Title: Charles Adams to John Adams, 31 January 1799
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John

            My dear Sir
            New York Jany 31st 1799

          Mr Francis Baretto has as he informs me applied for the Consulate at Madeira and has requested me to mention you to him as an acquaintance. He is a Native of that Island though for many years a Citizen of this Nation He has been known to me for more than ten years and his misfortunes of various kinds have excited my compassion and esteem as I beleive he did not merit them. If I should err with respect to my sentiments of what are here called Hamilton’s appointments I hope you will not impute it to any wrong motive He has become the Universal Recommendator Many of the appointments made as I have reason to beleive at his request are spoken of as extremely improper I could mention many Daubeny for instance as first Leutt of the Navy when there is not a single Merchant who would trust him with the Command of a Sloop of Twenty tons
          Nay he even went so far as to say at his own Table when I was present; that he had, in his own words “Been that day appointing a Son of the Notorious Bill Livingston’s a Midshipman in our Navy” This modest speech was addressed to Church whose reply was you have then I find weaknesses not confined to the female sex: which produced a laugh and perhaps was not thought of by any person but myself afterwards.
          We are all well and happy in the company of my brother Thomas who I think is less altered than any person who has resided so long in Europe. Little pratler Susan says, she must go to Philadelphia to see Grandpapa who loved her so much and told her to come She looks at the picture and says Grandpapa will have me go to him he told me so himself
          With sincere affection and respect / I am Yours

            Charles Adams


Title: Ruth Hooper Dalton to Abigail Adams, 31 January 1799
From: Dalton, Ruth Hooper
To: Adams, Abigail

            Washington January 31st: 1799—

          Indeed my dear Madam, I was very happy to receive a letter from you, after hearing you had been so very ill, at the time I wrote, I did not know you was so dangerously sick, or I would not have troubled you; That Health may be restore’d, that your day’s, may be free from Complaints, and that your nights, may be blessed with quiet sleep, is the ardent wish of your friend: I hope soon, to hear you are able to come to Philadelphia, and in the Spring to visit this City, as I think it would be of great service to your Health.— I sincerely Congratulate the President, and you, on the arrival of your Son, I hope he has recovered his Health.— We hear of, and rejoice in the good Health of the President, and that His wise measure’s, are so much approve’d of, beleive me my dear friend, it is not flattery when I say, no person’s, rejoice more sincerely than we do, at the exalted Character, which He has Established.—
          I feel much obliged, that you will Contradict the Rumor I mentione’d, it gave me great uneasiness, that such a report had reached New England, and I was impatient, that you might be assure’d, there was not any truth in it.— It is not Kitty, that is out of Health, but Sally, and indeed she has been, and is still very poorly, her Complaints are Nervous, proceeding from Obstructions, which I fear will not be remove’d till the Spring, she has been afflicted with the

Rheumatism all the winter, I hope it has now left her, and she will soon be better, her Physician tells me, he sees no danger in her, I have had a great many anxious hours about her, she has been confined all winter.— Mr. Dalton is still afflicted with his eyes, which prevents his writing, or reading, otherwise he was never in better health; he wishes to write the President, but his eyes will not permit.— We have had more severe cold, and snow this winter, than in any one, since I have been here; now the weather is fine, our River clear of Ice, and the riding getting good, which I hope will restore Sally’s health; I wish you could partake of the mildness of this Climate, which is fine throughout the year.—
          Mr. Dalton, Mr. & Mrs. Deblois, and the young ladies, desire to be affectionately remembere’d, to you, and Louisa, and please to accept the sincere regards, of your very affectionate, Friend, and humble Servant.—

            Ruth Dalton.—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 1 February 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

            My dear Sir.
            New York 1st: February 1799

          The morning I left Philadelphia I had not an opportunity of making the necessary arrangement with the Secretary of State for the payment of my Brother’s salary, which the Secretary of the Treasury had promised to advance. I should be sorry that this circumstance should defeat my intention of subscribing to the Loan on behalf of my Brother, the sum of 4000 Dls: which each person who subscribes, will be entitled to without deduction. I take the freedom therefore to beg of you Sir, to advance the first payment of 500 Dls: upon the sum of 4000 Dls, which I have desired Mr: Otis Senior to Subscribe in my name to the loan. For this sum I will be responsible accountable to you immediately after my return from Massachusetts, which will be in season to answer the second payment, in person. Mr: Otis is only conditionally engaged to subscribe for me, so that if you should have any objection to making the advance, you will please to destroy the enclosed line to Mr: Otis which was to be his authority for making the subscription, & for calling on you for the first payment. But if you should consent to the advance, you will be so good as to hand the letter to Mr: Otis.
          I had a pleasant journey to this place, where I arrived on Wednesday evening. The roads were better than I expected to find them. I shall, if possible, set off for Boston on Monday next. My Brother & Sister are well & desire to be remembered.
          Present me kindly to Mr: Shaw & believe me / Your Son

            T. B. Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith Shaw, 2 February 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            Febry 2. 1799 Quincy

          Is there no method my child you can persue to escape the constant colds to which you are subject it seems to me you have had a succession of them ever since you went to Philadelphia. have you had anything of the Rhumatism? we have had open thawy weather which has given me a touch of old times, a dumb Ague for the week past; I think the News papers might have given us a little more accurate account of the Ball I am sorry your cold prevented you, yet I was amused with what you wrote, particularly mr Dallas’s observations, which were perfectly just; yet there are some Ladies who can make the President talk; of all things I admire dallas’s penetration; I always despised the appelation Womans Man—to be a Gallant a Man must have a little of the Fop. nothing pleases and gratifies me so much as to know myself the sole monopolizer, and Baches Darby and Joan reflected more honour upon me, than any Eulogyum he could have publishd.
          I hear nothing from Atkinson East Chester and Atkinson are places from which I find it difficult to keep up a communication—
          I received the papers to the 21— am impatient for the Report. as yet I have not changd my mind. I thought the House would consider it in the light in which Macon takes it up—yet I know not whether my judgment is accurate; I do not like to open a Bundle of News papers without finding a line from some one— I always feel a dissapointment; but a Frank is necessary; Mr Adams forgot it on one of his last Letters, for tho the President and I am one in the Eye of the Law and the Gospel, I believe Congress would question both the Authorities, and wrangle a month, if the Question was put, does the Priviledge of the President extend to his Lady, and are Letters to her, & From her free of postage?
          Present me Respectfully to mrs Cushing. she is one of the Ladies who will never find any difficulty in leading the President into conversation. I could name a Number of others— my Love to Mrs otis, and to the Ladies of all the Secretaries, an affectionate

Remembrance Mrs stoddart I do not know, but I esteem her Husband tell me how Mrs Wolcott’s Health is this Winter. my Compliments to the British & Portugeeze Ladies—
          adieu— how is mrs Brislers Health this winter? Remember me to her—
          your affectionate

            Aunt A A


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 February 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my Dearest Friend
            Quincy Feb’ry 4th 1799—

          your observations in your last Letter, upon your Solitude; and your reflections upon your Age and feelings, led me to a train of Reflections, upon that period of Life to which we are both hastning, to that period when the wise man hath told us, no pleasure is to be found; That Frederick who was as great an unbeliever as Voltaire, should experience this truth in its full face, I can easily believe. How barren and imperfect that prosperity which can have no recourse to Religion to supply the insufficiency of worldly plasures The following passage so fully expresses my own observations, that it appeard to present itself to me this day with peculiar force, upon reading your Letter
          “Worldly prosperity declines with declining life. In youth its relish was brisk and poignant. It becomes more sober as Life advances; and flattens as life descends. He who lately overflowed with Cheerfull spirits and high hopes, begins to look back with heaviness on the days of former years. He thinks of his old companions who are gone; and reviews past Scenes, more agreable than any which are likely to return. The activity of pursuit is weakned. The gaiety of amusement

is fled. The gratification of sense languish, when his accustomed pleasures, one after an other flee treacherously away. what can he who is an utter stranger to Religion, and to the hope of Heaven, substitute in their place? But even in that drooping period, the promises and hopes of religion support the spirits of a Good man till the latest hour. his Leaf, it is said shall not wither it shall not be in the power of time to blast his Prosperity: But old Age shall receive him into a quiet retreat, where if lively sensations fail, gentle pleasures remain to sooth him. That hope of immortality which formerly improved his other enjoyments, now in a great measure Supplies there absence. Its importance rises in proportion as its object draws near. He is not forsaken by the World, but retires from it with dignity; reviewing with a calm mind the part which he has acted, and trusting to the promise of God, for an approaching reward. such sentiments and expectations shed a pleasing tranquility over the old Age of the Good man. They make the Evening of his days go down unclouded; and allow the stream of life, though fallen low, to run clear to the last drop—”
          who would exchange these Consolations for the, cold comfortless prospect of the Materilist? even suppose it an error, it is one which raises us above the Bruits. it exalts and enobles our faculties, and the deception if it were one, can do us no injury—
          I hope the time is not far distant when you may return to the Rural amusements of Your Farm—snatch a comfort from its opening verduer, and forget the labours and toils of the state, amidst the blooming orchard and the Springing blade. to this purpose the Clover seed will not be forgotten. I have written you before respecting the Farm. it is time some decission was made. 45 pounds and the taxes is as much as the dr thinks French will be willing to give
          I ask you questions, but you forget to answer them amidst your avocations. ever yours—

            Abigail Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            Phyladelphia Feb. 4. 1799
            The Solitairian of Markett Street to his dearest Friend

          Yours of 25 Ult. is recd.— Thomas is to Sett off from N. York to day for Quincy and I wish him a pleasant Journey, which the fine Weather and convenient Snow promises. An happy Sight of his Friends, will come of course, without Accidents. He found his Father, forty Years Older than when he left him, and if he finds his Mother advanced only ten, it may be an agreable disappointment to him.— But if We should live ten Years longer I Suppose We shall begin like the Hero of Prussia to think ourselves young at least, not old. I rejoice that P. Willard is restored to his Family Friends & the Public. Mr Gerry has seen the Communication and the Annotations. I Should be glad to know the public Opinion of both. I Shall not commit to writing any Remarks upon the Conduct of such great Men as Ministers of state & Ambassadors. I agree with you, that voluble old Women or handsome young ones, are the best Ambassadors to Some Courts & Governments. I wish some Power or other would send You to me in the first Character.
          Tell Mr Porter that I wish to have the best manure upon the Hill and enough of it to give the Land a good dressing.

            J. A


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 5 February 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear aunt
            Philadelphia Feb 5th 1799 Tuesday Eve.

          There is a class of men in this country, possessing some public confidence, but entirely destitute of any moral principle, whose whole lives are spent in the prostitution of their talents to the perversion of reason—whose unceasing endeavors are to mislead the public mind— to obstruct public business and by the aid of cavil, misrepresentation and artificial odium, to deprive the government of that public and general confidence and support, without which, it cannot act with vigor and effect. I am led to these observations by the hellish conduct of the Virginians. Some of them do not hesitate to say that they wish a seperation of the state from the general union to take place. Giles openly avows this. They appear as if they were determined to bid

defiance to all laws human and divine. A printer at Richmond published seditious matter the day before the circuit court sat there in hopes of a prosecution; & the friends of government passed it over on account of the irritation it would produce & because they knew that such a prosecution would recommend him to the Legislature for printer to the state. You must have seen the address to the commonwealth of Virginia, proposed by Taylor in house of Representatives of that state and which passed the house by a majority of 22. This was a most infamous appeal to the people. I send you with this, the address from the minority which will prove to you that some good can come even out Nazareth.
          My love to Louisa if your please / Yours / with respect & esteem.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 February 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

              my Dear son
              Quincy Febry 10th 1799

            I will not let a vessel sail for Hamburgh that I know of, without taking a few Lines from me, if it be only to inform you of the State of my Health, which I know you are affectionately interested in. It is not what I wish it was, tho by no means so low as in the summer past.
            your Brother is on his way to Quincy. I hope to see him in the course of the Week, and to disswade him from his present intention of settling in Philadelphia. the Plague, for I know not by what other Name to call it, must drive him annually from it, or what is more to be dreaded, he will fall a sacrifice to it, unless some measures are speedily discoverd to stop its progress. it becomes every year more destructive and horible. there is no doubt of its still being in the City, tho the winter checks its banefull influence. N york and Boston both sufferd the last Season. much pains is taking to investigate the causes. I hope the Reserches may prove successfull, and God grant a Remedy may be found. it has proved a soar judgment; and Calamity to the Country.
            I send you by this opportunity the latest papers, and mr Gerrys correspondence with Talleyrand as communicated to Congress, and the Secretary of States Report upon it.
            Whilst our Countrymen in General repell with, Indignation every attempt upon their Independance, there are to be found degenerate wretches, who Strive to create divissions and foment animosities. The Alien and sedition Bills are made their Agents, by grosely misrepresenting them, and the views and designs of Goverment.
            you will see the poison working in Virgina & Kentucky. foreign influence is united with domestic intrigue. Blount the Impeached Blount is Elected President of the Kentucky assembly
            I Blush for my Country! yet their honesty and federilism is prevelant, for the Mad Resolutions of Virgina & Kentucky will be rejected by every Legislature in the Union. four have already done it.
            I inclose a Letter received last week from Mrs Johnson. it may arrive when no one of so late a date may come to hand. I wish the

contents were more consoling to her daughter. tell her she must write frequently to her Mother and keep up her spirits. my kindest Love to her
            Adieu my dear son. God Bless and preserve You and yours prays your ever affectionate

              Mother Abigail Adams

            I wrote you by way of Hamburgh the latter end of Janry. your Father was well on the 1st of this month. I had Letters from him


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 11 February 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

            Philadelphia Feb 21st [11] 1799 Monday Eve.
            My dear Aunt

          With this I send you two more copies of the dispatches— A defence of the Alien & sedition bills Divernois letter, Giffords address to the Loyal association &c the pamphlet setting forth the pernicious effects of stage plays. The last mentioned pamphlet was sent to the president the night after he went to the theatre and another quaker sent two more the Evening after.— they are grieved to the soul that the president should go to balls & theatres.
          A most infamous fracas took place here yesterday. Reynolds and three or four more went to the Roman Catholic church in fourth street in the forenoon and placed themselves in conspicuous places— Reynolds on one of the monuments in the church yard and made an harangue against the two bills—the Alien & sedition and then invited the congregation to come and sign a petition to congress for their repeal. but he could not gain a single proselyte not even there. A young fellow went up to him & knocked him down Reynolds got up,

took a loaded pistol from his pocket & pointed it at his breast, it was snatched from his hands. The rascals were taken up and caryed before the Mayor and were bound over for two thousand pounds for which they soon found bail. While they were at the Mayor’s office that infernal rascal of a democratic Judge went to the Mayor— treated him in a most scandalous manner—said the bail was excessive fifty dollars would have been enough and was oveheard telling them to take their hats & go out & he would bear them out in it. The president would insist on his being invited to dine here the other day.
          Have you read Dr Morse’s thanksgiving sermon In the appendix he has published some things that never were published before. If you have not read it you will be gratifyed in perusing it. You will know the writer of the greater part of the letters.
          Long before this will reach you Mr. T. A. will have arrived—to whom please to kindly remember me.
          With affection / your


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

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy Febry 14 1799

          upon the 12th, our dear Thomas reachd Quincy to my no small Joy! I am as happy in his company and Society, as you have been before me, and I bless God that he has returnd to his Native Country, an honest sober and virtuous citizen I hope he will continue an honour and a comfort to his Parent’s tho it is allotted them to experience different sensations with respect to one, of whose reformation I can flatter myself, with but faint hope’s. it is so painfull and distressing a subject to me, that what I suffer is in silence. I cannot write upon it, but to him; and that I consider my duty; a painfull one it is— I wish however some means could be devised to save him, from that ruin and destruction with which he must soon be overwhelmd, if he is not allready—
          I endeavourd as early as possible to save the Property of JQA; that is as soon as I knew he had entrusted any to him, and I also endeavourd to get out of the hands of Dr W— what was in his. I have not written to you before upon it, because I did not wish to add private and domestic troubles to those of the public with which I knew you must be fully oppressd
          Early in the Month of december I was informd that two Hundred dollors were due upon the shares in the Canal, that the dr had been frequently requested to make the payments, had always promised, but had not performd, and that the shares must be advertized immediatly for sale. I wrote dr and requested the papers and a transfer of the power to dr Tufts as I found immediate attention must be given to the buisness Still I got no answer. I then wrote to mr smith, and stated to him the buisness, requesting him to obtain the papers for me he did so, and finally I received them, but not till after the quarters Rent of December was received by him, for the House with the papers no Receits appear, of monies paid by him, or any account. a Letter accompanied them, stating; that an account had been renderd mr Adams by his son when he went to Berlin. I was indebted to mr Adams 25 Guineys which I had withheld not chusing to pay it, to

either of his Agents. this money I immediatly paid to dr Tufts, and made up the remaining sum which he paid to the treasurer, & stop’d the sale of the shares in the canal I find however by the account stated by mr Adams, that exclusive of three quarters of a years Rent of the House which the dr has since received, there was a balance due to him of 200 90 dollors in the hands of the dr, which with the House Rent will amount to between 4 & 500 dollers, for all of which, he will never see as many pence; Comments are unnecessary—
          I received by the last Mail yours of Feb’ry 1st I have made inquiry respecting the light in which the report of the Secretary is viewd in this quarter—and find it is highly spoken of. it is considered as a measure approved and warrented by the President, but if you will permit a sausy women to make her comments, she will say, that upon reading of it the sentiments & Remarks are such as the dispatches, and the duplicity and knavery of citizen Minister, fully warrant, the conclusions are just; and if the Legislator approve them, it may save them some long speeches—the subject being amply discust ready to their Hands; but the Qustion which occurs to me is, was it a part of the secretarys buisness, thus to teach the National Legislature what to think, and how to think upon matters of fact. was not this implied, “you are not competant to judging of this buisness—without my Aid—[”] I never have heard any person make an observation of this kind, I only say how the buisness struck me—
          Have you any thoughts of going to the city of Washington before your return Home; it is said your Presence is indispensable—
          Inclosed is the Report of our senate & House, upon Virgina resolves and Kentucky resolutions—
          I am with the utmost / affection your

            A Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 14 February 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

            My dear Sir.
            Quincy 14 February 1799.

          I arrived at Boston on Monday evening after a prosperous journey, and came out to this place the following afternoon in the Quincy Stage. I had the happiness to find my Mother in tolerable health, and shall be highly rejoyced, if my presence, should in any degree contribute to the continuance of that blessing. The rest of our friends are well, excepting Uncle Adams, who suffers much from a complaint in his Eyes.
          Our town of Boston has undergone little alteration during my absence, but Quincy is altered for the better. I believe it feels a pride in having given birth to the first Magistrate of the United States, and flattered by the preference he has always given it as a residence for himself and family. I feel a great attachment to it myself and hope at some future day to see the sage of Berlin comfortably settled in it or its neighborhood.
          I am writing by the side of a good walnut wood fire in the Library & office, and find myself so comfortably seated, that a sigh now & then escapes me when I reflect, that my lot is cast in a region so remote from it.
          I have received a letter from Mr: Otis Senr: acknowledging the receipt of that which I enclosed to you at New York. He promises to attend to my request respecting the subscription to the loan on my behalf, which authorises me to thank you for complying with my request respecting an advance of the first payment.
          During my journey I conversed freely with my fellow travellers and at the Inns where we stopped. In many instances I was unknown and therefore heard opinions & remarks upon men and things, upon the measures of Government and characters in Office; delivered with less reserve than I probably should had my connections been known. I can truly say, that in all I heard, not a single harsh or unpleasant suggestion was to be found. In my letter by Mr: Otis from Brookfield, I hinted at one subject, which seems to require some explanation to the public before they will be able to comprehend it; I mean the high rate of interest upon the loan. Every body assures me, that the spirit of New England and its confidence in the National Government would have filled twice the amount of the loan at 6% per cent as readily as at the rate it is to bear. I have replied to

this observation, that money could be employed in many ways to greater advantage than by loaning it even at an interest of 8 per cent, and that Government probably were conscious of this fact when the rate of interest was fixed. That in some of the States money bears a legal interest of 7 per cent, and the general government could not with propriety offer a lower interest than could be obtained elsewhere &ca: But as I am unacquainted with the motives which influenced the head of the Treasury in the adoption of this measure, I am unable to satisfy those who demand of me the reasons of it. Our Government, at a future day, may have occasion to try the experiment of a loan, at less interest than the present, and it is thought, that the precedent now given may, in such case, have an unfavorable tendency.
          There is much talk respecting the extraordinary measures of the Virginia and Kentucky Legislatures, and the symptoms of opposition which have lately appeared in those States to the federal Government. Every body laments this unnatural defection, but no body appears to think the Government endangered by it. The ultima ratio, they say is in the hands of the government itself, which will doubtless employ it for self preservation when necessary. The Legislature of this State has done itself honor, by the manner in which they have treated the Resolutions of those States respecting the Alien and Sedition laws. The Report of the joint Committee of the Senate & House passed & was agreed to by the latter on the 12th: instt: by a majority of 116 to 29.
          I passed two days with Col. Smith and my Sister at East Chester, much to my satisfaction. The school of adversity has in my mind improved their condition in many particulars. The dogs and the horses, as you observe, are still there, but at least they have a farm to feed upon. I like Cincinatus better than Anthony.
          I beg to be kindly remembered to Mr: Otis and family and to all other friends. Please to tell Dr: Rush, with my best respects, that he must be responsible to my Mother for my safety, if I return and establish myself within his jurisdiction. I know not whether she will forgive him for the share of influence he had in fixing my purpose so contrary to her inclination.
          I am with the most dutiful attachment / Your Son

            Thomas B Ada[ms]


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 16 February 1799
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dear Sister—
            Atkinson February 16 1799

          My little Abby—has been sick with a slow intermitting fever, occasioned by a cold—which has thrown many round us into fevers— The Dr has just been here, & says that disorders opperate strangely, many whom he thought out of danger, are seized again—Some in their heads, lungs, & several have died with repeated voilent billious cholicks—but we have not lost any one in the Town as yet— It has been remarkably healthy in this town, for eighteen months past— I think there has been but four that have died here in this time— While many others places have been greatly distressed; here we have been blessed with the cheerful voice of health, & I hope our hearts have sent forth an hymn of Joy & gratitude—
          I hope Abby is really better, but a fever will hang on, all we can do, & it is now almost twenty days since she was seized— I was frighted about John, & sent for the Dr— I thought he had the Quincy, but he got better soon— William is finely—& the Group are well, except colds—
          I think William & John had better have two or three cotton shirts a peice that which is really strong— They are certainly better for them in the winter— linnen goes like the dew— they like Cotton, they wore them all the spring but have mended them, till they will not hold the needle—now any longer— If you chuse to get it for them, you will have an Opportunity next week I suppose to send by Mr Poor, from

Mr Fosters at Boston— If you would prefer my geting Cloth at Haverhill, I suppose I can—but I do not know what they have in there Shops—for I have not been in them for twelve months— Miss Betsy Palmer can Make them if you like to have her do them—
          I wish you would send some peices of the Childrens darkest woolen cloaths— I have some peices of all the others I believe—
          I thank you for your kind letter hope your Son has reached you before this, give my love to him— my letter dated this month I hope you have gotten— William has some reason to complain but I have so much often to say, that I say nothing—not knowing where to begin— I have written largely to him, the beginning of January. I hope in favour it is not lost—
          I am thankful you are good enough to keep up a correspondence with him— you know how to be of service to him, better than I—& where to throw in your cautions, & encouragements—
          I send the measure of ribbands as you desired— With the tenderest Affection I am your Sister

            E P—


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 16 February 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

              My dear Aunt
              Philadelphia Feb 16th. 99

            I have just received your letter of the 8th of Feb. and feel grieved to find you in so low spirits and so unwell, but flatter myself that the sight of your son (whom I hope has long before this happily arrived,) & his excellent company will revive your spirits and restore your health. The snow has almost entirely left us and we have had some days of the past week as pleasant and warm as we have at the

eastward in April, but the change of weather here is enough to kill one— yesterday and to day have been as cold as we have had almost any time this winter.
            You will see by the papers that Mr King is appointed to negotiate a commercial treaty in London, with The Emperor of all the Russias & that Mr Smith is sent to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce with the Sublime Ottoman Porte—this last nomination excited considerable debate in the house Senate & was finally caried by a majority of two only, fourteen & twelve.
            Sam. Smith made a motion in the house for augmenting the salaries of the Executive officers, but the motion was lost by a majority of two or three votes only. I hardly know what to make of a great majority of Congress.
            Have you read Gen. Heaths memoirs? If I can judge of them by the extracts which I have seen in the newspapers and I presume I may— they must be foolish indeed. Parson Gardner I presume must be the author of the Agawam Critick, published in the Centinel.
            Love to L & affectionate remembrance to / Mr. Adams / your

              Wm. S. S—

            Monday Morn. Saturday night & yesterday we had so much snow as to make it good slaying.


Title: Charles Adams to John Adams, 19 February 1799
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John

            My dear Sir
            New York Feb 19th 1799

          In your last favour you requested me to point out the appointments that have been thought improper I undertake the task with much pleasure conscious that I have no other interest but the good and wellfare of my Country at heart. Your hopes with respect to Daubeny are or may be fulfilled I know him to be well attached to Government but I also know he is an unskilful Sailor I know he is a Fop and as such regarded by all men of Maritime knowledge He has suffered much by giving out that he was first Lieutenant of Talbots Ship. Captain Talbot though an Excellent brave man is not a regular bred Sailor, and it is therefore necessary his second should be a perfect Seaman. I Can easily perceive what difficulties you have to encounter with nominations, I now give you an instance of what is called recommendations. The inclosed will show you the real character of a man recommended by some of the first Characters in this City Col Morton mentioned to me the other day that he was mortified at having signed his name to a request for appointment for a Mr John Shute, That he did not know the man but was led to it by seeing the signature of Alderman Furman. The Character of this man Shute you will see in the enclosed letter. I told Col Morton that if recommendations were signed thus hastily we as a Country should have much to lament. I then shew him that part of your letter where you mention that no person well attached to the Government should recommend without a religious beleif of the propriety of the recommendation He agreed perfectly.
          Mr Shute who was formerly a deputy Sheriff came to me one morning and gave me a paper to sign. Never having seen him before I requested to know its purport he said it was merely a petition to the secretary of the Navy. I told him I had never seen him before I had never seen the Secretary of the Navy and it was rather a curious circumstance he should apply to me. He said he was astonished that Genl Hamilton had requested him to call on me and had no idea of a refusall Thus You see in what manner things are conducted I will give you my honor that whenever an appointment from New York is contemplated to give you an honest and true account of the merits of the Candidates
          With real affection I am Your son

            Chas Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith Shaw, 21 February 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            Quincy Feb’ry 21 1799—

          I have to acknowledge the receipt of three Letters from you since my last. your punctuality and attention deserve commendation; and claim a pardon for any inaccuracies of stile, or manner, which escape your pen. shall I tell you however what Thomas says? “this young man must aim at more accuracy of expression. he must not be slovenly I will take him to task.” you know his way, and I dare Say will receive his admonitions with the spirit of Candor in which they are meant; the Letters which I have not before acknowledgd are of the 5th 9th and 12th of Feb’ry with the latter I received the pamphlets you sent, and thank you for your attention;
          It appears to me from the insult in the Gallery of congress to the Speaker; and the conduct of Reynolds as well as of the chief Justice, that a crisis is working up which will call for all the energy of Government to suppress. I recollect that during a debate of mr Madisons in support of some Resolutions, commonly calld Madisons Resolutions, that some persons in the Gallery clap’d, upon which a motion was made to clear the Galleries. this motion was seconded by mr Madison himself, who made a handsome speech upon the occasion.
          I think the dignity of the House required that if the culprit could not have been pointed out, that the Galleries should have been cleard, and the House ought to have set till it was done instead of rising: I wish more spirit had been shewn upon the occasion. as to the conduct of McKean, he should never Sit upon the Bench as Judge again, If I had Mifflins Reins.— but like Preist, like people,

there is leven enough in the city of Philadelphia, put into a state of fermentation by the Minority in Congress, to sour the whole state.
          I have seen Dr Morse Sermon. he Sent me one, and I was well acquainted with the communications I can trace the hand, as well as I can trace the sentiments of an other hand, in the Secretarys Report upon the last dispatches
          I have read the address of the minority of the Virgina assembly— and can only lament, that in that case, the Minority for the honor of Virgina, had not been the Majority: I have also read with approbation mr dents speech upon unaccreditted Envoys.
          The last Thaw we had laid me up for several days— I am not yet well. it gave me Rhumatism I believe. I am not yet below, for my head is done up with Blisters behind my Ears which tingle like pins, but I have rested better since; I have a Whitlow upon my left hand fore finger. I rejoice that it is not my Right, for then I could not write a line:
          This day is commemorated as the Birth day of Washington. Mr Adams and Louissa are gone to Town to the Ball. I always have sickness in Feb’ry if I escape other Months. I hope to be below stairs tomorrow. the Philadelphia News papers announce the Presidents Lady as going to the Play: I am not Jealous, but alass she poor creature was more than 3 hundred Miles off, so much of an invalide as not to have been ten miles from home for seven months—
          I had a Letter from your Mother to day; she says she wrote you, the beginning of Jan’ry Abbe has been sick of a fever, but is getting better. she says she cannot write to you so often as she wishes, and begs I would supply her place— I had a kind Letter from mrs otis. she speeks very Handsomely of you, and affectionatly—
          I am really ashamed that I have not written to mrs Cushing. I will not neglect it if I find myself able—
          adieu. my Neck acks— / affectionatly your

            Aunt A A—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Phyladelphia Feb. 22. 1799

          Your last Letter, which I have recd was dated the 10th.— I have one from Mr Thomas at Brookfield of the 8th.— I hope your ill turn was soon over and that your health is reestablished.
          What the ultimate determination of our son will be I cannot conjecture.— I would not overpersuade him. Phyladelphia is on many Accounts, a good place. My Inclination as well as yours is for Quincy: his for Phyladelphia. Let him determine.— If We were to live in Phyladelphia for many Years I should have less Objection to his fixing here. We should enjoy his Conversation, some times. But this is impossible.— I have no Idea that I shall be chosen P. a second time— tho this is not to be talked of. The Business of the office is so oppressive that I shall hardly Support it two years longer.
          To night I must go to the Ball: where I Suppose I shall get a cold, and have to eat Gruel for Breakfast for a Week afterwards. This will be no Punishment.—
          Since my nomination of Murray I have been advised by Some to name my son John and Mr King, with Mr Murray. But I answer that the nomination of either Mr King or Mr Adams would probably defeat the whole measure. Rivalries have been irritated to madness and Federalists have merited the sedition Law and Cobbet the Alien Bill— But I will not take Revenge. I dont remember that I was ever vindictive in my Life. though I have often been very wroth. I am not very angry now, nor much vexed or fretted. The Mission came across the Views of many and stirred the Passions of more. This I knew was unavoidable. The Reasons which determined me are too long to be written

            J. A


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 February 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My Dearest Friend
            Quincy Feb’ry. 25 1799

          I have not any Letter from you of a later date than the 9th; you was then unwell. I have one from william of the 12th. as he does not mention your being still indisposed I hope it was only occasiond by the Thaw, and the close air of the Theatre. I have myself been confined for a week, but got down stairs yesterday, and hope I have parted with some of my bad humours, by the application of Blisters, and a soar finger— our weather is so variable that one day we have it intencely cold, and the next a thaw. the Ground is again coverd with snow of a foot depth. it is also very cold
          French I believe will take the Farm at a hundred and 75 dollors and pay all taxes. Burrel will remain— Quincy medow is given up by French— I suppose dr Tufts will draw upon Genll Lincoln in March— in that Month Brislers Wages will become due. you will recollect it and settle with him. I did the last March— If Thomas returns to Philadelphia, should you be willing to leave him Clinker a Horse seems necessary for his Health. he might be kept at a livery stable, and if he should be obliged to flee, he will have it more in his power, to attend the courts in the Country, or come on here on Horse back— I believe he will be determined more by, who is like to be the future Gov’r of Pensilvanna, than any thing Else. if the democratic Judge—he will seek some other place if Congress were to sit as long this year as the last, I believe a Rebellion would break out in some of the states; there is symptoms enough already of a daring spirit of out Law. I do not like their complexion. Logan has brought home, perhaps a List of our Directory. I doubt not they were equally attentive to us as to England Ireland and Scotland— the petition of the Alien Irishmen speaks very plain language—
          I have not any Letters by the post of this day, tho the 25 of the month, and William has omitted Claypoles paper, by which means I do not learn what is doing. my papers are to the 15th— Congress appear to have done very little buisness. how much is in readiness I know not. I see the appointment of mr King, and smith, in Fennoes paper.
          I cannot but own that I feel some anxiety upon account of the Bloodhounds, the united Irishmen; if the account of their petition to Congress is any way accurate, no man possessd of honour or

honesty, virtue or integrity would have presented such a daring out rage to the Government; it was a fit office for Levingstone.
          The Grand Jury have found a Bill against Adams the Printer, for publishing a Libel upon the senate & majority of the House, saying that every member who voted in favour of the answer to the Virgina Resolutions perjured himself, by acting against the constitution, which he had Sworn to support.
          I shall be anxious for tomorrows post. I am much better than when I wrote you last. the application of Blisters has restored to me more quiet sleep than I have had for a long time.
          I am my dearest Friend / ever yours

            A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 27 February 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

              my dearest Friend
              Febry 27th 1799— Quincy

            yesterday afternoon mr Greenleaf returnd from Boston, and as he, as well as my others Neighbours, are particuliarly attentive and kind, in bringing Letters and papers to me as well; as of communicating all New’s, he came full fraught, with the appointment of Mr Murrey Minister Plenipo to France, a measure which had astonishd all the Federilist; and was a subject of great speculation, in Boston. Soon after Thomas returnd from Boston, thinking to bring me great New’s but found himself forestall’d. he however got a Good story in Boston. some of the Feds who did not like being taken so by surprize, said they wisht the old woman had been there; they did not believe it would have taken place; this was pretty sausy, but the old woman can tell them they are mistaken, for she considers the measure as a master stroke of policy; knowing as she did that the pulse had been feeling through that minister for a long time. beside’s the appointment, shows that the disposition of the Government is still pacific, and puts to the test the sincerity of the Directory, who if they are really inclined to accommodate, have the door held open to them; and upon them rests in the Eyes of all the World, the responsibility. it is a measure which, strikes in the Head Jacobinism. it come as unexpected to them, as to the Federilists— it will also prevent the directory sending a French minister here which was not desirable, knowing the Nature of the animal. it cannot be considerd as a degradation restricted as I lean the appointment is, that no negotiation shall commence—but with a minister of equal Rank specially appointed to treat; I have not heard an opinion upon it, but revoleving the subject upon my pillow, I call it a master stroke of polocy, even tho it should terminate in a buble it brings the Nation directory, to the touch stone—

            I was vext however to see our House of Rep’s stop in the midst of a wise measure, and take for granted, what they had no buisness to consider; not a cord should be relaxed in concequence of the appointment— to ensure any kind of success to the negotiation, they should be prepared at all points for War, if it fails—
            Pray am I a good politician?
            we have had for the last ten days winter as severe as any before. it has frozen the Rivers & bay more than any time before, and it is now snowing with voilence as to my own Health, it has its up’s & down’s. as soon as I feel any thing tolerable, I get out, and will not lose the air then. I get housed a day or two; but I endeavour to keep up my spirits, and take what comfort I can; as I go along comforting myself, that it will be better by & by—
            In my last I mentiond to you leaving clinker for Thomas but I did not calculate that he was the only saddle Horse you had, untill afterwards—when I recollected the loss of one, and that I had two here;
            you mention that dr Tufts might draw upon you for any sum within Reason. the sum which he will draw for will be 500 dollors—unless you should give orders that any further sum should be laid out in public Securities; I know not the reason, but the funds are allways a shilling in a pound higher here than at Philadelphia. they are now 6 pr cents, at 16. & 4 pencee, fallen a shilling in a pound since the new loan— as to defered stock, there is not any to be had the 6 pr cents are the most advantages, only that two pr cent is annully paid off—
            I wrote you that French would give with Belchers place—, 52 pound ten shilling—
            It looks so like the depdth of winter, that spring appears far off. I hope you will be at home before much is wanted to be done.
            I am my dear Friend / affectionatly / Your

              A Adams

              28th

            I forgot to mention to you that the Lot of mrs Veseys sold at Auction for 4 hundred and 90 dollors. prat has bought it as he did the pew I suppose


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 1 March 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir.
            Quincy March 1st: 1799.

          My time has been so occupied between going to Boston to get my dinner and coming back to Quincy again, that I have written to you but once since my arrival. I should have considered these frequent visits as time lost to improvement, but that they have enabled me to attend the Session of the Supreme Court, which commenced on the 19th: ulto.. Having now complied with all the necessary forms of a first arrival in the center of ones friends & relations, I hope to be spared any further material interruption from the pursuits of my inclination.
          The charge of Chief Justice Dana, to the Grand Jury of Suffolk, which I had the satisfaction to hear from the Bench, was fraught with wisdom, both legal & political. It took a concise but very intelligent view of the distribution of powers in the State & National Governments, of the checks & balances in each of them, and pointed out the superiority of these forms over any others of which experiments had been made. The independence of the Judiciary, he maintained to be, not only, the chief corner stone of the political edifice, but its most ornamental pillar. The examination of and animadversion upon, the interference of some State legislatures, with laws passed by the National Government, of whose constitutional validity they assumed to be the Judges, produced many spirited remarks, and when he noticed the two laws, which gave rise to their resolves, he gave them his cordial and unequivocal approbation. He called the attention of the Jury in a very pointed manner to the Chronicle, a number of which he held in his hand; this contained a piece, which the Judge declared to be of a mischievous & seditious tendency, as it was clearly meant thereby to alienate the confidence of the good people of this State from their lawful Representatives & Government, by spreading false, scandalous & wicked slander against their characters; accusing them not only of a want of honor & integrity, but with the actual commission of crimes & misdemeanours, which were in themselves indictable offenses.

          As the charge was delivered in a great measure ex-tempore from the bench, and it is doubtful whether it will be published, I have been thus particular in noticing it, and I am happy to add that it was generally received by those who heard it with unequivocal satisfaction. I have felt myself highly flattered by the cordial reception I have met with upon my first interview with the chief Magistrates of this State. I esteem their notice as very precious & honorable.
          I was present at the celebration of Washington’s birth day Ball & Dinner, and felt animated by the glow of patriotism, which distinguished the occasion. As a respectful tribute to the family of the General, I thought it decorous to remember in our toasts, one member of it, who, as I had been informed, was to undergo an interesting change of situation on this anniversary. I accordingly gave as a volunteer in a bumper, “Miss Nelly Custis;—may her nuptials, on this day, lay the foundation for a numerous race of heroes & of patriots.” It was received with boisterous applause.
          We Boston Yankees were sadly confounded the other day, by the news from Philadelphia, announcing the nomination of a Minister to treat with the french Republic. To use the true cant & drawl of our yankee tone, they could-n-’t make nothing at all on ’t,—fact If we don’t see into every thing done or to be done by our Government, and know the reasons & motives & principles whole-sale & retail, that led to Executive measures, why there’s not one man in ten, among us, but what thinks all’s a going wrong. I have been highly diverted at the operation of this late news, upon all parties, federalists, french or English. The first & last no sooner heard it than they exclaimed “A Minister nominated to France! No sure! Impossible! It cannot be!” With the Jacobins, the President of the U. S. was “the first character that ever lived as a Statesman. Glorious news! An Envoy nominated to the french Republic, where live those virtuous & energetic republicans! We see a treaty concluded already, no more need of defence, no Army—no Navy—no direct taxation”!!! Such is Chronicle language. The federalists hung their nether lip at first, but the Jacobin crow, roused their rage and turned it to its natural attraction. “The Administration had its reasons, no doubt, for such a step; it might be necessary— we don’t know what intelligence has been received, but something recent must. However, go on with your preparations for defence, dont relax a fibre or a muscle in your hostile countenance—such is the language of the President & such the public interest.” So much for the awakened federalists. The English party adhere to their original text. “We are mortified, say they, at

the weakness & hastiness of this measure of the Executive; Can it be presumed that france will treat with us, and is not every probability against it? What will England and the rest of Europe think of us when they hear of it; ten chances to one, that England renews her depredations on our Commerce in consequence of it. It paralizes the arm of Government; damps & discourages hostile enterprize and deafens the ear of the public to the voice of our Country’s defence.— In short it seems to us an ill-timed & unadvised measure, and we heartily wish THE OLD WOMAN had been with the President to prevent it.”
          Such is a brief account of the purport of all the conversation I have heard since this news arrived; a great portion of this is hearsay with me, but my sources are authentic. It is further to be remarked that this intelligence has been the theme of many letters from the fountain head, since it issued thence. These indite that the Secretaries or heads of departments had no share or portion in this nomination;—and why? Because the President did not consult them. And why did he not???— Some have answered—because he did not think fit, and was not bound to do it. All wrong again— Washington did not do so. All right & proper, say others, if Adams likes the responsibility, and if he dont, he cant help himself, for the heads of departments, consulted or not, do not share the burden with him in any such measures. So we go on Sir, questioning & answering, quarreling & wrangling, happy if from the collision any spark of comprehension should kindle an attachment & respect for the measures of our Government.
          I am in duty bound your Son

            Thomas B. Adams.

            P.S. I am directed to add, that one letter in particular, from Philadelphia observes—“This is the first great measure in which I have not been consulted.”


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 1 March 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            [1 March 1799]

          I am now and then regaled with a few words from your store house, spread over as many lines, which brings to my mind very forcibly the words of Pope. “The weighty bullion” &ca: you know the rest. As yet however I have nothing directly from your hand. I have been playing truant ever since I arrived, and begin to think it high time to attend my office more punctually.
          We have had Balls and dinners &ca: in honor of Genl Washington’s birth day. I was one of the singing dancing, eating, drinking, smoaking & toasting multitude on the occasion, and filled my character, I hope, with becoming zeal. You have doubtless somewhat of a similar history to give of the proceedings at Philadelphia—other proceedings of an opposite complexion are not wanting among you to fill the Chronicle of variety or scandal.
          I am amused with Peter’s strictures upon the Report of a nomination to France— Mr: Pitt may dislike the measure as much, though his practice has been very similar to it.
          Our situation has been for a length of time, neither peace or war with France—so long as this continued, milk & water must have have remained the complexion of all our proceedings— The Reptiles would not declare war as they ought, and the President in consequence has declared peace, if it can be made. Some of us say, the Senate will non-concur— I say they will concur.
          I am with best remembrance to friends / your’s

            T B A


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Joseph Pitcairn, 2 March 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Pitcairn, Joseph

              My dear Sir.
              Quincy 2d: March 1799.

            That I have hitherto given you no account of my voyage since my arrival, is imputable to the unsettled state in which I have been from the time it took place to the present moment. I have made a visit to Philadelphia to see my father, have passed nearly 10 days at New York and for this last fortnight have been here with my Mother, whose state of health, though far better than it was during the last Summer & fall, is yet very precarious.
            I found our friends at New York & Philadelphia in health— You may remember I expressed to you, doubts respecting my reception from a certain person. I was wrong in that conjecture, but I was not wrong in others more distressing, which haunted me long previous to & during my passage— It is not necessary for me to be more explicit with you on this subject; it could excite in you nothing but sorrow & disappointment. His wife & children are well, though unhappy.
            The Alderman received me with his usual hospitality & kindness, but there is unluckily little harmony among the circle in which I was formerly acquainted at New York. Ruination and politics have dispersed & divided them more than you can well imagine. If comfort & tranquility be dear to you, I think you have a better chance for them where you are, than at this moment you could have in this Country. Now, having finished my croaking, I will endeavor to present to you a more smiling picture of us than from the preceding specimen you may expect.
            First, however, let me acknowledge the receipt of your favors dated November 15. & December 6. the first pr the Franklin, the last by the Four friends arrived at Philadelphia— I beg leave to notice for your instruction that I have not heard a word of my Great Coat, which was accidentally left behind me at your house. I think you must have sent it by one or other of these vessels, though I have yet no notice of it. It would have been greatly serviceable to me this

winter, if I had brought it, but I begin now to despair of ever seeing it. We have had a long and severe winter, with a great deal of snow, which has made & continues to make excellent travelling. It even snows pretty smartly at the moment.
            I have written twice to my brother since my arrival—the first time by Mr: Mc: Henry, who is gone to stay with Mr: Murray, the last from Philadelphia. I received the letter you enclosed me from him in your’s of the 15 Nov[r:] and am obliged to you for the intelligence respecting him & family in yours of 6 Decr:.
            My meeting with my friends & relatives has been happy, and the reception they have given me, for the most part cordial. I observe very considerable alteration in our Cities, but little in the Country at large— The Society of Philadelphia is surprizingly altered. The night after my arrival I was present at a Ball there given to the P. U. S. and was much struck with the appearance of so many new faces, and so few that I had ever seen before. During the last Season the pestilence made greater ravages than ever it had done before in proportion to numbers remaining in the City. Two of the finest young women, Miss Lucy Breck & Miss Betsey Wescott, were among the victims. Young Bill Morris too, my particular friend, lost his life in attempting to alleviate the solitude of his father in prison. In short Philadelphia & New York, Boston and many other towns are in sackcloth. Attempts have been made in all of them to rouse the drooping spirits of the inhabitants, but “still all goes on heavily.” In Boston however we have recently celebrated the birth day of Washington in a decent & becoming manner by a splendid Ball and dinner at which Patriotism presided and Federalism, feeling & felicity were distinguished guests.
            I will give you a sumary of what Congress have done this Session respecting measures of offence or defence. The first law of any importance, which passed was one authorizing the P. U. S. to open an intercourse between any of the french Colonies & the U. S. from whence he should be well informed that no Privateers were out. This permission is supposed to refer to some part of Hispaniola where Privateering has lately been stopped by order of Genl Toussaint, who is said to have an Agent here treating for an acknowledgment of that Island’s Independence.— The law authorizing the building & equipping of Six 74’s and a number of vessels of smaller size; making provision for the establishment of two Dock yards & empowering the President to increase the number of guns on board

some of the ships now in service, is the most material that has passed— Congress is just on the point of rising and nothing important is likely to take place— They would not declare war like men, and take all the advantages of such a declaration, but persist in the dishwater state in which we have been for a twelvemonth past, with all the inconveniences of actual war— This situation was precarious, dishonorable and deceptive, and the President has finally put an end to it, by the appointment nomination of Mr: Murray to negotiate with a Minister of equal rank & powers on the part of the french Republic to be appointed prior to any movement on the part of Mr: Murray. This step of the Executive has caused great astonishment among some people in this Country. Peter Porcupine abuses the report of its having taken place, with all his acrimony— English men & Anglo Americans are universally mortified at it, and frenchmen as well as french Americans extol it as a most glorious event. If I mistake not these last will be taken in by the sequel— If our Representatives in Congress had been good men & true, ready to follow or to lead in measures of energy—there would have been no occasion for this measure, which however has not been taken but in consequence of assurances demanded by the President having been received. We do not think rightly in this Country until we have had time for mature reflection. This measure is now unpopular, I am persuaded it must soon be appreciated differently by the public— The President did not expect that this nomination would induce Congress to repeal all their laws for the Country’s defence & the protection of our Commerce, but I verily believe if they had time, the question would be seriously brought before them. Virginia politics prevail more or less, as far as the confines of Connecticut; they predominate in the State of New York, and have many advocates in all the States. An appeal to strength would turn out much to their disadvantage, but it has been threatened.
            Buonaparte has been killed nine times already in this Country; but the last death seems to be credited by some. I believe, nor care a whit about it. Our folks however are extremely interested in his fate. If he would come & put them on his contribution list, I should thank him, for one, because I believe their curiosity would thereby be allayed.
            I have omitted drawing on you for the money I have in your hands because the sacrifice on Exchange would be so great. So long as it continues low, I may not draw, but perhaps equity would allow me

an interest of six per cent on the use of the money. I only mention this as a hint.
            Accept my best wishes for your prosperity & believe me sincerely your friend / & humble Servt:

              T B Adams.

              PS. You may continue to address me at Philadelphia, as I expect to return there by the first of nexth Month.

              12th: March

            Since the beginning of this letter, we hear from several quarters that Captn: Truxton of the Constellation frigate has fallen in with, and after an engagement of two hours & three quarters, captured L’Insurgent, french frigate of 44 guns. The engagement took place off St Kitts, where the Insurgent was carried after she struck. There is yet no official account of the action, but the Constellation is said to have had 13 killed—L’Insurgent 50.
            The nomination of Mr: Murray as sole Envoy was withdrawn & on the 25th: ult. three Commissioners were nominated for the same object, viz Messrs: Oliver Ellsworth Patric Henry & W V Murray. The gentlemen are not to go hence until a reciprocal appointment takes place on the part of the fr: Rep:
            With esteem, as above.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 March 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            March 4th 1799—

          I have been informd to day, that a paper from N york the daily advertizer was received in Town on saturday night, which states that the Senate have refused to concur in the nomination of mr Murrey, and congratulating the public upon it, that the Senate have offerd their Reasons, which are promised in the next Paper; We are told that [“]in a multitude of Counsellors their is safety”
          I cannot but own, that this intelligence has given me much pain and anxiety; and I shall not feel less, untill I hear from you;
          I should regreet indeed if a Majority of the Senate should become the dupes of intrigue be it as it will, each have excercised the powers given them by the constitution—and time will discover, who is right & who is wrong:
          I am as ever your

            A A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Phyl. March 7. 1799

          I have been so overwhelmed with Business at the Close of the session of Congress and Since, that I have not been able to write you for several Days.
          Mr Grove desired me to tell you that Mr William Smith your Nephew is married to a very amiable young Lady the Daughter of a rich Father. What he means by a rich Father I dont know.— I congratulate you & Louisa on this Event.
          I cannot Say whether I shall see you in March. I have much to do. but neither a sense of Duty nor the feelings of Inclination will be wanting to induce me to see you at Quincy as soon as possible.— I shall not go to Washington.— I cannot.
          I am grieved and mourn for your Confinement.— In the Spring I will run about with you and in the fall bring you again to Phyladelphia.
          You will have News enough without my giving you the trouble to read them in my scrawls. Yours ever

            J. A


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 9 March 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my Dearest Friend
            Quincy March 9th 1799

          Such extreem cold Weather I do not recollect to have felt in March, as it has been this week, and it has laid Thomas up with one of his Soar Throats & Rhumatism I hope however tho very threatning, that it will not be lasting; I am so well as to ride out, when the weather will permit, and able to look after my poor Lad, who I regreet has so much of his Mothers constitution & infirmities—
          Captain Brooks dyed yesterday of a Lung fever, with which he had been sick about ten days; the loss to his Family will be heavily felt.
          I am anxious to hear from Philadelphia the result of a nomination, which has agitated the public, much more than a declaration

of War could have done. the Report of the senates having negatived the Nomination which gave me so much pain & anxiety, was I find, not founded. I presume much of the Clamour has arrisen from the mortification of a certain Gentlemans not being intrusted with the secreet. it was hardly fair, or in Character to write upon the first day of the nomination, to S—— H——n such a Letter as I have heard was written; it may however be misrepresented—but of one thing we are certain, no Man has been so high, and so Clamourous against the measure, as mr Higgisson. some persons say he ought to be indited upon the sedition act. he is much blamed for his conduct, I was told, but I do not vouch for the truth, that he went to Ben Russel to get him to insert the peices from Porcupines paper, which has drawn upon Porcupine the Philipic you will see in the same paper— the peices were however rejected with disdain—and not any peice censuring the Measure, has appeard in any Boston paper, but several in justification. you will see one in J Russels under the signature of Consistancy.— the measure no doubt dissapoints, the views of many persons; nor does [it] in the least flatter my vanity, to have the public Imagine that I am not equally pacific with my Husband, or that the same Reasons and motives, which led him to take upon his own shoulders the weight, of a measure, which he knew must excite a Clamour, would not have equally opperated upon my mind, if I had been admitted a partner in the Counsel. I never pretended to the weight they asscribe to me:
          The additional nomination will tend perhaps to give more general satisfaction—
          I congratulate you upon the Capture of the Insurgent, and wish all insurgents, might share the same fate.—
          I hope to learn when I may expect you home by your next Letter.
          I am most affectionatly / your

            A Adams—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Phyladelphia March 11. 1799

          I cannot Say when I shall be able to sett out. But I shall loose no time here. When the Public Business is in such a state that I can leave it, I shall go, be the Roads as they may.— I expect bad travelling all the Way.
          Truxton has indeed taken the Insurgent. But We have a silly Insurgence in Northampton County in this state, which will detain me, I suppose, some days This state is not a moral Person, it has not Intelligence enough to make it accountable for its Actions. I have recd Thomas’s Letter, with a very entertaining Account of the Sensation occasioned by what you call the Master Stroke. The Effect upon different Parties is described so naturally that it must be true.
          My Volunteers will soon compass the Disturbance in Northampton.— The Spirit in the City is very high against them.
          I am as ever

            J. A


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 16 March 1799
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            N. 43.
            My dear Mother,
            Berlin. 16. March. 1799.

          After a long period of deep concern, and anxiety, on account of your health, I feel myself in some measure relieved by the receipt of your kind letter of 2nd Decr:, which I received the day before yesterday; that which you mention as having written me on the 15th of November, has not yet come to hand.
          At the same time, I received from Mr Pitcairn at Hamburg a line, mentioning, that the vessel in which my brother sailed, arrived at New York about the middle of January. I began to feel very anxious also to hear from him and this intelligence therefore was highly agreable, though my satisfaction would have been more complete, if I could have had the account of my brother’s arrival under his own hand, which however I shall now wait for with as much patience as possible.
          Your long illness has not only been a source of distress to my affection, but by interrupting your correspondence, has very much limited the extent and frequency of my information from America. For many months I have not seen an American newspaper, and excepting what Mr King has been good enough to write me from England, I have heard only two or three times from home since my brother left me.
          I am greatly obliged to you for the information respecting the property, which I had placed in my brother Charles’s hands. I have now committed all my affairs in America, to my brother Thomas, who I believe will manage them with discretion. I hope you will favour him with your good counsel in this respect, & I hope that Charles will find the security, which he was persuaded to take, such as not to leave the burden of account upon himself
          You cannot first hear from me, of the great transactions, which during the winter, have occurred in Europe. The kings of Naples & Sardinia, have successively fallen, the latter without any resistance at all, the former, with less even than was expected before the arts & arms of France. In all Italy there now remains to be subdued only the Grand Duke of Tuscany, whose destiny will be the same at the first moment of decisive War between France & Austria. These Events are mere details—Single Scenes of the great Tragedy, the

catastrophe of which, will be the subversion of all the antient Institutions of Europe. The tendency to this result has been clearly foreseen, & generally understood, more than seven years, & not one year has passed during that period without making great & rapid strides towards the issue— What seven years ago was probable may now be considered as inevitable— The political & moral state of Europe undergoes a total change. The soul of the great body will certainly transmigrate— That which it has hitherto inhabited was human; with the common appendages of humanity, numberless infirmities, & many vices— But that which it next will animate there is every reason to apprehend will be an unnatural & portentous monster, or at best a savage & ravenous wild beast.
          During the short struggle, which the king of Naples maintained, the Emperor though so nearly related by kindred, & so closely allied by compact, to him, did not interfere to save him— The Directory protested, that they meant to observe sacredly all their Treaties with other sovereigns, & the Austrian Cabinet had some hopes that they thought as they said— In the mean time the french troops were closely blockading the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, the strongest bulwark of the German Empire upon the Rhine, although they had expressly stipulated a suspension of hostilities during the continuance of the negotiation at Rastadt. The king of Naples thus abandoned by his friends & surrounded by every species of treachery among his own troops, was soon obliged to seek a precarious refuge in Sicily. Ehrenbreitstein was reduced by famine & surrendered— Since then the french Government has shewn a determination to begin the war again with Austria— Their troops have taken possession of Manheim, & are besieging Philipsburg. The cabinet of Vienna are still grasping at expedients to put off the evil day, but it is now doubtful whether any will serve them. The possibility of still preserving Peace has not yet entirely disappeared, but it is now very slight indeed, & if the war should seriously begin, a single campaign will perhaps be sufficient to give its fatal blow to the House of Austria. Many of the french writers in pamphlets & newspapers, now give out that the design of the Directory is to convert all the South of Europe into Republics, & to leave the North under the dominion of monarchs— It is possible that a system of this kind may have its patrons among the french Statesmen, though such a balance could not be so established as to stand for any length of time.— There is no doubt but the plan once executed will only serve as a scaffolding

to the more extensive one of spreading the Republic all over Europe, but at present it has apparently many partizans. As far as respects Italy, the business is very nearly completed, & there now remains little but to revolutionize Spain & Portugal, for the execution of the primary plan. This they would immediately do, if their powers were not engrossed by a new war with Austria. The Directory have renewed their demand upon the Spanish Government for the passage of 36,000 men to attack Portugal, & unless they should get too much engaged elsewhere will certainly insist upon it untill Spain shall be forced to comply; and from that moment may be dated the downfal both of the Spanish & Portuguese monarchies.
          While it appears inevitable that the war must be renewed between France & Austria, there is every appearance that Prussia will again observe & maintain a system of neutrality. Mr Grenville, a brother of the English Secretary of State, is here upon a mission from England; & is to proceed from this place to Vienna. The object was to unite the two German Courts in a common system favorable to the views of Great Britain, an object utterly impracticable, & which no conceivable course of Events can render possible. The Russian & Turkish empires indeed appear very seriously engaged in opposition to France, but the distance of the former, & the weakness of the latter leave little expectation of any very powerful exertions on their part— Something will perhaps be attempted on the side of Egypt, where the french army has maintained itself hitherto, & from which the General is expected to make an attack upon Syria. The Barbary powers, have declared War against France—
          In this Country, the Winter, which has just ended has been remarkable for an unusual degree of festivity & dissipation. We have shared in it as little as we could consistently with the obligations of our situation, yet much more than our inclinations would have dictated.— My wife has enjoyed her health remarkably well the last eight months, & continues as lovely as ever. She is neither dazzled by the Splendor nor captivated by the gaiety of the Scene in which she finds herself placed. She presents her dutiful affection to you, & hopes you will not in future as in your last Letter, call her “Mrs Adams”— I make the less scruple in mentioning this observation to you, because, I recollect you once lessoned my brother Thomas, & me through him, for beginning our letters to you with “Dear Madam.”— There is a delicacy of sensibility, which it is the peculiar privilege of female minds to possess— I might have written to this day, &

addressed you with the same unfeeling formality, but for your gentle admonition, reminding me how much more grateful to a maternal ear is the appellation of mother, than the settled title of respect due to every stranger or slight acquaintance; & I might have found my wife called Mrs Adams in twenty letters from you without notice, had not she herself remarked how much more delighted she would be to find herself called your or my Louisa, your daughter or my wife— We had already heard by letters from her family, that Mr Cranch had removed to George Town, & taken Mr Cook’s office, & of the intimacy between his family, & that of Mr Johnson, which gives us much pleasure, & we hope that it will prove as useful to both parties, as it is agreable. We both beg to be affectionately remembered to my Uncle & Aunt Cranch.
          I am your ever affectionate Son

            John Q. Adams.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Joseph Dennie Jr., 16 March 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Dennie, Joseph Jr.

            Dear Sir.
            Quincy 16th. March 1799.

          Since I invited you to a correspondence, and you have not declined it, I should think repentance in the very threshold of the undertaking an unfair desertion from a cause in which I embarked as a volunteer. The offer to contribute by some occasional communications to the supply of the farmers Museum was rather an evidence of my zeal for its success, than of any ability to afford the nourishment requisite for its vigorous support. Distance is one, and the principal obstacle to a frequent communication; avocations of business and the want of materials at hand are others—yet I do not despair of sending you from time to time, something original or borrowed from some European periodical works, worthy a corner in your journal. As to politics, I will none of it. It is, next to “wishing” the worst of all employments. My situation has compelled me to mingle with & hear more in this line than in any other. I am not therefore enamoured of it. My prospects lead me to a settlement in Philadelphia, as a limb of the Law, and unless the pestilence should overtake me or compel my flight, I shall endeavor at a permanent establishment in the State of Pennsylvania. I venerate the spot of my nativity, but having once been transplanted it would not be easy for me to take root afresh in the same soil.
          I have noticed your occasional addresses to the public, extorted by the indifference or apathy of our Countrymen to works of genius and publications for the promotion of literature & Science. The reproach is just in my opinion, but it is not destitute of a palliative, namely our infancy our very childhood in literary acquirements. We do not want for taste in this Country, but we want scientific curiosity. For this we must wait until time & the regular progress of society among us, bring with them a just respect & encouragement for literature. I perceive in the Massachusetts Mercury of the 15th: (yesterday) which has come to hand this moment, a sort of attack upon the Editor of the farmers weekly Museum, for “his remarks on the

literature of our Country” &ca: The writer undertakes to say that “Every American who peruses such sentiments as these, (unless he be a Jacobin) will resent the insult offered to himself as a member of the community thus wantonly stigmatized.” &ca:
          I do not think myself to be “a Jacobin,” and yet I have not felt insulted by the Editors remarks & complaints on the score of our literary character as a nation. Mortified & degraded I have felt, that so much unpleasant truth could be advanced on this topic. Whether “reform is to be expected” from what A.B. calls “abuse,” I know not, but I have often observed a soreness in this spot, especially among our Clergy, who have pretentions more than any other class of our fellow citizens, to the cultivation of literature. They feel themselves, a greater share of the reproach on this account, and their means of encouragement towards public undertakings on scientific ground are usually less than those of their bretheren in other professions.
          I was, not long since present, in Boston, at the table of a great officer in the State Government, where allusion was accidentally made in conversation, to the review which lately issued from “the shop of Messers: Colon & Spondee.” A young Lawyer compared something to the “abridgments of Geography, newly abridged,” advertized in the review. A Judge, (all the Supreme Court bench being present) remarked thereupon; “That paper, (the Museum,) was once taken in my family, but the Editor has grown so intolerably abusive and saucy of late, that I would not have it any longer in my house.” A Country Parson who sat next me at table seemed disposed to join in this opinion & to enlarge upon it. I listened to what he said and then asked him, if he thought there was no foundation for the complaints & strictures of that Editor. “Perhaps there is,[”] replied he, & then proceeded with some remarks bearing much resemblance to those of A.B. in the Mercury. “We have all of us, continued he, to work & labor for a living in this Country. The Lawyer must attend the Courts; a physician his patients, a Minister must write Sermons, and the Merchant must Ship off & receive cargo’s.— All these necessary occupations interfere with an attention to and patronage of learning & learned men—our Country is not yet ripe for them.” All very just, said I, but it is this truth, that is complained of and which will starve the man of letters, or at least keep him lean all the days of his life. The conversation stopped here, and I have only detailed it to you, because you were implicated in it.
          I am directed to ask you for your account against the President of

the U.S. for the Museum, during the period it has hitherto been supplied. Two setts have constantly been sent, and it is wished they may be continued. It is not known precisely at what period they were first received; your account accompanied with directions to whom it may be paid in Boston, will receive due honor. As I shall not be many days longer in this part of the Country, you had better enclose the Account to “Mrs: Abigail Adams, Quincy, near Boston.”
          With many good wishes for your welfare & prosperity I am / Dear Sir / Your very obedt: Servant

            Thomas B Adams.


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to William Smith Shaw, 20 March 1799
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Shaw, William Smith

              My Dear Son.
              Atkinson March 20th. 1799

            I have received two letters from you, & suppose you wonder that you have not heard from me much oftener.— we have eight Children in the house all under 14 years age— They are as good as any; but they keep me fully employed; they play hard, & tear their Cloaths so that it is almost impossible to keep them whole.— If it was not the belief, that I am promoting the cause of Literature, instilling into their tender minds a love of Order, the moral, & christian virtues, as far as it is in my power, I should be very unwilling to exert myself as I now do; but in this way I can do more good, perhaps, better answer the end of Creation, & be more extensively useful to my fellow-creatures, than by living a more quiet, & retired life— But if our

Boarders were persons of taste, of more years, & more knowledge, I should enjoy life much better, but then I might not do so much good—so I comfort myself, & bear it— But every thing seems a burden since your dear Sisters death. While she was well & smiling by my side, my work was easy— she made every burden light, & pleasant.— She was young, & had been moved from place to place—& it is a great satisfaction to me that those who knew her best, loved her most. She never turned a scornful, or an averted Eye upon the poor, & needy—but wept—that she could relieve no more— Fortitude, & quick sensibility were in her, happily blended—her mind was honest as light—& artless, as pure.

              “She was form’d by Nature to disclose
              How fair that courtesy which flows
              From social warmth sincere!”

            I think (but I may be mistaken) that I have lost your Sister, at a time when I could not have wanted, or missed her more— I know I am very wrong & some might say very foolish to shed so many unavailing tears— But I cannot help it— It now seems as if the opening year, with all its vernal fragrance could have no charm for me—neither the sweet breath of morn, nor song of earliest Bird—Such is the disspirited state of my mind— I try—soar for a while, & then down I sink— What has added greatly to my grief, & anxiety has been the ill state of my dear little Abby— My mind had no sooner got relieved concerning her arm, than she was taken with a slow fever about eight weeks ago, from which she has not yet fully recovered— She has no pain, but sometimes in her head, nor any cough—but yet the fever cannot be quelled—her fever returns every few hours, yet she has a stomack to her food, & is almost as alert as usual—at first she was hoarse with a cold, & in her head— I wish if you could, you would mention her case to Dr Rush— I think it is strange her fever should continue—
            What have you done with the Lounger you took out of Haverhill Library? Mr Tucker has called upon me for it— But I have not seen it since you left us— Did you not leave it at Mr Abbots?— Mr Abbot is blessed with the birth of a second Daughter— He was so polite as to present me with one of his Thansgiving Sermons—& I think with you, that it has considerable merit. your mode of expression exactly conveys my Idea of the Book. The political sentiments I presume, procured its publication— Some honour is due to the Subscribers,

as well as to the Author, because it evinces a spirit of true federalism in them, as well as discernment, & just esteem of their Minister— In this performance there are some beautiful flights of fancy, well expressed— And we find them in all his compositions, But for One who has studied rhetorick, & had so great advantages, I could not but be surprized to see a number of flat sentences, ending with superfluous monosyllibles—such, as “to us—it”—&cce— Such errors in this enlightened age, ought to be avoided even in common conversation—& no publication should be presented to the world, in a dishabille—
            Did you hear my Son that Apollo had mistaken the heights of Atkinson for Parnassus?— We can patronize the Muses— The gentle Belinda’s notes, are in perfect Unison with his Lyre— I will send you two of our Haverhill Papers— I think you, & your honoured Uncle, in the hour of relaxation, will be pleased, especially with the piece upon the present Juncture of Affairs Your Aunt Adams was so good as to send me a letter of yours, written to her— I was glad to see any improvement in hand writing— I wish you to be very careful of your address & the manner of your closing a letter—every dutiful expression, is particularly due to Your Aunt—both in speaking & writing your stile should be very respectful—no one was ever faulted for this— Read the letters of J.Q.A— & T.BA— & observe the respect, the dutiful regard visible through the whole— King Soloman when he rose from his throne, at the presence of his Mother,—did not discover more filial, affection, & true politeness, & decency of manners than is to seen in their writings—
            William, & John A. Smith have enjoyed a good state of health this winter— Last week our Family attended one of the academic exhibitions— Mr Vose has written a Play called Independance Triumphant, or French reception in America—which appeared very well, as performed by his Scholars The play closed with Eulogies, & Benedictions—To those who had been the Instruments of Peace—&cc— I will transcribe a few words—
            Maj.) Thanks to the time taught Washinton. Fame on her gilded page shall write the veteran hero’s name.—
            Mrs Moreland) Thanks to the sage, Immortal Adams. His praise shall echo from each distant Shore; Myriads, now unborn shall clap their plaudits as he wafts in future years. till his Name be borne aloft beyond the reach of time—
            Col.) Thanks to the guardian powers above. May the symphonies of earth mingle with cherubic anthems in the realms of heaven, &

one general glow of grateful acclamation make the Universe Resound.—
            What a priviledge do our Children enjoy? in being placed at such seminaries of Literature? where they may be trained up to fill with dignity the most important Stations— John spoke Adams & Liberty with energy, & William a part of Mr Otis’s speech in Congress— They will both make admirable Speakers— They send their duty to there Grandpapa—
            I am happy to hear by a letter from Mr Bartlet to his Wife, that your conduct is approved of, he spoke of you in very flattering terms— It was a sweet cordial to me, you may be assured a mothers heart would glow with pleasure— But do you think he is a critical discerner? He is an excellent Man, but is he not partial to a Haverhill Youth?— I have not yet seen Mr Thomas Adams— I want to much— The roads are bad now & will be, for there never was so cold, & long a winter since my remembrance— I hope you will escape the Rheumatism, & return before you will imbibe any of the pestilential air of the southward— Mrs Foster was well, & contentedly happy the last time I heard from her— Miss Nancy Harrod One of the lovliest of her sex, has been tarrying with her, & at your Aunts at Quincy for several weeks— On certain unforeseen contingencies hangs the fate of future life— I am no Prophetess, or Sibyl—So I shall not predict— You mention the Ladies in Philadelphia as having excellent educations, & highly improved.— I am thankful if any where, the means of obtaining knowledge is upon a more equal scale, for my Sex have been cruelly injured, in the unjust niggardly [distructive?] mode of Education.— Perhaps there is not any thing more pleasing, or truly beneficial to a Youth, than the society & friendship of a virtuous circle, of refined, well accomplished Ladies— But my Son ought you not to be very discreet, & circumspect? &

              “Beware how you loiter in vain
              Amid nymphs of an higher degree;
              It is not for me to explain
              How fair, & how fickle they be”—

            You enquire after Mr & Mrs Webster, & I have the pleasure of telling you they came here the last of January & tarried with us a month— They appeared very happy & well satisfied with each other— She makes an excellent wife. She studies “household good—which is the female’s dignity & praise”— They enquired after you, & were glad you were in so good a situation for improvement— They got home

well, we have had letters from them since their return— Capt Webster, & all his family have moved to Landoff, & went up with them, & for the present will live in the same house— Mr Josiah Webster is yet here;—he will I doubt not make a very useful Judicious minster— It is of the utmost Consequence to have men of Science, & uncorrupted hearts in this profession— The political Wheel, never moved easy under any government, without their aid— In the revolution, & establishment of the present system, they have been powerful Instruments— Take care of thyself my Son, & much is implied in this Injunction / by thy Mother

              Elizabeth Peabody.

            Mr Peabody, Vose, Lydia, & thy little Sister send Love


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 27 March 1799
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail

              My Dear Sister,
              March 27th. [1799] Atkinson.

            It is a long time since I have written to you— My mind has been so agitated that I was not fit to write—or in other words, when I sat for a moment, & attempted to write my paper became so blotted, that I was asshamed to send it— Now do not attempt to reason; for I should feel so conscious that its dictates ought to be obeyed, & so little able to comply, that this would prove another source of sorrow— My fears with respect to Abbys arm had no sooner abated, than she was taken with a slow fever— It is nine weeks tomorrow, & she has yet fever fits, & her pulse quick,—yet she has in general good stomack to her food, though I find she soon gets tired of one thing— She has no cough & I begin to think it may be worms that causes the fever now— She has looked so much like her Sister, the clearest red & white I ever saw in a sick person, that it has distressed me, more than I ought to express—
            For these three or four days she has been better, I hope upon the recovery— I have contracted a very bad habit— I do not know but it will prove my ruin— It is that of profusely sweating, I find it increases upon me—for this fortnight past, it will stand in drops all over me, perhaps once in an hour or two—& sometimes oftener— you must think it exposes me to colds—& I have got such a one now that I cannot speak loud, only whisper— The Children have got well of theirs & are charming well. The vacation will be in about a fortnight, & I suppose you would have them go in the Stage— I have mended their green clothes, & made hold on as long as I could, for I wanted to have there new ones kept handsome to visit you— I have taken Williams pretty dark coat, he had when he first come, & Jacket, & made new sleves out of the old trousers, & given them to John— His green cloaths are all gone, but Williams does very well yet for him— John wears two garments of any kind to Williams one—& does not look quite so trim neither—but he is a sweet Boy for all this— Yesterday they came home pleased enough—Mamm mam’m, your boarders are all head of the Class in spelling— John does not do himself

Justice in his manner of speaking, he is too rough I cannot break him of it— To hear him in another room, I tell him, I should form but an unfavourable opinion of his temper— The modulation of the voice is of much more importance than we are sensible of— The voice is really a good recommendation— By this, if we do not see them, we form an opinion of their manners, breeding, & temper— When do you expect the President? How has the sickness been there this winter? The cold I think, must have been favourable— There is a black coat of Williams I intended to have mended when I was at Quincy, but I forgot it— I will thank you to let it be done, it may do for him to save a better— I wish he did not wear his cloaths out so fast— when he was little he used to be one of the best of Boys—& my neighbours begrudged me my Son—but now he is intolerable— If he does not grow more careful, it will cost him more to live than he has any Idea of— I will thank you to endeavour to convince him of the importance of a prudent, decent Care of everything— I received a very polite, affectionate letter from my dear Nephew Thomas B. A— I regret that he cannot make us a visit, but hope he will in the ensuing Summer. Shall I not be so happy as to have one of my Nephews settle in Massachusetts?— O how much happier would my valued friend Mr Cranch have been, could he been contented with the small, sure gains he could have made in Haverhill, than he now is— But he did for the apparent best—so that must comfort him—& be a support to us all let things prove ever so contrary to our expectations & wishes— Do you not want a Candidate for the ministry— Mr Peabody has been nurturing one all winter— Indeed he was his patron through Colledge— He has two now in Cambridge who consider him as their Father—their literary one at least— But this young Gentleman had the sacred Desk as his Object went he went to Colledge— His Character is fair, & his abilities good—his heart excellent, his ministerial qualifications such as I should wish, & esteem He has been a great comfort to me this winter— We are to have a lecture soon, & Mr Peabody will propose him to the association for approbation—
            I cannot say that I think it is happy for Miss B. P. that he was unalterably fixed, & his heart firmly engaged before she saw him— But we are shortsighted creatures, & see through a dark medium— You have I hear, had a visit from my amiable friend N. H.— I feel very maternally interested in her welfare— She was my Childrens intimate Companion, & friend— she partook of our pleasures, & deeply felt our griefs— A person of so much feeling, taste, & sentiment, with

a temper, & heart so much in unison with the Virtues, could not but be admired, cherished, & loved by your Sister

              E P—

            When I began I thought I could not write three lines—but when I once get resolution enough to begin, I never know when to leave of— I have sent Letters on to Mrs smith. I hope they will not be lost— give my love to Sister, & all