loosing Attention from the fault of Virgil than from Family Pride. He may read it in the 3d Satyr. v. 30.

            rideri possit eo quod
            Rusticiùs tonso toga defluit, et male laeus
            In pede calceus hæret, at est bonus, ut melior Vir
            Non alius quisquam; at tibi Amicus: at ingenium ingens
            Inculto latet hoc Sub corpore.

          There I have given you Riddes enough to vex you
          I have shipped an hundred Weight of Clover seed and twelve Quarts of Herds Grass, which is to be sown, one half of it at least in the last Years Corn field with the Barley. Brisler has shipped some Rye flour.
          It is nearly time for our Tar Brushes to be brandishing round the Appletrees.
          John, I hope has an Abundance of Business, which takes up all his Time, for that fact is the only admissable Excuse for his not writing me.
          Tell him to remember, that a Writer whose drift is to foment Prejudices, will be more popular than one who Strives to moderate or correct them, though the former should he honestus and the latter Columbus. Let not the Conclusion be, to imitate the inflamers of popular Passions. Tis better to Serve than to please the People: and they in time will be Sensible of it.
          The People like a Mistress must not be courted with too much Complaisance— They must be kept at a distance. The Moment either find you are their slave they will tyrannize. The People can do nothing for John at present but Mischief.
          affectionately

            J. A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 February 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Feb. 17. 1794

          I this day recd your favours of the 8. and 12th. but how this last could have leaped to this distance in five days I know not.
          It is impossible to Say precisely when Congress will rise: but I will go home as soon as possible; I hope in April. I am very willing to confide all Arrangements to you— I like shaw and his Wife: and I like Richards and Joy from your Account of them.— We will try a dairy at each house: ten Cows at Thayers and Ten at Faxons—but they must all go to Pasture up Pens hill, till after, mowing the fresh Meadows. I wish you to buy as many Yearling Calves and two year olds as you can—and Cows to make up the No. 20 reserving two for our own home. I have sent an 100 Wt of Clover seed and twelve Quarts of herds Grass.— Shaw may go into Thayers House the first of March if he will, and if you have not other Employment he may mow Bushes in the Pasture opposite.— I shall plant again where Faxon planted last Year.— The Fences should be put up as early as may be, and the manure carted in season.
          My Mothers Indisposition continues to affect me most sensibly: I hope for her Blessing on you and me and on all our Posterity—and I thank you for your tender Care and watchful Attention to her, and I hope you will continue to supply every Want as far as may be in our Power. As We are not to live long in this earthly Residence, she

has remained longer, and fullfilled every Duty of Life better than Mankind in general, and We shall again meet her I hope in a better World. This is scarcely worthy of Persons of her Character. She goes to the World where our Fathers are gone, and We must soon follow.
          I am with every tender sentiment yours

            J. A.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, ca. 20 February 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy [ca. 20] Feb’ry 1794—

          The post of the last saturday was the first for a long period, which faild of bringing me a Letter from you. I should have been more anxious but that I received one from you on the wedensday preceeding: you say so many handsome things to me respecting my Letters that you ought to fear making me vain. since however we may appreciate the enconiums of the world, the praises of those whom we Love, and esteem, are the more dangerous because we are led to believe them the most Sincere.
          When I read in your Letter the communication made you by mr D—— I drew a very different conclusion from it. from what he did, I believe the P. had some hint of the writer of certain peices and was led to make those inquiries respecting the Master, and the pupil that he might the better judge, whether the Pupil was alone capable of writing them. I am much better pleasd that this should have been his object, than the appointment mr D. sugested have taken place—if I have Pride, and Ambition, it would not have been gratified by that for instead of benefiting, or advancing our son, it would have Created envy, injured him in his present prospect of increasing buisness, and have been a feather whose point would have proved a sting he has acquired to himself by his writings his abilities and his general Character for information a Reputation which his enemies fear, and which cannot be combated by any imputation upon his Life and manners. Americanus is so sensible of this that he thinks it better to appear upon Friendly terms than otherways. I wish I could impute to this Man any thing, but sinester views. the Two Gentlemen were engaged in an insurence cause before Referees lately, a Cause of considerable concequence in which a vessel and Cargo were involved. the vessel was sent to the west Indias & there lost. the cargo was put on Board a Spanish vessel & was captured by French privateer the Question was; were the underwriters liable for

the Cargo. in the course of the Argument, this learnd Gentleman, advanced that by our Treaty with Spain such & such things were stipulated. not by Treaty sir replied his opponent. still he went on either really through Ignorance or wickedness, with our Treaty with Spain. no Treaty sir, I beg your pardon sir, we never had a Treaty with Spain. the cause was finally adjuged in favour of the defendents, very fully. a few days after mr S——n sent to request the favour of speaking with A——s. he went nothing could exceed his servility I must call it. I wish Brother A to engage you in a cause with me, the circumstances are so & so. I am much engaged at present in the impeachment of mr Hunt, and I wish you to take the whole Charge of it upon yourself so saying he gave him a handsome fee and they parted. what a Character?—
          Prince Edward saild last sunday. he sent his Aids to visit the L——r Governour but would not go himself. he dinned with mrs Hancock and was visited by many Gentlemen in Town. he went to the assembly with mr Russel, and danced with mrs Russel he went to visit the colledge, but I did not hear that he had any curiosity to see Bunker Hill. he related an Annecdote at the table of the English Consul. as he was comeing from Quecbeck he stopd at an Inn, where an Elderly Countrymen desired to see him. after some bowing &c the Countryman said, I hear you are King Georges son. they tell me so said the Prince. and pray how do you like this Country. why very well replied his Highness—and how do you think your Father lik’d to lose it? why not half as well as I should like to live in it replied the Prince which answer pleasd the countrymen. I hear he took Notice of all the French Refugees, and offerd any of them a passage with him to the west Indias. his stay here was very short and it was best it should be so.
          There are new Rumours prevailing that Touloun is recaptured &c it is said to be one of the enigmas of Pythagoris, “when the winds rise, worship the Echo,[”] which has been thus interpreted: when rumours increase, and when their is abundance of Noise and Clamour, believe the second report. if Congress had attended to this, they would not have been sported with for their credulity.
          you will be sick enough of Politicks by next May I fancy to long after your Rocks and Hills, and I shall be sick enough of Hills and Rocks by that time to wish you joy of them, and that you may like Popes happy Man, be “Content to breath your Native Air, on your own Grounds” those who can be usefull in all states, are compared to gentle streams, that not only glide through lonely valleys and

forests, amidst the flocks and the shepherds, but visit populous, Towns in their course and are at once of ornament and use.
          you hinted in a former Letter as tho a Friend of our was panting after something.

            “Who pants for glory finds but short repose
            A Breath revives him, or a Breath o’erthrows”

          I wish he would seek the substance and no longer grasp a shadow
          I must not close this Letter without informing you that our Parent remains much in the state as when I wrote last. exhausted nature appears to be seeking repose, and the sitting sun will go down calmly and serenly, and rise to a more perfect day, freed from the clogs of Mortality which now encumber it. for that inevitable lot may you and I my Dear Friend ever be ready is the Ardent Prayer of / Your

            A Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 February 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Feb. 23. 1794

          The Birthday was celebrated Yesterday with as much Joy affection and Festivity as ever, and as it happened the New French Minister was then presented. Poor Genet I fear is undone— Bad as his Conduct has been I cannot but pity him. What will become of him I know not. The Name of his Successor is Fauchet. Gloomy as I was in expectation daily of afflicting News from home, I contented myself with paying my Respects to The President with the senate but I thought it would not become me to be present at the Ball of a saturday night, especially at a time when I could not get it out of my Thoughts that my venerable Parent might be closing her Eyes forever.
          The Senate has been Several Days trying a contested Election of Mr Gallatin, with their Doors open. It is at length determined that a Gallery is to be built and our Debates public, at the next session of

Congress. What the Effect of this measure, which was at last carried by a great Majority, will be, I know not: but it cannot produce greater Evils than the Contest about it, which was made an Engine to render unpopular some of the ablest and most independent Members. some of the younger Members may descend from their Dignity so far perhaps as to court Popularity at the Expence of Justice Truth and Wisdom, by flattering the prejudices of the Audience but I think they will loose more Esteem than they will acquire by such means.
          If my Mother still lives present her my Duty and tender sympathy under her Affliction.
          I am with every tender sentiment / yours forever

            John Adams


Title: Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Adams, 23 February 1794
From: Otis, Mary Smith Gray
To: Adams, Abigail

            Philadelphia Feby 23d 1794

          I am quite ashamed my dear Mrs Adams that I have so long neglected writeing to you, indeed I can make but a very poor excuse for so doing, & must depend wholly on your candor to excuse my neglegence.
          You wish to know how your acquaintance are, Mrs Washington enjoys as much health as can be expected at her time of life, and her spirits are better than I expected to find them. Mrs Powell, I am told is still very much distresed. Mrs Morris, Mrs Hamilton, & Mrs Dalton, are in very good health & spirits.— You would not suppose were you here, from anything you saw, that this had been a place of so much distress, as it really was, the last summer;—the only impression it seems to have made, is, to secure a retreat, in case the fever should appear again. It is said there is not a room to be let within 10 miles of Philadelphia.—
          The assembles have commenced, & the new Theatre is opened notwithstanding the opposition made to it by the Quakers; it is attended with great egerness, I restrain my curiosity till the crowd have done going.
          There has not been any large partys amongst the married ladys, but the young ones, say, they have been more disapated this winter,

than they ever were before, there haveing been so many private balls.—
          Yesterday was the Presidents birthday, & was observed with every mark of respect, in the eveg: was a splended ball. I did not pay my respects by attending, for two reasons; the force of Education & habit, was so strong on my mind, that I could not help thinking it would encroch too near upon the Sabbath, the other that I should not be mised in the crowd.—
          Your good gentleman I think enjoys his health very well, he some times says he is not, but he looks fat & hearty, I rather think he is more homesick, & times-sick, than bodily indisposed.—
          My love to Mrs Cranch, Louisa, and all other friends. Mr Otis & Harriet desire their kind remembrances to you, we all enjoy good health, excep[ting] Saml Otis, who has kept house for 3 weeks, with the same complaint which has afflicted him all the last Summer.—That you may enjoy a confirmd state of health, is the fervent wish of / Your Affectionate Cousin

            M: Otis


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 February 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my Dearest Friend
            Feb’ry 26 1794 Quincy

          Not receiveing any Letters on saturday evening I was so impatient that I sent James to Town on sunday afternoon, and he brought me home your kind favours of the 8th 9th & 10th of this Month; I do not omit writing to you once a week, and sometimes twice
          The late King of Prussia Said that every age must commit its own follies, and that the experience of others was but of little benifit to them. “National corruption must be purged by National

Calamities. A real reformation is not to be accomplish’d by ordinary means; it requires those extraordinary means which become punishments as well as lesson’s,” were the observations of a great Politician: whether France will ever emerge from the horrids Scenes, that deluge her with carnage, havock, and Blood, “is in the dark Gloom and abyss of Time” there present situation is well pictured in the following line

            “The Sacred arts of rule
            Turn’d to flagitious leagues against mankind
            And arts of plunder more & more avow’d
            Devotion turn’d to a Solemn farce
            To holy dotage virtue; even to guile,
            To Murder, and a mockery of oaths;
            Dishonour’d courage to the Bravo’s trade
            To civil Broil; and Glory to romance
            Alass poor Gallia! What a bitter cup
            of vengeance hast thou drain’d?
            How many a ruffian form hast thou beheld?
            What horrid jargons heard, where rage alone
            Was all thy frighted ear could comprehend?
            How frequent by the red inhumane hand
            yet warm with Brother’s husbands, Fathers Blood,
            Hast thou thy Matrons and thy virgins seen
            To voilation dragg’d, and mingled death”

          you ask me what mr Wibird says now to the French. he says that he believes that they will all go to the Devil and that they deserve to, but still insists that they never would have gone to such dreadfull lengths if they had not been invaded and driven to Desperation by foreign powers, and that future generations will be benifitted by their calamity. The abuse upon the President which you mention, but which I do not see, proves that the most virtuous and unblemishd Characters are liable to the Malice and venom of unprincipald Wretches. Such virtue such disinterested Patriotism when thus requited, has frequently become Tyranical, and unlesss mankind were universally enlightned, which never can be. they are unfit for freedom, nor do I belive that our Creator designd it for them if such a Boon had been designd for them, all Ages and Nations from Adam to the present day would not have been one standing continued and universal proof to the contrary. Some were made for Rule others for submission, and even amongst my own Sex this doctrine holds

good. History informs us that of the few Queens who have reigned for any length of Time as absolute Sovereigns the greatest part of them have been celebrated for excellent Governours. Pliny, tells us that in Meroe, Women reigned for many Successive ages— among the Lacedemonians, the women had a great share in the political government; and that it was agreeable to the Laws given them by Licurgns in Borneo, the women Reign alone, and their Husbands enjoy no other privilege than that of being their most dignified Subjects; but as Reigning and Ruling is so much out of fashion at the present day, my ambition will extend no further than Reigning in the Heart of my Husband. that is my Throne and there I aspire to be absolute.
          you will see in the Centinal a very vapid answer to a very vapid speach, and the estimation in which it was held, by the committe appointed to carry it. I have read with pleasure two very judicious papers in the Centinal taken from a Phyladelphia paper under the signature of Americanus. such writers are wise and salutary;

            “oh Peace! thou source and soul of social Life
            Blest be the Man divine, who gives us thee”

          I have deliverd your message to your Mother. she bids me tell you that she leaves you her Blessing, that she request your remembranc of her to the Throne of Mercy, that she is hastning to an other and a better Country, where she hopes one day to meet You, but that here she shall never see you more, and of this opinion I am daily more and more, as her decay becomes more and more visible a few weeks if not days must put a period to a long and to a very irreproachable Life. my constant attendance upon her has very much lessned my desire of long life. her fears least she should recover & become useless, her appearing to have out lived every enjoyment, shews that life at best is but a poor play, and the best that can come of it. it is a misirable Benediction.
          these Reflections exclude any further addition to my Letter, than the sincerest which / I can make you of being ever / yours

            A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 February 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

              my Dearest Friend
              Quincy Feb’ry 28th 1794

            I yesterday received your favours of the 17th of this Month. I was attending at the sick Bed of our dear Parent, from whence for six weeks I have been very seldom absent unless a Nights; my Health would not permit me to be with her then. she you will find by a letter received before this Date, had anticipated your wishes, and sent you her blessing. upon me she hourly bestows them, and I never quit her but with her gratefull acknowledgments to me for every little attention I can render her even to giving me pain. she is weaker, her decline is gradual, but thank God she does not suffer severe pain. I have past through this month without being confined as in two former years. I have had a slight attack or two, but by taking an Emetick it went off. I cannot feel sufficiently thankfull as I have been enabled to “Make Langour smile, & smooth the Bed of Death”
            I sent your Lattin to John. I should like to puzzel you as much; I have not said a word of the late movements in Boston. as he was upon the spot, I supposed he would give you an accurate statement of them. you will learn before this reaches, you that the Feaderialists carried their points, and by a very great Majority. not only this, but I was assured yesterday that they were determind, that Honestus should quit the Senate & Jarvis the House at the next Election, & that Judge Cushing should be placed in the Chair. we shall soon see if they have the wisdom and power they claim. this meeting

originated with the Jacobin Society who have received a check from which they will not soon recover. I was much diverted with the account I received yesterday of a certain weather cock. the General court were sitting upon the Impeachment of Hunt, and this person was obliged to leave the meeting to attend. when he went out of the meeting he was with the Majority who were in favour of some resolves which past at a former meeting during his absence the reasoning & Arguments of the Minority became so convincing that in poling for the vote the Minority had now become the Majority. just as this juncture he returnd, and upon entering the Hall, he limp’d first to one side, & then to the other not knowing in the croud what had happend, and finally fix’d himself in the Minority, upon which an acquaintance, cry’d out “ah Jemmy thou art caught this time” to the utter dismay of the Camelion
            you observe that Congress have done little Buisness—except preserve their Country from going to War. that is a service inestimable in my account, and time and disenssion have unfolded to this people the views and designs of Foreign courts and countries towards them, which will ultimately benefit them.
            I thank you for the Register which will be very usefull to me. I Received mr Brislers Letter and Bill of layding. you will give directions what ground you would have Sowed and what planted with corn. I am now so full of Buisness that I scarcly know which to do first. I have 5 Hands & two Teams employd in Sliding the stones over the pond. we have had hard frosts, and now a slight snow of a couple of Inches which we are improving whilst it lasts. the Ground has yet kept so hard frozen that I have not heard of a single person who have begun taring. we shall begin with the first we have a large Quantity of posts & Rails brought which as Belcher is so good a hand at making that he will go to it as soon as he can we have not yet got all our wood home. shaw I expect in about a week or ten days at furthest. I shall place him at present upon the upper place. Porter was not satisfyd with the Terms you offerd, and I did not make any new ones to him. I cannot yet say who will go upon the other place. when the land is cleard & sweetned we may increase our stock. Cows and all stock is high 18 & 20 dollors is the price of a good Cow. Faxon has two already calf’d, but I could not prevail with him to raise the calfs. We have one which is raising and 9 Lambs. we have not yet lost any, but we are obliged to feed the sheep with corn. if Belcher thinks we can accommodate more cows here I will buy three as soon as I can. we have Salt Hay in abundance. we

cannot put any more stock upon the other place to feed with Hay, as the Hay must be divided upon the 20 of May & Faxon is very contrary, tho he does himself as he pleases— I had some trouble to get his Team for the Buisness we are about we must hire the peice of land belonging to the Heirs of Thayers Sister. I think he told me that he gave four pounds the last year and that a Major Penniman is Guardian. I rather think we shall conclude to take the Man who accompanied shaw and of whom Shaw gives a good Character, as upon dr Tufts inquiry respecting Richards it proved a Family different from the one he supposed it to be. I can have joy if I chuse & upon the same terms with shaw which is that of only finding wood during the Summer. Young Stock must be sent out after. I shall have occasion for the following large Articles, a Load of English Hay some time in March a Barrel of Rum a Barrel of Molasses and a hundred of Brown Sugar which would be best purchased soon, as their is a prospect from the fluctuating state of things that they will be much higher. I have a prospect of 8 Barrels of cider. I should be glad you would let Brisler procure me a couple of Barrels super fine flower and 50 wt of loaf sugar which last will be a years stock for me. you will think whether it is best to send some Porter round.—
            Newcombs papers came Safe. Arnold is with me and I shall engage him through the Month of March. there is no want of Buisness.
            I hope my Health may be continued and then I shall go through every care with pleasure provided I can give satisfaction. I am now and ever / most affectionatly / Yours,

              A Adams
              March 1.

            your Mother is Still Living and no otherways worse than weaker


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 March 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia March 2d. 1794

          The Senate were obliged to Spend the whole of the last Week, in a Solemn Tryal of the Election of Mr Gallatin: and I find that a great Impression has been made upon the Public, by the Learning Eloquence and Reasoning of Some of the Senators. The Decision has given general Satisfaction.
          That Popularity was more courted than Truth by a few Individuals, I fear will be the Judgment of some of the most enlightened and independent Spectators.
          I have been again unfortunate at Sea. The Vessell in which I shipped my Grass seeds and two Barrells of Rye flour for you has been run down and sunk in the River by a large ship. most of the Cargo was Saved but whether my Adventure was saved or lost I have not yet learned.
          The Weather, to Day has been very warm and the snow which generally covered the Earth this Morning is I presume nearly gone. The Spring will advance with rapid Strides and I shall be impatient to be at home: but I cannot prevail upon myself to ask leave of Absence from my Post at this critical Time, when We know not what Questions or Events a day may bring forth.
          The new French Minster, M. Fauchet is about 33. He is not quite So unreserved as his Predecessor: but he Seems to me to be in great distress. He was received by the Galleries in the Theatre with three Cheers: but the People have not addressed him or made much Noise about him. at the Birthnight Ball, he was placed by the Managers on the right hand of the President, which gave great Offence to the Spanish Commissioners: and it is Said Mr Hammond has left the Theatre, offended or digusted at some partial popular distinctions there.
          My melancholly Anxiety for my Mother prevents me from visiting Theatres and Assemblies, so that I know nothing but by Hearsay.

          The Discussions of last Week kept me five or Six hours a day in so close a Confinement and the Croud of Hearers injured the Air, so that I was almost Sick but a Day or two of rest has relieved me in some degree.
          I long for my home, but that is not to be my felicity for some time.
          I am as ever most entirely / yours

            J. A

            young Mr Otis is here Under Dr shippens hands in a very disagreable situation. Thomas Lee shippen is in a dangerous Way.


Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 2 March 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Charles

            Dear Charles
            Philadelphia March 2. 1794

          What! are my venerable Old Friend Gates, and my respectable old Acquaintance Osgood, and my intimate Connection W. S. Smith, about becoming Town Meeting Men and to aid the Democratical Societies, the Constitutional Societies and the Jacobinical Clubbs, in their Attempts to overawe the Government of their Country? or is the Object to divide the People into Parties? or to force Us into a War Nolens Volens, Nolentes Volentes? or what does it all mean?
          Is it Clintonian Electioneering? or is it that Osgood and Smith are setting Up for Representatives? Was you at the Meeting? What says the Wise Baron to all this? tell me Charles all about it in Confidence— Dont let any of them know that I asked the Questions or that you answered them.
          Let me know another Thing is Mr Burr a Man of Such ample Fortune as to purchase Richmond Hill and large Additions to it, make Improvements of very expensive kinds and all this? Is the Practice of Law such a mine of Gold with You? Has he moreover so great a share of that Practice?

          We have been a Week with our Doors open trying Mr Gallatins Election: and have had much sterling Sense, much sound Law, much strong Reasoning much harmonious Eloquence and much brilliant Action: but We have had Some puerile Declamation, some Party Spirit, some miserable sophistry, some transports of Passion, and Some ignorant unintelligible Jargon. The Ballance however was greatly for the Honour and Dignity of the senate, and the Decision just and right.— Be discreet and secret. dont expose these free strictures which are intended for your confidential Use & Amusement.
          What Figure did you make with your Cause? Dont make me wait a Week now, for an Answer.
          I am, with usual regard

            John Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 2 March 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir.
            Boston March 2. 1794.

          You will doubtless hear before this reaches you, the event of a Town-meeting which was called here lately for the purpose of helping forward Mr: Madison’s resolutions, and of intimidating our respresentatives who opposed them. After great [exertion] had been made to raise a Committee ready for every thing, [and the?] Committee had reported a number of resolves to answer [their purpo]ses, a very decided majority of a crowded town-meeting, voted to adjourn without day, and did not even hear a discussion of the resolves. The lurking serpent was perceived and avoided. The commercial part of the Town were almost unanimous, and the aversion to any measures which might be productive of War, appeared very decidedly to be the prevailing sentiment with the citizens of every description. The Jacobins were completely discomfited, and will have the mortification to find their intended poison, operate as an invigorating cordial.

          The arrival of the new Minister from France, and recall of Genet is another circumstance of mortification to the same party. They are not yet sure that Mr: Fauchet, will imitate his predecessor by connecting himself and his Country with a desperate Faction intent upon the ruin of our own Government, and while that remains an uncertainty they feel extremely fearful of losing their main support. I hope however that the new plenipoteniary, will pursue a different system, and that we shall still be permitted to remain at Peace.
          Our Supreme Court has been sitting about a fortnight. Without being overburthened with business, I have on my hand[s sufficie]nt to employ almost all my time, and to keep upon my mind, a continual anxiety, which unfits me for any thing else. This will be my excuse, for having so long neglected to write you.
          Since the contest between Americanus and Barneveld, the reputed author of the former, has treated me with an unusual degree of civility. He has even in one or two causes of considerable consequence, advised his client’s to engage me.— I know the Man, and shall have as little dependence upon his kindness, as I have fear of his resentment. I know he will never injure me, while I keep myself out of the reach of his malice.
          My mother I presume gives you constant information respecting the state of my Grandmother’s health. She has had a long illness, and still continues in a dangerous situation. At her age every disorder is alarming; we have hopes however that she will yet recover.— The rest of our friends, here, and at Quincy are well.
          The abandonment of Toulon by the fleet of England and Spain, and recapture of the place by the French republicans is our most recent European intelligence, and that is not yet fully authenticated. We have no late arrivals from Europe here, though I believe some are soon expected.
          I remain Dear Sir, your affectionate Son

            J. Q. Adams.


Title: Charles Adams to John Adams, 5 March 1794
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John

            My dear Father
            New York March 5 1794

          I have this moment received your letters to the third instant. In answer to the queries respecting The meeting of the Citizens on

          thursday last I can say that for about a week before the day proposed for the assemblage a Card was inserted in our newspapers inviting the inhabitants to convene on that day to consider the impediments which had been thrown in the way of our Commerce by Great Britain and to pass some resolves declarative of their sentiments upon the subject and to send instructions to our Representatives in Congress relative to the propositions which have agitated the lower house You are acquainted with the violence of the party who style themselves democrats seventy five men Friends to the French Revolution &ca I wrote you last summer an account of some of their proceedings Taking advantage of the moment, plausibly pretending that the virtuous inhabitants of the town of Boston to whose opinion much respect is paid by all clases of people in this City had found it necessary to direct their Representatives contrary to the votes they had given This party upon the day appointed appeared A warning had the evening before been inserted in our paper cautioning any who were opposed to the French revolution any who were not strict Democrats to appear of attempt to use any influence at the meeting. At the first gathering of Citizens on thursday the Cloven foot was discovered and The Democratic Society stood exposed to view The weather cock politics of the Livingstons is not unknown to you They were active in the scene The first Orator was a Mr White Matlack an excommunicated Quaker who for lesser crimes had long since been read out of their Society and who since by fraudulent bankruptcies defrauding widows and filching the poor pittance of the Orphan had sufficiently brazened his face for advocating a total neglect of payment of our debts to England the favorite subject upon which he discanted. The Livingstons came next The detestation of Hamilton and all his proceedings begged in head and ears Indian Wars Algerine depredations British impositions Generosity of France all these were consequences of The Chancellors dissappointment in not obtaining the place of Secretary of the Treasury— About a thousand Satellites were collected The Committee all previously arranged and everything was swallowed One person who attempted to speak against the tide was hissed threatened to the thrown over the ballustrade and forced to silence. Many of those who were upon the Committee appointed were not at the meeting In answer to your questions respecting Your old friends I will tell you my sincere opinion Gates is superannuated Smith turned fool and Osgood I fear a [knave?] The two former are tools of the Livingstons Col Smith was taken by his foible vanity and put

upon a Committee to serve their purposes I speak and write my sentiments very freely and if there is any fault in it I must charge those who made me for I am very sure it was born with me. We are tomorrow to consider the resolutions which have been entered into They are indeed very harmless a mere declaration of a few maxims of the laws of Nature and Nations Viz Resolved that a Nation has a right to remain neuter when not inconsistent with existing treaties Resolved that if Nations at war endeavour to prevent that neutrality they act unjustly.
          Resolved that when nations at war take the ships or goods of the Citizens of Neutral nations unless contraband they do an injury.
          Resolved that Great Britain has not fulfilled her treaties by not giving up the Western posts &ca Resolved that if Our Rulers should think it necessary to go to war we will submit to the expence. My opinion is if Mr Watts did not know all these things before his Constituents as they call themselves had laid them down he is very unfit for the office he holds They do not however pretend to instruct their Representative which is a modesty I hardly expected. The Chamber of Commerce has publicly called upon all those who have sustained injuries to come forward to them and make complaint They met last evening upon the business Every body would have expected that they would have been fully engaged Not a single complaint except one Captn of a Vessel for some slight offence committed by the Ambuscade. I am not surprized at this I have learned not to be surprised at any thing. By last evenings paper I find that the Committee in Boston had reported and that after some debate The meeting had been adjourned sine die There is certainly a great degree of good sense in that people, They meet together in large bodies discuss subjects of great magnitude with calmness take questions deliberately and separate without broken heads. In this City parties have different meetings where those of different sentiments are in a measure excluded So that meeting is opposed to meeting Resolutions set up against Resolutions and each party strenuous to puff the numerous concourse and Respectable assemblage which they have been able to call together in all the newspapers in town. Mr Burr’s practice must be lucrative Chancery business and that of the Court for the Correction of Errors is what he principally engages in. He has however a very expensive family and is generally supposed to be involved. I managed as well in my last causes as possible that is to say by the help of good Counsel I gained them no more is permitted an Attorneys business consists in drawing pleadings well I am

pretty accurate at that. I wrote a long letter to you respecting Mr G’s reception Proclamations and neutrality you have not acknowledged the receipt. Adieu My dear father beleive me your / Affectionate son

            Charles Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 8 March 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My dearest Friend
            Quincy 8 March 1794

          Half an hour ago your kind Letters of Febry 23 & 25 were brought to me. I was at my station the Bed of our Parent when they were deliverd, who again renewd Her blessing with the Testimony of your having been always a kind and dutifull son. my duty towards her as your parent, and as an excellent woman whom I love respect and Revere shall in all points be fulfilld, but the scene is sometimes too much for me, and pains me to the Heart. I will not afflict you by the recital. last Night an ulcer upon her Lungs broke & dischargd to day

she seems rather Easier. I have left her just to return home and dine. mr storer brought me your Letters, and by his return to Boston I have wrote you a few Lines. I deliberated some time whether I should write you at all till I could say our dear Parent was at rest. I now most Sincerely join with her in hopeing that the hour will speedily arrive for she has finishd her course and done the work assignd her, and I doubt not she goes to reap the Reward of a well spent Life. God Grant you the support & comfort you need
          Under a Bereavement which my next Letter must to all Humane appearance inform you of, most affectionatly yours

            A Adams

            tell mrs otis I will write her when my mind is more at ease


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 March 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia March 8. 1794

          Your Favours of Feb. 26 and Feb. (blank) arrived not till last night. They deserve my best Thanks on all accounts. They are full of Entertainment and Instruction.
          S. is as Slippery as an Eel: He is not worth quarrelling with: but certainly is not to be trusted:— His Treaty with Spain is a great

Curiosity. I am really at a loss to guess, whether it was Ignorance or Impudence. He has so much of both, and at the Same time so much Imagination and Volubility, as to make a Character quite original. As John has whipped him at the Whipping Post, with at least thirty nine lashes, well laid on, and can lash him again or set him in the Pillory whenever he deserves it, it is not worth his while to break with him in any other Way. There are no moral Feelings in him which John can ever confide in or attach himself to. Honour, Fidelity Sincerity, Friendship, Gratitude, Candour, are not, locked up in that Casket.
          We have not so forward a Spring as usual. Snow and Rain and Cold Weather. This may be favourable on Account of the Epidemic: but may produce other Complaints.— Senators talk of rising the first Monday of April, but will not before May.
          The News from Montserat, of the Capture and Condemnation of Vessells upon pretense of a violation of a Decree of the late King of France, has occasioned a more Serious Allarm than any Thing before: and if thinking Men were not more afraid of the Friendship of France than of the Enmity of England, they would indulge their Resentments more than they do.
          To make a common Cause with Such Characters, to form intimate Connections; to communicate sentiments, to participate Principles moral, religious or political with Such a sett, is worse than all the Usual Horrors of War. But I doubt whether this People will bear, another whole Year, the detention of the Posts and the depredations in their Trade.
          The new French Minister Fauchet is a very different Character from Genet. I dined with both together at the Governors on Wednesday. Fauchet is reserved cautious, discreet, hitherto. young; not more than 33.— Genet was as gay as if nothing had happened to him.
          I have not heard whether John attended the Town meeting on the 26th, I believe of Feb.— Otis came forward We are told and got applause.
          Petry, the French Consul, brought me the Regards of our old Friend The Abby Arnoux— The Abby De Chalut is dead— Arnoux lives still in the old Apartment in the Place Vendome.
          I have dined with Fauchet at the Presidents, Mr Meades, Governor Mifflins and Mr Morris’s.— The President on Monday sent me a kind Invitation to a seat in his Coach and in his Box at the Theatre. The Building is large handsome and convenient—the scænery

neat enough, and the Company of Actors, well enough. The House was crouded in every Part.
          If you see the Journals of the Senate, you will observe the Name of L among an entire new sett of Names, in Several Questions. The approaching Election of Governor as well as Senator, is suspected to give him some Anxiety. His Popularity is not represented to be so clear as it has been. He Seems hurried and worried— His Vanity more puerile— His understanding less discerning, if that is possible. In Short he is become the Pity, the Ridicule and Contempt alternately of his old Friends.— The Dupe and Bubble of his old opponents.
          From your Accounts of the situation of my honoured Parent, I must give up the Expectation of seeing her again.— While my Gratitude to you for your unwearied Attention to her Circumstances is in proportion to my Gratitude to her for her tender constant Solicitude for me from my Birth; my Prayers are incessant that she may be Supported with divine Consolations in her last Days and rewarded with the Joys of the faithful, forever.
          I am with the tenderest sentiments, forever / Yours

            John Adams


Title: Charles Adams to John Adams, 9 March 1794
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John

            My dear Father
            New York March 9 1794

          I had the following conversation with a gentleman on thursday last How comes it that you vary so much in your political opinions

from Col Smith and your father? I do not know that I differ in sentiment with My father but there are many principles which Col Smith has lately adopted that by no means accord with my ideas. This is strange it has been given out that Your father and Col Smith coincided in opinion and that he was put upon the Committee as far as possible to unite interests. You may be assured Sir that my father would never countenance such improper interferences with our Government and that it is merely a bait thrown out to allure some who have a veneration for his opinions
          This report has never before come to my ears but you may be assured it is without foundation. It was spoken of last evening at the Coffee house. Well Sir I shall take the liberty of denying it wherever I hear it. I leave you my dear Sir to make comments. We have a poem entitled Democracy in which the motives of the Resolving party are exposed. It is circulated with so much caution that I cannot procure one or I would send it if I should be able I will forward it sometime next week I shall tomorrow write you the result of my researches upon the subject of the Samaneens
          Your affectionate son

            Charles Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 10 March 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

            My Dear Mrs. Smith,
            Quincy, 10 March, 1794.

          Although the scenes in which I have been engaged for six weeks past, have been very different from those which you describe, I have been amused and entertained by your account. Though I cannot say

that I am charmed with your hero’s personal accomplishments, as you describe them, yet you find

            “A man of wealth is dubbed a man of worth;
            Venus can give him form, and Anstis birth.”

          I think our ladies ought to be cautious of foreigners. I am almost led to suspect a spy in every strange character. It is much too easy a matter for a man, if he has property, to get introduced into company, in this country, of the best kind, and that without recommendations. The entertainment you describe was really very curious.

            “Men overloaded with a large estate,
            May spill their treasure in a queer conceit;”

          and I am sure this was of that kind.
          You may mix in these scenes, and sometimes join in the society; but neither your habits, your inclination, nor your natural disposition are formed for them. By nature you have a grave and thoughtful cast of temper, by habit you have been trained to more rational and durable pleasures, and by inclination you delight more in them. The frivolity of the present day has been much increased by our foreign connexions. I pray Heaven to preserve us from that dissoluteness of manners, which is the bane of society, and the destroyer of domestic happiness. I think, with the poet,

            “If individual good engage our hope,
            Domestic virtues give the largest scope;
            If plans of public eminence we trace,
            Domestic virtues are its surest base.”

          You complain that there is, in the rising generation, a want of principle. This is a melancholy truth. I am no friend of bigotry; yet I think the freedom of inquiry, and the general toleration of religious sentiments, have been, like all other good things, perverted, and, under that shelter, deism, and even atheism, have found refuge. Let us for one moment reflect, as rational creatures, upon our “being, end, and aim,” and we shall feel our dependence, we shall be convinced of our frailty, and satisfied that we must look beyond this transitory scene for a happiness large as our wishes, and boundless as our desires. True, genuine religion is calm in its inquiries, deliberate in its resolves, and steady in its conduct; is open to light and conviction, and labors for improvement. It studies to promote love

and union in civil and in religious society. It approves virtue, and the truths which promote it, and, as the Scripture expresses it, “is peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated.” It is the anchor of our hope, the ornament of youth, the comfort of age; our support in affliction and adversity, and the solace of that solemn hour, which we must all experience. Train up, my dear daughter, your children, to a sober and serious sense of the duty which they owe to the Supreme Being. Impress their infant minds with a respect for the Sabbath. This is too much neglected by the rising generation. Accustom them to a constant attendance upon public worship, and enforce it by your own example and precept, as often as you can with any convenience attend. It is a duty, for which we are accountable to the Supreme Being.
          My pen has again taken a serious turn. I shall not apologize for it. Your own letter led to these reflections; and I am sure they flow from a heart anxiously solicitous for the happiness of you and yours. That they may make a due impression, is the ardent and affectionate wish of / Your mother,

            A. Adams.