Title: Garcin to Abigail Adams, 29 October 1778
From: Garcin, M. de
To: Adams, Abigail

Madam

Octr. 29th. 1778

Give me leave to present you my Most Sincear and respectful thanks of having been so kind as to Recommend me to Mr. Smith. As we expect of going off every Moment, it has not been in my power to go to town to wait upon him myself and give him the letters. But I have taken the liberty of writing to him joining your letter to mine, Desiring him to send to Portsmouth those I intend to send in France. I hope that acording your kind Recomendation he will be pleased to do it. This will be a great obligation Confered upon me and I should be very hapy if I Could find an oportunity of being any way of som use to you. This with gratitude and Respec shall be the Santiment of Madam Your Most obedient humble Sarvent,

Garcin


Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 2 November 1778
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

Dear Sr.
Weymouth Nov. 2. 1778

I wrote to You the latter End of last July which I hope You have received before this Time, by what Vessel it was sent I am not able to say. We were then making Preparations for an Attack on Rhode Island, a fine Body of Troops were raised with great Expedition and furnished with every Thing necessary. On the 8th. of Augt. they landed on Rhode Island (under the Command of Genl. Sullivan) without Opposition the Enemy having deserted their outposts and retired to their main Fortress about a Mile from the Town. On the 9th. Our Army advanced, possessd themselves of an Eminence about 1 ½ Miles distance and went on to make regular Advances, every thing seemd to promise Success, Count De Estang covering the Seige with his Shipping and every thing was preparing for a general Attack, the Fleet to attack on one Side, a Body of the Counts Troops to enter the Town whilst our Army would act on another side. It was the general Opinion that a few Days would give them the entire Possession of the Enemys Works.—On the 12th. P.M. Howes Fleet from New York appeared off, Count De Estang immediately went in pursuit of them, Howe put to sea, the Count pursued the Chase. In the Night a most violent Storm at N.E. came on—the 13th the Storm was furious, the Wind blew almost an Hurricane, a more violent Wind and Rain I scarce ever remember, it threw down Fences, beat down the Corn and tore up many Trees, scarce any Apples were left on the Trees especially on the north East Side. Not a Twentieth part of the Cyder has been made this Year that has been made in the scarcest Season that I ever remember. In the Middle of September in every Orchard Many of the Trees on the north east side were in blow and green Apples are now to be found on many Trees. I saw several Rods of Province Rose Bushes three Weeks agone full blown, the Season having been very warm almost ever since the Storm.—But to return, the Siege was carried on with Vigour, the Return of the Fleet was dayly expected—this however did not take Place untill the 18th. or 19th. Their distant Appearance gave Joy, but when they came in they were found to be in a shatterd Condition, the Admirals ship dismasted in the Storm and the whole sufferd greatly, the Cesar missing (she parted from the Fleet and got into Boston). A Council was held on Board the Fleet and it was determined to sail for Boston and there refit. A Part of the Fleet could not be left, as their orders from the King were to keep together. This was rather mortifying to our Army. (However though the Fleet immediately set sail for Boston) the Seige was continued untill on the 28th. orders were given to remove all the Cannon, Stores &c. to Butts Hill about a Mile from the Ferry leaving behind a party of Men to amuse the Enemy. This was effected on the Evening of the 28th. without the Loss of any Thing. Towards Morning of the 29th. the whole Body of the Enemy came out, attacked the Party, they retreated the Enemy pursuing untill they approached near the main Body of our Army, which brought on a very obstinate Engagement. At length the Enemy gave Way and in their Turn retreated leaving many slain and Wounded. Intelligence of a large Reinforcement coming from New York induced General Sullivan on the 30th. to leave the Island which was accomplished without leaving any thing behind or without any Opposition from the Enemy. The Reinforcement arrived the next Day. The Enemys Account of their Loss during the Seige and the Battle of the 29th. is about 300—other Accounts say not much short of 1000. Ours amounted to about 200 as near as I can collect in the Slain, wounded and missing. I have given You as succinct an Account of this Expedition as I am able and should have enlarged had Time permitted. I hardly know an Event that gives us a more striking Proof that Providence gives Victory to whomsoever he will. A Storm shall block the best concerted Plan and the most promising Appearances shall end in Disappointment, Sic Deus voluit Amen.
The Convention Troops are orderd to the Back Parts of Maryland and Virginia and are to march this Week. This is said to be in consequence of General Clintons informing Genl. Washington that the Convention was broke and that his Master would not any longer pay for their Support.—This is the news of the Day, but of this You will have more authentic Intelligence.—Yours and our Connections are in Health. Remember me to Yr. Son. Accept the affectionate Regards of Yr. Friend.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 November 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Novr. 6 1778

We have received Information that so many of our Letters have been thrown overboard, that I fear you will not have heard so often from me, as both of us wish.

I have written often. But my Letters have not been worth so much as other Things which I have sent you. I sent you a small Present by Captain Niles. But he is taken by a Jersey Privateer. I sent you also, some other Things by Captain Barnes, and what affects me quite as much, I sent the Things that my dear Brother Cranch requested me to send, by the same Vessells. These Vessells were chosen because they were fast Sailers, and so small as to be able to see Danger before they could be seen, but all is taken and sent into Guernsy and Jersy.
By Captain Tucker I sent you the whole of the List you gave me of Articles for the Family. These I hope have arrived safe. But I have been so unlucky, that I feel averse to meddling in this Way. The whole Loss is a Trifle it is true: but to you, in the Convenience of the Family, and to Mr. Cranch in his Business they would have been of Value. If the Boston arrives, the little Chest she carries to you will be of service.
My Anxiety for you and for the public is not diminished by Time or Distance. The great Number of accidental Dissappointments in the Course of the last summer are afflicting. But We hope for better Luck another Year.
It seems to be the Intention of Heaven, that We should be taught the full Value of our Liberty by the dearness of the Purchase, and the Importance of public Virtue by the Necessity of it. There seems to be also a further Design, that of eradicating forever from the Heart of every American, every tender Sentiment towards Great Britain, that We may sometime or other know how to make the full Advantage of our Independence by more extensive Connections with other Countries.
Whatever Syren songs of Peace may be sung in your Ears, you may depend upon it from me, (who unhappily have been seldom mistaken in my Guesses of the Intentions of the British Government for fourteen Years,) that every malevolent Passion, and every insidious Art, will predominate in the British Cabinet against Us.
Their Threats of Russians, and of great Reinforcements, are false and impracticable and they know them to be so: But their Threats of doing Mischief with the Forces they have, will be verified as far as their Power.
It is by no means pleasant to me, to be forever imputing malicious Policy to a Nation, that I have ever wished and still wish I could esteem: But Truth must be attended to: and almost all Europe, the Dutch especially, are at this day talking of G. Britain in the style of American sons of Liberty.

I hope the unfortunate Events at Rhode Island will produce no Heart Burnings, between our Countrymen and the Comte D’Estaing, who is allowed by all Europe to be a great and worthy Officer, and by all that know him to be a zealous friend of America.
I have enjoyed uncommon Health, since my Arrival in this Country and if it was Peace, and my family here, I could be happy. But never never shall I enjoy happy days, without either.
My little son gives me great Pleasure, both by his Assiduity to his Books and his discreet Behaviour. The Lessons of his Mamma are a constant Law to him, and the Reflexion that they are so to his sister and Brothers, are a never failing Consolation to me at Times when I feel more tenderness for them, than Words can express, or than I should choose to express if I had Power.
Remember me, in the most affectionate Manner to our Parents, Brothers, Sisters, Unkles, Aunts, and what shall I say—Children.
My Respects where they are due, which is in so many Places that I cannot name them.
With Regard to my Connections with the Public Business here, which you will be naturally inquisitive to know something of, I can only say that We have many Disagreable Circumstances here, many Difficulties to accomplish the Wishes of our Constituents, and to give Satisfaction to certain half anglified Americains, and what is more serious and affecting to real and deserving Americans who are suffering in England and escaping from thence: But from this Court, this City, and Nation I have experienced nothing, but uninterupted Politeness.

It is not possible for me to express more Tenderness and Affection to you than will be suggested by the Name of
John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 – 23 November 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

Braintree, 12–23 November 1778

I have taken up my pen again to relieve the anxiety of a Heart too susceptable for its own repose, nor can I help complaining to my Dearest Friend that his painfull absence is not as formerly alleiviated by the tender tokens of his Friendship, 3 very short Letters only have reachd my Hands during 9 months absence.
I cannot be so unjust to his affection as to suppose he has not wrote much oftener and more perticularly, but must sit down to the Score of misfortune that so few have reachd me.
I cannot charge myself with any deficiency in this perticular as I have never let an opportunity slip without writing to you since we parted, tho you make no mention of having received a line from me; if they are become of so little importance as not to be worth noticeing with your own Hand, be so kind as to direct your Secretary
I will not finish the sentance, my Heart denies the justice of the acqusation, nor does it believe your affection in the least diminished by distance or absence, but my Soul is wounded at a Seperation from you, and my fortitude all dissolved in frailty and weakness. When I cast my Eye thoughts across the Atlantick and view the distance, the dangers and Hazards which you have already passd through, and to which you must probably be again exposed, e’er we shall meet, the Time of your absence unlimitted, all all conspire to cast a Gloom over my solitary hours, and bereave me of all domestick felicity. In vain do I strive to through of throw off in the company of my Friends some of the anxiety of my Heart, it increases in proportion to my endeavours to conceal it; the only alleiviation I know of would be a frequent intercourse by Letters unrestrained by the apprehension of their becomeing food for our Enemies. The affection I feel for my Friend is of
the tenderest kind, matured by years, sanctified by choise and approved by Heaven. Angles can witness to its purity, what care I then for the Ridicule of Britains should this testimony of it fall into their Hands, nor can I endure that so much caution and circumspection on your part should deprive me of the only consolor of your absence—a consolation that our Enemies enjoy in a much higher degree than I do, Many of them having received 3 or 4 Letters from their Friends in England to one that I have received from France.

Thus far I wrote more than ten days ago, my mind as you will easily see far from tranquil, and my Heart so wounded by the Idea of inattention that the very Name of my Dearest Friend would draw tears from me. Forgive me for harbouring an Idea so unjust, to your affection. Were you not dearer to me than all this universe contains beside, I could not have sufferd as I have done, But your Letters of April 12, of June 3 and June 16 calmd my Soul to peace. I cannot discribe the Effect they had upon me, cheerfullness and tranquility took place of greif and anxiety. I placed them Next my Heart and soothed myself to rest with the tender assurences of a Heart all my own.
I was not a little mortified to find that the few Lines wrote by way of Holland were the only ones you had received from me, when I had wrote many sheets of paper long before that time and sent by so many different hands that I thought you must have heard often from me, and led me to suppose that many of your Letters to me must have shared the same fate.

But this circumstance will make me more cautious how I suffer such cruel Ideas to haunthound me again. Tis the 23 of November now. Count Estaing has saild near a fortnight, Biron with 15 sail lay upon the watch for him, but a very terrible Storm prevented the Count from sailing, and shatterd Birons Fleet, 11 Sail only have arrived at Newport, the Somerset was lost upon Nantucket Shoals. I fed many of the prisoners upon their march to Boston. About 40 were drowned, the rest deliverd themselves as prisoners. The two other ships which are missing were supposed to be lost there, as the Hulks appear and a 50 gun ship which came out with Biron from England has not been heard of since. Thus they have made a fine voyage of watching dEstaing, lost 3 capital ships, never saw the French Fleet, returnd into port with one Ship dismasted and the rest much damaged.
Heaven continue to be propitious to our Friends and allies for whom I have contracted a most sincere regard. If chastity, temperance, industery, frugality, sobriety and purity of morals, added to politeness and complasance can entitle any people to Friendship and respect, the Behaviour of this whole Fleet whilst they lay in this harbour which was more than two months, demand from every unprejudiced person an acknowledgment of their merrit. If I ever had any national prejudices they are done away and I am ashamed to own I was ever possessd of so narrow a spirit—and I blush to find so many of my country men possessd with such low vulgar prejudices and capable of such mean reflections as I have heard thrown out against the Nation of our allies though the unblamable conduct of this Fleet left them not one personal reflexion to cast.
Let me Imitate and instill it into my children the Liberal Spirit of that great Man who declared he had no Local attachments. It is indifferent to me says he whether a man is rocked in his cradle on this Side of the Tweed, or on that, I seek for merrit whereever it is to be found. Detested be national reflexions, they are unjust.


Title: James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 14 November 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, Abigail

My dear Lady

Sat. Eveng. 14th. of Novr. 1778

Having a good Opportunity, I now forward those Things which were left at York Town by your worthy Husband. I have never yet got the Box of Papers which were carried away by Mr. Sprout’s Family. They consigned the Box to a most careful Man, Mr. Houston who has promised to send it to me. But perhaps it will be a Thing convenient to the Carrier of what is now with me to call at Princeton for the other Property. I took a memorandum of the Contents of the Chest delivered to me by Mrs. Clymar on the day I received it. Perhaps Mr. Adams may have done so at his Departure for Home.
As the Box is not full, I am now thinking to make one Package of Mr. A’s, Mr. Dana’s and some Articles of my own which will be of use to my poor Boys. I have cast my Eye upon a Box that will answer such a Purpose. The Box though rougher than Mr. A.’s will be as useful in a Family Way. I am yet undecided; but shall let Mrs. Lovell know, by a few Lines, my Decision when made. I mean solely at this Time to name the Articles.
a Brown Summer Coat & Jacket
a Black Cloth Suit
a Nankin Coat & two Pr. of Breeches
a pr. of Cotton Velvet Breeches
a pr. of Buckskin do.
a pr. of Black Silk Stockings
a pr. of Shoes
a pr. of Mittens
a Steel Swivel for an Hanger
2d. Vol. of Symes’s Military Guide
2 Vols. on Horsemanship in French
3 Vols. of Vertot’s Revolutions
1 Vol. Molesworths account of Denmarc
Horace in Vellum
Tully’s Epistles do.
Thoughts on Government—Marble
Not a line from Mr. A—— up to the 12th. of Augst. tho’ I have written to him 14 Times. I shall write again on Monday. I know that several Vessels going hence have failed.—Believe me continuing your affectionate humble Servant,

James Lovell


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 November 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Novr. 27. 1778

Mr. Brown is here, and I cannot miss the Opportunity by him, to write you a Line.
I know not how often you receive Letters from me, so many are taken, or sunk: but I write as often as I can.
I have received some Letters from you, which will occasion your Name to be classed with Mrs. McCaulay and Madame Dacier for ought I know. Johnny is very well. Stevens had a fall Yesterday which hurt him a little: but not very badly. He is in a good Way this Morning. The Things inclosed which were a present to me you will do as you please with.
Europe is the dullest Place in the World. No News but the Lyes, which the Emmissaries of England are making and spreading, in every Part. We get no News from Congress or any Part of America.
By some Hints in some Letters which I have heard of I expect that the first Vessells will bring us News of some new Regulations of Congress, concerning foreign Affairs.—It is said that Congress have determined to have but one Commissioner at this Court. If this is true, as I suppose it is as it comes from Mr. Deane, I am uncertain what is to be done with me. It is said that I am to be sent to some other Court, and that the Dr. is to be here alone. If this should be the Case, I shall be puzzled what to do.
The Motives of Congress are very good to save Expences, but this Motive will not have its Effect, if I am to be maintained here, in Idleness, or sent upon my Travells to other Countries, where I shall not be received, which would be the most painfull situation imaginable to me. In this Case I should be at a Loss, whether to return home immediately or wait untill I could write to Congress and obtain Leave.—Some of my friends here are of opinion that I ought not to return without Leave. I would not take any step that should give any just Cause of offence, to Congress or the People. But I cannot eat Pensions and Sinecures, they would stick in my Throat.
I wish some honest Vessell would arrive and remove my Doubts.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Decr. 2 1778

Last Night an Express from M. De Sartine, whose Politeness upon this Occasion, was very obliging, brought me your Letters of September 29 and Octr. 10.
The Joy which the Receipt of these Packets afforded me, was damped, by the disagreable Articles of Intelligence, but still more so by the Symptoms of Grief and Complaint, which appeared in the Letters. For Heavens Sake, my dear dont indulge a Thought that it is possible for me to neglect, or forget all that is dear to me in this World.
It is impossible for me to write as I did in America. What should I write? It is not safe to write any Thing, that one is not willing should go into all the Newspapers of the World.—I know not by whom to write. I never know what Conveyance is safe.—Vessells may have arrived without Letters from me. I am 500 Miles from Bourdeaux and not much less distant from Nantes. I know nothing of many Vessells that go from the Seaports, and if I knew of all there are some that I should not trust. Notwithstanding this, I have written to you, not much less I believe than fifty Letters. I am astonished that you have received no more. But almost every Vessell has been taken. Two Vessells by which I sent Goods to you for the Use of your Family and one by which I sent Mr. Cranches Things, We know have been taken, in every one of these I sent large Packetts of Letters and Papers for Congress, for you and for many Friends. God knows I dont spend my Time, in Idleness, nor in gazing at Curiosities. I never wrote more Letters, however empty they may have been. But by what I hear they have been all or nearly all taken or sunk.
My Friends complain that they have not received Letters from me. I may as well complain. I have received scarcely any Letters, from America. I have written three, where I have received one. From my Friend Mr. A. I have received only one short Card—from Mr. Gerry not a syllable—from Mr. Lovell only two or three very short.—What shall I say? I doubt not they have written oftener—but Letters miscarry. Drs. Cooper and Gordon write to Dr. F. not to me.
My Friend Warren has been good as usual, I have received several fine long Letters full of Sound sense, Usefull Intelligence and Reflexions as virtuous as wise, as usual, from him. I have answered them and written more, but whether they arrive I know not.
I approve very much of your draught upon me, in favour of your Cousin. The Moment it arrives it shall be paid. Draw for more as you may have Occasion. But make them give you Silver for your Bills.
Your Son is the Joy of my Heart, without abating in the least degree of my Affection for the young Rogue that did not seem as if he had a Father, or his Brother or sister. Tell Nabby, her Pappa likes her the better for what she tells her Brother, vizt. that she dont talk much, because I know she thinks and feels the more.—I hope the Boston has arrived—she carried many Things for you.
Last Night a Friend from England brought me the Kings Speech. Their Delirium continues, and they go on with the War, but the Speech betrays a manifest Expectation that Spain will join against them, and the Debates betray a dread of Holland. They have Reason for both.
They have not, and cannot get an Ally. They cannot send any considerable Reinforcement to America.
Your Reflections upon the Rewards of the Virtuous Friends of the public are very just. But if Virtue was to be rewarded with Wealth it would not be Virtue. If Virtue was to be rewarded with Fame, it would not be Virtue of the sublimest Kind. Who would not rather be Fabricius than Caesar? Who would not rather be Aristides, than even William the 3d? Who? Nobody would be of this Mind but Aristides and Fabricius.
These Characters are very rare, but the more prescious. Nature has made more Insects than Birds, more Butterflys than Eagles, more Foxes than Lyons, more Pebbles than Diamonds. The most excellent of her Productions, both in the physical, intellectual and moral World, are the most rare.—I would not be a Butterfly because Children run after them, nor because the dull Phylosophers boast of them in their Cabinets.
Have you ever read J. J. Rousseau. If not, read him—your Cousin Smith has him. What a Difference between him and Chesterfield, and even Voltaire? But he was too virtuous for the Age, and for Europe—I wish I could not say for another Country.

I am much dissappointed in not receiving Dispatches from Congress by this Opportunity. We expect Alterations in the Plan here. What will be done with me I cant conjecture. If I am recalled, I will endeavour to get a safe Opportunity, home. I will watch the proper Season and look out for a good Vessell. And if I can get safe to Penns Hill, shall never repent of my Voyage to Europe, because I have gained an Insight into several Things that I never should have understood without it.
I pray you to remember me with every Sentiment of Tenderness, Duty and Affection, to your Father and my Mother, Your and my Brothers and Sisters, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and every Body else that you know deserves it. What shall I say too and of my dear young Friends by your Fireside, may God almighty bless them, and make them wise.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 2 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

My Dear Daughter
Passy December 2d, 1778

In your letter to your brother, which is a very pretty one, you express a wish that you understood French. At your age, it is not difficult to learn that language; patience and perseverance is all that is wanting.
There are two ways, which are sure. One is to transcribe, every day, some passages from the best authors. Another is to conjugate the verbs, in writing, through all the modes and tenses and persons, both of the active and passive voice. If you are resolute to practise this every day, you are sure of the language in no long time. I have made your brother do this, and write the English in every person against the French, so that he has sometimes filled two sheets of paper in conjugating one verb. In this practice he has had great success.
I shall not lay down any rules for your behaviour in life, because I know the steadiness of your mind, your modesty and discretion; and you cannot find in this world, in my opinion, a better preceptor than your mamma, both in her precepts and examples.
I have so many things to do, and so many cares upon my mind, that I cannot write to you so often as I wish: but I should take great pleasure in receiving letters from you. I am, with the tenderest affection, my dear daughter, Your father,

John Adams


Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 3 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

Dear Sir
Passy Decr. 3 1778

I have the Pleasure of yours of the 5th. of August, for which I am much obliged to you. It is a great Satisfaction to me to be informed, of the Particulars which are enumerated in your Letter, upon which the Happiness of the People and their Exertions in the Cause so much depend.
I am not able to inform you of any News, except what the News Papers contain. Those inclosed, contain some Things that perhaps are not in any other. I wish you would lend them to the Printers as soon as possible.
Remember me to Mrs. Tufts and Mr. Cranch and all the Family. My son is very well, and I hope will not be the Worse for coming to Europe. Yet I will not trust him here long. The Manners of Europe are enough to debauch Angells.

I am, dear sir, with great Affection and Esteem.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Decr. 9 1778

I cannot let this opportunity slip without sending you a Line, but the Gentleman waits and it can be but a Line. I have ordered you some Wine as you desired and a Present of some Tea and sugar—But cant tell you by what Vessell it will go.
All Well. No Hopes of Peace, at least in my Mind. We must be taught to set an higher Value upon our Liberties before We shall obtain them.
We are extreamly anxious to know the Fate and Destination of D’Estaing and Biron, but have no News from Boston later than 5 Novr., or rather the 4, I believe. Of Clinton and Washington We know nothing a long time.


Title: Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 10 December 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

Braintree December 10 1778

Nothing but a very bad soar finger has withheld my Hand from writing to my Friend, and telling her that I most sincerely sympathize with her in the late melancholy dispensation of providence towards her, an Event tho not unexpected yet when we are calld to the trial of resigning our dear Friends to the Grave Nature will recoil, and the Beleif of a Glorious immortality can only support the anguish of a bleeding Heart, or bring the mind quietly to submit to the allotments of Heaven.
From this and other sources you have reason for consolation. Your parent had lived to a good old age with Honour and reputation, the recollection of his virtues will embalm his memory to you.

“The sweet remembrance of the just
Shall flourish when they sleep in Dust.”

Nor am I unmindfull of my Friend or less disposed to sympathize with her in an other call which she will soon have to exert her fortitude; this life is well termd a checkerd state; tis wisely orderd so, since with all the visisitudes we pass through we are still strongly attached to it. I rejoice with my Friend that she has the best of Earthly comforts to support her, and console her, through the painfull task to which she is call’d, there is such a cheering influence, in the Bosom of a Friend, that those only who are deprived of it, can truly estimate its worth.
The most Forlorn and Dismal of all states is that of widowhood. How often does my Heart bleed at thinking how nearly my own Situation is allied to that, nor can I sometimes refrain from wishing that the wisdom of the continent had made choise of some person whose seperation from his partner would have been little or no pain, or mortification—many such might have been found I dare say. Heaven can witness for me that I judge not by my own feelings, but from the conduct of too many of my sex.
Two Letters I have had the pleasure of receiving since I saw you, the latest date 27 of August.
Never says the writer was the Spirit of a Nation higher than the French, never Nation had more cause for Dejection than England, persons from England say that the General opinion is that Independance will be agree’d to, but be not Deceived—it is time enough to believe it when it is fact. He adds do not be anxious about Spain, nor any thing else. Let us sing, O be joyfull! I fancy the writer has imbibed some of the Spirit of the Nation from the climate, he appears to be in high Spirits.
This Letter was wrote more than ten days ago, but my finger was so bad that I could not finish it. I now propose sending it by my Daughter who earnestly hopes to see Plimouth tomorrow. I commit her to the care of a Friend who I hope will advise, admonish and direct her, with the same freedom she would one of her own. Tho large in stature, she is young in years.
My best regards to our worthy suffering Friend Mrs. Lothrope. I never see her but she brings to my mind Shakespears

“Patience on a Monument smiling at Grief.”

Love attend Master Henery with his smileing countanance and Master George with his Grave Senatorial face.
You will be so good as to write often to me. I shall endeavour to fullfill my promise whenever any thing offers worth communicating from your Sincere Friend,

Portia


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Decr. 10 1778

It is now my Turn to complain. Last night We had great Packetts from the Council, but no Line from you. If Vessells sail from Boston, within four Leagues of you, without your Knowledge, is it to be wondered that Vessells 500 Miles from me should sail without mine. What is more striking, altho our Plymouth Friend had just received a Letter from me, I have no Line from him. We are not yet so happy, as to learn from Congress, what they have done upon foreign Affairs. We expect Intelligence every Moment—I hope it will arrive, before the Fleet of Merchant Vessells sails, which is going out, that I may be able to inform you, how I shall be disposed of.
We are now inquisitive to know where Clinton is gone, and D’Estaing. It is given out in England that Clinton is gone to Carolina. The British Fleet in Europe makes but a poor Figure. Their Privateers have taken a great many Prizes, but the Kings ships come off, second best.
You wish you had ventured with me—I wish you was here—no I dont, I wish I was there. But I assure you I know not how you could have lived thro the Voyage. I often asked myself, what should I do if a certain Lady was with me. You can have no Adequate Idea of our Voyage.
Did I ever tell you that Governor Wentworth made me a Visit to clear up his Character. He declared to me upon his Honour, that he never wrote the Letters that were published in his Name, and that he never directly nor indirectly, had any Concern in Counterfeiting Continental Bills or New Hampshire Bills, or any other Paper Money. He desired me to let Mr. Apthorp know that he was well. I since hear, he has got a Pension of 500 a Year. A poor Pittance for a Governor to live on in London—especially with his Extravagant Humour. You are studying French I hope. Oh that I had studyed it, you know when.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 December 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son

December 15 1778

I have a very bad soar finger and it pains me to write, yet a few lines I must write to my dear son to tell him that he is never forgotton by his Mamma, tho he does not receive a Letter every time his pappa does.
Many Letters to and from you are lost I make no doubt or I should certainly hear oftner. Barns by whom you say you wrote a very long Letter has not arrived and is supposed to be lost or taken. The 27 of August is the Latest date I have received from your pappa, and that was brought by Mr. Ingersol.
There is no present half so acceptable as Letters from my dear absent Friends. I long for them with an impatience that I find difficult to restrain. You have been very good in writing, but are not so perticular as I wish you was.
Your Sister and Brothers are well and have lately wrote to you, your Grandpapa and Grandmamma are well and desire to be rememberd to you. Let Stevens know that his Friends are well, and that he has a son about 6 weeks old, suppose his conscience will tell him who the Mother is.
Nothing New has taken place with us since the French Fleet saild, except a British ship the Somerset, being wrecked upon the cape. The captain and most of the Men were saved and are prisoners. The Guns were saved and many other valuable Effects.
It has been a very tempestous fall, many of the severest storms I ever knew, and a very cold winter threatens us. The climate of France is more temperate than that of America. Your sister longs to make a voyage there, if she was of the other sex I should encourage her, and perhaps send her in the New frigate call’d the Alliance which will bring this to you. Gen’ll. Warrens son is Lieut. of Marines on Board, and I have heard the Marquiss Fayet designs going home in her if he leaves America her Blessing will follow him, for he is much Esteemed here, and may he reap in his own country the Lawrels he has merritted here.

I am my dear Son with affection and regard your Mamma,
Abigail Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Decr. 27 1778

Mr. Greenleaf is about to set off, towards Nantes and from thence to Boston.
Last Night, I walked to Paris and saw the Illumination for the Birth of the Princess Maria Theresa Charlotta, Fille du Roi—Splendid indeed. My little Friend who was with me will write you a Description of it. The Military school, the Hospital of Invalids and the Palace of Bourbon, were beautiful and sublime indeed, as much so as an Illumination can be. I could scarcely have conceived that an Illumination could have such an Effect. I suppose the Expence of this is a Million of Livres. As much as I respect this Country, particularly the King and Royal Family I could not help reflecting how many Families, in another Country would this Tallow make happy for Life, how many Privateers would this Tallow fit out, for chasing away the Jerseymen and making Reprisals on Messrs. Les Anglois.—But Taste will have its Way in this Country.
The Queen and her illustrious Infant are very well, and this Nation is very happy to have discovered a Way, by which a Dauphin may come to them next Year, or the Year after.
The King and Queen are greatly beloved here—every day shews fresh Proofs of it.
On the other side the Channel there is a King, who is in a fair Way to be the object of opposite sentiments, to a Nation, if he is not at present.
If Keppell should be destroyed in Life or Reputation, I shall expect to hear that all Restraints are taken off, and Passions allowed to sport themselves without Reserve. Keppell told the King he would not fight against America—an unpardonable offence. He will be ruined if possible. However I think that Keppell was wrong even to accept a Command against the French. If Britain is wrong in this War against America, she is wrong in that vs. the French, for France and America have the same Object in View and no other. France is right if America is right, because France only assisted the American Cause for which John Bull abused and fought her. But John will come off wretchedly. He will be beat. He has been beat. There have been more British Men of War already taken and destroyed, than they lost in two former Wars, and more sailors Prisoners.


Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 1 January 1779
From: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)
To: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch

My Dear Friend
Plymouth jan 1 1779

I take my pen to perform my promice of writing to you and to wish you a happy new year may heaven pour down those blessings upon you that will make this life agreable

this is an unsertain World we know not what a day may bringh forth & when we think we are in the utmost dainger we may be in the least
Mrs. Waren has lately had a severe trial of her fortitude A Son as it ware raisd from the arms of death in that voielent Storm of last saturday her Son Charles was no more than a mile from the shore comeing from Boston in a little sloop expecting every moment to go to the Bottom, but surpriseingly his Life was spaird and he arived safe on his native shore on sunday Morning:
In the same storm the Brig General Annould belonging to Col. Sears and Company wrect and seventy Men frose to death there never was so mallonclery an event took place in this harbour before—we have heard of other damages.
I belive this letter will give you the dumps if you are free from them when you receive it—
I dont know whether this will find you at Braintree Germantown or Boston if you are at Germantown I suppose you are very happy in the company of that Worthy family a letter from either place will be very accepttable to your Sincere Friend

Mercella

PS in some future letter I shall give you some account of the white chaimber the sun is now shineing into it & looks very pleasant


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 January 1779
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

My Dearest Friend

Janry. 2 1779

You have directed me to draw Bills upon you for what Money I want, and add, that if my Bills are scrupled, to get them indorsed. I thank you sir, but I have no occasion for an indorser. My credit will last here; till it fails upon the other side of the water, I should find no difficulty in selling many more Bills than you would chuse to pay. I have had various applications to me for Bills, but not a single six pence can I get of substantial coin. That is kept up as choise as the life Blood; if our currency was two weeks together upon the same footing, I should not so much regard receiving it for Bills. Merchants do not care to buy small Bills, and if I draw for more than I have immediate use for, it sinks in my hands.
Remittances made in goods, provided it could be done with any safety, will fetch hard Money, or may be parted with as occasion requires. Every article either of Merchandise or provision has been rising for this Month. I had occasion for a Sum of Money to discharge my last years accounts and to provide some family stores, which has obliged me to draw a Bill upon you in favour of Mr. Blodget who is in the Alliance, to the amount of a 100 pounds which added to the Bill I drew in favour of Smith and Codman amounts to 2 hundred pounds Lawfull Money.
I hope you will not think me extravagant, I could account for the expenditure of every shilling to your satisfaction; I will give you one instance of prices here. Yesterday I gave 12 pounds Lawfull Money for one pound of Bohea tea and 14 pounds of ordinary brown sugar. Our crops were so cut of by the drought, and distroyed by the Storm, that 23 Bushels of corn is the sum total of my last years crop. Not a single Barrel of cider was made upon the Farm. I do not exaggerate when I say that 100 and hundreds of families have not a mouth full of Bread to eat. Grain is not to be had at any rate in this State and the Embargoes of other States, has hitherto prevented any supplies.
My determination was, that the Bills I had already drawn should answer all the purposes of the last year; but last Night Mr. Williams the Bearer of this Letter, and your former pupil, applied to me for a Bill in his favour, but I declined, as I had lately made so large a Draught, and had paper sufficent for all my present Demands. He then offerd me ten guineas if I would draw a Bill for them. As I knew I should be no loser by having hard money in my Hands I consented to draw for that, and have accordingly given him a Bill. Both my unkle and Genll. Warren had been trying a month for me, but not a shining morsal could they procure for me, nor will they give near so much in paper as dollors sell for, which I think a very great hardship. If on any occasion I should be offerd gold and silver for Bills I shall venture to draw, but will not exceed 2 hundred Lawfull Money yearly if I can posibly avoid it—and if I should receive the articles you say you have orderd for me, I may not perhaps have occasion for near that Sum. I have given to Mr. Williams a List of articles nearly the same which I have sent to you and if you give him leave, he will purchase and convey them to me, he has also promised to take perticular care to convey any Letters you may wish to send from time to time. The publick packet in which Capt. Ayers went to France arrived at Cape Ann, and was in the most voilent Storm ever known here, drove ashore, happily no one perish’d. Capt. Ober who I find now commands her, has not got to Boston yet. I expect Letters by him—what shall I attribute it to if I have not? My dissapointment will be great, yet should their be a paper addressed to me, and enclosed should I find what may properly be termd a Letter, my agreable dissapointment will be great indeed. Surely I have been the most unfortunate person in the world, to loose every Letter you have wrote me since your absence, and to receive only a few lines at various times wrote in the greatest haste, containing only the state of your Health, perhaps making mention of your Son and Servant and then concluding abruptly yours.
I determine very soon to coppy and adopt the very concise method of my Friend—and as I wish to do every thing agreable to him, send him Billits containing not more than a dozen lines at the utmost Especially as paper has grown so dear, which will afford some coulour of an excuse to his most affectionate

Portia

PS Mr. Williams goes in the vessel calld the 3 Friends. I wrote Letters by her a month ago and supposed she was gone. My Love to my Son he will find letters for him on board the same vessel.


Title: Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 4 January 1779
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Lovell, James

Dear Sir

Janry. 4 1779

May I be permitted to call of your attention from the important and weighty concerns of State to answer me a Question in which I feel myself interested. I find by some late intelligence which I have collected that there is a New arrangement of the commissioners, Doctor Franklin being appointed Minister plenipotentiary for France, Mr. Lee for Spain. My query is where is my Friend to be placed?
I would fain hope not at a greater Distance than he is at present. The publick service may require a removal, to that service he is devoted, and must attend it where ever it can best be promoted, whilst I must endeavour to act the part allotted to my Sex—patience and submission—a Lesson I ought to be well versed in since I have been so often call’d to the Exercise of it.
I wish to know if any vessels have arrived at the Southard from France by which you have received Letters from my Friend. This day compleats 10 months since he left his own habitation, during the whole of this time I have heard from him only 5 times, his last date 27 of August near four months ago. This is a painfull situation and my patience is sometimes nearly exhausted; I should complain more but that I am conscious I am writing to a Gentleman who lives in the continual practise of mortification and self denial, having already been absent from his family near two years, tho the frequent intercourse by Letters must greatly lessen the pains of absence.
If my Friend should be removed from France it is not likely that I should be able to hear even so often as I have done. The climate is perticularly agreable to his Health and the Manners of the people greatly changed for the better during the present Reign, and their Sentiments both in Religion and politicks are much more liberal than they formerly were).
Since Mr. Thaxter left Philadelphia I have scarcly seen a publick paper, or known any thing that has past in the Capital of America, as it is termd but why I know not unless the residence of your high Mightinesses there should make it so. Some of the Mighty ones of the Earth appear to be at varience and tell sad stories of each other. The publick will not sit down easy from the present disposition which appears among them unless an Eclarismong takes place with regard to the charges exhibited by Mr. Dean. Surely he would not have advanced such articles as he has unless he had the proofs in his Hand’s.
It is a very great misfortune that persons imployd in the most important Departments should be at varience with each other, or should have seperate interests from the publick whom they profess to serve. Ceasars wife ought not to be suspected.
Am I entitled to the journals of Congress, if you think so I should be much obliged to you if you would convey them to me.
I want to be resolved in an other question, what shall we do with our currency? I fear it will be a Hurculean labour to extricate it out of its present forlorn condition. There is a universal uneasiness with regard to it and some are speculating one project, some another.
If the Embargo should cease this month Mr. Lovell will not be unmindfull of his assured Friend and Humble Servant,

Portia


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 January 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Jany. 18. 1779

A Gentleman, Mr. Boardman of Newbury Port, is going, and by him I send you a few Lines.
In England nothing is talked of, but Admiral Keppell, whom they are daily trying by a Court Martial. His Defence, I suppose is our security, viz. the shattered Condition of their Navy.
They are almost ripe for cutting each others Throats to all Appearance, yet they are about sending Reinforcements to America. But they cant send many.
Here, they are silently preparing for your Assistance. Patience and Perseverance, will finally obtain what We wish.
I am quite unwell, with one of my violent Colds. But I walk ten miles a day to cure it.
I never was so embarrassed, in writing to you in my Life. I never know what security I have against appearing in the News Papers, and I assure you I dont wish to see any more of my Love Letters there.
I have been here in a State of total Suspence and Uncertainty, these three Months. Not one Word can We get from Congress. No News here from the Comte since his Departure from Boston.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 January 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest
Passy Jany. 19. 1779

I can only tell you that I am not well. A bad Cold only. The others are all well.
Not a Word of News from any Part. None from America a long time, i.e. since Mr. Cheever and Sears sailed. None from Congress this Age. Mr. Gridley, Cheever and Sears, brought me only a Line from your Uncle and a Duplicate from Mr. Cushing. These I answered before.


Title: James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 19 January 1779
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, Abigail

Jan. 19. 1779

Yes, lovely Portia, you have written to one “who lives in the continual practice of mortification and self denial,” who therefore can and does most “feelingly commiserate your situation.”
I am pleased when You speak of my disinterested attachment to the public weal: for, I know you judge from Sensibilities to which the herd of worldlings are intire strangers. They would stare at your opinion, and gravely ask “what Fortune does he sacrifice.”
I fear not, from you, the tax of vanity when I hope my example may tend to strengthen your Patience. I will fortify my own by looking up to your dearest Friend, whom even the worldling will own to be a striking pattern.
You say ’tis near 11 months since he left Braintree. I find myself relieved by that period from a certain anxiety, which was founded on my tenderness towards your dear Sex that Mr. A’s rigid patriotism had overcome. He used, in that Spirit, to contemplate with pleasure, a circumstance in you, the like of which in Mrs. Lovell aggravated my absence from home, exceedingly. In spight therefore of his past reproofs to me, I will take pleasure in your Escape.

You may be assured, dear Lady, that not a line for you has arrived here, or any thing material to the public under your Husband’s hand, or I should have communicated both the one, and the other so far as proper, to you speedily.
From the minutes now on my table, I can only mention the Receipt of short letters from him of Apr. 28. Aug. 12. 14. 21. Before I seal, I shall be in the Secretary’s office, and will add other dates, if I find them. Personally, I have not had a single line of answer, tho my almanac proves I have written 16 or 18 times to him. He is right in his short letters: The quarrels of others are as fiery Beacons to his prudence.
I am sorry you do not see all the papers from this quarter. The vanity of a late Envoy will work its own destruction. His chief antagonist here, tho indiscreet at times, is an overmatch for him in the scribling way. The Lees are men of Probity as well as Science; and the advantage of speaking of them behind their backs will not turn out so great as was at first hoped by the Innuendo-Man; so R. H. Lee quaintly terms Mr. Deane.
Arthur Lee has no Commission but what Mr. Adams helped to give him 18. Months ago. There is no particular destination yet made of Mr. A——, but there will be, shortly. I think Party can hurl no Dart against his Honor.
I will communicate to you from time to time any decision interesting to you.
As to our money; ’Till we get a foreign Loan, we can only patch and patch. There is a prospect of our succeeding in Holland. Our Cause gains strength there daily.
I do not think I shall soon be able to help you to flour. But my wishes are on constant watch.
You do not mention the Receipt of either a Scrawl from me of Novr. 14 or a Box sent by one Lusher who is returned hither, though I have not seen him.
As to Mr. Thaxter, I begin to suspect whether I was ever civil to him for one moment. He has never wrote me a single line or sent me a verbal message of Direction where I am to find my Saddle-Bags which I lent him. “There is nothing new under the Sun.” Why then should I be astonished on this Occasion?
“Past 12 o Clock, and a rainy Morning” says the watchman under my Window. Taking his hint, and quitting, for the present, my Converse with Virtue, Sense and Beauty, shall I not find, on my pillow, a Repose sweet as that of a cradled Infant? or, if Fancy will maintain her domination jointly with Morpheus, shall I not realize the Slumbers of the Arcadians, and, therein, know myself yr. affectionate Friend,

JL.

P.S. I find Aug. 27. Sepr. 11th.


Title: Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 19 January 1779
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail

Jan. 19 1779

I Intended writing my Friend Mrs. Adams when Mr. Thaxter Returned but dare say he Gave you a satisfactory Reason why I did not, since which many matters have taken up my time. The Bussy and the Gloomy scenes have Alternately played before me and Commanded my Attention almost Ever since I left your house with a Heart full of anxiety.
I saw my Father no more as my Foreboding Heart presaged. He Breathed his Last sigh And bid Adieu to mortality before I Reached His now Desolate Mansion.
Why was this such a painful Circumstance to me. How Inconsistent, how Irrational are our Wishes. When the saint is on the Threshold of Eternity And His Lord has Commissioned a Messenger to Release him from his Labour, and Bestow the Reward shall we wish a Moments Detention, that we may be permited the painful, the Terefying satisfaction of standing by His Couch, while the trembling Soul is taking Leave of Its shattered tenement, and is looking abroad, amidst the Dark, profound, Etheriel oeconimy, for a New and more permenent Habitation.
My Excellent parent had Long done his Work, and was patiently waiting this important Change. He longed to Depart and to be with Christ, and to unite his song of praise with the seperate spirit of one whose Life was such that her Children Could not be forgiven if they did not Arise and Call her Blessed, so long as Memory is lent them.
Forgive the Fond overflowings of Fillial affection, and I will lead you from a subject so unpolite to a more Fashionable theme, to the Disputes of polititions and statsmen. There if any where is Developed the Dark Windings of the Human Heart. How often when they have involved themselves in Guilt, do they send a Hue and Cry for justice to overtake such as are about to Detect them. Perhaps we may soon see the Methods taken to Exculpate the knave were the best Means of Bringing to Light the knavery: and had the Former been silent, the odium of the Latter might have been fixed where it was not due, but by opening a Door for a strict scrutiny I hope truth will be Discovered And punishment and Disgrace will Rest where it ought.
If your Little Good Girl is unhappy she Conceals it from me, for she smiles as if she Enjoyed herself and says plimouth is as pleasant as Either Boston or Braintree. I shall Endeavour to keep her in that sentiment as Long as I Can.
If you hear anything from France we are not so immersed in our own Happiness but what she and I Can Listen with pleasure. Nor would Inteligence from any other quarter be unentertaining handed forward by your pen.
Make my Regards to Mr. Thaxter and to all other Braintree Friends. I will not write what I think of this young Gentleman, but when I see you I will tell you.
It gives me pleasure in such a day as this when Vice is strengthened by Fashion, and Crimes are softned by the appelation of Taste to see any Coming on the stage of action who have understanding and Virtue sufficient to Dare to be Good. But this may be one of the Antiquated Whims of Your undisguized Friend,

Marcia Warren


Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 24 January 1779
From: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)
To: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch

Plymouth jan 24 1779

Last weak I had the pleasure to receive too letters from my friend Myrtilla, aney time when you have letters if you send them to Brackets and dirrect them to General Waren or his Laidie, they will come safe to hand; you must cover them if you intend I shall read them first: I should have wrote you a longer letter by this opportunity but am prevented by an accident, which has taken up my thoughts for a weak past, but as I know you are not possest of so great a share of curiosity as some others, and suppose you can stey the tide of that torrent which is sometimes so fatal I shall not make you accqainted with it till my return which I do not wish for only upon account of seeing my friends; however I do not talk of it yet. Do not let this raise the little curiosity you are Mistress of to too great a height for a little is dangerous sometimes.
I am very sory to hear Lysander is so unwell however I hope the distemper he now labours under will not prove fatal to him or to you:—you say you have not had the symtoms of love yet: but I sincerely belive you have too fataly experienced them. Should be glad you would enclose them in the next letter as I ever shall be glad to see aney thing Portius recommends: and I think he did those: I enclose those para-gafts from Charles Wentworth and Grandison which you desired of me.
I have had the pleasure to see the Miss Eastons. Mrs. Waren sais she thinks the oaldest Miss Betsey is an agreable prety Girl so I must defer my opinion till a future day, they are great talkers. I suppose Jack Thaxter has told you he was intimately accqainted with us: I let one of them say this But I think Modestty in a Laidie is one of the shineing virtues of their sex; no dought you have heard.

I am with the sincereest affection your sincere & unalterable friend,
Mercella

PS jan 26 I beg you would not show this letter to aney person not even to your Mamma espechely that paragraft which mentions the accident as something has turnd up since I wrot the letter which makes me desire this of you.


Title: Abigail Adams to a Massachusetts Member of the Continental Congress, January 1779
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Lovell, James,Continental Congress

Dear Sir
Braintree, January? 1779

It gives me real pain to see the various arts and machinations of our internal Enemies practised with Effect upon the generality of Mankind. From the various reports which have been too successfully circulated for this month past the people will be brought to entertain suspicions with regard to congress which will tend to weaken their Authority and be greatly detrimental to our cause.
Mr. Dean by his indiscreet appeal to the publick has laid a foundation for more extensive mischief than perhaps he first intended. He has insinuated that the Ears of congress were shut against him when matters of the utmost importance to the United States required an impartial tribunal, thereby reflecting upon their wisdom and justice.
This unhappy contest, not so prudently conducted by his antagonist as it ought to have been, has led people to entertain suspicions and surmizes with regard to the integrety of that Honorable Body and the Enimes of America have caught hold of this very opportunity to propogate falshood, which will among the unreflecting part of mankind keep such surmizes alive. I will name two Instances which have lately come to my knowledg. I was told last week by a Gentleman who received it in Town from two Southern Gentlemen that notwithstanding Mr. D—n character appeard in so unfavourable a light, congress had appointed him minister plenipo to Holland.
I ventured at random to assure the gentleman their could be no truth in it.
The second report is that some Members of congress in conjunction with Gen. Arnold had been counterfeiting the continental currency. I hope their is as little truth in this assertion. For individual Members I cannot answer—their was a judas amongst the Apostles—tho I do not credit the report. In such a Body of Men it would be strange indeed, considering the Depravity of Humane Nature if their were not some less attached to the publick than to their private interest. Yet as a Body they have given every proof in their power that they are seeking the good of their country and disinterestedly act for the benifit of the publick weal and tho no Lover of their country would wish to see a blind obeidence to any body of Men, yet at the same time they must be sensible that it is for the good of the community that every member of it should pay a proper respect and regard to those to whom they have delegated power and Authority, that when once the confidence of the people is weakend by any real or immaginary cause of distrust, their rulers become the object of their Suspicion and jealousy, and their power of serving them decreses, their Authority is weakend, and the cause they wish to support is greatly injured.
This Sir will certainly be our case unless the real Friends and disinterested patriots will excert themselves and counter work the dangerous designs of our Enemies by discovering to the world their Arts and disigns.
I have taken the freedom Sir to address you upon this subject, as a warm and Zealous Friend to America and to the rights of Mankind. At the same time I intreet your pardon for touching upon a subject more properly belonging to your sex, but whilst I saw a dangerous poison spreading not only in this but the Neighbouring Towns, and judged it must be the case elsewhere, I thought it my duty to apply to those capable of applying a spedy antidote.
The absence of a very near and dear Friend I must plead as a further Excuse for addressing any other gentleman upon a subject which may be considerd as foreign to my sex, added to the critical state of our country which requires the Eyes of Argos to watch for its safety and security, will I hope secure from the imputation of vanity one who begs leave to submit to your Eye only the Sentiments of your Friend and Humble Servant.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passy Feb 9. 1779

It is now a Year within a Day or two of my Departure from home. It is in vain for me to think of writing of what is passed.
The Character and Situation in which I am here, and the Situation of public Affairs absolutely forbid my Writing, freely.
I must be excused.—So many Vessells are taken, and there are so many Persons indiscreet, and so many others inquisitive, that I may not write. God knows how much I suffer for Want of Writing to you. It used to be a cordial to my Spirits.
Thus much I can say with perfect sincerity, that I have found nothing to disgust me, discontent me, or in any manner disturb me, in the French Nation. My Evils here arise altogether from Americans.

If I would have inlisted myself under the Banners of Either Party, I might have filled America I doubt not with Panegyricks of me, from one Party and Curses and Slanders from another. I have endeavoured to be hitherto impartial, to search for nothing but the Truth and to love nobody and nothing but the public Good, at least not more than the public Good. I have hoped that Animosities might be softened, and the still small Voice of Reason heard more, and the boisterous Roar of Passions and Prejudices less.—But the Publication of a certain Address to the People, has destroyed all such Hopes.
Nothing remains now but the fearfull Looking for of the fiery Indignation of the Monster Party, here.
My Consolation is, that the Partisans are no more than Bubbles on the Sea of Matter born—they rise—they break and to that Sea return.
The People of America, I know stand like Mount Atlass, but these Altercations occasion a great deal of Unhappiness for the present, and they prolong the War.
Those must answer for it who are guilty. I am not.


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 11 February 1779
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

My Dear Daughter
Braintree, ca. 11 February, 1779

It is with inexpressible pleasure that I enclose to you a letter from your brother, and that I can tell you, that I last night received four letters of various dates from your papa, and one so late as the 6th of November. I would send forward the letters, but know not how to part with them. Your papa writes that he has enjoyed uncommon health for him, since his arrival in France; that your brother is well, and, what is still more grateful to a parent’s ears, that he conducts with a becoming prudence and discretion; that he assiduously applies himself to his books. And your papa is pleased to say, “that the lessons of his mamma are a constant law to him, and that they are so to his sister and brothers, is a never failing consolation to him, at times when he feels more tenderness for them than words can express.” Let this pathetic expression of your papa’s, my dear, have a due influence upon your mind.
Upon politics, your papa writes thus: “Whatever syren songs of peace may be sung in your ears, you may depend upon it, from me, (who unhappily have been seldom mistaken in my guesses of the intention of the British government for fourteen years,) that every malevolent passion, and every insidious art, will predominate in the British cabinet against us. Their threats of Prussians and of great reinforcements, are false and impracticable, and they know them to be so; but their threats of doing mischief with the forces they have, will be verified as far as their power.”
This we see, in their descent upon Georgia, verified this very hour.
Almost all Europe, the Dutch especially, are at this day talking of Great Britain in the style of American sons of liberty. He hopes the unfortunate event at Rhode Island will not produce any heart-burnings between Americans and the Count D’Estaing, who is allowed by all Europe to be a great and worthy officer, and by all that know him to be a zealous friend of America.
After speaking of some embarrassments in his public business, from half anglified Americans, he adds, “But from this court, this city and nation, I have experienced nothing but uninterrupted politeness.”
I have a letter from a French lady, Madam la Grand, in French—a polite letter, and wrote in consequence of your papa’s saying that, in some cases, it was the duty of a good citizen to sacrifice his all for the good of his country. She tells him that the sentiment is worthy of a Roman and a member of Congress, but cannot believe he would sacrifice his wife and children. In reply, he tells her that I possessed the same sentiment. She questions the truth of his assertion; and says nature would operate more powerfully than the love of one’s country, and whatever other sacrifices he might make, it would be impossible for him to resign those very dear connections, especially as he had so often given her the warmest assurances of his attachment to them; and she will not be satisfied till she has related the conversation, and appealed to me for my sentiments upon the subject. She is an elderly lady, and wife to the banker, expresses great regard for
your brother, of whom she is very fond, says he inherits the spirit of his father, and bids fair to be a Roman like him.
When I have fully translated the letter I will send it forward. I would have written to Mrs. Warren, but have much writing to do, and you may communicate this letter to her, if she can read it; but ’tis badly written, and I have not time to copy.

Let me hear from you soon, who am, at all times, your affectionate mamma,
A. A.


Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 12 February 1779
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

Dear Sr.

Feby. 12. 1779

In the latter End of July and beginning of Novr. last I wrote to You. Am uncertain by whom the first was conveyed, the Latter was committed to the Care of Mr. Jenks (formerly my Apprentice) now a Surgeons Mate to the General Pickering Privateer from Salem which saild soon after and was to touch at France in her Cruize. In my first among other Things I gave You an Account of our Season, which from the 24th. of last June to the Beginning of this Month has been uncommon, more especially for violent Storms. That of the 13th. of Augst. was attended with such Consequences as renderd our Expedition against Rhode Island abortive; another violent Storm of Nov. 2d. in which Byrons Fleet then cruising for De Estangs, sufferd greatly. The Storm met them on Georges Bank where the Culloden of 64 Guns is supposed to have foundered and has never been heard of since, in the same Storm the Somerset another 64, was wreckd on the Back of the Cape with the Loss of 50 or 60 Men—from her we have been favoured with 54 Cannon, 200 Blls. of merchantable Powder and many other valuable Articles. The Guns and Powder were safe deliverd at Boston. Decr. 10. We had another violent Storm of Wind and Rain, with the Darkness of the Night and violence of the Storm some People perished on Land and considerable Damage was done to the Shipping. Dec. 22d. the Cold became extreme and continued so to the 28th. On the 25th. PM. it began to Snow, the 26th. it continued, the Wind excessive high and cold severe. The oldest amongst us dont remember a more distressing and violent Storm. This day a Man passing over Boston Neck toward Night with his Team was next day found dead, his Team consisting of 4 Cattle and one Horse were froze to Death, the hind Oxen standing. A most Melancholy Account we received from Plimouth 72 Men in the Brig Genl. Arnold froze to Death in the Storm. She saild the 24. from Nantasket, met the Storm, put back and on the 26. got as near Plimouth as the Ice would admit. The 24th. according to Dr. Winthrop has been but once equalld for Coldness in his Day.
It was on the 2d. Novr. that Byrams Fleet consisting then of 13 or 14 Sail of the Line and 2 or 3 Frigates met with the Disaster already mentiond. On the 6th. of the same Month Monsr. De Estang left this Harbour with a fine Wind; about the same Time a Fleet of 108 Vessells saild from New York with 8000 some say 10000 Troops supposed for the West Indies. We have had Accounts of the Arrival of both. After the Capture of Dominica by the French, Admiral Barrington with a Fleet and Army attacked St. Lucia and took it. Monsr. De Estang arrived with a Force sufficient to Block him in after the Capture. In order to retake it the Count landed several Thousand Men, these were repulsed with a great Slaughter and the Count was obliged to repair to Martineco. Byrons Fleet have since arrived and by the best Accounts the Count is block’d up by Byron in Conjunction with Barringtons Fleet. I am really sorry for Monsr. De Estang. If Success depended solely upon Worth and Integrity he would have certainly had a larger Share. During his Stay here he shewd himself to be a very vigilant officer, and a Man of Wisdom and great Prudence. The Temperance, good Oeconomy and Civility of every order of Men in his Fleet was truly praise worthy. The Damage his Fleet sustained in the Storm of Augt. 13th. renderd a great part of his Fleet unfit for an Engagement more especially his own Ship which was dismasted. As soon as he arrived in Nantasket Road, all possible Expedition was made use off to repair his Fleet, he took every Precaution to prevent a Surprise from the Enemy, he erected Works on Point Alderton, Georges Island, Pectic, Long Island &c. that he could at one Time bring 6 or 700 Guns to bear on an Enemy. While he lay there Howe appeared with a Fleet of 15 or 16 Sail of the Line within Sight of Hull, sent some Frigates within a League of Hull but found the Harbour so well secured that they thought prudent after a few Days Cruise to return to New York.—Accounts from New York and Newport agree that a great Part of the british Troops have left the Continent, some gone to Europe, some to the West Indies, some to Hallifax. Clinton is said to remain at New York with 3000, Pigot or Prescot at Newport with 7000—and we have been amused with Stories of their entirely leaving the Continent (to me these have been idle Tales). Some suppose the Want of Transports, some the Want of Provisions have prevented it. Some of the Troops that were supposed to have left the Continent are now exercising their Rage and Cruelty in Georgia under the Command of Col. Campbell (formerly a prisoner at Concord).
In Decembr. last A Piece appeard in the Pensylvania Paper which gave no small Uneasiness to the publick. The Author mortified at his recall from —— complaind to the publick that Congress had not given him a full hearing, tho it had been requested; laid open many Transactions and Affairs in ——, reflected upon a certain Family, some of whom are nearly connected with You in a publick Character, pointed out the Absurdity of their Appointments, having such close Connections with Great Britain and one of them employed in services at first Blush inconsistent, with many other interesting Matters of which You will hear more hereafter. This Piece was answered by Common Sense. A Paper War ensued. Many Things were said by both Sides which were painful, imprudent and to the last Degree impolitic. Though this may sooner or later give Our Ministers at Versailles some Trouble, Yet much Good in the End may result from it.
I am My Dear Friend sometimes in Doubt whether Civilization (as it is commonly understood it is but a softer Name for Dissimulation) and the Knowledge of the Arts and Sciences have really mended the World. The Art of looking one Way and moving another is brought to greater Perfection in the present than in any former Age. The next Century will probably refine upon this untill it shall be verefied what an old Saint in ancient Days said of the then World, All Men are deceivers (to say Lyars would be uncivil and I should be loth to make the World worse than it is).

I am now got to the 5th. of March having had no conveyance for the aforegoing.—The Month of February hath made amends for the Roughness of the latter End of December and the greater part of January—the Weather was mild and open, Farmers turning up their Lands, mending Fences and busied in the Affairs of Husbandry as if Spring had opened.
By the last Advices from the West Indies Count De Estang was at Martineco, not blockd up as mentiond before, but lately reinforced with a Number of Capital Ships.—Manly in the private Ship Cumberland was lately capturd by the Juno of 38 Guns and sent into Barbadoes. Eight or Ten Prizes have arrived within 6 Weeks past—one a Privateer of 16 Guns from Liverpool taken by the Dean, another of 16 Guns capturd by the Franklin.

April 12th.

The Month of March has been as rough as February was mild. The Snow lay 15 Inches on a Level the 25th. of March. The 22, 24th. violent Storms of Snow. Since April came in we have had fine Weather.
Our latest Advices from Georgia are that the Enemy, who for some time past had reignd triumphant there, have met with some severe Repulses and are making hasty Steps to Savannah. We are a strange Set of Mortals. A Little Chastisement does not move us, but when the Blow comes heavy the Spirit rises, it was some Time before Our Brethren at the Southward realized the Matter. They are now roused and are pressing on with Vigor and I trust with the Smiles of Providence they will clear that State of inbred Enemies and foreign Murderers.—Our Insidious Enemies had for Three Years past employ’d Agents in that State to enlist Regiments into their Service and after enlisting men swore them to Secrecy. This they have done (I make no doubt) in all our States. When I reflect upon the numerous Acts and Stratagems, the open Attempts and secret Designs together with the powerful Fleets and Armies employd against us and the peculiar Scituations and Circumstances of the Continent I am almost astonished to find that We are still an unconquerd People. Had not Heaven appeared for us We must long before this Time have been subject to the Will of our Enemies. Thanks to Heaven the Teeth of the Lion are broken. Great Britain is falling and She will no more rise among the Nations of the Earth, Glorious and powerful as heretofore, but will meet with that Hatred and Disgrace which is due to her Injustice and Cruelty and with that Scorn and Contempt which her unbounded Pride and Insolence hath merited.
Mr. Jenks has returned from the Cruize without touching at France, that I doubt whether You will receive my Letter sent by him. May this meet with a better Fate and reach you in the Enjoyment of Health and every desireable Good.
Our Friends here are well, Mastr. Charles Adams and Billy Cranch dind with us to Day having kept Sabbath at their Grand Pa’s, by whom I find that Yours are all well.—I will compound with You for a Letter half so long as this, but one as long as again would be esteemd a valuable Present.—Adieu.


Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 13 February 1779
From: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)
To: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch

My Dear Myrtilla
Plymouth Feb. 13 1779

It is now past ten however I will write you a few lines as I flatter myself they will be axcepttable, for you know we ar too apt to judge others by our own feelings.
I will ask you one question whetheir if you have an opportunity to write me you dont imbrace it if you dont happen to be in dept debt? If we ware too or three hundred miles distant I could expect to hear as often from you as I do now espeshely if there was not a wide ocean between us.
I spend my time very agreeably hear, how could I do otherwise in the company of Mrs. Waren and her agreeable Sons; Miss Polly Otis is to spend the Spring hear. I have a secret hope that Mamma does not intend to send for me yet tho I dearst not say so beceaus I know she must be very lonesome. When ever she command me to leive Plymouth I shall obey.

I must now bid you adeiu for it is quite time my Eyes ware closed to sleep. Do write me soon and belive me to be what I rearly really am, your Sincere friend,
Mercella


Title: James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 16 February 1779
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, Abigail

Philada Feby. 16: 1779

Though I have this day for the first time received a Letter from your husband, yet I feel chagrined at not having had one inclosed for you. I had promised myself the pleasure of being instrumental to your happiness in that way, frequently. He dates from Passy Decr. 6th. and acknowledges the Receipt of an official Letter from Me of Octr. 12 but says not a syllable of having touched a single one of all my private Addresses to him. He is not lengthy. Some parts are confidential and not interesting to you as his Wife. Other Parts, tho confidential also, are not indifferent in a domestic view. On the footing therefore of a past promise I copy them. “Mr. D. and others have written in a manner which makes it expected that one will be left alone here. But what is to be done with the other two is left to conjecture. If I am recalled, I shall have nothing to do but get home if I can. If I am appointed to another Court I shall be in some perplexity; because I see no probability of being received at present. However, I can digest nothing till I have the premises.”—“The King’s Speech I have already sent to Congress by several Opportunities. You will see he dreads the great armament of other powers, in the plural. He must mean Holland and Spain. You will see also that the Opposition is more strong than it ever was before, in both Houses. I will omit no opportunity of sending the other papers with the debates as they come, and I pray they may go safe. But immense Numbers of our Dispatches are sunk in the Sea. I beg of you to write as often as possible to John Adams.”
None of the Papers he mentions have come to hand. The Perplexity he apprehends will I know for certain lessen every hour. You will hear much talk of great Secrets which Congress keep to themselves. It is true that some Circumstances respecting Alliances are and ought to be concealed but the News papers will give you the main Parts of what we know in Regard to Friendships for us and Disappointments for Gr. Britain.
But, I quit these Topics, and return to Mr. A——. His Namesake here wrote some time ago on the subject of a new destination for him and several of my Letters are on their passage tending in their contents to make him rest satisfied till he receives our final Adjustments of who and where.

With a terrible Head Ach but a sound and affectionate Heart I bid you Good Night.
JL


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Feb. 20. 1779

      March 25

      June 10

      June 18

      May 18

      Octr.
      10

      21

      25

      Decr.
      2

      15.

      Jany.
      2 1779

      4.

In the Margin are the Dates of all the Letters I have received from you. I have written you, several Times  that Number—they are allmost all lost, I suppose by yours.
But you should consider, it is a different Thing to have five hundred Correspondents and but one. It is a different Thing to be under an Absolute Restraint and under none. It would be an easy Thing for me to ruin you and your Children by an indiscreet Letter—and what is more it would be easy, to throw our Country into Convulsions.—For Gods sake never reproach me again with not writing or with Writing Scrips. Your Wounds are too deep.
You know not—you feel not—the dangers that surround me, nor those that may be brought upon our Country.
Millions would not tempt me to write to you as I used. I have no security that every Letter I write you will not be broken open and copied and transmitted to Congress and to English News Papers. They would find no Treason nor Deceipt in them it is true, but they would find Weakness and Indiscretion, which they would make as ill an Use of.
There are Spies upon every Word I utter, and every Syllable I write—Spies planted by the English—Spies planted by Stockjobbers—Spies planted by selfish Merchants—and Spies planted by envious and malicious Politicians.
I have been all along aware of this, more or less, but more so now than ever.
My Life has been often in danger, but I never considered my Reputation and Character so much in danger as now.
I can pass for a Fool, but I will not pass for a dishonest or a mercenary Man.
Be upon your Guard therefore—I must be upon mine—And I will.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 February 1779
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

Hond. Mamma
Passy Feby. 20th. 1779

I last night had the honour of reading a letter from you to my Pappa dated Jany. 4th. in which you complain much of my Pappa’s not writing. He cannot write but very little because he has so many other things to think of, but he can not let slip one opportunity without writing a few lines and when you receive them you complain as bad or worse than if he had not wrote at all and it really hurts him to receive such letters. But I will write upon another subject. A Charming prospect opens before me. I now begin to see a probability of returning to America. Pappa is now at liberty to return home and proposes to do it by the first safe opportunity unless he should receive counter orders which I heard him say he did not expect; it is a feast to my thoughts to go home, to run about to my Grandpappa’s and grandmamma’s, my uncles &c. The joy of meeting my Mamma, sister and brothers will be greater than all the pain I suffer’d when I took my leave of them severe as that was and the pleasure of telling the tale of my travels and adventures will be some compensation for the toils and dangers I have gone through in the course of them but possibly this pleasing dream may be all disapointed by a battle at sea, by captivity or by shipwreck. All that I can say is gods will be done. I am my ever honoured and ever revered Mamma your dutiful son,

John Q. Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Feb. 26.1779

I have this day taken a long Ramble, with my son. The Weather is as delightfull as you can imagine. There is not in the Month of May, a softer Air, a warmer sun, or a more delicious Appearance of Things about Boston.
We walked all over the Gardens of the Royal Castle of Muet, at Passy. The Gardens are very spacious, on one Quarter looking to Mount Calvare, on another to the famous Castle of Madrid, built by Francis the 1st, whose History you will see in Robertson, Charles 5., on another looking over the Plain de sablon, or sandy Plain to the Gate of Maillot.—The Rowes of Trees, and gravel Walks are very pretty, and the orangerie are very grand. But the whole is much neglected—the Trees are all mossy, and have a distempered Look.
We then walked in the Bois du Boulogne, rambling about in by Paths, a long Time, till we came to a Gate which We presumed to open and found ourselves in a noble Garden, the salads green and flourishing ready for the Table, long Rows of Wall Fruits, Trees of every species, Apples, Peaches, Appricots, Plumbs &c. and next to the Garden a fine extensive Farm, the Fields and Pastures already shining with Verdure. Upon Enquiry of the Gardiners I was told it belonged to Madame Le Comtess de Boufleure. We passed by the Castle, after having viewed all the Farm and Gardens, into the street of Auteuil, the Village where Boileau was born, lived and died—it is the next Village to Passy. We then walked through the fields along the Castle and Seignoury of Passy which belongs to the Comte De Boulainvilliers and returned home, much pleased with our Walk and better for the Air and Exercise.
Now Madam dont you think I have spent my Time very wisely in writing all this important History to your Ladyship. Would it not have been as well spent in conjugating two or three french Verbs, which I could have done through all the Moods, Tenses and Persons, of the Active and passive Voice in this Time.
We expect the Honour of Mr. Turgot, the famous Financier, as well as learned and virtuous Man, to dine with Us. And if there should be some Ladies, at the feast, it will not be at my Invitation and therefore you need not be uneasy.
Suppose I should undertake to write the Description of every Castle and Garden I see as Richardson did in his Tour through Great Britain, would not you blush at such a Waste of my time.
Suppose I should describe the Persons and Manners of all the Company I see, and the fashions, the Plays, the Games, the sports, the spectacles, the Churches and religious Ceremonies—and all that—should not you think me turned fool in my old Age—have I not other Things to do of more importance?
Let me alone, and have my own Way. You know that I shall not injure you and you ought to believe that I have good Reasons, for what I do, and not treat me so roughly, as you have done.

Adieu.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Feb. 27. 1779

The Weather continuing fine, I went to Saint Denis a little Village about Eight Miles from this Place, where are the Tombs of all the Kings and Queens. The statues of all lie in state in Marble.
The Church which is called the Royal Church of Saint Denis is magnificent, and there is an Appartment in a Chamber where the Crowns and many other Curiosities are preserved.
It is curious to see such a Collection of Gold, Ivory and precious stones, as there is every Species I suppose that is mentioned in the Revelations. The Diamonds and Rubies glitter.—But I confess I have so much of the savage sachem in me, that these Things make no great Impression upon me.
There are several little Crucifixes here, which the Ecclesiastic, who showed them told Us, were made of Bits of the true Cross.—This may be for any Thing that I know.
In my Return, I took a Circuit round by Mont Martre and dined at Home, with the Dr. who has a fit of the Gout but is getting better.
The situation in which my Masters have left me, puzzles me very much. They have said nothing to me, but one sett of Gentlemen write that I am to go to Spain, another to Holland, a third to Vienna. But upon the whole I believe they dont intend to send me to either, but leave me, to stay here in a ridiculous situation or return home, if I can get there.

I shall return, unless I should receive before the Time arrives for the Vessell to sail, orders which I can execute with Honour, and a Prospect of rendering some service to the public. But of these two last Points I will judge for myself.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Feb. 28. 1779

This Day, the Chevalier D’Arcy, his Lady, and Niece, Mr. Le Roy and his Lady, dined here. These Gentlemen are two Members of the Academy of Sciences.
Now are you the wiser for all this? Shall I enter into a Description of their Dress—of the Compliments—of the Turns of Conversation—and all that.
For mercy Sake dont exact of me that I should be a Boy, till I am Seventy Years of Age. This Kind of Correspondance will do for young Gentlemen and Ladies under 20, and might possibly be pardonable till 25—provided all was Peace and Prosperity. But old Men, born down with Years and Cares, can no more amuse themselves with such Things than with Toys, Marbles and Whirligigs.
If I ever had any Wit it is all evaporated—if I ever had any Imagination it is all quenched.
Pray consider your Age, and the Gravity of your Character, the Mother of Six Children—one of them grown up, who ought never to be out of your sight, nor ever to have an Example of Indiscretion set before her.
I believe I am grown more austere, severe, rigid, and miserable than ever I was.—I have seen more Occasion perhaps.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Passy, February? 1779

You are uneasy that I dont write enough. I understand you. You want me to unravel to you all the Mysteries of the Politicks of Europe, and all the Intrigues of Courts. This would make Madam a Lady of Consequence no doubt and enable her to shine in a Circle of Politicians of Either sex.—But in the first Place I dont understand them—in the next if I did I would give the English Leave to laugh or swear as much as they pleased if they should catch me in such a folly as that of Writing it, to your Ladyship.
There has been too much of that heretofore. No more—dont you know that there are eagle Eyes, and eager Ears about you, to catch any Thing improper from me, or from you. Read the Journal de Paris and be easy.


Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 15 March 1779
From: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)
To: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch

Plymouth March 15 1779

As a convenient opportunity offoring by General Warren I cannot let it excape without a line for my Myrtilla. I now take up my pen to inform you that I do not feel in the writing humour and am determind to indulge myself and give way to thease Lazy freeks. I shall take my pen in the eve again and will give you an account how I shall have spent the afternoon for I am now already trigd to vissiat Miss Watson and can you wonder that I cannot write.
Monday eve 15 March. We have paid the vissiat and had a very agreable afternoon more so than I expected I assure you. Miss Sally Watson is I think a very prety agreable young Laidie but rather reserved. She has a sister as prety as herself, Miss Betsey. They treated us very Genteelly indeed, and I asure you I am much with the family altho they are of differend sentaments.
I dond think myself capable of medling with politicks and therefor can have friends upon either party. Miss Watson is soon to be married. I suppose no dought she thinks she shall be happyer than at present but some people think her mistaken. Some people who ware once low in the World now Live in aff luence and Luxury but I dont think it will last always.
I dont belive the person Who rides in his Chariot is half so happy as the farmer whose nesecetyes oblige him to walk a foot. A polite person and a great fortune will make up for every other diffishencey let them be ever so great.

I must now bid you adeiu for my fingers are so cold I cannot hold my pen aney longer than to subscribe myself your friend,

Mercella

PS I suppose before this Mrs. Welch is the fond parrent and has either a Son or Deaughter to take up her attention. I wish the latter.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 May 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
L’orient May 14. 1779

I left Paris on the Eighth of March, expecting to find the Alliance, at Nantes and embark immediately for home, but when I arrived there I found the Alliance was still at Brest. I went to Brest 200 Miles from Nantes, and after some Stay there the Alliance was ordered to Nantes. I returned to Nantes, and when every Thing was ready to sail for America, an order came from Court for the Alliance to go to L’orient, and for me to go home in one of the Kings ships, with his new Ambassador to the united States, Le Chevalier de la Luzerne.
It would fill a Volume to give you an History of my Adventures. My Son has accompanied me wherever I have been and is treated with more Attention than his father, tho that is as much as he wishes.
Dont think hard of me for not writing. I have wrote as often as I could. But there are Letters of mine still in the Ports of this Kingdom, which were written I believe 9 Months ago—many many others are in the Sea.
When you come to know how few Letters I have received from America, you will be surprized. There seems to be no Communication of Intelligence between the two Countries or worse than none.
What the Sentiments or Intentions of Congress are concerning me, I know not. Shall find out in Time, I presume. But it seems to most People a little misterious that I should be sent here, and so soon forgotten, so entirely as neither to be ordered to stay, go or come. However, there are Reasons probably that We know not here.

You may form an Idea of the Tenderness with which I expect to see you and ours, in the Course of five or six Weeks.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 May 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
L’orient May 14. 1779

When I left Paris, the 8 March, I expected to have been at Home before this Day and have done my Utmost to get to sea, but the Embarrassements and Disappointments I have met with, have been many, very many. I have however in the Course of them had a fine Opportunity of seeing Nantes, L’orient and Brest, as well as the intermediate Country.
By the gracious Invitation of the King, I am now to take Passage in his Frigate the Sensible, with his new Ambassador to America the Chevalier De la Luzerne.
I hope to see you in six or seven Weeks. Never was any Man in such a state of Uncertainty and suspense as I have been from last October, entirely uninformed of the Intentions of Congress concerning me.
This would not have been very painfull to me if I could have got home, for Your Conversation is a Compensation to me, for all other Things.
My Son has had a great Opportunity to see this Country: but this has unavoidably retarded his Education in some other Things.
He has enjoyed perfect Health from first to last and is respected wherever he goes for his Vigour and Vivacity both of Mind and Body, for his constant good Humour and for his rapid Progress in French, as well as his general Knowledge which for his Age is uncommon.—I long to see his Sister and Brothers—I need not Add—