Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 January 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Washington 14. January 1806.

I received some days since your kind favour containing the account of your occupations and amusements; and I have this day that of my brother dated at the close of the last and commencement of the present year—I have occasionally forwarded such public documents to you, as I supposed would be worthy of your perusal, together with the Journals of the two Houses—That of the Senate will I hope furnish you some excuse for my delays in answering the letters of my friends—We have now for several days been seriously engaged in business, and that which is preparing and maturing in select Committees is already more considerable and daily accumulating.
Though from observations I have occasionally heard you make, I have concluded that your opinion of Tacitus is not so favourable as my own, yet I have no doubt you derived much pleasure from the very attentive perusal you gave him with a constant comparison of the original with Murphy’s translation—I have never been much pleased with this translation; for although from his extreme conciseness, and his elliptical style, he is perhaps the most difficult of all the antient prose-writers to translate into a modern language, Murphy appears to me to go into an opposite extreme, and to be unnecessarily diffuse and verbose—The Dialogue on Eloquence, I have never duly studied, and from the comparison of styles, have not supposed to be the work of Tacitus.
Your ploughing in December is an occupation which I need not say to you, is much more agreeable than labouring at the political plough—The Season here has been in all respects uncommonly mild, untill within these few days, and the world of parties and legislation as moderate as the temperature of the atmosphere—But as the new year advances, the weather grows cold, and we grow warm—We are very much perplexed what we shall do to manifest our valour without hazarding our persons, and after spending a long Session in discussing the subject we shall in all probability finish without doing any thing of importance—At least I have already seen enough to convince me that we shall do nothing good—For the protection of our Territory or of our Commerce we shall do nothing; but we may very possibly prepare for the abandonment of the first; and contribute Our share to the sacrifice of the last—We shall perhaps enter into the unprofitable contest with Great-Britain, which can do the most harm, not to the other but to ourselves; in this emulation of mischief, I am far from being certain but that we shall bear the palm.
Reports are in circulation that all our differences with Spain are already settled, entirely to our advantage; but if not we shall try again to trade with her for land—We shall perhaps offer her almost all our province of Louisiana, for the Florida’s; or if she likes it better, more money—fighting her we have almost done even talking of.
Captain Landais particularly desires me to present his respects to you—I have sent you the report of the Secretary of State on his petition or memorial—The papers are curious, and Count Bernstorf’s letter in Answer to the application of Dr. Franklin, is amusing, as it shews the old Gentleman’s embarrassment between the alternate pressure of England on one side, and France on the other—He appears to have understood that his most effectual means of extricating himself was to drown his outrage against the United States in a flood of personal adulation to their Minister.
Our Tunisian and Indian visitors are still the principal objects of curiosity we have to entertain us—Many of the Indians who were here are gone, but others have come to take their places, without any invitation, and they are so numerous as to occasion some uneasiness among the inhabitants of this neighbourhood—They are sometimes troublesome by introducing themselves unexpectedly to private houses, and their habits of intemperance sometimes make them uncomfortable companions.
Mr. Giles and Mr. Bayard have not yet taken their seats this Session. I suppose they will arrive nearly together—Their absence leaves both sides of the house in a manner without leaders, and a great degree of unsteadiness and languor hangs over our proceedings, in consequence of this circumstance—We find great reason to regret the loss of our late President.
We are here all well—With my duty and affection to the family in its various branches I remain faithfully yours.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 19 January 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

Dear mrs Adams
Quincy Jan’ry 19th 1806

Your Letter of Jan’ry 6 I received last Evening. your Children are very well, and very well taken care of. so do not give yourself any anxious solisitude about them. I believe they are much better off than they could have been at any boarding House in washington, where they must have been confined in some degree; or have mixd with improper persons; with respect to John, the Child enjoys perfect Health, as I see to him myself, and he is always with me, never left to the care of any domestick unless when I go to meeting. I know that he has every thing which is proper for him, and nothing which can prove injurious; I never knew him either ask for pork, or eat a mouthfull, except one day, which was previous to your going from here. I agree with you that it is too grose food for a child inclined to be so fleshy as John—With regard to George if you will write to Mrs. Cranch She will give you all the information respecting him which you can desire. I can only say that every person who has a young Child for which they are particularly anxious think themselves peculiarly fortunate if they can place it under her care—ask Mrs. Quincy if she does not consider herself So? That you should wish to hear often from them, is natural and highly proper. I have seldom mist a week in writing unless mr Adams has written to his Brother when I know he has mentiond the Children. There cannot be any thing more dissagreable than transporting young Children twice a year, either by water, or in crowded Stages at such a distance, and however reluctant you might feel, at being seperated from them, I should suppose that your own judgement, experience and good sense would have convinced you of the propriety of the measure without compulsion——I have experienced Seperations of all kinds from Children equally dear to me; and know how great the Sacrifice & how painfull the task—but I considerd it the duty of a parent to consult the interest and benifit of their Children.
When you see Mrs. Quincy present my Love to her and tell her her little Sophia is very well, grows finely and is very lively and sprightly.
I do not know but you are Still Blooming at Washington, but here we have winter in good earnest—not much Snow; but intensly cold and that for six days successively. again it is Snowing:
I am glad to learn that your family are all well and hope Eliza has got rid of her cough. I hope she will be more attentive to her person, and not be guilty of self Murder. the Savages cover their persons with oil and Brick dust which is a great Security against the cold. Nay frown not Eliza if your sister reads this to you
And still to make you less more my friend
I strive your Errors to amend.
My Love to mr Adams when he is at leisure to take a lesson I have one for him—Remember me to your Mother, Let me hear frequently from you, and I shall not be defficient in writing to you or to my Son. George and John both Send duty to their Parents, tho John never like to see me write—
affectionatly yours
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 January 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Washington 25. January 1806.

The first thing I look for in all the letters I receive from Quincy, is that which relates to our children, who cannot speak for themselves, and both of whom we left indisposed, and when I find that they are well, I feel myself relieved thus far, and only hope that the rest of the letter may contain information equally pleasing, of all the other persons in whose welfare I am so deeply interested—Nothing could gratify me more then than your kind favour of the 9th: and 12th: where you give me so good an account of them both.—I rejoyce that George has been so well as to be able to attend his school so constantly, and that he has had the benefit of a school during the Winter—I am sure you will tell them that I always think of them when I write to you, and that above all things I hope they will be good and behave themselves so as to have Grandmamma’s approbation.
As New England has so long been in the practice of being the dupe of her Southern Neighbours, it is to be expected she will not very soon change it—Certainly if she is now a dupe in this respect, it is her own fault, as she is a most willing dupe—The measures now in contemplation are pretty well known to be the measures of New Englandmen; who are brought forward as the ostensible leaders, and perhaps are flattered with the opinion of having taken the management of affairs completely out of the hands of Southern Men—Under this system The Responsibility as well as the burden of our national affairs will rest upon New England, however hostile they may prove to her interests—But what can be said or done, when New England most eagerly lavishes her confidence upon those very characters who are the readiest to promote other interests at the expence of her own? So long as she chuses to be made the beast of burden to the Union, who can object against it?
On the subject of the business done and to be done with closed doors, it is of course not proper for me to say any thing abroad. But the most important of our public deliberations, relates to the State of our affairs with Great Britain—We have certainly great reason to complain of the conduct that Government is now pursuing towards us; and the principles she is advancing are such that if we submit to them without resistance, it will be equivalent to a total abandonment of all rights of neutral Commerce—I feel no disposition for my own part to abandon those rights; and I believe by a firm and determined opposition to her pretensions, at present we can bring her to relinquish them—But I am not without apprehensions that the temper with which our own Executive and Legislature have managed, and will continue to manage these controversies, will throw us into difficulties of a much more pernicious nature, and perhaps finally reduce us to the necessary abandonment even of the rights to which we are entitled—We commenced the Session with an apparent vigour and energy far beyond the tone which had for some years been in fashion. The public expressions of the Message were strong against Great Britain, and much stronger against Spain—But the general tendency of our public policy has uniformly been from the first day of the Session to this  to let down the chain of Resentment against Spain, and to wind up that against Britain—The Result of our proceedings will probably shew in a striking light this variation in the phases of our policy—The Hurricane of Animosity and of hostility against Spain, will gradually subside and die away, untill scarce a distant murmur of it will be heard; while the moderate breeze which first blew against Britain will freshen to a gale, untill the tempest will try the strength of our timbers to a degree which I cannot look forward to without concern—You will see a Bill we have now before us; a Bill, the title of which is for the protection and indemnification of American Seamen—Of its contents I need say nothing; if you will take the trouble barely to read it, you will draw your own conclusions as to the present State of our feelings respecting Great Britain—I have not a spare copy that I can send you; but it will unquestionably be published in the newspapers; it will probably not pass in its present shape, but whatever modifications it may receive, I know not what basis it affords for any measure upon the subject, that can avail us for the accomplishment of the promise in the title of the Bill.
I have also enclosed together with many other papers, a bill for the classification of the Militia, which is of considerable importance, and which perhaps my father may be curious to see—I have some doubts whether this or any thing much like it, will pass the two Houses of Congress—The Militia is a delicate subject to touch; and any valuable regulations concerning it press upon so many Constituents, that their Representatives will be cautious how they meddle very seriously with them.
The increase of the Navy, of which there has also been much talk since we met, has already become a desperate hope—Though one of the President’s friends this day told me, that we must now have a Navy; for that the President was made an Admiral last week—On asking an explanation of his meaning, he told me that the President had been with some of his Indian visitors last week on board one of the frigates rotting in the Eastern Branch (these were his own words) and at the moment when he ascended the ship’s sides, Captain Murray displayed the Admiral’s flag, in full luxuriance; and when the President left the Ship it was immediately struck—The inference of my informer that the 74’s must be built to support the dignity of the Admiral’s flag, may be correct, but I have still some distrust of the opinion.
We have had a few days of cold weather here, but it is now again very moderate and fine—The Season has been remarkably mild throughout the Continent—My Register of the Thermometer I still keep very regularly—from the 9th: to the 20t:. of this month was the only time during which we have had the usual severity of the Winter.
Mr: Bayard yesterday took his Seat in Senate; the first time this Session—Mr: Giles would probably have made his appearance at the same time, but on his way was overset, and broke his leg in a manner which is said to be very dangerous—Probably therefore we shall not see him this Session—General Jackson of Georgia is here, but lies very ill, said to be of a dropsy in the chest—
My own health remains pretty much as when I left you—Sometimes improving; at others feable—But in every State, well or ill, I am ever faithfully your’s.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 2 February 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Ann Frances Harrod

My dear Nancy
Quincy Febry 2d 1806

Miss Ann Beal deliverd me your Letter this morning at meeting. you will see by my Letter of fryday Evening how much the President was dissapointed both by the travelling and weather. we adjournd the club on purpose. to day the travelling is better than since the snow fell. I have lookd up the articles you requested, and judging others by myself, that a kind turn will not be considerd as a burden, I venture to send the Bundle by mr Beals, and am half tempted to add one for mr Shaw, as I know he must want. if I do, will your sister oblige me by sending her Boy with it I have an other much larger, but that I shall try to send some other way—I need not say how much I miss your companionable qualities—tho sometimes a little too low spirited, yet we could talk of that—and reason about it—what a contrast I have between the loquasity of Susan, and the Taciturnity of Louissa—apathy what art thou?
Absence of occupation is not rest;
A mind quite vacant, is a mind distress’d.
I have only been twice out since you went away, once to the funeral and once to Sister Cranch’s—I have been troubled with a pain in my stomack, but am better to day—Susan is quite well, and regreets your absence daily—John talks of you constantly—rides to see you—and inquires how all your Family are do.—
My Love to your sister if the weather should be pleasent & the travelling good I may run in some day in the week, but you know I have many hinderances so do not expect it till you see me—I have not sent the other Stockings because the dryed yellow in spots—
John Greenleaf George & John have been prateing about me all the time I have been writing—
affectionately your Mother
A Adams
I see a mr Whitwell is selling of his Hard ware at the corner of union street


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 February 1806
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Sir
Quincy Feb. 5. 1806

In the first place, I must, in conformity with one of the rules ordained by you orators, endeavour to conciliate the affections of my reader, by quieting your Anxiety for your Children, which I can do with a good conscience by assuring you that George and John are in very good health and very fine Spirits. My Sheet would not hold the history of their Studies, their Sports and frolicks.
In the next place I must turn my thoughts to a more grave and gloomy Subject, the State of our public affairs. I see the tendency of every thing to a System of too much tameness towards France and Spain, and too much rashness with Great Britain. As I know not the Points which have been insisted on, by our Ministers, I know not what provocation to resentment may have been given to the English Government. But whatever Affronts or Injuries may have been offered, if any, they can not justify the new Doctrine they hold and still less the Impressment of Seamen. I think we have gone too far already, by acquiescing in their pretension that the continuity of a Voyage, must be broken by landing Cargoes in the United States, and paying the Duties.
I desire to know, in what Writer on the Law of Nations, is to be found the Rule that a neutral Vessell has not a right to purchase a Cargo in one Part of the Dominions of a belligerent Power and carry them it directly to another and there sell it, provided no contraband goods are in it, and it is not bought nor sold in a blockaded Port. Why may it not be carried and sold to the other belligerent Power, provided its own Laws have not prohibited it? and why may it not be carried to any other neutral Power and there sold? For Example why may not Mr Sears send a Vessell to the Isle of France, there purchase bona fide a Cargo and then carry it to Bourdeaux and there sell it? Why may he not carry it to London? Because the Laws of England, not the Law of Nations forbid it. Why may he not carry it to Amsterdam, Italy or up the Baltic? If there is any rule of the Law of Nations that forbids it, I have forgot it and should be glad to see the chapter and Verse where it is to be found cited.—I am perfectly convinced, that England is wrong in its present Pretensions.
The Impressment of Seamen is, if possible still more clearly against her. More than thirty years ago, I had occasion to look with attention into this Subject. There is in Fosters Crown Law,  the only investigation of it, that ever has been written by any English Judge or Lawyer. He contends that Impressments are lawfull, when Authorized by Warrants from the Admiralty, in the River Thames and perhaps within the  neighbouring Seas, from English Ships. But no Writer nor any Man of common Sense ever pretended that with or without a Warrant, English officers had a right to impress foreign Seamen from foreign Ships all over the Ocean or in any Part of it. Did any Man ever read of hear of any such Title or Article in the Law of Nations as Impressment of Seamen? Nothing surely in that Law can be found to give a colour to the practice: nor indeed in the Laws of England before Foster wrote. English unwritten Usage is all the foundation it has. The Right of Visitation to Search for Contraband of War, gives no right to touch the hair of the head of any Seaman on board, not even of an English Seaman, no not if he were a deserter from their own Men of War.
Jealousy of Commerce, and Envy of maritime power in any people but themselves is a very strong passions in an English Bosom. It is seated and rooted in every fold of every English heart. I have been so sensible of it, all my Lifetime that I always expected it would occasion another War with Us. When I was in England I saw it in a Stronger light than ever. I have invariably endeavoured to avoid it, by avoiding all invidious Connections with France, Spain and Holland and by doing ample and impartial Justice to England: But I fear, that things that make for her peace are hidden from her Eyes, as they have been from ours. If she forces us into a War she will find an Enemy very different from that of 1775! our Confusions will be very great, but she will suffer most in the End. Another War will transmit an eternal hatred to England to our American Posterity, a closer intimacy if not a perpetual alliance with France, Spain and holland and be the ultimate ruin of the greatest maritime Power and the freest government that ever existed.—Croak! Croak! Croak I can do nothing but croak, in the present state of Things
I often hear it said that Britain does not desire a War with Us. This, provided she can destroy our Capitals, Commerce and navy, may be true. But she cannot bear the appearance of Capitals in America.
England sees America through such a mist of Passions and Prejudices, so much such a mixture of Contempt, Jealousy, fear and hatred that she never will think or act judiciously towards us, at least those are my fears.
A Motion for an immediate declaration of War, or for issuing Letters of Marque would have been much more dignified, than Mr. Wrights.
British Spirits have been too much exalted, last Summer Season by the Coalition of Austria, Russia &c and the hopes of Prussia, and especially by their naval Victory
The World is all afloat. incertum quo fata ferant.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 5 February 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Washington 5. Feby: 1806.

Your favour of the 19th: of last Month, has been several days in my hands.—I have enclosed you the two sheets which were wanting to complete your files of the Journals of the House, but I cannot find a spare copy of the first sheet of the Senate’s Journals—I send most of the public documents to Shaw, because he wants them more than you, and because you will always have the first perusal of those among them which you will think it worth your while to read.
In the intimation I gave you in a former letter to your mother, of my wish that you would bring forward a certain Resolution, I had at once in view what I thought would be a useful public measure, and what it appeared to me would be creditable to yourself—Your present situation is one in which as your warm friend and well-wisher, I am desirous to see you bring yourself forward to the public eye—You are fully competent to appear as an active and influential member of the body to which you belong; and you cannot shew yourself there to advantage, without at the same time rendering yourself useful to your Country—You have always in your choice the topic upon which you may commence operations, and to possess yourself fully of a subject, before you make it a material for legislative discussion—and if you do not like the one I intimated, think of some other—
I did not fully understand your wit upon the subject of yankey grain and salt-pork; but I find something on the same subject in other letters from Quincy, which has made it intelligible—I have as you well know no antipathies either to pudding or pork, and I have no doubt but my children would fare as well upon them as upon any thing more delicate or luxurious—The more thoroughly they are made to be Yankeys in Heart and Soul the more comfort I am sure they will afford to me.
It is true, as you have observed that the Senate have hitherto during the Session, more frequently thought proper to place me upon Committees than at former Sessions, and your inference from it is naturally enough a pleasing one—But on the one hand you must not draw your conclusions too extensively from a circumstance of merely an equivocal nature; and on the other you will perceive that it brings an additional load of business, requiring a still closer application than I have heretofore given to the subjects which occasionally come before us for discussion—Our Committees are all appointed by ballot, and a plurality of votes forms the choice—Hence it often happens that a member gets upon a Committee who would not obtain a majority—And this body has already manifested by majorities some jealousy of its own elections by pluralities, in the course of the present Session—in all probability arising from the very circumstance which you have observed with pleasure—You will find for instance that three successive Committees, one of five members, and the two others of seven, have been appointed upon what is substantially one and the same subject—One upon a Memorial from the Merchants of New York, a second upon a part of the President’s Message, and a third upon a memorial from the Merchants of Philadelphia—Yet when the ballots were taken; all the members on the first were again placed upon the others with the addition of two members on the second and third—I presume you remarked the appointment of these three Committees on the Journals, and without this explanation must have thought it somewhat extraordinary—I have this day enclosed to your father a Report from one of these three Committees, consisting of three Resolutions upon I wish you to pause and ponder. The first and second of these Resolutions are in substance mine—All three were drawn up by me—The third was not my measure, for I had in contemplation a very different one; but from a Spirit of accommodation I acquiesced in the proposal of another, modified as it stands—I shall probably vote for it eventually; but it is doubtful whether that or either of the others will be adopted.—
This Subject has engaged much of the Time we have to spare in the intervals between our daily Sessions—The Committee have met every day for many days past—Several other of the Committees on which I am placed, are of considerable importance, and require much labour of investigation; both in Committee, and at home preparatory for meeting in Committees—so you see that I whom you have charged with too anxious an attention to the public business, heretofore have double duties put upon me by the frequent assignment of this Committee-service to me.
I lament exceedingly the disaster which has happened to you by the loss of your thermometer, but I hope Shaw has contrived to have a record kept in Boston—I hoped before this time to have sent him my register for the month of January; but I have not yet had time to copy it off.—I will thank you to ask him whether he ever ship’d for this place a box of macaroni which I left at Whitcomb’s, to be sent me, and which Shaw promised to put on board the first vessel that should come from Boston to Alexandria or Georgetown.
We have as yet the prospect of a long Session—Upwards of two months have elapsed since we met, and no one subject of material importance has yet been brought to a conclusion—Many of the most important have scarcely got fairly before either house for discussion—I have little expectation of reaching home earlier than May; if it should extend to the middle of June, I should not be surprized.
You will find by the multitude of Resolutions and Motions in both Houses pointed against Great Britain, which will come to your knowledge, that we are in a towering passion with her; but we shall temper our valour with discretion—You must not be alarmed at our sounding words—In all probability we shall content ourselves with talking big; and then we can boast as much of our heroism, as we have done in relation to our affairs with the Barbary Powers.
The Supreme Court of the United States should have been in Session this week; but I believe there are not enough of the Judges present to form a Court—Judge Chase is ill at Baltimore; and Judge Cushing is unwell here, so that he has hitherto been unable to attend.We are all in tolerable health—Farewell.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 February 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Feb’ry 9th 1806

I begin my Letter by announcing the Health of your Children, that your mind and that of their Mothers may be at ease & “they cannot speak for themselves it is true,” but there are Mothers who are not less anxious for those who can speak for themselves; and it is with much pain that I learn from your Friends that your Health does not appear to have been mended by your journey, or change of residence. Mrs Quincy who never fails writing every week to your Aunt Cranch, seldom omits informing me how you are; that you do not gain flesh is not to be expected, for your mind must suffer from the prospect before you, and the perplexed State of our publick counsels so contrary to your own Ideas of Sound policy.
The Sentiments exprest in your Letter of Janry 25th upon the Subject of our foreign Relations and connections so perfectly accord with those of your Father, that it might have been conjectured you had as formerly, Sat down together by our fire Side and canvassed the subjects together. That Great Britain is wrong, a common understanding may discover from reading the statements of the Merchants to the Secretary of State Mr Gore’s Letter, and Mr Madisons. altho I am not for adopting Mr Wrights Resolutions, I would make a firm and resolute stand against the unjust assumption of any Nation; I would propose what was just, honorable, dignified and energetic—such measures as were practicable, from which there should be no receeding but if the Chief Majestrate of the Nation is capable of such duplicity as he is accused of, but which I am loth to believe; we are indeed, and in very Truth, in a helpless state, and no one can say where the evils will terminate. what ever may be the conduct of the Head of a Nation, those who are accredited and received by him as Representitives from foreign powers: ought out of respect to the Nation, to treat him with decency and good Manners in both which I think a certain Marquiss deficient—I have heard and seen specimins of his politeness upon former occasions, and at the time despised his littleness. Your Father has written you a Letter in which he has exprest to you his opinion upon Some parts of the subjects in your Letter to me.
My Love to mrs Adams to whom I shall write next. If I do not write every week, you must not think that your Children are unwell. George visits me always once a week, sometimes oftner, but for the last Month, we have had neither good Riding or walking except a few days together.
You write to your Brother respecting a House do you expect that Congress will rise as early as May? I wish whenever you return you would consult dr Rush upon the State of your Health. I have a good opinion of dr Mays practise. your dijestion is defective—your food does not nourish you. you do not derive spirits or strength from it. I would recommend to you to eat a hard Bisquit, and 3 figs daily, between meals, Make the experiment, add a Glass of wine—and tell me after one month if you do not feel the benifit of it—
I am sorry for mr Giles misfortune—toor Shadow of Randolph—has he worn out his Lungs in a good cause? tis said he has been Rational this Session. What a pitty that closed doors should have deprived the public from witnessing So novel a spectacle—
Your Brother and Sister have been in Boston for this fortnight past. He returnd last Evening to attend some town affairs, but will go again on tuesday. tell mr Quincy his little Girl was very well to day. Mrs Cranch has quite a family of little ones, but she devotes herself to them—tho She says they craize her upon a Stormy day, when they cannot go to School.
With the Sincerest Love and affection / I am your Mother
Abigail Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 11 February 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Washington 11. February 1806.

Since the date of your favour of the 29th: ulto: you have doubtless received many additional documents confirming your opinion of the system of policy prevalent here in relation to our foreign affairs—Unqualified submission to France, and unqualified defiance of Great Britain, are indeed the two pillars upon which our measures are to rest—And numerous as the proofs are which you will have of these facts, you have probably still no conception of the extremes to which it has already been carried—The prohibition of the trade to St: Domingo is now upon its last Stage in Senate, and in all probability before I close this Letter will be pass’d. But this is nothing comparatively speaking—The general tendency of opinions and passions which govern our Administration, has always been such that this course might have been expected from the commencement of our Session; but all the events which have recently occurr’d in Europe, and the knowledge of which has come to us since our meeting have very powerfully contributed to confirm this course of measures—Our people have indeed an enthusiastic opinion of the power of France; and if there could before have remained any doubt of the foundation upon which that opinion stands, what can be replied to the proofs of Bonaparte’s Armies in Vienna; and the whole Austrian Empire sinking before them, almost without a struggle of resistance—The Continent of Europe it cannot be questioned, is not only prostrate at the feet of France, but to all appearance irretrievably subdued—How long the insular situation of Great Britain, and her naval force will enable her to bear up against this universal suppression, is not easy to say, but that she too must sink sooner or later under such a mass and impetus of force can hardly be questioned—
I know not to what extent France will avail herself of the situation in which she stands to dictate humiliation or submission to us; but this I have no reason to doubt; that whatsoever she shall please to command, we shall comply with.
There is only one doubt yet remaining upon my mind, as to the ruling principle of our foreign policy, and that is whether in the terrors we are assuming against Great Britain, there is not as much or more of vapour than of substance—There are some indications which might lead to the conclusion that when we come to the critical moment we shall not be so terrible, as we now threaten—The tables of both Houses are loaded with Motion upon Motion, for non-intercourse, for non-importation, for Navigation Acts, for retaliation and reprizal, for confiscation of debts, and for everything that can exhibit temper against the British, but to all this there is, besides the opposition which it will meet from reasonable quarters, there is a vast body of opposition lurking among the friends of the Administration itself—All the quakerish Members of both Houses, are averse to anything that looks even by a squint, towards energy—Being for Peace all the world over they begin to discover that these measures may give Offence to Great-Britain, and they think the only course to be pursued is neotiation—Besides this the members from the Southern States discover reluctance to agree upon anything which may obstruct the freedom of their trade, in foreign ships, or affect the exportation of their cotton—It is obvious that great efforts are making to stimulate the passions of the people, and to lash into fermentation the blood of their Representatives—but it is not yet equally clear that this plan will be so far successful, as to shew itself in the form of Law.
By one of the documents enclosed you will perceive that Mr. J. Randolph has renewed his motion for an Amendment to the Constitution making the judges removable, upon the address of the two Houses—It is probable this will pass by a competent proportion of votes in the House of Representatives—What will be its fate in Senate, I am unable to foresee.
The Supreme Court of the United States is now in Session—All the Judges are here excepting Mr: Chase, who is very ill at Baltimore—Judge Cushing is also unwell and has hitherto not been able to take his seat. The Court did not sit untill Saturday, a competent number of the judges not having arrived untill then—I am so confined by my attendance in Senate, and upon the business transacting in Senate, that I shall not be able to attend the Court as I should wish.
The pressure of business has also forcibly driven my classical studies from my head—I do indeed still appropriate about an hour a day to that object, but it is little better than a lost hour; the studies of a Scholar, require a mind at ease; a vacant mind—or at least a mind not engross’d by other objects—But when the questions of public import, and measures of national deliberation take hold of my mind, and have warmly engaged me nine or ten hours in the day, I lose entirely the power of abstraction, and the means of studying the poetry, history, or languages of antiquity—A similar cause will I hope excuse any incoherence which you may frequently perceive in my letters to you and my other friends from this place—I am obliged to write in the midst of debates to which I cannot avoid giving more or less of attention at the very time I am writing—At this moment for instance Dr: Mitchill is giving us a dissertation upon Saltpetre, and telling us of all the rocks, dens, caves, fens, and mountain sides where it is to be found in the United States—On a bill to prohibit the exportation of arms and ammunition—The St: Domingo trade Bill has been recommitted to a select Committee for Amendment.
We are all well, as are Mr: Cranch & Mr: Quincy, and their families—With my affectionate remembrance to my dear mother, & children, and all other friends I remain ever faithfully yours.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 17 February 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Washington 17. Feby: 1806.

Your favour of the 2d. instt: enclosing a copy of the judiciary Bill which was before you for consideration came to hand some days since—As your legislative occupations employ you only three hours a day, I can readily conceive that you can find little time for private correspondence; for as an Antient Orator was wont to say that he had not time to make his speech short, so I have often found by experience, that the more leisure I have the less time I can spare for any particular duty—My punctuality to correspondents therefore is generally proportioned to the multiplicity of my avocations, and is never greater than when I have not a moment I can call my own—
I am glad to find that your lawyers of both parties are agreed in supporting the plan for an improvement in the Judiciary—The opinion of young Mr: Story is in my mind of peculiar weight—I should recommend to you to cultivate an acquaintance with this Gentleman, who is certainly possess’d of considerable talents, and will I hope make a valuable public character—His popular propensities must be regarded with indulgence; because it is the sin which most easily besets all young men of aspiring genius, and strong minds—When they have radical principle at the heart, their overweening democratic passions wear away as they advance in years, and rise in the world—Many of our most distinguished men have begun their career with the same enthusiasm of popularity as Mr: Story has manifested—And he has already given ample proofs of various kinds that he is not to be ranked with the vulgar herd of demagogues—
The report which you received from the newspapers of an Extraordinary Embassy to the Courts of London and Paris, had I believe no other foundation than the wishes of certain partizans of the person who was named as having received the appointment—It was perhaps meant as a hint to the President—whether he will be inclined to take it or not, I cannot tell—but I do not believe the late Vice-President will on the present occasion be sent with a diplomatic character either to France or England—much less do I imagine that the two missions will be united in him.
The indignation which you remark as having been excited by the mandatory letters of Talleyrand and Turreau, is not exactly the sentiment occasioned by them here—At least indignation is not the operative principle which will arise from them—There is another feeling quite as efficacious which the papers have produced with us; and that is fear—And one of its infallible consequences will be the prohibition of the St: Domingo trade—Since the appearance of those letters, the very members of the Senate, who had most strenuously opposed the prohibition (myself only excepted) have become the most zealous favourers of the measure—So that I find myself on this subject deserted by the most powerful of my original co-operators—War with France however is considered as inevitable, unless we submit to these rough requisitions, and accordingly submission is avowed as the principle for the government of our measures. The prohibitory Bill has not yet pass’d this branch of the Legislature, but undoubtedly will, and probably in the course of the present week.
I sent your father last week the copy of a Bill which I have introduced to prevent the abuse of the privileges and immunities of foreign Ministers—it has been twice read and is referred to a select Committee of five Members, but I have not much expectation that it will finally pass—The difficulty on this as on all similar cases is that the measure proceeds from a quarter which must not be encouraged—So convinced have I been that this principle will predominate upon every proposition I can bring forward that I have been as unwilling to originate business as you are; though not absolutely from the same reason—On this occasion however, as no other person did propose any legislative provision, and as I believed some provision highly expedient, I ventured to ask leave to bring in this Bill—I supposed that although the point would probably not be carried now, yet a basis would be laid upon which something useful may be done at a future time—And I thought some benefit might be derived from presenting to the consideration of the public out of Congress, what I deem the proper remedy for a grievous evil.
Of the three Resolutions reported by the Committee of Senate, upon the subject of our differences with Great-Britain, a copy of which I sent you last week, the two first, being those which I informed you were originally drawn up by me, have been acted upon, and adopted by the Senate—The first unanimously—The second by 23 yeas to 7 nays—The third only remains for discussion; but I doubt very much of its adoption. I have told you that this was not my measure—I contemplated something more effectual, more practicable, and less mischievous to ourselves—But being convinced from a variety of circumstances that it could not be carried down, I thought it best not to bring it forward—I acquiesced in the third Resolution as reported, but am not yet clear how I shall vote upon it after discussion.
I have received from Mr: Shaw the monthly Anthology for January, and mean to write to him in the course of a few days—I am well satisfied with this number of that work; excepting that in the Review of the British Pamphlet entitled “War in Disguise” there appears to me too much of neutrality in the reviewer, upon the main question in controversy—Indeed he professedly declines the expression of an opinion upon this point, alledging his own incompetency, to its decision—Yet a Reviewer of the British Pamphlet ought to have been able to refute its sophistries, and detect its injustice under all the splendor of its diction, and the fascinations of its style—I hope not only that we shall see no defenders of the British doctrine, but that we shall have no doubters of its injustice nay—not even any lukewarm believers in our own rights upon this subject—It was from a strong sentiment on my own mind of the necessity there is for pledges of unanimity in our opinions on this topic, that I drew up the first of the three Resolutions; and I was accordingly gratified by the unanimous adoption of that Resolution, in Senate—I am also very glad that the subject has been so thoroughly and so ably investigated in this Country, as it has been in the various memorials from our Seaports, and by several other very able pamphlets, recently published—They have completed the demonstration of the Justice of our Cause, and have swept away every atom of argument on the side of our Opponents.
We are all tolerably well—Remember me kindly to your wife—I hope she will duly receive a letter from mine which I enclosed to you last Week.
Your’s affectionately.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 19 February 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Sir.
Washington 19. Feby 1806.

I have received from you the Anthology for January, for which I thank you—In a letter yesterday to my brother I have made some remarks upon it with which I hope you will not be displeased—Perhaps my own zeal upon a subject of importance, made me more sollicitous concerning one Article in it than was necessary—I should be glad to review the several pamphlets on this subject lately published in this Country, myself—But my time will not allow me at present.
I now enclose you orders upon Mr: Gurley and Delille for the payment of the Rent respectively due and becoming due from them at this Time—I wish you to receive the money as soon as you can obtain it, and either keep it, or deposit it in Bank as you please; to be ready for me on my return home
I continue sending for you to my father such public documents as we have published here, as by their importance may be interesting to you.
I have heretofore desired my brother, to ask you, whether you ever found an opportunity to ship for me the box of Maccaroni, we left at Whitcomb’s?—I hope also you will not forget the enquiries respecting a house at Cambridge, which I have formally recommended to your kind attention. I am with invariable regard and esteem, truly yours.

J. Q. Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 23 February 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

my Dear Daughter
Quincy Febry 23d 1806

your Letter of Feb’ry I duly recived, and Should Sooner have replied to it, but I wished to consider the subject of it maturely, and to give you the best advise in my power.
If you have a prospect that you can be supplied with a number of Boarders in the spring, it will be adviseable for you to continue your House, but you certainly cannot make it answer with one only. commencing in winter when you must necessarily consume more wood, renderd housekeeping more expensive.
I will remit you a Hundred Dollars the present year for Abbes Board, and this I Shall take from the income of half a Farm left me by my Father. you are not a Stranger to the embarrassment we were plunged into by the failure of the House of Bird and Savage. expecting them to have been Secure, Money was taken from where it was safely lodged drawn into their hands, and there sunk by their failure at the same time your Father had made a purchase of a Farm which required that money to pay it. concequently he has been obliged to take what he had at interest, and fullfill his engagements as fast as he could. there is Still a considerable Sum due, and he is Strugling to get through it. this has kept us So Short of ready money, that I Sometimes experience great mortifications in concequence of it—it is in vain to complain of a Life devoted to the public and of Services renderd a country, which who are blindly and wantonly throwing away those blessings obtainded for them.
My interest will not be due untill April when I will remit you 50 Dollars. I wish it was in my power to do more for you. you must not get discouraged. I trust you will finally Succeed.
Charity is making Money from her Indian Medicine, and her nostrums: I really think if she possessd common prudence She might do very well, but She is no sooner successfull, than her head is turned and she becomes Such a boaster that She ruins all her plans. Several persons have applied to her from this town, in consumptive cases, by which means I have heard more of her than I Should otherways. She cannot help making daily boasts of the money She acquires. She has ten Dollars for every mess. but if the patient dyes before the Medicine is expended She returns part of the money. in some instances her Medicine has been successfull, and I do not doubt but that She has acquired a good deal of property by it. She Says her House is thronged from morning till Night. She undertakes to cure the most inveterate deafness. but She Should remember the Hen who laid the golden Egg. by aiming at too much, She may lose the whole
your Friends here all desire to be rememberd to you. I am quite alone now, Save Susan and little John. Mrs Adams has been in Boston this month with her Sister. Mr Adams is attending the gen’ll court—Louissa is with her Sister who is very unwell. we have many fears least she is in a decline.
My Love to Abbe from your / affectionate Mother
A Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 February 1806
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Quincy Feb. 26 1806

My Exordium must inform you that George is and has been a long time in perfect health. John has been as plump and gay and hardy and hearty as you could wish him, till yesterday when he looked a little paler or rather a little less ruddy than usual but he worked and played as usual all day: but this morning he discovered symptoms of qualms in his stomack and puked a little, but a Tea Spoonfull or two of some of his Grandmammas Remedies I suppose will restore him to his usual Activity and Appetite, in a few hours.
I believe the prohibition of the Trade to St. Domingo is without Example. If a nation has a Country under its dominion, it has Power as well as right to prohibit the commerce of other nations with it. They may Seize, make prize, confiscate, any Vessells or Cargoes concerned in such illicit trade. But to require other Nations to make Laws to restrain their own Subjects from such Intercourse, I believe is as new as it is arbitrary and imperious. If I mistake not there is in Belshams Memoirs of the reign of George the first, some Account of such peevish requisitions of Spain, to induce England to prohibit their People from trading with the Spanish Main: but they were treated with more than contempt by the house of Commons.
The Power and Resources of France, have been exaggerated in the Minds of our People, for thirty years past, and since the revolution more than ever. The Weakness and danger of England, have been as much misrepresented on the other hand. When I received your Letter, I was very far from your opinion that the Continent of Europe was prostrate at the feet of France: but since that time news has arrived of a very different Complection. The particulars are not yet stated from Authentic Sources. But I cannot believe that France will derive any solid Addition of Power or reputation from this Campaign. There is no country under her Power, that is not full of discontent; and revolutions in a contrary direction may succeed each other, much sooner and more rapidly than We imagine.
In all Events, I know that Submission to unreasonable demands from France, is not the way to Secure ourselves against her Grasp.
I perceive no Signs of any Warm Passions among the People or of more Decision or Unanimity, than there is in Congress. They are all at a gaze: and know not what to do. Parson Moodys Doctrine was that it is the Duty, of a Person or a People, in difficult times when “they know not what to do, to be very carefull that they do not do, they know not what.” A good Lesson for some of the bold Men at Washington.
Negotiation is the only measure in which all Men seem to agree. But the exclusive System of confining all appointments to a Party, which seems to be adopted by the present Administration with more Severity than it was by the Federalists, though by them it was carried too far, will prevent the nomination of any Man in whom the great body of the People will confide. And therefore I expect that no measures will be adopted, which will give Satisfaction to the public. Our Rulers have Shackled themselves. They obtained their power by professions of a Sordid Œconomy, and are more afraid of their own constituents, than of their opponents. Mr Macon and Mr Early by some of their Speeches have let us see into the hearts of the Party more clearly than they intended, though they expressed themselves with curious caution and ingenious Address.
I am sorry that Mr Randolph has made his motion to make the Judges more dependent on the Legislature. The Nature of our Government being more than half federative, renders a perfect Independence of the Judges more necessary here than it is in England. I hope it will not pass Congress, and if it should, I hope it will not be accepted by the States.
You have indeed Business and Studies enough in Senate, and I wish not to interrupt you: but if you can find a moment I wish you would ask Dr Mitchell in my name whether the Plant which is called Soda, Kali, and Barilla, has ever been found in America and if it has, in what part of it, and whether any seeds of it have been imported, to try the Experiment, whether it will grow here?
I have read your Bill. What the Corps Diplomatique will think of it, I know not.—It is a dangerous and delicate Subject. But something seems necessary to be done, to prevent too much Petulance and impertinence.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Smith Shaw, 26 February 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
Quincy Febry 26th 1806

I have found the account and inclose it to you. I wish you to inquire of our Tennant whether the House must be removed and at What price he would undertake to do it? whether any fence will be necessary and whether the place would not be benifitted by planting out a young orchard and a number of fruit trees. I think mr Tiel agreed that he would dig a new cellar & remove the house for 200 dollars. I should be willing to expend as much as that in improveing the place and rendering it Still more valuable. I think we have lain out of our property long enough—and we must finally lay at the mercy of those who chuse to make property of us—but if we cannot help ourselves we must Settle it So—for Settle it, we had better even so than it should lay as it has done for years—you will converse with mr Adams about it—
I have a number of documents for you which I will Send by the first good opportunity—
have you heard lately from your Mother how was Abbe I am anxious to learn—yours affectionatly
Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 March 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy March 5th 1806

I fear your Father may have given you unnecessary anxiety; I told him at the time it was not best to mention an indisposition so slight as John’s was, but he said if he wrote; he must tell all. I had observed for several days about noon a high coulour in his cheeks, and at that time, he was unusually irritable, Some other Symptoms indicated a redundancy of Bile, which proved to be the case. for the first time, Since he has been with me, I gave him a little medicine and it relieved him. he was quite well the next day, and I took him with me to Boston, where he both gave, and received much delight; he is very fond of his Aunt Adams, and the meeting between them is always a very joyous Scene after a little absence. I told him to day that I should write to you. he is never willing to see me take my pen: it requires a little more Silence from him than he likes—but when I tell him I am going to write to you, or his Mamma, he is more reconciled to it. to day he requested me to say that he was a good Boy, and added of himself, ask Pappa to come home. George Spent March meeting day with him and is very well. I thought I perceived upon his face a few of the old pimples returning, and advised his Aunt to give him some of the black powders, which She will do. It is about the Season when he was so afflicted the last year—
I rejoice to learn, as we have by a Letter from mrs Quincy that mr Cranch is appointed Chief Justice of the district of Columbia—the appointment will do honour to mr Jefferson, a thing very necessary to him, nor can I believe as some persons do, that he did it reluctantly—I have more pitty for him than many others, more compassion for his errors and Some of his frallties—ill treated as some of my Friends have been—I never could, or did receive any Satisfaction from the oblique cast upon him his Character.
What a Strange Buisness is this in which Miranda has engaged? When I saw the first account in a Newyork paper, it Struck me as something in which the administration must have some concern, and knowing the enterprizing Character of Miranda I thought it probable that he might be engaged in some Secret progect, particularly so as so much secrecy had been preserved in Congress, and so much buisness done with closed doors—but the Sensation which has been, since his sailing excited and the Queries which have been made to mr Madison have given me not a little uneasiness, least an innocent and amiable youth may fall a Sacrifice. the first intimation I ever had respecting him—was in a Letter which I received last week—in which it was Said, you know his mind has been long intent upon the Sea. an opportunity offering which was considerd advantages, he has gone a voyage. I no Sooner read it, than I drew the conclusion, and tho not an other Syllable has been written upon the Subject, I conclude the Query in the paper to be true. I this day received a Letter, from the same quarter, but the Subject is not even mentiond. I dare not say all I fear or half I apprehend; you know in what light it will be considerd here by his... and how execrated—
a strange coalition is taking place in Newyork—What a medly!
I hope the buisness of congress will be well matured dijested, sifted, purified, refined—If you can accomplish a shield for the president, you will Shew the World, that you can requite evil with good, the most honorable and glorious victory in my estimation which can be obtaind over our Enemies—bless them who curse you. do good to those who despightfully use you—
With my Love to Mrs A / I Subscribe affectionatly / Your Mother
Abigail Adams—


Title: From Abigail Amelia Adams Smith to Hannah Carter Smith, 12 March 1806
From: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams
To: Smith, Hannah Carter

My Dear Madam
New York March 12th 1806

I have intended a long time since to write to you but have been prevented by various avocations. Sincerely have I sympathized with you in your late affliction and you have been frequently in my remembrance.
The various trials we meet with in this Life, are perhaps necessary to give us a true Idea of its inefficacy to ensure  our happiness and to teach us to place our affections and direct our views towards another to which we are all hastening, and few of us are reconciled to the thought, of quiting this, altho our paths may not have been strewed with roses, very few that do not find stong ties and attachments yet remaining; amidst the greatest trials, we have many blessings to be gratefull for and  we never aught to distrust the care and protection of Providence
Your mind my Dear Madam is I know much better impressed upon thease Subjects than I can pretend to be your reason and religion will direct it in the right path.
However severe the stroke it is our duty to submit and to resign our nearest friends when they are taken from us
My mind can easier reconcile itself to such events as appear to be the dispensation of providence, than such as result from our own imprudence, and want of judment, altho thease may often be the means, to affect the object
You will have heard before this time that we have parted with our Son William for some time. I did not expect, when he went away that his excursion would have excited such a spirit as it has amongst us—or that he would have been made of so much consequence as to excite such various conjectures and surmises, many of them time and events will contradict I presume—
We received a letter from Mr Smith with the articles that he sent on by Water which we received Safe and are much obliged by his attention to them.
I must apologize to you for not having sent your Cap before this time. my eyes were so weak for some weeks that I could not work upon muslin and this must be my excuse for sending it unfinished the lace work is not done as I know your Daughter excels in this kind of work I must request her to fill it up.
It may I hope serve to remind you of one, who highly respects and esteems you, and who with pleasure subscribes herself your friend

A Smithbe so good as to remember me to Mrs. Welch and the young Ladies tell Hariet I often wish for her—


Title: From William Stephens Smith to John Quincy Adams, 23 March 1806
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dr. Sir—
New York march 23d. 1806.

I am informed that Mr. P. A Schenk is nominated as Surveyor of this port, and of course I am to be superceeded as is expressed in the public papers, for my secret connection with Genl. Miranda can it be possible that I am to be condemned unheard—Will my frinds in the Senate consent that I shall be sacrificed & my Wife and Children deprived of bread, to shelter men in higher station for their want of consistancy, political integrity and firmness of mind? if this must be submitted to at least let the office be given to my Brother Justus B. Smith, that my family may not suffer, for my immaginary Crimes—Let me hear from you / Yours &c
W: S: Smith


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 March 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy March 24th 1806

I was much pleased at receiving your Letter of March 14th. It was a much longer interval than had occured before, without receiving a line from you. but Mrs Quincys kindness in always mentioning you to my sister had relieved me from the fears that you might be sick. it is with Sincere Satisfaction that I learn from your own hand that your Health is much mended. When a Man enjoys good Health, good Spirits are a natural attendant, and he is more disposed to attend to his personal appearence—now this is a subject that I have not hinted at this Winter. Indeed I found so much real cause for it last Summer, that I was fearfull you would get callous to my admonitions.
“A good Coat is tantamount to a good Character; and if the world be a stage it’s as necessary to dress as to act your part well,” says Tangore, in the play—“Why Man when I landed from the packet in my old blew coat, shabby waistcoat, and decayed kerseymeres—I was pushd and smok’d by every apprentice and shopkeeper I met: oh in this age of false appearences, there’s nothing like a shewy outside—” I recollect a Story in the Spectator, mr Bickerstaff remarks that his servant always bowed lower to him, and was more attentive whenever he had his full bottomd wig on, than when he wore his night Cap. Now I hope you never appear in Senate with a Beard two days old, or otherways make, what is calld a shabby appearence. Seriously I think a mans usefullness in Society depends much upon his personal appearence—I do not wish a Senator to dress like a Beau, but I want him to conform so far to the fashion, as not to incur the Character of Singularity, and nor give occasion to the world to ask what kind of Mother he had? or to Charge upon a wife neglegence and inattention when she is guiltlessThe greatest Man observed a Lady the other day, wants his wife to pull up his coller, and mind that his coat is brush’d.
We have received very little intelligence from congress this Session. So much of the time the doors have been closed, that the open debates have but just commenced. Mr Randolph appears to become driver of the Whole Body, and he uses the whip and scourge freely, tho we have only mutilated Scraps of his Speech. The Ninth Congress will make a most Misirible figure in History.
We are totally in the dark respecting the Electioneering Campaign, or who the candidates held up by the Ancient dominion are. We Suppose mr Madison, Munroe, perhaps Giles. the little Musketo himself cannot think of rising to that height surely.
Our April Election approaches. how it will terminate is uncertain; if Govr. Strong is reelected, this year the democs will drop him as a future candidate, it is said
The death of mr Pitt, and the change which has taken place in the British Cabinet may be favorable to America If a judicious negotiator could be sent, will not mr Jefferson adopt such a measure?
I suppose Mr. Shaw has written to you respecting a House, but you will be here soon enough to determine Whether it will be proper to take one this Summer George dinned with us yesterday and is well. John is better and sits by, singing four and twenty black Birds; and O my kitten my deary.
I wish Congress may rise at the time you mention, but I doubt it—
I am most affectionatly, / your Mother,
Abigail Adams:


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 27 March 1806
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

My dear Child,
Quincy March 27th: 1806

I am much pleased with the temper and spirit of your Letter of February 28th:
The subjects of your future Examination, are judiciously chosen and I hope you will acquit yourself to your own satisfaction as well as that of your Instructor’s.
I know of no Characteristic of a weak head a dull discernment and superficial reflection more remarkable than the opinion you mention of many young Men who disregard a degree at College as non essential. The simplest common sence is so sufficient to see and foresee the innumerable benifits of it, that I should think it an ill compliment to your Understanding to enumerate them in detale. A few particulars, nevertheless, may be mentioned. A Diploma from an University is to an honest and discreet Man a Passport through the civilized World. Without it your Contemporaries of College and even your own Class-mates will never acknowledge you to be on an equal footing with them. The Government of the University will never pride themselves in your Virtues, Talents and Name as they would have done if you had been enrolled in their records as one who had received there honours and done honour to them. The Men of Science and Learning in the World will with much more difficulty be induced to acknowledge you as one of their Body. But I forbear: your own Reflections will suggest, more Advantages from a Degree than it is necessary for me to particularize.—
Your Brother has gone upon his Travails without a Degree, and I do not say that there are not cases in which Advantages may present themselves, sufficient to justify a young Gentleman in relinquishing the honor and advantage of a degree. Whether his Case is one of these I know not as the whole history of the rise, progress and termination of the Business is wholly a Mistery to me. I am wholly ignorant of every Thing, relating to it—
When I arrived at Bourdeaux in April 1778 I found an Anecdote in every Man’s mouth concerning the Marquis De La Fayette. A Marshall of France had said, when he first heard of the Marquize’s Adventure to America “C’est le premier page dans 1’histoire, d’un grand-homme.” “It is the first page in the history of a great Man.” Whether your Brother’s Enterprise resembles in any degree that of the Marquis, or not, I know not: but in any honest supposition I wish he may be more fortunate in Life than the Marquis has been. I can only commit him to his Almighty Protector. I do not wish you to write me any thing concerning him, except it be intelligence of his health and safety—
I believe a great proportion of the present dominant Party among the People at large as well as in the Administration and in both Houses of the Legislature begin to repent of some of their Obloquies and persecutions against me: for it is very obvious, that they now see, my System of foreign affairs to be the only one in which there can be honor or safety to their Country. I am, your affectionate &C
J. A.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 28 March 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Washington 28. March 1806.

I have two letters from you which ought to have been answered some time since, but I have only one apology for the delay, which I have so often mentioned that I am almost ashamed to repeat it. I have no time for writing except when the Senate is in Session, and when such business is before them, as I can suffer to proceed without paying much attention to it.—We have now come to sit on Saturday’s, and I think the Session will certainly not be protracted beyond the 15th: of next Month
I put the questions to Dr: Mitchill which you requested, and received from him the letter enclosed, in Answer to them—I hope they will prove satisfactory.
Your disapprobation of the Bill concerning foreign Ministers, which I had introduced reconciled me to its fate more than the decision upon it, which had taken place before I knew your opinion. I still think however that we shall find some legislative provision necessary upon the subject, and still doubt the President’s Constitutional powers, without a Law, to check something worse than insolence in a foreign Minister, if it should happen.
A bill has pass’d the House of Representatives, to prohibit the importation of certain Articles from Great-Britain—I presume it will also pass the Senate—I hope the late changes in England will facilitate the settlement of our differences with that Nation.
Ever faithfully
John Quincy Adams


Title: From William Stephens Smith to John Quincy Adams, 29 March 1806
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir,
New York 29th March 1806

By your letter of the 26th inst. just received, I am first informed of the appointment of Peter A Schenck, as Surveyor of this port. My enemies have long been struggling to remove me from this office. But I never supposed the President of the United States and Mr Madison capable of uniting with them for my destruction—
If they had waited the public examination of the affair relative to the Ship Leander, and it should have appeared, that I had in the least deviated from the path of propriety, either as a public Officer, or as a private citizen, perhaps no censure could attach to the Chief Magistrate on account of my removal from office, neither should I have had just cause of complaint.—But when a temporising policy, induces the sacrifice of a Gentleman in public Office, (sacredly and honorably administered) to tranquilize the Minister of an Usurper, a Military Despot, trampling on the liberties of his country, Associated with an insolent representative of a Nation, with which we ought long since to have been at War, for the preservation of our National honor; I must confess, tho’ I feel indignant at the treatment I have individually received, I am tremblingly alive for my Country, tottering on the confines of perdition.—I shudder at the dangers which surround her, and which will inevitably overwhelm her, unless a firm position is taken, and prompt and efficient measures adopted—
Millions may be lavished to tranquilize a Tyrant for a moment, but his insatiable appetite will never be gratified, until the whole resources of our country are subjected to his Will, and he finally proves to America what he has already proved to Europe, “that he knows no rights but his own, nor no rule of Justice, but his pride and ambition.”—
With respect to the Ship Leander, permit me to state a few facts, for your information, and the satisfaction of my friends at Washington, to whom I beg you to make the contents of this Letter known.
I never was on board of this Ship; I never contemplated to have, neither have I, any connection with her owner, in his Mercantile speculations.—I never supplied nor paid for any of the component parts of her Cargo.—I appointed as usual, an officer of the Customs to attend her exportation, who never made any report, excepting, relative to such parts of her Cargo, as were entered at my office, for the benefit of drawback.
The Collector, Mr Gelston, cleared her out, armed and equipped as she was, with a Crew as expressed in her manifest of 150 Men—after a regular complaint had been made to him, by General Stevens, who sold to Capt Lewis her Guns, as Stevens informed me three weeks after she sailed.—If it was necessary to have sacrificed any one on this case, David Gelston ought to have been the Man. But I am dismissed from office for being acquainted with General Miranda!—be it so.—But let it be known and always remembered; that The President of The United States, and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs were intimately acquainted with General Miranda, and fully informed of his projects,—First by a direct communication from Mr King to Mr Madison who submitted a letter to him which Miranda brought from London addressed to Mr King from The Honorable—Vansittart at present, Secretary of The Treasury of England, fully unfolding the views of General Miranda, which Mr Madison received five or six days before Mirandas arrival at Washington, and which Letter, (Mr King having forwarded the original) Mr Madison did return under cover to Mr King and expressed himself much obliged for the communication.—I am satisfied that on this subject I have acted with a becoming delicacy, and in no stage of the business with the least shadow of impropriety—
Shortly after the arrival of General Miranda in this City he observed, that he had finished his European career, and was determined to return to his native country, the Province of Carraccas, in South America, and, that he had come from England to this City, for the express purpose of soliciting me to accompany him. He shew’d me many Letters from his friends soliciting his return—and fully unfolded to me, the objects he had in view.
I observed to him, that this visit to his Country might be attended with serious consequences, such as might possibly implicate my own—that, being a public officer I could not expatriate myself, on so important a visit without the knowledge and consent of The President of the United States, and the Secretary of Foreign affairs, that considering the Presidents Message to Congress, relative to the conduct of the Spaniards on the Ocean, the Mobile and the frontiers of Louisiana, I thought a War with Spain inevitable, and reccommended him to go to the Seat of Government, obtain an interview with Mr Madison and the President, explain fully the object he had in view, shew his letters and other documents, connected with the subject—And if they attended to his communications, and admitted him to a second interview—he might then mention my name and ask leave of absence for me, and permission to accompany him, which if granted, I would with pleasure go with him and see him safe to his patrimonial Estates.—
He went to Washington—he visited Mr Madison,—made his communications fully, and solicited an interview with the President—Mr Madison did the next day introduce General Miranda to the President to whom he communicated fully the object he had in view. He was most politely received, entertained and attended to—In a letter which General Miranda addressed to me under date of Decr 11th 1805 Washington he says—“I have received your letters of the 1st and 6th inst. The business you mention is on the Tapis at this present moment and will be concluded I hope in the course of this week. Not a moment is lost, and the appearances look very favorable; have a little patience, and you shall hear soon the result.”—On the second interview he mentioned my name, and asked their permission for me to go with him, and under the date of the 14th Decr he writes thus—“I saw yesterday for the second time both the Gentlemen—and after talking fully on the subject, I think I brought the business to a conclusion—Yet Mr Madison upon hearing my determination of quitting this city tomorrow, for New York, appeared surprised, and persuaded me not to leave it before Teusday next (the 17th.) when he expected me to dine with him, and to have a little more conversation.—On consideration, I thought that to stay three days longer might shew calmness and patience on my part, which would give to this step, all the dignity that I intended, tho’ I am persuaded that no more will be obtained than what is already imparted.”
“Their tacit approbation and good wishes are evidently for us—And they do not see any difficulty that may prevent the Citizens of the United States in attending personally or sending supplies for this object, provided the public Laws are not openly violated.”—
“Your demand of permission or leave of absence is considered impracticable and Madison thinks it easier to take the risk upon yourself at once—however we shall consider this subject with much reflection, when we shall meet at New York. on the 18th. early I shall certainly leave this for Philadelphia, from whence I shall write to you again, and without much delay proceed to New York.”
General Miranda returned to this City; freighted the Ship Leander of Mr Samuel G. Ogden, her owner, she was cleared out at the Custom House, under the signature of the Collector and his Seal of Office, for the port of Jaemel in the Island of St. Domingo, where she arrived on the 15th day after her departure from Sandy Hook; as pr. advice from St Marks of the 23d. of Feby.
Previous to the departure of General Miranda he addressed two letters, one to the president, and the other to the Secretary of State—as follows—
Copy
Sir  New York 22nd Jany 1806
Permit me upon the point of departure from the United States, to address two words to you, and to thank you for the attention you have shewn me during my visit at Washington—
The important things which I had the honor of communicating to you there, will remain I doubt not a profound secret until the final result of this delicate affair.
I have acted here on this supposition, and have conformed in every thing to the intentions of Government—which I hope I have seized and observed with exactitude and discretion.
The letter accompanying this, contains a book which I promised to the President of the United States and which I pray you to present.—
Do me the favor to present my most respectful compliments to Mrs Madison, and believe me with esteem and / high consideration / Sir / Your very Humble and / very Obedient Servant,(Signed) Francisco De Miranda
The Honble James Madison Esqr &c. &c.
(Copy)
Mr President New York 22nd Jany 1806
I have the honor of presenting to you the natural and Civil History of Chili,—of which we conversed at Washington. You will find, perhaps, more interesting facts and more science in this little volume, than in those which have been written before upon the same subject—concerning this beautiful country
If ever the happy prediction should be fulfilled, that you have pronounced on the future fate of our Dear Columbia, and it should be realised in our day, may it be the will of providence, that it should be under your auspices, and by the generous exertions of her own Children
Then we shall see in some degree the return of that age which the celebrated Roman invoked the return of in favor of human kind—
The last æra, the subject of Cumæan song is now arrived,
The great series of revolving ages begins anew;
Now too returns Astrea, returns the reign of Saturn—With the highest consideration and profound respect / I am Mr President / Your Most obedient and / Very Humble Servant
(signed) Francisco De Miranda
Thomas Jefferson Esqr.
President of the United States
General Miranda sailed from this port on the 2nd. day of February. Not having obtained permission to accompany him, I remained in the discharge of the duties of my office until The President and his Minister agree to supercede me in office, calculating thereby to dissipate the clouds that surround them—
They will not however be illumined by this act unless my guess fails me, or I should prefer tacitly to submit to the sacrifice, rather than brush the blot from my skirt which they have very unhandsomely attempted to attach to it—
You observe, that the first intimation you had of my being superceded, was the nomination of the new Officer—
The arrangement of the Executive both here and with you borders on oppression and favors of despotism,—which, acting with the rapidity of a torrent, leaves desolation and solitude behind it.—Despotism is void of system; its motions are instantaneous and arise from trifles, or the caprice of the moment.—
I flatter myself however when the case comes to be fully disclosed and properly understood, I shall be exonerated in the opinion of the judicious and independant at the Seat of Government, and wherever a true exposure of facts extends—
I am Dr Sir / Your Friend and Humble Servt
W: S: Smith


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 31 March 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Sir.
Washington 31. March 1806.

Since I wrote you last I have not heard directly from you although an interval of several weeks has elapsed—I sent you receipts for Gurley’s & Delille’s Rent, which I presume you have received—On this Idea, I have now to desire that you would enquire whether any dividend on the Stock of the Fire and Marine Insurance Company was made on the first of this Month—And if there was I will thank you to pay my father from the monies of mine in your hands, a sum equal to the dividend upon forty shares of the Insurance Stock.
I continue to send you from time to time the most important public documents as they are published—I expect that our Session will close in about a fortnight, and hope to see you by the end of the next Month.
Last Friday the Senate pass’d an Act for a compromise with the Georgia Land Claimants—19 ayes 11 Nays—And on Saturday the House of Representatives 62 to 54 determined to reject the Bill at the first reading—So there is an end of that business for this time.
I remain with invariable regard and esteem, truly yours.

John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Eliza Susan Morton Quincy to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 April 1806
From: Quincy, Eliza Susan Morton
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mrs Adams
Washington April 6th. 1806.

By the last mail, I had the honour, and the pleasure, to receive your most acceptable letter—To be indeed remembered by you, and with so much distinction, was what I had rather hoped, than expected. Yet it was an hope, so flattering to my pride, and so grateful to some better feelings, that it had been fondly cherish’d, and had served to brighten many of the hours since we parted. I was made very happy by the assurance that I had been instrumental in conveying some satisfaction to you, about your Son, thro’ the medium of Mrs. Cranch. If I had been aware that you derived any comfort, or additional information, upon that subject, from my communications I should have found much pleasure in making them more circumstantial than they have been.—I have now the power to assure you, my dear Madam, that Mr. Adams is in much better health, and spirits, than when he first arrived here—indeed we think that he has been improving in both respects, for some time past. We met him in church to day, at the Capitol, and brought him home with us to dinner. He staid all the afternoon and is just gone—Mr. Quincy has gone with him to accompany him half way. We cannot have the pleasure of seeing him as often as we anticipated—as we are placed at the very extremities of the City, from each other, I believe it is not less than four miles, from this, to Mr. Helen’s.
Your Son, my dear Madam, I presume keeps you fully informed of every thing relating to the affairs of the political world, which can be curious or interesting to you—The state of parties here, is “confusion, worse confounded”—Your view of the democratic majority, is indeed, for the honour of our country, too just a picture—but to be a perfect likeness, you ought to be on the spot, and draw from the life. Then, if you could rejoice in the degradation of your country, it would be indeed a triumph to you to contemplate the difference between the federal majority of former Administrations, and the one which Mr. Jefferson has selected from the American Nation!—But he is already suffering a righteous recompence for all his wicked devices, and evil deeds. Having succeeded in excluding all men of worth, probity, and talents from the councils of the nation—and in introducing such as he thought would serve well enough for tools to be applied by his master hand; he now finds them wholly incapable of defending him, or themselves, against the violent attacks of a counter revolutionary party. He has not a single man to oppose to Randolph, who carries every thing before him—and who seems determined to stop at nothing, short of the destruction of Mr. Jefferson, and his party—At the last trial of strength, Randolph gain’d a compleat victory, in getting a majority in favor of taking off the injunction of secrecy—a measure which was known to be entirely hostile to the wishes of Mr. Jefferson. The Administration, are certainly, in a very unpleasant situation—Their party dividing into opposite factions—their Treasury empty—and Randolph successful in throwing in their way every obstacle that the most ingenious malice can invent—
As for Randolph himself—as you justly observe—nothing that is good, or consistent can be expected from him He, undoubtedly, has his own personal objects in view, which are probably as wide from the true interests of his country, as are those of the Man he now persecutes—He is a true Virginian, incapable of an enlarged or liberal policy—and fit only for his present employment to be a “scourge for the fools back.”—During these contests between the ruling party—the little band of federalists have judged it most politic and expedient to keep aloof and let them fight it out—useing their influence on the best side, as the case might be; and in this way, have often held the ballance between them, and enjoyed the satisfaction of preventing evil—The nobler pleasure of producing good, is at present beyond their power—What is to be the future state of our country, is indeed a mystery—but from the prospect we already have, we can have no doubt that the event is mercifully conceal’d from our view—“For forward, tho’ we cannot see—we guess, and fear.”—My husband is so little delighted with his “initiation,” or the prospect it has given him of future gratification, that he is equally anxious with myself to return to the happy shelter of our home at Quincy—We have found from experience, how much more pleasant it is, “thro’ the loop-holes of retreat, to peep at such a world” than to be engaged in its bustle, and anoyed by a contact with its depravity, and vice.
This wilderness-city affords little to amuse, less to interest, and nothing to gratify us, who have been too long used to drink at the fountains of good-principles, society, literature and religion, to be satisfied, with these shallow streams, which mock the lip that approaches to taste them.
We look to the end of our banishment with an impatience which you, my dear Madam, can easily imagine—for I am sure of your sympathy in our feelings upon the subject of this most painful seperation from our children, and our friends—I am greatly obliged to you for your notice of my dear little babe—I have indeed no doubt of her being as tenderly regarded as I could wish, by the dear & valuable friend to whom I entrusted her—but yet every additional testimony of her health and well-being, is like “oil and balm” to my longing anxious heart.—We are very highly gratified, my dear Madam, by your kind expression of a wish to see us again at Quincy—Be assured that next to the happiness of folding our dear little ones in our arms, we anticipate the pleasure of returning to your neighbourhood, and the enjoyment of your society. Your worthy relations Judge & Mrs. Cranch present their best regards to you. Mrs. Cushing left this place many weeks ago. Mr. Q. unites with me in offering to you, and Mr. Adams, the assurance, of our sincere and affectionate attachment. I fervently hope, that the day is not far distant when I may again take you by the hand, and have the pleasure to see you and yours in the enjoyment of health—and to express my warm regard for / you.—

E S. Quincy—


Title: From William Steuben Smith to John Quincy Adams, 6 April 1806
From: Smith, William Steuben
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dr. Sir
New York April 6th. 1806.

my son John graduates at this College the next Commencement—I am so occupied and shall continue so for some time to come, in the final arrangement of my affairs, that I shall not be able, and sufficiently composed, to give him the aid that he may require, in composing an English oration for him to deliver on that day—
Will you do me the favour to write one on such a subject, as will instruct, suited in some degree to the situation of our Country, such as will stamp on his youthfull mind the first Principles of Patriotism and public Virtue,—
Give a Lesson to statesmen capable of varying their pursuits, at the frowns of a Tyrant, and base enough to barter the freedom of their Country and their own fame for filthy lucre or the tinsel charms of an empty title—
Do this & he will do honor to its author. He is a good speaker and a very promising firm young man—The family are all well
Your friend & Humble Servt.
W: S: Smith


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 16 April 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, William Stephens

Dear Sir.
Washington 16. April 1806.

I have within these few days successively received your two letters, one of them containing the relation of the circumstances respecting General Miranda’s projects, and your relations with him while he was in this Country; and the other containing the request that I would write an Oration for your Son John—On the first of these subjects, I trust that in the trial of the Cause, on the Bill found by the Grand Jury, of which I have seen an account in the New–York prints, you will have competent proof to produce that you have not violated the Laws of the United States.—As to the conduct of the President and Secretary of State, whether they said too much to Miranda, or whether he inferred from what they said or did more than he was warranted to infer, I am at present very incompetent to determine—That he misunderstood or misrepresented their real intentions I have no doubt. Where the mistake originated must remain for the present a matter of opinion.
My own occupations so fully engross my time, that I fear it will not be in my power to write the Oration; and I have so much confidence in the genius and acquirements of your Son, that I believe him able to honour himself more by writing his own performance at his Commencement, than by depending upon a friend for the production. I have an high opinion of his good sense, discretion and application, and am perswaded he will acquit himself very creditably without any assistance from abroad.
Congress are to adjourn next Monday the 21st: They break up under a variety of unpleasant and unpromising circumstances. I propose to leave this place about the 25th: and hope to have the pleasure of seeing you before the last of the Month—My wife remains here for the present, and probably will remain here through the Summer—I am, Dear Sir, every truly your’s—


Title: From William Stephens Smith to John Quincy Adams, 18 April 1806
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir—
Goal New York April 18th. 1806

The Bearer of this Mr. Edward Dartnell will do Mr. Samuel G. Ogden and myself the honor of presenting to you our memorials, addressed to The Senate and House of Representatives, fully stating the circumstances, relative to General Miranda’s visit to the Caraccas, who sailed from this Port in the Ship Leander on the second day of February last,—a Copy is also addressed to Colo. Quincey of the House of Representatives. The object of these memorials is, to unfold to The Senate and House of Representatives, the injustice with which we have been treated, the particular pressure under which we labour, the correctness of our proceedings, and to seek shelter from oppression, springing from orders of the Executive, to The Judge and Attorney of this District to brush off from itself, that responsibility which ought in justice to attach, to The President and the Secretary of State solely. I solicit that you will present these memorials to The Senate, that the whole question may be submitted, and such protection extended to us, as honourable Citizens are entitled to, acting under the Executive Eye, as we had every reason to believe, for the honor and interest of the nation—the Subject being in the first instance submitted to their consideration, and General Miranda’s Plans being fully known, and approved of by them—
Firmly relying on your Patriotism and individual friendship, I send this memorial to you confident that it will be promptly presented, and its immediate consideration pressed—, / I am Dear Sir— / Your most obedt / Humble Servt.
W: S: Smith


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Smith Shaw, 19 April 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
Quincy April 19th 1806

The Bill which Our Tennant has presented must I presume be allowd him: the repairs were necessary I have not any doubt. he ought not however to do these things without consulting us. have you leazed him the place an other Year? does he comply with the terms of his lease? I wish you to keep the Rent you receive always Seperate from any other Charges. I have devoted it the years past to the assistance of Sally to pay the Board of Abbe: Make out the account which you have against your uncle and bring it up with you when you come. Charge in the Dr Frothinghams account. you know you paid me last summer thirty dollars. credit me therefore for 17  return to you of the Sum I then had. that you know is the Sum I left in your hands of the last quarters Rent to pay Frothingham. I have Since thought it best that his account should be charged, and I either made debtor only for 12/2 dollars or given me for 17/2  returnd. do which you please. allow the Tennant my half of the repairs and hold the remainder Subject to my order.
I am anxious about your Sister who I hear is very unwell. I wrote your Mother to let her come and try the air of Quincy. I hope She will. you must come to Quincy before you go to Atkinson.
Poor Mrs Smith and family are in great trouble. never were such arbitary proceedings heard of before in a free country. the Grand jury presented a Bill against the Judge for his conduct
I am yours &c
Abigail Adams


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 28 April 1806
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Madam
Scituate April the 28th. 1806.

We are again permitted to return home in good health, after having passed as pleasant a winter as the times would permit. Mr Cushing was confined to his room three weeks with a great cold, attended with a slight fever, but his spirits were good even at that time, & he saw company every day. He attended Court 19th. Feby & on the 22nd. sat near seven hours without once leaving the bench, with as little fatigue as any one.
We came in five days to Phila: two days less than we ever came before; the roads being very good. Through Jersey they were very bad. According to Judge Livermores definition, they were truly democratic. We were at New York some days the begining of this month, I called to see Mrs Smith several times. She was in good health & better stirits than I expected. She related to me some circumstances relative to the Star chamber proceedings, which have been since published in the Herald.
Conl. Smith had crouds of company every day. He was not anxious as to the event of the Leander business, as it respected himself. But the loss of his Office I do most sincerely regret. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing & conversing with you the 15th. of May if the weather be good; we shall endeavour to be at Quincy by 12 OC. I shall send by the Stage tomorrow some Scions of the Pumkin sweetings, which we brought from Cont: They are in perfection in Decr & Jany. If you have not any of the kind I think you will be pleased with them. Also some Scions of the high Sweetings from our Orchard. which are excellent for baking the last of Augt. Will you my dear Friend be so good as to send some of the Scions of the St Germain to Judge Cranches, for him to give to the Stage driver to bring to me. The Plymouth Stage that leaves Boston Monys, Wedys, & Friys, passes our house. The other Stage passes on five miles from us. I will be much obliged to the Judge if he will take the trouble of attending to them. Please to give my regards to him, & Mrs Cranch. Mr Cushing joins me in best respects to the President, & yourself, & compliments to Mr, & Mrs Adams, & Miss Smith.
Your Affectionate
H CushingMrs Cushing will be much obliged, if Mrs Adams will send her two or three Scions of the Trowbridge Apple.