Title: Abigail Adams to William Cranch, ca. April 1799
From:
To:

            my Dear sir
            [ca. April 1799]

          If you was not a firm believer in that Holy Religion which comforts in affliction & Solaces us under every adverse occurrence in Life, I Should think it useless to quote to You that Scripture which says I have been young & now am old, yet have I never seen the Riteous Man forsaken or his seed begging Bread.— Your Mother put into my Hand the other day a Letter which I read with pain, and have since contemplated upon with anxiety. it discoverd a mind a Heart distresst from the apprehension of an Event which would have been greatly afflictive to us all. this I did not wonder at, but it went further it discoverd a mind disturbed, anxious and perplexd allmost beyond enduring—and it is this which has given me serious allarm. You left your Native state with agreable prospects before you. you thought & your Friends hoped it was for your best Interest. If it has proved otherways, you have the consolation of having acted from proper motives. the entanglements into which you have been unfortunately drawn by your connection with Morris & Co are what lie heavey upon you. if there is no other way to free yourself from them, notify your Creditors, and give up your Property. that which your own industery has acquired it is very hard to sacrifice, but if you go on without this method will you not still be labouring, roling up the stone of Syssaphus which will constantly recoil untill You are crushd under its weight, and would not this resolution free your mind from the load which oppresses it. I would if possible shake of every connection with them and apply myself wholy to my profession— when the circumstances which have envolved you are publickly know they can be no real injury to your Character or reputation. Come my dear Nephew Cheer up your spirits rouse your resolution. tis a long lane which has no turn. permit not your spirits to be deprest Your Family calls for your exertions—and you must not give way to lowness of spirits, or despondency.
          an other object which wounds your feelings is duncansons brutal attack upon you— You persued the legal methods for redress which the Laws of your Country allow to every injured Man, and you ought to rest satisfied with that. a duel would only render your Life & that of your Friends misirable. if your conscious would permit you to Challange him, and you wounded or killd him; or you received from

him a similar fate, and here I cannot but express my disapprobation of the conduct of mr. Greenleaf who certainly behaved very much like a Man who was weary of Life, for had duncanson killd him, the world would have blamed only mr Greenleaf—


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 May 1799
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

              N: 44.
              My dear Mother
              7. May 1799.

            I have to acknowledge the receipt since I wrote you last of your two kind favours of 15. November and 1. February last— The latter is the latest letter, from America that I have, and I still continue to receive as I have ever since I have been in Europe, received from you the most recent intelligence both public and private— As in this case the first direct notice of my brother’s arrival came by your letter— Since then I have received two from himself, written at Philadelphia, before he proceeded on his visit to you.
            I repeat my cordial thanks for the attention you have shewn to my Affairs— I have just written to my brother upon this subject, and I presume he will do all he can to keep them for the future in all the order of which they are susceptible.

            The latest accounts we have from America, announce three circumstances of no small importance— The appointment of the new Commission to negotiate with France— The capture of the French frigate L’Insurgente, by our frigate Constellation, and the symptoms of a new Insurrection against the National Government in the western part of Pennsylvania.— Though we are informed that the appointment of the new Commission was attended with great divisions in the public opinion, concerning the expediency of the step, I trust that in the course of a few months it will be generally seen and acknowledged that the measure was proper and wise. The situation in which we stood before, half way between Peace and War, could not continue, and as the legislative body had thought proper not to declare War, I can see no substantial reason why the large advances made towards a new negotiation, and the solicitations to that effect, of the french Government, should be rejected.— I have not indeed for my own part any opinion of the sincerity of their professions, and expect very little from their Justice; nor do I suppose they have the ability if they had the inclination to restore the property they have plundered from our merchants or an indemnity for it— But I believe that negotiation at present may put a stop to further depredation, and that a more advantageous arrangement may be obtained than after a longer delay. After the close of ever so long a War, we should have still less prospects of compensation for still greater losses; and there is no probability that there will be ever a period when the desire of accommodation with us, will be stronger than at present.— This disposition will be confirmed by the capture of their frigate, which will tend to convince them that our naval power is not so contemptible as they have represented to the world, and to themselves. Two years ago, they published in a pamphlet written undoubtedly at the command of the Directory, that all our Sea-Captains were ignorant sots, and that since the death of Mr: Gillon, we could not call a single good Sea-officer into our service.— I wish that the Captains of all our frigates would give them proofs equally substantial that our marine can furnish very good officers yet, with that given by Commodore Truxton.— There is one, in whom I have not the same confidence, and I am sorry to say, he commands the Boston Frigate— I have had occasion to know that he was utterly unfit for the station. I have lately heard that he has been dismissed. … They have related the affair between the Constellation, and l’Insurgente in the Paris papers with unusual modesty— They say that the frigates had both

44 guns, but the American had 18 pounders and the trench only twelves, so that the capture of the french ship, was the necessary result of her inferiority.— This circumstance however is much less satisfactory to them than the prospect of a new rebellion, which has manifested itself in Northumberland County Pennsylvania. There is in that part of our Country a Spirit which I believe which will never be suppressed, but by force.— “Though brutal that contest and foul,” I very much fear we shall be forced to come to it, and when we do, have no doubt but the good cause will prove itself as superior to its opposers in it, as it always has in that of reason.— Such things as these insurrections however, injure very much the estimation of our Country with the rest of the world, and give cause of exultation to our enemies in Europe, who are deficient neither in numbers nor virulence.
            The spirit of party has indeed done so much mischief among us in various shapes, that it has given to our very national character an odious aspect in the eyes of many observing foreigners.— The English news papers last Spring gave an account of the transactions of our National house of Representatives in the affairs between Lyon and Mr: Griswold, heading the relation in large characters with “American Manners.”— Porcupine’s pamphlet exposing Judge M’Kean’s conduct towards him, was republished in England, and commented on unter a title, altered from the “Democratic,” to the “Republican Judge.”. . . His charge to the Grand Jury upon that occasion, has been represented as a specimen of our judiciary proceedings, and it has been said with truth, that there is not a Country in Europe, unless it be France, where a judge could so act and so speak, without condemning himself not only to universal infamy, but to forfeit his place. It is not however alone in England, where we may naturally expect that every thing to our disadvantage will find busy tongues and willing ears, that such things are circulated— Here in Germany, a man by the name of Bulow, after travelling twice in the United States, has published two volumes intituled “The Republic of North America, in its present condition”— It is one continued libel upon the character and manners of the American People, written with considerable ingenuity. It contains beyond all doubt a vast deal of falsehood; but every American who feels for the honour of his Country, must confess with shame that it also contains too much of truth.— The author’s mode of collecting facts appears generally to have been, to gather from the news papers and from private malignity, all the

abuse which the most inveterate partizans of opposite political sentiments, have imputed reciprocally to each other, and to deal it out all as equally true, and equally stigmatizing to the National Character.— The book has been a good deal read in Germany, and as it has been two years published, would have been long since translated and published in England, did not the writer shew himself as inimical to the English Government, as to the American People.— I think it very probable that the work will some day or other find its way, to the English Press.
            There has also been published within these few months, in English, in French and in German, the Travels of La Rochefoucauld Liancourt in the United States— He writes with the feelings of a Frenchman, and probably with a wish so far to recommend himself to the governing party in France as to obtain a permission to return. He discovers a proportionate degree of asperity against the English and their Government, which appears to have been somewhat embittered, by an order from Lord Dorchester forbidding him to go into lower Canada.— But with respect to Americans he discovers much candour, and speaks well of almost every body. I enclose a translation of what he says concerning a person of our acquaintance, which will perhaps amuse you—
            I have not much to say to you about European political news.— The War between France and Austria, was renewed about two months ago— The french declared war after commencing hostilities before hand. Since then they have been almost continually defeated in Germany, Switzerland and Italy.— Some time ago the Emperor’s Minister at Rastadt, declared the Congress at an end, and annulled every thing that had been conceded during the course of the negotiation— Notwthstanding which the french Ministers declared they were ordered to stay, and negotiate with the several States, separate Peaces— They were at length ordered to quit Rastadt, and as they went out met a patrole of Austrian hussars, who stopped them— They undertook to force their way through, and in the attempt, two of them Bonnier, and Roberjest were killed.— This circumstance will tend to render the War between France and Austria still more inveterate than it has been hitherto. General Buonaparte, after completing the conquest of Egypt has undertaken that of Syria, and in all probability before this effected it. It is certain at least that he has gained a great victory over the Bashaw of Syria, who marched against him.

            My wife desires me to present her duty to you— She has enjoyed remarkable good health since last Summer, untill about a fortnight ago when she met with another misfortune like the former— She is however very much recovered; and we propose making this Summer a little tour into the Country.
            I am ever affectionately, yours.

            Extract from La Rochefoucauld’s travels in the United States— German Edition. Vol. 2. p. 137.
            “I must notice here, that in the neighbourhood of Boston, I found again Mr: Adams, the Vice-President of the United States, a man of so much merit, knowledge, and genius, that he has few equals in America, and who is not every where esteemed as he deserves— He is indeed one of the most respectable men in the United States— No man contributed more than he to the American Revolution from beginning to end; the Agents of the English Ministry therefore bore a great hatred to him, though he has defended the English Constitution in a Book, full of profound researches, which he intituled a Defence of the Government of the United States.— John Adams lives distant from all intrigues, 15 miles from Boston, with his wife, in a small house, which a Parisian lawyer of the lowest rank, would not keep for his Country-Seat. He passes here the time, which his place as Vice-President, does not oblige him to spend in Philadelphia; and employs it in reading, and with agriculture. He very seldom, goes into Company, as his extremely moderate Fortune, would not permit him often to see company at home. He is universally respected, and has in his conversation a very interesting and amiable turn, a manner of criticising at once severe and gentle, which is truly pleasing.”


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 May 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother.
            Annapolis 17 May 1799.

          I left Philadelphia the 9th: instt: and after passing a few days very pleasantly at Baltimore in the society of Mr: Johnsons family & that of Mrs: John Smith, came to this place where I had the satisfaction to meet Mr: Cranch in tolerable health & spirits. I have been received & treated with uncommon hospitality and politeness in both these places, from the first characters, and as no distinction of politics has been shewn towards me, it was not in my arrangement to make any myself. I have seen here all the first families, such as Govr: Ogle’s Mr: Carroll’s Judge Chase’s &ca: and find them very pleasant. The Supreme Court is now in session & of course all the lawyers from the neighborhood are collected here. Mr: Cranch will return to George town on Saturday or Sunday, where I shall accompany him. Mr: & Mrs: Johnson went home on Monday—the girls remain at

Baltimore with their Sister Hellen who has lately removed there for the accommodation of her husbands business. I am beset here, as I usually have been in other places, by all the old ladies, who tell me it is high time for me to take a wife, and each of them has a favorite to recommend— One is remarkable for beauty of person, another for mental accomplishments; a third for insinuating manners & a fourth for fortune, family, &ca: in addition to personal accomplishments— This last it is generally supposed will prevail with a young man who has still his fortune to make in the world, if he wishes to be placed in affluence without the trouble of acquiring it by his own labor & industry. Now few people think but that the youngest son of the P U.S. is this sort of animal; few will think him the wiser for not being such.
          People have been very assiduous & kind in their enquiries after your health wherever I have passed and all desire to be recalled to your recollection; particularly Mrs: Smith & Mrs: Johnson. Mrs: Ogle here has been very civil towards me from her remembrance of your attentions at the time she was in Philadelphia, the winter of 1791–2. Her daughter, Mrs: Taylo, who was then unmarried, has now five sturdy children; she is upon a visit at present to her mother and is as much admired for the chastity & simplicity of her manners as she was for her beauty the winter we Saw her. The ladies are very fascinating this way, I assure you, altho’ Mrs: Ogle did tell me yesterday that she was a considerable physiognomist & had been looking at me expressly to discover whether I was partial to the ladies, but she had made up her mind that I care not a button for them. There’s a reputation for you. How it would gratify my father if he thought I deserved it!
          I dont mean to tell you how I like the Country until I return to Philada: meaning to give it a good chance— How I came to make the journey at this time, you may learn hereafter.
          I beg you to present me kindly to my Father & the family— I have ordered my letters on to Georgetown if any should come during my absence— I shall find some I hope on Saturday—
          Before I left Philada I engaged an Office & board in the same house, to enter on the 1st: June— The house is situated in Walnut, between 4th: & 5th: Streets. An old maiden lady by the name of Roberts is to keep the house—she has a retreat for her permanent boarders at Germantown, should the fever return to the City—
          I am in much haste / Your affecte Son

            T. B. A.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 21 May 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            My dear William
            Washington City 21st: May 1799.

          Your friendly & excellent letters of the 1st: & 10 instt: have reached me at this place, where I arrived the night before last, having passed a few days at Baltimore & Annapolis on my way. My tour has hitherto been highly pleasing to me, and should it conclude as it began, I shall not regret having made it; indeed a more favorable moment could not have occurred, since had I remained in Philada: my time would not have been effectively employed, for want of an Office & a boarding place, which could not be had to my fancy until the beginning of next month. Should you be anxious to know in what street my dwelling is to be, I have no objection to your being informed, that the Bishop is one of my neighbors and that I hope to see the ladies of that family the oftener on this account.
          I am not in the humor to write you a “long excellent letter” at this time, for several reasons, which shall not here be given, nor do I promise to write you such a letter at any future period, & yet I may write you many letters.
          The City of Washington, if I were in a descriptive mood, would furnish a most captivating picture— “Cities shall grow where forrests late have stood,” which might be parraphrazed thus—A City growing in the Midst of wood. What admiration must it not excite on reading of the stately Capitol, the magnificent Presidential palace, the

commodious Blodget Hotel, placed equi-distant from each other, though scarcely visible by reason of that distance— Here, in the language of Geographers, is a fine champain Country, well stored with wood, abounding in various sorts of game; a majestic river, navigable, full of fish & wild fowl; & other natural advantages too numerous to be enumerated.
          The situation of the ground on which the City is to stand is very pleasant, from different positions you are presented with very fine prospects uniting landscape with water scenes, and from almost every point a view of Alexandria mingles with & diversifies the whole.— The Capitol is in very considerable forwardness; I mean one wing of the building, and might be finished in a few months; The Presidents house is not quite so forward; and as to the rest, they are yet on the ground.
          During my stay at Annapolis I received great attention & hospitality from the first characters of the place and had an opportunity of making the acquaintance of several gentlemen of the Bar & Bench, among the former Mr: Winchester, Mr: Luther Martin & a Mr: Hollingsworth—all of Baltimore; Mr: Key of Annapolis & Mr: J. T Mason of Georgetown, brother to S.T.M. of memory.
          I ought to have mentioned the family of Governor Ogle & that of Charles Carroll of Carrollton from whom I received distinguished marks of politeness. Madam Ogle gave a Ball, which I am almost ashamed to say, was entirely a compliment to me. What a fine thing it is to have a father when his merits are thus visited on the child.
          I intend to visit the General at the Mount on Thursday, accompanied by Mr: & Mrs: Johnson, who have been very kind & studious to accommodate me in every thing within their power. Mr: Tom Johnson has resided for some time at Annapolis for the benefit of his health and has recovered surprizingly; he enquired very kindly after you.
          Mr: Cranch is well; better I think since I have been here—we got him into company at Annapolis & revived his spirits wonderfully; Mrs: C— is yet confined to her chamber, though doing very well—
          Present me kindly to my father & mother, to Louisa & Boylston I had forgotten to notice the triumph in town meeting warfare— B——n’s remark was in character. Poor Benjy, how frail we are! I do suppose the whole connection will now be ready to desert the Government & abandon it to its fate, as Rats will a ship, just before she sinks.

          I shall write soon to my Mother, whom I now thank for her favor of the 10th:. The newspapers are acceptable.

            Thomas B Adams.


Title: John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 22 May 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, William Stephens

            Sir
            Quincy May 22d 1799

          I have received your letter of the 16th & the bundle of papers inclosed with a great deal of pain. The thing has not a good appearance. Mr. Shieflin had better have addressed his letter & papers to

me than to you who are not the Secretary of War. You are suspected & have been accused of improper speculations in the neighborhood of Detroit & in connection with characters whose friendship does you no honor. These Indian pretensions are suspected to have been excited by you and your associates.
          I send you back all the papers. If you will take upon yourself to send them to the Secretary at War, you may, I will not. If you desire the command of Detroit you must sollicit it of the Secretary at War, the commander in chief of the army or Major Gen. Hamilton. I will not interfere with the discipline & order of the army because you are my son in law
          I am with usual affection yours.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 28 May 1799
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Catherine Nuth

            Dear Madam.
            Berlin 28 May 1799.

          I received some time ago your favour of 29 January which I did not immediately answer, from an apprehension that a letter from me without one at the same time from my Louisa, or at least without some satisfactory information concerning the state of her health would give you more concern than pleasure— She was then unwell, and a few days after, met again with a misfortune which had already twice befallen us.— She has at present recovered, and will write you by this opportunity.
          It has given me infinite pain to perceive by several of your letters to her, that a construction far different from my intention was put

upon a letter which I wrote from London to Mr: Johnson. My respect and affection for you, and for him, have never abated, nor are those sentiments in my heart susceptible of being diminished by misfortune. I am well aware of the precarious tenure by which all earthly possessions are held, and have reason to know that prudence, discretion and integrity are not always sufficient to preserve them. I have likewise been too long a witness to aspersions of calumny upon those who are dear to me, and tasted too much of its venom myself not to know that the purest virtue affords no complete shelter against its malice.— There is for every individual in this world only one testimony which neither malice nor fortune can disguise or conceal; this testimony is however worth more than every other that can be produced or imagined; it is the testimony of one’s own conscience.

            “He that has light within his own clear breast,
            May sit in the center, and enjoy bright day.”

          This self-approbation, so far as relates to all the important concerns of life, as you will certainly always possess it yourself, so I hope you will always have the comfort of knowing your children and their nearest connections to possess.
          It was not untill we received your last letters, that we heard of Nancy’s marriage; my dear mother had mentioned it before in a letter to me which however I did not so soon receive. I offer my sincere congratulations to you and to her upon that event, and ardently pray that she may live to have great grand-children witnesses of her happiness— For Mr: Hellen to whom I beg to be presented with regard, and with whom I hope to have one day the pleasure of a personal acquaintance I can only wish, that she may prove as good and affectionate a wife as her sister.
          I have likewise great joy in congratulating you upon the restoration of your son’s health, which I hope will henceforth grow stronger and stronger, as a recovery from his complaint during the winter season, gives reasonable cause to expect. I beg to be remembered affectionately to him, as also to all the girls.
          I am with great and true respect and affection, Dear Madam, your very / humble and obedt: Servt:

            John Q. Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 June 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

              My Dear son
              Quincy June 2d 1799

            I presume this will find you at Philadelphia, fix’d in your Lodgings; and in possession of your office, where I wish you much of the Good things of the world, tho purchased by toil & trouble, they may serve to enhance their value; above all worldly Goods. I wish you Health, for destitute of that great blessing, few others can be enjoyed.
            The few Hot days which we had in May, brought upon me the disorder & complaints from which I sufferd so severely last summer. it reduced my strength, prostrated my spirits, and I lost my sleep, my appetite, and was ready to give myself up—but Some exertions, and application to medicine, amongst which is a preparation of steel powders, with Winters Bark has restored me again, and removed my complaints; I am in as good Health at present as when you left me, far enough however from firm.— this has been the chief reason why I have not written to you more frequently. I received your kind Letter from Annapolis dated May 17th and was gratified at your account of your reception, & the civility and attention with which you have been treated. your Letter from Philadelphia of May 3d came safe to hand, tho I was not able to acknowledg it, at the Time. the Count & Countess of Tilly, have now become an old story, of which no one here, talks or thinks any more than they do, of the nomination of Envoys to France, tho the late papers announce to us, the great Love and moderation of the directory, which they are about to manifest to us, in the most generous manner possible, by sending the Marquiss of Fayett as minister to adjust all differences— even the capture of the insurgent, they do not mean to resent—!!
            Federilism is gaining ground daily, our Elections have been so, very generally. Commerce flourishes our Navy increases, and the face of the Earth wears a promissing aspect. Quincy looks delightfull now I assure you; yet in the midst of our joy we have sorrow. our Worthy Govenour Sumner is considerd by his Physicians as irrecoverable. from the nature of his disorder, an instant dissolution may be expected; his death will be a public loss— he has however outlived Election day, which is considerd a favorable circumstance

as it respects the public putting it out of Question, who is to be the successor for the present year. mr Ames you will see is chosen a Counsellor to the Gov’r
            I find from a Letter of mrs otiss to her sister, that much grumbling has been made; because the President did not remain in Philadelphia, or return to it, during their good pleasure; and that his Enemies made use [“]of his absence to his injury” this paragraph which was transcribed & sent to me I did not think proper to communicate; for tho I dare say, both mr and mrs otis wrote out of pure Friendship & regard, their own fears and apprehensions upon the occasion, I knew it would be of no avail to retail the subject out; I could not learn that any buisness sufferd. the post goes in four days, and Letters are daily answerd which come by every post. if the Philadelphians were really affraid, that the Rebellion of their own raising and fomenting could not be quelld without the presence of the President at the seat of Government, why they have found themselves mistaken. Let them give themselves a Good Govr and they will not be the focus of insurrection; the Hot Bed of sedition. the President will never desert his station when the exegencys of the Government require his presence, but he will not stay from his wife. tell them so, to disprove so absurd a lie, as that he had drawn all the money from the Banks, made a Bargain with the King of Great Britain & Run away which amongst a hundred other lies as silly and Ridiculous were circulated amongst those stupid Germans; and which it seems he was to stay at Philadelphia to contradict and disprove as tho Bach, Porcupine and others, had not lied against him to his face.
            They may all make themselves very easy, when the President thinks it necessary for him to be at Philadelphia he will go, but not an hour before to please friend or silence foes—that was never his object. so thank mr & Mrs otis for their good intentions; but tell them, all the distant din, the world can keep “Rools o’er our Grotto & but sooths our sleep”
            William received your Letter in which you mention the situation of your office—upon which the P——t told a story of a man addicted to liquor, who had taken a resolution to reform— having waited a few days he went to the Inn, smelt the Brandy, but tasted not, went out and boasted to his companions of his firmness, and to shew them how triumphant he was, he would return with them & take a Glass to commemorate his victory— he accordingly tasted—and was conquerd—

            I say let Thomas a lone he is old enough to judge for himself. please God to give him health and spair his Life, prosper him in buisness—and I will trust to his discretion as to a wife—
            I have one thing to insist upon which is that you do not remain in the city if it becomes sickly but flee before it be too late, and as you have made your visit Southward, come to Quincy if you are driven a way
            this is the advice / of your affectionate / Mother

              Abigail Adams

            not a line from your Brother at Berlin. I am sick to hear— I cannot do like you, coppy my Letter so take it with all its imperfections all friend desire to be rememberd. little Thomas grows a fine Boy he is quite handsome
            The President went to the Launch of the Frigate Boston. He went to Election & tomorrow he goes at the request of the Ancient & Honorable Artilliray Company in full uniform to attend Artilliry Election. Amorys light Horse came out as his Escort Genll Eliot & three others attend as aids— So much to please our sovereign’s— Judge chase has come up to Quincy to keep sunday with us. the more I am acquainted with him, the more I esteem him— He says he hopes it may be in his power to serve you. you will see him at the Court in Philadelphia


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 8 June 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            My Dear Thomas
            Quincy June 8. 1799

          The daily Duties of my office require so much Writing that my hand and head are fatigued & exhausted before I have half done: and this must be my Apology for not writing you till now.
          I hope you are now well settled in your office and pursuing your studies. Practice will come in time, but the most certainly from an incessant Attendance upon the Courts and taking minutes & making Reports of Tryals.
          Yesterday at Eleven Governor sumner departed. I feel the Loss of an esteemed Relation. His Mother and mine were first Cousins. In this Gentleman were united an Assemblage of Qualities, which is not to be found again in the State of Massachusetts. His Education, Fortune Temper, his masterly Understanding extensive Information and Uprightness of heart: his Attachment to the Union and Fidelity to the national Government: his Independence of little Circles and partial Combinations: the Candor of his heart and serenity of his disposition, fitted him for his Station beyond any other Man who can succeed him;

          Write me as often as you can and let me know your health your progress and prospects. I am, with a tender Affection / and well founded Esteem, your Father

            J. Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 June 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother.
            Philadelphia 9th: June 1799.

          Your kind favor of the 2d: instt: found me as you conjectured at Philadelphia, fixed in my lodgings & in possession of my Office, which however is too far removed from the Court house & the seat of business. I was unwilling to give up the advantage of living in the family where I am, because in case of the fever appearing in the City, the same lady has a place of her own at Germantown to which she will retreat & I am resolved to go there with the family in preference to a removal to a greater distance. The person who keeps the house where I board is a maiden lady by the name of Roberts, was strongly recommended to me by some of my Quaker friends and from what I have seen she appears much disposed to accommodate; I am not likely however to live so comfortably and so much at my ease as I have been used to for some years past, but I hope in a short time to be reconciled to the change— I shall pay for an Office and a chamber to myself under the same roof, Ten dollars pr week, which, though really not dear in comparison with the price of board in other houses, is a pretty heavy demand on my little capital; if I get any business however, in the course of a twelvemonth, I hope to pay at least the rent of my office from my own earnings.
          I dont clearly see the application of the pleasant story, which the P——t told in consequence of my remark on the location of my Office. I never made any resolutions to drop all intercourse with the B——ps daughters; I never thought myself in danger from my intimacy in that family, and not feeling the inconvenience of any habits to which I am addicted, I feel as perfectly composed & fearless in the presence of a pretty woman as any man of my age in the Country.

          I had a very agreeable excursion to the federal City & Mount Vernon & was pleased with the reception I met with wherever I went. Mr: Johnson and his family were very polite & friendly to me, as was Mrs: John Smith, at whose house in Baltimore I frequently visited. Mrs: Smith Senr: & Miss Nancy are there & desire to be kindly remembered to you.
          General & Mrs: Washington recommend a journey to the City with the President for the recovery of your health; Mrs: Dalton does the same. I cannot join in this recommendation, during the hot season, but after the month of September, such a journey might be serviceable. Every body in that quarter seem to anticipate a visit from the President in the course of another year, on what authority I know not; but this I think, that he will not go there on a party of pleasure whenever he may undertake the journey. I was bowed & scraped to & feasted & flattered in that quarter, more than else where, in order, as I conjectured & as I heard, that I might make a good report; I have no objection, if called on for an opinion, to give that which I have formed, faithfully & without reserve, but I do not think it necessary to volunteer my remarks.
          The three Commissioners paid me a visit; one of them, Mr: White, I knew while he was in Congress, where he bore the reputation of an honest man— An honest man, you must understand, may be a very dishonest Commissioner at the Federal City, having a certain income of £600. a year and the handling of a great deal of cash; why there is scarcely a man in the district of Columbia, who would not be a Commissioner if he could; but there are specific charges & objections against the present gentlemen; Scott was a Lawyer of some eminence and he has built a fine house upon a hill since being in the Commission— Presumption, is that he has used the public materials in building his own house upon the hill. Thornton was born at Jamaica; is a British Subject, though naturalized; patronized by General Washington—a democratic, philanthropic, universal benevolence kind of a man—a mere child in politics, and having for exclusive merit a pretty taste in drawing— He makes all the plans of all the public buildings, consisting of two, & a third going up. White knows nothing about the business; always differs with one or the other colleague, and though his intentions may be honest, his head is too weak for the service.
          Here you have them altogether & all alone— It is questionable in which view their picture is most attractive, as a group or a single portrait. Such has been the light in which they were at various times

& by various persons, represented to me. To every one it must be obvious that the office of Commissioner at the Federal City, is one of the most unthankful in the Country & yet I verily believe very few would refuse the offer of being in it. The late Governor of Maryland, Mr: Symes Lee refused the service & so he did that of the Governorship, but I dont believe another instance could be found in Georgetown. How far the allegations against the present gentlemen have been or can be proved, is more than I know; but certain it is, the affairs of that City have been unfortunately managed; the title to a considerable portion of the soil is liable to dispute; private speculation has so interwoven itself with every thing relating to the concerns of the City, that no one who does not court difficulty & embarrassment will venture to purchase there, and in my opinion a reformation must take place in the plan & entire scheme, or nothing honorable, useful or decorous will ever result from it. Congress must make very large appropriations at the next Session for going on with the buildings or they will not get forward. The President house is deserted already and Mr: White told me they could not finish it without a supply of money. If I were one of the purse string holders of the Country, I would never vote a cent for the completion of such an extravagant object. Fifty millions of dollars would not suffice to finish & furnish the buildings alone, on the present scale. Some people say, that it was a matter of bargain between the Eastern & Southern States & the federal City was assumed in consideration of the assumption of State debts; for my part, I do sincerely think that an appropriation of the public money to such an object, would be prodigality not to be justified, and if the public faith is pledged, (which I dont believe) for the performance of such a condition, I must think it a misfortune & burthensome to the Country.
          I have a letter from Berlin dated in January, about the middle, I conjecture. it came under cover to the Secretary of State, who, I hear, received one at the same time. There is little news in it, except some articles from the scandalous Court chronicle, which are only interesting to those who are acquainted with characters & agents. My Brother and his family were well; I wrote to him twice during my tour, from Baltimore.
          Mr: & Mrs: Otis are well; I saw them last evening, when I got your letter but did not thank them as you desired— I refused to write the paragraph (or the substance of it) to which you allude, saying, it will have no good effect, be assured. How people do itch to plague the P——t! you may see this & nothing else in their strong desire for

his return. I dare say no body here cares so much for him as myself, & yet I am very well satisfied he should be at home with his wife.
          Remember me to all friends— I am glad to hear so good a report of my namesake— With much love & duty I am dear Mother / Your Son

            T. B. Adams.


Title: Sarah Wentworth Apthorp Morton to Abigail Adams, 11 June 1799
From: Morton, Sarah Wentworth Apthorp
To: Adams, Abigail

          Dedication To Mrs Adams

            Madam—
            [ca. 11 June 1799]

          The following production is one of my favorite children; it speaks to the heart, and without ornament, or personal beauty, is recommended by all the chaste virtues, and interesting attributes, of the most favored mortal.—
          I know not any Individual, to whom a model of conjugal excellence, of refined understanding, and attractive accomplishments, can with more propriety be devoted, than to the confided friend, the cultivated companion, the amiable partner of a Character, in which America glories, and whom the world venerates.
          Yet the writer of these pages supplicates no patronage, and solicits no support, except the flattery of your esteem, the encouragement of your approbation; and is less influenced by the benefit she may derive, than by the emulation she feels, in expressing the high respect and admiration, with which she has the honor to consider herself / Your humble Servant

            The Author


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 June 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

              my dear son
              Quincy June 12th 1799

            It was with inexpresible pleasure that I yesterday read a Letter to your Father from you dated the 1[8]th of Feb’ry. this is the first line which has reachd us from you; Since the return of your Brother; I have not any from you of a later date than sep’br. by the last No. 7 or Eight of your Letters must be missing. one public Letter of december, was received from you, by the Secretary of state; he writes your Father that he has not had any since. the severity of the Winter will in some measure account for the difficulty of intercourse— You can easily imagine how solicitious I am to hear of your Health, and that of my much esteemed daughter, whose repeated misfortunes makes me anxiously concernd for her.
            I have not written to you so frequently as formerly for two reasons; I knew your Brothers information would be more correct, and his intelligence better communicated than mine, and other, and more powerfull reason with me, has been oweing to my low state of Health, which has made writing hurtfull and burdensome to me. my constitution sufferd so severe a shock the last summer, that I have never recoverd it, and at my Age, have little reason to expect it— I am so well as to be able to attend to the necessary affairs of my Family, but all large and mixt societys I am obliged to avoid—or I should have this day accompanied your Father to the funeral of our much regreeted Govr Sumner. Whilst I am writing I hear the constant discharge of minut Guns, the Military tribute whilst honour, affection

and gratitude flow from the hearts of his fellow citiziens. the inclosed papers will shew you that no Man could be more beloved nor his death more Sincerely lamented;
            Beloved honourd and Respected, in the meridian of his Reputation, and midst of his usefullness, he is by a short and painfull disease, which from the first attack, was pronounced by his Physicians, Mortal. he is taken from his Country Family and Friends, just as the suffrages of 24 thousand of his fellow citizens had again called him to the Chief Majestray of the state. He was a firm undaunted steady, uniform Patriot. all Hearts acknowledge his worth, every tongue laments his death.
            our National affairs prosper our Navy is rising most rapidly, and our Commerce is amply protected, our Revenue abundantly productive, in spight of all the Gallic wickedness plunder and Robbery— National honour and Respectability is increasing. the spirit of Jacobinism is sinking. Virgina & N york have shewn by their late Elections that, those who have heretofore Represented them have not deserved their confidence. they have made very great changes—and I hope the Government will be benifited by a more respectable union of counsel’s—
            The News from abroad, as it respects the Great Nation affords us much satisfaction. we cannot but rejoice when we see any check to the progress of that desolating Jigantic power which has proved the Besom of destruction to every Nation, whether cloathed in the Hostile Garb of an Enemy, or the specious Mantle of Friendship.
            Your Brother Thomas left Quincy in April, with a resolution of setling in Philadelphia where he has taken lodgings and an office. I hope he will not be driven away by the yellow fever, nor fall a sacrifice to it. I have many anxieties upon account of his Health; I question whether it will ever permit him, to practise at the Bar—
            Your Brother Charles—is, what shall I say that will not pain us both? Would to God that I might kill the fatted calf, and put upon him the Robe of rejoicing. he has formed some good resolutions, could he keep them how would it rejoice us all, but the Heart, the principles must co-opperate. How [“]sharper than a serpent tooth”— it is to have a Graceless child, may you my dear son never experience
            Blessed be God, I have those in whom I can rejoice. may their Lives and usefullness be continued
            I congratulate you upon the safe arrival of your Books from Lisbon. we shall get them to Quincy next week, where every necessary attention shall be paid to them. they shall be opend aired and repacked,

and safely lodgd untill you call for them, which I hope will not be a very distant day—
            our Friends here are all well, but one breach has been made, since I last wrote you, our venerable Aunt Thaxter at the Age of 80 dyed a month since
            A son of Dr Warrens will be the bearer of this Letter to mr King who I hope will convey it safe to you from your ever affectionate

              Mother A A—

            I have this moment received a Letter from Thomas at Philadelphia, in which he says he has got one from you dated Jan’ry I opend a Letter in your Hand Writing which comes by way of salem addrest to the President, but how was I mortified to find the inclosure for George Town—and not a line for me; I shall directly forward it— Thomas says mr & mrs Johnson were well, and accompanied him upon a visit to mount Vernon, where he was cordially & heartily welcomed,—that he has twice written you since he has been upon the excursion—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 29 June 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            Philadelphia 29th: June 1799.

          I am favored with your’s of the 23d: instt: and the enclosures—one of which is herewith returned.
          The Lieutenant Governor’s address is quite equal to my expectations, and there is little doubt with me, that he will rise a peg higher, merely, or chiefly because the people would not be united in any man of more capacity and talents. If any considerable interval take place prior to a new election, other candidates will be brought forward

and I think there will be some risk of a division of the federal interest, which may turn the scale in favor of our General, who will doubtless be found at his post on a new trial of electioneering strength. A suggestion of this sort might be serviceable in the newspapers.
          I have nothing particular to communicate— The weather has been & still is intensely hot; for two days successively the thermometer stood at 92%, but since then we have had a thunder storm or two, which have cooled us a little. Reports are circulated almost daily of cases having already occurred of the yellow fever. The doctors deny most positively that anything so bad exists, though several very sudden deaths have occurred. We expect continual alarm, but no vessel has yet arrived upon which the burthen of importation can be thrown; about the beginning of August we may expect one. The heat is sufficiently intense to create a plague almost of itself.
          Our Court is still sitting— On monday another begins—in short there is very little intermission at this Season.
          Great preparations are making for the 4th: by all the military gentlemen. I am invited to dine with the Cincinnati.
          What has become of the answer you expect, I cannot conjecture. It was sent nearly a month ago, but I believe by a private hand.
          I should have sent you Fries’s trial, but it has never been published; a new trial having been granted by the Court, the publication would have been improper.
          Give my regards & love where due and accept the best esteem / of

            T. B. Adams.

            PS. I am very sure you will thank me, for reminding you that your Orthography grows worse & worse. I know my own to be incorrect occasionally, but I use a dictionary for the most part when writing. “Do thou likewise.”


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

            1. July. 1799.

          My last letter to you upon private affairs was of April 29. since which I have received none from you, untill last evening, when your’s of 4. to 12. March, from Quincy, and of 11. May from Baltimore, both came to hand.— In the last, you mention having written me, at full length, the week before by the way of London; but this letter I have not received.
          Your account of the administration of affairs by both my former agents needs no comment as you say, excepting my thanks for the attention with which you went through the very irksome task of collecting the information— With your proceedings I am fully satisfied; and am much more deeply afflicted with the account of my agent at New-York, than with the loss of all my property
          Since I wrote you last, I have received a few lines from Doctor Welsh, dated 6. Feby: in which he says he had delivered all my papers to Doctor Tufts; in which however he is mistaken as I find by your letter— He adds, that as to the balance in cash, it will not be in his power immediately to discharge it, but shall be obliged to give for it, a note upon interest: he does not even state how that balance stood, and I must therefore make it out by guess— It must amount to 409 dollars, and 61 cents if all the assessments upon the canal shares were paid, to the 30th: inclusively, according to his last account— But if as I fear is the case he there charged for payments which he had not made, the balance will be larger.— The six receipts for the share in the Boston Theatre, for £33:6:8. apiece, I delivered to Doctor Welsh myself, and had paid them all up— In one of his accounts he has charged me, with another payment of £42— so that I cannot be possibly bound to any further expence on that score.
          In my letter of April 29. I proposed to you, to sell our obligations in Holland, and invest the proceeds in our funds at home, and empowered you to draw 2000 dollars on the 1st: of September, November and January upon the Secretary of State for that purpose— But I find upon enquiry that we could not sell the obligations under a loss of less than ten per cent, and as the rate of exchange from this place

upon Amsterdam is so low, that it would occasion a loss of as much more, I have concluded to keep my obligations untill the period of their repayment which is now only four years distant— Nevertheless, you may draw the 2000 dollars, if you please, from the Secretary of State, on the 1st: of January next, for your own Obligations, and make them over to me.
          My Books and your baggage, sailed from Lisbon on the 26th: of April, for Boston, where I hope they have ere this, arrived
          I am very glad that you subscribed for me to the loan; and shall be perfectly satisfied, to have you place my property, as you propose— I shall see if I can get the guns for you, as you desire.
          Your’s—


Title: Ruth Hooper Dalton Deblois to Abigail Adams, 2 July 1799
From: Deblois, Ruth Hooper Dalton
To: Adams, Abigail

            Washington July 2nd 1799
            My much Respected Madam

          I am commissioned by my truly distress’d Mother to say for her, that she cannot acquire resolution sufficient to adress you, but so greatful does she feel for your comforting and consoling letter, that she is hurt it has not met that attention it merited long before this she flatter’d herself week after week she should be able to write you. I am griev’d to add, she too much gives up to her sorrow! and alas! refuses to receive the comfort we are all anxious to administer—to a feeling mind like yours my worthy Madam it is needless to say how heavy our affliction is. you knew our dear departed relative, you honor’d her with your esteem, and I doubt not shed a tear to her Memory, as has our much lov’d Louisa. a Channel so often bedew’d with its own sorrow, can never be callous to the feelings of others, and most soothing to our wounded hearts, is the sympathy we have receiv’d from our Friends—
          Many have been the uneasy Moments this family have experienc’d on your infirm health, but the last accounts we had was more pleasing as we heard you were much better, we one and all sincerely pray you may enjoy many years of permanent health, and remain a blessing to all that have the honor of being acquainted with you: My Parents request their best regards may be presented to the President, and accepted by yourself— Mr Deblois with my Sister Kitty unites with me in offering our sincere respects—and love to Louisa—
          And be assur’d my worthy and respected Madam I remain with every proper sentiment Your most humble Servant—

            R H Deblois


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1799
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            45.
            My dear Mother.
            Berlin 3. July 1799.

          I received not untill last Evening your kind favour of Feby: 10. which however is the latest date that I have from you, and this circumstance is of itself sufficient to give me great concern respecting the state of your health— The Boston Newspapers in April, mention likewise that you were again ill; but I have some comfort in hearing by a letter from Dr: Welsh to his son, that you were again tolerably well at the last of April— I have likewise a few lines from my brother Thomas dated May 11. at Baltimore
          From the accounts we receive of the turn which the elections have taken in Virginia, we are induced to hope that the politics of that state are becoming more correct than they have been for some time past.— I have seen however a publication by Mr: Giles, in which he avows the opinion that a separation from the union would be better than submission to the alien and sedition laws; the navy and the army.— Such an opinion, acknowledged by any citizen of the United States is alarming— The example of talking about a separation rather than submit to this, that, or the other law, which may be obnoxious in particular districts or States is dangerous— A separation is the greatest calamity that can befall us, and is alike to be deprecated by us all.— Nothing could make it excusable, and we can never be safe so long as any attempt for it shall not be considered as treason— But of all follies, that would be the weakest which should withdraw from the union to avoid taking a share in a navy and an army.— For in such case the union would be divided into two nations; the one having a considerable armed force, and the other none.— The shallowest understanding must see, that the existence of the weak party would be forever at the mercy of the strong one, and that it would instantly and forcibly be perceived.— Such a condition would so little suit a Virginian spirit, that they would infallibly raise very shortly army against army, navy against navy, and the separated part alone would be oppressed, with a burthen, heavier than the whole of that, which it would now refuse to share.— So that the question for Virginia, and every other State, or parcel of the union is, not whether they shall chuse an army and navy, or a separation without them; but whether, they shall maintain an army and navy in common with the

rest of the union, or by themselves apart and alone. whether they shall bear in common the burthen of common defensive protection against foreign nations, or the same burthen wholly to themselves; and for protection not only against foreigners, but against that part of the union from which they shall have withdrawn.
          I find likewise that there was brought forward as a candidate for the office of Governor of Pennsylvania, a man whose name, if it should ever reach future times, will only be quoted with those of Jeffreys and Page; Jeffreys, the independent-spirited chancellor of James the second; and Page, the no less-independent spirited judge, who treated the poet Savage, much as the candidate treated Peter Porcupine— Peter has chastised the candidate more severely still than the poet chastised Page.— Yet such is the purity of some of our elections, (as the annals of Pennsylvania, at least as much as those of any other State, can show) that I shall not be at all surprized to hear that the independent-spirited candidate was chosen.
          Peter himself is indeed not always correct either in his facts, his opinions, or his principles; and I am sorry to observe that with all his good qualities he is rather intolerant, and not sufficiently careful to confine his censure within the limits of Justice— Peter says and swears that a century consists of ninety-nine years.— Now although Peter may if he thinks proper square all his chronological calculations upon this system, I think it rather hard, that every man must be set down irrevocably for a fool or a knave, who prefers the round number for the amount of a century.— Peter tells us further that when he commenced news-paper editor, in order to avoid prosecution, the principle that he adopted was, that he might go as great lengths in attacking the enemies of the Government as certain other editors, went in attacking its friends— A learned casuist of the last century says

            “For if the devil to serve his turn
            Can tell truth; why the Saints should scorn
            When it serves theirs, to swear and lye;
            I think there’s little reason why”

          But Peter’s argument is an improvement even upon this ingenious logic— His reasoning is, that the Saints may swear and lye, to serve their turn, not because the devil sometimes tells truth, but because he generally swears and lies, to serve his— He is for imitating the devil’s general rule, rather than his exceptions, and of course claims a much more large and liberal privilege of falsehood and profanity

than the Saints of Butler’s time— Peter has found that his principle would not even answer to protect him from prosecution; but what ought to be a much more useful discovery to him is, that the principle itself is bad— That however the Aurora or the Argus may have poured forth streams of filth and of calumny against the cause of order and the friends of virtue, he should not have thought himself therefore justified in uttering filth or calumny even against the worst of causes or of men; much less against every measure and every person, that happened to vary in single points from Peters opinion of good policy.— I am convinced that his publications have done much good in our country; and I heartily wish that many of our well-meaning printer’s, instead of engaging themselves in silly and unequal contests with him, would catch a little of his wit, and humour.— Young Fenno appears to have taken him for his model; but not being blessed with so strong nerves, he gets discouraged, at the first public measure which happens not to coincide with his ideas, and I observe has given up his paper, with an address, discovering very considerable abilities, as well as some useless peevishness, and some youthful petulance— I have seen this performance in the English Anti-Jacobin Review, at full length, under the title of “Fenno’s View of the United States of America”— The English editor seized it with avidity, because it contained a libel upon our country and its Government— To such things from the pen of Peter Porcupine, I know not what can be objected, while he avows himself an Englishman, and keeps within the bounds of law— We ought to derive benefit from being told of our faults, and we know what allowances to make for the prejudices of a foreigner— But an American, ought to treat his country with more delicacy and more respect.— He may censure with severity, wherever he thinks he can contribute, to reform, but his censure should always be attended by the tenderness of friendship— He may be a satyrist, but ought not to be a lampooner.
          The new Commission appointed to treat with France, appears not to have had at first the approbation of many persons in America, the most friendly to our Government— Although there is much reason to doubt whether it will be successful in making such an arrangement as we could wish, and as we should in Justice be entitled to, I am satisfied that the measure was wise and conformable to the best interests of our country— The commission will find a change almost total of the men at the head of the french Government, since the former negotiation.— One of the Directors, Rewbell, is gone out by the constitutional yearly rotation; one, (Treilhard) had been dismissed,

as unconstitutionally elected; and two, (Merlin, and La Reveillère) have resigned, to avoid being turned out; or used still more harshly— The Legislative councils have just discovered, that these Directors have been for eighteen months the tyrants of France, and have supplied their places with four new Directors (Sieyes, Roger Ducos, Gohier, and Moulins,) who are to repair all the mischief done by their predecessors, and to bring forth golden days, fruitful of golden deeds, to help them in which work the Director Barras, is the only one deemed sufficiently virtuous to keep his place.
          This new cast of characters for performing the tragical farce of french revolutions took place on the 17th: 18th: and 19th: of the last month; and on the same three days, a succession of battles were fought in Italy, by the Austrian and Russian armies under Marshall Suworow, against the french forces under General Macdonald, in the result of which the french were defeated, and lost in killed wounded and prisoners about 8000 men.
          My wife is now in tolerably good health, and desires me to present her duty to you. We propose to make a little tour into the country to spend part of the summer; and shall probably leave this place in a fortnight or three weeks.
          I am in all duty and affection, your Son

            A.


Title: Louisa Catherine Adams to Ann Johnson Hellen, 8 July 1799
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine
To: Hellen, Ann Johnson

            Berlin July 8th. 1799

          I write you again my dear Nancy though I am very angry at your not having answered either of the letters which I wrote you by Mr: T.B.A. when I heared you had removed to Baltimore I flattered myself I should hear from you very often but I am excessively sorry to find myself so much mistaken I will not make any reproaches because I do not wish you to write merely because I ask you I am afraid by your silence you did not like the lace I sent you if you will only limit me as to price I hope I shall be able to execute your other order more to your satisfaction as this Country is famous for china.
          By what Mama writes me I presume ere this letter reaches you I may offer my congratulations on a circumstance which will afford us all a great deal of pleasure you will have from Mama that I have again been ill but you must assure her that I have quite recovered my health as I see by a letter which she wrote to Mrs. Adams that she thinks I decieve her—
          Do pray write to me as often as you can my Cousin must know of frequent opportunities (if not to Hamburg) to England therefore I am sure you can have no good reason for not writing oftener than you have hitherto done—
          I am very anxious to hear how Caroline goes on you remember how she used to talk when we were in England she has howere made good her assertion and is become Miss Johnson You know we had a bett depending on it I am sorroy that it is not in my power to pay my part of it while I am in this Country—
          As I am certain you must be extremely tired of this letter and as letter writing is by no means my fort I shall beg you to present my love to your Husband and my Sisters and to believe me your sincere and affectionate friend and Sister

            Louisa C. Adams.

            P.S. Epps begs to offer her sincere congratulations on your marriage with her duty to yourself and all the family—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 8 July 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            My dear William
            Philadelphia 8th: July 1799.

          Your’s of the 2d: is in hand, with the enclosures, which receive thanks. I am sorry you dislike short letters, because I shall make a excuse therefrom for writing more seldom & only when I have matter enough to fill my paper on all sides. Against this I am sure you will protest & on second reflection, will prefer frequent brevity, to scarce prolixity.
          Among my brothers books you will find many belonging to me, which if you are able to distinguish, either by my name being in them or otherwise, please to put them aside— There is a very handsome sett of Pindar’s works, which if you use be careful of it. Should the books be put on shelves, I must beg you to take care that the setts be not broken. I went to the house in Market street to day and deposited my trunk there as a precursor to my leaving the City for Germantown. Every thing was in good order but the books & those were quite otherwise scarcely a complete sett on the shelves. There are several odd volumes, Pope among others only four volumes, but I think the other two are at Quincy. One vol: L’Esprit de la Ligue, one vol. Molieres works, (the 1st: vol:) At New York among the books I found, were some belonging to setts at Quincy. I took them away, but they are of little benefit without the rest. Some day or other I hope they will all meet again in one company, for it is vexatious to break the setts of good & rare books, such as are the french authors & editions of Lattin classic’s. I found 3 vols: of Cicero’s Orations at N. Y. French & Eng: Lat: & I think there is one still deficient, perhaps you may find it.
          The alarm which was created a few days since, from the report of the prevalence of the fever, has nearly subsided, and I observe in Brown’s paper of the evening some strictures on that subject, which repel with a sort of indignant triumph the suggestion of its existence. I am not, nor have I been much alarmed for several days, since there was no evidence that the fever of which several persons in my neighborhood have died, had been communicated to others by infection; nevertheless I am not one of those who rail at the Doctors for saying that they have had cases of a malignant fever, resembling in every particular except contagion the fever of last fall. It is their duty to tell truth, though its unpleasant quality draws down upon them, the momentary censure of many Citizens.

          I am going to the Country for my own health, because I am confident it will be better there than here for some time to come— There are no Courts except the Federal Court in August, which I can attend as well while I lodge out of town as if I stayed in it, and I shall thereby probably save myself the trouble, fatigue & expence of a second removal from any other part of the town I might go to. I hate this unsettled mode of life however, for it distracts one’s ideas, deranges schemes of application both to business & study, and whether the yellow fever is here in fact or only in apprehension the effect at this season is the same—you hear of nothing else.
          I have read none of the intercepted correspondence, lately published in Porcupine, because I dont take his paper. Brown is the only one I take. If the correspondence is published separately, I will obtain a copy for you. The papers you are so good to enclose me are always very acceptable.
          I am fearful that young Mc:Henry was either captured or lost though at the time my brother wrote he had sailed only 10 or 11 weeks, and some chance yet remained of his being safe; I have intended to enquire after him of his uncle, but it has escaped my memory when I saw him.
          With best love to all I am dear William / Your friend & Servt

            T B Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Joseph Pitcairn, 13 July 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Pitcairn, Joseph

            No. 3.
            My dear Sir.
            Philadelphia 13th: July 1799.

          I address you again after a short interval from the date of my last, having little more to say than that hitherto we are all in health, which I doubt not you will be glad to learn. We have had several attempts to conjure up the yellow fever among us, and I have no doubt that cases of it have already occurred, for towards the close of the last & beginning of the current month the weather was excessively hot and I never knew a very warm spell in this City that did not cause many sudden deaths from billious diseases. The weather has again become moderate and our apprehensions have in great degree subsided, though I am fearful the respite will be short. The fever of which perhaps ten or a dozen people died within a fortnight, past, was not contagious, though a month or six weeks later it is conjectured that it would have proved so. Many families have left the City, but they had engaged houses in the Country before the approach of Summer & since they must pay for them they are unwilling to lose the benefit of dwelling in them, but though the town is thin of inhabitants it is not quite deserted. I am about passing a few weeks in the Country, from choice, not from necessity, for I never knew Philadelphia more healthy than it seems to be at this moment. The approach of Autumn must necessarily increase the number of disorders and yellow fever most probably will be in the train. The Cities of Baltimore & New York are as yet healthy and God grant they may continue so throughout the season.
          I have to request you would be so obliging as to purchase either ready made or give directions for the making of three large coverlits of down, such as they make at Hamburg for the use of Ships, but large enough to cover a common size American bed for two people. The material used for stuffing these bed quilts is I think called—— down, (I forget the first name) however you will know what I mean I presume, from the above; The Callico in which the down is stuffed is generally very rotten unless particular orders are given to make use of a better quality; you will be good enough to pay attention to

this circumstance if you should not find such a business too much out of your way. The application to me is from my Mother, whom I am sure you will oblige with cheerfulness, and if the order can be completed so that the articles can be made to reach Boston Newyork or Philadelphia before the winter, it will be a great accommodation. At the same time you may send me out a clever winter great coat, in exchange for that I left behind me, & which I shrewdly suspect has been appropriated to Consular purposes. The expence & charges of the first order you will please to pass to my account.
          The renewal of intercourse between us & certain ports of St: Domingo is the only occurrence worthy of notice of a recent date. At the same instant, that the Presidents proclamation appeared, authorizing this renewal, a report was circulated that Toussaint was dead; we have every reason to believe it was a fabrication.
          The waves of the Mediterranean, must sink beneath the burthen of Ships & Cannon, which we hear have recently passed the streights of Gibraltar. What a mighty conflict may we not anticipate from the encounter of such numerous & powerful fleets. Their thunder will make old Ocean tremble for his domain. We are gaping for the sound of victory as if we were within battle.
          Our friends in different parts of the Country are generally well. The season is promising beyond example in this State— Trade florishes & increases rapidly in spite of all vexations & discouragements from external causes, and political tranquility was never more predominant. Point to the spot on the map of Europe or turn the globe as you will, can any place be found of the same latitude in point of prosperity with the United States? I bequeath the problem to your solution, and subscribe with great esteem & consideration / Your friend & ob: Servt:

            T B Adams.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 14 July 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

            Dear William
            Philadelphia 14th: July 1799.

          If it be only to thank you for your favor of the 7th: I will devote an minute previous to the meeting of Court; I thank you also for the Walpole paper, which entertains and delights me more than any of the literary productions of the Country. If there were an Editor here of the same taste as the Walpole Bard, I should sometimes indulge an itching which besets me for scribling— I know not precisely in what strain I might indulge, but having a wide field before me full of rich vegetation & delicious fertility I could not long hesitate on what to bestow my mite of cultivation. Perhaps, with “the bee,” I might also “travel & expatiate.“ But what encouragement is there to “cast pearls before Swine?” There is no taste, no relish for miscellaneous reading among the professional men of this place— I ask pardon of those who may be exceptions to the general rule—some there are, tho’ few— I dread these mere Lawyers & Doctors & Divines, they are of no use or amusement but to their respective fraternities, and yet they are emiment men—full of professional knowledge & formidable on their own ground—soaring high in their appropriate elements & only fit to dwell therein.
          The high Court of Errors & Appeals will close its Session to day. Not much business has come before it, but two important questions of law particularly relating to our State practice & jurisprudence have been argued with great professional skill by the old ones of the Bar. My Master Ingersoll’s reputation stands unquestionably foremost on the list of worthies & able. He surpasses all the rest in some particulars & is inferior in none.
          This Court Consists of a large number of Judges—towit, The Chief Justice or President (Mr: Chew) Three Judges of the Supreme Court, and the Presidents of the Court of Common Please in all the Counties. As however the jurisdiction of this Court is only appellate, all cases brought before it by writ of Error from the Supreme Court, which have been there adjudged, can have no second opinion passed

on them by the judges of the Supreme Court. This circumstance has in one or two instances created embarrassment during this term, because the chief Justices health would not permit his attendance and there were only four Justices present besides the Supreme Court Judges, five being necessary to make a Court (a quorum) when the case to be heard had been previously adjudged in the Court below. Another Justice has been sent for from Lancaster & is expected on the bench to day. I have been in company with the strange Justices one of whom is Mr: Addison & was pleased with their conversation— Judge Rush (a brother of the Drs:) though a man of some Science & very federal is nevertheless, as Stockdale the English bookseller said to my father, of him, a thick sculled, water drinker. He thinks Buonaparte the most wonderful General that has appeared since Cresar— I observed that in my opinion the Arch Duke Charles was the superior man & General— He treated the observation rather slightly, by saying, the only time the two men were opposed to each other, the Arch Dukes laurels withered in an instant.— With warmth— I retorted—He nevertheless compelled the preliminaries of Leobon & had it in his power, if the fate of Vienna could have been risked on the event of a battle, to have anihilated Buonaparte & his Army. I have always understood otherwise said he, & there we stopped. I always get in a passion when I hear the french Idol of the day, extravagantly extolled by any other than a frenchman— The ephemeral butterfly will always dazzle an infantine imagination.
          The little extract you made from a letter, makes amends for the groundless suspicion once excited by the same author. The last Sentence contains a truth to which every Son in the Country will give a ready assent & every reasonable parent will not refuse to concur in it. At the age of maturity, every man, in a free Country, is entitled to judge for himself, unless he is in a state of dependence. Men often judge erroneously even in things most interesting to themselves, but men are also wicked & commit crimes against positive commands to the contrary. Is this a reason for denying them the exercise of free will, on one hand or a good argument for dispensing with prohibitions against vice, on the other?
          I go out of town this afternoon— A fresh alarm of the fever, these two days past has existed— A Son of F A: Muhlenberg, died of it yesterday & two more are sick, who were apprentices in the same Store in water Street. I think the public offices will soon remove.
          I cannot make another journey this Summer, though it would give

me pleasure to pass it with you & the family at Quincy. If I remove from this State, it shall be the last time.
          With best love to all, I remain / Yours in truth & sincerity

            T. B. Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 15 July 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            dear son Thomas—
            15 july 1799

          I know not how it is, but I always feel more spirits when I take my pen to write to you, than to any one else; I received a friendly Letter from dr Rush. the Good Gentleman endeavours to do away all the suspis he so innocently raised, and in doing it, your Father observed that it was ten to one. if he did not go to prateing to the Bishop or his daughters, and excite some Idea that he had been serious. he was not opposed to that or any other repu[tab]le Family, but only anxious that his sons should not [co]nnect themselves untill they could support themselves— [. . .]ow Thomas, as it respects you, I have never myself felt an anxious moment. I am for leaving you to act yourself,

well assured that you will weigh the subject maturely, and act judiciously. you are out of your teens, and you know what are the duties incumbent upon you. I am much more anxious for your Health, in that oven; if the fever should prevail, instead of taking up your residence in that bake House at Germantown, I desire you to step on Board a packet at Nyork and come to Quincy. if the fever takes possession of Philadelphia, you will find neither buisness or study so near the contagion; and you can return the same way, without being more expensive than your Board would be— your Father is of the same opinion— I hope to be able to go on this year to Philadelphia, and that early in the season, if the plague does not prevent it. my Health is getting better and fir[me]r I hope. I avoid all large parties. I should have been glad to have heard the oration upon the 4 July, but durst not venture, any more than to commencment. the President has been very good humourd, and gratified the citizens by going to Launching, to Election twice to the 4 July and now to commencment, but Boston folks think they can never have enough of a good thing, and as they run mad after their dear allies, they are now running Mad, at getting rid of them, and the Young Men of Boston must needs [to] celebrate the 7 of July, as a Memorable day—a day [. . .] dissolved our connection with France. an oration m[ust] be pronounced—and they must chuse a committe & send them out to request the President of the united states to attend young Men you will readily suppose—and this too at seven oclock of the morning of Commencment day—and these young Men must come up, total strangers, without any Body to introduce them, or make their Names known—and as ill luck would have it, a whole carriage of officers from the constitution must arrive at the same time—as unknown as the Young Men— a very Hot day, the P  just returnd from a Ride—and all this you will say, was not well timed, or conducted— the invitation was improper, the refusal not so well modified as I wish’d, the young men mortified, I felt it. I wanted to have accommodated the negative to their motives, which tho not judicious, were well meant; a sudden institution for celebrating an event, which tho fortunate to our Country, ought not to be sanctiond by the presence of the Head of the Nation, whose every public act, must be scrutinized both at Home, and abroad— young Men for action, old men for Counsel—
          I was much amused with a reply to a Letter of the s——y of W——rs the other day, and I could not refrain sending it you, but you must not whisper it. little Mac, with great importance, as tho he was

addressing a young Man just entering upon Life—asserts what is of the most essential importance towards supporting the dignity and independance of the Nation—
          when you want to write me secreets as I know you sometimes do— inclose under cover to William— he says he sent you an oration. it is a Handsome thing— all the good folks in Quincy send abundance of Love— So does your affectionate / Mother

            [A Adams—]


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 15 July 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, William

            Dear William
            Philadelphia 15th: July 1799

          I have scarcely heard of you since my return excepting once through Mr: Johnson, and as I had nothing interesting to

communicate, I have deferred it till now, when an occasion seems to authorise it.
          On the removal of the Seat of Government to the City, the Office of Clerk of the Sup: Court of U. S. will most probably become vacant, as the present incumbent, Mr: Sam: Bayard, has since his return from England taken up his abode, chiefly at New York, with a design, as I hear & believe, of continuing there altogether. He will of course resign the Office of Clerk and as some one must be appointed in his stead, who resides either on the spot or near it, I should be very glad to assist you in making interest for the appointment, should you think it worth an application. The convenience of your situation, suggested the idea to me, and I mention it thus early, because I think that interest is making for the office by a person here, who though a friend of mine & a brother chip, has not in my opinion, pretentions equal to yours. The appointment rests with the Judges, & I am persuaded an application from you would meet success— Judges Cushing, Ellsworth & Chase, would be those to whom I would take the liberty of addressing myself in your behalf, if you will give me leave— The Supreme Court will sit here next month, Yellow fever a part. The duties of the Clerkship are by no means arduous & they are entirely professional— The Records must be at the seat of Government, and though the emoluments are inconsiderable, it serves as an introduction to other business— At all events there can be no harm in applying for it, & that seasonably. I wish it were in my power to hold up a more seducing prospect for your hopes, but I am a perfect nulity in point of influence respecting appointments—indeed I rejoyce, generally speaking, that I am. Write me your own notions of this matter and presenting me kindly to your wife & family, / Believe me sincerely

            T. B. Adams.

            PS. I leave the City tomorrow morning to pass some weeks in the Country— The town air begins to be unhealthy, though we have yet had no epidemic disorder. Tell Mrs: Johnson I have sent her shoes to Baltimore to Mr: Hellen.
            If Mr: G—— is with you, let him read the opposite page.


Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 19 July 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

              my dear sister
              Quincy July 19 1799

            I had the pleasure of seeing mr Peabody here, yesterday mor’g he got here the night before, but it was late, and I was gone to Bed, tho I had exceeded my usual Hour before the President arrived. he brought William with him. I think I do not feel my last Summers sickness in any way, so sensible, as by being languid, and wanting my rest at a particular Hour. if I vary much, I lose my sleep—
            I have intended every day since my return to have written you, but every day has produced some cares which have retarded me; and the heat oppresses me very much. I had a pleasent Journey & have found myself better ever since. I was so sick last Summer, that I could not see company to dinner, and therefore we made no great dinners, so that I have a double share of that buisness to do. we had one last week and I got through better than I expected— we have an other next week— I am happy to learn the little present to mr Peabody proved acceptable. I lookd when I was at Boston at linnen, but I could not see any under a dollor fit to make up, and that not better than we used to get for 3 & 6—or 4 shillings— William chose to suit himself as in the purchase of a coat & Gown. the Coat I like much but could not fancy his choice for a Gown. We made it up and it does very well. I think he will do better as to linnen at Philadelphia—and as you have been so good as to send him two, he will not want, till then, and if I go, I will endeavour to persuade him to wear cotton in winter.— I think it will be for his Health— his cough has left him, and I think he is better. I would have you try upon abbe the worm wafers. they have been used with great effect, and I believe she has still some remaining I want you to come here in sep’br. do not defer your visit to a longer day. the days grow short and the weather cold— If I keep well enough to go to Philadelphia, I design to go the beginning of october—
            I know you will rejoice to hear that I have received Letters from Berlin to the middle of May. my Children were then well, but mrs A—— continues to meet with one misfortune after an other. she was just recovering from the third— I heard from Thomas at Philadelphia this week; he is going into the Country—about six miles from the

city. the fever has not got to any Head yet, but I fear it will when the season arrives in which it used to Ravage— in Boston and new york, it is Healthy—
            I will procure some stockings for the Boys I could have been almost angry with William—tho so handsomely supplied with Cloaths, do you think he put them on, but went to commencment in those he wore down which be sure, were proper enough for common use but when he had others & with him, to go into so much company—and so drest, it mortified me— but children want consideration— I send my little Neice a Book I did not Read it untill I bought it. there is no harm in it, many usefull lessons—but some which I do not assent to or approve of— I will never consent to have our sex considered in an inferiour point of light. let each planet shine in their own orbit, God and natur designd it so— if man is Lord, woman is Lordess— that is what I contend for—and if a woman does not hold the Reigns of Government, I see no reason for her not judging how they are conducted—
            when you read the Book you will easily know the part alluded to—
            I am my dear sister with Love and affection ever yours—

              A Adams

            to miss Palmer a kind Remembrance, and to John whose turn to commencment will be next year—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 July 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            Rock Hall Germantown July 21st: 1799.
            My dear Mother.

          I thank you for your favor of the 15th: instt: which reached me yesterday at this place, where I have been since the 15th: and where notwithstanding your kind invitation & advice, I expect to continue until it shall be clearly ascertained whether the pestilential fever is to prevail or not in the City this season. I am out of the way of danger, if any should exist; and before the expiration of another month we

must know whether any unusual mortality takes place among the inhabitants who stay behind, and at what period the City will again become habitable. If the inhabitants should not generally be forced to flee, I shall be ready to return early in September—if they are under the necessity of evacuating it, we cannot expect to return till November, in which case I may come to you. It is true that my board & expences will probably exceed the expence of the journey, but then I shall suffer no interruption in my reading, which is absolutely necessary for me to renew the practice of my profession, and though you have an idea that no such thing as retirement is to be found here, I can assure you the contrary is the case, for I am confident that I have not passed a week of so complete solitude for many years— We are situated in a narrow lane at the foot of a hill, about a quarter of a mile from the great road. The house we at present occupy is but a single story in height; its foundation laid upon a very large rock, which overhangs a babling brook & murmuring rill, the sound of which united to those which now & then proceed from a few antient & venerable bull-frogs, grown hoarse by a frequent repetition of the same note, serves but to lull our troubled spirits or “to sooth our sleep.” Our cot is very humble, our farm is scant, consisting of nearly three fourths of an acre of ground, quite insufficient for the pasturage of a single Cow—still we enjoy rural felicity, by making tributary to our pleasures the more extensive, luxuriant & better improved farms of our neighbors. At the close of the day, we ramble in the fields & forrests of the vicinage—here we occasionally meet a straggling reaper a gleaner or a wood nymph—Some “Musidora” or “lovely young Lavinia,” “veil’d in a simple robe, their best attire.” The companions of my walks & sports are two young Students of medicine, natives of South Carolina & pupils of Dr: Rush. They are advanced beyond the period of Shop attendance and are pursuing their studies preparatory to graduation; I have found them hitherto very pleasant young men—possessing habits of stability application & fondness for books, rarely found in Southern Constitutions. Should the pestilence increase at Philadelphia, we shall have a large reinforcement of boarders, which will make this residence much less desirable than it is now. From the above description you will be able to form a judgement of my situation, and whether it be advisable to change it or continue in it— The position is said to be healthy.
          The Oration &ca: which were sent me afforded amusement. Lowell should have published his opinions five or six years ago, when it would have been a mark of courage to have advanced them— They

are not ill-timed even now, but at the period I mention, he would have been grossly insulted & abused by an open & public avowal of similar sentiments. After all these wonderful displays of courage & patriotism—I have always been & always shall be of opinion, that the John Adams’s were the only people in their right minds from the beginning, and were more instrumental in bringing the senses of Americans back to the standard whence they had deviated, than all the rest of the world put together. Publicola killed Tom Pain; Columbus & Barneveldt strangled Genet & gagged Jemmy Sully—and the Speeches from the Presidential chair—seconded by nervous answers to addresses, have confirmed & given stability to wavering minds, councils & speculations. The councils of the righteous have confounded the foolish, and it is a consolation to me when I think with confidence, that future errors of opinion are capable of being corrected by courage & perseverance. The courage of a Statesman is as often put to the proof as that of the Soldier in actual service, and many a one who would scorn to turn his back on a battery suddenly unmasked, would shrink from a public scrutiny of his political tenets & opinions.
          I am with the truest love & duty / Your Son

            T. B. Adams.

            P. S. Love to Shaw— I have his few lines of the 9th:, but have nothing to say in reply, at present. He is very good in sending me pamphlets & papers for which I am indebted beyond the capacity of recompense.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 29 July 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother.
            Germantown 29 July 1799.

          I am in possession of your favor of the 21st: instt: with the letter of my brother enclosed; they were both very acceptable and I return the enclosure with thanks for the perusal— I hope shortly to receive the letter, which he mentions having written me on the subject of his affairs; though I think they are in as good & safe a train as any disposition I could make of them— I have written an account of every step I have taken in the disposal of his property, and have no doubt it will generally meet his approbation. The letter I enclosed for Dr: Tufts, was, I presume safely delivered.
          When you get my letter of the 21 st: your apprehensions for my safety will be removed— I have been but once in town since I first left it, though the fear of yellow fever did not restrain me— The City continues healthy as the season will allow, but solitary cases of highly malignant fever occur in many quarters. As I firmly believe in the domestic origin of the fever, I expect the numbers will increase with the progress of the Autumn, of those who are exposed to take the infection; and this is the opinion of many Doctors, who however are still abused for thinking so.
          I am almost afraid to tell you what society I frequent here lest alarm should be excited & disquieting apprehensions be multiplied on my account— There is a lady in the case—Aye & a very intelligent one too, whose mind is as chaste as her person and whose understanding has been cultivated by an intimacy with the choicest books— Whom can he mean? Not the B——ps daughter? No matter who it is—but you may remember I once had a female correspondent, whose signature was Laura and you read some of her numbers— She it is that answers very nearly to the portrait above— But she is advanced pretty far beyond her girlish days—perhaps some 35— Say—Am I in danger of acting the petrarch to this Laura? But fiction away— The ladies name is Wistar—of the friends Society & a niece of Mrs: Foulke with whom I once boarded
          Her family pass the Summer always at Germantown, and it so happens that their grounds extend to the house where I live now— this facility of intercourse is occasionally improved & I confess that some of my pleasantest hours are counted in this Society— Dont be alarmed.

          I am amused with your half revelations, which are all I want— I hear nothing of grumbling if any there be, for unless administration is approved, people have delicacy enough or dissimulation enough to conceal their thoughts from me.
          I am glad the Constitution is in so good hands; I had no confidence in her first Commander, though my opinion grew out of his reputation with the public. I hope that “Talbot & triumph,” as the Walpole eulogist has it, will hereafter, as heretofore “go hand in hand.”
          I am with all love & duty / Your Son

            T. B Adams.