Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 25 December 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					my dear Thomas
					Washington December 25 1800

				We have public worship every Sunday in the Representitive’s Chamber in the Capitol; I have just returnd from hearing Bishop Clagget deliver a discourse from those words in the Gosple of st Luke, [“]Glory to God in the highest Peace on Earth, and Good Will to Men.” this is a doctrine full of Mercy and benevolence, of which the present generation appear little disposed to cultivate and cherish.— Should I put down one half my thoughts and reflections upon the present Prospect of our Country I should be considerd as gloomy and dissapointed but I see not where we are to land; the Government will undergo a compleat revolution. every office & departments is already parceled out. the misfortune is that there are as Many hungry antis, as there have been meritorious candidates for on the federal side; and therefore many must be dissapointed Baltimore Smith is cut out for secretary of Navy Maddison secretary of state Dearbourn Secretary of War, Mercer Gallitin, and Tench Cox Secretary of the Treasury, Munroe Minister to France, and who should You think of to England? can You believe that J Q A, is named by the party for that office embassy; for (all the present Ministers are to be recall’d). I do not believe that any of this distribution is Jeffersons, but the Party are very buisy for him. in concequence of this intimation the President has determined to recall Your Brother directly, that he cannot and will not accept an appointment under the change of administration, I am very sure of. you know he wrote me that he was Making arrangements to be ready to return in the spring, if the Change which I predicted Should take place; the probability is, that mr Jefferson & Burr stand upon an equal footing. the federal party will therefore be in a strait betwixt

two, a Choice of difficulties. if they had the nerve and firmness of the Pensilvanna senators—they would take neither— to be obliged to give their voice and vote, where they declare they have not any confidence, and the Government resting upon the pillars of public confidence, if they are broken down, upon what can it Stand? the difference is, the Democrats, rely upon Jefferson, but neither Party upon the other— it would be raising a Man to the Government uncontemplated by the people— the federalist suppose they might bargain with Burr, and receive him upon certain conditions but if he has his price, how is he to be trusted?—
				Gov’r Davie said to Me, that he was surprized at the federilists; they had lost all, by aming at two ralling points; he said that he had not conversed with any person here who appeard to have any adequate Idea of the effects of the Change would produce abroad; from a state of the highest respectability, which the wisdom and energy of the Government had created in the minds of foreign Nations. we Should now be considerd, as unstable fluctuating and Revolutionary— our Credit would diminish, and our funds Sink or rather depreciate—that no one could calculate upon the injury we should experience— there is not any buisness done by either House. they meet and adjourn. Harper who has been absent most of the Session, came last week to assist in making a speech to raise the Mausolium, and the House have voted one, & two Hundred thousand dollors to build it— I think fully with you upon the subject I was shocked at Lees Virginna delicacy; but it is like the Man, not to feel and to reflect upon the conduct of our Legislators. a person must be as insensible as the stones with which this Egyptian Pyramid is to be raised— Washington was a virginian. to him temples shall be built and alters raised— be sure he monopolized in his own person a large proportion of the Virtue and talents of the state from whence he originated, and he deserved all the gratitude and affection which a gratefull people can bestow, but at the very period when they are voting to raise trophies to his Memory, they are placeing those very Men in the seat, which he occupied with so Much dignity to himself, & benifit to his Country who they know, will pull down the Edifice which he and his Successor, have laboured to preserve, beautify Strengthen and adorn they are for spreading such a Glory arround him, as to cast into a shade Services as disinterested, as meritorious as arduous as he ever aechived the World, & posterity will show a more impartial judgment.—

				I went last week to Mount Vernon and past a couple of days with my old Friend Mrs washington who gave me a Most cordial reception; I was much dissapointed in the House, and in the richness of the soil. the prospect of the River is fine, but tho mr duane thinks the Magnificence of the Washington Palace less suited to the President of the united states than his Farm House at Quincy I Would not exchange it, for the Mount Vernon House—nor the grounds arround it— My House in its present state, presents a handsomer front has larger Rooms, and is better finished— Preistly you know was angry with Cobbet for depreciating his House— tho my Quincy House was not Made for the President of the united states, it has more comforts and conveniencees, in and about it than this Huge Castle and all I want or wish for, would be about 5000 dollors a year to spend in it, and about it—
				My spirits are sometimes ready to Sink under my Private troubles, and public ingratitude. I endeavour to rally them again, least I should become unfit for the discharge of those duties which are still incumbent upon me, one of which is to encounter a tedious winter journey; I own I have a dread of it—and have not yet fixed My plan: I have thought as the Season will be like to prevent my travelling in my own carriage, that it would be best to leave to the public all which we have here and get a new Coachee made, handsome and good, as it will be the only carriage we can afford to keep. for this purpose I made the inquiry. I do not know whether what are calld Quarter lights were included in the calculation made; You know the one I have is stuft and not made to rool up— beside it has a long steps of three turns which come near the ground which are necessary for me— Bringhurst is Most acquainted With the manner in which I want one made— I am not Satisfied but that I should do better to have one made in Boston by Frothingham— the only difficulty will be the time it requires to do it—
				I received the articles sent by mr Thornton safe. the silk stockings You inquire after we have not nor have I seen any Since You left us last winter. the woolen I took— they were put in the trunk which went by water, and were forgotten by me untill I found them in putting up my things to come away. I then sent them with some worsted to be done; so by an other Season you may look for them—
				The President has appointed mr Jay chief Justice is he refuses as I fear he will, Mr cushing will be offered it, but if he declines, then mr Patterson will be appointed— I know it to be the intention of the President to appoint mr Ingersell a Judge if a vacancy offers— this is

in confidence. your opinion is So correct and judicious upon all those subjects in upon which You offer it, that I have great confidence in it, and so has the President. I send the Letter requested—and / am Your truly affectionate / Mother

					A A


Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 26 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dear Sir
					Washington Decr. 26. 1800

				I have yours of the 2d._ before this, you have Seen the Treaty with France. The full assurance of your Newspapers, has been wholly disappointed. Mr Jefferson and Mr Burr have equal Numbers 73.— Which will be Chief? I Shall be in Quincy as early in the Spring as the Roads and Weather will permit. The only Question remaining with me is what I shall do with myself? Something I must do or

Ennui will rain upon me, in Bucketts. A Frenchman would Say Ennui pleuvra a grosses gouttes. Will Books and Farms answer the End? I must go out on a morning and evening and fodder my Cattle, I believe, and take a Walk every noon to Pennshill—Pother in my garden among the fruit Trees and Cucumbers, and plant a Potatoe Yard with my own hand.— If I had money enough to Spend upon my farms I might find Employment enough. But what shall I do for that? Shall I go to the Bar again? I have forgotten all my Law and lost my organs of Speech, and besides that have given my books away. If I had them, I might possibly educate a young Gentleman or two, for the Profession.
				As to the farms, Burrell may continue. But French’s farm shall lie common rather than be treated as it has been.— Belchers farm I will keep in my own hands possitively, that is the Land. French’s House shall be let, seperately to a Number of Tenants unless We can get one good one to give a sufficient Rent. Belchers House, with the rest of French’s Land, may be let with the Barns on shares or for a Rent. And whoever has it shall be confined to plant but four Acres of Corn and one of Potatoes. French’s House shall not be Useless to me as it has been these five or six and twenty Years.
				With hearty Love and Friendship to you and / all your family I am

					John Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 28 December 1800
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Philadelphia 28th: December 1800

				I have received your affectionate & confidential favors of the 17th: & 23d: instts: and have conferred with Mr: Ingersoll on the subject of their contents, so far as they concerned himself. He observed, that his communication with me, on the subject of his resignation of the office he now holds under government, was intended merely to afford an opportunity for filling the vacancy, which would thereby be created, with such a character as you might think proper to select, and that in conformity to your wish he would continue his

functions, until it should be signified to him, that a Suitable successor had been found. I ventured, in confidence, to show him your letter of the 23d:, and he requested time, ’till Monday, to consider the subject, when he would give me an answer. This I will communicate, when received. Should this gentleman, whom I have always considered one of the strictly virtuous, independent & honest men of our Country, consent to accept the contingent proposal, which has been made to him, at this time, I shall view it as no common sacrifice of private feeling, domestic & retired habits, and pecuniary benefit, to an imperious conviction, that an upright judiciary is the only bulwark that can oppose & restrain the impetuous torrent of division & disorganization with which this Continent is threatened. He has a stake in the common weal, and cannot be indifferent as to its protection, from wild theories, and no less extravagant practice. I hope he may come in.
				The justice & the policy of appointing Mr: Jay, cannot be doubted, and no gentleman of reflection, will feel a spirit of competition in opposition to it. I had been so habituated to the idea of his fixed determination, to seek retirement from public life, that his pretentions did not occur to me, when contemplating this subject. Since however he has been appointed, without consultation, and the possibility of his declining to accept, yet exists, I am glad that the contingent offer has been made to Mr: Ingersoll— I have some expectations now, that he will not refuse to be considered a candidate, should a vacancy occur—
				I am at a loss for “a thoroughly good man,” whom I could venture to recommend, as a successor to Mr: Ingersoll, as District Attorney. Mr: Hopkinson, whom you mention, is really the most prominent, for his political qualifications of any man at our bar. He is well thought of too, as a lawyer, and in point of industry, zeal and assiduity, is surpassed by few, if any. He is warm in his feelings, and very high-toned in his political opinions. In less turbulent times than we are likely to see, he would not be obnoxious as a public character, but should you appoint him to an office, he would become a mark for all the venom & spite of the Democrats to discharge at. For himself, I believe he would encounter the risk, but how long he would be suffered to hold an office, which is durante bene placito of the Executive, must be a question.
				There is not another man of equal standing, whom for talents & energy, I could so strongly recommend. Mr: William Tilghman, who is now one of the Commissioners under the Bankrupt law, is a very

fair character, of temperate politics, good professional repute, and far less obnoxious to strong partizans, than Hopkinson. His manners are mild and his address insinuating; his professional standing also, is higher than that of the other gentleman— Judge Chase knows him well, and will give you his character faithfully if applied to— He came from Maryland to this bar in the year 1794, though I believe he received a part of his early education here. when
				Mr: Ingersoll has not yet favored me with his opinion on the subject of a successor to him, but I think he would lean most strongly in favor of this latter gentleman—
				I am with duty & affection / Your Son

					T B Ada[ms]


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 January 1801
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

						Dear Thomas
						3 Jan’ry Washington 1801

					I last Evening received Yours of 30 December and would have You close the bargain with him Feilding for the carriage provided the carriage has not been much used. he must put the cypher A upon it and pray attend to the steps. they must be Strong & come low down. I cannot mount high— my day is over for that, and My infirmitys require particuliar attention to that part of the carriage. a coach Box must also be made to slide under the Seat; if the weather should prove so that I cannot travel in it, I will have it sent me by water in the Spring; If I wait to get one made in Boston, it will be all summer a doing. I am at a loss to know how I shall get to Philadelphia, which is the most formidable part of my journey— I must determine Soon— tho Stocks have fallen, I would not advise to selling out; nay if I had money to spair, I would vest it in them. I think they will rise again, tho I know they will have less stability abroad in concequence of the Change: but I think when the Election is over, unless the party are more mad, and wild, than I believe they will be permitted to be; things will not suddenly Change—
					I presume mr Jefferson will finally be agreed upon; neither party can tolerate Burr. tho he has risen upon stilts, they know it will be giving to America a President, who was not thought, of nor contemplated by any Part of it for the office. if there should be no choice—I presume mr Ross is the only Man in senate who can Wisely be fixd upon as president pro tem— we are brought into a deplorable Situation—
					God save the [Uni]ted states of America— I presume mr Ingersol will not be hurried for his decision. no answer has yet come from mr Jay; Your Father will write to you I trust. Mr Jefferson dines with us, and in a card of replie to the Presidents invitation, he begs him to be assured that of his Homage and high consideration.— adieu my dear son I rejoice to learn that You are better— pray take care of Your Health. My surviving Children feel more endeared to me, by the loss sustained
					Your truly affectionate Mother

						A Adams

					susan remembers old Goosburry and wishes uncle was here to play it


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 January 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

						Dear Mother
						Philadelphia 9th: January 1801.

					I have received your letters of the & 3d: instts: and thank you for them— I shall agree with Fielding for the Coachee and attend to the conveniences you mention. I can suggest no method for your coming to this place, unless by taking a carriage from Washington, which might be sent back by Stage-horses. Barney, of Georgetown, would most probably contract with you for one—
					I am so fortunate as to have no need of more bleeding, but am sensible I had need of it, when the Doctor prescribed it, as my head was very much oppressed and I found very speedy relief from the use of the lancet & three or four days fasting. I find it difficult to avoid taking cold this winter, on account of the variableness of the weather, but I have been very little in the habit of frequenting crowds & public amusements. Our crowded Courts are the most oppressive, and I avoid as much as I can remaining long at a time in them.
					Your health has I fear been affected by your domestic trouble & anxiety, and I wish you were once more safely settled at home. With you, I agree, that the prospects and the situation of Quincy are quite equal to those of Mount Vernon, and if your circumstances were more abundant & more proportioned to your benevolent dispositions than they are, I should never feel a regret that you have left-off the service of an ungrateful Country. That a man, whose life has been devoted to the public, who has sacrificed—fortune—ease, dignity, and comfort for the good of his Country, should at the decline of his days meet Such a return, is enough to sink all generous sentiment and make us look to the money-making drone as the only candidate for the appellation of wise & prudent. It is useless to repine however, since instead of bettering our condition thereby, it only serves to increase the evil.
					Congress, in their wisdom must decide the momentous question as to our future President. I do not wish Burr to be the man, for he is without a single pretention to the Office, except talents; and talent is much less wanting than honesty to discharge the duties of it.
					I send you at the particular request of Mr: Dennie a prospectus of the Port folio, & the first number of a literary magazine of which he is the Editor. In his name I am desired to make a tender of his warmest respect and admiration. He desired also that I would enclose one

to Miss Smith, which I shall do by another Post. From motives of delicacy & personal feeling, he declines a direct address to any but his most intimate & familiar friends. The work will receive ample & generous patronage.
					With my best regards to all friends, I am / Your affectionate Son

						Thomas B Adams.

					I send love to little Susan, with whom I would gladly play old gooseberry, if I could.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 9 January 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Philadelphia 9th: January 1801.

				I have searched, in conformity to the request expressed in your favor of the 2d: instt: all the writers upon the law of Nature and Nations, which I have in my Office, for authorities to support & justify & explain, the Sixth article of the Convention with France.
				The extracts from Vattel in your letter are somewhat more explicit on the particular point in question, than his masters, Puffendorf & Grotius— the distinction drawn by him between “a treaty which prescribes & a treaty which forbids” I cannot find in the other writers; but the case supposed of “all other things being equal,” wherein he undertakes to shew, that “a treaty cannot derogate from another more antient, concluded with another State, nor hinder its effect either directly or indirectly,” is supported by his predecessors, at least in spirit & by construction.
				The sixth article of the Convention then, must be considered as entirely nugatory and as if nothing had been done respecting it, because says Vattel, “where there is collision, it forms an exception to the treaty which prescribes, and that which forbids has the advantage.” Why? “Because we have not the power of doing what another treaty forbids—” The Commercial treaty with Britain in the 25th: article forbids our stipulating any thing inconsistent with it, during the continuance of amity between the two Countries. The sixth article of the french Convention, prescribes, something inconsistent with it, and consequently cannot be carried into effect—

				But unless it were to pacify the jealousy or the pride of the french Republic, I can see no reason why this article should have been inserted; for if our negociators were aware of its interference with prior existing engagements, and that by the law of Nations it would be construed to be nugatory; there could be no use in consenting to it. But says Vattel, “the interpretation, which should render an act nul & void, cannot be admitted, for it is not to be presumed that persons in their right senses should pretend to do nothing, in treating or performing any serious act between them.” If it were not in the power of our Commissioners to consent to this article as I am inclined to think it was not—neither is it in the power of the Govt: to ratify or fulfill it.
				I believe the Senate will eventually ratify the Treaty, with the exception of the 6th: article, and I think the Merchants expect & hope they will. I look upon it precisely as I did upon the treaty with Britain, as only better than war. The house of Representatives, which called for the instructions of our first Commissioners, in consequence of which they were published to the world, deserve all the odium of the sufferers by Commercial spoliations, for the want of indemnity. Indemnity is to be the subject of future negociation— How could it be otherwise, when the french Govt knew that our former Commissioners were not instructed to insist upon indemnity as a sine-qua-non of negociation? The instruction was good & proper as a Secret, but once known, it could never be used on a future occasion between the same parties.
				I enclose three numbers of “Manlius,” who is examining the important features of the Convention, to which he is inimical in principle & ab initio— He has always attributed the downfall of the federal cause to the mission to France; he has always been open mouthed against opposed to it and I believe, from a conviction that the measure was calculated to divide the federal party— I have differed from him entirely on the policy & the expediency of the measure, and that from the beginning, but I will not say that I disagree as to the consequences— But I will go so far as to say, that had I foreseen the utmost extent of the consequences, I would not have refrained from the cause. It was time that the party called federal should be broken up, for the materials of which it was composed were too discordant, ever to harmonize on the subject of their Country’s good—
				The federal Constitution has never yet had a fair experiment as a system of Government; for the confidence that has buoyed it up was

personal to Washington & yourself— I believe it is in a fair way now, of being tried upon its own strength—
				I have heard nothing further from Mr: Ingersoll and suppose he is waiting to hear what answer Mr: Jay gives and what fate attends the new judiciary Bill. I will be careful to give you his definitive answer, in Season— He will be at Washington in February—
				I am with great attachment / Your Son

					T B Adams


Title: William Tudor to Abigail Adams, 9 January 1801
From: Tudor, William
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dear Madam

						Jany. 9th. 1801

				It was with great Pleasure that I recognized the well known Hand writing, which it is so many years since I have seen. It was impossible not to avail myself of the Contents of the Note I found in the President’s Letter, in some prefatory Remarks which you will read in the Gazette, I have taken the Liberty to send you. Chagrined as I am with a late Event which has furnished so noble a Triumph to the Mad Enemies of the Constitution, I derive a sort of negative Satisfaction from it in the Mortification & total Defeat of Hamilton & the small but active & invenomed Faction which he stimulated & guided.

				What is to become of the Government, our Finances, Commerce, Union, & Character, under the approaching New Order of Things, I shall patiently trust to the Developement of Time. But let who will command at home, I hope Mr. A. will have the Charge of our foreign Interests either at the Court of France or England.
				I am with Sentiments of the most perfect Respect & Esteem / Dr Madam / your faithful Servant

					Wm Tudor


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 January 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					My dear Son
					Washington January 14. 1801

				I thank you for yours of the 9th and its contents, and for the pains to have taken to search Authorities upon the Collision of Treaties. The Point I think is explained and proved very fully, and So it is understood in England.
				The Sixth Article however is by no means nugatory. It is of great importance to France. Our Treaty with Britain expires in two years after the termination of the present War between France and her. This Article of the Convention is intended, to secure to France a perfect equality with Britain in this particular after the expiration of our British Treaty. This matter was fully explained and understood, both by the French and American Ministers.
				I wish you would tell me who Manlius is. The downfall of the federal cause, has been owing not to the Mission to France, but to the opposition to that measure: and the continuance of opposition to the Convention will serve no other purpose than to depress a certain description of the federalists Still more. The federal Party was composed of the most heterogeneous ingredients that were ever put

together. Their Objects were different—their means different—their Principles different. There was an Oligarchy among them as proud and despotic as the Government of Bern before the Revolution.1
				I am, fully of your mind— If I had foreseen all the Consequences, I would not have refrained from the Antecedents.
				A turn of Imagination to resentment and rage as Sudden as a tornado, decided the Conduct of the Old Tories and the British Agents, who called themselves the Federalists upon the first nomination of Mr Murray. Neither Principle nor reason had any share in it. Some men who had Sense and temper too, before that time, thought of nothing after it, but of defeating and if they could not defeat of disgracing the measure. They are still blindly determined on both. Is this principle or Passion? Reason or Madness? Some who were neither Old Tories nor British Agents, united with both from other motives. A long War with France, for a pretext to raise a regular Army, was desired by Some, for the purpose of Patronage and Influence, and by others to assist in forcing on the People a change of some sort in the Constitution.— I have taken some of these Phrases from the Idea of a Patriot King p. 165; when the conduct of a Party is described as very similar to this.
				I am, my dear Child your loving / Father

					John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 15 January 1801
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					my dear Thomas—
					Washington 15 Janry 1801

				I received Your Letter of 9th. with respect to the Carriage I believe I did not stipulate for a false linning, but I would chuse to have one— I Shall take a carriage from here to Philadelphia and have Some prospect of being accompanied by mr Cranch who has buisness on, provided he can leave the new office, to which he is appointed, Commissoner of the city in the room of mr Scot who is

dead I presume he will not find any Money to proceed with, untill Congress make a new grant. he may as well be absent three weeks as not. the principle proprieters came forward with a Letter of recommendation of mr Cranch and requested his appointment. it was you may be Sure very gratefull to Your Father to be able to do something for him and in this case there was no senate to quible, and hunt for Blood-relation— I do not mean to grow pevish, Sour or discontented. I have not a regreet at quiting my station personally. I believe it best both for Your Father and for me. as to our prospects that is an other subject We have not made a fortune in the service of the public. That the World know— we will live in independance, because We will live within our income. if that is mean & much below the rank we ought to move in, the fault is not ours— the Country which calld into service an active able & meritorious citizen, placed him in various conspicious and elevated Situations; without the power or means of Saveing for himself or family, what his professional buisness would have enabled him to have done, at advanced Years can dismiss him to retirement: (and Poverty in the worlds Sense) that country must bear the Disgrace, which it will do, with as much indifference and apathy, as the cold Massaleum can feel they are it is which that Country is raising to commemorate the virtues the services and Sacrifices of really a great and good Man. but fashion and Virgina Pride are upon one side, and all our federilists foster and nourish it, whilst the Democrats all vote against this profuse expenditure of the public money. they rejoice in the thing itself, but will make a merrit with their constituents for their prudence &c and a cats paw of the fed’s—
				I have read Manlius without liking him— if the British Government are content and satisfied that the treaty does not Militate against the treaty with them, why need we Make a Bustle upon that subject. in confidence, I have obtaind leave to give You an extract of a Letter from mr King; You will use it with discretion, but I conceive you may do Service with it, without injury, by confidentially communicating it
				present my Compliments to mr Dennie for his politeness and thanks for his Paper to which I would be a Subscriber, but after the 4th of March we shall have postage to pay, unless Congress should be graciously pleased to pass a Law that we shall receive them free— I inclose you a curious state of facts respecting treaties worthy preservation— I pray You take care of Your Health I have been laid

up for two or three days, oweing to a wet Chamber which leaked to Such a degree through the Roof in a late thaw as to oblige me to rise in the night call up the servants to Sit tubs to catch the water. the cealing is not yet dry tho more than a week since
				adieu my dear Thomas / ever your affectionate / Mother

					A A


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 January 1801
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					my dear sister
					Washington Janry 15 1801

				I received from you two kind Letters which I have not yet acknowledged; I am surprized to find that the frost & cold have not yet put a stop to the fever. I hope it will not be permitted to make a renewed visit, at the approach of the summer with a severity never before experienced in our healthy and delightfull Village— I cannot Say that I have enjoy’d So Much health this winter as the last. I am very frequently shut up, tho but for a few days at a time; I fancy we have too much damp here for Rhumatica Constitutions, but my constitution appears to have Sufferd severely from the Ague and fever, and to be much-broken by repeated attacks of an intermitting kind. I patch up, but it is hard Work.— heretofore I have had Spirits which would surmount & rise above bodily infirmity; whether they will be continued to me, I know not; I hope they may, for a groaning whineing complaining temper I deprecate— I have no disposition to Seclude myself from society, because I have met with unkind or

ungratefull returns from Some; I would strive to act my part Well and reign Retire with that Dignity which is unconscious of doing or Wishing ill to any—with a temper disposed to forgive injuries, as I would myself hope to be forgiven, if any I have committed— I wish for the preservation of the Government, and a wise administration of it— in the best situation, with the wisest head and firmest Heart, it will be surrounded with perplexities dangers and troubles, that are little conceived of by those into whose Hands it is like to fall. the President had frequently contemplated resigning: I thought it would be best for him to leave to the people to act for themselves, and take no responsibility upon himself— I do not regreet that he has done so— he has had the pleasure of appointing Your son to the office of commissoner for the city, in the place of mr scott who dyed a few weeks since and tho this will be sit down by the Antis—as a promotion on account of Relationship, we care not now what they say. the Senate had nothing to do with this appointment, and therefore could not quibble as they have done upon some former occasions. the principle proprieters in the city came forward in a recommendation of mr Cranch to the President, and I trust the appointment will give general Satisfaction— I think mr Cranch is rising fast and will be one of the first Men in the city in a Short time— the Duties of his office will be arduous, and delicate to give Satisfaction to the contending interests—but I hope he will act impartially tho it may sometimes be difficult to persuade interested people to believe that he is so— the Sallery I think is sixteen hundred dollors a year—2
				I hope I shall return to Quincy Sometime in Feb’ry but I own it is a mountain before me— So Many horrid Rivers to cross and Such Roads to traverse— My health very delicate—
				I feel most sensibly for our dear Respected and Venerable Uncle— I know not, nor do I think it possible to supply to him the loss he has sustaind; tho mrs Popes temper was not pleasant, She was attentive towards him, knew all his wants and Wishes— She was prudent, and saveing of his interest—and had Many excellent qualities— to a person of his years it is peculiarly urksome to have new faces, new habits new fancies to conform to— it will probably shorten the period of his existance—but it would seem as if there remained but little desirable in this World to him— yet we must live all the days of our appointed time, and when our change commeth, may it be happy to us—
				I thank You my Dear sister— I have not any thing Yet to ask for. I rejoice You are in Such health as to be able to assist Your Friends,

and I rejoice that our dear Mrs Norten is spaired to her family and Friends— Surely we may sing of mercy as well as judgment
				we all send Love. the President has enjoyed very good health ever Since he has been here, and hopes to be a good Farmer Yet. he some times Says he would go to the Bar again if he had the powers of Speech, but of public Life he takes a final farewell—
				Betsy Howard and her Lover have chosen to Signilize their Marriage by having it performed whilst in the Family of the President— I did not much oppose it, tho I thought they had better have Waited untill they returnd, as I Supposed it would subject them to reports wholy groundless & unfounded, but they conscious of their innocence, disregarded such rumours and last sunday Evening were married— Richard and Becky have not yet proposed a similar subject, to me— I trust they think themselves Young enough Yet—
				adieu my dear sister it is My large dinner party to day and I Must dress to sit at table as I have Ladies tho I have not been below for three days— I Make an exertion as it is the last time I expect the pleasure of dinning them
				affectionatly Your sister

					Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 15 January 1801
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					my dear Sir
					Washington Janry 15 1801

				I received Your kind and friendly Letter of December 15 and thank You for your sympathetic condolence upon an event severely afflicting to a parent—in this case armed with many a barbed arrow. to infinite Wisdom I bow in humble Submission. may the Chastning hand of providence be duly noticed by me, so that those Children who Survive, may be doubly blessed to their parents
				The year past is a memorable one to me, both upon a private, and public account; tho the Clouds are impenetrable, and the Ways of Providence dark and intricate, he who permits not a sparrow to fall, unnoticed, assuredly over rules the more important interests and concerns of kingdoms and nations,

					[“]If plagues and Earthquakes break not heavens designs
					Why then a Borgia, or a Catiline?[”]

				an increasing infidelity in Religion, an allarming corruption of manners from the highest to the lowest ranks of society, a wrestless spirit of discontent, and turbulence manifested under the mildest Government, in which a people can partake and prosper, an unchecked spirit of calumny, lieing, and Slander; which has Spread through our country, to its infamy and disgrace, bearing down honour virtue and integrity like a besom of destruction—all portend some Mighty Change. when irreligion is demoralizing the world Shall the influence of Government unite to place at its head those whose only religion is benevolence? that the Lord Reigneth is consolation to the Christian, but we ought to deprecate his judgments, and implore his mercy—
				I Shall endeavour not to remain here longer than this month. I would advise mr Porter to cut 5 cord of pine wood and get it home. it may be also necessary to get some more oak wood as we shall want more than was calculated upon— there is Something due to mr Frothingham, for mending the wheels of the chariot which will be lost to us unless you can get the Bill and pay it and forward it before the last of Feb’ry. I also wish you to procure from mr Frothingham the price paid him for the Coachee which he made for us— he took in exchange and as part pay a coachee which We had. I think he allowed one hundred pounds for it. the remaining sum I paid him in Money I have his account & receits but they are with My papers at home and blended with other matters of repairs to other carriages. now what I want of mr Frothingham is a Receit for the carriage, which he may call a duplicate Receit for the sum which it cost. it is thought best to leave the two Carriages which have been used in the service of the public to the future President: and I must therefore have a Receit for to file with other papers—and this as early as possible You will be so kind as to forward them to mr shaw under cover to the President, as I presume I shall be on my way home before they will reach me.
				Mr smith of Boston procured for us Some fish Tongues porter and pork, which we have received. he has an unsettled account which I endeavourd to have adjusted before I came away but faild in doing. I payd him one hundred dollors which he creditted me for, but I presume there will still be a balance due to him upon the

articles since furnished. there were three articles the amount of which I do not know. a cask of sherry wine a Bill paid by him to mr Hall for some hams & Tongues, and a Quintal of fish I one day gave him a Bill of a hundred dollors, requesting him to settle the account & give me a Receit. he creditted me for the Money but the account remains unsetled. I inclose a hundred dollors requesting You to pay him the balance due to him— I wish to come home as clear of the World as possible, and with as few debts indeed I know of but one other, which is something due to dr Phips I believe, which however cannot be much. I will request you to settle that also—
				I cannot say that my Health has been so good as it was the last winter. I have frequent ill turns, and have Several days been confined. I lose my sleep often, and find my Spirits flag my mind and Heart have both been severely tried— I desire to learn and practise the lesson of the apostle, in what ever state I am to be content— I often wish myself again at Quincy: there I hope to arrive in the Month of Feb’ry— With my kind Regards to Mrs Tufts and Family I am dear Sir Your affectionate / Neice

					A Adams—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 January 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

					No 23.
					22— 6th: December—
					My dear Brother
					Philadelphia 15th: January 1801.

				Since the date of my last, I have received your whole series to Number 17 inclusive, with the single exception of No 15, which yet loiters on the way; but the order in which they have come to hand has been variable as the wind.
				It may possibly create some surprize, that, without consulting you, I should have taken the liberty to bestow upon our Countrymen, through the channel of a correct and elegant weekly magazine, edited by our mutual friend, Mr: Joseph Dennie, the rich feast of epistolary excellence, which the journal of your Silesian tour, has enabled us to spread before them.
				The Editor of “the Port Folio,” begs me to assure you, that while he gratefully acknowledges the singular privilege of making his first appearance upon the pavement of the Capital of America, in the character of Editor of a literary miscellany, under the auspices of his friend & former Associate, J.Q.A. he claims the advantage of being the first to present that gentleman with a copy of his own works, in print.
				The Repository, which receives so ample contributions from your pen, promises to become useful, ornamental and powerfully auxiliary to the cause of letters.— It is yet, “but of few days,” and the presages of its infancy are favorable to a vigorous manhood.
				You are invited, through me, by its superintendant to make an exchange of some portion of the contents of your port folio, for the sum total of his.
				I send you by this opportunity three copies of the pamphlet, which was published from the manuscript you sent me; by another Vessel you shall have the rest for which you stipulated. I have distributed a few copies and heard opinions expressed of the work, by some who have read it; all concur in pronouncing it the most faithful, correct, impartial and comprehensive, that has ever appeared on that interesting subject.
				The critical & historical accuracy of this sensible foreigner have surprized many of his readers here, and the thanks of all are due to the active & discriminating native who has taken the trouble to

clothe in the costume of his own Country, this precious specimen of German literature. I presented a copy of the original and one of the translation to the Library Company of Philadelphia, who voted thanks to the Donor, which I now transfer to their proprietor. The Bookseller to whom I presented the Copyright, is a very young man of native growth & stirling worth— He surpasses all his compeers in the mystery of his calling and is now the publisher of the Port Folio, & joint proprietor with Dennie. It was not in my power to superintend the publication of the pamphlet and of course those little peculiarities of the german idiom, which you thought me competent to correct detect, were not rectified. I think, all the errors of this or any other kind, that occur in the printed translation will be found in pages 44–5— 55— 58— in each of which places, I have made the alterations, which strike me as proper.
				I have refrained from writing any thing upon the state of politics, because I could only confirm the opinions, which my former communications have authorized you to entertain on this subject. By your two last letters I find that your anticipations as to the result of our great election, correspond so accurately with the reality, that the news of the event will meet you prepared to receive it. At present we are ignorant which of the two highest and equal candidates will be selected by the house of Representatives to fill the Presidential chair. The federal party threaten to vote for Mr: Burr in preference to Mr: Jefferson merely to vex & disappoint the Jacobins and the division of States on that question is expected to be exactly even. This experiment would be hazardous, and I think undignified, and mischievous if persisted in.
				Upon the supposition that Mr: Jefferson will prevail, the consideration next in course is—How will he conduct? We suffer ourselves to believe sometimes that the extravagant behavior of our Chief Magistrate will not be taken as a model for imitation, and yet, with such Counsellors, with such a starving, needy, unprincipled gang about him, gasping for a sop, what can the patron do but yield to their importunities? The Diplomatic body will be new modeled—some members recalled—others removed. What do you think is to be your portion? The Demo’s have talked of your succeeding Mr: King— I hear you are to be invited to return home in the course of the summer, by another Authority. You declared a determination to return without a call, in case a particular event should happen.
				The Commissioners from France brought over a Convention,

which is now under consideration before the Senate— We are told it labors hard, and some surmise that it will undergo modifications before it is ratified. The french government have been very far from generous in this bargain, but we were the plundered and our demand of restitution came after the robbers had consumed the booty. I would never consent to confirm this contract if any better were to be looked for. Our treaty acquisitions are generally slender things— I dont mean to affront your Excellency, whose treaty is far better than any of late date.
				I shall transmit you my annual account at the beginning of the next month, and I have little doubt of your being satisfied with the state of your affairs. I was apprehensive of a fall of stocks, should the federal interest fail at the last election, and it happened as I anticipated; for the news of the result of the South Carolina election no sooner reached this, than the 8 per cent stock fell from 13 a 15— to from 7 a 9. and in a few days came down to their present level viz. 5 a 5 percent. I would have sold out at this time, but a quarters interest was just falling due, and I was convinced the funds would recover gradually after the first fright was over. They have continued stationary for some time at 5 percent—
				I shall wish to be informed as early as practicable, whether we are to look for your return in the course of the ensuing Summer, & I think it probable that my means of information will be sufficient to determine the question in my own mind, sooner than you can be consulted upon it. I shall not be inattentive to the object you so earnestly recommend, that of securing you a comfortable dwelling.
				I have frequent communication with our family at W——n and hear that your Louisa’s family are in good health. Mr: Dexter is appointed Secretary of the Treasury— Mr: Cranch is just made a Commissioner for the federal City; Judge Patterson will most probably be chief Justice of the US, as Mr: Jay to whom it was offered declines it. A Bill is before Congress to new organize the Judiciary, and if passed into a law will make many a lawyer a small judge.
				I am, most affectionately your Brother

					T B Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 16 January 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

						confidential enough!
						Dear Sir
						Washington Jan. 16. 1801

					In your Letter of the 9th you Say, that you will not Say you disagree with Manlius, in his opinion “that the downfall of the federal Cause is to be attributed to the Mission to France.”— In this opinion I fully believe that both of you are mistaken: and I am confident I could convince you of this, if I had an opportunity of recalling to your recollection the Passages of the times before and after the nomination of Mr Murray. It would require more time than I have at my command to devellope the particulars. But if the Papers which I have Seen and even those I have in Possession had been published as they would have been and the President had refused to institute a negotiation, with the Alien Law the sedition Law and the direct Tax in full force and operation, with the Army on foot, Eight Per Cent Loans proceeding, and the other Sources of Revenue yet untouched, explored and fresh Taxes laid on, in my Opinion the President would Scarcely have had twenty Votes at the late Election the new Senators would have been all Jacobins and the new Representatives too, very generally even in New England.— Without the Negotiation with France There would have been a compleat Revolution of Sentiment in America and Such decided Majorities of Jacobins brought in, as would have carried the Government into a direct War with Great Britain, after making a Treaty with France infinitely more disadvantageous than the Convention is. The Convention is perfectly consistent with our faith our honor, and excepting the relinquishment of a Compensation for Spoliations, which had become desperate, highly promotive of our Interests.
					Tell me whether I am nearly right.
					Yr affectionate

						John Adams

					The fœderal cause has been So imprudently managed as well as so discordantly composed that the overthrow of the Party is no

Wonder. The fœderal Cause had no head. Washington was head.— Hamilton was head. Pickering was head—and Wolcott was head. if there was any Subordination among those four, it was to Hamilton.


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 17 January 1801
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

					My dear daughter
					Washington Jan 17. 1801

				I received yours of the 9th and thank you for the excellent matter which it contained. Mr Shaw has not sent you any papers from hence, because the papers have not been worth transmitting, a torpor appears to have seized every person and the query what can be done? what will be done? what ought to be done? seems to be the questions, amongst the three parties, into which not only the Legislature but the Country is divided. Some are for Jefferson, some for Burr, others for making no choice, if the latter should be the case, the President will immediately refuse being considered as a candidate, the spirit of party has arisen to such a height, that it cannot be appeased by the wisest and best measures, which might however for a time have arrested the progress of it, but the devision of the federal party amongst themselves, produced the change in the administration. And from being united in support of the Government & the constitution, they became a faction in support of an individual, whom they have failed in carrying. Division has caused all the mischiefs which threaten us. Conscious that no part of this blame can justly be attached to the President, who has conducted the affairs of the nation without partiality, and without hopocricy, he retires, or rather is pushed off by a combination of circumstances as little honorary to the Country, he has so faithfully and successfully served, as I fear it will prove to their peace tranquility or happiness. For myself I have but a few more short years to remain, should my life be protracted to even three score years and ten, I cannot therefore for myself regret the change, but instead of calmness, and serenity in retirement I foresee strife and contention for my Country. Should ever that unfortunate period arrise, the President will have the satisfaction of knowing and feeling, that he did not leave his Country, for surely no obligation remains upon him to be again the

mark for calumny (intrigue), and falshood, for the rage of party vengeance to shoot at, the Country and not he, must be responsible for all that is to follow. The more genious, industry, and spirit are employed to destroy, the harder the task of saving the Country becomes; those who go about to destroy, are animated from the first by ambition and avarice, the Love of power and of money, Fear often makes them desperate at last they must be opposed by a spirit able to cope with ambition, avarice and despair itself, where is this manly and disinterested spirit to arise. is the service of our Country rendered either honorable or pleasurable, is it rewarded by gratitude or respect? let the present annals declare.
				I learn that General Hamilton is opposed to the election of Burr & has written several letters to that effect, he is also opposed to the ratification of the convention, and as he is assuredly dictator over a certain part both of house and Senate, his influence will pervade both. He may however find himself out Generaled as it respects the convention. he thinks if Jefferson is elected, he may more easily be hunted down than Burr, at least I conceive that is his motive, united to feelings that revolt at the idea of Burrs exaltation over him, thus does ambition often over shoot the mark. I readily believe that all the candid Demos, would readily compound to have things as they were. I have heard that said here. I do not chuse to express an opinion with respect to either candidate. I hope they are not sent in wrath to rule over us.
				I inclose you a Boston News Boy, in return for your N. York, tell the Coln that I received last week his letter by General Armstrong. General Gunn has been sick ever since his return from Philadelphia, so that nothing has been done though I trust all is safe.
				I shall let you know when I leave this place and I shall get on as far as New York, where I will rest a few days. Susanna has got the hooping cough, she has had it near a month, it pulls her down, but she will not I hope, have it very bad, my love to Caroline.
				Be assured my dear daughter that I am ever / Your affectionate Mother.

					A. Adams.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 20 January 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Philadelphia 20th: January 1801

				I have your favor of the 15th: instt: and am pleased to find in it an interpretation of the 6th: Article of the Convention with France, which had escaped my reflection— Viewing it as a provision only to operate after the expiration of our treaty with G Britain, it may be both natural & proper, but as the time when it was to operate was not specified, many others, like myself, have supposed it to be quite incompatible with our precedent engagements—
				It has always appeared strange to me, that the same men and the same families, who during the first paroxism, which the french Revolution produced among all ranks of people in this Country, were led away with the most extravagant admirers & partizans of revolutionary doctrine, should have vibrated to the opposite extreme, without seeming to be aware of the glaring inconsistency of their behavior. In the years 1791. 2. 3–4. yourself & family were obnoxious to the greater part of the now high toned Oligarchiques, because you were firmly opposed, from conviction of their evil tendency, to the principles of the french Revolution, and it is remarkable, though not surprising, that a judicious and discriminating foreigner, should be the only one to applaud & to notice your opinions in this particular. I allude to the pamphlet of Mr: Gentz and the note to page 56. where he speaks of a conversation between M. de Brissot and yourself, for the authenticity of which fact he appeals to Brissot’s

tour itself. I have a vivid recollection that so early as the year 1789 when I was at New York, you drew my attention to two french works of great merit & singular application to the Revolution which had just then burst forth in France; and although I was then too young and too much a tyro in the french language, or the science of politics, to appreciate the records which those books contain—I have since read them with delight and I hope with improvement. The Books were L’esprit de la ligue, & L’esprit de la fronde. The Memoirs of Cardinal de Retz are of the latter period, and not less instructive than either. Our Countrymen, who affect to be so learned, so wise, and to have attained such perfection in the Science of government, are almost universally ignorant of all these repositories of wisdom and experience; and they are obstinately bent upon going over the same turbulent round of experiment, which must inevitably lead to the same pitiful & deplorable results, and all for the love of liberty—
				The adherents of Mr: Hamilton are men of violence; impetuous in their resentments and utterly regardless of the ties of gratitude. They can discern no title to favor or support in any but devoted partizans. In general they are hostile to our present institutions, and therefore feel no obligation imposed upon them to promote the success of them. They imagine that opposition is the only means to effect a change more consonant to their wishes. The Democrats, who are a vast majority when compared with this small band, profess that the design & scope of their opposition is to restore the Government of the Country to old, original principles. The plausibility of their doctrines is irresistibly persuasive with the multitude, who have in all ages been gulled out of their liberties by such gilded artifices. They yield to the syren song of these base & profligate seducers, who no sooner have robbed them of their chastity than they desert them, or impose heavier shackles than they wore before.
				The Judiciary Bill now labouring in the house of Representatives, excites some attention. I, for one, think that the salaries proposed for the Judges are too high. It is true that Two thousand dollars per annum, is a small compensation to men of the first talents and repute in their professions; but some discrimination proportioned to the different prices of living, in the several Circuits, ought to be made. The people of this Country are not lightly taxed for the degree of liberty & security & protection they enjoy— I will go as far as any individual in this Country, in contributing, according to my means, towards the support of a permanent, respectable and numerous Navy— It is all the defence we want against foreigners and

the only gurantee we shall ever obtain for our National growth. But in our domestic regulations, frugality bordering on parsimony would be excusable in order to secure the other object.
				Should the judiciary Bill be enacted into a law, this Session, there will be an host of officers to appoint, before the rising of Congress, and numerous applications will doubtless be made for those places. Mr: Ingersoll, who will be at Washington in February would be able, if consulted, to designate suitable characters in this State, and I hope his advice will be asked.
				I am with true respect & attachment / Your Son

					T B Adams.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 22 January 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Philadelphia 22d: January 1801.

				When I said, that I did not disagree with Manlius, in attributing the downfall of the federal cause, to the Mission to France, my meaning was, not, that the loss of the late election, was to be viewed, as the consequence of that Mission, for I believe with you Sir, that independent of that measure, the federal Candidate would have been almost universally deserted. But I meant to assert as my belief, that this was looked upon by the Hamiltonians as a fit occasion to sever from the Administration; a thing contemplated & advised, I have no

doubt, a considerable time before it took place. The appointment of Mr: Gerry, and not abandoning him, when he deserted his colleagues, was the first exasperating act to the Essez Junto, who were all his deadly enemies. This is the leading string to all the subsequent discord among the federalists— There is scarcely a man in Pennsylvania, professing Federalism, who does not think Mr: Gerry a thorough-paced, incorrigible Jacobin, and nothing but his retaining your friendship & confidence, ever raised a doubt in favor of his political principles— Here was a violent clamor, therefore, raised against the first Mission, on account of one obnoxious man. This clamor had not subsided, before the second Mission was projected, & as the character first chosen, nor those afterwards appointed, as colleagues, were in any manner exceptionable to the federal party, they vented all their rage against the measure. I say they, by which I mean, only the most violent, who were certainly a minority of the federal party—
				The motives to opposition were various in different parts of the Country; but the object in all was the same, to defeat or frustrate the attempt.
				Lord Clarendon in his history of the Rebellion, has a very long passage which describes, most elaborately, the propensity of men to defeat the successful termination of any scheme or measure— against which they have once soberly & earnestly set their faces— I will try to find it, and have it published, with a few remarks. The Application is, I think, obvious—
				Mr: Hamilton, whose influence & popularity in New York, was ruined, by his anxiety to vindicate his character, no less than in every quarter of the Union; by his own mismanagement or by his deliberate intention, (of the two, the most probable) occasioned the loss of New York to the federal scale— I sincerely believe, he would rather see Mr: Jefferson at the head of the Govt:, than yourself—for you were the first to learn the Americans, how to appreciate this little gentleman, from St Croix. For this, you never will be forgiven by him; enmity is never more malignant than when provoked by a conviction that a small opinion is entertained by any individual, of talents, which receive homage from all the world besides—
				It ought never to have been the plan of the federal party to support a Gentleman from the South, merely for the sake of securing the interest of the any Southern State in favor of the federal ticket— There was evidence enough on the former trial, what result might

be calculated upon, in making another— I believe that some of the federalists, who gave in to this scheme, were honest—but many expected that South Carolina would vote for you Genl: Pinckney, and drop you— This was Hamilton’s plot; but the true friends of the Administration ought to have taken up Mr: Jay or Mr: Ellsworth, and if the same exertions had been made in favor of either of these gentlemen, they would have succeeded. I should have been perfectly willing to give Mr: Jefferson my vote, as an Elector, if I could have had confidence in the Southern people—but our elections have become so much a job, that the patriotism & services of our most distinguished characters, has little to do in their promotion to office—
				I do not think that the unconditional ratification of our Convention with France would be inconsistent with our honor or our good faith— I did think it would clash with our engagements to G. Britain, before I understood the true construction of the 6th: article. The 3d: article, which contracts for the giving up of State vessels, wounded my pride, at first, though I could easily discern that the pride of the french governt: would be much concerned in securing the surrender; but the result may yet be in our favor, if the private vessels, captured before the exchange of Ratifications, should be given up, or paid for, with good faith—
				After all, as we know & can judge of the purport of the present bargain, and as we do not know what might result from further negotiation, I should give my voice for ratifying the Convention. The adoption or the rejection of all Commercial Conventions, must eventually be regulated by interest—and I know not that the United States can better themselves by refusing to accept what is now offered to them.
				Manlius is a young man—inexperienced, warm and ardent, but not inimical to the independence or the best interests of his Country— but he sees a different route to the attainment of them, than I do. As he knows I sent you some of his numbers, and as I extorted from him a confession that he was the writer, I feel some delicacy, upon the subject of giving his name—
				It has been said in the papers of the morning that L. H Stockton has been nominated as Secretary at War, and Genl Marshall Chief Justice— The latter is contradicted this evening, and I think Richard Stockton must be the person nominated for the other office—
				I am dear Sir, truly & sincerely / Your affectionate Son

					T B Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 24 January 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					Dear Son
					Washington January 24 1801

				Yours of the 20th. is before me.— The Senate I hear is perfectly Satisfied at length, by a Message and some papers I sent them this Week at their request, that there is no Collision between The Convention with France and our Treaty with England: but other points labour. I choose not to say at present what I think. There has been, about two or three hundred Persons in the Union, who from the first nomination of Murray to this moment have been in a furious passion, and determined in their hearts to defeat the whole measure if they could, and to disgrace it as much as possible, in the Eyes of the public, if they could not.— If there are Some of those in the Senate, it would be no miracle.
				The families you mention, have been in pursuit of Dominion by the means of popularity. They are the old Tory Connections. They Seemingly that is hypocritically fell in with the french Revolution because they Saw it was popular: but as soon as they thought it was become unpopular, they flew passionately over the Way. But they mistook the sense of the People. The French Revolution was become unpopular, but a War with France was not become popular. on the contrary the sense of the People has been always in favour of a friendly Connection with France, Spain and holland, as the best Security to keep the British in Awe.
				For myself I have been, from 1786 to this moment a uniform detester of the French Revolution, as far as I could judge of it. Providence, and the french Nation had the Power. It was my duty to submit. But I had ever the most gloomy & fearful apprehensions of evil consequences, without being able to foresee any good. At the

Same time I have been as uniformly convinced, of the Policy of this Country to preserve Peace and a friendly Intercourse with France Spain and Holland, if it could be done, consistently with our honor and good faith. Brissotts Account of his Conversation with me as reported by Mr Gentz is true enough. The Interview was in Grosvenor Square, London. The Conversation was long and interesting. I wish he had detailed it more particularly.— He made me a present of his Works at the same time.
				I began my Defence, in 1786, as much, with a View to the French Revolution then in Embrio or rather Springing into birth, as to the County Conventions their Resolutions against the Governor & senate, and the Insurrection in the Massachusetts. in 1788 when I first arrived at Boston Mr George Cabbott and Mr Jonathan Jackson asked me questions about a french Revolution. I answered them that there would be a Revolution and forty Years of War and blood in Consequence of it, without obtaining a shadow of Liberty or any other Advantage that I could foresee. That the French Phylosophers who were bringing the Change forward understood nothing of Government, or the system of Liberty. That any Town Meeting in New England would produce a better Constitution than all the Statesmen and Phylosophers in France.
				The Adherents of Mr Hamilton, excepting a part of the Officers of the Cincinnati, are chiefly the Old Tories and their Connections. These have trumpetted and puffed his Talents, his Integrity and his disinterestedness these twenty Years. They all ever hated Hancock And Samuel Adams, and although they have affected an Appearance of some complaisance to me, in Consequence of my known principles and projects of Government, they have never loved me in their hearts. Their extravagant Praises of Washington have been merely to divert praises from Hancocks and Adams’s and McKeans &c on one hand and to boost the heavy Christian Hamilton up upon Washingtons fame, on the other
				Your young Friend who writes against the Treaty means well no doubt. But he is in error. He mistakes the sense of the people, both now and at the time of the institution of the mission.
				Your letters delight me very much. I must enjoin confidence and secresy But I shall soon be free & then I will write you with less reserve. In private life I will speak and write when I please.
				The league and the fronde cannot be too much studied nor the revolution & commonwealth of England. Lord Clarendon contains

much information & much wisdom. Some allowance must be made for him as a party man. But all revolutions are alike in many features
				I am my dear son Yours &c.


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 25 January 1801
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					Dear Thomas.
					Washington Janry 25 1801—

				I received Yours of the 20th Instant. You will see how matters have gone in senate respecting the Convention. Dean Swift in verses upon his own death, Says of those who had predicted his death

					“They’d rather that the Dean should dye
					than there predictions prove a lie”

				So the party had rather the whole convention should be negatived and every thing put again at the mercy of France, than assent to an accommodation with them; Yet pretend that they are fearfull of Mr Jeffersons prediliction in favour of France. they see and know now, what is before them; with the present Government of France they cannot expect to obtain better terms; for pay they cannot, and to have promised it, would not have been so sincere as to have waved it— the jealousy of G Britain would be more excited by a mission to France by the New President, and the Country in general would have less confidence in obtaining terms favourable to it— Yet a blind spirit of Party appear willing to risk all. I think they ought to take the Name, of the Risk alls, for that desperate Game they have play’d untill they have brought the Country into a State of Jeopardy; that there are dareing projects on foot I as fully believe, as the

Gentleman who told me so, and with the present views and temper which prevails. I cannot but think the President will find himself fortunate in his release; he might have stoped there career a few years longer—but he would have had the new faction to have contended against; I have inclosed You a curious conversation, which tho at table, was not heard by any one but ourselves, as we spoke low— it is a little too much in the Tench Cox Stile to commit it to writing, but it is only for your amusement; You will draw this inference from it, that there are certain persons, who carry every thing they hear, and I dare say many things they make, to the Ear of mr J——n if only what is said by the Party be told; his prospect is not a summer sea— If Burr should be Elected, which I do not believe, it will not be from any superiour confidence either party can place in him— his private Character will not bear the scrutiny which mr Jeffersons will. I believe he would become a Buonaparty if he could. he is bold, dareing, nothing to lose of property or Reputation ambitions, insinuating, a voluptuary in practise, and as to Religion—I Do not think he feels any restraints from it. I think him a much more dangerous Man than mr Jefferson; mr J—— will be too lax, too wild and levelling, the other will draw as tight as he dare;— after all it is a scylla & Charibdis buisness—
				It is laughable to hear the offices which even the federilist are for placing the President in. one wants to make him Ambassador, an other chief Justice—and an other Govenour—comforting things be sure— Farmer Adams—if Farmer he could be upon his own System, would be enviable to any thing in the power of the country to give or grant. no more Elective offices for Me— I think too highly of the Rank and Station in which I have been placed ever to give my consent to a scondary and Subordinate station; looking upon myself in this Sense, one and indivissible to degrade ourselves, to descend voluntarily, and by choice, from the highest to a lower Rank, to quit the care of a Nation, for that of a state—those who will Submit to it, must possess more of Humity than falls to my Lot— yet can I in a private and retired life practise all the oeconomy to which I know I must be called, and feel no degradation or mortification but for my Country—
				Inclosed is a curious Letter. is there any such craizy fellow— return the Letter— next twesday I propose quitting here. do You know where I can get more private lodgings than at Francis’is mrs Bradford and Boudinot request Me to put up with them— I do not propose staying more than a day or two, but I think I had better

have lodgings— I shall feel more at My Ease— adieu your ever / affectionate Mother

					AA—

				ENCLOSURE
				a Conversation at table between Mrs A and Mr J——n last thursday.
				Mr J— pray who is that Gentleman who sits next but one to the President?
				that is Mr Waln of Pennsilvana.
				I never saw him to know him before. Pray who is the next?
				that is Mr Homes You surely know him, Smiling he is a democrat.
				No I do not.
				Mrs A— I know nearly all the Gentlemen of Both houses, a few voilent Demos, excepted who have excluded themselves from our table;
				Mr J——n I do not know one in twenty. they complain, and say that I will not take my Hat off to them when I pass them, but I cannot help it, I have no Means of knowing them; I never see them but at your table.
				Mrs A— do you never go into the House of Reps’
				No I cannot. I am sure there are persons there who would take a pleasure in saying something, purposely to affront me.
				Mrs A aya I cannot answer for them. I wished my Self to have gone last winter when one or two interesting questions were before the House, but was restrained by the same consideration; Party Spirit is much alike upon both sides the Question.
				Mr J indeed I think there is more candor and liberality upon one side than there is upon the other.
				I differ from You Sir, Yet I do not deny but that there is a difference amongst those who profess the Same sentiments. Some are mere Brutes, others are Gentlemen— but party Spirit, is a blind spirit; I was at the House to day for the first time; I would have gone into the Senate, but was obliged to return home.
				Mr J— I wish you had been there; Mr Gov Morris really made an eloquent speech upon the subject of the Mausoleum, and mr Cocke tried for his life to make one too. it was really diverting
				pray sir what do the Senate design to do with the convention?
				upon my Soul, I believe they will reject it—
				I am surprized at that. the Mercantile interest, in the great states of are in favour of it—
				Mr J I have information from the South that they are so.

				Mrs A. there have always been a party determined to defeat it from the first sending the Mission. I Mean the Hamiltonians; they must abide the concequences—
				Mr J— pray is not your New Senator Mason of that party;
				Mrs A I think he is.—
				mr J— Foster I think is not.
				there sir You are mistaken. Foster was brought into senate by that party, to the exclusion of Mr Sewall who ought to have been Senator. mr Foster is not one of the voilent Party Men— His Brother however votes and thinks differently from him—
				Mr J— I think Chipman as bitter a Man as any in Senate—
				Mrs A— I know very little of Mr Chipman I never see him but at publick dinners—and he is a very silent Man— Mr Paine I am well acquainted with. he is a sensible well informd candid Man, and as free from party Spirit as any Gentleman I know
				Mr J— I wonder what they mean to do? they have Some daring projects on foot;
				as I Supposed this refered to the Election, I replied I do not know, that is a subject which I do not chuse to converse upon— I have heard of a Clergyman who upon some difficulty amongst his people, took a text from these words—“and they knew not what to do”—from whence he drew this inference, [“]that when a people were in such a Situation, that they do not know what to do; they should take great care that they do not do—they know not what.” at this he laught out, and here ended the conversation—


Title: William Smith Shaw to Thomas Boylston Adams, 25 January 1801
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					City of Washington Jan 25th 1801

				Yourss of the 20th & 21st are received. I also received this morning a compleat sett of the Port folio without any letter or direction respecting them. Presuming they were sent to be at my disposal, I shall send them by tomorrow’s mail, to Anapolis where I expect to get many subscribers. I some time since sent a sett to Boston and another to young Chace at Baltimore, and if I had a number more, I think I could dispose of them to advantage. A few more of the “Prospectus” at least would be agreeable. But notwithstanding all the exertions of his friends, if Mr. Dennie continues to admit the observations of such political heretics as “a native American,” he never can and ought not to receive encouragement. For a periodical publication “submitted to men of afluence, men of liberality and men of letters” as is the Port folio and which justly assumes so high a rank, in its third number, to be so lavish, in terms of unqualified approbation, of a hireling miscreant, who has calumniated our government and our Country and insulted the understanding of every individual in it is in my opinion, not only very impolitic but materially wrong. I allude to what the author says of Cobbet. Many of the gentlemen of Congress have told me they were very sorry to see such a production admitted and Mr. Rutledge among the rest. The whole piece is very exceptionable and I was very sorry to see it. You ought to expostulate with Dennie, on the impropriety of admitting such publications

				I am surprised to hear that you never knew till lately of the “Romans in Greece.” It laid on the Presidents & mine my table all last winter at Philadelphia. The manuscript was sent to the P——t by our consul in Italy Mr Willys. I was so pleased with the perusal that I obtained leave to have it published and it was accordingly given to Nancrede, but I doubt whether he ever sold many of them.
				I told you in my last, that a committee was authorized to bring in a bill, renewing the sedition law. Two or three of the democrats have since taken seats in the house and there is great reason to fear they will not be able to carry it. If they do not, it will be very lamentable. I wish the law with some alterations should be permanent. I would make it ten times as severe as it now is. In addition to fine and imprisonment I would add certainly the pillory & perhaps the rack. To establish a government founded on public opinion and to allow that public opinion to be misled and corrupted by the lowest miscreants of society, who have talents only to invent a falshood is not my system. No, no. Government should be respected—character should not be violated with impunity. A bill has been reported to the house for the government of this district similar to the system proposed by “Epaminondas” which I think a tolerable good one and hope will pass. A strong energetic government would add to the respectability—hasten the growth and progress of this city and if any thing under heaven will, establish a degree of harmony among the citizens. The Committe of Commerce & manufactures are authorized to bring in a bill for the further suspension of the intercourse between the US & France.
				I inclose to you with this the Prussian treaty, three copies and will send you more if you wish for them.— I also send a letter of R. B. giving an account of himself, which I hope & believe Mr Dennie will consider worthy of an insertion in his port folio otherwise I must request you to return it as I highly value it… I have been collecting a compleat sett of Statepapers for myself I want nothing to compleat it, but the pamphlets published under the sixth article of the Brit. treaty, for which I wish you to apply to Mr Reid & or Mr Evans who I presume will have no objection to furnishing you with a sett.— The P——t ought to be supplied with a compleat sett also. Please to attend to this immediately. With this you have also the judiciary bill, which has undergone considerable alterations and is now more like the one first reported to the house last session
				In haste yours

					W S Shaw


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 27 January 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					private & confidential
					Dear Sir
					Washington January 27. 1801

				You have it right in yours of 22d.— A Rivalry between George Cabbot and Elbridge Gerry, for the Tittle of Excellency in Massachusetts, produced all the opposition of Federalists in that State to my Administration and has now thrown the whole Party in the back ground. I am afraid that is not the worst. Their unbridled rage and violent opposition to Peace with France, will exasperate the opposite Party into Such bitterness against England, that there is great danger of their kicking up a dust with that Power, and in that Case the Tories must fly to St. James or st. Stephens for compensation for their Loyalty shall I say! no, their folly.
				Mr Gerry is as far from being a Jacobin, and as far from being frenchified as any Man in the Union. There is not a more genuine American. There is not a Man more impartial between France & England. He is even for a more energetic Government, than our Constitution can give. But I wish he understood himself better, on the subject of Government.
				I wish to see the Extract from Clarendon and the Remarks. I read Clarendon, through and the Tryals of the Regicides, when I was 23 years of Age, and I know of no Work to which I have been more indebted, for the little insight I have had into human Affairs
				The little Gentlemen is not from St. Croix: but from St. Christophers that is St. Kitts, as I understand. Dr Stevens, his Brother, Consull at st. Domingo, is from st. Kitts.— Captn. Little of the Boston, knew his family in the West Indies.
				I was informed, by Mr Samuel Lyman of Sprinfield one of the most upright and amiable Men in Congress, that Hamilton had broken and divided the federal Interest in New York, long before the Election for that City of Members of their Legislature in the Spring of 1800, by declaring against Adams. He declared that Adams must not be President. The Federalists declared he must & should. This division threw all into the hands of Burr. Lyman Added with great earnestness that [“]he hoped it was true: for if it was, it would be the total Ruin of Hamilton and his faction, which he heartily wished.”
				I am fully in Opinion with you concerning the Convention with France.— Take it for better or for worse, it is an harmless thing.— It

leaves us at full Liberty to Place England and France on a footing of Equality in their relations with Us, which I think is the precise point of Wisdom for Us to aim at.
				Your Friend Manlius is a clever Man. He will make a valuable Character: but he is out in his Politicks at present.
				L. H. S. has been nominated sec. of War.— He is one among the very few federalists of eminent Talents who have preserved their senses. He has given proofs of an Understand, Penetration and Candor, which no other federalist has equalled in any public Writing concerning the Negotiation with France. The Nomination however I fear will be only a Compliment, for I presume he will not continue, or at least will not be continued under the new Administration, if he accepts.
				My dear son, your Letters are delightfull at present, but / whether Politicks will not loose their Taste very soon / is unknow to him who in a few days will / be

					The Farmer of Stony Field


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 January 1801
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my Dear Son
					Washington Jan’ry 29 1801—

				Your Brother Thomas has performed the painfull office of announcing to You the Death of Your Brother Charles, with what a weight of Sorrow is my bosom opprest. when I reflect, that he was cutt down in the bloom of Life, in the midst of his days, he is numberd with the Dead; it becomes me in Silence to mourn; Mourn over him living, I have for a long time, and now he is gone.— the

tender remembrance of what he once was rises before me, and I wish to forget. I wish to Draw a veil over all those propencities, which have rung my Heart, with unutterable pang’s. I would hope, that from that Throne of Sovereign Mercy, where I have often besought it for him, he may have obtaind forgiveness— think of him my son with the compassion of a Brother, and if you are permitted to return to your native Country, be a Father to the little Girl who bears My Name— the other I have taken, and if My Life is spared, I Mean to bring her up.— the Mother has no means of support but that which she derives from her Friend’s she is amiable and worthy: I can lay no blame to her Charge. she attended with constant and unwearied Solisititude, to the last Scene. His sickness was short, his constitution was undermined; his sufferings were severe, his patience under them was great. a dropsey in his Chest was the cause of his Dissolution; I knew not that he was sick: indeed he had not been more than a week confined, when I arrived in November at New york, on My way to this city; I went to see him but You May judge of My feelings, when I saw that his case was desperate, tho he entertaind no Idea himself that it was so, but he Survived only a fortnight. he was at Lodgings. Your sister Smith who had spent the Summer with me, returnd to NYork when I did. she removed him immediatly, and every kind care and Sisterly attention was shown him, both from the col. & herself— the removal of him, was all the releaf, all the consolation I could derive; I came to this city with a heavey Heart; in daily expectation of his Death, which took place on the first of December; My Residence in this city, has not Served to endear the world to me. to private and domestick Sorrow, is added a prospect of publick Calamity for our Country. the Spirit of Party has overpowerd the spirit of Patriotism. the Intrigue of one Man, and the dissapointed ambition of an other has divided the strength of the Country, and thrown into the antifederal scale the weight of Numbers; this Change has been produced by the practise of all those low arts of calumny, and falshood, which are the weapons of unprincipled Men, and the power of faction. the corrupt and infatuated Members of it, have acted without any regard to right, or wrong, and the question with them has been who shall Govern, not how they shall be governed; If as is expected a total Change of Men, and measures follow, universal confusion will be the concequence. The Election is not yet determined, for two candidates being equal, the House of Representitives must decide; if they stear from scylla, they must be wrecked upon Charibdis— what is before us Heaven

only know’s time only can unfold— that ingratitude was considerd by the Athenians as a sin; we are told could Athens produce stronger instances, than are to be found in our Country? you can trace the train of My thoughts, when You consider the wise and judicious administration of our Government for the last 12 years— when You view it rising in power at home, and respectability abroad, acquiring wealth, and oppulence daily; who but must lament, that this fair prospect is vanishing like the baseless fabrick of a vision— it would require a vol’m instead of a single Letter, to unfold to you, all the Machinations which have combined to produce this Change in the Administration; honest Men have been cheated, and duped. ambitious Men have Seen themselves, and their plots discoverd, and counteracted, by a watchfullness which they could not elude; and were therefore determined to get rid off, at any hazard; If you received a Letter I wrote you, just before I left Quincy, it will Serve you, in some measure as a clue to the objects of a certain Party call’d the Essex Junto. but a Pamphlet written by Hamilton concerning the public conduct & Character of John Adams President of the United States, and which I presume has been sent You, will More fully display the falshood and Malignity of the Anglo Federalist. from this pamphlet however the Author has not acquired more fame, or reputation than he did from the precious confession of an other; to Burr is the merrit due, with the antifederal Party for turning the Election of N york in their favour. to Burr then will that party owe their President, provided mr Jefferson is chosen—and this was a bargain and sale buisness!! is it not sufficent to give every considerate, and reflecting person a surfeit of Elective Governments, when in this young Country, and thus early such proffs appear of corruption and want of principle?—
				I turn from this disgusting object to one nearer My Heart, I Mean the return of My dear Son to his family and Friends My last letter was full upon this Subject; tho it will be urksome to you to return with such prospects opening before You; I presume You will not feel as tho You could remain abroad;
				I expect to take a final leave of this city next week, and return to Quincy; could I be assured that the remainder of my days might be passed in Peace and quietness, I should have reason to rejoice in a liberation from public Life; The President retains his Health, and his spirits beyond what you could imagine; he has the conscienceouss of having served his Country with pure intentions: with upright views and from the most disinterested motives, as his own pecuniary

affairs manifest. tho free from debts, or embarressments of that nature; his income will oblige us to a strickt oeconomy, in order to preserve that independance upon which our future tranquility rests— I repine not, at any of the allotments, or dispensations of Providence; we have been a scatterd family if some of my Children could now be collected round the parent Hive it appears to me, that it would add Much to the happiness of our declining Years.— Thomas has determined to remain in Pennsilvana he is the joy of our Hearts. his conduct in all respects, is prudent and judicious I think it not unlike, that the state he has chosen for his residence, may become under the new administration such a hot bed of turbulence and Sedition as to induce him to change his Quarters.— Some recent Changes have taken place in the public offices— Mr Wolcot has resignd, and Mr Dexter is appointed in his place; Mr Marshall is appointed chief Justice of the United States in the Room of Mr Elsworth, resignd. Mr Griswold is this day nominated in the place of mr Dexter, Secretary of War. no Secretary of state is yet nominated and I cannot say that any will be; it is difficult to get such gentlemen as are esteemed proper, to accept offices from which they may be removed in the course of a few week’s— Yet in the present critical State of the Country when it is undetermined, and altogether uncertain, which of the candidates will be our future President, or whether there will be any Election at all, the President has thought it best to fill up the offices with such men as are fit, and capable of dischargeng the Duties of them in any event; If they are to be removed; let the world see how they will again be filled
				I have not any Letter from You of a later date than july 11th I have Seen Letters from Louissa to her Father in August and to the 5 of sep’br.  Your Brother has Letters of as late a date from You which have been a source of much entertainment to me; I have very little cause to accuse You of not Writing to me. I have myself been very deficient. tell Louissa that her Family are all well-situated about one mile from the Presidents house, but such a quagmire between, that our intercourse is much impeeded. Caroline has had a long fit of sickness a Nervious fever from which she has so far recoverd as to have spent one Day with me. I expect the Family all to dine with me on saturday for the last time. col smith is now in an office which affords him and his Family a handsome support. My Mind is easier upon their account. Mr W Cranch will do very well here. he is appointed one of the city Commissoners— My paper obliges me to conclude Your truly affectionate / &c &c


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 29 January 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

					Dear William
					Philadelphia 29th: Jany 1801.

				I received the letter you enclosed me from my father on the 25th: instt: with a few names of members & others, for Dennie— I have sent you three or four setts already of the P— F— to be distributed and now enclose you another— The opinion, here is pretty general, that the journal of the Silesian tour is, by far, the most interesting of all the Contents— Indeed, whatever comes from the pen of that writer, is finished and instructive— I wish that my parents would furnish me with some of his private letters, written from Holland, England and Berlin—they would continue to adorn the literary vehicle, when the tour is exhausted— No 5— is a beautiful and elegant letter, which displays more Classical scholarship than is possessed by any man, that I know in this Country— You will see it in the next Number—
				Our Lawyers are gone off to day, for the City— Mr: Ingersoll will give in his resignation and I hope Mr: Wm: Tilghman will be his Successor.
				Lieutt: Parker of the Navy is going on tomorrow and I give him a line for you together with the bundle of Gentz—for which you must be sure to get the Cash—price 33 1/3 / 100
				Your’s

					T B A—


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 30 January 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					Mon cher Fils—
					Washington January 30. 1801

				On a lu, Tabius, avec beaucoup de plaisir. Il est tres Sage tres Scavant et tres elegant.— The Article he vindicates is now well understood here and is I believe universally allowed to be no Violation of our Engagements with any other power.— Even higher and Stronger ground is taken by Some of the ablest Lawyers and it is even contended that We had a right to go back to the Statu quo, and revive the old Treaties in toto without any Injury to England. of this I need not give any Opinion.
				It is now generally understood and agreed, that there is nothing inconsistent with the most Scrupulous good faith, in the Convention. Our Honor is therefore untouched. The mutual restitution of ships is greatly in our favour. The Insurgente is the only one to be restored. She is but a Baggatelle, if she is any thing. There is too much reason to fear she is lost. The Berceau having been taken after the date of the Treaty must be restored by a Stipulation in it.
				The most mortifying thing and the only one painfull to me is the relinquishment of the demand for Compensation for Spoliations. To Strike out that Article would not mend this defect. it would make it worse.
				The only Question is whether it is our Interest to ratify the Convention. I have no Scruple in saying I think it is, and that without Conditions. I See nothing in it, but what will be forever a salutary regulation with France and England too. It is a fundamental Principle of American Policy to place these two powers on a footing of perfect Equality. That is my opinion and I reco[mmend it] to you as a Maxim thro Life. Votre [Amie]     [the far]mer of stony field.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 2 February 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Philadelphia 2d: February 1801.

				Your favors of the 24th: & 27th: ulto: are duly received. It seems not to be understood here, whether the proceedings, in Senate, relative to the Convention, are conclusive, as to the fate of that instrument, or whether, under any pretext, the discussion can be revived upon it. I am, myself, unable to solve the question, though I have some idea, that the rejection of the particular, modified, form of ratification, which has been passed upon, is not a final rejection of the Convention—
				Manlius has finished his “examination,” which is the most elaborate of any I have seen on the subject. There was very little of the Spirit of candor discoverable in his strictures, nor did his consultation of the Jurists appear so faithful, as it should have been, had it been the wish of the writer, to create a correct opinion, in the public mind, as to the merits & demerits of the Convention. He has written too much (in other words) like an antagonist, and not enough like an unbiassed Civilian. I took up the cudgels in reply to his No 8, and gave to the public, the extracts I had made & sent to you. I enclose the last number, which is a recapitulation of the preceding Series— I think my friend, much too rapid in his strictures to be correct, and he takes for granted, that conviction must necessarily follow the perusal of his arguments. I can now take the liberty to mention, that Mr: Charles Hare has confessed himself to me, to be the author of the Speculations under the Signature of Manlius—
				I rejoice, that Such a flattering compliment has been paid to the talents, the zeal & the correct principles of Mr: L. H. Stockton— Nothing could have been more grateful to me than this honorable notice of so deserving a character, but I thought there was incompatibility, between the Office to which he was nominated, and the

habits of life, professional pursuits, and personal qualifications of the man. Like Mr: Dexter, he might say—“I am about as well qualified for this Office, as my grandmother.” Considered as a compliment, it will be very acceptable to Mr: Stockton & his family connections. I hear he declines the honor.
				Mr: Ingersoll will be at Washington shortly— He will give in his resignation as District Atty and I am confident the appointment of Mr: William Tilghman would be agreeable to him, as a Successor. Should the Judiciary Bill pass, there is a gentleman whom I would venture to recommend, above all others, as a Judge for the Western Pennsylvania District; his name is Thomas Dunkin or Duncan of Carlisle in the County of Cumberland— In point of professional character, respectability in private life—integrity and independence of heart and amplitude of fortune—he is surpassed by no man in this State. Mr: Ingersoll is his friend & intimate acquaintance, & to him I refer for further information. I have been thus strenuous in recommending this Gentleman because I have understood there are other applicants, less deserving.
				I am, dear Sir, affectionately your Son

					T B Adams—