Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 March 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          my Dearest Friend
          Quincy March 18th 1797

        I received by the post yours of March 3d & 5th I had previously received the speach which I think well calculated to do great Good. I am much out of the way of hearing the observations which will be made upon it. as it is a publication to the people, of your real sentiments & opinions I hope it will be considerd and believed as such, and have a tendency to remove prejudices. I do not wonder at your sleepless Night. the bare reading the speach interested my feelings so much as to have a similar effect upon me. the Idea of So sacred and solemn a transaction could not fail to impress Your mind with anxious solisitude. I think Gen’ll Washington judged right in giving weight to the solemnity by his presence it will not fail to add Luster to the transaction in the Eyes of all Foreign Nations and be honorable to his successor— the vice Presidents speach will have a favourable Effect, and confirm the opinion which I have ever had of him, in spight of the virulence of party, which is at present Dorment. all parties Said mrs Black who had been sometime in Boston, appear to be pleasd and happy with the Election. not a single person have I heard express a sentiment to the contrary. I was pleasd with a Toast drunk by Some Scholars at Cambridge. Adams & Jefferson or Checks and balances.
        I do not recollect that I expresst my satisfaction before at the appointment of mr Murray. I was pleasd with it. Will the present Minister be allowd to leave the Hague before his successor arrives?
        as to Domestick arrangments I am not fearfull to trust them to Brisler—he must do as well as he can with respect to Female help. When the Time approaches for my going I will advertize for such as I want I should chuse not to send any from hence, untill I go; unless it may be thought best that mrs Brisler should go on soon as we cannot entertain Company half so often as the late President. I should hope not to want so numerous a Household, and be relieved in some measure from a weight of care and torment I will however

neveer relinquish my Right of direction & controul over the Household, to no steward or Housekeeper. I believe half the torment experienced, was oweing to that cause— in Brisler we know we have the Man of Honour and integrity. there was due to Brisler on the 15 of Febry 30 pound which you will pay him, as I presume his Family will want it, and I wish you to give him a decent suit of Cloaths as a token of his Faithfull services—
        Brisler had better make out a List of the furniture in the House, such as he thinks will do to remain. I suppose Family Linnen must be purchased immediatly. I would advise not to procure more than for immediate necessity, you know by your former experience, how handy those articles are for transportation. Mrs otis was kind enough to offer her assistance. she is a good judge & Brisler had better consult her: I can give better advise as soon as I have knowledge of what is left. I hope you will not remain in Philadelphia any longer than absolute necessity requires I Shall fear much for your Health. Your Farm will suffer in your absence, but that you expect. I find I want more help. Billings persues his Wall, but there is an immensity of Stones to cast off of this Hill. they have been at it, for a week. I made James assist, but he met with an accident & scald both his feet, and poor Becky had her share by the fall of a boiling teakettle of water, so that they are both useless now, and will be for a long time. I shall persue buisness with spirit and courage as soon as I have the means— at present I live upon credit. Thayer has purchased of Fogg and is building a wall with fence of two rails in order to keep sheep. Burrel says we shall be devourd if we do not do the same. this will be another peice of Buisness for Billings—and we have not posts. shall red ceadars be cut for the purpose?
        I shall be anxious to hear again from you, and let me know how you are. march has been a trying month to me. I have combatted hard not to be laid up. Poor Mary Smith Louissa Sister is far gone in a consumption. we have very little hopes of her recovery. Mrs Brisler and Family are well So constant and frequent are the Captures, that there is little hope of the safe conveyance of Letters abroad. plunder seems the only rule of conduct, which our Allies practise.
        I shall be happy not to be obliged to come on untill you find it necessary to return to Philadelphia. it would be an expence; and I would avoid every unnecessary expence, for I could not use the horses which I have, nor travel without four if I used the Coach Mr smith was advising me the other Day to get the bright marks

coulour &c of your Horses and Wood of Charlstown who buys many horses would be like to procure a pr at a much more reasonable rate than can be bought at the Southard. I should wish in that case to part with three of ours but this must be as you think best—
        I am my dearest Friend / most affectionatly and / tenderly yours

          A Adams.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 20 March 1797
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Louisa Catherine

          The Hague March 20. 1797.

        I have successively received your Letters of the 28th: and 24th: of last month, which I mention thus in inverted order because they so came to me, and the latest of date was the first here.— It must indeed be an implacable breast which such a Letter as this would not disarm of all resentment.— I have hailed and welcomed it as the pledge of uninterrupted future harmony between us.
        You have rightly concluded that in speaking of your father to you, I could never mean any thing but what was respectful. His own character as well as his relation to you secures from me all the regard and deference to which he is so fully entitled. I regretted even the necessity of having any observations to make respecting him in a discussion which I should have wished might have been limited only to yourself and me.— But I could not leave his Letters un-answered; nor could I use with you any disguise, upon a subject in which you were concerned.— No my lovely friend; far from

permitting myself the most distant reflection which could wound your veneration and affection for your Parents, I would if it were possible give a brighter hue and a warmer glow to Sentiments which do so much honour to your Heart. There is an inseparable connection between the most precious Virtues of domestic life, and a nice and delicate sensibility to the ties and duties of one relation, is the most unequivocal proof of a character devoted to those of every other, and a temper attached to them. I love you therefore the more for the keenness of your feelings on every occasion in which your father is concerned. Never shall his name pass from my lips or flow from my pen, but with honour, and I hope that in future all the measures particularly regarding you and me, will so exclusively pass between ourselves, as to render every reference to him, which could possibly displease you unnecessary.
        I cannot express the pleasure which every new proof of the goodness of your heart and accuracy of your Sentiments gives me. When you tell me that you are not satisfied to possess merely my Love, but will also deserve my esteem, this is a kind of Spirit that I admire; a resolution that I most cordially approve, and which I am sure you will carry into effect.— The Spirit which gives us a command of ourselves which enables us to combat our own failings and subdue our own propensities, is the most exalted heroism; a heroism adapted alike to the characters of both sexes, and the laurels of which are as graceful upon the female brow as the myrtle of Love.
        It is this reverence for yourself, this regard to the dignity of your own character, that is one of your fairest attractions in my eyes. Ever cherish it my best friend; never suffer it to depart from your mind, and make it always your care to distinguish and separate it from pride, which in some respects resembles it, but is in substance directly opposite to it.— Always remember this plain distinction between them. The rigours of self-reverence all refer to ourselves; those of pride bear only upon others. The former are perfectly consistent with humility, a virtue that pride never knows. Pride vainly clamours for respect and esteem, self-reverence irresistibly draws without ever claiming them.
        There are some expressions in both your last Letters, concerning yourself so harsh and undeserved that I cannot without pain observe them used even by yourself.— In the first you speak of “tiring me with your stupidity,” of “sending me nonsense,” in the latter of your “ridiculous conduct” and your “folly.” There is not one of these

terms that can with any sort of propriety be applied to any thing that I ever observed of you. I do not think I should either love or esteem a person to whom such terms would apply. I would have you never for a moment imagine that they could by any possibility be with justice applied to you.— Always think too well of your own mind to suppose it capable of stupidity, and of your own discretion to imagine it can turn to folly.
        I am much obliged to you for your information concerning the American Elections. I suppose that by this time there is in England some authentic intelligence, concerning them. Hitherto the accounts are perhaps all inaccurate.— You mention that there were Letters for me, waiting for the opportunity of a vessel directly from London. I should be glad to have all that are not large packets forwarded by the mail, to Bremen as you send your Letters. This mode of conveyance appears to be safe, and I so seldom have the pleasure of receiving Letters from my friends in America, that I always wish for them with some impatience
        Your last Letters observes that your Papa was expecting the arrival of Mr: Bourne.— I suppose that he must have reached London within a day or two after, as he sailed from Amsterdam two or three days before then. My brother had at one time some idea of going with him, but has concluded not to leave me, while I am chained here.
        Will you be so good as to request our friend Mr: Hall to send me by the first convenient opportunity,—Burke’s Letters on a Regicide Peace:— His Letter to the Duke of Portland lately published,—and Mr: Erskine’s Pamphlet, the title of which I do not know; but he will.— I give you this trouble, to save him that of receiving another Letter from me, merely stating my wants.
        I am very sorry to hear that your Sisters have been so unwell.— The Season here has been generally unhealthy though uncommonly fine. Colds especially have been very prevalent. Perhaps it has been the same in England.
        This I hope will find you, with all the family in perfect health. I beg to be remembered kindly to them all, and remain, ever yours.

          A.


Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 20 March 1797
From: Johnson, Louisa Catherine
To: Adams, John Quincy

          London March 20th 1797

        I have recieved your letter of the 6 which gave me infinite satisfaction your approbation love and esteem being my greatest ambition and delight—
        My father talks of embarking early in July and preparations are making for our removal— I almost wish the time was arrived— though I know the advantages resulting from it, to the whole family, I cannot help regreting the necessity, of our renewed seperation however I know it must be, my friend, and though a kind of forced philosophy, I endeavor to be contented—
        I presume Mr. Humphrys does not regret his detension at Lisbon, as it certainly must be more agreeable to him, to remain some time with his Lady’s family, after his marriage, than to quit the Country immediately—
        I have lately been reading Lord Chesterfields letters to his Son, and think them very good, though he does mention the Ladies with so much severity—I cannot say I admire his sentiments altogether, they were written by a courtier, and addressed to one whom he intended should be the same. therefore I am not able to judge how proper such sentiments may be in such a situation— I dare say you have read them, and I should like to hear your opinion—
        All the family desire to be remembered, and my father wishes to know, if you would have any letters, he may recieve for you, forwarded by the Mails, as he says they sometimes remain with him a considerable time, for want of private opportunities—
        Present my respects to your brother, and be assured, I shall invariably remain, your tenderly attached,

          Louisa. C. Johnson


Title: Thankful White Adams Hobart to Abigail Adams, 24 March 1797
From: Hobart, Thankful White Adams
To: Adams, Abigail

          Dear madam
          abington March the 24 1797

        I take my pen to make a Recuest to you in Behalf of Elisha adams as you are in high Surcomestances I was affraid to Right Butt have Ben [Prevld?] with to Dear madam the Case is this Elisha adams has Bought a Plase which he agred to give 1600 hundrede Dollers and has Paid 800 Dollers Try Be So kind as to Lend him 4 or 5 hundrede Dollers tis Not in my Power to Let him have the money I Shuld be exciding Glad if he Can get the money I wish it was in my Powre to help him
        I will Promice to Pay the Intrest I fear he will Not Be aeble to Pay for his Place un-les Some Person will Send him the Cash he Can Not Pay it in 1 year But may in 3 or 4 yers Dear madam Pray Be So kind as to faver him if it is in your Power for how Can I Endure to See him turndout of Dors I Beleve in a fue years he Can Pay for it the man he Bought it of is in Destres for the money
        Pray madam Parden me if I have Intrud Excuse my Poor Speling and Riting I must in form you that he is under oblations to Pay the money By the first of aprel
        I fel very anckches abot the affar
        Pray Reade with Cander if I am Denide I Remaine your Sincer friend till Death

          thankfull Hobart

          N B the Barer will in form you of his Charicter
          Pray Rite By the Barer


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 March 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my Dearest Friend
            Quincy March 25 1797

          I have neither Seen or heard of any unpleasent remarks or strictures upon your late addresses. what may be reserved for hereafter I know not. the Chronical has been quite favourable, drawing however wrong inferences that your administration would be very different from your predecessors. the impression made upon the minds of the publick as far as I can learn them, have been highly favourable, but the publick have exhausted themselves upon your predecessor. they must take breath, and recollect themselves, before they can bestwo even merrited praise. our good Brother Cranch, Said he was enraptured with the speach, that he had read it repeatedly, and every time with new delight & pleasure. Mr Flint who lately attended the ordination of mr Peirce at Brookline, reported that it was held in high estimation. I saw a proposal in Websters paper, of having it printed & Framed with the late Presidents. The solemnity of the scene in which you was the Principle actor, the dignified Speach deliverd previous to the oath of office, the Presence of the Great Friend and Father of his Country, who presented himself to the publick, as a pledge for his successor, could not fail to inspire into the minds and Hearts of all present, the strongest emotions of tenderness, nor do I wonder that it found its way to their Eyes. there are many other reflection which would have penetrated my Heart upon the occasion—
          I cannot consider the event in the light which a Lady of our acquaintance describes it, “a Game of chance, the highest Card in the pack, a second throw could make no addition but a Crown.” promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the south, but God is the judge, Saith the scripture—
          I inclose you the Letter and my reply. when I was at Plimouth a number of them were purchasing tickets, and invited me to join them. I bought one with them. this will explain the first part of the Letter, the feelings, and spirit are endeavourd to be conceald under the appearence of Friendship. I hope the professions are sincere, tho there is a manifest design to lead me to consider the event as Chance, rather than choice. The Idea of great Wealth held up, so that the Chance of 5 thousand dollors or Eight shillings could be no object with me, is a reflection not justified, and this she knew—

          You observe that the News is unpleasent. I presume you mean as it respects mr Pinkny but this does not appear to be well founded, or do you mean, as it respects Peace? I do not think it improbable that Pinckny may be refused, considering what are the designs of the Directory. but as you once observed in a Letter to a Friend in the year 1782 That your whole Life from Infancy, had been passed through an uninterrupted series of delicate Situations, so when you found yourself suddenly translated into a New one, the View of it, neither confounded or dismayed you.
          I hope you will continue to possess the same fortitude, and resourses, for where there is neither fixed Principles nor any Laws Humane or divine, which are considerd binding, it puzzels all calculation to know what part to act.
          I read the Letter of Mifflin & your reply. I should not have wisht you to have accepted the House on any terms. I have not got my last papers so do not know what they have done with the House.
          there is one observation in your Letter which Struck me as meaning more than is exprest. J.   n is as he was! can he still be a devotee to a cause, and to a people, run Mad, without, any wish for Peace, without any desire after a rational system of Government, and whose thirst for power and absolute dominion is become Gluttonous? can it be? I regreet that dr Preistly has been left to the commission of Such an error of Judgment as to be present at the Feast of ——— as Porcupine call them. he has laid himself open to the scourge, & peter lays it on with exultation he has given him a handle, and the Friends of the Doctor, must censure he ought not to have had, any Hand or part in the buisness. poor Mckean, he has made him a Henpeck indeed. how the truth cuts. I wonder peter does not get broken bones. poor Pennsilvania keeps no gallows, but she keeps Rogues and Villans who deserve one, and she will find to her cost that she has not reachd the Millenium.
          I know when you get to Housekeeping you will pine for society, for your Farm, For your Wall, and wish as Boylestone Adams, says that it was the end of the fourth, instead of the beginning Year.
          please to tell Brisler that his wife looks quite sober & sad that she has not had a Letter from him for a month. The man imitates his Master, and has written so frequently to his wife of late, that she, like her mistress feels mortified when ever a dissapointment prevents her from receiving assurences of unabating Love and affection, which tho a thousand times told, will never diminish of their Value in the estimation of your

            A Adams—

          Your Mother—who is here, desires me to give her Love to you she has past through this cold Winter better than I expected— Mrs Temple just passing by reminds me of a sausy old poet who says, Frailty, thy name is woman— could mr Russel look from his happy abode, what would he say to see his property flying into the hands of a young British officer, whose commission of Leiut is all the wealth he owns. his wife, aya she ought never to have been his, and I know not but mr Russel was as indiscreat at 55 as she has been at 29. all the contrivance of that old Sinner his Father— Let every Man enjoy his property as he passes through Life, do with it all the good he can—and not leave it to be disposed of at his discease, by he knows not whom—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 March 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My dearest Friend
          Philadelphia March 27. 1797

        You will See by the Proclamation in the Public Papers that I have been obliged to convene Congress on the 15th of May, and as it is probable they will Sitt till the Middle of July, this measure must make an entire change in all our Arrangements
        There are so many Things to do in furnishing the House in which I want your Advice, and on so many other Accounts it is improper We should live in a state of seperation that I must intreat you to come on, in your Coach with Louisa, Mrs Brisler and her Children. You must hire four Horses in Boston and a Coachman to bring you here, upon as good terms as you can. James may ride my little Horse and Anthony you must give away.
        I am very unwell—a violent cold and cough, fatigues me, while I have every Thing else to hurry me: so that I must entreat you to come on as soon as you can— I shall send you some Post Note in a day or two.
        Prince’s Time is out and he will be discharged— James may come on with you, and return immediately to New York. I will not keep him a day— You may leave him at New York and hire Some one to ride on the Horse to this Town— I will not have my Family here ruined by them turbulent blacks.— give them their Cloaths handsomly and dismiss them.
        My Expences are so enormous, that my first Quarters salary will not discharge much more than half of them. You must come and see for yourself.
        The French Executive Directory, will take Care to make our public Path thorny enough and our Country men will make our private

one uneasy enough. so We need not expect Beds of Roses nor Walks of Flowers.
        I have been obliged to decline Brother Cranches farm. it will involve me—and I cannot increase my Cares— I have and shall have quite enough. You will be Surprized to see hurry of Business in which I am daily and hourly involved.

          J. A


Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 27 March 1797
From: Johnson, Louisa Catherine
To: Adams, John Quincy

          London March 27th 1797

        The official account is arrived and your Father and Mr. Jefferson are Elected President and Vice President
        In a letter from Mr J. to your father, he says “notwithstanding the efforts of his enemies to make the people believe otherwise, he aspires to no higher post than that of Vice President. that he will serve with pleasure under Mr. Adams, and he flatters himself they shall act together, with as much harmony, as they have done heretofore[”]
        Mr. Washingtons address on announcing the choice, is likewise come, but my father has not-yet seen it— The Merchants of Philadelphia, were to give a superb entertainment, on the day he resigned his situation, and became a private man—
        Mr. Hall means to write you shortly. he will inform you more correctly than I can of these Events—
        I suppose you have seen Mr. Pinckney— we understand by a Gentleman lately from Paris, that the French are determined never to recieve him as Minister—
        Thank you my friend for your very kind letter of the 14th I am happy to hear that the society at the Hague is so pleasant were you to partake of the amusements it affords more frequently you perhaps might find it less insipid— you are I think too young a man to devote all your time to your books, and solitude, if you now indulge this distaste to society, what will you do some years hence, even your Louisa’s may then become irksome, and unpleasant. indeed my

beloved friend it is a dangerous indulgence, you know I think it prejudicial to your health, excuse me when I say hurtful to your temper— I should not have given my sentiments so freely my Adams, had I not observed the same expression, in two or three of your letters— I think it a pity that you so calculated to adorn society, should encourage a disposition improper, for the station in which you are placed, and in which you are likely to remain— the extreme dislike I have to what is called society, enables me to judge of its inconvenience, it is this my best friend which induces me to urge you to guard against this indulgence, knowing your excessive fondness for books, perhaps renders me too apprehensive— excuse, and do not think this impertinent, believe me it is dictated by the most sincere affection, and the tenderest anxiety—
        My father yesterday recieved a letter from Mr: Humphries in which he mentioned his detention— he is not yet married—
        Mr. & Mrs. Church embark for America in the course of next week—
        Adieu may you be as happy as I wish you

          Louisa C Johnson


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          my Dearest Friend
          Quincy March 31 1797

        With my borrowed Money I have just paid the collector my tax Bill. I have the satisfaction to know that I did not borrow it to pay any expences of my own creating, but having been twice before

call’d upon, I could not submit to a third, without discharging it. I have not any Letter from you of a later date than the 17th nor do I expect to get an other untill the 4th of April. the weather is exceeding cold and sour. our dreadfull east winds prevail and Peirce one through and through. I have not been confined, but fear every day least I should. we are all in affliction. Polly smith is just gone. I do not expect she will continue an other week. her decline has been rapid, about two months since she was first confined. my spirits are low. I want something to Cheer them up. I think you are fastned to a spot which you cannot leave at Will, and I believe you want your Family more than when you was occupied by a daily attendance in congress Your Mind is however so fully employd that you cannot think much of it. we are suffering under the same apprehensions which have afflicted other places. the attempts to destroy Boston by fire are daily, or rather Nightly repeated. Patroles are constantly kept. they have detected but few. the vile wretches have got into the Country. at Milton they keep a Nightly Watch. it is really a Distressing calamity, but we shall be infested with more vagabonds, if the states go on to abolish capital punishments
        you write me that you shall not procure any furniture untill I come, but if it is to be made, it will require time. I have written to mrs otis to request her to go through the House with Brisler after you get into it, and to tell me what she thinks will be necessary. When an inventary is taken of what is in the House, I can judge better. I have not heard of the oats. I have got mr smith to inquire. Billings is at work upon the wall it takes an immence number of stones. our people have been several days carting them. it is so very wet, that they have only been able to plow a part of the ground, before the House the medow below the House is flow’d and the Brooks are very high. we have floods of Rain every day or two. the manure has all been pitch’d over some of it carted out. our people say there are two hundred load of it. the season is backward. when a fair day comes I am obliged to hire three or four hands to get any thing forward, and after all Your Eye is wanted, and your direction too.
        I cannot mount on Horse back. I can only direct. I mourn the loss of a Man who had zeal in his nature, and activity in his bones, as well as Strength of Body, and was not a rum drinker. he however tells me that he will let himself to me an other year if I should want him Money will be of more value I trust. there is complaint of a

scarcity of it, Yet every thing is high, but Grain which is much lower. corn may be had at a dollors Rye & 6.8, flower 10 dollors and half— Provision is yet very high. west India produce also.
        Yours as ever

          Abigail Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 31 March 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            My dear Son Thomas
            Philadelphia March 31. 1797—

          I am very much concerned, least you as well as your Brother, should think hard of me, for neglecting so long to write to you, but the multiplied Cares and engagements of Life added to indifferent health must plead my Excuse
          Mr: Murray is to take the place of your Brother, and Mr. Dandridge is to be his private Secretary, your brother will go to Lisbon, and you I hope will return to Philadelphia as soon as possible My desire is that you would take an office, attend the Courts, do business, and get the Character of a Man of business, All depends upon this in our Country— If a man is once suspected to be a man of Pleasure or an idle man, or an inattentive man he is Lost— I shall desire you to live, that is board & lodge with me, your Mother I Expect here by the latter End of April, and Congress are to meet by the middle of May, You may act as my Secretary, Sometimes, or Not as you please
          What is meant by the French Directory, I Know Not, But will discover if I Can, I shall miss your Letters and your Brothers which Contained more Satisfactory information than all the Other Letters from Europe—

          I will Keep the Peace with their High Mightinesses at Paris, if possible, but they Seem to be disposed to assume too much—
          I am my dear Son your affectionate / Father

            John Adams—

          You Say you want Exercise on Horesback, Come & live with me and we will ride out together


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          my Dearest Friend
          Quincy April 5th 1797

        The proclamation of the 25 of March, which is published in the Centinal of April 1st has excited many anxious thoughts in my Mind. What would I give for an hours conversation it would tend to alleviate my apprehensions. I feel as if I could fly in all our many seperations. I have experienced a variety of anxieties. I thought there could be nothing New to feel, but there is now such a responsibility annexed to your station, that New and various thoughts arise hourly in my mind, when I contemplate what may be the concequence of such, and Such, measures. How the senate, how the House will conduct, how the people will act, How Foreign Nations will be affected, in this dark abyss my imagination wanders, without any one to converse with, who can at all enlighten me.

        I agree with you that there has been an uncommon silence respecting the late address the Breath of praise was exhausted, the address was acceptable to every one as I have been told, and has had a very salutary effect upon many who had been misled, tho well meaning. as Genll Lincoln assured me, no one has assaild it, but the time is fast approaching when the measures of the Government cannot be looked upon with an Eye of indifference. we shall either be a united people, more strongly bound by common danger, or we shall become a prey to foreign influence. the people will judge right, if they are left to act for themselves it is well to observe, to watch and to attend to concequences. in the present state of things, it is almost difficult to conjecture what a Day may bring forth, much less can we see to the end of a year.

          “For what is fame? the meanest have their Day
          The Greatest can but blaze, and pass away”

        The ambition of individuals, and their Envy will no doubt opperate in proportion to the good or ill success, of the Administration.
        That you may be supported through the Arduous and important trials, is the constant and fervent prayer of your

          A Adams—


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My Dearest Friend
            Quincy April 6 1797

          I received an hour ago your Letters of the 22d and 27th. I have been anxious enough for you since I saw the proclamation. I advised you to take for your cough Rhubarb & calomil. do not omit it, but take it immediatly. it will serve You for the complaint which usually afflicts you in the spring as well as for your cough. I will obey the summons as soon as possible but there are many arrangements to make, or deliver all up to destruction, at once. I Shall endeavour to send mrs Brisler on first by the Stage with her Children. I will See her tomorrow, and consult with her about it. I must find a Family which I can place here.
          I expected you would find every thing in disorder in the House, tho not so bad as you represent— I have as I wrote you, had three

hundred Dollors, of Gen’ll Lincoln for the purposes mentiond, and one Hundred more I was obliged to take, to enable me to pay my Labourers as I went on; O I had got a going so cleverly. Billings will compleat his circle of Wall in two days more, and it is a Beauty, Stutson in the Garden, and Tirril and Bracket have been carting manure & plowing. I had employd Pratt to compleat and finish a cart begun by Billings. it is Done and painted. I had got new ploughs and tools, and a Man to come next week, for the season. I expected to have got all things in order for your reception when you should be able to return to the Domestick joys of Peace Feild.
          All these pleasing Ideas must yeald to new arrangements. I will do the best I can and come as soon as I can. I write this now only to assure you that I shall tomorrow take some measures for executing the system proposed
          Yours most affectionatly

            A Adams

            7th

          I hope to get this Letter in early enough for the post. I have been in Bed it is true but the multitude of my Thoughts have allowd me but a small portion of sleep. I am determined to feel as little Despondency as possible. the situation of poor mary Smith dejects all our spirits. I do not know by your Letter whether to send on all my Domesticks or whether I may hope to return in the summer this is a very incoherent jumble.
          I will write again when my thoughts are more collected two Days past have been very oppressive with heat. I am told that most minds are prepared for any measure consistant with the honour and Dignity of the Country, that they have not a mind like Israel Asses to crunch beneath two burdens—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My Dearest Friend
          Philadelphia April 7. 1797

        I recd. to day your favour of March 29th. I write you every Post day and send my Letter to the office. If they do not come regularly to you it must be owing to the office.

        It would hurt me to refuse the request of my Nephew Elisha Adams: but you gave him and his Mother all the Answer in your Power. If Dr Tufts has any Money of mine in his hands, I should be glad if he would Supply my Nephew and take his Security. I never was in greater Straits for money in my Life, than at this time. I know not how to get along and expect to be obliged to borrow at the bank. But it is in vain to talk to the People about these Things
        I want Physick and I want Exercise: but I want your assistance more than either. You must come and leave the Place to the mercy of Winds.
        I will let them, the Places all out next Year for what they will fetch in money. reserving the house and Garden.
        You must come here and see, before you will have an Idea of the, continual Application to Business, to which I am called. I should not have believed it possible for my Eyes to have read the Papers which are brought me every day and every hour of the day. I wonder not that my Predecessor was weary.
        Adets Visit was not in a public Capacity. He solicited a private Interview and I consented. The Purport was to clear up his Character. But it was of no Consequence.— I shall not write about it. He is now soliciting Permission to call on me to take Leave before his Departure. It is hardly consistent to grant it— But I wont make difficulties & give them handles about such Trifles—dont mention this.
        You must come, at all Events and leave the Place as you can—nay if you leave it common and bring Mrs Brisler & her Children. You must hire Horses as I wrote you. tell Louisa We shall have a pretty Chamber for her. she will have the honour of sleeping & dressing and reading & writing in no less an Apartment than that in which the celebrated Washington transacted all the Business of the Govt. But this must not be whispered. it will be tho’t too irreverent.
        On the 4th. I inclosed a Post note for 600— make the best bargain you can for Horses.— You must go for the Hot months to East Chester, and keep your Horses at the Tavern & pay for your board—and I must go to the Feoderal City—that must be my farm in future: and I shall have as much more plague as less Pleasure, in it, than I had in the Quincy farm. You must get my Brother to board Billlngs— But I believe you must get Mears at least for this summer. I am determined not to be perplexed with Farms. Dr Tufts may Let all but the House for a Rent or upon shares or any Way.
        Come away and leave it to Chance. My Duty to my Mother & love to my Brother and Neighbours and friends. it would give me

great Pleasure to see them— But I fear it will not be possible this Year.
        Cousin Boylston was in the right.— My farm would give me more Pleasure in a Week than my office in four Years— Except that all the Pleasure of Life that is solid consists in doing ones duty. You invite me to write and you must take such Trash and I can write without thinking.
        Yet I think a great deal about you— I wish I could come to escort you but that is impossible.
        affectionately

          J. A.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1797
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

          My dear Mother.
          The Hague 7th: April 1797.

        I have already acknowledged the receipt of your kind favors of Septr: 25th: & Novr: 8th: which were the last I have from you, and that notorious thief of time, procrastination, has devoured a long interval since I made the promise to write you in a few days. I delight in receiving letters from you, but I have an almost inconquerable aversion to writing in my turn, nor can I account for a reluctance, which is at the same time so unreasonable & inconsistent, for I well know that epistolary favors are of all others the least gratuitous—one good turn deserves another, and this is the acknowledged basis of all friendly correspondence; but we often yield a ready assent to truth at the very moment when we refuse to obey its dictates.
        My letter, I presume, will find you at Philadelphia, for we have already learnt that the new President has entered upon the functions of his office. I can well appreciate your reluctance at quitting the peaceful dignified abode of Quincy, to plunge at once into the wide sea of care, which must inevitably surround that elevated station. For you I am particularly apprehensive, lest the fatigues & toils of your particular department should prove too weighty, for I am well aware, that though the laborious part of it may be transferred to subordinate agents, the care & thought about it, will be all your own. The die is cast, however, as you observe, and though the sorrows of our Countrymen should have been powerfully excited at the retirement of our first parents, I would fain flatter myself that their successors will have the good fortune to replace them in their affections. “It is a consummation devoutly to be wished,” nor will I easily suffer myself to doubt its realization. The same voice which called a good and faithful servant to employ his talent in hard & difficult times, for the public good, will I believe be ready when an account shall be rendered of it, to cry, “well done”!

        The present period in the affairs of our Country is so interesting that we are particularly anxious to obtain direct & recent intelligence of passing events; the news we have is in general but just enough to make us wish for more, and to me it is somewhat unaccountable, that while we are daily shipping off whole cargoes of letters and papers, while not a vessel scarcely sails for any part of our Continent without bearing more or less of them, we should see so many arrive in this Country unfurnished with commodities of the same nature in return. The merit of production does not belong to me, but that of exportation does, and when I observe the apparent negligence of others in this respect, I may be pardoned for vaunting a little of having transmitted with scrupulous punctuality for more than two years together, two or three periodical papers, to as many different persons. This I know to be my proper business, for which I am employed and paid by my Country; but are there not also at home persons employed & paid for making returns of a similar kind?— The language of complaint can never be agreeable, and therefore not employed from choice, and I am not unaware that a self constituted Censor has but slender means to accomplish reformation; but I cannot suppress the wish nor stifle the hope that we shall shortly see amendment, where we know it to be so much wanted. For myself, I do not expect to be personally benefited should such a change take place, but for my brother, who is to continue in the public service, I believe it to be important that the earliest notice should be given him of the current affairs at home. Should I return myself in the course of the coming fall, as I expect to do, it seems to me, at present, that I may render him some service in the line of a correspondent, and unless the same lethargy should fasten upon me, which seems to seize all our Countrymen the moment they reach home, I shall hope to enforce a resolution with the consequence of which I am now so fully impressed.— But why do I address to you, such reflections as the above? In fact I know not, unless it be from conviction that I am not authorised by right to impart them where they best apply.
        We have seen American papers to the last of February and collect from them that the expectation of an approaching war with France was generally prevalent. The news which must have soon after been received of several steps of the french Government with regard to us, surpassing in violence any that preceded them, and barring the door to reconciliation, which was before only partially shut, has doubtless e’re now confirmed this anticipation in the minds of our

Countrymen. Open hostilities have long been exercised against the American Commerce by the armed vessels of France, and the property of our fellow citizens is falling fast into that gulf which devours every thing, and renders nothing back. An organized system of plunder, authorized only by the existence of extreme enmity, and the violation of all amicable compacts, is the offering now made by the French Government to the affections and partialities of their American adherents. Would you give credit to any one who should undertake to affirm that they expect to succeed in this extraordinary Courtship, which seems to be conducted upon principles, similar to those with which Shakspere’s Richard 3d: wood & won Lady Anne? The rack of credulity would not be more violent perhaps, than is required by the fact, that American Natives are the chief instruments employed in promoting this suit.— But it cannot be—for though frenchmen have found specimens of double refined depravity among us, which in some degree justify their belief that baseness & treachery is mingled in our national character in a greater portion than falls to the lot of other people, I cherish the belief that a purer clay has formed my Countrymen in general. With this ray of consolation, I can look forward with some composure to the most desperate issue, that can attend our present difficulties with France.
        The public prints are continually announcing approaches to a continental peace, and the uninterrupted success of the french armies against those of the Emperor, seem to warrant a belief that the present will be the last campaign by land. The embarassments which are like to result from the late shock experienced by the failure of the English Bank, will probably hasten an event which all nations do, or pretend ardently to desire.
        The victories and conquests of the English navy, buoy up for the moment, the paralized confidence of that Nation, but they produce not the same effect upon foreigners; the possessors of English funds therefore are waiting with fear and trembling to hear of fresh disasters to the finances of that Country. Here, the people are in a manner accustomed to misfortunes of this nature, but they are never the more prepared for them, and in the present instance they are doomed to see & gaze at their approaching ruin, should an English bankruptcy happen, without the power to extricate themselves. If the house fall therefore, it must tumble about their ears.
        Present me kindly to all my Philadelphia & other friends, who may fall under your eye, and accept the assurance of warmest love & duty from / Your Son

          Thomas B Adams.

          PS. My brother is well, and will write you soon— We have not heard these six months from our friends at Newyork. I recd: a few days ago, my Father’s letter of Decr: 5th: which is the latest I have from any body. Mr: Ross who brought it to England has not yet visited this Country. My last letter to my father went by the Grace Cap. Wills.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 9 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          my Dearest Friend
          Quincy April 9th 1797

        I sent last Evening to the post office in hopes that I might get a Letter of a late Date. I received my News papers to the 30th March, but no Letter. if there is any delay on my part in executing your directions, attribute it solely to the post offices, which will not permit me to receive Letters but once a week from you. I should Suppose that if a Mail containd only one Letter, it ought to be sent on; but I have known a Quincy mail arrive on a Saturday with Letters for

others, whilst those for me tho of various dates, are detaind to be sent all together, and so Careless are they, that in the Mail before last, a Letter to Charles from you, was put in the Quincy Mail, and returnd by mr. Hastings to N york as he informd me.
        That I have my perplexities in the arrangment of my affairs here, You will not doubt. I shall not however trouble you with them. I will Surmount those which are to be conquerd, and submit to those which are not. amongst the latter is mrs Brislers declining to go either before me, or with me without her Husbands comeing for her. now as I do not expect to be so honourd, or indulged, by mine, I shall exert myself to get to him, as soon as possible. she is a poor feeble thing, and never was calld upon for any exertion of any kind, without having him to lean upon. I told her he would not be able to come for her untill the Fall of the Year, and she seemd rather inclind to remain here untill then. I shall take with me Betsy Howard, Becky and Betsy. I must leave to come by water when they can be accommodated, for one of my inevitables is, that Becky has not walkd or scarcly put her foot upon the ground for a week, oweing to an absess Which appears to be forming upon the joint of her knee.
        thanks to Heaven, my Health is such as enables me to exert myself, tho I have my sick Days, they have not been lasting, and I have not been confind to my Chamber—
        I am in treaty with Porter whom I expect to place here with his wife and a Girl of ten years of Age whom she has taken, no Children no incumberance, and I believe an honest Man. I shall hire a man with him. much must be left to his honour and integrity as I have agreed to find him and his Family in every article except west India, to keep three Cows, 2 yoke oxen one Horse. Mrs Farmer I have let French take; She will soon increase. Anthony I shall leave here; Ceasar will come on, and Cleopatra I must dispose of if I can, as she is not like to increase.
        I shall engage Horses and driver to carry me as far as N york. I do not see why your Horses & coach man may not come on for me there. I will give you information in season, and you may convey word to Charles if it should not be in Time for me here. you may write me however for I fear I cannot get all things so as leave them, in less than a fortnight. Porter has a little place which he has bought, to let out before I can receive his answer and you will note this is only the 3 day since I received your Letter of call. I have no Brisler to assist me, nor any person to think or arrange for me further than hand Labour will go—and there is much of that to be done

which requires my oversight and direction. I sent for dr Tufts, and made my objects known to him, and to him I have told French Burrel and Porter, they must apply—and Porter that he will receive from you or me directions for his future conduct. There is Something to be done for my Mother. a maid is engaged, which I have promised to pay, and in some other things I should be glad to leave her comfortable & respectable—
        I have thoughts to get your Brother to Board Billings untill his Time is out and let him keep at the Walls, unless in Hay time.
        I am very anxious for your Cough and pray you to take advise about it. I read two Letter in Fennos paper of Dec’br 23 & 30th I cannot mistake the writer.
        Mr Smith informs me that he saw a Captain of a vessel from Roterdam, who saw our children in Febry, they were well. he brought no Letters. I have a Letter from England of the 10 Febry from mrs Copley, in which she requests me to accept the united congratulations of their Family, upon the wisdom of our Country Men (considering herself still as an American) in the choice of their first Majestrate, that it not only afforded pleasure to all your particular Friends, but also to very many people of that Country by this you see the choice was considerd as certain in that Country as early as Febry. I have a Letter from plimouth, containing sentiments of Truth, and from no inaccurate observer.
        “Mr Adams has enterd on his dignified station at a period when the greatest ability and perspicuity the clearest understanding, and the most uncorruptable Virtue is necessary to guide the helm, and conduct the political Bark in Safety between Scilly & Charibdes.
        [“]God Grant he may be an instrument in the Hands of Providence to preserve the united States from War, or from slavery. I wish I could add with a rational hope, from venality and vice.
        [“]expectation is awake among all Parties— among the Rivals of his Fame Emulation is on tip-toe. participation and affection accompany the wishes of his Friends, and his Enemies lie in wait, for reasons to justify disapprobation. this is the World.
        [“]This your Friend knew without my description. he knows also, or ought to know that he has Friends at Plimouth, who wish his administration may be productive of Glory Safety, and happiness, both to himself and Country.”
        The Whole Letter is written much more in the Stile of an old Friend than the former one, and without that Spice of levity which Seasond the other. the manner of it is, “I Stand corrected—”

        this is sunday. it will be thursday before I shall again hear from you. Heaven preserve support and sustain you.
        most affectionatly Your

          Abigail Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My dearest Friend
          Philadelphia April 11. 1797

        Your Letter of the 31. of March made me unhappy because it convinced me that you were so. I Attribute the Cause of it all however, to the dangerous illness of Cousin Polly Smith which I am very sorry to her. The Deaths and dangerous sicknesses of your near Relations and intimate friends always affect your tender and benevolent heart with very deep and affectionate Impressions. I hope she may still live, but if otherwise, Resignation is all our Resource.
        You had not received any of my Letters, which urge your immediate departure for Philadelphia. I must now repeat them with Zeal and Earnestness. I can do nothing without you. We must resign every Thing but our public Duties, and they will be more than We can discharge, with Satisfaction to Ourselves or others I fear.
        Public affairs are so critical and dangerous that all our Thoughts must be taken up with them.
        A Letter recd from Albany a few days ago says “Perhaps no Person from the Days of Noah, down to the present time, had ever a more important Trust committed to his Charge, in a more trying Crisis, than the one now devolved on you. The Eyes of the World are turned to you, with Anxiety to see, what Expedients can be devised, to extricate us from the Precipice now before Us. to avoid the final and dreadful Appeal to Arms, especially without an Object, or a

hope on ourside of Avenging Ourselves or gaining any Thing by the sickening Contest—but broken bones.”
        I must intreat you, to loose not a moments time in preparing to come on that you may take off from me every Care of Life but that of my public Duty, assist me with your Councils, and console me with your Conversation. Every Thing relating to the Farms must be left to our friends.
        You will find your Drawing Room furnished and the rest of the house, and servants and stables in tolerable order. My Love to all Neighbours & friends especially my Mother. Comfort her as well as you can— We shall take a Journey together, in August or as soon as Congress rises I hope—
        I am unalterably your affectionate

          J. A


Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 13 April 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Charles

          Sir
          Philadelphia apl: 13th 1797—

        I have this day been obliged to take a serious and painful measure in the removal of the Collector of Newyork, and I wish you to give me your opinion concerning a successor— The office is important and lucrative, Walker has been named to me. What think you of him?
        I must and will have a good Federalist, one who will not prostitute his office, to a Foreign faction, or a domestic one,—
        I am &ca

          John Adams—


Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 13 April 1797
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Louisa Catherine

          The Hague April 13. 1797.

        The day after I sent off my last Letter, I received that of my good friend, dated the 27th: of last month; and at the same time, a Packet from America, containing my orders to quit my station here, and proceed upon that to which I am now destined. Since then I have been occupied in taking measures preparatory to my departure, which I shall however probably not effect before the latter part of the next month.
        My principal embarassment is how to make arrangements so as to render it possible for me to visit London on my way, that I may have the pleasure of meeting you there, and putting an end at length to a separation so painful to us both.— I have in some of my former

Letters mentioned several circumstances which seem to render inexpedient your going to Lisbon: yet the moment when the possibility that you may, presented itself to me, all those objections lost much of their force in my mind, and my inclination to have your company, almost silenced every objection that Reason and Prudence had raised.
        But insuperable obstacles, render it impossible to take passage from England for Lisbon on board an English vessel; and by the present system and conduct of the french, they treat even neutral vessels going from any English Port, no better, than if they were English.— In either case we should be exposed to capture by french privateers, which have become this Season more numerous than ever.
        The only mode in which I may find it possible to meet you in England, will be if I can meet here with an American vessel having accommodations for Passengers, going to Lisbon, and can engage the Captain, to stop two or three days in some English Port, until we can come from London to the vessel. In that case, there will be no danger of capture; and if I can procure such an opportunity, I shall come over to you as soon as I can get away from here.— But the chance of such an occasion appears precarious, and if I find my endeavours for the purpose ineffectual, we must still reconcile ourselves to the necessity of waiting for our union until we shall both be in America.— I shall continue to write you regularly every week until I go from this place. If I find it possible to come to England, I shall give you the earliest notice of it, and of the time when I may be expected.— If not, I shall be equally careful to inform you how I go to Lisbon, and at what time I depart.
        I should not think it necessary to renew the discussion between us with regard to my books; but you tell me that my attachment to them is hurtful to my temper. I receive the intimation with thanks, because it is not flattering, but it does not meet with the assent of my own mind.— I believe that my temper never was and never will be hurt by my devotion to study or to solitude— There is another thing which never fails to hurt it, as you have often witnessed while I was in England, and as you may have more than once perceived in my correspondence; and that is, any attempt by those whom I love, to cross the current of my character, or controul my sentiments or manners; The effect becomes the more considerable, when to the force of habit is added the sense of duty in forming my attachment to my own practice.— In these things therefore, I believe all my

friends will find it, saving trouble to themselves, and they will certainly consult my happiness, by considering them as articles upon which I am incorrigible, and upon which it is vain for them to impart however liberally their superior judgment or instructions.
        But you intimate a suspicion, that this attachment, unless I should check it, may even interfere with that which I bear to you, and may render even your society irksome to me. No— I can never believe that possible. Instead of weakening, the ardent love of literature tends to confirm, to increase to exalt every virtuous and laudable affection.— I shall love you the more, in proportion to my degree of application.
        I have it is true repeated the same idea to you, in two or three different Letters. The reason may perhaps have been, because I observed you not satisfied with this propensity of mine, and inclined to use your influence over me to divert me from it.— I saw this disposition with concern. It was painful to me to reflect, that so essential a wideness of sentiment existed between us.— Still more painful, to see you consider the Time which I dedicate to improvement, as a Time, lost to you.— I considered the union for life between two persons of sense and honour, as something more than a mere living together; and that one of its greatest objects, and of its fairest charms, was a mutual exhortation and encouragement of each other to every honourable pursuit and every laudable employment. … I had conceived the hope that by a repetition of the same sentiments, I might give you the means of concluding my bent to be taken, and that you would reconcile yourself to it.— The subject appeared to me important with regard to your happiness as well as to my own in our future connection, and I wished you to adopt at once the conviction that I consider such arguments as would take Time from myself, in order to give it to the world, as little better than frivolous.
        My lovely friend, reprove me for every day of my time that I lose in indolence: persuade yourself, that no man in my condition of life, ever hurt his health, by too much application to his duties, but that thousands have ruined themselves by neglecting them. Cheer my Industry, instead of dissuading me from it. Encourage me to persevere, instead of endeavouring to divert me from such purposes, and be assured that every exhortation of that kind will be more worthy of yourself, and more useful to me, than any intimation that either my health or my temper suffer by my application to books or my solitude.

        Remember me affectionately to all the family, and believe me ever faithfully yours,

          A.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 April 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My Dearest Friend
          Philadelphia April 14. 1797

        I have this day recd, in your favours of the 5. 6. and 7th. of the month the first Acknowledgment of the Receipt of my Invitations to you to come to Philadelphia and share in the Burthens of your friend. I hope you may have commenced your Journey before this day: but knowing how many dispositions you have to make, and how difficult it will be to make them I cannot promise myself the happiness of seeing you so soon.
        Your Solicitudes would be less if you were here. The Variety here would amuse you—and the Spirits of the gay enliven you—the Reasoning of the Wise assure you.
        Your narration of your Agricultural Management delights me and the picture of Billings’s circular Wall, or oval Wall as he calls it charms me— We shall see it again I hope in August. But this will depend upon Congress and Intelligence from Europe. Oh what an enchanting Summer I should have had, if W. had been P. and I, V. P.!— But never mind that— We will do our Duty as We are, and he could do no more.
        On the 4th. I enclosed you a Post Note.
        I have recd a Chronicle to day, by which I perceive that French those who profess so much Attachment to France, So much devotion to the french Revolution and so much Enthusiasm for the french Republic are very much afraid that the Voice of the People will be for War. They need not fear that War will be sought. If it comes of itself and We cannot avert it, We must make the best of it, unpleasant as it is.
        Poor Ed. Savil would be glad to revenge himself at the hazard and for ought I know at the Sacrifice of his Life. Jarvis and Austin should see his back.
        To day I have recd the Lt. Governors Cheese—like a charriot forewheel boxed up in Wood & Iron. it will last till you come.

        I am grieved for Mary smith: but think you ought not to tarry on her Account. You can do her no good that others cannot do.
        My Duty to Mother Love to Brothers and friendship to Neighbours.
        Yours as always

          J. A


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 17 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          My Dearest Friend
          Quincy April 17th 1797

        Tho I have not heard from you since I wrote you last, and have nothing new to say, unless it be a resital of my own perplexities, out of which I must get by myself. Yet a few lines will assure you that I am getting forward as fast as possible with my affairs, and prepairing to sit out on my journey. the weather has been as uncommonly cold and stormy for the week past, as it was Hot for two days the week before. we have a snowstorm, of some inches Depth, which has lain for three days. it has retarded our Buisness on the farm and chilld our exertions. the sudden changes have confind Your Mother and brought on one of her old Lung complaints the good old Lady is sure she shall dye now her Physician & Nurse is about to leave her, but She judges with me, that all ought to be forsaken for the Husband. it is an additional care and anxiety for me. I shall provide for her comfort every thing necessary before I leave her. Mary Smith is yet living. of how uncertain a duration are all our worldly possessions, and Earthly comforts? if we could not look for brighter scenes and fairer prospects, who could wish to remain the victims of pain and sorrow? mr otis has lost his son George with a dropsy in his Head.
        I have just been reading chief Justice Elsworths Charge to the Grand jury at New York! did the good gentleman never write

before? can it be genuine? the language is stiffer than his person. I find it difficult to pick out his meaning in many sentences. I am sorry it was ever publishd— how I run on. the Federilist say there is but one blot in Your Character. the Chronical has undertaken to praise and the Jacobins to speak well. the snare will not hold action will soon break it— critical are the Times. may you get valiently through them.
        yours for ever

          A Adams—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My dearest Friend
          Phila. Ap. 19. 1797

        as soon as your Letter informed Us that Mrs Brisler could not come without her husband I sent him off, in two hours, the day before Yesterday, i.e Monday. There has been Such a snow storm ever since that he must have had a bad Journey to N. York— Whether he will wait there for a Wind for Rhode Island or take the stage I know not but hope he will get home before you come away.
        This days Post brought me Yours of the 12th. Your fatigues and perplexities must be great as well as mine— I am here at Mercy without Brisler. But We seem to go on well—
        I am very willing you should let the Place and sell every Thing perishable as you thought of doing. Every Thing works against Us in

the Article of Expences and We shall find ourselves more Straitened than ever We were in our whole Lives.
        Mr Murray Sailed last sunday was Sennight—so that the Papers you inclosed must remain here some time. Bring on the Portfeuill or Leave it with Dr Tufts. Bring my Seals too.
        I like the Plan of letting the Place, better than any other. We cannot be there this Year above a month or six Weeks if at all.— I shall be content however with Any disposition you may make.
        I dont know but I shall send my Coachman and Horses to Paulus Hook for you, with a Man to ride on my little Horse.— James you will discharge I suppose; but as you please. James would ruin this family, I fear. Let me know when you shall be at N. York. I will Let you know whether you may wait for my Horses, or whether you must hire at N. York. Let me know whether you have Harness for four Horses. or whether I must send on Harness for two or more. Charles is here on a Visit to me. I am, most tenderly

          J. A


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 April 1797
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

          Brussels 30e Germinal an 5e: [19 April 1797]
          My dear Brother.

        I arrived here last night after a pleasant journey from Antwerp, where I lodged on Monday. Upon enquiry here I found no Diligence going to day, so that it has given me an opportunity of seeing a great part of the City, which I find surpasses much in point of situation the idea I had of it. The quarter of the park is delightful, and the prospect from the Ramparts is such as brings to mind some parts of our own Country. The cultivation & the soil are perhaps

superior to any we have. The season here is at least a fortnight earlier than in Holland. It does me good to see a little uneven ground, as well as to breathe a better air.
        I have two pleasant companions who came with me from this side of the Meuse; and who go with me as far as Valenciennes— One is a french Merchant of Amsterdam, the other a manufacturer of Remscheid and a neighbor of our Correspondents Halbach & Sons. The frenchman answers well to his character as such—Gay, pleasant, civil, but he conceives much better than he combines—for example— He conceived the morning we were to leave Antwerp that we could walk & have our baggage transported from our lodgings to the Diligence office, a distance of three quarters of a mile—in five minutes. I assured him it would take at least a quarter of an hour— He was occupied with some of his people, and when I pressed him, he replyed “Mon ami nous avons encore du tems—” It turned out therefore that when we came to the Office, the Diligence was gone. Que faut il faire à cette heure. Said I— “Il faut prendre un voiture particulier.” said he— This was not to be had but for two persons with half the baggage. He and the German took that, and I was obliged, or rather I chose to take one myself which cost me just eight times as much as if I had gone in the Diligence; for it costs but two Brabant Schellings with this and for the other it cost me near two Crowns to go as far as Bonn, only three leagues— You perceive I was imposed upon— I learnt a lesson by it however, which I think was not dearly paid for, if I can observe in future the moral of it.— In the afternoon the frenchman missed his Cane—where was it? He believed he had left it in the other Schuit or au Commodité of the Auberge— He would not have lost it for a Louis— He would therefore be set on shore from the Schuit and walk back two or three leagues to get his stick— But it was between 2 & 3 o’Clock and we were four leagues from Brussels so that he could hardly arrive before the Gates would be shut; n’importe—j’arriverois toujours avant que les portes soient fermées, said he— of course he stripped off his pentalons—his belt of Louis—his purse & other articles to march the lighter, left them with the German—jumped out of the Schuit and after his stick— We reached here at 5 o’Clock and he got in before nine, having found his stick, and trés heureusement an extraordinary Schuit, which he overtook about half way on his return— Dont il etoit trés content. So much for him.
        His friend the German is a good natured easy man, to whom Monsieur entrusts the care of half his effects, to preserve on the

road— The German calls him his spoilt child, but they jump very well together—
        I am told the Directory have taken a recent resolve that the passports of American Ministers shall be no more respected in France— This I suspect is only the old arrête, made public— There is news of a new victory of the army in Italy—
        I start tomorrow at 4 oClock in the morning, and with good fortune shall be in Paris on Saturday evening—
        Make my Comps to every body, and to young De Kock in particular—he probably told you that he saw me start from this side of the Meuse on Monday morning.
        I am always yours

          Thomas B Adams

          P.S. I met at Rotterdam on Sunday evening a young man by the name of Cutting who brought me an introduction from our Brother Charles— I expect to see him at Paris—


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 21 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, William

          Dear sir
          Quincy April 21 1797

        The Death of my Mother which took place this afternoon very suddenly, will prevent my Sitting out on my journey as I had

intended on twesday. we propose to burry her on Monday. I do not think I can get away untill thursday. I shall therefore omit sending Beckey untill fryday. I would wish two places engaged in the Stage as I have an other Girl to go with her, and should like to have them under the care of some person who would take charge of them. I should be glad of the portmantua if you should not want it. You will be here on Wedensday Evening if you please; unless I should be again detaind by the Death of Mary Smith which is more than probable as she has not been able to be raised from her Bed for three days—
        Inclosed is the pattern which I should have sent to cousin Betsy. I am Dear sir your affectionate

          Abigail Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 21 April 1797
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

          The Hague April 21. 1797. 2 Floréal an 5.
          My dear Brother.

        For I suppose you must have an explanation to keep you current with the vieux stile, now-a-days.— I have received your pleasant account from Brussels of your travels thus far. Continue to write me as often as you can, and sur tout return as speedily as possible.
        I have read something in Adam Smith about the wonders performed by division of labour. I know very well the effects of its multiplication, for the moment you went away, it took me as usual au depourvu, and I am so overloaded with it, that I finish by doing little or nothing.
        The Decree or arrête against our passports was a new one, as you will find. Mr: Cutting and his friends are prevented by it from going to Paris, very much to their disappointment.
        General Pinckney and his family are here. Mr: Rutgers was here too this morning and is gone on to Amsterdam. Capt Mackay gave me no opportunity to reject the offer you mentioned; he expected to find you here, and will write you.
        I have since your departure, received letters from Mr: Short and

Mr: Waldo, at Paris, both of whom I suppose you will see. I enclose a letter for Waldo.
        Your friends here enquire after you avec interêt. We visited the Hansetowns on Tuesday and Sweden according to custom on Wednesday. This evening, we expect to see Madam Schimmelpenninck.
        You know my aversion to long Letters (to writing them I mean) and I suppose will be glad to find mine short ones. None from America since you went away.
        Your’s with the truest affection.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          My Dearest Friend:
          Quincy, April 23, 1797.

        I think through all the most trying conflicts of my life, I have been called to pass through them separated from the personal condolence and support of my bosom friend, I have been taught to look for support and aid from superior power than man: there is a state of mind, when affliction dries up the source of tears, and almost bids the swollen heart burst. I have left one of those distressing scenes, and come from the house of sorrow, and bitterness, and wo, to the house of silent mourning. The venerable remains of our parent, yet lie uninterred, and the distressing pangs of dissolution of an agonizing nature, are separating the soul from the body of my dear niece, whilst her senses are perfect, and alive to every attention, willing to go, praying to be released, yet requesting her friends and sisters not to leave her dying bed; but to remain by her until she breathes her last. O it is too much to bear! my heart is too big for my bosom; it rends my frame, and you will find me, when I reach you, more emaciated than with a fit of sickness. To-morrow I have

the last duties to pay to our venerable parent. I have taken upon me the care and charge of the funeral; and to-morrow she will, for the last time, enter our doors. I have requested Mr. Whitney to attend. It is not for me to say when I will leave here; the will of heaven has detained me; I must not complain.
        By the mistake or misarrangement of the mails, you will not receive my letters as I wish, but the detention will only spare you pain. I am, my dearest friend.
        Your very afflicted,

          A. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 April 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My dearest Friend
          Phila. Ap. 24. 1797

        This day you promis’d me to begin your Journey: but if the Weather is as disagreable with you as it is here, I could not exact the fullfillment of the Engagement. I fear you will have bad roads and unpleasant Weather.
        You talk of your Perplexities and say you must get out of them yourself. Do you think mine less severe, public or private?
        My dear and venerable Mother— Alass— I feel for her.— She can complement her daughter yet—that is a good Sign.— As to the Husband it Seems to me that the Mother and the Daughter ought to think a little of the President as well as the Husband. His Cares! His Anxieties! his Health! dont laugh— his Comfort—that his head may be clear and his heart firm, ought to be thought on more than the Husband. Provide every Thing for my aged and worthy Mother I hope to see her yet again before October.
        You and Such petit Maitres and Maitresses as you, are forever criticising the Periods and Diction of Such great Men as Presidents and Chief Justices.— Do you think their Minds are taken up with such Trifles. there is solid keen, deep sense in that Morsel of Elsworths— You ought to be punished for wishing it not published.
        I warrant you, I shall soon be acquitted of the Crime of Chronicle, Argus and Aurora praise— Let it run its rig however—and say nothing at present.
        Your moral reflections on worldly Possessions and earthly Comforts—Your look into futurity for brighter Scenes and fairer Prospects are wise.

        You cant imagine what a Man of Business I am—how many Papers I read and how much I write, every day. I fear you will effeminate me when you come.
        I have determined to Send my Coachman and Horses to Paulus Hook for you. as soon as I know the day you will be ready to get Your Coach over to the Hook I will endeavour to contrive that the Horses shall be ready. to be harnessed at you command. You will find the Coachman very Attentive sober, skillful and obliging.
        I am forever your

          J. A


Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 24 April 1797
From: Johnson, Louisa Catherine
To: Adams, John Quincy

          London April 24th 1797

        I have recieved your letter of the 13th, my beloved friend, it is impossible to express the delight I experienced, when I read the welcome tidings it conveyed
        yes my Dearest friend, should you find it practicable, I will with pleasure attend—you—my whole life shall be devoted to render you happy, and I trust in time, it will be in my power to convince you, that I am far from wishing to interrupt your studies, Too great an anxiety for your health induced me to write what has so much offended you, I have so often committed these faults lately, that whenever I write you, I feel a sort of fear, lest I should inadvertently repeat them
        I will say no more on this subject my Adams, your letter conveyed such pleasing intelligence, I cannot dwell on the latter part of it— I only fear that something will happen to prevent our meeting, and I scarcely dare encourage the flattering hope, lest I should again be disappointed— I shewed my father that part of your letter, wherein you mention the probability of your return he told me he would write you by this opportunity

        Ah my friend, it was in my last letter I said, that I was more reconciled to our lengthened seperation but the pleasure I now feel, fully convinces me how much I shall suffer, should we at last be doomed to seperate— my last disappointment has taught me to fear, and I find it almost impossible to check my apprehensions—
        All the family desire to be remembered—
        Farewell my best friend, believe me sincerely yours,

          Louisa C. Johnson


Title: Joshua Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 25 April 1797
From: Johnson, Joshua
To: Adams, John Quincy

          My Dear Sir
          London 25 April 1797.

        I thank you for your obliging Letter of the 31st Ultimo I do not know that I should have replied to it before the 5th. of next Month had not my Daughter receved a late Letter from you & in which you inform her that the Letters you had recived from America had

determined you to proceed to Lisbon as soon as possible but that you was diserous of takeing London in your way, I need not tell you that I should be glad to see you on many Accounts, one amongst the rest is to shew you that I have arrainged all my old concerns & am now nearly ready to return to the Country that gave me Birth, with a hope of Settling my Family comfortably & then ending the remainder of my Days, prudence will in this, direct that I arrange my Worldy matters by Will & if I should be deprived of seeing you before I quit this Country I shall take the liberty to nominate you; my Son; & Nephew my Executors, being confident that you will exert your self to protect, the Fortunes & Morals of all my Children & under your advice & Instruction my Nephew will be enabled to Collect & arrange all my Merchantile affairs & which must produce a large Sum, to be divided amongst my Family, but I will refrain from saying any thing more to you at present on this gloomy Subject
        You mention your intentions of ingageing a Vessell to take you to Lisbon, that you intended to arrange with the Captain to touch in some Port & then wait for you until you could come to London & Join my Daughter whom you intend to take with you, as her Father I am anxious to see her happy & united to the Man, I am shure will make her so; & one whom I esteem, I would therefore do anything in my power to promote your intentions & was not the Schooner Mary rather two small to take you to Lisbon, I would send her immedeatly to Rotterdam & their wait your conveniency in comeing over, this Vessell is about 50 Tons Built in Virginia is fitted up for Passengers & remarkably handsome I wish that I could have known your intentions sooner, I certainly would have indeavored to accomodate you, I expect the Holland by the Fifteenth of next Month, she may be order’d to Rotterdam or Amsterdam if so she will afford you a good conveyance to London where I want her to take me & my Family out to Amica & from this I think you may always meet with Vessells bound to Lisbon, I however wish by the return of Post to hear from you & know your determenatin.
        Your Successor I find is expected every Day, it is more than probable that he may come home in the Holland— It is said here that the Emperor has made his Peace, is it so, & if it is, what effect will it have on this & our Country, I am afraid & very much afraid that it will make the Directory very imperious & Insolent to us— I have the pleasure to inform you that Mrs. Johnson & the Ladies are all well, they unite in their most Affectionate good wishes to you & I am— / Dear Sir / Your truly Affecte. Friend

          Joshua Johnson


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          My Dearest Friend,
          Quincy, 26 April, 1797.

        This, I hope, is the last letter which you will receive from me at Quincy. The funeral rites performed, I prepare to set out on the morrow. I long to leave a place, where every scene and object wears a gloom, or looks so to me. My agitated mind wants repose. I have twice the present week met my friends and relatives, and taken leave of them in houses of mourning. I have asked, “Was all this necessary to wean me from the world? Was there danger of my fixing a too strong attachment upon it? Has it any allurements, which could make me forget, that here I have no abiding-place?” All, all is undoubtedly just and right. Our aged parent is gone to rest. My mind is relieved from any anxiety on her account. I have no fears lest she should be left alone, and receive an injury. I have no apprehensions, that she should feel any want of aid or assistance, or fear of becoming burdensome. She fell asleep, and is happy.
        Mary, in the prime of life, when, if ever, it is desirable, became calm, resigned, and willing to leave the world. She made no objection to her sister’s going, or to mine, but always said she should go first.
        I have received your letters of April 16th and 19th. I want no courting to come. I am ready and willing to follow my husband wherever he chooses; but the hand of Heaven has arrested me.

Adieu, my dear friend. Excuse the melancholy strain of my letter. From the abundance of the heart the stream flows.
        Affectionately yours,

          A. Adams.


Title: Eunice Paine to Abigail Adams, 26 April 1797
From: Paine, Eunice
To: Adams, Abigail

          my Dear mrs Adams
          [ca. 26 April 1797]

        From an old friend the companion of your youthfull days you will allow the familliarity I use—
        I was so Struck with the intelligence mr Belcher left this morning that I am hardly capable of writing but the Spirit constraineth me the dispensations of providence are so visibly kind they have a voice of their own and need not be repeated— Peace to the Spirits of the

departed they had their Dear freinds around them—and all the Love & all the honour that they coud receive was granted go now to thine Dearer half & be to him a supporter under all his great affairs Go ride in the whirlwind & derect the Storm & may This benign Spirit Guide you, Gaurd you, Strengthen you & perfect all the work which you have taken in hand And in the mids of a crooked Generation you may Shine together as lights in the world.—
        I understand that you Set forward to morrow may Every Element be favourable to you and I ask that you woud tender my Love to your Daughter it is as good as Ever and I woud also ask the favour that you woud put the annexed Testimony of Cais tome to my friend into your Trunk and convey it as derectd at yr Leizure my love to Louisa may heaven preserve you all from the p[…] of the City you will Excu[se] the penman-Ship this Employ agitates my Nerve but I am better than I have been & may live to rejoyce in your adminstrations you must think of me as of a good nature’d Spirit who hovers round you & woud if possible convey to you the pleasurables which yr circumstances have allowd you to Shed upon me for all favours may that Being reward you who Supplyd my want from yours in the Bonds of Love

          Eunice Paine


Title: Obituary of Susanna Boylston Adams Hall, 29 April 1797
From:
To:

          Quincy April 29th. 1797.—

        On Friday the 21st. instt. departed this life, in the 89th. year of her age, Mrs. Susannah Hall, the venerable Mother of John Adams, President of the United States of America. And on Monday following her funeral was attended from the President’s house to the Meeting-House in this place, by a large & respectable assembly of the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring Towns, who came to pay their last respects to her memory. Her remains were carried into

that house of Prayer, in which, when living, she took so much comfort & delight. Previous to her interment a most excellent Prayer, adapted to the solemn occasion was made by Mr Peter Whitney a young Candidate for the sacred Ministry, now officiating here.
        The deceased, in early life, was married to Mr John Adams, then a most worthy and respectable gentleman of this place. With him she passed the prime of life fulfilling the duties & partaking in all the sympathies of domestic care and tenderness, till death dissolved the union. She was then left a widow with three sons, whose dutiful & filial affection for their remaining parent, softened the affliction that left them fatherless, and did honour to the principles of virtue and piety in which they had been educated.
        Her eldest Son received a liberal education at the University of Cambridge, and now sustains the Office of President of the United States of America.— After continuing in widowhood until her Children were agreeably settled in life she consented to alter her state, by accepting the addresses of a worthy gentleman by the name of Hall as the companion and friend of her declining age, with whom she lived happily a few years when he also was taken from her by death. Mrs Hall was descended from the family of the Boylstons, one of the most respectable families in New England. Her uncle Doctor Zabdiel Boylston, a most celebrated Physician, was the gentleman who first discovered and practiced the method of inoculation for the small-pox, which has since proved of such inestimable benefit to Mankind. Other branches of the same family have been eminent for Learning, & one of them in particular, of late for his generous Donation to the University of Cambridge for the purpose of promoting polite literature and the belles lettres.
        A life, like Mrs Hall’s protracted so much beyond the common period, afforded the present generation a living example of that singularity simplicity of manners & godly sincerity for which the venerable settlers of this country were so justly esteemed, & her peaceful death brightened by the full prospect of immortal felicity through a reedemer afforded an example of the unspeakable value of that Religion by which “Life & immortality are brought to light.”


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          springfield sunday Evening April 30 1797
          my dearest Friend

        Thus far am I on my journey. I hope to reach East Chester on thursday Evening, and one day I must pass there, and one in N york. on Monday I shall sit forward for Philadelphia, and could wish you to meet me at muckleroys to dinner on twesday, if agreable to you, of which you can inform me by post addrest to me at N york to be left at our Sons.
        Brisler will be home by Saturday Night or sunday at furtherst with his Family and my two Girls— we have got on very well, only mrs Brisler the first night was sick all night with one of her old turns which a little fatigue always produces. I was thankfull he was with her to take charge of her—
        I endeavour to feel cheerfull, and try to make Louissa so who is much affected by the Death of her sister, and has been quite sick. we have both had severe trials upon us the week we left home— I come to place my head upon your Bosom and to receive and give that consolation which sympathetick hearts alone know how to communicate.
        your

          A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 30 April 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

          my Dear sister
          springfield April 30 1797

        I know you will rejoice to hear that we are so far on our journey without meeting any accident my Quincy Friends and Neighbours who accompanied us as far as Westown could tell you that they parted with us in as good Spirits, as the peculiar circumstances which preceeded our leaving home would admit. we reachd Williams’s and lodgd there. it was fortunate that mr Brisler was with his wife, for in the Night she was taken with one of her sick turns, and was ill all night and part of the next day. Worry and fatigue had brought on, what would have taken place without it as Soon as the Hot weather commenced. having effectually cleard her stomack, I hope she will proceed without any further inconvenience. the next day we reachd Worcester to dine, and Brookfield to lodge. how we got to springfield to night, is not worth Your while to inquire. the Attorney Generall will not present us I presume, as we caught him on the Road, returning from Northhampton Court. but with a Family of thirteen persons it behoves us to get on as fast as we can, particularly when I consider my detention, and how necessary to the Wheels of the Presidents Family Brisler is. my Thoughts are continually like Noahs Dove, returning to the Ark I have left.
        Whether like that I shall return no more, must be left with that Being, in whose hands my Breath is. I consider myself following where Duty leads and trust the Event.

          “is Heaven tremendous in its frowns? most sure;
          And in its favours formidable too;
          Its favours here are trials, not rewards;
          A call to Duty, not discharge from care
          And Should alarm Us, full as much as woes;
          Awake us to their cause, and concequence;
          O’er our Scann’d conduct give a jealous Eye
          And make us tremble.[”]

        Such appears, to me the situation in which I am placed, enviable no doubt, in the Eyes of Some, but never envy’d or coveted by me. that I may discharge my part with honour, and give satisfaction is my most earnest wish.
        My kindest regards await my Friends, particularly to Brother Cranch. Love to my Dear Eliza. I hope she will not let her spirits

faint or sink under her bereavement. how consolutary the reflection, that whom the Lord loveth, he chastneth
        You have the consolation of knowing that no part of your duty was omitted. all that the tenderest Love and kindest affection could do or perform was done by You, for the Dear Girl whose loss we mourn this with her dying Breath she bore witness too.
        Let mrs Howard know that Betsy stands her journey pretty well the other Girls are very well. I forgot to mention to mr Porter to attend to the first catipillar webb and take them of as soon as they appear. pray send him word. I see they are beginning upon the Road—


Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 May 1797
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

          My dear Brother.
          The Hague 2 May 1797.

        I am very much gratified to find by your favour of the 26th: that your Journey from Brussels was so pleasant, and that you are so well satisfied with what you had seen.— I shall request Messrs: Moliere to extend your credit with their correspondents at Paris.
        There is a Danish vessel going to Lisbon from Amsterdam in the course of three weeks or a month. I shall go to Amsterdam in a few days to ascertain whether it will be expedient to take passage in her.
        Your friend Parker is here for a few days. The Citizen Plenipotentiaire & our Tilly are sitting to him for their pictures.
        Your numerous friends here, always obligingly demand of your news. I go on in the usual stile, more and more dissatisfied with my solitude. No letters from America.
        Remember me particularly to my friends at Paris, and to Messrs:

d’Aranjo and Brito. Tell the latter that I shall be happy to take any commands for his Country. He mentioned before he went from here that he might have some.
        After the letter, which you will find I have written this morning to Mr: Pitcairn, you will not be sorry to see me come to a short conclusion with you, in the assurance of being your ever affectionate brother.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 May 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My dearest Friend
          Philadelphia May 4, 1797

        Your Letters of the 21. 22. 23. and 26 of April are all before me— They have inspired me with all the Melancholly in which they were written.
        Our Mother and our Niece are gone to rest. The first a fruit fully ripe the last but a blossom or a bud.— I have Suffered for you as much as you have Suffered— But I could give you no Aid or Amusement or Comfort.— I pray God that these dispensations may be for ever good. My Mothers Countenance and Conversation was a Source of Enjoyment to me, that is now dried up forever, at Quincy. Our Ancestors are now all gone, and We are to follow them very Soon, to a country where there will be no War or rumour of War, no Envy, Jealousy Rivalry nor Party.
        You and I are now entering on a new Scene, which will be the most difficult, and least agreable of any in our Lives.— I hope the burthen will be lighter to both of Us, when We come together.
        I am, as long as Life lasts your / ever affectionate

          John Adams


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 4 May 1797
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

            Dear Sister
            Quincy May 4th—1797

          I this day receiv’d your kind Letter from Springfield. I Set you down in Brookfield in my mind that day however I think you did right to go on as fast as you could the President must want both you & mr Brisler & could I think you would have any rest after you arriv’d I should feel better about you. but I do hope you will not think

of Staying thro the hot months your Life is of too much importance to be thus risk’d— I did feel—I cannot Say how the day you left me— I could not bear to stay at Quincy I Should have done like poor Prince wept all day it was necessary also for Cousin Betsy to get out She Set the greatest part of her time at the kitchen chamber window looking into the Burying Ground. I have not let her know I notic’d it but I lead her away as much as I can. Sister Smith has had a terrible [crazy] turn quite raving last Saturday & a monday She made mrs Brackit believe She was going to dye we were there the most of the day She made mrs Brackit lug & lift her about like a baby till I went over. She was very cross wanted a Doctor & a nurse. had nobody to take any care of her. wishd She could be among people who had some feeling I told mrs B it would not last long I had Seen her so many times we put her to Bed & I desired them not to let her get up till She could do it herself I knew she put all them airs on to fright them She hinted about her [Peuking] to fright Cousin Betsy. She was Strong enough the next morning. tis a Strange disorder which can make a person act so— She is now much better—but it has worried Cousin—
          mr Whitney is gone a journey So we have no meeting to day. capn. Lindsey has had a drumb & a Fife playing all day at his house & all the worst drunkards in town with him & he has been fireing guns himself & this evening they have been before mr Apthorps house making a wretch’d noise— you will be Surpriz’d I believe when I tell you that mr whitney had a large majority of the votes on monday & more Still that upon a motion made to know if those who had voted for mr Flint would consent to join the others, that but eight Should Stand back & not one of them have any objection to mr Whiteny & that finally they consented to Suffer the Clerke to record it a unanimous vote
          they chose a Committe to desire him to preach till the last of May & the Same Committe to draw up what they might think a proper offer to make him & lay it before the Town at a meeting they are then to have I hope it will be what he can accept. but mr Flint will be mortified I have a great value for him but I must say I had rather hear mr Whitney. this harmony is so unexpected that I hope we shall have him
          I hope you found your children well at new york & the President in good health I must send my Love to him if he was five times as big as he is— & now my Sister how is it possible for you to take your Pen & not write Politicks I see tis right that you Should not— I do

not want Secrets but I Shall want to See my Cousin Letters from abroad I Shall know what is taking or too take place just as I do when I read a Prophesy only I do not think him supernaturally inspir’d— will you be So kind as to send us all the inteligence from them that we may Safely know— I shall feel myself Shut out of the world if I cannot have your oppinion how it is going on—
          my dear Louissa will keep up her spirits & write us often. Cousin Betsy will not leave me I hope or think of any other home untill She gets one of her own
          I Shall tell mr Porter about your Trees & take every other care you wish me to— pray let me hear from you or Cousin every week it Will comfort the heart of your affectionate Sister

            M Cranch

          mr Cranch & madam welsh Send their affectionate regards