Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 7 January 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					my dear sister
					Philadelphia Janry 7th 1800

				I know not what could have become of a Letter written to You upon the 18 of December, that upon the 30th You should not have received it.— I have written You more than once since that period, but do not recollect the Dates— I forget whether it was before or since then; that I inclosed to you a croun of a cap & Band. since, that I have sent the Border and a Cap for Mrs Norten, which I think You could not yet have got. I have not learnt whether mrs Black has got my Letter & the cap sent to her by a mr Whitney— I should greatly regreet that any obstical Should prevent the settlement of mr Whitney with us. I would most certainly accommodate him if it was in my power, but my sons whole Library is at the House in which mr Clark lives, beside some cumbersome furniture which I have not Yet any place for—
				Thomson Baxter once offerd his House and place to the President for a thousand pounds. that is a large sum for a Clergyman, yet if it could be had for that, would it not prove much Cheeper than building. 40 acres of land belongd to it— the poor old incumbent might be had into the Bargain I suppose, but who knows but if mr

Whitney could get the place, and marry a woman kind and attentive to the old Gentleman who would clean & brush him up, but that it might prove advantageous to them. I only Suggest the Idea— I received my Gown & mrs smith safe, by mr sheaff Yesterday. I thank you for your care & mr & mrs smith for theres
				our Boston Printers are great blunderers in the answer to the Senates address of condolance. they make him say a Trojan, instead of a “Trajan found a Pliny” and in an paper they say the Senate sent a Letter of condolance, where as the truth is, the senate came in a Body and presented the address—which address is said to have been drawn by mr Dexter, a New England Man certain no southern Man quotes Scripture— Mr shaw returnd Yesterday from Mount Vernon. he was much gratified by his tour, tho regreeted that he did not see Mrs Washington; she strove the whole time he was there which was two days to get resolution sufficient to see him, but finally excused herself. she had the painfull task to perform, to bring her mind to comply with the request of Congress, which she has done in the handsomest manner possible in a Letter to the President which will this day be communicated to congress— she wrote me in replie to my Letter an answer repleat with a sense of my sympathy, and expressive of her own personal grief and anguish of mind. mr Lear told mr shaw that She had not been able to Shed a tear since the Genlls Death, untill she received the Presidents and My Letters when she was two hours getting through them, tho they were not Lengthy— on his return he visited your son who he says is in good Health & spirits—as is mrs Cranch. Richard he says is not well—tho not confined. Mr Greenleaf was with them. I fear mr Greenleaf is not a wise counsellor. mr Cranch would a year before he did have taken the step of relinquishing his Property if it had not been for mr Greenleafs advice. he certainly would have been better off as his friends say—I am glad he had resolution enough at last to decide for himself—
				I have just closed a Letter to mrs Cranch of west point, having obtaind a promise from the Seretary of War that he shall have a place at Harpers ferry which he expects will be vacant in the sping and that in the mean time he shall be employd where he is—
				I Made mrs Brisler happy yesterday by Your Letter containing the information that mrs Mears was better she had burried her in her own mind, and when I went to tell her, she was so overcome expecting the news was fatal that she shook so I thought she would have

gone into fits no two sisters were ever fonder of each other— I hope mrs mears will recover—
				inclosed is Genll Lees oration. it is a handsome performance. I will send you the pamphlet when it is out— We have charming weather— adieu my dear sister. I am going to take mrs otis out to Ride she has been very unwell with one of her old hoars colds & coughs which still hangs about her—


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 9 January 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					my dear sir
					Philadelphia Janry 9 1800

				I am indebted to you for two Letters, one which acknowledges the Recipt of the three Bills, and one Yesterday received which bears date Decbr 30th. I thank You sir for all your kind attention to my affairs— I inclose to You a Bill of the amount which You say will be due to You; as I do not like to be in debt, I should like to have all the Bills due to the Capenters all discharged before we commence a New buisness— with respect to the pump mr French requests: the President thinks it will injure the water, and as our Fathers and we

have drawn from the Well, he thinks it best to have it continued in its present State— the President will write to you soon respecting the Farms. I dont recollect whether I mentiond to you, that I thought mr Feild had better be employd in prepareing the stone for the underpinning of the House;
				The Sudden Death of Genll Washington has indeed produced a Chasm, as it respected the Army. his station at the Head of it kept down many passions which will now be brought into opperation, and have ample scope. Rank, Precedency, Right tittle will all contend. envy ambition Emulation and Jealousy will all array themselves— intrigue will work in the dark, but no alteration or addition, will be made at present; as there is no present necessity and the exigencies of the Country do not require it. the vacant place will not be suddenly fill’d. Time will mature the public opinion and the general voice direct Right I hope— As America can never possess an other citizen in whom So Many qualities united to attach the public affection, in War and in Peace, it can never be expected that any other appointment will give such universal satisfaction
				Every testimony of affection and Respect has been shewn to his Memory: the Danger is that the gratefull feelings of the public will outstrech the bounds of decency and decorum, and finally tend to injure a Character which they mean to honour— there was no doubt but that every state would voluntarily unite in some Marks of gratefull remembrance; this they have already done, and the call upon them to renew the tribute by public Authority, was altogether unnecessary yet it was what could not have been withstood, without an alteriation which must injure the feelings of the connections and give pain to the President: thus You see sir that in many instances, public Men are obliged to act against their better judgment. The resolution was alterd from its first form; making the thing perpetual, and confined to the Present Year— some Gentlemen ventured to speak their minds upon the Subject, and stated their objections, from the purest motives— Washingtons Character will stand unrivalled; throughout all America—
				You will be much gratified by reading Mrs Washingtons answer to the Presidents Letter. she was broght to tears upon reading the Letters of Private Friendship which mr shaw carried her; which was a happy effect, for she had not shed one before “the Grief which cannot weep, whispers the o’er fraught Heart and bids it Break” she was so melted into Sorrow, that she was two hours getting

through the Letter of the Presidents, and one which I wrote her, and tho she strove to See Mr shaw, she finally excused herself You will see by her replie to the President the struggle she had to bring her mind to relinquish the only consolatary Idea She had left her, that of mingleing her Ashes with his
				I request your acceptance of Genll Lees Oration. My best Regards to mrs Tufts and all Friends
				From Your affectionate

					A A


Title: Lucy Cranch Greenleaf to Abigail Adams, 12 January 1800
From: Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch
To: Adams, Abigail

					Boston Jany. 12 1800.

				I recieved my dear and ever honoured Aunt your kind Letter of Decr 1 8th. and the Cap accompanying it, for both which I feel myself greatly obliged, and beg you to accept my thanks—
				I am glad to hear from Mama that your health is better than it was the last winter. I hope the mildness of the season will assist in confirming it— I never remember finer weather in Decr. and Jany. than we have had. it is peculiarly favourable to us as wood was never so high as it has been the three months past— we all my dear Aunt enjoy our health— our little ones are all glee. the prattle of the one, and the smiles of the other are our constant amusement; tell Caroline the next time she comes to Quincy her Cousin Lucy will be quite a playmate for her— she can tell almost as many stories as she could when she was last there—
				Never was sorrow more universal nor more unfeigned than that which has been expressed by all ranks of people, upon the melancholy tidings, that Washington was no more— we feel as if one of the Capital pillars of our Empire was crashed— may heaven support and give increasing firmness to those that remain—
				Will you present me affectionately to Mrs Smith and Louisa. I have not seen Mrs Foster very lately. her Baby had grown charmingly When I saw him last—

				Mr Greenleaf presents his best respects to the President, and to you my dear Madam—in which he is joined by your gratefully affectionate, / Neice—

					Lucy Greenleaf


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams Smith, 14 January 1800
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

					Brunswick, January 14th, 1800.

				I am, my dear, here at General White’s in company with Mrs. and Judge Cushing, Mrs., Miss, and Judge Paterson, &c. I thank you for your letter, and am of course pleased with the dignified majority in the House of Representatives. Be it known, we are not building a dancing room; be it known I have not built an elegant hut. I should not have gratified my feelings relative to you had I not made it comfortable. The carpenters leave it the day after to-morrrow. The sooner of course you pay it a visit, the more agreeable to its builder. You must not permit Mr. Dayton’s description to lead you astray. My hut is water tight; seven feet and one inch high, with two rooms and a kitchen. Rain cannot incommode those who are in it, and cold will not effect you. When you have arranged to move towards me, let me know; I will, of course, meet you at Brunswick, Kingston, Princeton, or Trenton, in proportion to the time I receive your letter pointing out the moment of your departure. I will, on the receipt of it, go to Brunswick; if you are not there, I will proceed on the road until we meet.
				I am my dear, / Your’s affectionately,

					W. S. Smith.


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 16 January 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, William

					my dear sir
					Janry 16th 1800 Philadelphia

				I received Your Letter by mr sheafe together with the small trunk safe, and render many thanks to you and Mrs smith for your kind attention. this Morning I received Your favour of Janry the 9th, with the papers inclosed manifesting every testimony of Respect and gratefull remembrance which an affectionate people can pay to the Memory of a Public Benefactor. My Native state has never been deficient in this Duty—for surely Gratitude is the duty of a people, as well as of an individual, and upon no occasion has it been more judiciously bestowed than the Present; for to quote the words which I have much admired, “our Washingtons Character was whiter than it is was brilliant” yet the brilliancy of it has dazzeld all beholders— even in the Democratic sense he deserved praise, for he was a good and Faithfull servant. I inclose to you a specimin of Virgina democracy— it has Made much conversation here, and I presume we do not yet hear the last of it. the youth will find that old Birds are not caught with Chaff— to form an Idea of the respectfull decent and elegant stile of the Writer, a small portrait may not be amiss— he is a slender person with an Infantine face, and a childs voice. if he had not been sent from the old dominion as a Member of congress, not a person who should see him, could possibly take him for a Lad of more than 17 or 18teen Years of Age. he wears his Hair like a school Boy— his whole dress is perfectly democratic & singular; but you see, as a servant of the public, he is equal to any Man in office— he has been usually spoken of as Little Johnny— with all this youthfull appearence, there is not a Man in congress older More undaunted when he rises to speak, or less embarressd. he chatters away like a Magpye—and in his Zeal for Disbanding the Army he stiled it a Mercenerary Army, an Army of Raggamuffins—and it is Said some officers or officer insulted our young hero— in concequence tho his Letter is not very full upon the subject, or such I presume as would be deemed evidence in a court of Justice— this Letter was known by many of his Party to have been written as early as monday morning. the report was circulated through the city—and the design evident. I fully believe mr Randolphs assertion, that he never intended it should come before congress— the public will make their comments upon it, as the President has not thought proper to do it— I leave it to those who do— the Lad is not without tallents.

				your Letter of the 7th I show’d to the President. he directed mr shaw to carry it to the Secretary of the Treasury; that if any difficulty should arise respecting capt Brooks comeing from France he might have some knowledge of the buisness—
				Mr Shaw says he is attentive to furnish you with every publication of any concequence
				with a kind remembrance / to all Friend— I am dear sir Your affectionate Friend

					Abigail Adams—


Title: Abigail Adams to Hannah Carter Smith, 17 January 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Hannah Carter

					my Dear Mrs Smith
					Philadelphia Janry 17 1800—

				I thank You my Dear Mrs Smith for your obliging Letter, and for Your care of mine & mrs smiths Cloaths, which came safe to hand. the Trunk I presume is Yours. it shall be duly returnd to You— Mrs Otis and Mrs Lee have just left me. Mrs Lee is innoculated for the small pox, so that she will not be able to go into company very Soon. she appears a pleasent amiable Woman. mr Lee is much esteemed

here. I have never had so little leisure time for writing any session of congress that I have been here. the Philadelphians think it will be the last opportunity they will have to Shew their personal respect, and I have received visits from those who never before visited me, and all who ever did. I cannot get a morning to write to a friend, unless I deny myself to company. all these visits must be returnd, and what with dinning company always twice a week, frequently three times, I find My time altogether occupied; I can read only newspapers enough of them, in all conscience, but I find leisure for little else and My Friends have reason to complain that I do not write to them. I have great cause for thankfullness that my Health is so much restored that untill last sunday, I have not been absent from meeting since I came to the city, or once been obliged to lie down upon my Bed in the Day Time. last week I was attackd with a turn of the old intemitting which unstrung me, deprived Me of my sleep, and made me quite sick I was bled immediatly, and find myself much releived, my sleep restored—and I hope the fever banishd. the Weather of 1800 has been unusually mild and dry—too warm I fear for future Health before this reaches You, you will have seen and admired mrs Washingtons answer to the Letter of the President, so expressive, so dignified so pathetic that either adding or diminishing a word would have derogated from its excellence yet there are persons who will not allow her the Merrit of having pen’d it. I know the contrary. it bears the strong marks of a heart deeply wounded and penetrated, still holding up to view the bright example & disinterested conduct of her Dear departed Friend, and striving to emulate it, by relinquishing the only consolatary hope left her, of Mingleing her Ashes in the same Melancholy Tomb with his; not only her last Letter to me, but many others which upon different occasions and subjects I have received from her—show her to be not only a Good a virtuous a Religious woman, but of a Dignified mind. Such was however the agitated state of it, that she could not see mr shaw whilst he staid. she endeavourd it several times, but perhaps the flood of Grief which had not flowd in the common course previous to her opening, and reading the Letters, and sympathy of private Friendship, gave vent and poured forth in such copious streams that She said she could not behave as she ought, and excused herself by sending particular messages of Regard respect and attachment to the Family— I inclose You the Letter that you may preserve it, as I have Done as an honour to our Sex

				You kindly my Dear Friend inquire after my son and Family at Berlin— Thomas has received a Letter from him of sepbr 7th dated at Dresden. he says that he had been visited with an intermitting fever, but that he was quite recoverd, and his Health good, that the Baths had proved very benificial to Mrs Adams health who was much recoverd from her last illness: this is very agreable intelligence to me tho his Letter was four months old. we have not any since his return to Berlin—
				I pray You to present my Love to cousin Betsy. I wish she could pass some weeks with us this Winter. the gayety of the city has been much overcast by the universal mourning, and the real grief felt upon the great National dispensation of Providence. as to the fever, or the calamities in concequence of it, except to the personal mourners, little notice is taken of it; and the love of pleasure and amusement, overbalancis the calamities of Life— I fear there is too much levity of Character in this picture, tho drawn from the Life— In the Day of adversity consider, is judicious advice—
				Mrs Smith desires to be kindly rememberd. caroline has been threatned with a dissorder very prevelent with Children here, the Hives. she is taking an Emetic to day. I must bid you adieu to dress, for tis after three oclock. I must sit down to day to a table of Antis, the members of this state and N york— but as I am you know the Servant of these good people, I must endeavour to discharge my Duty to them. they will at least manifest as much politeness as citizen Jonny Randolph. I may be allowd however to say that I should follow My present employment with more pleasure to myself.
				I am my Dear Friend affecionatly / Yours

					A Adams


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 17 January 1800
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail

						My Dear Sister.
						Atkinson January 17th 1800th

					How often do we find that having much to say, the full heart cannot impart the half— This evil I find extends to epistolary writing, for having many things incidents crouding upon each other, I thought I had not time to notice them as I ought, & so have communicated nothing. But as the occurrences of my own Family, are what can only be very interesting to you, I will tell you that our numerous little flock are all well; excepting my dear Abby, who does not yet enjoy but feeble Health. If she lives till warm weather, I intend she shall try the cold bath again, for it was certainly of service last Summer, & the Dr. thinks her complaints proceed from a relaxed state of fibres more than from any other Cause.— Your Grandsons are well, & I trust improving. William the last quarter, did not make that proficency in writing as John; but he has had so much said to him, that he will not only equal him, but I hope, excell his Brother. They are both fond of Latin, are in the same Class, behave well, & are attentive to the rules of the Family— William has a very firm constitution, John’s is natturally not half so good— I some-times fear he will be troubled with the rheumatism like his Uncle Thomas, & always gaurd him against voilent heats, & colds—but he is all activity, & good humour— I was very sorry I could not have the pleasure of visiting you before you left Quincy. I hoped after Mr Peabody had returned from his mission, & our Exhibition was over, I should have obtained a Furlow. But instead of this, company, & Boarders increased in the Vacation & did not permit me any relaxation from business, or I believe, I should tried to have visited our good Brother, & Sister Cranch, & my friends in Boston, my dear Neice, & her sweet little Cherub of a Boy—
					I should really delight in a large Family, if it was not attended with so many cares, & so much business as to deprive me, of that time which ought to be devoted to reading, & the sweets of literary improvements. But it looks so cheerful, to see a large family, especially, when composed cheifly of young persons, that for this reason I am pleased, when I behold the olive plants spreading around my table; & though not of my own vine, yet they look up to Mr Peabody, &

myself, as their Friend & Gaurdian. I often ask my Heart, is there any way in which I can render myself more useful to society, than by rearing these human Buds, & like the dew of heaven, in gentle distillations, infuse the “fresh instruction”? Stimulated by these reflections, I do cheerfully devote myself to their service, & do all in my power to “raise the genius, & to mend the Heart,“ endeavouring to check temerity, & conceit—wherever it is visible— Perhaps you will smile if I tell you, I have this summer, more than ever, been considered by the Scholars, as their general Mother— And particularly in Mr Peabody’s absence, many parental duties devolved upon your Sister— Some, I had to encourage, & direct, Others, kindly to reprove, & admonish; though the latter is always dissagreeable; for praise, & approbation is more pleasing, & congenial to my nature than reproof—
					I could not but regret that it was not in my power to see my Son, before he went to Phyladelphia. A Mothers heart, feels a thousand tender anxieties for her Child— Yet when I consider, that he is under such parental care, my Soul rises in gratitude to heaven, & the kindest of friends— For I would not be unmindful of my many favours; though I must confess to you my Sister, that when I came to the Table upon our Thansgiving Day, & found my family collected, & almost every One Exoticks, my full heart sickened at the sight of food, & I had an hard contest with myself— It was mental, & I believe unperceived, for I could not bear the thought to throw a gloom, & check the gratitude of the smiling, cheerful company, which surrounded our table, replete with the rich bounties of the closing year—
					My Dear Sister will permit me upon the recent solemn occasion to mingle my tears with hers, & with the Sons, & Daughters of the land, in tender sympathy, lament, that at this critical Juncture, a “great Man is fallen”— I presume that not his nearest relative, will feel the Shock more than the President. For him I mourn— Blessed in the strictest confidential friendship they lived— In concert they reared a fabrick, sacred to Virtue, & to Liberty; In perfect harmony, they united in its support: With unrivalled perseverance, & unremitted exertions they have preserved it inviolate. And, though now one of its pillars is fallen removed, yet let us not sink, but supplicate the great Arbiter of Events to defeat the counsels of the Ahithophel’s, that “the gates of Hell may not prevail”—that while the good men are perishing from the earth, we may still find Clusters in the Vine,

so that our Sons may arise, assume the mantle, gaze upon their godlike Father, ’till they “shine like him”—
					I am called— Daniel & Jenny Kimbal are come in to dine, with Mr Hall. If you please tell William the former is keeping school at Bradford, Abner Rogers at Milton, Robert at Bolton—that Daniel White is Tutor at Cambridge—are all well &ce—
					May the Angel of health encamp arround, my dearest relatives, prays your ever grateful affectionate / Sister

						Elizabeth Peabody

					accept Mr Peabodys best respects—


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 19 January 1800
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					My Dear Sister
					Quincy January 19th 1800

				I have receiv’d two Letters from you since I wrote last. one contain’d the Border & Lace for my cap, & a cap for Mrs Norton—for which We thank you. mrs Greenleaf also for hers— how you do love to dress up your Friends! there is certainly More pleasure in it than in adorning our own Persons— we cant wear our Blue ribbons yet we are all in mourning— not a person in our Meeting house but has Some badge of Sorrow. We are as fanciful in our dress as with you. a Black ribbon through our Muffs—& ty’d in a Bow—roses upon the Shoulders & Some upon the left arm Black Bonnits & gloves & The companys Millitary dress in their uniforms with Black crape on their arms—& with Side arms, every Sunday & Sit together in the Side Gallerys. our Pulpit is hung in Black—three yards & an half of Superfine Broad clothe is put over it & drawn up each Side the

Cushin in a Festune with large Bows of Love Ribbon the corners which hang down at the edge of the frount of the Pulpit have each a large Black Tassels full of Bugles Suspended at the end of them. The Deacons Seat the frount of it is cover’d with Black Lutstring festun’d with Love Ribbon The edge of your Pew has a Band of Gauze all round it, drawn together at proper distances by knots of Love Ribbon & the lustrings cover’d with Black Flannel The clock has two large Vales put round the Frame & ty’d as we do a Looking Glass a larg Rose at the Top & a very large Bow of Gauze with ends a quarter of a yard long at the bottom Mrs Black Mr & Mrs Green-leaf & I dressd the Meeting House—& tis Said to look very elegant— but Sadly Solemn to me. the People expected a Funeral Sermon: but as we must have a Something on the 22d of next month, we thought it had better be defer’d it looks a little like praying the man thro Purgitary but as they like— I knew what you Meant, as soon as I saw the resolve of congress— it strikes every Body here in the manner it did you. So much has been done already that what remains must be flat mr whitney will be ordain’d the 5th of February exactly 45 years Since Mr wibird was— captain Beal has taken him by the Hand again & invited him to dine, & nothing can be more gracious than they all are the others will come to of course they were nothing but an echo— The Publick entertainment will be at capn. Brackets I believe. I sent out a Subcription Paper expressing the wishes of a few of us Ladies to present mr whitney with a Ministerial Gown & have colicted about 40 dollrs. already— Mr w will have no reason to complain of Us. Mrs Black Subscrib’d 4 doll. & Mrs Beal 5 doll. ambition will answer a purpose in some cases as well as generosity the old Levite is not to be overlook’d a Russel with a warm Baize lining will do him the most good— I wish I may be able to get him here that he may be in a place fit to be seen—
				Thomason Baxter has offer’d his place for 900 pounds but I cannot say free of all incumbrance, but mr Whitney feels affraid to venture So largely tis by much the cheapest place which has offer’d— I hope the Town will try to get it for him. he does not wish for so much land & they can sell the rest at any time—
				I feel very glad I can inform Mrs Brisler that her Sister Mears has recover’d Surprizingly I sent the chaise for her to ride these fine day we have had, & she gathers Strength fast She has been about her House above a fortnight
				Tell Cousen Louissa that her Bed has not been unoccupied. I went into the chamber the other day & to My Supprize found that

the counterpane was covered with Mice dung: I call’d up mrs Porter & we pull’d […] Bed to Pieces & found they had been between the […] & between the Bed & Mattress & under it. they had […] eat the Bed but had eat a handful of the […] of the Blankits & had eat the hair off a Small trunk in the closet. they came out of the Stove room— We put a cat in & Set some traps—
				I went to Boston this week & found that tho Mrs Smith had sent your Gowns She had not sent Mrs Smiths work’d one. She thought it was yours & that you would not have occation for it there & would not wish to have it, but she will send it some way or other
				I rejoice to find you have so much health this winter I have reason to be thankful for the great degree of it We have injoy’d—
				I had a Letter from Sister Peabody last week they were all well— I have not had a Letter from her before since you went away. Sister Smith complains that Louissa does Not write to her
				with Love to all believe me your affectionate Sister

					M Cranch


Title: William Cranch to Abigail Adams, 28 January 1800
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear Madam,
					Georgetown Jany. 28, 1800.—

				I should have answer’d your valued Letter of 27th. ult°., by Mr. Shaw, if his stay would have admited of it—but the whole day he was with us was spent in viewing the City and the public buildings &c— I hope he was pleased with them, although he saw them to the greatest disadvantage, on account of the wintry appearance of things, and the badness of the roads. It gave me extreme pain to hear, from him, that you had determined never to visit this part of the country.— I presume the resolution was grounded on the idea of the Presidents having determined to decline another Election;—for I am confident you would not suffer him to spend four years of solitary existence, while it would be in your power, by your presence, to alleviate the burden of Cares, and cheer the intervals of laborious thought.— Your objection can not be to the climate, for it is, without any comparison, more healthy than that of Philadelphia, New York, or even Boston, and infinitely more agreable. The situation of the Presidents house is high and air’y, and is proved to be as healthy as any part of the world. The views from it are delightful; & the water is remarkably good. The difference of distance from New England, between this place and Philada. is trifling—being only 140 miles— which is not more than 4 day’s easy riding, and the roads in summer are very good.— I feel confident you would enjoy better health here than in New England, and I am in hopes you will still make the experiment— If your resolution is the consequence of a determination on the part of the President to decline another Election, I mourn for my Country, and dread it’s fate.— Who is there, besides, to whom it can look up, and on whom can it fix it’s choice in this critical moment? What other Candidate is there who could successfully oppose Mr Jefferson? And if the latter should succeed, upon what Events may we not fairly calculate? The Party will be contented with nothing short of the removal from office of every independent American—of a repeal of the Alien & sedition laws—of a dissolution of the Army and the Confinement of our Navy within our own ports. A Horde of unprincipled foreigners will rush in upon us, and thro’ the medium of devoted gazettes, scatter in every direction the seeds of immorality & irreligion, of modern philosophy & democratic disorganization— We shall have french patriots & united Irishmen among our secretaries, our Senators and our Representatives— Every opinion

render’d venerable by the sanction of Antiquity, or universal suffrage, will be eradicated from the minds of the rising generation, and our Country will soon approach to that state of depravity, which has enabled other nations to behold, amidst themselves, the grossest scenes of rapine & plunder, murders & rapes, Assassinations and barbarism, with a degree of apathy which has astonished the yet virtuous citizens of America. The present Administration has done more towards reconciling parties, and mitigating the asperity of party spirit, than has ever been done before in so short a period time, and I believe the acts of the Government during the last three years have been more popular than those of any preceeding period.— I hear of the moderation, firmness and independence of the President in all companies; even among those who have been uniform in their opposition to the measures of Government— And I know it would be a subject of deep regret to all real Americans, should the President now withdraw himself from the Government.— When a man has so much power over the happiness of a nation, is it not the dictate of true Patriotism that he should continue to exercise it?
				The first Ideas which struck my mind, on hearing of the melancholy Event which is the subject of your letter were, that Life could have added nothing to the Glory of his fame, and that possibly the weaknesses of Age might have overtaken him and in some measure dim’d the lustre which surrounds his name. His was a reputation in which every American felt an interest— We had long cherished it as one of the most valuable ornaments of our country, & felt something like a watchful anxiety lest the infirmities of humanity should tarnish it’s Effulgence.— To know, therefore, that his departure was in the full strength of his mind, that no weakness lessen’d the dignity of the aweful scene, and that the last seal of fate has irrevocably mark’d the standard of his character, is among the consolations which we ought to cherish.— The Nation has strongly testified the sentiments of their hearts on this occasion, And I believe never was a national sorrow more sincerely express’d. The sensation was so lively that the language of the Eulogist and Orator has in no instance equal’d the high Sympathy of the Auditors.— The speech of Genl. Marshall, the address of the Senate to the President, and his Answer are the only attempts which have in any measure succeeded.—
				It is some time since I heard from our friends at Quincy. They were well when I heard last.— Mrs. Cranch and our children enjoy good health.— I have engaged of Mr. Law, a house in the City of Washington, in New Jersey Avenue, not far from the Capitol.— It is

a decent looking brick house with a large garden, and he is to build a kitchen & chamber over it & an office—for all which [I am] to pay him 200 Dols. per Annum.— We shall pro[. . . .] move.—
				[…] Mr. Bayard will continue in his determination [to re]sign the office of Clerk of the supreme court, and that the Judges may think proper to give me the place.— It is such an one as would suit with my abilities & Education & would seem to be a small something on which I could place a little dependence.— The supreme Court will set on the 3d. of february when I suppose the subject will be agitated. Your son was so good as to mention the subject to the Chief Justice in August last, who promised to communicate the application to the other Judges, but I suspect it was neglected. I wrote to Judge Cushing, but as I am unacquainted with either of the other Judges, I have made no further application. Mr. Martin the Atty. Genl. of this state promised me his influence with Judges Washington, Chase & Iredell, but I imagine he is so full of other affairs that he has said nothing on the subject.— I shall write again to my negociator T. B. A. & tell him how anxious I am to obtain the office—that it would make me a new man, and by affording me an idea of independence, would again expand my faculties & give vigour to my mind.—
				I thank you my dear Madam, for your kind wishes for my prosperity, & am with every sentiment of Gratitude & respect / your affectionate Nephew

					W. Cranch.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 1 February 1800
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

						No 14

					13. Jany 31st
					My dear Brother
					Philadelphia 1st: February 1800.

				Your very acceptable favors of the 17th: September & 22d: October came to hand within two days of each other about the middle of last month, and it would be difficult to express how much comfort they brought with them by the assurances they contained of the reestablishment of your own & your Louisa’s health. Since the receipt of this intelligence my Mother has got your favor of September 21st: giving a very elegant description of your excursion to Bohemia & Saxony, in which however, I believe, no one could take so much delight as myself. In addition to the natural interest one takes in the description of a place, which he has seen with pleasure, more than one who has never seen it, I have another motive for being gratified

by the detail, since it corroborates by such respectable testimony, facts, which I had related, with equal regard to truth, without being believed; for instance, I undertook to assert, that the Well in the Fortress of Königstein is 1800 feet in depth; a gentleman present, who was a very intimate acquaintance however, said to me on the occasion; “Take care Tom, how you shoot, for the bow you hold might well pass for a travellers, by the depth & distance it carries.” This Gentleman was no other than our sprightly friend & old acquaintance Joseph Dennie, to whose lot it has fallen, in the concurrence of incidents little anticipated, to become a subordinate in the Office of State. He will now have an opportunity of seeing the fact confirmed under your hand, after which, he may deny like Peter, though he cannot doubt like Thomas. My allusion is scriptural, because appropriate to the Lay Preacher.
				Your letters to me & my Father have explained many things with respect to transactions between the belligerent & neutral powers, which were before unintelligible to us. The secret negotiations between England & Prussia on the one hand with respect to Holland; the counter or subsequent Embassy from Holland to Berlin; the alteration in the preconcerted plan of operations on the part of the Coalesced powers, by the treachery & bad faith of Austria & the consequent loss of Switzerland—all these things were known to us in a very imperfect manner before the receipt of your letters.
				For a few days past we have been swallowing with different appetites, no doubt, but with equal avidity, the strange & unaccountable history of a new & pretty complete revolution at Paris. The Hero of Vendemiaire, of Italy, of Egypt, that “Corsican ruffian,” as you seasonably styled him, has undertaken out of his abundant generosity to protect, in Concert with a few others, the liberties of the good people of France. You always thought, and you taught me to think, I suppose by convincing my judgment, that this Idol of France & of the world, was estimated far beyond his deserts, that to compare his character or his achievments with those of Cæsar, Alexander, or in later times, with Henry 4th of France, or the Generals of Louis 14th: & those who opposed them, was to deal in hyperbole at the expence of truth & historical accuracy. His destinies have been great—they have surpassed in brilliancy those of his Cotemporaries, and this is sufficient to authorise the strain of admiration which we lavish upon him, while his Fortune proves true. He, who had so often faced danger & death in every shape, was not to be dismayed by the daggers that threatened to immolate him, when he violated the sanctuary of

the laws. The Constitution too; what was a Constitution of civil Government to Buonaparte, whom every faction courted to join in a conspiracy to overturn it? Had it any reward to make for his personal sacrifices and those of his bretheren in Arms, and while it existed was there any theatre left for his talents? Did Sieyes ever love the Constitution of the 3d: year which so ignominiously consigned to oblivion the substitute he had offered for it?
				They are Consuls; or rather Buonaparte is Dictator with the title of grand Elector and Sieyes & Ducas are tribunes of the people. This looks much like a pretty exact imitation of Cæsar, of Rienze; and the dissmissal of the legislative Councils at the point of the bayonets of the Grenadiers might have been a novel proceeding, if Cromwel had not thought of and executed it first.
				Our systematic admirers of french fashions in politics have been much at a loss what comments to make upon the new order of things and the manner in which it has been brought about. Now, they extol the talents & virtues of Buonaparte, and alledge that he cannot err; again, they profess not to know what potent reasons may have compelled his conduct. A little more of the detail transpires and they at once see through the mystery, declaring every thing that has been done to be perfectly conformable to the letter of the Constitution.
				The public mind still floats in suspense as to the probable duration of the Consular usurpation and its tendencies. The Royalists have already brought to life Louis 17th: to be in perfect readiness to receive the Diadem, which Buonaparte & Sieyes are holding as a provisional pledge for him. Sieyes is said to have been his Saviour. Others imagine, that Buonaparte & Sieyes are well disposed to relieve, every pretender to the hereditary Crown of France, from the cares & perplexities of a Royal administration, on the ground, that by a restoration of Monarchy, Sieyes’s portfeuille of Constitutions would be rendered useless and that Buonaparte would not be the Grand Elector over the french nation.
				By this time you must be weary of these adverse & incoherent conjectures; but I have dwelt the longer upon them, as affording an evidence of our state of preparation to receive further light on this subject.
				I was much amused with the account you gave me of the slight apostacy of the German Jews and the manner in which these advances on their part were met by the Provost Teller & the Chemist M de Luc. It would not surprize me if the Chemist should surpass

the Theologian in finding a solution for the difficulties raised by the Jews. It must be a potent crucible that could amalgamate such opposite compositions as Christianity & Judaism.
				Shakespeare distinguishes between an Hebrew Jew & a Christian Jew, and I take it for granted that these Berlin Jews are desirous of perpetuating the distinction.
				Our own affairs are not of a very interesting nature at this moment, I mean, to us, who note the occurrences as they pass. Since the death of Washington, which I announced to you in my No 12, we have had an inundation of funeral Eulogies Orations & Sermons, and the 22d: of this month is to be dedicated by Appointment of authority, to exercises of a similar nature. Amid this profusion of effort to panegerize the departed Hero, there are few that succeed. I shall make up a packet of them for you, and if your judgment coincides with mine, the Oration pronounced by Governeur Morris at New York, will bear the palm from every other that has appeared on the occasion. Judge Minot pronounced an Oration at Boston, which is also very generally esteemed. T. Paine, made an attempt at Newbury Port & failed, in my opinion, for his whole Capital of reputation.
				Congress have done little business of moment during the present session hitherto. Excepting a pretty elaborate debate upon certain resolutions for reducing the military establishment, and upon a letter, of which you will hear & read much in the newspapers, I can recollect nothing that has much excited public feeling or curiosity. You recollect the fable of the Jack in Lyon’s skin. Tell me I pray you, whether certain incidents, that have occurred within the walls of a certain House, do not provoke a most irresistible application of it. That Assembly have, in my opinion, an exclusive privilege to admit into their society, creatures, distinguished but in shape, from those whose names they bear.
				Present me most affectionately to your Louisa, & believe me in truth / Your’s

					PS. My Mother has concluded to appropriate to her uses, the linnen which belonged to Whitcomb, upon the terms, which you proposed, and she will account with me for the price, which you may pay him for it. The chest contained all the parcels of linnen, distinguished by separate marks—old cloath’s &ca: which will be carefully preserved. My little Trunk, containing an useful, though now antiquated ward robe, may, in the lapse of ages, find its way to the Owner, but his hopes, fortunately, no longer travel with it.

					The letter you enclosed me from Dresden for a Mr: Schultz, I delivered as recommended. The person does not now reside here, though his dwelling is known to the man I left the letter with.


Title: Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 4 February 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, William

					Dear Sir
					Philadelphia Febry [4] 1800

				I received by the post of Yesterday, Your kind favour of Jan’ry 28th and I am the more solicitious to reply immediatly to it, in order to rectify a mistake which mr shaw must have made, if he said, that I had determined never to go to Washington. So far from it, that I know not any thing, which would give me more pleasure than visiting that city, and Many Towns in its vicinity. Mr shaw may have heard me express a doubt whether I should go the next session of Congress— for reasons which must be obvious to you, circumstances may take place, which might oblige me to make a jouney home in the Month of March, the worst in the Year for travelling, or remain there in a situation which would be Dissagreable— I have never askd the President his intentions, nor shall I advise him to resign, or to continue in office. His Duty I trust will be pointed out to him, and that in so plain a Manner that he cannot mistake it— He has never been inattentive to the voice of his Country. I shall certainly consider it My duty, as it will be my inclination to follow accompany him in any situation in which he may be placed—
				The accounts you give of the general satisfaction which prevails in our Country, with the Government; and the administration of it, affords me real pleasure, and corresponds with similar assurences from other quarters.— virgina appears to be an exception. the government of that state has fallen into hands, hostile to the National government and the politicks of some parts of this state are not more favourable the late revolution in France has stagered the faith of some of the most Sanguine. they appear to be so astonished, as not to know, what to say or think of Republican France. Specters of Royalty haunt their Dreams. it is indeed very difficult to see how the present change will opperate. there is one consolation, that no change can be for the worse. from present appearences, it may prove advantageous, and lead to a general Peace— Buonaparta is more critically Situated than when contending with the Arabs—
				I have mentiond to mrs Cushing your request. the Judge will

be-friend You. he has mentiond You to judge Paterson, but as Mrs Cushing informs me; there are recommendations in favour of some other person. the Judge advises that you write a Letter to each of the Judges during their present Sitting least as he says, they should think themselves neglected—
				I have heard from Quincy the last Week. our Friends were all well. Your Mamma much engaged in promoting the settlement of mr Whitney. the ordination is to be on Wednesday the 5th, 45 years from the Day on which mr Wibird was ordaind
				Present me kindly to mrs Cranch, and to Your Little Family. I know you will be glad to hear that by late Letters from Berlin, mr and Mrs Adams were in good Health the last date was the 30 october—
				It will always give Me pleasure to hear from you. I hope you will be successfull in Your present application, but if you should not, be not discouraged. Time & Chance happen to all Men. I am my Dear Sir / affectionatly Your / Friend

					A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 4 February 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

					my dear sister
					Philadelphia Febry 4 1800

				I cannot but lament that the cares and avocations of Your Family should so fully occupy your Time, as to deprive Your Friends of the pleasure of your Epistolarly communications.— a very excellent Letter to Your Son, did but add to my Regreets. that talents So usefull should be encumbered by the daily cares; and obstructed by the numerous calls of Your Family, that the fire of imagination should be checkd, that the effusions of genious should be stifled, through want of leisure to display them, is sometimes the lot of those who seem born to shine in higher Spheres of Life. the mind which is necessarily imprisoned in its own little tenement; and fully occupied by keeping it in repair; has no time to rove abroad for improvement, and the Book of knowledge is closely clasped against those who must fullfil there daily task of manual labour—

					“full Many a flower is born to blush unseen
					and waste its sweetness on the Midnight air.”

				In early Life You treasured up a stock of usefull knowledge, which time has matured. wrap not up the talents the returns of which are tenfold when ever You bring them into action— I am disposed to make an other apology for my Sister. she has of late so little accustomed herself to the use of the pen that the thought of reassuming it, becomes a task to her— this I know from the experience of many Months During my late sickness, when I was so debilatated as to find every exertion painfull, particuliarly those of the mind, and I lost all love for my pen. when obliged to use it, I found it a burden— and I have not yet brought myself to the old standard which must be some apology for my not having written to my much loved sister, who has not however, been less in my thoughts. I see her daily occupied in the laudible task of instruction, watchfull over the Morals and Manners of those intrusted to her care, loping the luxurient Shoots, pruneing the tender branches, Straitning the Crooked, and leading on the flourishing plants to vigor, and maturity. I feel many anxieties for my Grandsons. I wish them so to cultivate their Genious, and, improve their understandings, that there may be a prospect of their future usefullness. on the one hand, I see their aged support, fast descending the vale of Time, encompassed with innumerable public Care’s. His Domestick troubles Such as become not

a Parent to relate, but such as bring the Gray Hairs with Sorrow to the Grave: an amiable woman with two Children, probably Soon to be dependant for their daily Support. To this add an only Daughter calculated to adorn the first Situation in Life, with three Children, who have no other prospect before them, but that of Humility; and brought to this by wild speculations, in which they had no lot, or voice, but reflections will not alter the situation. the tear which I see Suffusing the Eye, and the Sigh which sometimes burst forth in silence, too well informs me of the reflections within—and wound me to the Heart. You cannot wonder my dear sister that in the midst of Laughter, as to the World it seem’s, the Heart is sad. every one knows their own bitterness.— Should our Lives be continued a few more Years—still it may not be in a situation which will enable us to render the assistance we have heitherto done. this Makes me reflect the more Seriously upon the Education proper for the Children.— Writing Arithematick and Mathematicks appear to me to be the most essential branches of their present persuit. I fear that there is not so much attention paid to these, as to the languages in the academy. I have heretofore mentiond this subject to mr Vose. as the Boys have time before them, I would wish that none of it may be misapplied I want to have them, not smatterers intoxicated with superficial knowledge but hard studients, and deep thinkers. impress them with the Idea that they have not any dependence but upon their own exertions—that they are born Heirs to what they must obtain for themselves. their Education I am desirious of having continued, knowing that it May prove their best Legacy
				Your son has his Health better than the last, winter. he is daily loping of his peculiaritys and having been trained up in virtuous principles, will not depart from them— his conduct is satisfactory, his manners affable, and pleasing, his knowledge increasing. Yet with You: I cast an anxious thought about the future. his present Situation can be, but of short duration, and then he must have to buffet the world. he will however go into it, with an increased knowledge of Men and Manners; with a fair and honarable Character, and a thirst for knowledge which I hope will render him usefull through Life as well as a comfort and consolation to Your declining Years—for he has no Vice—
				There is not any part of the united States, where the knowledge of the Death of Washington has been heard but with sorrow lamentation and mourning. the Virtues which embalm his memory, add dignity to the Character of the Hero and statesman, and the

gratitude of his Country, has been upon this occasion, commensurate with his past services— In some instances, the Orator and Eulogists have forgotten that he was a Man! and therefore Subject to err, that it is only now when Mortality has put on immortality, that he is incapable of human frailty— Washingtons fame stood not in need of any such exageration. Truth is the brightest Diadem with which his Memory can be Crowned, and the only Eulogy which will render his fame immortal—

					“In praise so just let ev’ry voice be join’d
					And fill the gen’ral Chorus of Mankind”

				Mrs smith desires to be kindly rememberd to you, and to her sons. the good humourd and sportive Caroline wants to see her Brothers— She is such a Cheerfull Girl that she keeps us all in spirits and I know not how I shall part with her. Thomas presents You his Respects Louissa allso presents her Duty— how is My Neice this winter? my Love to her and to Miss Palmer as well as to my Grandsons—the account of whose improvements contribute much to their Grandfathers and my satisfaction— I shall for safety get mr Bartlet to inclose for Mr Peabody a Letter in which will be 50 dollors for Board &c of My Grandsons—
				I hope to hear soon from You, / and am Your affectionate Sister

					Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 February 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my Dear son

						Feb’ry 8th 1800

				Mr Sitgreaves has just call’d to let me know that he expects to embark for England in a day or two. I will not Suffer so direct a conveyance to escape me, without writing You a few lines Your Brother having written to you, will be my apology for not entering minutely into politicks.
				Since I wrote to you last, which was by way of Hamburgh, I have received Your Letter dated Dresden Sep’br 17th  Your Description of the Country through which You pass’t is really enchanting but You possess the happy talent of rendering events interesting, by the force of an imagination which renders even transient sensations permanent, by fondly retracing them. Nature is said to be the nurse of sentiment, the true source of taste;— yet what Misery, as well as rapture, is produced by a quick perception of the beautifull and Sublime? (to express my self in the language of an elegant, but unfortunate writer) [“]when this perception is excercised in observing animated nature, when every beautious feeling, and emotion excites responsive Sympathy, and the Harmonized soul Sinks into melancholy, or rises to extasy, just as the Chords are touched, like the aeolian harp agitated by the changing wind. But how dangerous is it to foster these Sentiments in such an imperfect state of existance, and how difficult to eradicate them when an affection for Mankind, a passion for an individual, is but the unfolding of that love which embraces all that is great and beautifull”
				it has been made a question with some writers—whether an exquisite sensibility is a blessing, or a misfortune for Myself I could easily deside, yet allow that it is a great source of misiry when closely united, “to logs of Green wood that quench the coals”
				Your Father has received Your Letter of October 30th containing a Most concise and intelligible account of the Campaigns in Holland, and Switzerland, together with the best account of the causes of their failure, of any which has reachd this country He is daily expressing his desire of receiving Letters from you which may More fully devolope the New order of things in France, no longer to be stiled a Republic. as yet sufficient light has not reached us, to enable us to judge of the future—I cannot say system, for where can that be found, when Revolution succeeds revolution, like wave following wave, and where

					“Amidst seditious waves
					The worst of Mortals may emerge to honour”

				the Jacobins in this Country have never been so compleatly foild. they know not what to say. to exculpate Buonaparta they dare not, as he appears to have become Dictator, and they apprehend he aims at the Sovereignty. they request their readers to wait, not to be rash in judging—&c—
				Congress have been Sitting two Months, but have not yet matured any very concequential Buisness— a Resolution was brought forward by mr Nicolas of Virgina, to disband the Army— this cost them some days of discussion, but was finally negatived by a large Majority. a certain Citizen Randolph, a Beardless Youth, was civil enough in debate to call the Army, Ragemuffins—Mercinaries and such Democratic Epithets, which gave rise to a repetition of these terms by some officers at the Theatre in the hearing of mr Randolph. this he calld an insult, and in a very Sausy Letter complaind to the President of a Breach of the Privelege of the House and demanded Satisfaction, calling the President a servant of the Sovereign people as well as himself— the President knew that the House were the protectors of their own Priviledges—and very contrary to Randolphs expectations, sent the Letter to the House this occasiond the whole buisness to be committed, and the affair investigated in which report of the Committe. they resolved that the President had been particuliarly attentive to the Priviledges of the House, that the Stile of Randolphs Letter was improper and reprehensible, and that no Evidence appeard sufficient to criminate the officers with a design to insult mr Randolph— Thus this

					“unfinishd thing one knows not what to call
					His generation so equivocal”

				has been taken in his own toil. he looks and speaks like a Boy of Sixteen, Yet this Stripling comes full to the brim with his own conceit, and all virgina democracy: to oppose as is asserted, mr Harper. I will send you the pamphlet and mr Websters answer to Dr Preistlys Letters to the citizens of Northumberland by the first vessel going to Hamburgh. Your Brother discourages me from sending them by the present conveyance. an other attempt has been made to repeal the sedition Law. mr Bayard proposed that the common Law should be substituded in the room of it, with this addition that the Truth might be plead in evidence— the antis were so terrified least this

should be addopted, that they were glad to let the old Law remain by a vote of 86 Members—
				This state is torn by Parties. the Govenour and senate are at varience the senate and House, so that it is to be apprehended their will be no choice of Electors for President and Vice President, the House insisting the choice shall be at large, the Senate say by districts— they will not receede, neither will the House— Virgina will be decidedly antifederal—and carry with her Kentucky. south Carolina have just lost Govenour Rutledge, & tis said Peirce Butler will be Elected, whose Character You know Mr Strong of Northampton will be sit up by our State for Govenour and it is generally thought will be carried— if it was not for the antifederilsm of Virgina, and the approaching Election, the united States might be said to enjoy more Peace and tranquility than any other part of the world. I do not know even with those exceptions, but that it may with truth be announced
				I have agreed to take Whitcombe linnen and pay your Brother. the linnen of Yours will remain in my care untill you return, as you did not purchase it to part with, I do not wish to take it— Whit-combes Cloaths will be, and have been attended too.
				I am rejoiced to learn that our Dear Louissa has recoverd some firmness and health, and that Your illness was not of long duration. an intermitting fever if not throughly cured, is a constant torment, as I annually experience. the effects of that which I have so severely been excercised with, will be as lasting as my Life— tho my Health has been much better this season, than for many past, I am far from being firm—
				Your sister and her little Daughter are with me this winter: Thomas too adds much to our pleasure by residing with us— of Philadelphia I shall take my leave early in the spring and the city of Washington will have no attractions for me the first session at least, if it should be my lot to pass any time there hereafter. but I am now so far advanced in years, and my Health so delicate that I shall be perfectly content to pass the remainder of my Days in tranquility at Quincy—If my Children could have been setled around me—but Providence has seen fit to disperce them—and in some instances to try me with afflictions— whilst I mourn over some, blessed be God I have cause to rejoice over others— Remember me affectionatly to My daughter and to mr Welch. by a Letter from his Father last week, I learn that his Family are all well. so are our Friends at Quincy & Boston— yours—&c


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 15 February 1800
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, William

					Dear William.
					Philadelphia 15th: Feby 1800.

				Since the date of my last to you, I have received your favors of the 29th: ult°: and 4th: currt:—the latter enclosing letters for the Judges of the Sup: Court, four of which, I immediately caused to be delivered, to the judges present. My Mother’s suggestion was better than mine, and I am glad you observed it. The same Gentleman who procured, or was at least greatly instrumental in procuring, the appointment of Mr: Bayard, knowing of his intention to resign, was desirous of patronizing another young man & actually interested himself in

favor of his appointment as Bayard’s Sucessor— When I spoke to Bayard myself, asking a Categorical answer, do you or do you not intend to resign the Office after this term? He answered, that such had been his intention, but that, Judge Patterson, had advised him to retain, until it should appear whether any & what provision should be made for the Clerkship in reforming the judiciary system; at the same time he told me of the application made in favor of Mr: Caldwell, whom I understand he recommended as his Sucessor, when he communicated his positive intention to resign.
				From the interest, which Judge Cushing has taken in your favor and from the applications that have been repeatedly made to Judges Chase & Patterson in person & in writing—supposing Judge Washington only to be indifferent between the two Candidates, and I think there can be no doubt you will succeed in obtaining the Appointment.
				My time is so occupied by professional duties & by everlasting attendance on the never terminating Courts of this City, that I find none to devote even to the return of visits of civility— My character is very fast assimilating to the sullen, inhospitable, drudging reputation, which is often by strangers given to the Inhabitants of Philadelphia. There is no living with them, without living & acting like them.
				I am, dear William, your friend

					T B Adams

							Feby 17th:

					PS Bayard will hang on most probably until after the next Term, and if any provision should be made for the Office to make it more lucrative, he may keep it in spite of us. I will forward your letter to Judge Moore so that we may have the benefit of his vote, in case of a division among the rest.
					J. Greenleaf is here & in health—
					I have just succeeded in getting my books & papers into the hands of E Bond, & have hopes of taking possession of them in your name in a few days— I have had much to do which has prevented my writing
					in haste yr respt st


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 21 February 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dear sir

						21 Febry 1800

				I take this opportunity by dr Morse to inclose to you two Hundred dollors towards the building; as soon in March as it can be framed and raised I wish to have it begun upon, and as many hands employd as can be usefully. I do not want to have any part of it, to do after the Presidents return. Congress talk of rising in April, tho I do not myself expect that they will so soon I hope Myself to be home the last of April; or the beginning of May. as soon as May be I should be glad to have the dimensions of the chimney, the height and front of the jams, as I design to procure here the Hearths, and fronts— I wish the carpenters to be very particular in covering and liding the parts which join to the other House to prevent leaking. Your Letters for Me be so good as to get mrs Cranch to convey to me. I have spoken to the President concerning the Farms. He says he is willing the Tennants should continue upon the same terms they were the last Year— with regard to Mr Porter, I should wish him to remain upon the place untill the 20 of Nov’br next, if agreable to him and Mrs Porter, but as I expect to spend the next Winter at Quincy, it will not be worth my while, to keep two Families. indeed it will be an expence I should wish to avoid, tho I think he should be allowd a hundred and 50 dollors for the seven months. I think he came on the latter end of April— If oats are to be procured at this Season I wish you to engage a hundred & 50 Bushel that we may not be at a loss for them when we return— there will be some occasion
				dr Morse calls & I am not able to add a line more than a kind remembrance to all Friends—
				yours

					A A—


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 23 February 1800
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					My Dear Sister
					Quincy Feby. 23d 1800

				I have not written you so often as I wish’d to do for these Several weeks— I have not been free from company since ordination: our house has been like a Tavern
				Last week I receiv’d your kind present by General Lincoln for

which I most Sincerely thank you tis very pretty—& very delicate Muslin.— mrs smith sent me the little Gown for a pattern to make it by. I like the Form all but the apron & that I shall like to keep my Gown clean. it looks too much like Mother Eve’s Fig Leaf, but perhaps I may like it better when I see one worn. I dare not venture any Body here to make it at present. I am in a mourning dress for the death of aunt Austin who dy’d lately. At her Age & under her great infirmities her removal is no loss to her Friends. She has been a valuable woman in her Family & Supported the trying Scenes of her earley like which were very afflictive with a truely christian Temper
				I yesterday receiv’d your Letter of the 12th Feb & have again to thank you for the kind interest you have taken in the concerns of my unfortunate Son what heaven has in Store for him of joys or Sorrows I know not, & tis not best I Should. It may be best for him to meet with the disappointments he has. If he had prosper’d he might have been led into bad courses & run with the Multitude to do evil. I am Sorry he appears to have such a diffidence of his own abilities & quallification for the Profession he has chosen— He would not have been So Brow beatten in this State— If he Can only get into tolerably decent circumstances he will recover his spirits & feel of Some importance in the world. I Shall be sorry he Should miss of this appointment. but I fear he will, I hope he is prepair’d for a disappointment— he ought to be able to bear it.— was it mearly to gratify his ambition I should not regret it. I think he may be very useful in the office & doubt not of his giving Satisfaction. he would then Mix with those who would not Scorn him because he was poor—
				I rejoice at the good news you have receiv’d from Mr & Mrs adams. it was like receiving them from the Grave— I greatly feared you would have lost them both— Cousin Thomas I hope looks better than he did when he left us. Shall you not bring Mrs Smith home with you? She must not live in a camp. I want to see her & the little chatter-box— I have scarcly heard a word about Cousin Louisia since she went from us— my Love to her & All My Freinds
				yesterday Morning our Bell was Toll’d from eight a clock in the morning till Twelve when the Procession enterd the Meeting house They Form’d at the School House & came up to Capt. Brackits Corner & then back to the Meeting house—Master Heath & his Schoolars first, then the Millitary Offecers— they were follow’d by the Minister & Deacons. The Select-Men, Justice of the Peace, Treasurer & Town clerk & then the male inhabitants from old age to childhood

The Procession was a very long one. The Prayer & Sermon very proper & Good. the Pulpit cover’d with Black Clothe. The Parson with his Gown look’d very well—& now I hope we have done— Doctor Tufts deliver’d an oration at Weymouth the Two Parishs joined. Mr Norton had preach’d a funereal Sermon long since
				Mrs Norton & her little Thomas spent the night with me last week— it was the little Fello[w’s] birth day that they came. he just goes alone & is [as] pretty as ever. Mrs Norton sends her duty mrs Greenleaf does the Same. I was in Boston last Teusday it was So wet in the street that I did not go out
				mrs Mears is in much better health than before she was Sick
				Do you not begin to think of returning home I am ready to obey all your orders— tis always a joyful imployment to prepare for your reception
				my Pen is too bad— I will write no more till I get a better— read & commit this to the Flames I am asham’d of it—
				yours affectionately

					Mary Cranch


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 February 1800
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

						N

							o

						13.

					12. Feby 1st:
					Dear Brother
					Philadelphia 25th: February 1800.

				I received on the 18th: instant your favor of the 7th. & 17th. November, Original & Dup: with sundry enclosures relative to the affair between Mr: Engel & Messrs: Mark of New York. I have forwarded to them the letter to their address, with one from self, acquainting

them with my Authority to demand payment of the debt, and desiring them to make speedy arrangements to that effect.
				If, contrary to my expectations, they should offer to pay the interest, which has accrued, without a suit at law for it, I shall give you information of it as soon as possible; but if they put us to our compulsory remedy, I shall employ faithful Counsel at New York to conduct it, as I could not do it myself.
				I wrote you pretty fully by Mr: Sitgreaves, who sailed a fortnight ago, for England, & by the last British packet, I sent my Accompt with you for the last year. Herewith I send a Duplicate.
				Nothing of a very interesting nature has occurred in our public affairs, since I wrote you last. The Supreme Court of the United States held its ordinary session here since the beginning of this month, but little business was done. The new Judge appointed in the room of Iredell, deceased, is a Mr: Moore of North Carolina, but he has not yet taken a seat on the bench.
				Congress have been occupied with various objects, more or less important, but hither to, few laws have been passed. The general Bankrupt Bill is now before the Senate, with a prospect of its being passed— In the house of Reps: there was an equal division & the Speaker decided the fate of it. A Bill to amend the Judiciary System will be shortly reported, and from the reputation & talents of the Committee, considerable expectation may be indulged, that the alterations they shall propose will be worthy of adoption. But there is an evident reluctance in many gentlemen towards these great national acts, because they tend to strengthen the bonds of union & give an influence to the general Government, that interferes with their malignant designs. Notwithstanding the general complection of our national Councils at this period, there is wanting that unity of object & concurrence of design, which constitute real strength. The State Legislatures are in several instances, hostile towards the general Government— In Virginia the Legislature, at their late Session, undertook to vindicate their inflamatory & intemperate resolutions, which at their preceding session they had transmitted to the legislatures of the Sister States, and which met with the decided censure of a great majority of them. Pennsylvania has assumed a character which imitates indicates in some degree the same temper. Our legislature is about to adjourn, without having performed a single salutary act during their convocation—indeed their time has been wasted altogether, in the indulgence of factious animosity & petty

squabbles between the different departments— The Governor is supported by a very small majority in the house of Reps:—he is at open variance with the minority & with a majority of the Senate, and all social intercourse between them has been suspended, from the commencement of the campaign. The whole picture is humiliating, but to make it more completely so, a scene took place a few days since, which equals the affray between Lyon & Griswold, which occurred in a sanctuary of higher note. One of the members from this City & the far famed Dr: Logan, were the principal actors in this late affair, which as it is too insignificant to merit detail, I shall dispense with further notice of it.
				Dallas is about to give place to a man by the name of Cooper, of whom you may have lately heard. He is an English Jacobin, whom Priestley recommended to the P. U.S, as Agent to the Commissioners for settling the claims under the 6th: Article of the British Treaty, on our behalf, and being disappointed in obtaining this Office, he commenced Opposition writer, & writer for Governor McKean, and now he is to be rewarded with the Secretaryship of this Commonwealth, which in consequence of the removal of the Seat of Government to Lancaster, Dallas finds it unprofitable to exercise.
				Mr: McKean has recommended to the Legislature to appropriate funds for the establishment of an Accademy in the County where Dr: Priestly resides and suggests a wish at the same time, that the learning & talents of this benevolent & disinterested philosopher may be invited to superintend the institution. Thus you see, the faithful are to be rewarded, of whatever condition, character, religion or nation. Such is practical philanthropy.
				A severe contest may be expected at the approaching election for President of the U.S. should the two persons, now highest in Office, be Candidates. Secret manœuvres are practised to prevent the Legislatures of individual States from making any provision for the mode of chusing Electors, or to regulate it so, that the Election may be by a general vote in those States, where it is presumed a majority would be unfriendly to the present chief. Our Legislature have not been able to agree in any mode, and as the last was a general election in this State, the Governor intends to convoke the people by proclamation, under the former law. His authority to do this is questioned, but he will meet the responsibility of such a proceeding with his usual fortitude. It is said that, New Jersey will alter the mode of Election, likewise, after the same fashion.

				It ought, by this time, to be fully understood, by the people in office under the present Administration, that upon the issue of this trial depends the station they hold, for I am persuaded beyond a doubt, after what has so recently taken place in this State, that if the man of the people, succeeds to the Chief Magistracy, not one federalist will be retained; all, without distinction will be turned out, who do not make their peace before the event is decided, by some mean sacrifice of their independence. The struggle is no longer between Candidates, professing & practising the same principles, but it is reduced to a contest for victory & power between the outs & the in’s. I shall endeavor to fashion my mind to the least favorable result, that can arrive.
				Massachusetts sets up Mr: Strong for her next Governor— He will be supported by a powerful interest, and will probably succeed to the chair, though Mosey has his points too.
				I am, with the greatest truth / Your brother

					Thomas B Adams.

					PS. Captn: Truxtun has had a severe fight in the West Indies with a french frigate of superior force—said to be a 54. The engagement lasted five glasses, in the night of the 2d or 3d: Feby.— The Constellation was badly treated, though it is apprehended the french man was greatly disabled also; they certainly both got off—


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 25 February 1800
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear Madm.
					Weymouth Feby. 25. 1800—

				Your last of Jany 9th. I receiv’d with the enclosure, since that very little has been heard off but Processionls, Funeral Elogies, Orations & Discourses on the Death of Genl Washington. Indeed it has been carried to an Excess, in some Instances too much bordering on Idolatry and been attended with an enormous Expence of Time— Had one Day every where been devoted to a public Expression of Grief & paying a Tribute of Respect to his Memory, it might perhaps been more solemn & decent— Last Saturday the Day recommended by Congress was observd with great Solemnity— Genl Lees Oration which you was so kind as to send appears to me to be as concise & comprehensive, as any I have seen—
				I congratulate you upon the Settlement of Mr. Whitney at Quincy— I believe, you will find in Him a Man of great Modesty, of an exemplary Life & Piety, and as a Preacher but few who have a better Talent at Composition and greater Fluency in Prayer—
				Porter informed me some Time agone, that He should not incline to continue on the Farm another year— I was in Hopes the President would given some orders relative to the Farms on which Burrell & French live, it is already late in the season, if it is contemplated materially to alter the Mode of Leasing of them. … Would it not be best for the Carpenters to enter upon their Business as soon as the Snow has left the Ground—
				Parson Weld has obtaind a Patent for a washing Machine, which He calls a Lavator; We have several of them amongst us, and are found highly useful, as the Cloaths may be washd with great Dispatch, without exposing the Women to warm suds or wearing their Hands—further than wringing the Cloaths after they are wash’d—a wringer has been made for the Purpose, but those that have been made here have not answerd. A Boy or Girl of 12 years old may manage the Lavator, and in Three Hours wash the Cloaths of a large Family.—
				Our Winter has been Moderate. No very violent Storms, some few cold Turns but of a short Duration— The cold I find has not been intense enough to freeze your Cyder in the Cyder House

further than to skim it over at the Top of the Barrells— Except Colds, which frequently at this Time of year prevail—There is a general Time of Health—
				With Affectionate Regards / Yrs.

					C. Tufts


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams Smith, 26 February 1800
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

					My Dear:
					Union Brigade, February 26th, 1800.

				I have received your letter, by the Paymaster, of the 12th. I see your embarrassments, and if I were not prominent to relieve you from them, I should forfeit my charter—the roads are bad, the season is inclement, the Delaware is almost impassable—your mamma cannot bear to part with you, and the President does not know how to let C——go. These are truths which nobody can deny. I will continue to be honest and say, you must not encounter the hazards of the first, nor do violence to affection, in the last, though I should be happy to have you here. I candidly think, for yourself, you are better there for the present. I am totally absorbed in military business and instruction; I have not been out of the cantonment for sixteen days— I have got handsomely through the duties of the 22d. We are all in harmony and good humour—our camp is a military paradise; if I look, they are solicitous to understand it—if I speak, they jump to execute; in short, they are all obedience, and I am more placid and elegantly serene, than ever you saw me; I think sometimes, if you could but remark me through the day, you would be half in love with me by tea time. You know the point of time, when that generally takes place; for myself, I never take tea in the afternoon.
				We had a great collection of folks on Saturday. The Brigade moved to a charm; a prayer, composed on the occasion, was handsomely addressed; a military oration, elegantly delivered; and three verses chaunted to a charm, accompanied with martial music—there is no other worth hearing. Not wishing to dismiss the throng too solemnly impressed, I gave order, that the duties of the day should close with an unison of sentiment and voice, resounding through

our camp, and echoing from the neighbouring mountains. Attention, fellow-soldiers:—To the memory of George Washington, called from labour to refreshment, by the Grand Master of the Universe— three cheers and a six-pounder. To the United States and the Federal Constitution—three cheers and a six-pounder. To John Adams, President of the United States, may every blessing attend his exertions in our country’s cause—three cheers and a six-pounder. To the Empire, rising in this Western World; Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men—three cheers and a six-pounder. Drums, signals, columns moving, reducing the hollow square, and opening in full parade with open columns, we, with military dignity, left the stage and the gaping multitude, attentive to the precision of the movement, and the enchanting music of the President’s march. You laugh, I know, at my military enthusiasm; laugh on. I really feel sometimes, as if I could “play at bowls with the sun and the moon, and frighten the world with eclipses.” Good night, lest I frighten you.
				Give my love to your mamma, and believe me, / Yours, truly,

					W. S. Smith


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 27 February 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					my dear sister
					Philadelphia Febry 27th [1800]

				I have not written to you since I received your Letter giving me an account of the ordination, the fatigues of which I should have been glad to have shared with you, and I could not but blame myself, that I did not write to request mrs Porter to have opend our House, and

Stables, and to have accomodated as Many persons as they could; it is now happily over and I congratulate the Town in having made so wise; and as I think, judicious a choice; the President frequently expresses his Satisfaction that we are one more a Setled people not as for a long time past, sheep without a sheapard. I hope we shall live in union and harmony. the next thing will be the Marriage of mr Whitney I presume. if it were proper to wish a Gentlemans happiness deferd, I Should like to be at Quincy when the Lady is introduced as our Madam—
				for the last fortnight we have had a delightfull weather through the whole of it, clear Sun Shine, cold enough to be pleasent without being urksome— the Snow all melted the Rivers open and the weeping willow, which is a great ornament to this city, putting on its first appearence of vegation, a yellow aspect, which changes to a beautifull Green in a few week’s and is the first Harbinger of that Season, in which all nature is renovated.— this appearence as I ride out, brings to my view the few weeks longer which I have to remain here, and then I shall bid—very probably—a final adieu to this city. there is Something always Melancholy, in the Idea of leaving a place for the last time it is like burying a Friend. I could have wished that the period of the first Election might have closed in this city; it is a very unpleasent thing to break up all the establishments, and remove to a place so little at present, and probably for years to come, so ill calculated for the residence of such a Body as Congress—the houses which are built as so distant, the streets so miry and the markets so ill Supplied—
				In my last I wrote You that mr Bayard the present Clerk of the Court intended resigning this Session—but there is a revision of the judiciary System contemplated. it will soon be reported to the House. if it should pass, many alterations will take place— this I believe was the reason of mr Bayards determining not to resign at present. You will see judge Cushing Soon, if not before this reaches You and he will inform you more than I can— the judge & mrs cushing left here near a fortnight ago, and have had fine weather ever since. I trust they have improved it—
				On Saturday the 22d I went to hear Major Jackson deliver his oration. it was a very handsome one, and much better deliverd than I had any Idea he could perform— it is not yet printed, but when it is, I think it will not suffer by any comparison with any I have yet Seen. two Months have chiefly been appropriated to funeral honours to the Memory of Gen’ll Washington. I know not that in any

modern Time’s, either Kings or Princess have received equal honors. History does not record any so deserving or So meritorious of
				Mrs Smith I expect will leave me in a week or ten days— I expect a visit from mrs Johnson & her Son, the middle of next Month. Mrs Black I hope has received a Letter I wrote to her inclosing the certificate of Ann Halls baptism I fear she thought me unmindfull of it, but I was not. it was oweing to the Sickness of Dr Green that I could not sooner obtain it— my Letter must have reachd her about the same time that a renewal of her request Did me—
				How are all our Neighbours and Friends? I have inquired once or twice concerning Pheby— I hope she is comfortable in her marriage and well Provided for— We all send Love respect &c to all our Friends—
				I want to know how your cold is, and whether mr Cranch’s is better I have great cause for thankfullness. I know not when I have past a winter with so little sickness, or a Febry without being confined upon the Birthday of Gen’ll Washington. three years ago, I was well enough upon that day to celebrate it in Boston, but it has generally been a month of sickness to me— except the loss of sleep, which I have several times experienced, I have had more Health than for many Years— I hope it may be continued to me, for without Health, Life has few enjoyments
				adieu my dear sister. I would desire You to remember me to Miss Gannet, with whose increasing years, I hope and trust wisdom Prudence and every female virtue will grow and increase where much is given, much is required. this should impress her mind and influence her conduct. She will I trust receive this as the admonition of a Friend. let her think what she owes to one of the kindest & tenderest of Parents—and she can never wander from the path of Rectitude
				once more I bid you an adieu / assureing you of the Love and / affection of

					A Adams


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My dear Son
					Philadelphia Feb. 28. 1800

				It grieves me to think how long it is Since I have written you a Line. But public Affairs are forbidden and private are indifferent or disagreable. Your sister and youngest Brother have given me much Pleasure this Winter by their Company: but At the same time have excited a Strong desire to see You and your best Friend my amiable Daughter, your Wife. A Being who has violated a Trust committed to him by you, is a thorn in the flesh, you may well imagine. Forlorn and undone, he has my unutterable indignation. But I must quit this subject. On the Death of your great Patron you will Sincerely mourn, with your Affectionate Father.


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 3 March 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, William

					Dear sir
					March 3d 1800—

				I received on saturday Your kind favour of Feb’ry accept My thanks for the orations. I send you in return Major Jacksons, which was very handsomely deliverd, and is as highly spoken of as any amongst the Multitude. I think it will not lose by a comparison with any which I have read, and I already have enough for a vol’m. Messengers is the Wildest Raphosody of any I do not esteem the whole; more than I did a part. Some of the orators have been unjust to their Country, no one of them which I have read, more than mr Paine— misirable would our Country have been and scarcly worth Saving, if its fate had rested upon the Breath of one individual. we have no reason to think that we should have lost our Liberties, or our Independance, if Washington had fallen in Battle that he was a Great a Good a Brave Man, that in him were concentered qualities which were peculiarly suited to the important Stations in which he was call’d to act, every tongue must acknowledge, and that he

discharged every trust committed to him for the best interest of his Country: and would have laid down his Life for it—We all believe and his Mourning gratefull country now bear full testimony to his Services—a Testimony which in Many instances will do them immortal honour—
				I thank mrs smith for the ornament sent me, which I shall place round My Arm the next drawing Room. they are pretty devices— I saw the Death of our venerable Aunt in the News paper— she is the last of the Ancient stock of Worthies, whose memories, we can rise up and call blessed, and this is a sweet and cheering reflection—not a single stain upon all their Characters
				Blessed are the dead, who dye in the Lord— She had out lived all her Mental faculties, and her removal may be considerd as a blessing to herself and Relatives. it used to be a petition of My Fatherss that he might not out live his usefullness— his Prayers were answerd— and I think it would be the wish and desire of every good Christian—
				You inquire my dear sir if I want any thing from Boston: the season is so far advanced that I believe it will not be worth while to import any thing unless it be Some cheese which I have regreeted not sending round. I do not mean English but good American— I shall write to Dr Tufts and request him to send me a Barrel— I will thank you to engage of mr Hall a dozen of his best Hams & a cask of Tongues against I return Mr Otis’s Motion will not make Congress rise, but I wish it would expidite them. they are now troubled with the Ghost of Nash, and how long he is to be allowd to haunt them I cannot determine. the Antis who brought the subject forward, merely for Electionering purposes—now want it postponed So as to leave an implied censure upon the President, but they will not be let off so—
				adieu my dear Sir. I hope the federilist will not split with respect to their Govenour. Mr Ames mr Cabot and Many others would make good Govenours, but mr strong I think has equal pretentisions, and greater if the people will think So—
				Mr shaw says the post is going / Yours &c

					A A


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 5 March 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					my Dear sister
					Philadelphia March 5 1800—

				I received Your Letter of Febry 23. and was glad to learn that you were well, for from not hearing from you from the time of ordination I was fearfull that the fatigue had made You sick. we have now arrived to the 5th of March with a small quantity of snow upon the ground and the weather mild. with You I suppose there is much more; Congress might easily accomplish the buisness necessary for the benifit of the Nation, but I Must say their is a most shamefull waste of time. the Antifeds have brought before the House the delivering up to Justice, Thomas Nash which in strict conformity with the Treaty with G Britain was done. the Antiparty, have by every subterfuge mean art & declamation Wasted the time of the House upon that Subject more than a week, and I dare answer will keep the buisness more than a week more before them. the Jacobins are a very wicked unprincipeld set of Beings. this whole affair is brought up not from a Love of Justice, or apprehension that a fellow creature was unjustly punished, but merely to hold out to their Party, that the President had Encroached upon the Judiciary; and assumed an influence which was unconstitutional. the whole corespondence is before the public and every candid person must see, that the delivering the Rascal up, was in conformity to the Treaty which is the Law of the Land, and the President is Sworn to see the Laws executed, but Electionering purposes are answerd by the gloss put upon

the transaction by the Jacos, which is carefully retaild in all the Democratic papers. the replies and confutation of their arguments are carefully conceald from the party who these people wish to lead blind fold— I have not a doubt but their will be a Majority in the House who will approve the conduct of the Executive; one or two more Elections will be quite sufficient I believe to convince this people that no engine can be more fatally employd than frequent popular Elections, to corrupt and destroy the Morals of the people— 3 years are now past, and we have enjoyd as much peace quiet Security and happiness, as any people can boast of. in the same period of time much more than for the three years which preceeded—our National Character has risen in the public estimation, and the public confidence has in no ways been diminished— faction has not been so turbulent nor Malice so active— the Electionering campaign I presume will bring all their forces into action—
				I send you an oration of major Jacksons, with which I think you will be pleased—and now as you observe, I hope the good Mans Spirit may rest in quiet for America has testified her gratitude & her Grief in the fullest manner, and I firmly believe with more sincerity than any people ever before felt for any Man— but when the collection of Sermons Eulogiums Poems &c are collected, more than two thirds of them will be found to have originated in N England— there from thence, did he derive his chief aid in War, and his chief and principle support, in the administration of the Government at a late festival in Kentucky, amongst a number of Jacobin toasts is one to the Memory of Genll Washington to the years 1779, and no longer by which they mean to cast a slur upon the whole of his administration of the government—but Hence wretches, to your native dens—the bogs of Ireland, the dens of scotland, and the out casts of Britain—
				Mrs smith and my little Caroline left me yesterday, to go to scotch plain’s I was very loth they should go, but could detain them no longer— I hope dr Tufts will send us his performance. I dare say it was a very judicious one—
				I have written to the Dr. I hope the Building will go on with all speed— Mr Porter the dr writes inclines to leave us this spring. I had rather they should remain untill the fall of the year—but if he determines to go, can you think of a Man and Women to take their place untill the fall I hope to return by the time their year expires, or that at all events they will stay untill I do—
				Louissa is very well and desires me to present her Duty to you. Remember me affectionatly to all my Friends— I see by the late

papers that mr Gannet is Married again. I hope miss Gannet will strive to obtain and preserve the regard of her Mother, whose Character stands high, and who will do justice to the charge she has taken upon her, from what I have heard of her—
				adieu My Dear sister my best regards to Brother Cranch, in which I am always joind by the President
				ever your affectionate / Sister

					A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 9 March 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

					My dear Mrs Smith—
					March 9th 1800 Philadelphia

				James got home safe though covered over with mud and dirt, horses and carriage up to their very ears. He got home about 4 oclock on friday. You were led into a sad mistake by Mr Bayard respecting the roads. I traveled them once in a similar state, and therefore have a greater dread of them. I told some members of Congress, that as they were not very usefully employed at present, in order to keep out of mischief they had better think of mending their ways, and I know not of any that called more for their attention than those which lie between this City and N. York. We had a full, rather than a crowded Drawing room on friday. Many inquiries were made after you. Several ladies said they should certainly have called upon you previous to your leaving Town if they had known of your going, amongst the number, were Mrs Read, Mrs Lee, and Mrs Lystone, and I should add Mrs Hamilton Harrison. on thursday Mr Bayard made a very excellent speech upon Livingstones resolutions, and on friday Mr Marshall a most masterly one, both of which I hope will be published. Yesterday Congress met to decide upon the resolutions. Nicolas spoke half an hour in support of the resolutions. Some federal members not expecting the vote to be taken until a late hour, were out amongst them Dana, Champlin, Huger, Brace, but the resolutions were negatived by 61. to 35. tomorrow I suppose we shall have the names in the papers which I will send you. It is said by those who heard Mr Marshall, that his speech was a full and decided eulogium upon the administration of the government, and the purity of its measures, that he also proved himself a great Lawyer in the Discussion. I am at a loss, to conjecture what the next

popular topic will be, the Bankrupt Bill I suppose will be used as one engine as soon as the Presidents approbation of it sanctions the Law, then the Taxation and Judiciary Bills will afford food for Faction Last night and this forenoon we have had the greatest fall of snow which has come this season, not much wind so that it is level, but I cannot say I am glad to see it. I shall be anxious until I learn that you got safe to the plains. How does Caroline bear her confinement for such it must be to her, having been accustomed to a wide range. You and I think much more than we say. It is the duty of every one to strive to be content, in whatever state they may be placed, and to be useful as far as their abilities extend, we see but a little way before us the curtain is draped between us and the future, “or who could suffer being here below”
				Love to the Col / Your truly affectionate / Mother.

					A. A