Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 14 March 1800
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear sister
					[14 March 1800]

				There is a great deal of pain: taken to make mischief between you & Mr & Mrs Porter many wish for his birth but I am confident no one who has offer’d would take better care of your things in the house or to whom you could trust them with equal Satefy James Howard is very busy & very abusive, told mr cranch that he heard mr Porter was going, & that it was time he should— he knew his tricks: you have neighbours who do not speak much better I mean to go & see Mr & mrs Porter & guard th[em] against regarding Such edle tales they are hu[…] Many would like it very well to have full Swing liberty to take, borrow, & worse things, & because mr Porter & wife will not suffer it. they mean to do them all the mischief they can— If you was here you would soon Settle the matter— your house will be exposed mush when the carpenters get to Work upon it & will need great care a care which no one but Mrs Porter will take. I shall feel very uneasy to have them leave it.
				I thank you for the oration of Major Jacksons Tis the best composition which has been publish’d full of well chosen words & will be admir’d the more tis Studied—
				we are well, but I have not time to say more only do come on as soon as the roads will let you & be very particular in your directions till you do. the roads are almost impassable at present
				yours affectionately

					M Cranch


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 March 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

						my Dear sister
						Philadelphia March 15 1800

					I find the best time for writing, is to rise about an hour earlier than the rest of the family; go into the Presidents Room, and apply myself to my pen. now the weather grows warmer I can do it. His Room in which I now write has three larg windows to the south. the

sun visits it with his earliest beams at the East window, and Cheers it the whole day in winter. all my keeping Rooms are North, but my forenoons are generally Spent in my own Chamber tho a dark one, and I often think of my Sun Shine Cottage at Quincy.

							March 18th

					I was calld from writing on the 15 by a summons below stairs, and have not been able to reassume my pen untill this morning. Yesterday the 17th I received your kind Letter of March 9th. I hope mr Cranch will be able to obtain the appointment he has so much at Heart, but I know not what will be the result of the judiciary Bill which is not yet reported to the House. Congress seem loth to enter upon buisness of the most concequence. some are for postponing this Bill untill the next sessions, which has already Cost much time, and labour of the Committe. they will find themselves much less agreably Situated the next session I presume, besides its being a short one but they have spent much time, and I fear always will upon very trifling buisness— Jacky Randolph & Thomas Nash or Robbins have occupied a whole Month— but whilst there is so great a disposition in the House to let the Jacobins through obsticales in the way of every measure usefull and benificial to the public, and prate whole days, least it should be said that they were affraid to contend with them—much time must & will be waisted—
					I do not regreet that my Nephew is dissapointed, if so he is— I am sure the family connextion could never have proved happy however amiable Ann was, or is, she will be better the wife of any other Man. I never thought it a judicious connextion. oil & water Might as well mix, as the Fathers harmonize, then Boylstone always despiced the ignorance selfishness & want of Breeding in Beals. how was it possible for him, to respect or treat him, as a son ought to treat a Father? Many other things I could add why it was unequal— Ann had been Educated in a different Stile from what she might expect to live— I shall wish her joy more cordially the Wife of mr Prince if they like, or any other Man they chuse. I never want any nearer relationship than that of Neighbour or I know, there was a time I might have had it.—
					I communicated to the President Mr Whitneys desire, and the President says mr Whitney shall have the House and that it shall be put into decent repair— I have directions to write to Dr Tufts upon the subject— the House is to be painted the Garden fence new Sit, and every proper repair made to render it decent & comfortable—but

I am at a loss to know what to do with mr Adamss Books. the furniture belonging to me, I can take away as soon as I can get Room to place it at home; but as the rest part of the House wants the most done to it, that may be accomplishd first. mr Brisler would have his furniture which remains there removed to Mr Mears’s Mrs Mears knows what it is— I heard from mrs smith Yesterday. she says, as her happiness did not consist in the Size of the House in which she lived, it is not essentially diminishd by Removing, from that where she has past the Winter, to a Log Hut that her Disposition is accommodating, that She has always found that she can support herself against the Present, but that in anticipating the future she has much more anxiety— she says there are 13 Hundred Men all in Huts, but so perfectly quiet both by Night and Day that no Noise but that of the Drum & fife is heard amongst them—
					I intend to propose to her passing the summer at Quincy with me. I have not mentiond it to her—
					I am sorry for the distresses misfortunes of my Neighbours— particuliarly so for dr Phips whose situation must be very distressing, with a large Young family Present me kindly to mr & mrs Greenleaf when you see them. their Brother James is here; and has been to see us a number of times. I saw him yesterday walking with miss Allyne, as I was going to return some visits. she is a beautifull figure, and with the assistance of a little Rouge, a beautifull face, which however I think she does not need— He appears as easy, and looks as happy, as tho neither care or sorrow ever approachd his Heart
					Tell miss hazel that she is in so good Hands that I cannot think she wants any advise of mine, as I believe her to be modest diffident & tracktable. it was oweing to a different opinion that I offerd to an other an admonition. the Lay Preacher of Pensilvana who has publishd a peice in Fennos Gazzet of the last week thinks there are some Ladies in this city, who stand in need of admonition, & I fully agree with him. his text, was “In like Manner also, that women adorn themselves in Modest apparel.”— He observes that where the Semblance of Modesty is wanting, there is strong ground to presume the absence of the virtue itself. what shall we say then? is there virtue in the woman who artfully seeks to display the rich luxuriance of natur’s Charms, at the hazard and expence of sporting with all claim to Chaste appearence?—
					The stile of dress which the preacher attacks is really an outrage upon all decency— I will describe it as it has appeard even at the

drawing Room— a sattin peticoat of certainly not more than three breadths gored at the top, nothing beneath but a chimise over this thin coat, a Muslin sometimes, Sometimes a crape made so strait before as perfectly to show the whole form, the arm naked almost to the shoulder and without Stays or Bodice a tight girdle round the waist, and the “rich Luxurience of naturs Charms” without a hankerchief fully displayd. The face a la mode de Paris—Red as a Brick hearth. when this Lady has been led up to Make her curtzey which she does most gracefully it is true— every Eye in the Room has been fixd upon her, and you might litterally see through her— but in this stile of Dress, She has danced nor regarded the splitting out of her scanty coat. upon the occasion, I askd a young Gentleman, if Miss —— was at the dance last Evening. the replie, was yes most wickedly— to do justice to the other Ladies—I cannot accuse them of Such departures from female decorum, but they most of them wear their Cloaths too scant upon the body & too full upon the Bosom for my fancy; not content with the show which nature bestows; they borrow from art, and litterally look like Nursing Mothers— to Disguise the Strait appearence of the Gowns before, those Aprons, which you say look like fig leaves, were adopted— the Mother of the Lady described & sister, being fine women and in the first Rank, are leaders of the fashion—but they show more of the … than the Decent Matron, or the modest woman—
					I am glad to learn that sister Peabody has recoverd her Spirits. she must not be too hard upon Betsy nor forget that she herself was once Young—and possesst a heart as liable to impressions—and as susceptable of the tender passions as any body I can recollect. Betsy has a heridatary spice of the Romantic in her constitution. Guide her right. her heart is good. a cold youth, would be a frozen Age— if she has more pangs in concequence of her disposition she has more pleasures— adieu my dear sister
					I must write to dr Tufts before the post goes out
					affectionatly Your sister

						A A


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 15 March 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

						Dear Sir
						Philadelphia March 15th 1800

					Last Sunday the tenth, we had a deep snow here and as I know we usually have our proportion at the Eastward I fear it has obstructed the commencment of our Building, but at present the weather here is very Moderate; I hope, equally so with You. I wrote to you inclosing two Hundred Dollors under cover to mr Smith of Boston. you will inform me whether it got Safe to hand the President says if you have present occasion, You may apply to Gen’ll Lincolm for what ever you want. the interest upon the funds you have, he had rather you would apply when due to the purchase of New stock, and call upon him for what you want for other expendatures. I saw in a late Paper that the Gen’ll court had granted to the cannal company a perpetual annuity upon their Share’s which I think will render the property Valuable; as you are concernd in them, if not on Your own account as agent for others, you can inform me whether it would be advantages to purchase in some Shares when any are to be sold, at what price the shares sell at &c I have just read an able report of Judge Sullivans respecting the cannals. the property will not be Productive for some time to come I know, but cannot fail to be so in process of time.
					The President will write to you his own sentiments respecting the new Road. I always sit my face against it, and do hope the petitioners will not succeed, but if they do, the advantage will not pay the expence I think— I would not encounter the Musketos in some parts of the Season, to Shorten 4 mile’s of the Road. I have been thinking whether it would be best to engage William Phebys Husband by the Month to work in the Garden. she says he understands it. George planted out some Grape Vines last year and tho a very drunken

fellow, did a good deal of service— therefore in diging the Garden much care should be taken— I design if the Roads will permit to be home early in May. Stutson is so slow and old, and So uncertain that no dependance is to be placed upon him. he must however attend to the strawberrys and assparagrass Beds Soon— the President says he does not intend to have any ground broken up for corn so that less labour will be required— shipley promised me to return by the first of April I hope he will keep his word— if oats are to be had at Bridgewater or Abington two Hunderd Bushels will be wanted; corn does not answer to give Horses—
					I believe I mentiond to you the fence before Mr Clarks Garden— mr Porter or French can get Some Red ceadar posts, and the fence had better be new set as Soon as the frost is out of the ground, and a new Gate made. If a new corn House could be built for French out of materials which we may be able to spair, I wish you would have it done, without Saying any thing further about it. I know it will be approved when done—but to a person unaccustomed to building, having no Love for it, or taste about it—it is urksome— you will be So good sir as to send me the dimensions of the Rooms after the clossets are taken off, the height of the Jams and the length and width of the Hearth—also the size of my keeping parlour you will give Mrs Cranch Your Letters, and then I can communicate such parts as I chuse—
					you will see by the papers that a Majority of the House have voted Peace to the Ghost of Robbins, which was conjured up for to answer particuliar purposes—
					with a kind remembrance to all Friends—
					I am dear Sir your truly affectionate

						A Adams

					Porter must plant Potatoes early in April Be so good as to get me a Lavator made upon as large a scale as my family will require—


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 22 March 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					my dear sister

						March 22 1800

				I received Your Letter yesterday. I know from what I Saw and heard whilst I was at home that there was pains taken to make Mr & Mrs Porter uneasy, and that they were too apt to listen to stories which were in themselves Idle, and [ra]ised from Envy. many would be glad to get into their hands such a charge as is left with mr & Mrs Porter, who would not be so honest in their care and attention of our Property. I feel a safety in leaving my things to their care, because as I know it is their Duty faithfully to fulfill the trust, I consider them conscientious people, and having a principle of honesty, that they will not betray the confidence reposed in them— I would have you Say to them that I had much rather they should continue upon the place than make the exchange for any other persons, and the President would not have them go, this Season. if I remain through the winter at Quincy I may not think it necessary to continue a Family through the winter, but in that case, I have mentiond my terms for mr Porter which I think generous ones— as to any persons who may offer, I Do not know any whom I should like. I cannot think of taking any person with Children, or who may be like to have any: I hope every exertion will be made by mr Bates to get forward the building, that it May be compleated by the last of May at furtherst—
				I intended giving mrs Porter a Muff this winter. if she has not one, will you get one for her of about four dollors value and give it her in My Name. if Mr Cary should come with flax—be so good as to get me 30 weight— I inclose ten dollors for these purposes—
				we have had two Days Severe rain I hope it has not been snow with you. I must depend upon you to visit our House and with mrs Porter see the things removed, when the Carpenters begin to work:
				Mrs Porter will want help. I understand Zube is with mrs Tufts. I presume it is only Conditionally for I expressly engaged her to return to me in the Spring
				do you know whether mrs Brigs who lived with mrs Black would

go out again & what she is for a Cook. I must get a woman Some where who will undertake that buisness— do be upon the inquiry for me— I shall not encumber myself with Frank & family—nor shall I have more than three or four Men Servants this Season—
				adieu my Dear Sister Send the inclosed Letter to Dr Tufts as soon as you can with Love to you all, I am my Dear sister / Your affectionate

					A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 22 March 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dear sir
					Philadelphia March 22 1800

				I received Yours yesterday. it should have been two Days earlier, but the Roads are at the worst, and we have now had two Days heavey rain; which upon our Soil will Settle them, but from hence to N york renders them ten fold worse— in replie to your queries, Brisler says that he & mr Bates drew the plan before he came away, and that the cellar must be his guide, that the plan was, to have the building 30 foot in front; ten foot of that for the entry, which would leave the width of the Room 19 foot clear allowing the Walls a foot thick. the length of the building to be 32 foot taking four foot clear for clossets, Wall one foot, leaves the Room 27 long, to be dropt as much as he can allow it, making the Windows without side to conform to the House. mr Brisler says he also agreed with Mr Bates about the bigness of the arch for the chimneys—the Manner of the stair case &c & that mr Bates will find the plan which they drew if he has not lost it— I will come to Quincy as soon as the travelling will permit, but that will not be untill the beginning of May.
				I told mr Shipley I would give him a hundred and 20 dollors by

the year, and no more. he could not have misunderstood me. I pray you would Settle that upon his first comeing— he is a good hand at stone wall. as to an other Man, if mr Porter thinks best, & you do also, you will hire him for 7 or 8 months, provided he is a good mower— I should be very loth Mr & Mrs Porter should go away. I wish you to put them upon their Gaurd against the Idle tattle of persons who would be very glad to see them removed, and who envy them their Situation; I know that we are not to expect every thing from any persons whom we may employ, but I know not any persons who will take more prudent care of our interest in our absence or to whom I can so safely confide it. as to the persons you mention, I have no desire to have a fire kindled about My Ears, and Children I will not have; it would not answer by any means if Mr Porter is fixd upon going— I would at least have them remain untill I return. I would rather Hire a single woman to Cook & take charge of the workpeople, than take in any Family I can think of. we are much too near together to have things go on right with a family who have large connections—
				I repeat to you sir that if you can dispose of three thousand dollors advantageously—deducting what you want towards the Building; the President will draw an order for that Sum upon Gen’ll Lincoln
				I See not any prospect of Congress rising untill some time in June—
				I shall have as I wrote you the hearths and fronts of the jams of Marble, which I shall procure here as soon as I know the dimensions—
				I wrote you last week respecting the House in which mr Clark lives—
				with my best respects / I am dear sir / your

					A Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Richard Cranch, 27 March 1800
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, Richard

					My respected Uncle.
					Philadelphia 27th: March 1800.

				I have to acknowledge the receipt of, and to thank you for your kind favor of the 7th: instt: which came to hand ten days ago. The

extract from Col: T Johnson’s letter, contains information, which is very useful to be known by the distant proprietors of lands in the State of Vermont, and I shall very shortly write upon the subject of ours, to that Gentleman— The Surveyor General Mr: Whitelaw has heretofore had some Agency in paying off arrears of road & other taxes— I may perhaps have occasion to employ him further in the management of the business, but shall not forget Mr: Johnson if his services should be required.
				It has given me great pleasure to hear of your’s and my Aunt’s health during the course of this Winter— My parents have, likewise, for the most part, enjoyed tolerable health, though my Mother now & then has a memento of her old complaints— She is not now so well as usual, but we hope her indisposition will be but transitory—
				I have most sincerely wished, that I had the Ability to be more serviceable to your worthy Son, my Cousin William, than I have been. I interested myself as much as I could to procure his appointment to the Clerkship of the Supreme Court of the U.S. on the resignation of the present occupant, and I have a reasonable hope that he will obtain it, as soon as the seat of GOVT: is removed to Washington— He is opposed but by one competitor, and though he is brought forward with considerable patronage—I think his pretentions are far inferior to those of your Son, in whose favor, at least two of the Judges, are, I think warmly interested.
				Present my best love to my Aunt & both her daughters, grand daughters & sons not forgetting my little namesake, & believe me with much esteem & respect, Dear Sir, / Your Nephew

					T. B. Adams


Title: Hannah Cushing to Abigail Adams, 28 March 1800
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail

					Middletown March the 28th. 1800:

				Your sisterly kindness to me my dear Madam induces me to believe that to hear of our welfare will not be uninteresting to you. We were blessed with fine weather every day until the last from Newhaven here when the wind at NE produced a violent snow storm that night (the 28 of Feby) & the next day, when we considered ourselves very fortunate beings in arriving here before it took place. The dreaded Powleshook ferry I never crossed with less fear & indeed I can say the same of the other two. It was our intention to have staid here but a few days in expectation of reaching Boston while the frost remained in the ground; but one of our horses geting lame on the road has prevented it. We are now waiting for the roads to settle in some measure. The weather is now fine; if it continues we intend to proceed next week. However the days pass pleasantly away in the society of my relations, & in the renewal of friendships formed in youthful days. We got to New York the 22nd. but not in time to hear Dr Lin’s Oration: judging by what was said of it, it was in an elevated strain. Dr Dwights we expect to see as soon as it is printed. I shall be much disappointed if it is not a very good one. He avoided reading anything on the subject untill he wrote. I hope he was not unmindful, as too many others have been to remember mercies as well as judgments, & that unspeakable gratitude is still due to the Supreme ruler of the universe. We are assured from good authority that Mr Strongs Sermon was written after three OC— in the morning on the same day it was delivered; but he recollected that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. I conclude you have been deprived of the society of Mrs Smith some time. I hope she enjoys good health & is comfortably situated. Please to remember my love to her. If the manuscript possessed by her, which you read to me upon what Females ought to be (not what they are said to be in Paris, & some I could name not a 1000 miles from us) is printed it would give me pleasure to be possessed of it. This day we had a pleasing sight of above 20 Vessels under sail coming up the river at one time. We hear very frequently from my brother. The accounts are flattering as to his health, & business— Mrs Stahl was so unwell when we left her that I took leave of her with an aking heart. I hope she has recover’d.
				Mr Cushing joins me in grateful respects to the President &

yourself, & in wishing health & happiness to attend you. A letter from you will be thankfully received by your friend

					H Cushing


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 1 April 1800
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

						N

							o

						16

					15. Feby 25
					Philadelphia 1st: April 1800

				Since the date of my last, I have received none from you, though we are in expectation of arrivals from Hamburg, which we think must bring Some tidings of or from you.
				I wrote a letter to Messrs: Marks & Co. very soon after the receipt of the papers of Mr: Engel, and in the course of a few days after, got an answer copy of which I now enclose.— I have put the business into the hands of Mr: Malcom, formerly Secretary to the P——t, who is in the practice of Law at New York, and who thinks something may in time be recovered, by a sale of the lands, though he could not say how much— He informed me that the affairs of Messrs: Marks & C°. have for some time been considered desperate, and thinks nothing more than the provision made for the German Creditors, could be secured by further process. Mr: Malcom has conversed with Messrs: Marks & also with their Attorney, who assured him that the tract of land was capable of division by the terms of reservation & the title Deeds are lodged in the hands of a very respectable Gentleman at N York for the benefit of the concern, in Trust.
				Congress are still in Session—nothing but hot weather will drive them off the ground. Measures of great importance have been agitated towards the close of the season, and some have been adopted, though not without a struggle— Such, for example, was the Bankrupt Bill, which long labored in the house & finally passed by the Speaker’s vote, though a majority of the Members would have voted

for it, had they been in the house when the question was taken. In Senate, Gentlemen were much divided, as you will see by the votes— it was not altogether a party question, but the Mercantile interest was generally unfriendly to the measure, because it will limit in a degree their hitherto boundless propensity to over trade, which has been attended with consequences of a most destructive nature to the Commercial prosperity of the Country. The Exports from the U.S. for the last year, exceed $70 millions whereas the Imports fell short of former years— A deficiency of revenue is the consequence & the Government must again borrow four or five millions for the service of the current year— If this state of things were to exist for any considerable time, we should have a debt to hang about our necks as the English have, though I believe sincerely it is not so much to be deprecated as it often has been— A Government certainly strengthens itself much by being in debt to the people it protects, rather than by their being much in arrear with it, so that I am tolerably sure, that the best & only policy of a Government like ours, is not to be oversolicitous to avoid borrowing from the public; however, to avow sentiments like these, would be at all times extreemly disgusting and odious to our sovereigns—not less so than to advocate a National consolidation of Government—both of which, in the opinions of many, are very desirable objects to be realized.
				The Bill reported in Congress for improving the Judiciary System, has met with great opposition— It will not pass as reported, though a modification of it may— Consolidation of the States, is the bug bear so much dreaded, and private views in some instances got the better of devotion to the public cause—this is neither a new thing or an extraordinary one—though I think it grows more rapidly than heretofore— Nevertheless as much harmony & liberality have prevailed during this Session of Congress, as any I remember— The Demo’s have made two desperate attempts to rouse popular clamor—to interest the passions of the vulgar and persuade them that their dearest rights & liberties are on the verge of destruction, &ca: but with all their efforts, they were able, very seldom to get a full Gallery in Congress—
				The Senate of the U.S. instituted process a few days since against Duane the Editor of the Aurora, for a contempt of their body breach of privilege, in publishing a Bill then before them, as having already passed, and making some false & scandalous remarks upon the same, with other representations of their proceedings, equally false & malicious— A Resolution was first brought forward to ascertain

who was the Actual Editor of the Aurora—which being done, other resolutions were proposed and passed, for bringing the said Editor before them— He was accordingly summoned to appear, on a given day—(Monday the 24th: March) which he did—the accusation being read to him, he addressed the Senate in a few words, the purport of which was, that he was no Lawyer & being fearful that his ignorance of forms, might establish a precedent unfriendly to the liberties of his fellow citizens, he beg’d to be heard by Counsel— This the Senate did not refuse, but judged proper to prescribe the terms on which his Counsel should be admitted to defend him—viz, not to question the jurisdiction of that tribunal, nor to justify the offence— Dallas & Cooper, who were both applied to, would not undertake the defence on such conditions— Of course he did not appear at the day assigned for his hearing— The Senate then proceeded to other steps for the purpose of securing his person, for a contempt, and passed the necessary resolve—obliging their President to issue his Warrant for apprehending the said Duane—which has been done, but the Culprit has seen fit to skulk & has either secreted himself in his house in the City, or fled from it, for the time being.
				The impudence of the jacobin faction, is almost beyond human patience to endure—it increases every hour in this state, which is beyond a doubt the focus of sedition. Our Legislature have adjourned without passing a law on the subject of Electors, which will oblige their being again convoked in the Summer, but no expectations are entertained that any mode will be agreed upon— There is more political trimming in this State than I believed possible to exist—the powers that be, carry all, like a torrent with them; only a few, will not bow the knee to Baal—
				I have done but little business of a professional nature hitherto, but yet more than I looked for— When I begin to grow hungry, it will be time enough to sell myself for a mess of potage—
				Our parents are well and have been so, generally, all the Season. As soon as Congress rise, they will leave me once more to bask in all the effulgence of a Philadelphia Summer, and all the tedium of cheerless celibacy— I may add however by way of consolation, with all the liberty of that condition—
				We have passed a very pleasant & comfortable winter here, and you will believe me, when I assert, though perhaps reluctantly enough, that all the winters I spent abroad were not worth a week at home, though my personal anxiety & concern were much less then than now. The charm of self importance was unknown to me, ’till since I

began to retail the law to the few casual applicants at my Office—it taught me to think more & better of myself than I was wont, and you know what a fascination there is in this.
				Farewell— I did not think to write more than a dozen lines, when I began; / Your’s


Title: Abigail Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 4 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cushing, Hannah Phillips

					my Dear Madam
					[4 April 1800]

				I received Your obliging favour dated march 28th upon the 2 of this Month. it gave me great pleasure to learn that you had such fine Roads and agreable weather for Your journey I was daily rejoicing in it; for I was the more attentive to it upon your account. I knew not where you had taken up Your residence, or I should have written to you. I found you from my Sister that you had not past Quincy; I shall forward this Letter under cover to her with a request to send

it, forward to situate if you have proceeded as you expected— the weather has assumed the appearence of spring the Earth is putting on a new suit. the trees corresponding with their Parent, are shooting their Branches and spreading their leaves whilst, the lively song of the Birds hail the welcome approach of the renovating Season; reminding Me of my Garden at Quincy & that like Eden of old it calls for culture, the pruning knife & the labourer; I feel loth to leave the President who will be detaind I fear by Congress to a later day than I dare trust myself here—
				Yesterday arrived capt Barry & brought dispatches from our Envoys to the 10th of Feb’ry at Burgos in Spain they had upon their arrival sent a courier to Paris to inform the Minister of their arrival. they proceeded on their Journey as far as Bourgos when the Courier met them with pasports from Talleyrand and a very civil Letter, assureing them that there would be no difficulty on account of their Letters of Credence, that they had been impatiently look’d for, and would be received with Zeal, is the expression, that the Letters forwarded by them for Mr Murry would be sent to him immediatly with a passport. the statement given of mr Murrys being already arrived in Paris, is not true I think it probable that our Envoys, if they have a speedy journey May have the supreem honour to be the first to enter into negotiation with King Buonaparty; I should be as loth to place implicit confidence in his assureances as those of his Predecessors—and a powerfull Navey will be our best Security for the faithfull performance of any treaty which may be formed, as well as to command respect from the Mistress of the Ocean— You have seen I trust in the publick papers that the Ghost of Robbins was laid by a vote of a large Majority of the House of Representives, after being properly exorcised by Mr Bayard & Marshal— he has been a costly Deamon to the united states, Supported by fellow Deamons—
				Duane is obliged to hide himself and Sculk inorder to escape the Justice which awaits him from a Warrant issued by the committe of Priviledges in senate, for a false & scandelous libel publishd in his paper against that honorable Body— he dare not meet the justice of the country which affords him an assylum— Cooper of Norththumberland & Dallis were his counsel— Milton has this expression

					devil with devil damn’d, firm concord hold!

				Mrs smith left me soon after You went away, but not soon enough to escape very bad Roads. she found her habitation more comfortable

than she expected, as her happiness She says was never measured by the size of the house, or the Elegance of the stile in which She lived She can accommodate herself to her situation; and feel thankfull for the blessings she is in the possession of—
				“To rise with Dignity & fall with ease” is true Philosophy— the consideration that,

					we want but little here below
					Nor want that little long

				Should familirize & reconcile the mind tho to those frequent changes & and vissisitudes of Life which “Man is Heir too.[”] I have no contempt of Riches—they are tallents which are given to the possessor to be used for the benifit of individuals, & upon which allso the community have claims, and when so improved, become blessings— but they are generally attended with so many allurements to Luxery and Dissipation, that food and rament, with a competence to the situation in which we are placed in Life, is more desirable than great Wealth, in which there must be great trouble—
				I quit Moralizing to inform you that mrs stael soon recoverd from the indisposition under which she labourd when you left her— I inclose to you the ode which was publishd with the address of an old Man— if it has not any influence upon the Manners of one whom who I fear is callous both in mind and person, I hope it will deter others from a Servile imitation—
				the President joins me in Regard to the judge and Yourself— with Sentiments of sincere Regard I am your / truly affectionate Friend

					A A


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 4 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dear sir
					Philadelphia April 4 1800

				I have this moment received yours of the 26th of March with respect to mr Porter I should be loth to part with him for the Sake of a few dollors, and as he has been upon the place so long, & is accustomed to it, and I have great confidence in his & Mrs Porters Honesty and integrity, I will consent to give him that sum for Seven Months, but pray that to avoid envy, he would keep the terms to himself and promise to be perfectly satisfied with them. he knows there are people enough hankering after his place, as to mr shipley the terms he asks for a year are altogether inadmissable, and if he will not take the 100 20 for a year, I believe he and his Brother must Seek employment else where. mr Black gave but ten dollors through the best of the Season last year to any hands he hired. I have always [fo]und Labourers more inclined to make high demands at this season than when the price of Labour is fixd, which it seldom is, untill the middle of this Month. if he will let himself for the Year at the sum I considered him engaged at; he may remain & his Brother 8 Months at 10 dollors pr Month. if not I am persuaded help may be had for that Shipley is a good hand, but he will be none the better for higher wages and I do not believe they will get it else where. to the Elder shipley I woud add 100 25, if he cannot be got at the 100 20—but you will soon see when you give them my terms, and these You will however write Me again; and be so good as give me the price of Labour, Surely it cannot be higher than in years past; but the President must pay higher for every thing than any one Else; that we are accustomed to. I will leave to Mr Bates’s judgment the painting. My intention is to make the Room over the Dinning Room

a Room to entertain company in, taking off clossets as in the lower Room the size of the Chimneys about the same to those in capt Beals best Room which I wish mr Bates to see. My desire to have the painting done Soon is that I may not be afflicted with it when I return. I wish the exact Dimensions of the keeping parlour next the garden. I am not certain with respect to it—
				I mean to sit out on my return the beginning of May. the warm weather is fast approaching. I rode out yesterday. the Grain looks finely the weeping willows are all leaving out & the buds bursting upon the fruit trees. congress do buisness with more expidition than at first, but have many weighty matters yet before them. capt Barry returnd yesterday & brought Letters from our Envoys who were on there way to Paris which they expected to reach the beginning of March— they Sent a courier to Paris informing the minister of the causes of their Delay. this courier they met returning with pasports for them, and a very polite Letter from Tallyrand informing them that they had been anxiously expected & would be received with Zeal, and that no difficuly would arise upon account of the change in the Government, as their Letters of credence would be considerd as equally valid—with strong expression of respect &c citizen Talleyrand concludes his Letter— You will see in the papers a similar account— I will in my next give you the price of the seed. I wish to have large preperations for a Garden where the potatoes were last year as well as below.
				I must close least the post fail me, as it is near 12 oclock. I trust you have received my replie as it respects mr Clarks House— any thing you conclude will be acceeded to both by the President & your truly / affectionate

					A Adams


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 9 April 1800
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear Madm.
					Weymouth April 9th. 1800

				Your several Letters of the 15, 18 & 22d: have reliev’d my Mind and led me more fully to comprehend the Business before me. I mentiond to you Mr. Porters Terms. I presume you will think it best to comply with them, being confident that you will not meet with more faithful & trusty Persons than He & his Wife— He wants a greater Degree of Self Sufficiency to command at all Times with Advantage—but from a Desire of approving himself to his Employers, He has perhaps acquird a Habit of asking advice, where He ought himself to decide & dictate— Both of them also brought into a different Scituation of Life than they were bred up in—may like others in like Circumstances have some new Feelings &C— I have engagd both the Shipley’s, the younger who was with you the last year @ 128 Dollars for the year, the elder @ 12 Dollrs per month for 8 Months, both from the 24th. of March last—these were the lowest Terms I could procure them for. they are both excellent hands at making of Wall— I found there was no Time to be lost, Business was crowding fast upon us, and under present Circumstances, even a Loss of 40 or 50 Dollars would not be an Object, If it is intended to carry into Execution, what was proposed, in Season— Yesterday Mrs. Cranch enclos’d Bates’s Queries to Mr Brisler and a Plan— Bates is pursuing the Business as You proposed— He will raise the Building to morrow and next Tuesday the Masons will begin, the Chimneys—if nothing extraordinary prevents. Bates supposed the Bigness of the Arch of the Chimney would be 6 Feet—but the Mason perhaps will be the better Judge—
				I have spoke to Stetson to take the Charge of the Asparagus & Strawberry Beds— it will perhaps be best to engage W Phobes Husband for the general Business of the Garden, and shall set him to work in a Day or two, the Garden is yet very wet— a most extraordinary Freshet occurd last Week—it raind from 12 oClock on Thursday Night to Saturday 12 oClock at Noon, the Rain for 12 Hours before

it ceasd was like a heavy Thunder Shower— much Damage to Bridges & Dams is mentiond
				The Lavator is engaged the and shall secure the Oates as soon as possible I hear of none at Bridgewater— 3/ per Bushell has been the Price—
				I am not yet enough inform’d to determine where to vest the Money to the best advantage, some Enquiries have been made, as soon as a favourable opportunity presents, shall draw as proposed— If in this and former Letters I have not adverted to all You have mentiond, You must remind me for I have not Time to preserve Copies— Mr. Clark informs me, that He shall remove in the Course of a fortnight by that Time I hope to have the Fences there, & most of the other Matters compleated—
				Our electioneering on Monday last, proceeded as for several Years past—the offspring of Party or rather of Faction—on one Side, the Honl Mr Strong & the Honl Mr Gerry on the other. great Zeal and some ill Temper were [seen] in some Towns— Mr- Gerry had the Majority in Boston and in Many others near the Capital— I have not heard from Towns at a Distance it is at present doubtful which will obtain it. The Jacobins were every where united— they gave up Heath and adhered closely to Gerry. The Meeting in this Town was in the upper Parish, to my Surprize, that infamous wretch B. Hitchb——e was among the Senators voted for by the Jacobins.
				Adieu / Yrs.

					C. T—


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 10 April 1800
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					Madam—
					Union Brigade April 10th. 1800

				I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 30th. I am much gratified that the proceedings of this Brigade meets with your approbation, I hope it will be entitled to your good opinion & wishes to the end of—its military Career— my assiduities and pointed attention shall not be wanting—
				I have daily causes of exultation, and am very frequently complimented, By The Commanding General and The Adjutant General, by questions on points of Duty, and military arrangements— I answer fully and freely, and receive their thanks— Modesty and silent attention to the duties of my station, will sett things right yet— I attended Mrs: Smith last friday week to Newyork, where she yet remains the letters you have addressed to her, I detain untill her return, I expect every day orders to attend her, here again, She say’s the Camp is the most quiet & orderly settlement she ever was in— she had no Idea, that there could be so much tranquility, order, and Harmony in a Camp, she begins to suspect, she shall be rather attached, to a Camp life, Caroline was a constant attendant on the Grand parade and begs mama to stay alway’s in camp and be soldier-folks,—& when mama proposed to go to Newyork, she said ay, mama, may be Papa won’t give us a furlough, & no body can go from Camp if Papa say’s no, so take care may be he’ll put us under guard—
				May we flatter ourselves, with the expectation of a Visit?—
				Accept of my acknowledgements for the civilities shewn to Major Cocks, and permit me to introduce to your polite attention Capt-White of the 11th. Regt. The officer who spoke the oration on the 22d. of Feby. he is an amiable Genteel officer, and highly entitled to attention as is also his Companion Lt. Caldwell of the 11th— I should not be ashamed of them in st. James’s Park, or in the Palace Gardens of the Louvrè— permit me to Solicit your correspondence, and that you will favour me, with a statement now & then, of our foreign politicks. it will be instructive & amusing— I suspect we shall not collectively find ourselves, on beds of roses, even if our Commissioners Succeed, which for the present I suppose there is little doubt, & if they do fully?— How will our King in England stand?— accept of our thanks for the news-papers, & believe me most respectfully Yours, &—

					W: S: Smith


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1800
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear sister
					Quiny April 11th 1800.

				My fears are all alive. cousin Thomas wrote mr Cranch that his Mother was not so well as she had been. I have observ’d many threatnings for some weeks past, many cares upon the mind some perplexities—all to be revolv’d when the Head is laid upon the Pillow added to the Rhumaick affections which march generally produces— surely here are causes enough to make me fear that sickness is the cause of my not receiving a Letter from my dear Sister the last week. to morrows mail will I hope releave my Mind—
				Congress are coming to a close I find & I shall expect to see you by the middle of May if able to ride so far. a journey taken in this delightful season may be friendly to your health if you do not hurry thro’: The work upon your House is hurring on the Rooms are Rais’d I have not been to see them without any evil accident. I remov’d a Monday all the glass from the closet Mr Porter was groaning about help I told her you expected Zuby to return to her in the spring— She said you had not possitively engag’d her. she had rather have her than any one else. She Says mrs Tufts is very unwilling to part with her, but tho’ her sister likes the Family she is not contented She does not like so still a Life & She thinks She will return she call’d her upon her way to her Sister the day before yesterday with a Bundle in her hand. I was not at home So do not know if She means to return to Mrs Tufts or not
				Mrs Black thinks you Might do very well with Mrs Briggs for a cook (if You enter into particular ingagments with her I believe her Temper is not So agreable as one could wish). She must know what is expected of her. an obliging disposition would not make a difficulty about triffles If you will venture I will apply immediately. She knows how to Cook any thing & is a remarkable good Baker
				as mr Whitney is publish’d I think he will be married soon mr Clark leaves the House in a fortnight. Mr Black has a large dry chamber in Which mr adams Book may be put Mr Black has offer’d

the Room. The furniture mr whitneys Says may be left till you wish to remove it. mr Mears will remove Mr Brislers so all things seem to go on Very Smoothly
				If mrs Porter was as easy & happy in her disposition as her Husband there would be no difficulies for you to encounter with them If she had as good health tis possible she might be, tho I question it Thier Faces indicate different degrees of tranquility in their formation
				so far as we have yet heard mr Gerry has a large Majority for Governor but the returns from the upper counties are not come in. there has been a trial for Jacobin Senators whether they have succeeded I do not know. mr Gerry was brought forward by Jacobins & supported by many Feds. If the President had not known him to have been a Man of abilities & integrety he would not have sent him an Envoy to France, say both parties. his Soul had not been try’d before— President washington appointed Munroe minister to the same place—but would he have chosen him Governor of V——a after his return? how foolishly people argue when they want a pretext for their actions which are is ostensible only
				do you know how it was that so totally Secluded as we were in [our] childhood from the world. we came to be so interested in the [po]liticks of it at so earley a Period of Life—I think I can tell. what other Subject did we hear our Father & master witmarsh converse upon when they met or our venerable Grandfather—major Humphry—Doctor Tufts & a few more of our dear Parents particular Friends, & tho none of the conversation was addressd to us, yet it furnish’d us with valuable Ideas: it lead us to read the foreign news in the publick prints, to read the debates of the British Parlement & to turn over the Historick Page of the History of Nations: method was wanting in our Studies, & we had no one to point us to it, no one that notic’d with what avidity we attended to, & treasur’d up the observations which fell from their Lips. our Parents felt the necessaty of keeping us from Scenes of disapation & frivolity, & left the rest to nature & I will say genious, whether they discover’d it or not. For our last in the Bell-Letters we are indebted to—You know who—
				but I must close. the mail will be ready to take this before I have finish’d—if I begin a new page accept this / with Love from your grateful & affectionate Sister

					Mary Cranch


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

						my Dear Sister
						April 15 1800 Philadelphia

					I received a few lines from You Yesterday. in replie to mr Bates queries, I would have the Room above finishd off the same Size with the lower Room, the North clossets to remain in the Room and chamber, the stairs to be one flight, a portico with a flat Top which I would have leaded, and a smilar one built over the front door of the House, the two trees cut down, but I do not wish to have the window to open to the floor, because the window in the other entry does not, and cannot easily be made to, and I wish to preserve as much uniformity in appearence as possible the fence in front will be made to conform with the other, the Side fence I would not have at present removed; I wish to have the length & Breadth of the Hearths as soon as May be intending to get Marble cut for them as well as for the sides and front of the chimney without. I would have a chimny made in the upper Chamber or Garret, windows to the North as well as South & 2 upon the Side of the chimny if they can be admitted, and the chamber made as convenient & handsome as it will admit
					I hope workman will be employd so as to get along as fast as possible. I shall have many a schooling for the sound of the hammer &c and for not having the buisness finished Sooner than I fear it will be accomplishd— the painting in the old part I hope will be done directly—
					Mrs Porter must have help if Zuby chuses to stay & Mrs Tufts to keep her,—I certainly will not Say a word. Mrs Porter must look out & get other help— Mrs Johnson desires to be rememberd. I Must send this directly to the post or miss it
					yours

						A Adams

					I am very well & Sleep soundly—when I am not vexed


Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 16 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

					my Dear sister

						April 16th [1800]

				I have received two Charming Letters from my much loved sister since my last to her. they demand from me a More minute reply than my time will allow, being unwilling to leave a visitor who has been with me for a week past, Mrs Johnson & Son from Georgetown, the Mother and Brother of My Dear absent Sons Louissa, tho formerly known to me as a visitor an acquaintance merly, without any particuliar interest in more than an agreable person & pleasing manners excite. I find since the familis are united by marriage much greater and more powerfull attractions towards it. add to this mrs Johnson is a sensible well bred discreet woman, with polite and affable manners: I expect her to remain with me a week longer—
				The season my dear sister is delightfull. the grass & grain have spread over the late barren plains & feilds, a verdure which invigorates the spirits, and gives pleasure to the Eye, raising which you behold the Trees all corresponding with their parent Earth, streching forth their luxurient Branches drest in natures most pleasing livery. the weeping Willow, which is a favorite tree with Me, from the gracefullness of its slender branches, and which float and wave to every breaze, intermixt with tall strait & Elegant poplar, form a most Charming assembledge planted and intermixt as they are throughout every street in this large & populus city— as they are of quick growth thousands of them have been planted out and grown to a Surprizing height Since I first a resident in this city and contribute greatly to the Beauty of it, releiving the Eye from the dead and flat appearence of the brick walls of the Houses— the streets here are all upon strait lines crossd like a checker board, the Width of them add greatly to the Elegance convenience & beauty of the city—and admit of trees upon each side of them, paved with larg brick upon each side upon which foot passengers always walk, so that you never see a person in the middle of the street but with waggons or carriages— since Congress first sit here, the city has grown one third— most of the Elegant Houses have been built within the last ten years—
				I have past one of the pleasentest winters which I have experienced for many Years. thanks to the Giver of every good gift, my Health has been firmer, and I have experienced less indisposition than for many Years past. Some Sleepless night I have had, but they have been few in Number compared with the last winter. I propose

returning to Boston Quincy in the next Month. Congress talk of rising then, but I rather fear they will Sit into June. Your son is some afflicted with what I may properly stile our Family infirmity, the Rhumatism. Thomas is equally So, but neither of them have been confined with it.—
				I am persuaded Your Abbes feverish habit proceeds from worms. try the wafers which I gave you for her, they are safe. I have used them for caroline smith. use the cold Bath for her, and by gentle excercise and Air strengthen her Habit; a change of Air may also prove salubrious to her I shall hope for a visit from you my dear sister as soon after my return as you can make it convenient. the kind of Lawn which you request to have, is not be had here. I shall attend to the Linnen but from the confusions in Ireland, they come out much higher than formerly. we Made a peice up for your son, the beginning of the Winter.
				My Love to Miss Palmer. do not blame Nature, by which she is endowed with strong passions & a Warm Heart; I never was an advocate, “for logs of Green wood which quench the coals” nor do I believe that in this matures age of Reason and reflection I should find any attractions in a stoic Soul— the kind and friendly admonitions of Parental experience, should not be disregarded, nor the check the too enthusiasm of youth, and teach them to view the world as it really is, and humane nature as it will be found, full of imperfections, much to forgive & much to be forgiven— Youth is the season for joy, for hope, for pleasure & for improvement; made it is excess alone which renders these blessings hurtfull— but I Must hasten to close my Letter with / assureing my Dear sister that / I am her truly affectionate

					A A


Title: Abigail Adams to Anna Greenleaf Cranch, 17 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Anna Greenleaf

						my dear Mrs Cranch
						Philadelphia April 17th 1800

					We have experienced very great anxiety for several days past upon mr Cranch account. mr Johnson in a Letter to mrs Johnson informd her that Mr Cranch had returnd very ill from court and that his disorder was the Billious Cholic, and that the Children were also sick; I pray you to inform me by the next post if possible how mr Cranch and the Children are. I wish my dear Neice that I was near enough to you to render you that assistance of which you must have great need, and that I could supply to you some of those Dear connextions from whom you have been so long seperated.
					The President is yet at a loss to determine whether to take a House, or to trust to a sufficient number of Rooms being finishd in the Presidents House in time for him to occupy. I am for his taking a House, as I fear it would prove his Death to go into a House so green as I think the Presidents House must and will be— Mr Law has offerd that which he now occupies and I think from his description of it, it will answer, all but stable Room which will not be sufficient. if my Health continues as good through the summer as it is at present, I shall be much inclined to accompany the President the next winter, and brave all the difficulties which are drawn and pictured before me. Mrs Johnsons reports are More favourable, and it will be no small inducement to me to have her and Family in the city, and My Dear Nephew whom God preserve & prosper, a near Neighbour to us— with my best Love to You & Mr Cranch with a triffle inclosed which I beg you not to notice to me—
					I am Dear Nancy your affectionate Aunt

						A A—

					inclose under cover to mrs Johnson and then to the President your Letter


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 19 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dear sir
					Philadelphia April 19 1800

				I received Yesterday Yours of April 11th. I wrote to you upon the 17th and inclosed You an order upon the Bank for 5000 Dols You will be so good as to give me the earliest information of Your having received it. I rejoice to learn that the building is like to go on with dispatch and hope it will not take up so Much time as to make it necessary to have Carpenters after the last of May. Mrs Cranch has written me that mr Black has offerd to store mr J Q Adams’s Books in a Chamber which he has no use for. Some of the Boxes were broken & some of the Books lie lose upon the table. those which are in that situation had best be packd again in a New Box, or the Boxes repaird. I will have all the remaining furniture removed as soon as I return, & have Room to take it in—
				I am solisitious for the measure of the hearth as the marble must be made to fit. I would have a wide hearth brick work as far as will look well;
				we had much rain upon saturday and sunday the 13 & 14 of this Month, and a curious appearence in the Mor’g of sunday upon the tubs of water, & in the yard paved with brick. upon the top of the water and upon the Edge of the tubs was a substance resembling flower of Brimstone in the yard where the water had run of. it had left streaks of it, as thick as window glass— it felt like the powder of sulpher it was observed in Many other parts of the city, and I see by the Nyork papers that the same appearence occured there & at the Same time. it was very dark through the night, but I did not hear any Thunder or see any lightning. upon sunday we had both, and have had an unusual share of it for the Season. we dryd some of the powder it burnt, but did not smell—
				I can most sincerely say that I hope Mr strong will be Govenour— not that I think mr Gerry will be a McKean, or that he is what is call’d a Jacobin, but if he should be Elected, the use which would be made of it, by the Jacobins of virgina & this state would be for their purposes exactly the same— they know that he has been brought forward by their Party—and that in opposition to a decidely federal candidate; that tho a man of real integrity, he is not correct in his Ideas of Government, and would very like be guilty of many injudicious measures—which makes me hope that he will not be Elected. I was conversing with the Vice President upon the subject

a few day ago—when the Majority was much in favour of mr Gerry— he observed that he believed mr Gerry would be Elected, for this Reason, that the new England people always stood by & supported their old and tried Friends—that mr Gerry had been long a faithfull public Servant, and for that reason he believed he would receive very great Support. I replied that I had long known mr Gerry, and had a personal friendship for him, that I respected him for his honesty and integrity, but that he had a wrong twist or bias in his Head, and was very obstinate when he once took up an opinion—but I was very certain that he was no Jacobin— thus ended a conversation at which mr Lyston the British Minister happend to be present, and I think no other person— Congress have determined to rise upon the 2d Monday in May—
				I am quite satisfied with your arrangment respecting the shipleys— So is the President. we have the weather very warm now for the season
				I will inclose to you Mr Marshalls speech if I can get it to day, if not the next opportunity— I think you had better take possession of our House & live at Quincy. I do not see but you must be there very constantly—
				My kind Regards to mrs Tufts / affectionatly Yours

					A A


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 22 April 1800
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear Madm.
					Weymouth April 22. 17800

				In my last I informd You of having contracted with the Two Shipleys. I had kept them sometime in Suspense, they grew uneasy and wishd to be determind. Business of every kind was pressing fast upon us, to depend upon transient Help would be precarious and to delay engaging a fortnight or Three Weeks in expectation of getting cheaper Help, appeared to me would ultimately be a Loss. at this Time 15 Dollrs per Month was held up by many of the Labourers— This Price it was said Faxons Son was offer’d— I found these two Men were well skilld in Wall making and much must be made the present Year— Had I recd. Yours of the 4th. Instt. in Season I should have governd myself accordingly, But as I know that it is impossible at a Distance from the Scene of Action, to foresee & provide for the Occasions of every Day—it necessarily obliges me in consulting your Interest, sometimes to pursue my own Judgment, when it would have been more pleasing to have reciev’d particular Instructions—
				The House is coverd & shingled, the Chimnies begun & it will be finishd this week— Col. Bicknall of Abington who is the Mason informs me, that the Fire Place below, from Point to Point is 4 Feet one Inch and an half— who ever makes the Stone Jambs, I suppose will know how to form them, when let in to the sides: the mason I conceive will cut away the Corners of the brick Work to receive them so as to give a proper Flare— I have engagd Lane a Painter to begin the Rooms on the Morrow, which you wishd to have painted, also Beals to paint the House Mr. Clark lives in, He is to remove next Monday—
				If You have provided Stones for the Hearth & Jambs of the Chimney or Chimneys, it would be best to forward them as soon as possible, and Hay seed if You have procurd any as usual— Clover Seed is 25 Cents per lb. Herdseed 6 Dollrs. per Bushell— Shall you want to purchase any Hay—it is now @ 4/6 per Ct— I am dayly in Expectation of getting the Oates, have been ordered to delay purchasing in Expect hopes of being cheaper—but shall secure them before your Return. I am at a Loss to determine whether it would be best to purchase any Stock for fatting, There is but one Cow on the Farm for that Purpose— You have now seven new Milk Cows—which will furnish a considerable Dayry— There are also 15 or 16 Mouths to be filld dayly—

				am now at Quincy Mr. Bates informs me that is necessary that the Stones for the Chimney be sent forward immediately.— I am obligd to brake off abruptly & am / Yrs—

					C. T—


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 24 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

						my Dear sister
						Philadelphia April 24th 1800

					It is with great pleasure my dear sister that I can say to you, Your Son has recoverd from a Dangerous complaint which threw us all here into great Distress and anxiety upon his account. he returnd from court sick. it proved to be a Billious Cholic. mr Johnson wrote Mrs Johnson that he had been to see him, but that he was so ill that he could not be seen. the Children too were all Sick, and she poor creature just recovering from a late illness So that it was a House of Distress; you may be sure what we all sufferd untill the pleasing news of his restoration reached us. I wrote to her, but have not yet received an answer. Mr Greenleaf also wrote & waited only to hear to have sit off to her, if mr Cranch’s illness had required him. when I wrote last to You, I dared not hint the Subject to you, to so far distant and know that a dear child is ill, and that we cannot render any aid to them is painfull in the extreem. Mrs Johnson says he often rides late at Night in order to get back to his family. this he should avoid— I know his last years low spirits was in some measure occasiond by a slow aguish intermitting. he has lately obtaind a cause of considerable concequence in which he spoke near two hours, and did himself much honour—mr Mason too his opponent. he will do very well if he will but think himself the Most sensible & capable Man with whom he is acquainted. I think I can be reconciled to go to the city, if I can aid and serve him by any means. he has been crampt, hurt & wounded by his situation. Mrs Johnson says col Forrest has been a very sincere Friend to him—

							April 26th

					Since writing the above I have heard twice from Washington. Mr Greenleaf who lodges at the next Door sent me in a Letter to read

from his sister. she writes mr Cranch had been very ill but was then so much recoverd as to have gone again to court to finish his buisness there. yesterday mr G——f informd me that he had a Letter from Eliot who wrote him that mr Cranch was quite recoverd
					Mrs Johnson is still with me. she will return next week, when I shall seriously sit about getting away— my last Drawing Room is notified for the 2d of May— on thursday we had 28 young or rather unmarried Ladies and Gentlemen to dine with us. they were from Families with which our Young people have been most intimate, and who had shewn them many attentions & civilities. just before I rose from table, Thomas came round to me and whisperd me: have You any objection to my having a dance this Evening? none in the world, provided it comes thus accidential; the company soon came up to the Drawing Room to Tea, and in an hours time, the tables were removed, the lights light & the Room all in order. at 8 the dancing commenced, at 12, it finishd— more pleasure ease and enjoyment I have rarely witnessd. the President went down about an hour & then retired. I tarried it out, but was obliged to go to Bed at 8 oclock last night in concequence— Several of the company declared that they should always remember the Evening as one of the pleasentesst of their Lives— amongst the company was miss B——m, with manners perfectly affable, polite and agreable, with out affectation, or any haughtyness of Demeanour, but really fassinating; I could not but lament, that the uncoverd bosom should display, what ought to have been veild, or that the well turnd, and finely proportiond form, Should not have been less conspicuous in the dance, from the thin drapery which coverd it. I wishd that more had been left to the imagination, and less to the Eye— she dances elegantly. “Grace was in all her steps” she is not yet 17 and tho she cannot be said to have regular features, she has fine teeth and Eyes, and the Winning graces, far superiour to inanimate Symetry. I never could endure a clod, yet it has been my lot—to have met with them. in the first instanc Education and example may do allmost any thing, in the last, who can make an impression but whither runs my pen?
					I must stop it to talk about domestic affairs— has Mrs Porter got any help? and do you know where I can get a steady body? a cook is of the most concequence. I must not have one who will be put out of humour by company comeing in unexpectedly. she must be willing upon washing & Ironing days to assist in the after part of the Day to fold cloaths & to help Iron if necessary—to keep every thing clean and neat in her department She will be assisted when

necessary— if Mrs Briggs, will comply with these terms, and an other, which is indispensable, to have no concern or inteference with mrs Porters Family—I shall like to have you engage her for me; with respect to the building, will you tell mr Bates that I think there ought to be a portico over the back entry Door as well as front. it will serve to keep off the Rains & cold in winter— I am quite impatient to get a Letter from You— we have had such fine weather that I should suppose our people may go on rapidly. I left word for mr Beal to paint the floor of the chamber over the washhouse & the stairs, if it was not done in the fall. I would have it done as soon as the Painters come—and pray my sister, tell them to lay out for Garden enough— Peas had best be bought for Seed beside those which we have. I inclose you ten Dollors to lay out such part as is necessary for the Garden do not let my flowers be neglected. pray if you can get me Some stursion seed double Larks spur and the Marble perue—
					Mr Gore is here just arrived from England. our Envoys were not arrived at Paris when he let England— they were hastning on. Great Britain as surly as John Bull—tho he dare not Growl loud, hating our Prosperity most cordially, and Swelling to see our Navy rising in power and respectability. we have quite as much to gaurd against from that quarter, as from the Great nation
					adieu my dear sister. Let me hear from you as soon as you can— affectionatly yours

						A Adams—


Title: William Cranch to Abigail Adams, 24 April 1800
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear Madam,
					City of Washington Apl. 24th. 1800—

				Mr. Carroll has requested me to communicate the Contents of the inclosed letter, and I hasten to do it lest it you should have given an Answer to Mr. Law, before this arrives. Mr. Carroll’s description of his house is a very modest one— And I can say in addition to it,

that it’s situation is delightful, being the whole of square No. 736, which is delightf a large square, and has a good fish pond, I believe well stored with fish— His spring house (which is a milk house) his bath & his smoke houses are excellently contrived for the purposes intended, as I am inform’d, and Mr. Carroll’s family having lived on the spot for many years can prove it to be as healthy as any place whatever. He has prepar’d and will erect a very handsome free stone portico to the door which will cost 800 Dols. Mrs. Carroll is a good friend of Mrs. Cranch’s, and is an amiable & domestic woman.— I am not sure that Mr. Law’s house is healthy, & have in fact suspicions that a marsh which runs at the foot of the Capitol hill, will render it liable to the ague & fever. Mr. Carroll’s being farther removed from it, & having for many years been found healthy, would be prefer’d by me. I think you would find yourself infinitely better accommodated at Mr. Carrolls than at Mr. Laws, although the rent is higher. I must say however that the marsh which I spoke of, may be drain’d at a very small Expence. The house I have taken is on square N°. 741— We have not yet been able to get into it, but reside at present in a house on square 740— You will observe the situations on an engraved plan of the City.—
				I am extremely obliged by the kind interest you have taken with regard to my health, and have the pleasure to inform you that I was able to return to court, and have continued to recover ever since. My Complaint was a bilious cholic, to which I was always liable in New England.
				Please present me respectfully to Mrs. Johnson & affectionately to her son—
				I had written you a letter to go by her but being at that time much engaged in moving, I neglected to give it her—
				Please mention me respectfully to the President and affectionately to your son T. B. A—to Mr. Shaw & Miss Smith / & believe me respectfully & / affectely. your obliged Nephew

					W. Cranch


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 25 April 1800
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					My Dear Sister
					Quincy April 25th 1800

				I know your impatience to hear frequently of your affairs here & I am as solicitous that you should— last week & untill this Morning it has not been in my power to write you more than a few lines— Mrs Norton came here with Edward & Thomas last thursday week for me to nurse her with the proper Influency she has been very ill a violent distressing cough, & not able to take the least care of her children She is now better but has not left her chamber & her cough is still very troublesome to add to my care mr & mrs Gannetts came the after Mrs Norton to Lodge one night & proceed to Plymouth the next day—but in the night he was Seiz’d with a complaint at his Lungs & was not able to leave here till monday— & Our house was a Hospetal for the children were sick too— In the midst of this it became absolutely necessary to remove mr Wibird. The heat of three days was several degrees above common Summer heat & his life was in danger from every kind of vermin— he was cover’d with Sores from his Shoulders to his Toes— I had to make an ointment to take a Linnin Shirt Stockings & drawers of Mr cranchs to put upon him & to fasten rag’s with ointment into his shirt. I took with me Major Millar Capn. Bracket & his Father Deacon webb & mr Cranch we sent a cart before us to take away his Trunks &C. We spent Several hours endeavouring to perswaid him of the Necessaty of his removal he was obstinate & cross, altho the Blood was streaming from his Shoulders & stomack. Such an object of filth I am Sure you never beheld— Capn. Brackit had prepair’d a handsome lower Room for him. We went determind to force him away if he would not comply. capt. Brackit & his Father were obliged in the morning to tear his Breeches drawers & woolen Stockings of of him by violence he threatning to Scream Murder all the time—but when mr Cranch told him (after we had sent away all his Trunks which he possitively forbid) that he Should go & call’d the other Gentlemen to take hold of him & put him into the chaise—he jump’d of the Bed

& said he would & came away very peacably— he has certainly in a manner lost his reason: he is very pale & I do not think if he had not been remov’d he could have liv’d but a very little time Capn. Brackit will have a great deal of trouble with him to make him undress for the night—but I hope he will get him to do it
				He complains that he was taken by violence that he is not a free man: the neighbours have been in to congratulate him & wish him joy as if he had just been Married. I sent the next morning to inquire how he did & he sent Me word “he was as well & as comfortable as could be expected—[”] to be sure he had a happy deliverance the day before—& of a numereous of spring.
				Mr Cranch has been with him two days puting his things in order & placing his Books upon there Shelves. every thing is neat & clean on & about him now & he looks like a human Being— capn. Bracket is as kind as a son could be—
				I have receiv’d three or four Letter from you two yesterday with one for the Doctor which I deliver’d myself as you desir’d. I shall attend to every thing you wish me to. I was three hours Yesterday with George removing things from your front Room & chamber & looking to the things in the others & endeavouring to Secure them for the house is Much expos’d by being So open Zube is returnd but she is at present very unwell She was takeing a puke yesterday—
				I inclose a description of your chamber chimney. Would you not wish to have a stone Jamb. Plastering will always be ragged
				Mr & Mrs Gannet are just returnd I can write no more but will write by the next mail
				Love & respects to the President, Mrs Johnson my cousins now with you & to be pray all of you look-out. you are to be supprisz’d— but not by your affectionate Sister

					Mary Cranch


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my dear Son
					Philadelphia April 27th 1800

				By a vessel going to Liverpool I write You a few line’s with the hope that the communication may be now open, for no Letters have been received from You of a later date than Nov’br I have written to You several times since I came to this city, and Your Brother oftner— I have the pleasure to acquaint You that we have all enjoyd our Healths this winter. my own is better than for several years past. our Friends in Boston Quincy, and Weymouth, thank God have not had any breach made upon them. they were all well when I last heard from them, as was your sister, who with her little Daughter Spent the Winter with me. tell Your Louissa, I have had the pleasure of her Mothers & Brothers company for these last three weeks, that her Mamma looks quite Youthfull, for a Grandmamma. her spirits are sometimes lively: we sit together and talk of our Children with all the Delight of fond Parents— we anticipate the pleasure of meeting them Some Day in this our Dear Country; and Your Father Some times breaks out into this exclamation, “I must call him home. it is not right that he should be thus shut up. he will do more good here than he can where he is”
				Congress are still in Session; they have gone on with more harmony than at some former period’s. Mr Levingston of Nyork as the Head of a party, brought forward a string of Resolutions, with a design to criminate the conduct of the President, for delivering up to the British Government, Jonathan Robbins, alias Thomas Nash, for Murder and Piracy on Board the British frigate, the Hermonie, tho in conformity with an article in the Treaty; the resolutions were couched in very artfull language tending to Mislead the People: the subject was amply discussd, and very ably by the friends of Government, and very artfully by its opponents— I wish I could send you all the debates. they took up 14 or 15 days. the resolutions were then rejected by a Majority of 60 to 32— Mr Marshals Speech I venture to send You by this conveyance.
				The Supreem Court of the united States is now sitting in this city before which Cooper, the Friend of dr Preistly, and the Hot headed Democrat of Norththumberland County was indited for publishing a false scandelous and Malicious libel against the President of the united States. after a fair trial, Cooper being his own counsel, and as the judge Chase observed, being, no Lawyer, much to Coopers

mortification; he should permit and allow him, to read News papers, and to cite authorityes which would not have been allowd to Counsel; the judge treated him with so Much candour So Much lenity; and so Much of the dignified Majestrate, that Cooper shrunk into nothing before him; one of his allegations was that the President had borrowd Money at 8 pr cent, that he was desirious of establishing a standing Army. this he attempted to prove by an answer to an address from the Young Men of Boston, “in which he said to Arms My Young Friends, to Arms—[”] that he had said in replie to an other address, “that a Republican Goverment Might be Made to mean any thing” therefore he was an enemy to a Republican Government, that he had given up to the British Government to be murderd by them, Jonathan Robbins, an American Citizen with a dozen more such like lies and falshoods— the Jury however not agreeing with Mr Cooper, after ten minuts absence, found him Guilty— his circumstances being inquired into, he was fined four hundred Dollors & Six Months imprisonment— Duane the Editor of the Aurora, has a warrent against him for publishing a libel against the senate of the united States, he therefore hides himself & Sculks— The trial of Fries for Treason has been, this last week before the Court; he is found Guilty this is his second trial, in both of which he has received the same verdict
				There has been in our native state a close run for the Election of Govenour between mr Strong & mr Gerry the last returns were for mr strong 17165, for mr Gerry 15892 more votes than were ever given at any former Election, and tho mr Strong will undoubtedly be elected; yet we are not a little surprized that mr Gerry should run so high. we know that mr Gerry is a fast friend to his Country, that he is a Man of a fair Character, no Jacobin certainly, tho as we think, not correct in his Politicks— the Mission to France obtaind him all the antifederal votes, united to those were many very many good federalists— the Jacobins despaired of carrying any of their Party, and as they love mischief, they were determined to divide the federal interest; and they have succeeded Yet no abuse or Scurility has been adopted by either party. all has proceeded amicably— Much use would have been made, of mr Gerrys Election, both in Virgina & this state, to strengthen the anti Party— in our own state I did not apprehend the same danger
				The Leiut Govenour is very sick in a decline. it is not expected that he will ever go abroad again—
				Mr Gore arrived here from England last week. when he returns

which will be in a few weeks I will send you Papers and pamphlets as many as I can collect—
				The Prussian Consul carried out Letters for you in abundance—mr sitgreaves also—
				when Congress meet again it will be at the City of Washington—
				My Love to my daughter whose Health is much restored as I hope. I would write to her, for tho I Love her, and know that I shall more & more when I personally become acquainted, there is something very much like affectation in to expressing sent warm regard and affection towards a person whom we know but by reputation. I will Love her by Proxy, and depute you as my representitive:
				I inclose a Letter from her Brother and an other from her Mother, and am my Dear son / Your truly affectionate

					A A—


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 27 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

					My dear Mrs Smith
					Philadelphia April 27th. 1800.

				I have been so much engaged that I have not been able to get time to write you a line this week. I have paid four visits to the Secretarie’s ladies, and took tea with them, and one to Mrs Senator Read, all of which you know by experience takes up time. we had on thursday 14 couple of young ladies and gentlemen to dine, Bingham, Hares, Whites, Wilsons, Peter’s, Rush’s, Pinckney’s, Breck’s, Reads, and Bard, & Miss Duane from New York. Whilst at dinner Thomas, rose, or rather just before I left the table, he came and whispered “suppose we have a dance this evening,” with all my heart provided it is thus accidentally struck up, but you must not sit long at table. They all came to the drawing room to tea, & in the meantime the tables were cleared, the room lighted up, and by eight o clock they were all dancing, they kept it up till 12, when they all retired. A happier or pleasanter circle I have not seen together. Maria Morris, was also of the party, & two Miss Walice’s, several of them expressed great satisfaction, coming so unexpectedly, when it was so little contemplated, said they should place it amongst the happiest evenings of their lives. You will see from the trial of Cooper, from that of three French Pirates Fries that neither calumny, treason, or Piracy, are tolerated by even Philadelphia juries. May justice and judgment be the stability of our Government, and Mercy temper justice where it can, may our laws be a terror to evil doers, whilst they encourage those who do well. I believe these decisions will work out our safety. I consider them of much greater importance than the mutiny’s on board a ship or two, one of which was occasioned by a refusal to let the sailor’s have lights, it shows however a spirit of disorder and insubordination which must be quelled and by severity if no mild measures will do. I think however that representations should be made, and precautions taken to gaurd against surprize. We should at all times be ready for defence.
				Your affectionate / Mother

					A. A.


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 30 April 1800
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dear Sir
					April 30 1800 Philadelphia

				I received Yours of the 22d Yesterday. I have already written You that the President and I are both well Satisfied with what you have done respecting help— I forwarded to you the Ways, and Means in a Letter of April 17th the receit of which I wish to learn as soon as possible. I have never lost any thing by post, and hope that what I then inclosed went safe— a vessel is now here going to Boston it is too late to send Grass seed, or we might have done it to advantage. the President has authorised me to have a number of Lombardy poplars sit out opposite the House near the wall which was new sit two years ago he says he will have them extended from the gate agains Beals to the corner against Mr Black. I am first for making an experiment of about 50 as far as they will extend in front—and that those Should be of some Size. if Hay is to be purchased at 4/6 pence the President would have three or 4 Ton bought, but thinks we are pretty well for Hay in our stables, but it is not like it can be lower
				by this vessel we propose to send the marble for the herths and the Sides and front of the chimny which I request may be made to conform to them. mr Bates is to make a Mantle peice in both the Rooms & the chimnys to be both alike for bigness— the sides of the Jams will also send which will be of cast Iron. the back you will provide I propose that there should be a portico over the back door the same as the front. I believe we had better not purchase any stock for fatning you mention a cow, & there is one Yoke of the oxen must either be sold or fatned. we have so many Horses that they devour all before them. shall we not want a supply of corn? will it not be best to get 50 or 60 Bushel & Rye. the price will rise as there is Such a scarcity in England that they are obliged to go to their Enemies to

feed them. 20 dollors pr Barrel is offerd for flower untill sep’br next, which will cause a great exportation of it from hence. I shall write to you immediatly upon the Sailing of this vessel. she is expected to go on saturday the 3d of May tho I wish the buisness expidited. I do not wish to have it so hurried as not to be well done—
				I hope to leave here the week after next the President will soon follow— I am most concernd about Garden Stuff enough—
				we are all well Mrs smith and cousin Betsy surprized us with a visit we were very glad to see them
				affectionatly / Yours

					A Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 May 1800
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

						No 16

					15. Feby 25.
					Philadelphia 11th: May 1800.

				A long interval has gone by since the date of my last to you, but I have received nothing from you in the course of it. Not a vessel has arrived here from Hamburg for several months and none of your letters later than the beginning of December have reached this Country. We know that in consequence of the severity of the past winter, the navigation of the Elbe was obstructed for many weeks, which accounts for the great dearth of Continental intelligence. From France we hear inofficially of the safe arrival, splendid reception & distinguished treatment towards our Envoys at Paris— the ostentatious tribute of respect paid to the memory of Washington, whom so lately before his death, they reviled, and the flattering prospect of a speedy and satisfactory termination to the business of the Embassy. Upon these reports we begin to build a Castle of premature hopes & expectation. Several efforts have been made to suspend defensive measures—to disband the Army—stop the building of the 74 Gun Ships &ca: but hitherto without effect, except the discontinuing to enlist soldiers for the Army. The Session of Congress will close tomorrow or the day following and of course there is no prospect of any further reduction in the defensive establishment.
				There are many things, which you ought to know, which have occurred & are yet coming to pass, that I have no business to acquaint you with. The session of Congress has been highly propitious, in many respects, for the benefit of the Country, but it has develloped, in the course of it, as much party rancor & malignity as any that preceded. The Jacobins were less numerous than on some former occasions, but they assisted every manoeuvre which the party out of doors attempted, and it has not been difficult to perceive, that the Session has been, altogether & exclusively, an Electioneering Cabal & Conspiracy. The machine which has been fabricating is already put in motion, and as the respective anniversaries of State Elections arrive, we discover the extent of its influence & operation. The plan, which is now in operation, is to bring forward in the State Legislatures, men whose revolutionary

talents & services have been long tried and well known; who have hitherto had little or no share in the administration of the federal Government & who have been, for the most part, reputed hostile to it. The State legislatures by the Constitution of the United States, prescribe the mode of chusing Electors for President & Vice President, and in every instance, which has occurred within two years past, a very great struggle has been made to fill these public bodies with enemies to the federal government & administration. Men of distinguished talents, great popularity, and some who have hitherto declined taking a part in the civil contentions, whether general or special, are now brought forward, by the Democratic interest, to fill all Offices of Government. They succeed in almost every instance in obtaining the office to which they aspire, and it is perfectly well understood, that the trial of strength between the two Candidates for the chief magistracy of the Union, is to be seen, not in the choice of electors by the people, but in the complection & character of the individual legislatures— The first example of a trial on this subject, was manifested by the Legislature of this State last winter—after repeated efforts to concur in prescribing the mode in which Electors should be chosen, they finally adjourned without agreeing, and should they be convened again this Summer, there is no expectation that the dispute will be settled—there will therefore be no choice of Electors in Pennsylvania, unless indeed the Governor should undertake by Proclamation to direct a revival of the former law (which I have been told he will do) and in such case not a man of federal politics will be returned as an Elector, because the friends of Government will purposely abstain from voting, under a conviction that such a measure would be unlawful and nugatory.
				In Virginia, the federal Candidate will barely obtain a vote— In the Carolina’s, a majority is calculated upon, should General Pinckney be run as Vice President—to the southward of those States, all the votes will be as at the last election.
				The State of Maryland will be less divided, as is expected, than heretofore—the Electors are chosen by the Legislature, which is federal; New Jersey is counted upon for an unanimous vote, as before; but New York has recently undergone a change, almost entire, in her City representation, which, if it should pervade the State at large, will give an unanimous vote for Antifederal Electors; Messrs: Clinton, Gates & Osgood have been returned as members of the legislature and it is apprehended, that the majority will be of the same stamp. Col: Burr & Chancellor Livingston have been the prime movers of

this great change in the representation of that State, and the Chancellor is to be the Candidate for the Vice Presidency.
				The Jacobins count upon one or two votes in the New England States, and there is, at least, a fair chance of their success in this expectation, which if realized will give a majority to their Candidate. Such is the present prospect before us— What changes may take place in the public opinion, in the short interval prior to the Election, it is not easy to foresee; but from the want of concert, union & system & from the prevalence of rivalships among the federalists, there is much reason to believe, that an almost total change of men & measures will take place at the next general election. The removal of Congress to the federal City is regarded as an event of moment, but many people predict a division of the Continent as a consequence likely to ensue from it. The President has it in contemplation to make a visit thither, after the adjournment of Congress.
				At the Circuit Court, which sat at this place last month—Judge Chase of Maryland presided, and the trials of the Northampton insurgents for treason & misdemeanors, were fully entered upon and concluded. Of Five who were indicted for treason, three only were convicted & are now under sentence of death; the others were acquitted of the treason and found guilty of misdemeanors— Fine & imprisonment was inflicted upon more than twenty of the insurgents who are now undergoing the necessary penance. The Executions of the three men under sentence of death is fixed for the 23d: of this month. I can form no opinion, whether a pardon will be extended to all or any of them.
				Some changes in the heads of Departments have already taken place—such as the war & State Secretaryships. Mr: John Marshall of Virginia is appointed to succeed Mr: McHenry, resigned, and it is rumoured that Aaron Dexter is to succeed Mr: Pickering, although the nomination has not yet been made— It will go in to day, if at all. For the causes & reasons, which have induced these resignations, I am a very unfit person to account. Any body else may and do indulge their conjectures on these subjects without reserve. I prefer silence.
				Tell your Louisa that her Father has been appointed Superintendant of stamps an Office created by a law of the present session, which ordains the establishment, at the seat of Government, of a general stamp office, whence all the stamp papers for the use of the Country at large, must issue, in the first instance. The salary annexed to it is two thousand Dollars pr ann: There were a number of applicants for the place and much opposition in Senate to Mr: J——s

appointment, and it finally prevailed only by the casting vote of the President of the Senate, Mr: Jefferson, who on giving his vote observed, that altho’ the President’s nomination, was alone, sufficient for him to concur in the appointment recommended, he had a further inducement, from being personally acquainted with the candidate and knowing him to be well qualified to discharge the duties of it.
				Mrs: Johnson & Tom passed a month with us, lately; indeed they left us but a week ago, this day. We have not heard of their having reached home yet, but presume we shall hear tomorrow— The family were all well.
				Mrs: Smith of Boston & Miss Betsey sat off to day, on their return to Boston; they have been here about a fortnight; are in good health, and particularly affectionate in their enquiries after you. Mrs: Smith in particular, never fails to express an hope for your speedy return, when she will again have the pleasure of your Society and that of your lady.
				You once had an idea of buying a comfortable house in Boston and although I was rather averse to the plan of investing much capital in real property, so long as the temptation of an high rate of interest in the funds was so great, I begin to feel the insecurity & fluctuating quality of paper so sensibly in anticipation, that I often wish I could make a good bargain for you in the conversion of your funds into real estate. There is no cause for immediate apprehension, for the public funds were never more respectable than at this moment.
				I obtained payment, since the date of my last, upon your order in my favor (contained in your letter of the 16th. July,) (I think) for two thousand Dollars, in exchange for my Dutch Obligations. No hesitation was made in the payment, though it excited some wonder in the Secretary that I had so long deferred the application—
				My Master Ingersoll is recently appointed District Attorney in the room of Mr: Rawle resigned— He is a very great Lawyer & a very good man—a firm friend to his Country & a well wisher to the Constitution of the U.S.— His political merit is equal to that of any man at our Bar, but this is not extravagant encomium in his favor on that score.
				The Election for Governor in the State of Massachusetts is said to have terminated in favor of Mr: Strong. Upwards of forty thousand votes have been given this year, and Mr: Gerry has between

sixteen & seventeen thousand of the number; the scattering votes amount to upwards of two thousand, & Mr: Strong will have a bare majority of a few hundred upon the whole number. The Success of the Antifederal Candidate, as he is called, was not calculated to be near so great, either in Massachusetts or New-Hampshire, as they turned out; though they have not after all, gained a triumph— Mr: G——s, living in the vicinity of Boston obtained him a majority there, against Strong, who would not submit to remove his establishment to the Metropolis; which you know, is considered by the Boston folks as a sine qua non, for a Governor—
				Tomorrow I set out upon a journey of between two & three hundred miles, on horseback, to attend a Nisi Prius Court in the County of Huntington. I shall be absent only three weeks, but before my return, my parents will have left me, once more, upon the wide world, of an uncertain & unsettled condition— In about one twelve-month more—I shall begin to grumble, at present I must be reconciled to my destiny.
				Many more things I want to write about must be postponed till a more convenient season—till then believe / me always your’s

					PS. I send this by Mr: Treat, who before his return will probably make you a visit.