Title: John Quincy Adams to Cotton Tufts, 9 December 1787
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Tufts, Cotton

          Newbury-Port. December 9th: 1787.
          Dear Sir.

        If it should be convenient to you, I would be obliged to you for a supply of money. I endeavour to avoid all expences, but such as are really necessary; yet I am not only exhausted, but somewhat in debt.— I can scarcely tell how the money goes, but I have an account of all my expences, which assures me that none has been lost.
        Your brother informs me that it will be more convenient for him to take an order for what I am indebted to him, and therefore I have not paid him. He has also some money for you, which he has offered me, and if I should take it the amount of the order will, I imagine be about £.7.
        I am not in immediate want of a supply from you, especially if I should take the additional sum from your brother. but for the sake of having money at hand, I should be glad to receive it as soon as you can make it perfectly convenient to send.
        Respectfully your’s
        J. Q. Adams.


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 18 December 1787
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

          Weymouth Decr. 18. 1787.
          Dear Cousin

        The System of Government reported by the late Continental Convention has afforded much Matter for Pens and Tongues— The Friends & opposers of it are distinguished by the Party names of Federalists & Antifederalists— These Names I suspect will continue as long as Whig & Tory— which of the Parties will carry their Point, is difficult to say— Many of the Advocates for the Constitution are enthusiastic open & severe in their Attacks upon all that oppose it, those on the other Side act more secretly, but with great Success— A prevailing Sense of present Weakness & Danger for want of an efficient Government together with the Fear of having one that shall be the Result of Force, will probably reconcile many to this, who would otherwise be decidedly against it— The Choice of Delegates (for our State Convention) in the County of Suffolk & Essex so far as they have proceeded, has in general fallen on the most respectable Characters The Town of Braintree, has done itself Honour in the Choice of Bror Cranch & the Revd. Mr Wibirt— also there are some of the first Characters from other Parts of the Country— Newyork is said to be opposed to this Plan—and have not as yet called a Convention— Pensylvania is said to have met & adopted it— The Determination of all the States will not probably be had in a less Term than a Year till which Time We must wait with Patience—

        In a former Letter I informed You of the Death of our worthy Uncle— I am exceedingly grieved to find that his Estate is in Danger of being represented Insolvent, in Consequence of the Deprciation of our public Securities— To the House of Champion & Dickenson he was indebted & made Remittances during the War to the amount of £10 or 11000, (Scarce any other Merchant made Remittances during that Time) he sent to Europe Two Vessells, which had they not been taken, would have discharged his whole Debt now amounting to £6, or, 7000 Sterlg— discouraged in his attempts he vested this Money in public Securities for the purpose of answering that Debt whenever Peace should arrive— Was that Debt to be paid in the public Notes left on Hand—at nominal Value—there would still remain on hand some Estate to be divided among the Children but if the Demand be made in Specie only—the whole real Estate must be sold— other Debts against the Estate are but small— Forty years Business he carried on with that House—and to such an Amount—as they must have made an Estate from it—and I hope they will have goodness enough to make a reasonable Composition, since like an honest Man He did the best that lay in his Power to secure their Interest—
        The Town of Boston entertained an high Esteem of the deceased and as a Mark of their Respect, have chosen his Son William as his Successor in the office of Overseer of the Poor. for a Time before his Fathers Death, He married to a Daughter of Mr Nathl Carter. of Newbury Port, to the great Delight of his Connections— Our Cousin Isaac not long since was appointed Librarian to our University— Mr. Otis is gone (a Member of Congress) to New York— His Wife last week brought him a Daughter—
        At Weymouth We have ordained a Mr Norton and are I think happy in our Choice— Hingham has settled a Mr. Ware. Scituate a Mr. Dawes in the Parish formerly Revd. Mr. Grovernors, Pembroke Mr. Whitman as a Colleague with Revd. Mr. Smith. Titicut (part of Bridgewater) Mr. Gurney, in the Room of Revd. Mr Reid decd. all in the Space of Two Months— what Think you? Are’t We growing Good Folks in this part of the Country?—
        Your Children were all well, last Week & your other Connections Wishing you all Happiness & a safe return to America
        I am yours respectfully
        C. Tufts

          P.S. Would it not be best to send a Collection of Seeds for your Garden by some of the Spring Vessells, such as Peas—Beans—Cabbage &c— I wish to hear from you by the first Conveyance.

          Dec. 27
          Delaware & Jersey States as well as Philadelphia have acceeded to the proposed Plan of Government— I should have been highly gratified to have received Mr. Adams Sentiments upon it previous to our Deccision, but as our State Convention will meet on the Second Wednesday of January next, I must be deprived of that Happiness—till at a more distant Period— I confess I feel more than commonly anxious, for although I have seen my Country trampling down Law & Government & sporting with Right & Justice & have wished for a Government adequate to our Necessities. Yet I should be exceeding sorry to see any other than a Government of Laws— Is the present Plan well calculated to produce a Government of Laws? Does it not favour too much of Aristocracy for future Freedom Quiet & Duration? Does it provide for an adequate Representation? Is the Executive sufficiently independent? Are the Powers properly defined & sufficiently explicit? Are the Three Powers duly balanced? Where is the Bill of Rights or is it unnecessary? These are Questions which I hope My Friend will one Day do me the Pleasure to resolve, versed in the Knowledge & Study of Government— His Advice reasonings & Council would weigh to much— I Wish him to write me what the Situation of Europe is with Respect to War, for although we abound with News, yet We have but very little that can be relied on— Youll be pleased to inform Mr. Adams, that I drew an order on him in favour of Mr. Elworthy for £100 Sterlg dated the 26th. Inst—


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 December 1787
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

          Newbury-Port December 23d 1787.
          Dear Madam.

        It is a long time since I wrote you last, but I am perfectly weary of making apologies. I have no doubt but my friends will forgive me, when they recollect the causes which have prevented me from informing them frequently of those trivial events, which the partiality of friendship alone can render interesting. When I was last in Boston, which was about two months ago, I wrote a few hasty lines to my father, intending to write more largely soon after my return to this place. I have delay’d fulfilling my intentions from time to time, either from the want of an opportunity, or from the multiplicity of my employments, and even now, I know not whether this letter will go within these three months.— In the beginning of September I came to this Town, and began the study of the law with Mr: Parsons. I could not possibly have an instructor, more agreeable than this gentleman. His talents are great: his application has been indefatigable, and his professional knowlege is surpassed by no gentleman in the Commonwealth. The study itself, is far from being so destitute of entertainment, as I had been led to expect. I have read three or four authors with pleasure as well as improvement; and the imaginary terrors of tediousness and disgust, have disappeared, upon the first approach. But in their stead other fears have arisen, which create more anxiety in my mind, and which will increase rather than subside. The popular odium which has been excited against the practitioners in this Commonwealth prevails to so great a degree, that the most innocent and irreproachable life cannot guard a lawyer against the hatred of his fellow citizens:— The very despicable writings of Honestus, were just calculated to kindle a flame, which will subsist long after they are forgotten. The author after being hoisted by this weak instrument into the Senate has already return’d to his native insignificancy, and under the new adopted signature of Candidus, defends a good cause without ability and without success. But the poison has been so extensively communicated, that its infection will not easily be stopped: a thousand lies in addition to those published in the papers have been spread all over the Country; to prejudice the people against the “order” as it has invidiously been called; and as a free people will not descend to disguise their sentiments, the gentlemen of the profession, have been treated with contemptuous neglect, and with insulting abuse.— Yet notwithstanding all this the profession is increasing rapidly in numbers, and the little business to be done is divided into so many shares, that they are in danger of starving one another.— When I consider these disadvantages, which are in a degree peculiar to the present time, and those which at all times subsist; when I reflect that with good abilities, great application, and a favourable Fortune are requisite to acquire that eminence in the profession which can ensure a decent subsistence, I confess I am sometimes almost discouraged, and ready to wish I had engaged in some other line of life. But I am determined not to despond. With industry and frugality, with Patience and perseverance it will be very hard if I cannot go through the world with honour.— I am most resolutely determined, not to spend my days in a dull tenor of insipidity. I never shall be enough of a stoic, to raise myself beyond the reach of Fortune. But I hope I shall have so much resolution, as shall enable me to receive Prosperity without growing giddy & extravagant, or Adversity without falling into Despair.
        I board at a Mrs: Leathers’s—a good old woman; who even an hundred years ago, would have stood in no danger of being hang’d for witchcraft: she is however civil and obliging, and what is very much in her favour, uncommonly silent so that if I am deprived of the charms, I am also free from the impertinence of Conversation. There is one boarder beside myself. A Dr: Kilham, (I hope the name will not scare you) one of the representatives from this town, a very worthy man; and a man of sense and learning. was it not for him, I should be at my lodgings as solitary as an hermit: there is a very agreeable society in the town; though I seldom go into Company.
        I pass’d two or three days at Haverhill, about a month ago, and had the pleasure of finding Mr: Thaxter; From the severest censurer of every trifling attentions between lovers, he became as fond a shepherd as ever was celebrated in the annals of Arcadia. he expects some peculiar animadversions from you, for his desertion of principles, which he formerly boasted were so deeply rooted in his mind. But it is the old story of Benedick. The absurity, is not in abandoning a vain, ineffectual resolution; but it is in pretending to adopt a resolution, which every day may be rendered futile.
        I have frequently been prevented from expatiating in my letters, upon political topics, by the sterility of the subject, an uncommon fertility now produces the same effect. I can only say in general terms that parties run very high, and that we are most probably at the eve of a revolution: Whether it will be effected, in silence, and without a struggle, or whether it will be carried at the point of the sword is yet a question.— The Newspapers, will show you how much the public is engaged in the discussion of the new continental form of government, which I fear will be adopted.
        From the remainder of the family, you will probably hear, by the same opportunity, that is to convey this. when I last heard from my brothers they were well.
        your ever affectionate Son.
        J.QAdams.


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 1 January 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

          London Janry 1. 1788—
          My dear sir

        I wrote you by the November packet which Letter I hope you have received before now, in that I mentiond what I wished to have done to the House, particularly the painting & papering. Since that date we have received your favour by Captain Barnard desiring to know how mr Adams would have the land improved, but neither he or I are well enough acquainted with the Land to give any other directions, than, if any requires to be laid down, that it may be done with Grass Seed. he does not propose to have any corn planted, but to improve it wholy to Grass. the Garden we would wish to have put in order, & such seeds sown as may be necessary before we arrive but we hope to be with you the latter end of April, or begining of May. we have concluded to come with Captain Callihan who has the best accommodations for passenger of any merchantman in the Trade. he wishes to sail in March, but I hope it will not be untill April. mr & mrs Smith go in the April packet for New York. We propose leaving London the first of March, & talk of going to Falmouth to embark, but shall be governd by circumstances— as we shall take out some of our furniture, I should be glad the House might be ready for it as soon as we arrive I have one other request to add, which is that you would order a chaise for us, neat & well made. I inclose the Arms which are to be painted upon it. the Time draws very near, and we are begining to make preparation for our departure—
        Alass, my dear Sir, How many valuable Friends have I lost since I left you? Should it please Heaven to return me safe to my Native Land—what a Chasm shall I find—the dear hospitable mansion of my uncle bereft of its chief supporters. with what Sensations Shall I enter those doors again. Nor are my thoughts less intent upon an other Vacancy, too painfull to describe—cannot you fill the place to your Satisfaction?
        An other Relative too, has left the world, who tho long lost to the World & his Friends, yet whilst living hope remained. unhappy Man. reflections upon this event are too painfull to me. the ties of Nature are powerfull bonds, I feel even the bitteness of them—
        our Family, thanks to Heaven are in general, in Good Health; mr Smith has been ill repeatedly Since his return from Portugal, the remains of a Billious fever which he took in the Hot climate of spain, & which nearly cost him his Life. my little Boy too has been very sick cutting Teeth. my own Health is much mended by my last falls excursion—but I fear I shall have a very melancholy event upon my voyage; if it does not take place sooner. Esther seems going fast after her sisters, not in a consumption but for five months labouring under other complaints which if not soon removed must prove fatal, as yet no application has had the desired Effect, dropsy & parilitick complaints are comeing fast upon her, the latter has been kept of for some time by Elictrisity. I mention her Situation by this opportunity, that her Friends may be apprizd of my apprehensions I have the satisfaction to say that she has been a Good Girl untainted by the vile manners of the servants of this Country I have been able always to treat her with the tenderness of a parent, without her ever forgetting her own place & situation. I shall feel her loss most severely.—
        I shall write to my Friends by Captain Barnard who is to sail in Febry. in the mean time permit me to offer to yourself and the rest of my Friends, more than the mere compliments of the Season, my sincerest wishes for your mutual happiness, Health of Body & peace of mind not only this, but every succeeding year of your Lives, and Heaven grant that a few months more may make us happy together in our own Native Land—
        Believe me dear sir most / affectionately Yours.
        A Adams

          P S as I do not know of any method of making a chaise go without a Horse Should be glad if you would be looking out one for us—


Title: Lucy Paradise Barziza to Abigail Adams, 12 January 1788
From: Barziza, Lucy Paradise
To: Adams, Abigail

          Venice, 12th Janry. 1788.
          Dear Madam.

        If I have failed in my duty untill now, I will differe no longer from emploring my pardon for my neglegence, and to shew you at the same time the sentiments of my perfect remembrance of the many politeness you and your good family have always shown me; and of the perfect esteem, with which I profess myself. I cannot however differe any longer having heard that your husband and family quits England for America very soon. I recieved also the news that my father, and mother thank God are safely arrived in Virginia which has greatly comforted me and sofetened the sorrow which there departure caused me being under continual fears and happrehentions for them. I am sure you will continue us your friendship recommending to you my parents to whom your, and your husbands influence may be of infinite use to and which I shall ever remember with gratidude. I flatter myself that it would not be disagreable If I should give you a short detail of my present situation. I was surprised on arriving at my husbands house, the manner in which I was recieved by all his relations and friends the number of which are very great so that my house was a whole month in a continual bustle from the visits which I did nothing else but recieve morning and evening. His palace is magnaficent and furnished expensively, servants in proportion and horses to the number of 6 for common use. besides that an oppen table so that with that respect I cannot be more contented I have only to reproach myself of my not deserving such a fortune. But what is still better is my husband is of the very first Nobility, he bares also great for the qualities of his understanding and the goodness of his heart. His attachment to me is always the same, and you cannot imagin but that my affection for him is very great. I am just on point of lying in and by the time you recieve this to be safely broght-abed. I thank God have passed my pregency perfectly well. I took the libirty to give you an account of my situation being sure that your goodness would interess yourself in my wellfare. and haveing perhaps an occation of seeing my parents you may comfort them by giving them an account of my happy situation. My Husband joins with me in best compliments to Mr: Adams, and Mr: and Mrs: Smith, preserving me your friendship and disposing of me in all occations—
        I am. / dear Madam. / Your obliged and / humble servant
        Lucy Barziza


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 January 1788
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

          Grosvenor Square Jan. 23. 1788
          My dear John

        I am much pleased with your Oration and much obliged to you for it. it seems to me, making allowance for a fathers Partiality, to be full of manly Sense and Spirit. By the Sentiments and Principles in that oration, I hope you will live and die, and if you do I dont care a farthing how many are preferred to you, for Style Elegance and Mellifluence.
        To Vattel and Burlamaqui, whom you Say you have read you must Add, Grotius and Puffendorf and Heineccius, and besides this you should have some Volume of Ethicks constantly on your Table. Morals, my Boy, Morals should be as they are eternal in their nature, the everlasting object of your Pursuit. Socrates and Plato, Cicero and Seneca, Butler and Hutchinson, as well as the Prophets Evangelists and Apostles should be your continual Teachers.
        But let me advise you, in another Art, I mean oratory, not to content yourself with Blair and Sherridan, but to read Cicero and Quintilian.—and to read them with a Dictionary Grammar and Pen and Ink, for Juvenal is very right

          Studium Sine Calamo Somnium.

        Preserve your Latin and Greek like the Apple of your Eye.
        When you Attend the Superiour Court, carry always your Pen and Ink & Paper and take Notes of every Dictum, every Point and every Authority. But remember to show the same respect to the Judges and Lawyers who are established in Practice before you, as you resolved to show the President Tutors Professors, and Masters and Batchelors at Colledge.
        Mr Parsons your Master is a great Lawyer and should be your oracle.
        But you have now an intercourse with his Clients, whom it is your Duty to treat with Kindness, Modesty and Civility, and to whose Rights and Interests you ought to have an inviolable Attachment. Mr Parsons’s honour, reputation and Interest Should be as dear to you, as your own.
        I hope to see you in May; Meantime I am / with the tenderest affection your Father
        John Adams


Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 23 January 1788
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

          Grosvenor Square Jan. 23. 1788
          Dear Sir

        So many Things appear to be done, when one is making Preparations for a Voyage, especially with a Family, that you must put up with a short Letter in answer to yours.
        We shall embark in March on board of the ship Lucretia Captn Calahan, and arrive in Boston as soon as We can: till which time I must suspend all Requests respecting, my little affairs. Your Bills shall be honoured as they appear.
        You are pleased to ask my poor opinion of the new Constitution, and I have no hesitation to give it. I am much Mortified at the Mixture of Legislative and Executive Powers in the Senate, and wish for Some other Amendments.— But I am clear for accepting the present Plan as it is and trying the Experiment. at a future Time Amendments may be made, but a new Convention at present, would not be likely to amend it.
        You will receive, perhaps with this, a third Volume of my Defence, in which I have Spoken of the new Constitution, in a few Words. This closes the Work, and I believe you will think I have been very busy. I have rescued from everlasting Oblivion, a number of Constitutions and Histories, which, if I had not Submitted to the Drudgery, would never have appeared in the English Language. They are the best Models for Americans to study, in order to Show them the horrid Precipice that lies before them in order to enable and Stimulate them to avoid it.

        I am afraid, from what I See in the Papers that Mr Adams is against the new Plan. if he is, he will draw many good Men after him, and I Suppose place himself at the head of an Opposition. This may do no harm in the End: but I should be Sorry to see him, worried in his old Age.
        Of Mr Gerrys Abilities, Integrity and Firmness I have ever entertained A very good opinion and on very solid Grounds.— I have seen him and Served with him, in dangerous times and intricate Conjunctures. But on this Occasion, tho his Integrity must be respected by all Men, I think him out in his Judgment.— Be so kind as to send him in my name a Set of my three Volumes.
        My Duty, Love and Compliments / where due. Yours most respectfully / and affectionately
        John Adams


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 2 February 1788
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, Abigail

          Paris Feb. 2. 1788
          Dear Madam

        The silk you desired was delivered to mr̃ Parker a month ago, on the eve of his departure for England, as he supposed. he went however to Holland. mr̃ Valnay is so kind as to take charge of that now, as also of the silk stockings. I doubt whether you may like the stockings on first appearance: but I will answer for their goodness, being woven expressly for me by the Hermits of Mont Calvaire with whom I go & stay sometimes, and am favoured by them. they have the reputation of doing the best work which comes to the Paris market. I inclose you their little note of the weight & price, for they sell by weight. I inclose also a state of our accounts subsequent to the paiment of the small sum by Colo. Smith which balanced our former transactions. you will make such additions & amendments to it as you shall find right. I have not yet been able to find M. de la Blancherie at home so as to settle mr̃ Adams’s affair with him: but I will do it in time, & render you an account. there being no news here to communicate to you, be pleased to accept my thanks for the many kind services you have been so good as to render me & your friendly attentions on every occasion. I have considered you while in London as my neighbor, and look forward to the moment of your departure from thence as to an epoch of much regret & concern for me. insulated & friendless on this side the globe, with such an ocean between me and every thing to which I am attached the days will seem long which are to be counted over before I too am to rejoin my native country. young poets complain often that life is fleeting & transient. we find in it seasons & situations however which move heavily enough. it will lighten them to me if you will continue to honour me with your correspondence. you will have much to communicate to me, I little which can interest you. perhaps you can make me useful in the execution of your European commissions. be assured they will afford me sincere pleasure in the execution. my daughters join me in affectionate Adieus to you: Polly does not cease to speak of you with warmth & gratitude. heaven send you, madam, a pleasant & safe passage, and a happy meeting with all your friends. but do not let them so entirely engross you as to forget that you have one here who is with the most sincere esteem & attachment Dear Madam / your most obedient / & most humble servant
        Th: Jefferson

        EnclosureMrs. Adams in acct with Th: J.

            Dr.
            Cr.

            1787.
             Oct. 3.
            To paid for 5. aunes cambrick sent by Dr. Cutting

            £

               60.₶
            2–10

            £   s

            By cash to Colo. Smith

             2–10

             Dec.. 19.
By cash by mr̃ Trumbull 120₶

              5–

            1788.
             Jan.. 9.
            To pd̃ hermits of M. Calvaire 12. pr̃ silk stockings
              168₶

            To pd̃ for 10. aunes double Florence @ 4₶– 15
              47–10

            23.
            To pd̃ Ct. Sarsfeld for books for mr̃ Adams
             79

            294–10
            12–5–5

            Balance in favor of Th: J

              7–5–5

            14–15–5.
            14–15–5


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 10 February 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

          London Feby 10th 1788

        I have now before me your Letter of the 3d of August—which I intend to answer fully—and then 2dly to proceed to some points of information—and 3dly to some observations and reflection of my own—
        in the 1st place I must acknowledge that your complaints against me for not writing are justly founded— I must Confess myself in fault—& this you know is the surest and most effectual way to disarm you of resentment—but who is the American Pope!—

        your hopes respecting our Parents returning to America are I think in a fair way to be accomplished— preparations are daily making—for this Event, they have engaged to have their furniture all on Board Callihams Ship—in the Month of Febuary— they Intend Leaving London—after the 24th. and to go to Falmouth there they are to be on the 20th of March— Callihan is to take them on Board at Falmouth after the Equinoxial Storm has blown over and from thence they proceed in a line direct, to the Harbour of Boston
        Congress not resolving to keep any Person in a Public Character at this Court—and as usual have not taken any resolutions respecting the destination of my friend—it is Concluded that they mean he should return also—at the expiration of his Commission—for which Event we are likewise prepareing and with a very Sincere desire that no impediment may intervene to frustrate our present intention of embarking for America in the April Packett which sails from Falmouth to New York—from which Place I hope my next Letter to you will be dated—and where I Shall Hope to see you—at some Leisure period—perhaps during the next Winter vacation—when our Brothers will accompany you but this is looking a great way forward— we will defer further particulars till the period approaches—
        respecting your desire that your father Should determine to Spend the remainder of his days in retirement— I cannot agree with you in this wish— it is in his Power to do His Country Essential Service—by assisting in Her Councills—by His opinions, advice, & recommendations,—he has it I beleive in his Power to do as much perhaps the most towards establishing her Character as a respectable Nation—of any Man in America—and Shall he retire from the World and bury himself amongst his Books—and Live only for himself!— No—I wish it not— I have no desire that he should be chosen Governor of the State—let those Possess that station who are ambitiously grasping—at a Shadow—which I Consider the Honour attendant upon that office to be— but I do hope—upon the establishment of a New Constitution—to see Him in some respectable and usefull Office under it— the Americans in Europe—say he will be Elected Vice President— besides my Brother independant of other important Considerations—he would not I am well Convinced be Happy in Private Life— you will before he arrives in America—have seen two other Vollumes of His Book—and perhaps you will hear from him a system of Government which you may not expect— he is of opinion that some new form of Government for our Country is neccasary— he does not wholy approve of the one which has been offered—but he thinks that the People had better adopt it as it is—and then appoint a new Convention to make such alterations as may prove necessary— He wishes they Had Entitled the Chief Magistrate to a greater degree of independance, that they had given him the Sole appointment of all Offices—that they had made provision for a Privy Councill—either of His own appointment or chosen by the Senate—and some others which you will hear from himself— if the system at present under Consideration is not addopted I am of opinion that he will assist at a future Convention and have a principle Hand in the framing One which may be adopted— most of the Americans now in Europe are in favour of it—being well Convinced that a Change is absolutely necessary to the respectable Establishment of our Country in the Eyes of Europe—and her importance as a Nation—
        I am Sorry to find by your Letter that your spirits are so low—the return of our Parrents will I hope restore them— I do not think you have any reason to be discouraged—by the time you shall have finished your studies of the Law—that Profession will have risen again into reputation amongst the People—I hope— Learning Abilities and industry will ever meet a good reward—and I dare say you will not repent the Profession you have Chosen nor think the time you have spent in the acquirement misplaced— be not discouraged—your Path through Life will not I hope be planted with thorns— you must not however expect to find the assent perfectly easy—but you will often find a Sattisfaction in haveing encountered difficulties— when the dangers are passed away—bear this beleif in Mind—that you were designed for some high and important Station upon the stage,—qualify yourself to fill your part with reputation—and then aspire to that Station which you esteem desireable—and that you may succeed in the Possession is my earnest wish—and if in my Power to offer you assistance—my pittance shall be at your Command—
        I think I have now answered your Letter—and Shall in the next place proceed to give you some information upon General Subjects which brings me to the 2d Head of my discource—
        we have had rumours of War—which have passed away—but I cannot add—it is as tho they had not been—for it is yet suspected that this Country is two well Sattisfied in their own strength and importance to keep Peace in Europe—for many succeeding years to at present there appears no oustensible reason for War— they have Lately proved triumphant in the Subjugation of Liberty in Holland—the Patriotick Party in that Country are quite unplaced—if not unpensioned— many have fled to France and others talk of going to America— the Baron de Lynden is recalled from this Court— there has been a motion made in the States General—for recalling Mr Van Berckel from America. it has not yet been carried but it is expected to take Place as soon as My father takes his Leave— no Person can travell through the Country (to so great an heighth has the Spirit of Party been extended). without wearing some Badge of Orange, it has also become a favourite colour in this Country,—thus small means are sometimes made Subservient to important purposes—
        the French Cabinet seem to be in a State of Petrifaction, whilst the People are looking around them and claiming their rights as Men,—the Royal Authority is disregarded and treated with Contempt. Parliaments return from Exile whom the King has Banished,—some Persons. talk of the Nations being better represented than this Nation is at Present,— it is said that the King has given himself up to intoxication and the Queen is Branded with every approbious epithet which Can dishonour Woman,— but I suppose this information and more you have received through the Channel of the News Papers
        Monsieur de Callonge who fled from France has been presented Publickly at this Court by the Duke of Queensborougher an Event that has caused much Surprize to Foreigners— the Marquis de la Luzern—has arrived here as Ambassador from France, he has lain down the Order of Malta—taken a Wife,—and his own title of Marquis—
        I hear of a Ship to Sail this week—and as I would not omit the opportunity of forwarding this Letter—I must omit many things that I designed to have written— we are now very Busy in Packing up and prepareing for our departure if I can find time I will write again by My Mother to you—
        Several Ships have arrived without a line from you— I hope you have received my letter of july Last—
        remember me to all Friends and beleive me / your affectionate Sister and friend—
        A Smith—


Title: John Quincy Adams to Cotton Tufts, 16 February 1788
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Tufts, Cotton

          Newbury-Port Feby: 16th: 1788.
          Dear Sir.

        I desired my brother Charles when he went from Haverhill, to mention, that I was again in need of a supply of money, and since that time I have been obliged to stop my payments: I am apprehensive he forgot to deliver my message, and take this opportunity to request some money, as soon as may be convenient.
        The riotous ungovernable spirit, which appeared among the students at the university in the course of the last quarter gave me great anxiety; particularly as I understood, that one of my brothers, was suspected of having been active in exciting disturbances; but from his own declarations and from the opinion I have of his disposition, I hope those suspicions, were without foundation— I conversed with him largely upon the subject, and hope, his conduct in future, will be such as to remove, every unfavourable impression.
        I intended to have paid a visit to my friends beyond Boston, before this, but I find I creep along so slow in my professional studies, that I could not think of being absent from them for a week together: perhaps however in a month or six weeks I may take some opportunity to indulge, for a few days.
        I am, dear Sir, respectfully yours
        J. Q. Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 20 February 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

          Febry 20th [1788] Grosvenour Square
          Dear sir

        I have written twice to you by way of New York, but do not find by yours that either of them had reachd you, nor have I learnt that Captain Folger was arrived who had all my Letters, except one to mrs Cranch by Captain Cushing. in those Letters you will find what I wisht to have done to the House, as well as other matters respecting our Farm

        I believe this will be the last Letter I shall write you previous to my embarking, which I hope will be in March, but is now uncertain on account of the difficulty mr Adams meets with in taking leave in Holland it is high time that we had a Goverment who know how to conduct our affairs with steadiness judgment, &, equity that they may not make themselves contemptable in the Eyes of all Europe. Congress accreditted mr Adams to their High mightynesses and to the Prince of orange, and in a Letter written to Congress more than a year ago, requesting permission to return at the expiration of his commission, he desires that Letters of Recall may accompany his permission, agreeable to the custom & useages of Nations. this he has several times since repeated instead of which they pass only a vote of approbation of his conduct with leave to return, but no Letter, either for this court or Holland. Mr Adams Sent a Letter to the Prince & a memorial to their High mightynessess, through mr Secretary Fagall, but all tho they express their Satisfaction personally as it respects mr Adams, they return the Letters saying they cannot receive his Resignation, but by a Letter from his Sovereign of recall, but shall continue to consider him as minister to them. if this Court do not make any difficulty, it will be from circumstances too humiliating to our Country to be prided in. mr Adams is very apprehensive that he shall be obliged to go over himself to Holland, which at this time will put us to great difficulty as we had begun to pack up & get ready for our departure.
        With this Letter I send you the third volm of the defence. you will not permit it to go out of your hands untill the others arrive. as mr Adams had been at the whole expence of publishing this work, he could wish that they might not be reprinted untill what are gone out, are disposed of, for tho he never had an Idea of making money of them, he cannot afford to lose so much by them as he must, if they are reprinted. in the last Letter you will find his Sentiments respecting our New plan of Government. Some of his sentiments I presume will be very unpopular in our Country, but time and experience will bring them into fashion. every day must convince our Country men more & more, of the necessity of a well balanced Government and that a Head to it, is quite as necessary as a body & Limbs the Name by which that Head is called is of very little concequence but they will find many Heads a Monster.— I most sincerely wish you my dear Sir every direction & success which honest intentions & upright endeavours after the publick Honour, & welfare deserve. I know you have no sinister motives, no narrow selfish purposes to serve eitheir by the acceptation or rejection of the New system. I wish every one who opposes it, or commends it, acted from motives as pure, and then whatever its fate might be, we should not be involved in anarchy but tares will spring up amongst the wheat, and thistles & Thorns. we must take care that we are not goaded & pricked to death by either— There is at present sitting here one of the most august Assemblies that this country can convene. The House of commons the House of Lord’s the Bishops the judges &C all convened in westmister Hall for the Trial of Warren Hastings. about Two thousand persons half of whom are Ladies, attend this trial every day. it is opened with the utmost order & continued with the greatest regularity, & no person admitted to it, but with Tickets which are not very easily procured. as a Foreign ministers Lady I have had a Seat in the Box appropriated for them, and have had the pleasure of hearing mr Burk speak 3 hours. I have been so much engaged in prepairing for my voyage that I have not been able to attend daily, but I propose going again tomorrow to hear mr Fox. The dukes & Lords & Bishops are all Robed, are preceeded by the Herald at Arms, are calld over according to their rank and take their Seats accordingly. The Prince of Wales duke of York Gloster & Cumberland are obliged to a constant attendance mr Hastings appears at present; as Burk call’d him, the Captain Generall of Iniquity, whatever he may have to say in justification of himself, it seems impossible to wash the Ethiope white. my paper warns me to close but not untill I have assured you of the Sincere & affectionate / Regard of Yours
        A Adams

          PS your last Bill is paid in favour mr Elworthy


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 21 February 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Jefferson, Thomas

          London Febry. 21 1788.
          My dear sir

        in the midst of the Bustle and fatigue of packing, The parade & ceremony of taking leave at Court, and else where, I am informd that mr Appleton and mrs Parker, are to set out for Paris tomorrow morning. I Cannot permit them to go without a few lines to my much Esteemed Friend, to thank him for all his kindness and Friendship towards myself and Family, from the commencment of our acquaintance, and to assure him that the offer he has made of his correspondence, is much too flattering, not to be gratefully accepted.
        The florence and stockings were prefectly to my mind, and I am greatly obliged to you sir, for your care and attention about them. I have sent by Mrs Parker the balance due to you, agreeable to your statement, which I believe quite right
        Be so good as to present my Regards to the marquiss de la Fayett, and his Lady, and to the Abbés—assure them that I entertain a gratefull rememberance of all their civilities and politeness during my residence in Paris. To mr Short and the young Ladies your Daughters Say every thing that is affectionate for me, and be assured my dear Sir, that I am / with the Greatest Respect Esteem & Regard / Your Friend and Humble Servant
        Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Jefferson, Thomas

          London Febry. 26 1788
          Dear sir

        Mr Adams being absent I replie to your Letter this day received, that mr Adams has written to you upon the Subject you refer to. our time here is short and pressing, yet short as it is mr Adams is obliged to Set out on fryday for the Hague in order to take leave there, owing wholy to the neglect of Congress in omitting to send

        him a Letter of Recall, tho he particuliarly requested it of them, when he desired permission to return, & has several times since repeated the Same request. a memorial would then have answerd, but now it cannot be received, and he finds at this late hour that he must cross that most horrid passage twice, & make a rapid journey there & back again as it would be greatly injurious to our credit & affairs to give any reasonable cause of offence. he would be delighted to meet you there, but time is so pressing that he cannot flatter himself with that hope, nor be able to stay a day after he has compleated his buisness yet as this Letter may reach you about the day he will leave London, you will consider whether there is a possibility of seeing each other at the Hague
        I had sent my arrears to you before mr Trumble thought of informing me that it was to be paid to him. the Eight Louis you have since been so kind as to pay for mr Adams, shall be paid mr Trumble—
        I thank you my dear Sir for all your kind wishes & prayers, heaven only knows how we are to be disposed of. you have resided long enough abroad to feel & experience how inadaquate our allowence is, to our decent expences, and that it is wholy impossible for any thing to be saved from it this our Countryman in general will neither know or feel. I have lived long enough, & seen enough of the world, to check expectations, & to bring my mind to my circumstances, and retiring to our own little Farm feeding my poultry & improveing my Garden has more charms for my fancy, than residing at the court of Saint Jame’s where I seldom meet with Characters So innofensive as my Hens & chickings, or minds so well improved as my Garden.— Heaven forgive me if I think too hardly of them— I wish they had deserved better at my Hands—
        adieu my dear Sir and believe me at all times / and in all Situations Your / Friend & Humble Servant
        A A


Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 28 February 1788
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

          Boston Feby. 28. 1788
          Dear Sir

        I recd. Mrs. Adams’s Lettr. of Nov. 6. and had wrote a long Epistle of the 21t. Inst. and put it into the Post Office to go by a Cap. Brown who is to sail from Portsmouth, had also drawn a Bill on you for £150 Sterlg which I found necessary— But on receiving this Day Mrs. Adams’s Favour of Jany 1. and finding that they were not forwarded & that the Vessell would not sail for some Days I thought it probable they would not reach you before you would embark for Boston, therefore withdrew the Letter and got the Bill returned to me—Should this reach you, I would suggest, If you should have more Money than you should judge necessary for immediate Use here, whether it would not be best to lodge it in England to be drawn for after your Return—
        In a former Letter, I manifested a Disinclination to purchase Vesey’s Place, being satisfied that I could not then strike a Bargain with Him to your Advantage His Ideas of its Value, being far beyond what I conceived you would have judged it worth were you on the Spot or what He could have obtaind for it even on the longest Credit. I did not therefore chuse even to make Him an offer Time has given Him that Conviction, which I was pretty sure it would and has furnished me with an Opportunity of complying with your Wishes and on Terms, that I presume will be agreable to you— a few Days since I purchased it for £200 and have received a Deed— Two Thirds I paid him in Hand and for the other Third he has my Note on your Behalf— I shall be obliged to transact some Part of your Business on Credit, till you Return, having faild of the Benefit of a Draught on you as designed— The several Matters mentioned in Mrs. Adams’s Letter shall attend to with as much Dispatch as the State of my Affairs will permit but I must beg you to prepare for some Degree of Mortification on seeing your Farms— The War & Taxes crushed all Improvements— We are but just rising— With your Care & Inspection they will I trust wear a better Appearance— Although a larger Share of my Time & Attention has been devoted to the Affairs of my Friend than to my own private concerns yet all has not been done that I could have wished for—or would have been done, had not a Variety of Embarrassments public & private, prevented—

        Allens Farm has been sold, Saml. Quincys also, the Latter I had determined to have secured for you, but was foreclosed—
        Our State Convention after a Months sitting closed the 6th. Inst. and ratified the proposed Plan of National Government— I have no doubt but that it will generally obtain and I flatter myself under the Smiles of Heaven that the Establishment of it will sweep away a Number of the Plagues with which this Country is cursed— Accept My Dear Sir of my ardent Prayers & Wishes for a prosperous Voyage you & your Familys safe Return to your Friends and believe to be— / your Affectionate Friend
        Cotton Tufts
         P. S. Lt. Governor Cushing died this Morning


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 March 1788
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          The Hague March 4. 1788
          My dearest Friend

        After a Passage of two days, against contrary Winds, and a terrible Jolt through the Mud, from Helvoet, I arrived here this day, in good health and not bad Spirits. The Princes Birth day is on Saturday: so that I shall not be able to take Leave before Monday, and if I go to Amsterdam afterwards, I shall not be able to leave that City before Wednesday or Thursday: so that I fear you cannot expect me, till the Week after next.— Mr Dumas prays me to Send you his respects.
        My Cockade is Splendid enough for a Lt. General.— Mr Dumas is large enough for a Colonel, or for what I know for a Major General. I have not seen one Person without an orange Ribbon. great Preparations are making for celebrating the Birth day: and all is quiet. Tomorrow I make my first Visits.— Give my Love to Mr and Mrs Smith and to my dear Boy.— and my Respects and Compliments to all Freinds.
        yours forever
        John Adams


Title: Cotton Tufts to John Quincy Adams, 5 March 1788
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John Quincy

          Boston March 5. 1788
          Dear Sr

        I recd. Your Favour, previous to which I sent you by Post in a Letter to my Brother a Bank Bill of 20 Dollrs., it would have been sent soon after your Brother mentioned to me your Want of a Supply, had I not heard that you proposed to be at Boston in a few Days— I am exceedingly gratified that your fraternal Advice was given to Mr Charles and I flatter myself that it will with that of his other Friends have a very salutary Effect— The Disorders at our University gave me much Pain and more especially on finding that my young Friend was suspected to me deeply concerned in them, indeed I had never felt so much Anxiety with Respect to Him, as some Imprudencies (at least) had given Countenance to Suspicion, that if well grounded would have deprived Him of that Reputation which He enjoyed before and which had given me a Pleasure, that I had often announced to his Dear Parents and from which they had derived no small Satisfaction—
        I recd. by New York a Letter from your Mother of Nov. 6. and one other of Jany. 1. In the last She informs me of their Design to embark for Boston in Capt. Callihan the latter End of this Month or the Beginning of April, this will make their Return a Month sooner than proposed in the former Letter— I shall find myself much hurried to get Borland’s House in order to receive them, as there are still considerable Repairs necessary— Col Smith & Wife go to New York in the April Packet.
        A few Days since I purchased Veseys Farm adjoyning that on which Pratt Lives, your Father had discovered a peculiar Fondness for it and had instructed me to give £300 for it, If not to be obtained at less Price, I had declined purchasing it but an opportunity presenting of meeting his Wishes & on Terms that I thought would be highly agreable to him, I struck the Bargain at £200—
        A Bank Bill of Ten Dollarss is enclosed And / I am Dear Sr. / Your Affectionate Friend
        Cotton Tufts


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 March 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          London March 7th 1788
          my dear Friend

        Not a word have I heard of, or from you Since you left me this day week. I am anxious to know how you got over & how you do. I am so unfortunate as to be confined for several days past with an inflamation in my Throat attended with canker, & some fever. it is rather abated to day, and I hope is going of. we go on packing, but it is a much more labourious peice of buisness than I imagind and takes much more time, I hope we shall finish in a few day’s The New dutch minister was presented at court this week & makes a splendid appearence with his footmen in scarelet & silver, & a gay page or Running footman was vastly well Received at Court &c &c
        Nothing from America since you left us.
        Master Billy is sitting upon the table whilst I write and send his duty to Grandpappa. the Weather is such that I cannot but rejoice we are not at sea. Scott has been beating in the Channel these ten days, but every day brings us a prospect of better weather. adieu I shall be very uneasy if I do not hear from you by this Days post. I know not where to direct to you so shall cover to Willinks. ever yours
        A Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 11 March 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          Grosvenour Square March 11th 1788
          My dearest Friend

        The Mail is this day arrived, but not a Line have I got from you, nor have I heard a word from you since you left me. I hope you are well. I am anxious to learn when you expect to get back. I find by Letters received yesterday from France that mr Jefferson is gone to meet, you, which will render your visit in Holland much pleasenter to you. Callihan does not appear in any great Hurry, and I am full in the Mind that he had rather make it the middle of April before he sails than go sooner. he will not however have to wait for our things, as I hope they will all be on Board this week. I shall stay in the House as long as I possibly can, but if you do not get back before the 20th imagine I shall be in some Hotell.
        We have had more Winter since you left London than the whole season before, and Terible Soar throats have been the concequence of the harsh March winds I have had my share of it I hope, which proved very obstinate for several days, & yesterday was the first of my getting out. Mr & Mrs Smith will leave London the 20th
        I wrote you by last frydays Mail under cover to messiurs Willinks. my most Respectfull compliments to mr Jefferson. I rejoice in the Idea of your having met again before you leave Europe. the papers give us a magnificent account of preperations in Holland for celebrating the Birth day of the Stadtholder
        Nothing from America Since you left me; I find it very lonesome here & Should be more so if I was not so buisily employd in preperations for our departure—
        adieu most affectionately / yours
        A Adams
        after closing my Letter, yours of March the fourth is just brought me. I rejoice to hear you are well. compliments to mr d. & family if you had named the Hotell you were at, I Should not be obliged to Send my Letters to Amsterdam
        A Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 March 1788
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          Amsterdam March 11. 1788.
          My dearest Friend

        I have past through the Ceremonies of taking Leave of the States General, the Prince and Princess &c to the Satisfaction of all Parties—and have been feasted at Court, and all that.— made my Compliments to the Prince on the 8. of March his Birth Day, and to the Princess at her Drawing Room &c &c &c. and should have been in London at this hour if you had not have laid a Plott, which has brought me to this Town.— Mr Jefferson at the Receipt of your Letter, came post to meet me, and he cutts out So Much Business for me, to put the Money Matters of the United States upon a Sure footing, that I certainly Shall not be able to get into the Packet at Helvoet before Saturday; and I much fear not before Wednesday the Nineteenth. This delay is very painful to me, and you must blame your self for it, altogether.
        I thought myself dead, and that it most well with me, as a Public Man: but I think I shall be forced, after my decease, to open an additional Loan. at least this is Mr Jeffersons opinion and that of Mr Vanstaphorst.
        I hope you will have every Thing ready that by the twenty first or second of March We may sett off together for falmouth from London.
        My Love to Mr & Mrs Smith, and kiss my dear Boy.— Compliments to all Friends.— I am very impatient under this unforeseen delay, but our Bankers as well as Mr Jefferson think it absolutely necessary for the Public. I must therefore submit, but, if in Consequence of it you should meet South Westers on the Coast of America, and have your Voyage prolonged three Weeks by it, remember it is all your own Intrigue, which has forced me to open this Loan. I suppose you will boast of it, as a great Public Service.
        Yours forever
        John Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 March 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          Bath Hotell March 23 1788
          my dearest Friend

        I received yours of the 14th and ever Since thursday have been in Hourly expectation of seeing you I hope it is oweing to all the packets being detaind upon this Side, as is reported, and not to any indisposition that your return is delayed, that unpleasing detention is sufficiently mortifying particularly as we wish to proceed to Falmouth as soon as possible, tho I shall fear to go from hence untill the ship is gone, for from the best information I can get callihan has as yet scarcly any thing but our Bagage &c on Board, and even that has been several days delay’d by him. I came last monday Evening to this Hotell, that the Beds & remaining furniture might be sent on Board and the House given up. this will be wholy accomplish’d on the morrow if the weather permits, & has been oweing to that, for several days that all has not been accomplished
        The packet arrived this week from Newyork and brings an account that seven states had accepted the Constitution. the Massachusetts convention consisted of 300 & 40 members. it was carried by a Majority of Nineteen Georgia & South Carolina are the two other states of which we had not before any certain accounts. New Hamshire was sitting. Newyork are becomeing more National and mr Duer writes mr Smith, that he may consider the constitution as accepted, & begining to operate at the Commencment of an other Year. Newyork had agreed to call a convention—thus my dear Friend I think we shall return to our Country at a very important period and with more pleasing prospects opening before her than the turbulent Scenes which massachusetts not long since presented. May wisdom Govern her counsels and justice direct her opperations.
        mr & Mrs Smith set off this week for Falmouth. she is now confined with a Soar throat, similar to the complaint which afficted me ten days ago. I write in hopes the Baron de Lynden will meet you on your return.
        I shall be exceedingly anxious if I do not see, or hear from you soon
        adieu & believe me ever yours
        A Adams


Title: Susanna Clarke Copley to Abigail Adams, 28 March 1788
From: Copley, Susanna Clarke
To: Adams, Abigail

          George Street March 28th: 1788

        Mrs: Copley presents Compliments to Mrs: Adams: would have called uppon her this Morning, but that she thinks it must at this time be inconvenient to Mrs: Adams: will be very happy if it is consistant with Mrs: Adams’s engagements to have the pleasure of her company at Tea in George street before she leaves London: (but least she should not have that pleasure) takes leave to say that her best wishes ever attend Mrs: Adams: that her Voyage may be prosperous, and that it may be succeeded by the very great pleasure of Meeting her Family, and Friends in health, that all happiness may long attend Mrs: Adams and her Family, and that it will be a great gatifycation to Mrs: C: to hear of the welfare of those for whom she shall retain the highest esteem; and to whom she feels herself much obliged for their Friendship and politeness—
        Mr: & Miss C: desire to untite in respectful compliments to Mr: & Mrs: Adams— Miss C: wishes that the Artificial Roses where more worthy Mrs: Adams’s acceptance: she delayed doing them hopeing to have had some natural ones to have copyed which would have Made them more perfect—

        Mrs: Copley has taken the liberty to send with this a Letter for her Friend Mrs: Rogers, and a parcel from Mr: Bromfield—


Title: Abigail Adams to John Bowring, [before 30 March 1788]
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Bowring, John

          [ante 30 March 1788]
          Sir

        your obliging favour of Febry 27 was brought me in the absence of mr Adams, who is gone to Holland upon publick buisness, and who upon his return will be so much hurried & occupied that I fear he will not be able to attend at all to the demands of private Frindship accept from me sir as his Representitive our mutual acknowledgments for the obliging civilities we received at Exeter & every other place where your family connextions extended, and I assure you sir with great Sincerity that we look back upon the Six weeks we spent in visiting Devonshire & its environs as the most agreeable journey we have made in this Country—
        The death of my Brother in Laws two Brothers will be an afflictive intelligence to him & his family, yet one of them has been long lost to his Family and Friends and the other had arrived at a period of Life beyond which few can expect to pass. their amiable and virtuous Characters will always afford a pleasing satisfaction to their surviving Relatives to whom I wish every consolation under their present Bereavement, to yourself and Family, every success in Life, which your Integrity of Character, your industry merit & virtue so justly intitle you to
        I am sir with / Sincere Esteem / your Humble Servant
        A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams’ Diary of Her Return Voyage to America, 30 March – 1 May 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To:

        MS (M/AA/1, APM Reel 197). PRINTED: JA, D&A, 3:212–217. AA began her Diary in London on 30 March on the eve of the Adamses’ departure first for Portsmouth and then for Cowes, where they were to meet their ship, the Lucretia. AA related the sightseeing they did while waiting two weeks to board the ship—including visits to Carisbrooke Castle and the town of Yarmouth—and also the boredom: “Haveing staid at Portsmouth untill I had read all our Books and done all the Work I had left out, I never before experienced to such a degree what the French term enui.” Finally at sea, AA found her health better than expected, suffering only from “Want of Sleep,” though her maid, Esther Field Briesler, “is very near her Time, in poor Health and distressingly Sea sick.” AA deemed noteworthy a religious service conducted by Rev. John Murray, but otherwise skipped over most of the voyage. Instead, she chose to focus on a summation of her years in Europe: “I do not think the four years I have past abroad the pleasentest part of my Life. Tis Domestick happiness and Rural felicity in the Bosom of my Native Land, that has charms for me. Yet I do not regreet that I made this excursion since it has only more attached me to America.”


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 2 April 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

          Portsmouth Fountain 2d: April 1788
          Dear Child

        April the 2d: and the anniversary of the birth of my dear Grandson whom I am half distracted to see again, with all his pretty, winning pranks. God bless and preserve the dear boy and grant us all, a happy meeting on the other side the great water.
        We left London on Sunday about two o clock, and arrived here on Monday evening, having made a very good exchange of the Bath Hotel for the Fountain. The Bath Hotel is totally changed from what it was when we were there three years ago, even in price, for I think with worse things, it is still more extravagant, but Adieu to that. Just before we set out Col Trumbull brought Mr Smith’s letter written at Bath and the two letters of recall. The day after the fair, be sure, they who past and sent them must think so at the time, but this is the way they always have done business. Your papa wrote a letter to Lord C. and enclosed it, and another to the Baron de Nagal. I do not think it wholly improbable that by the time Mr Smith gets half way home, he may be appointed to Lisbon. Yet I own this is a circumstance I should not rejoice in, it would distress me to have you so far from me, and then the terrors of the climate would still add to my anxiety. But these are mere conjectural evils, of which you Know, I am not very fond, my maxim is rather to enjoy the present, prudently guarding for the future, and thinking with Pope

          “What blessings thy free, bounty gives
          Let me not cast away.”

        We propose going to the Isle of Wight as soon as the wind changes, while it holds as it is at present, the Ship cannot get down, if Callihan was otherwise ready, which I do not believe he is. Sunday next is the day on which the packet is to sail, I think. I wish to hear from you before I leave this place. There are but two days in the week, that the Post goes, from this place to Falmouth, Tuesdays, and Friday’s. I shall leave orders, here that the letters may be sent to us, should any come after we have past over. I fear we shall not get away this week, if we do in the next, on my own account I should not care, but every day makes it worse for others.
        I hope your throat is quite well, as Mr Smith does not mention it, and my little boys teeth quite through. I dont like the idea that he will quite forget me. We want him here very much to enliven the scene, for it is, you may well suppose solitary enough. Your papa reads Mr Necker’s last publication upon the importance of Religious opinions, which he likes very much, and I amuse myself in perusing a book Mr Dilly sent me as a present, called Mentoria, written by a Mrs Murry who is preceptress, to the Princess Amelia. The Newspapers tell us, that her majesty is like to add another branch to the Royal line.
        Remember me affectionately to Mr Smith and to my dear Billy. Your papa sends you his blessing.
        I am my dear child most affectionately / Yours
        A. Adams


Title: Thomas Brand Hollis to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1788
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, Abigail

          Chesterfeild Street 7 April 1788.
          Dear Madam

        It is an ill wind blows no body any good owing to that I received your favor with the greatest sense of gratitude & love for the distinguishd regard you have always showed me which is returned & cherished with increasing interest I was sensible how much you avoided an explanation as to your departure & I was equally unwilling to enquire. I shall always rejoice to hear from you & esteem it among my choicest entertainments & if in any way I can be of service to you in this country command & you will give me pleasure
        I wish the seeds had been thought of in time the Poppies much succeed admirably with you & indeed all others only that they are no trouble. you shall be supplied with them & others
        I have sent the conquest of Canaan & Cyrus, which I had by me having no time to lose; to take their chance if they meet you they will amuse.
        prosperous gales attend you home and may you be happy in the bosom of your family and live to see them follow the distinguished example you have marked out for them is the affectionate wish of / Dear Madam / him who with the greatest regard & esteem / your obliged & sincere friend
        T. Brand Hollis


Title: John Callahan to Abigail Adams, 8 April 1788
From: Callahan, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          London April: 8th. 1788
          Madam—

        I had the Honor of Receiving a letter from you yesterday— we have had such—Boysterous weather Since your Departur from here that for 6 days. I had the Pilot on board, & he Would not ventur to moove the Ship: but She is Now in the Downes & will be at Portsmouth the first fair wind: I Shall proceed from here so as to get to Portsmouth before the Ship so that my Departure from here will in some Measure depend upon the winds— I will wate on Mr. Vassel this Evening with your Commands: Mrs. Callahan returns you her most respectfull thanks For your, kind attention, in remembering here— please To present our Respects to, his Excellency—& am very Respectfully— / Madam / your most humbl servt.
        John Callahan
        Mr. Ward Boylstons: with whom I had the honor dineing with today Desires his most Respectful Compliments to you & his Excellency


Title: John Cranch to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1788
From: Cranch, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          London, 11. April, 1788:
          Madam

        Understanding by my sister Elworthy, that your Excellency complains of having read yourself out of books, I am tempted to send you down the latest publication that I can find promises amusement enough to justify me; and accordingly I have to intreat your excellency’s acceptance of “Costigan’s view of society and manners in Portugal.” I was just now in hopes to have gratified your excellency another way—with some letters addressed to you by a Ship arrived at the isle of Wight from Portsmouth in America, which we were informed lay at the General post office; but finding, upon enquiry, that these letters have been forwarded to Grosvenor square, I confide that they will be sent to you by some other hand.
        My brother here would run away with all the honor of serving your Excellencies, but that I contrive, now and then, to push myself into some employment subordinate to him, in order to engross as much of that honor as I reasonably can, and with the utmost avidity catch every occasion of shewing that I am; most truly, your excellency’s gratefull humble servant
        J. Cranch.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 May 1788
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

          Newbury-Port May 3d:1788.
          My dear Brother.

        We have mutually been deficient in those attentions, which absent connections ought always to preserve towards one another: the fault has been the greatest on my side, as I was under the additional obligation of setting a good example; but I feel myself at this time peculiarly bound to write to you, to apologize for the rough expressions which upon several occasions I used while I was with you, and which perhaps you may reasonably think, were incompatible with that fraternal tenderness which ought always to accompany fraternal affection— Such expressions were dictated by the imprudence of a momentary impulse; but believe me, my brother, when upon the calmest reflection, and uninfluenced, by any temporary feelings, I assure you, that the warmest wishes of my heart, are for your, honour, your interest, and welfare. These were the motives by which I was influenced, even when my observation bore the appearance of unkindness, and I am still actuated by them while I venture to give you such advice, as I think will tend to promote your best interests.
        The Situation in which you are now placed, while it affords you such advantages as may be highly beneficial to you if properly improved, is not without its dangers, which it is your duty to perceive and to avoid. You are young, and if you examine the springs of your own conduct you will find yourself prone to imitate examples which your own reason will condemn. You have therefore need of great judgment, and of great resolution, in order to persevere in that line of conduct which will insure you the applause of the world, and, what is of infinitely more importance the approbation of your own conscience. This indeed is the greatest end to which we can wish to attain.

          “Above all, to thine own self be true,
          And it must follow as the night the day,
          Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

        If your own heart, can testify that your conduct has always been reconcileable with the immutable rules of justice and truth, you will always enjoy one inexhaustible source of happiness, of which neither the frowns of adverse fortune, nor the utmost efforts of human malice can ever deprive you:— If you will only reflect upon this subject I am perswaded it will be wholly unnecessary for me to say more— You yourself will perceive that nothing can be more pernicious than to adapt your conduct to the wishes of a classmate, in opposition to your own principles. This practice which I have often heard advocated at College, is not only vicious and immoral, but argues great weakness of mind and want of spirit, in not daring to exert that freedom and independence in resisting an equal, which they all think so requisite in withstanding the proper authority of a superior.
        But, my friend, in order to secure this same self-approbation; it will not be sufficient to possess the mere negative virtue of doing no harm. You must consider that as a social being it is your duty to increase as much as in you lies, the enjoyments of your fellow creatures.— And as your own inclination has destined you to one of the learned professions, it will appear Evident, that you will answer the end of your existence, only in proportion to the learning and knowlege which you may acquire. And therefore do not think I exaggerate if I say that every hour which you spend in idleness, is an injury which you do to your fellow-men. . . . But this is not all: The same means which tend to increase your usefulness in the world, are also the means by which you will rise to reputation and respectability. I know you are not destitute of that ambition which excites a noble generosity, and you are fully sensible how disgraceful it is to be excelled by a person of inferior talents, and advantages for improvement The world will, and they have a right to say in the language of scripture, “To whom much is given, from him shall much be required.” We ought all to recollect that the time which is given to us for the sole acquisition of Science, our Parent was obliged to lose by keeping a school for a subsistence. In short we have every possible reason, to be indefatigably industrious in the pursuit of learning; and to resist them all would argue, the extreme of weakness or of folly.— These cautions are not, I hope necessary for you: I am perswaded you will be attentive to all the college duties, and if you perform them fully, your time will be sufficiently employ’d.
        There is one particular which I would recommend to your attention. You will soon arrive at that period of College Life, when a degree of manliness and of dignity will be expected in your behaviour: you must remember, that as you advance, you will be look’d up to, for examples by your fellow students of a more recent standing; and you have had opportunities to observe that the influence of a Senior Class may almost give a tone to the manners of the whole College. Avoid too great familiarities with anyone. There is a certain decorum, and respect which is due, even to our nearest intimates; and be particularly cautious to preserve yourself from a merited charge of trifling or puerility.
        And suffer me again to urge you, upon a point which I have repeatedly recommended, a particular attention to composition: I wish you to overcome entirely the aversion you have to writing: an elegant epistolary style, is one of the most useful accomplishments which a gentleman can possess; and it must be acquired if ever, at an early period of life. In your exercices of this kind, you will have the double advantage of affording amusement and satisfaction to your friends, at the same time that you are improving your own faculties and understanding.
        If upon reading what I have here written, you should be disposed to think my speculative opinions of little weight, because my practical conduct may not be conformable to them, I only wish you, to ask yourself whether they are not such as must tend to increase your own happiness and usefulness: and if they are, any deficiency in the person who proposes them ought not to diminish their influence in your breast.— recollect the lines of Horace

          —fungar vice cotis, acutum
          Reddere quae ferrum valet, exsors ipsa secandi:

        and be perswaded that I should never recommend any acquisition, of which I myself am destitute, unless I regret the want of it.
        Give my love to Charles; I hope he is well: he almost told me when I left Braintree that he would not write to me; perhaps he thinks me impertinent in assuming Mentorial airs, and dislikes the correspondence; he does not love to be censured; but he has a great deal of generosity at heart, and his disposition is really amiable. He always treated me with the kindness and affection of a brother; &c I am perswaded he will ever conduct in the same manner towards you.
        Your affectionate friend & brother
        J. Q. Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 18 May 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, Abigail

          On board ship, May 18th, 1788.
          My Dear Mamma:

        I rose this morning with a fair prospect of landing before night, but alas, we are immersed in fogs and darkness. We have been within a few hours sail of New-York, for several days; but fogs, calms, and contrary winds, have deprived us of the happiness of seeing our native land; it is a most mortifying situation. I hope you have not known from experience to what a degree it is teasing; but that you are now safely landed and happily enjoying the sweet society of children, relations, and friends.
        We arrived in Halifax, the fourth week after our sailing from Falmouth, on the 5th of April. We were at Halifax three days. Colonel Smith received a card from, and dined with the Governor, who was very civil. The town is larger than I expected to find it; it is situated like Haverhill, upon the side of a hill, and is I believe, about as large; the buildings are all of wood, and painted white, which gives them the appearance of stone, and looks very neat. The inhabitants are supplied with provisions, plenty and cheap, from Boston and New-York; and they have fish from the ocean.
        Here are two or three regiments, and several frigates. Admiral Sawyer has the command upon this station. The people are trembling, lest the port should be shut against the American supplies; and they are in fear of starving, if they should be strictly prohibited. The country around is a perfect heath; there was not the least verdure to be seen; they speak much in favour of the climate.
        * * * * * * *
        We were in all six cabin passengers. I wrote you from Falmouth of a Mr. and Mrs. T——; he is a native of Maryland, sent early to England for his education; but it is not easy to discover that this was the motive of his visit, unless to be thoroughly knowing in the career of New-Market, Brooks, and every species of gambling, extravagance, and dissipation, was the education intended for him; he is a Lieutenant of the British Navy, was on board the Somerset, and a prisoner in Boston during the war. Three years since he ran off with, and married the daughter of the Admiral, a step which I believe every person but herself, thinks she has much cause to repent of. It is said he has run through his own fortune, and a fortune of five thousand pounds, which his brother, who died in the East Indies, left him; and is now much in advance. They are now upon a visit to his father, who is a man of property in Maryland; and strange as it may appear, although Mrs. T—— is of a most amiable disposition, pleasing in her person and manners, she appears greatly attached to him, and to be happy. I never saw two persons, who excited in my mind so much surprise.
        Lord Mountmorris was another singular character; his going to America was the decision of half an hour; he wished us a pleasant passage when we went on board the packet, at three o’clock, and before four o’clock, came himself with his luggage, for America. It was his intention to have gone to New-York; but an invitation from the Governor, to spend a few months with him at Halifax, detained him there. Mr. Lyle, an Irishman, and a civil decent young man, was the sixth. The master of the ship was very young, unacquainted with the coast of America, obstinate and positive in his opinions, without judgment, and having but little experience. The surgeon, as ignorant a young man, as perhaps, ever practised in his profession; coarse and rough in his manners. From this description you may easily imagine, that we could not be much pleased with our situation. All that was left for us, was to make the best of it; we neither complained, fretted, scolded, or used any ungentle terms of discontent, but were silent upon most occasions, as we could not join in the conversation, which was engrossed by some of the gentlemen, upon such topics as we were happy not to have been acquainted with; we should have been happy, could we have retired, but that was impossible. It is, I hope, almost at an end. I shall rejoice when we are landed safely in New-York.
        New-York, May 20th [28], 1788.
        This day, my dear mamma, completes a week since we arrived in this city. Colonel Smith’s friend, Mr. McCormick, came on board and conducted us to his house, where I have been treated with great kindness and attention. My mamma and Miss M. Smith came to town on Friday, and on Sunday I went over to Long Island, to visit the other part of the family; it is a family where affection and harmony prevail; you would be charmed to see us all together; our meeting was joyful and happy.

          “Twas such a sober scene of joy, as angels well might keep,
          A joy prepared to weep.”

        My time, since my arrival, has been wholly occupied in receiving visits and accepting invitations. I have dined at General Knox’s; Mrs. K. has improved much in her appearance. The General is not half so fat as he was. Yesterday we dined at Mr. —— in company with the whole corps diplomatique; Mr. —— is a most pleasing man, plain in his dress and manners, but kind, affectionate, and attentive; benevolence is portrayed in every feature. Mrs. —— dresses gay and showy, but very pleasing upon a slight acquaintance. The dinner was à la mode Française, and exhibited more of European taste that I expected to have found. Mr. Guardoque was as chatty and sociable as his countryman Del Campo; Lady Temple, civil; Sir J——, more of the gentleman than I ever saw him. The French minister is a handsome and apparently polite man; the Marchioness his sister, the oddest figure eyes ever beheld; in short, there is so much said of and about her, and so little of truth can be known, that I cannot pretend to form any kind of judgment in what manner or form, my attention would be properly directed to her; she speaks English a little, is very much out of health, and was taken ill at Mr. ———, before we went to dinner, and obliged to go home.
        Congress are sitting; but one hears little more of them, than if they were inhabitants of the new discovered planet. The President is said to be a worthy man; his lady is a Scotch woman, with the title of Lady Christina Griffin; she is out of health, but appears to be a friendly disposed woman; we are engaged to dine there next Tuesday; Mr. Franks is first aid-de-camp.

        Every one is kind and civil in their inquiries, respecting my father. Some persons expected he would have taken New-York in his way home; others expect he will make them a visit in the course of the summer; every body inquires if he is not coming; and it seems to be a very general idea that he will come; he will judge for himself of the propriety of a visit to this place. I need not say, that to see both my parents here, would contribute greatly to my happiness. Be pleased to present me, affectionately, to my dear papa.
        Mr. and Mrs. P——, embarked in the last French packet, for France, both of them as much insane as ever; they had heard of the death of their daughter, and pretended that this was the cause of their return to Europe. I am told that they found their estate much more productive than they had ever expected, and are going to bring an action against Mr. L——, for the produce, which has been regularly deposited in his hands.
        We have taken a house upon Long Island, twelve miles from the city; it is pleasantly situated, and has a good garden, with about fifty acres of land.
        * * * * * * *
        I thought I had no local attachments, but I find a strong penchant towards your city; but I do not give a preference, lest I might be disappointed, were I to visit Boston at this time: our minds are strangely but happily flexible, and very soon are we assimilated to the situation in which we are placed, either by design or accident.
        I was much grieved to hear of the death of Mr. Lincoln; sincerely do I sympathize with my friend in her affliction. Be so good as to remember me kindly to her, and present my kindest remembrance to all my friends who inquire after me.
        We are impatiently expecting to hear of your safe arrival. I have written at my leisure, intending to forward my letter, by the first opportunity, that you may, upon your arrival, hear of our safety. Colonel Smith joins me in his affectionate congratulations to my father and you, upon your return to your native land. We hope to hear from you both very soon.
        Your affectionate daughter,
        A. Smith.


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 15 and 22 June 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, Abigail

          New-York, June 15th, 1788.

        We are anxiously expecting, by the arrival of every post, to hear of your safety and health. I begin to be very impatient to hear of an event in which I am so much interested. I fear that you have been detained in England longer than you expected, perhaps, by the receipt of the letters Col. Smith forwarded from Bath to my father. Mr. Jay was very much surprised that the gentlemen to whom he entrusted them, should have been so very deficient in punctuality as to keep them so long after his arrival. * * *
        We are treated, here, with great politeness, civility, and friendship. We were invited to dine with the Governor, which was a very particular favour. He nor his family either visit, or are visited by, any families, either in public or private life, of this place. He sees no company, and is not much beloved or respected. His conduct in many respects is censured, perhaps unjustly; he is particular, perhaps, in others. That he is a man of no decided character, no one who sees him will say. To me he appears one whose conduct and motives of action are not to be seen through upon a slight examination. The part he has taken upon the subject of the new Constitution is much condemned. What are his motives, I do not pretend to judge; but I do not believe that he acts or thinks without some important motives. Mrs. Clinton is not a showy, but a kind, friendly woman. She has five daughters, and one son; the second daughter is about fourteen years old, and as smart and sensible a girl as I ever knew—a zealous politician, and a high anti-Federalist. The Governor does not conceal his sentiments, but I have not heard that he has given any reasons for them. His family are all politicians. He set off, yesterday, for the Convention.
        General and Mrs. Knox have been very polite and attentive to us. Mrs. Knox is much altered from the character she used to have. She is neat in her dress, attentive to her family, and very fond of her children. But her size is enormous; I am frightened when I look at her; I verily believe that her waist is as large as three of yours, at least.
        Sir John Temple has taken upon himself very singular airs respecting us. It has been his constant custom to visit every stranger who came to town, upon his arrival. Lady Temple called upon me, at a very late day after we arrived; but Sir J. has not visited Col. Smith, and says to others, that he does not know in what manner to behave to Col. Smith, because he does not know how he took leave—whether it was a gracious reception that he met with.
        I returned Lady Temple’s visit by a card, without asking for her, which she complains of. I respect Lady Temple, and as it is probable we shall often meet at a third place, I wished to be upon civil terms with her—particularly as she has often expressed a regard for me since she has been here. * * * * Nor will I exchange visits with any lady, where my husband is not received with equal attention.
        I hear that my father is chosen a delegate for Congress the next year. I hope he will accept, for, independent of my wish that he should not retire from public business, I think his presence in Congress would do a great deal towards reforming the wrong sentiments and opinions that many are biased by. Both precept and example are wanting here; and his sentiments in politics are more respected than many other persons. It is said he must come and be President the next year. It is, in some degree, his duty to attend the calls of his State, when he will be so serviceable to the cause of the whole.
        Every body is looking forward to the establishment of the new Constitution, with great expectations of receiving advantage from it. To me, I confess, the consequences are problematical; and should any one or more States continue to oppose it, and refuse to adopt it, melancholy will be the scenes which ensue, I fear.
        The more one sees of the world, and of the business of life, of the less importance do we think them. There are very few who have not personal aggrandizement in view; and there are so many little causes intermingled with the really important, that I begin to think that disinterestedness is a word not to be found in the modern vocabulary.
        June 22.
        This morning I was made very happy by the receipt of a letter from Mr. Smith, informing us of your safe arrival. I hope, by the next post, to hear particularly, from either my father or yourself. Mr. Smith mentions that you have a lame hand; I hope it is not a serious matter. I am impatient to know more particularly respecting your and my father’s health, and minutely respecting your passage. I fear your patience was almost exhausted by Capt. Callihan’s delays.
        We flatter ourselves with the hope of seeing my father and yourself here in the autumn; be so good as to inform me whether you propose coming.

        Bunyan arrived last week, and we expect to get settled in our house at Jamaica next week. I was upon a visit to Col. Smith’s family the last week, and returned to town last night. I left your grandson in the care of his grandmamma. He has grown surprisingly, but does not yet go alone; he has not courage enough, and is too wild to venture himself. I endeavour to make him recollect his grandpapa and mamma, and he seems to remember your goodness to him.
        Col. Smith desires me to present his duty, and affectionate congratulation upon your safe arrival. He will write soon himself.
        I am, with sincere affection, / Your dutiful daughter,
        A. Smith.


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 22 June 1788
From: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

          Haverhill June 22d1788

        Thanks be to an ever watchful & kind Providence that has conducted my dear Brother, & Sister safely to their native Shore— With all the tender affections that ever warmed a Sisters Heart, I bid you welcome—welcome once more to America—welcome my dear Brother to a Land for which you have for many years toil’d & laboured—

        I have my dear Sister been exceedingly axious for these three weeks about you— The joyful tidings of your arrival reached me last Friday, & eased my heart of a burden, with which it has been long oppressed—
        The dangers Mr Adams has encounterd, & the eminent Services he has rendered his country, cannot be fully known [bu]t to his nearest Connections—& though a grateful people may yield him a tribute of praise yet all the applause, & glory he justly merits may not be given him till some future age—when certain distinctions are lost—when Envy & malice cannot operate—& All the Causes of them are removed—
        I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you this week—but unfortunately, am taken to day with an inflamation in my Eyes— My ill humours are always operating some where or other— I think you once told me it was a favour to my friends it was in my blood & not in my temper—
        I have been anticipating & participating of the pleasure with which your Children have been presented to their Parents— How precious is a good name, & how pleasing to behold them walking in the paths of Secence, & of Virtue—
        My Children present their Duty & partake largely of the pleasure which has overspread the Countenance of Your ever / affectionate Sister
        Eliza Shaw
        Excuse the writing


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 7 July 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

          Braintree, July 7th, 1788.
          My Dear Child:

        It has been no small mortification to me since my arrival here, that I have not been able to hold a pen, or use my hand in writing, until this day. I came on shore with three whitloes upon the thumb and two fingers of my right, and two upon the left hand, so that I could not do the least thing for myself. I begged my friends to write, and let you know of our arrival, after a very tedious passage of eight weeks and two days. My first inquiry was of Mr. Knox, who came on board as soon as we made the light-house, after my dear son and daughter; and by him I had the happiness to learn of your safe arrival. When I came up to town, I received your kind letter with the greatest pleasure; it afforded me much entertainment. I wrote you one letter at sea, which contained a statement of occurrences until a fortnight before our arrival, when my fingers began to torment me.
        The newspapers have no doubt informed you of our gracious reception, and of our residence at the Governor’s; from whom, and his lady, we received the most pointed civility and attention, as well as from the ladies and gentlemen of Boston. The Governor was for escorting us to Braintree in his coach and four, attended by his light horse; and even Braintree was for coming out to Milton bridge to meet us, but this we could by no means assent to. Accordingly we quitted town privately; your papa one day, and I the next. We went to our worthy brother’s, where we remained until the next week, when our furniture came up. But we have come into a house not half repaired, and I own myself most sadly disappointed. In height and breadth, it feels like a wren’s house. Ever since I came, we have had such a swarm of carpenters, masons, farmers, as have almost distracted me—every thing all at once, with miserable assistance. In short, I have been ready to wish I had left all my furniture behind. The length of the voyage and heat of the ship greatly injured it; some we cannot get up, and the shocking state of the house has obliged me to open it in the garret. But I will not tire you with a recital of all my troubles.
        I hope soon to embrace you, my dear children, in Braintree; but be sure you wear no feathers, and let Col. Smith come without heels to his shoes, or he will not be able to walk upright. But we shall be more arranged by that time, and, I hope, the chief of our business done. We have for my comfort, six cows, without a single convenience for a dairy. But you know there is no saying nay.
        Sweetly do the birds sing. I will not tell you your brother is here, because he has not written to you. But I must leave off, or you will think me as bad as Esther; indeed, I feel almost bewildered.
        Affectionately yours,
        A. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 16 July 1788
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

          Braintree, July 16, 1788.
          My Dear Child:

        Your mamma’s hand has been wholly unable to hold a pen, without exquisite pain, from the time of our arrival; and I am afraid your brothers have not done their duty in writing to you. Indeed, I scarcely know what apology to make for myself. Would you believe this is the first day that I have taken a pen into my hand since I came ashore?

        I am happy to hear from all quarters a good character of all your brothers. The oldest has given decided proofs of great talents, and there is not a youth of his age whose reputation is higher for abilities, or whose character is fairer in point of morals or conduct. The youngest is as fine a youth as either of the three, if a spice of fun in his composition should not lead him astray. Charles wins the heart, as usual, and is the most of a gentleman of them all.
        You, my dear daughter, are in new scenes, which require new duties. Mr. Smith’s mother has a right to all the dutiful filial respect, affection, and attention, that you can show her; and his brothers and sisters you ought to consider as your own. When I say this, I say no more than what I know must long ago have occurred to a lady of your reflection, discretion, and sensibility.
        I wish to be informed, as fully as may be with propriety, of Mr. Smith’s views. My desire would be to hear of him at the bar, which, in my opinion, is the most independent place on earth. A seeker of public employments is, in my idea, one of the most unhappy of all men. This may be pride; but if it is, I cannot condemn it. I had rather dig my subsistence out of the earth with my own hands, than be dependent on any favour, public or private; and this has been the invariable maxim of my whole life. Mr. Smith’s merit and services entitle him to expect employment under the public; and I know him to be a man of too much spirit as well as honour, to solicit with the smallest degree of meanness for any thing. But I would not be dependent; I would have a resource. There can be none better than the bar. I hope my anxiety for his and your welfare, has not betrayed me into any improper expressions, or unbecoming curiosity.
        You may be anxious, too, to know what is to become of me. At my age, this ought not to be a question; but it is. I will tell you, my dear child, in strict confidence, that it appears to me that your father does not stand very high in the esteem, admiration, or respect of his country, or any part of it. In the course of a long absence his character has been lost, and he has got quite out of circulation. The public judgment, the public heart, and the public voice, seem to have decreed to others every public office that he can accept of with consistency, or honour, or reputation; and no other alternative is left for him, but private life at home, or to go again abroad. The latter is the worst of the two; but you may depend upon it, you will hear of him on a trading voyage to the East Indies, or to Surrinam, or Essequibo, before you will hear of his descending as a public man beneath himself.

        Write me as often as you can, and believe me / Your ever affectionate father,
        John Adams.