Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 October 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            No 1.
            My dear Madam
            London October 25th: 1794.

          We have been already ten days in this place, but there has been no opportunity to Boston since our arrival. And altho’ I have done but very little, yet I have been so perpetually busy, that I have scarce found time even to write to the Secretary of State, and to my Father.
          My Brother I presume has informed you, how pleasant our passage was in every respect, excepting the conveyance, & how very unpleasant in that. It is the second time I have been to Sea in a crazy Ship, I think I shall beware of the third.
          Mr Jay is yet here, and I hope there is a prospect of his coming to some terms with the Ministry, which will be satisfactory to the honor, and advantageous to the interests of the United States.
          The situation of their affairs here is such that an absolute quarrel with America, would not be a eligible thing for them; I believe they are sick enough of their war with France.
          The Hollanders must either make a separate peace, or lay the whole Country under water, or surrender at discretion to the French Armies. Flanders and Brabant are in possession of the Republican

troops; Maestricht & Nimeguen are beseiged, and are not expected to hold out long.
          In Spain, Sardinia, and the Austrian Dominions the French are equally successful. If they can but learn to be moderate in their prosperity, there is no doubt but they may make their own terms of peace with all the allies except Britain; There is little present prospect of peace between these two powers.
          You have heard what has been the fate of Robespierre. A party of moderates have succeeded him, their characteristic is clemency and gentleness; But their power is far from being established, and the Jacobins are against them. There will be more bloody work among them before long.
          In this Country, Loyalty is yet very fashionable I was at Covent Garden Theatre the other evening, when the tune of “God save the King” was played by the band; the whole audience rose, & stood all the time it was performing, clapping their hands, and crying Bravo, as if it had been the scene of a favorite Play. I suspect the heart, did not in every instance join in the applause.
          Horne Tooke, & eight other persons, are to be tried for High Treason, next week. It will require some latitude of construction, to make their offence if proved, amount to High Treason, but from the temper of the times, they will probably, many of them be found guilty.
          A Conspiracy to assassinate the king, has been discovered, or invented; but the story of it, contains so much of the marvelous, that I think it hardly worth telling, and indeed I know not precisely what it is.
          The political situation of this people, is far from being happy. But the face of the Country is beautiful beyond description. Its appearance between Dover & this City, has greatly improved since we travelled that road together. The Country is under higher cultivation, and the towns exhibit greater opulence. The roads are in higher perfection, and the Inns more elegant, and with greater accomodations. You will scarcely believe all this to be possible, but it is unquestionably true. Since the peace with America, this Country has been prosperous in its Commerce beyond all conception, and at this moment, its opulence is incredible. Britain is the Sidon of the day, but I think she has now reached the ultimate point of her exaltation, and her future glory will be to tell of what she was.
          We intend to sett out for the Hague, next tuesday, which will be, the 28th: instant. The situation of that Country is so very critical,

that I cannot omit going over without an hour of unnecessary delay. You will not harbor any anxiety on our account from the French Armies being there. We are Neutrals, and peaceable men; friends of both parties, and shall take no share in their contests on either side. Our rights therefore will undoubtedly be respected. The french armies are said to be under the severest discipline, and observe the most perfect regularity and order. The British troops there, have a reputation so different, that the Hollanders are much more afraid of their allies, than of their Enemies.
          But our immediate departure, obliges us further to postpone, the fulfilment of our promise of the Miniatures in Bracelets; we have been so much employed every moment of our time, that it has been altogether impossible for us to get the likenesses taken; We shall however, if we can find an artist in Holland, of proper skill, have them taken there, & the setting, we can have done here at any time.
          There are not many Americans here at this time, and I have seen but few of your old acquaintance. Mr T Boylston paid us a visit yesterday; he is at liberty, but pretty well stripped of his immense fortune; He speaks of his will, and of the extraordinary things, he would have done and appears to think the Town of Boston, and the State of Massachusetts as much indebted to him, as if they actually enjoyed all the benefits he intended for them. I gave him some offence by scrupling to give him a certificate that he is a Citizen of the United States. “After all he had done for us he thought it a little extraordinary, that I should have any doubts upon the subject.” On the whole, I believe he is really an American Citizen, but I was not certain, and refered him for his certificate to the American Minister at this Court.
          We are to dine with Mr Hallowell tomorrow. Mrs Hallowell labors under a severe disorder, which they expect will soon take her to a better world.
          We have not seen Mrs Copley, but your letter has been delivered to her, and we shall see her before we go to Holland. Mr Copley is employed upon a picture of Charles the 1st: demanding the five members in the house of Commons. It is a very good subject, and will I think be particularly interesting at the present time.
          We have been once to each of the two Theatres, Mrs Siddons still commands universal admiration at Drury Lane, and a Miss Wallis has appeared this Season with great applause at Covent Garden. I enclose a new Comedy of Cumberland, which I hope will afford you an hour’s amusement.

          Please to remember me affectionately to all our friends at Quincy, and accept the assurance of the most unalterable respect, and attachment / from your Son.


Title: Samuel A. Otis to John Adams, 28 October 1794
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Philada Octr 28th 1794

          I wrote you soon after my arrival that I had engaged you lodgings at Franciss Hotel, Two rooms first floor, for 20 dollars, but not having your answer shall relinquish them—And for two reasons— 1st The

place is two public—you must dine with a large Company and not the most respectable part of Congress; in short you must lodge at a tavern and at a dear rate— 2d I have got you two rooms on the first floor and room for a servant in a private family for 16 dollars, To have a table to yourself— This family are younger English people by the name of Alder, and have no young children—And are recommended as sober decent people. They live in the house next to where Wolcott formerly lived fronting Binghams; So from your front chamber you may see madam prink about her Garden as often as you think it worth while to go from your fire to your window.
          I dont know any objection you can have except to distance from Congress. But tis not half so far as you usually walk for pleasure—
          Your friends did not like the Idea of setting you down with all the company usually dining at the Hotel of Francis, and I confess it was until now Hobsons choice— There is one spare room [at] Alders which they will or will not put a Gentleman in as you prefer and none but such as you may approve— Not having an Idea that you will disapprove the plan as now altered, I enclose you Alders direction—Who has engaged to furnish the rooms in a neat genteel Style.
          With respects to Mr Smith & Lady I have the honor to be / your most humble Sert

            Sam A. Otis

            Nothing need be said to Francis but that you preferred more retired Lodgings—


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 November 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            wedensday Quincy Novbr 4th 1794

          This is the first fair morning we have had since you left me. you must have had an unpleasent journey Sunday the afternoon was pleasent, but Monday & twesday very rainy. I was anxious to learn how the Election went in Boston and sent to inquire last Evening of mr Black if he had heard from Town, and to my great Satisfaction learnt that mr Ames was chosen there; by what majority I did not hear. the present Post will however inform you. the Influence of the Jacobines has received a blow in concequence of it. tis said Jarvis will lose his senses— the publick will be no looser if that should be the case. Austin came forward in a publication last week with his Name in which he declares he will not stand a candidate in oppostion to Jarvis, concequently all his party were united with Jarvises
          you will want to know how the Farming Buisness goes on. the orchard is all coverd with sea weed as you desired. this day will compleat the spreading of it. about 90 Bushels of potatoes have been dugg at the two places to day the Hands propose to finish the Beach meddow
          I am better than when you left me, So is Louissa. the Blister has proved very salutary in removing the pain from her stomack. I shall wish to hear soon from you. I forgot to request 2 Barrels of flower by the first vessel.
          Yours most affectionatly

            A Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Nov. 8. 1794

          We took the Packet at New Haven, and arrived at N. York as Soon as the Stage— Although We Saved no time, We avoided some bruizes, at the Expence of a little of the Mal De Mer.
          Mrs Smith and Children all well. Charity Smith married to Mr Shaw, Brother of the late Consul at Canton.— Our Charles at Steuben after an Examination at Albany and an honourable Admission to the Rank of Counciller at Law. I was at his Office and Saw his Clerk who appears well pleased, and Says his Master has good Business. We arrived last night in this City and lodged at a Mr Alders opposite to Mr Binghams.
          No Senate yet.— The President returned. All Submission, in the Whiskey Counties. But a Force will be kept there to ensure their Obedience for some necessary time.
          Antifœderalism, Jacobinism and Rebellion are drooping their heads, very much discouraged.
          Clark of N. Jersey and Comr. Gillon dead. Smith of Carolina elected with great Ecclat. Butler gone to Charleston last Week unaccountably.— &c &c &c. Bradley left out, for a Man of different Politicks. Langdon in danger. These are Symptoms. If Ames fails The next Congress will be more fœderal than any that has yet assembled. but I Still hope better Things.
          Fine Weather— I will write nothing as yet of Agriculture. Take great Care of your health which is prescious to me beyond all Calculation.
          The Fall of Robespierre, has a great Effect on the Public Mind.— It has Startled and terrified many, whose Confidence in him was excessive. I am as ever. yours / without reserve.

            J A.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia November 9. 1794

          I am now Settled.— The first night I went to a Mr Alders, opposite to Mr Binghams, but not liking the circumstance of living in an English Family an Upholsterer lately emigrated and not admiring the Rooms, I removed last night to Francis’s Hotel in 4th. Street, between Market and Chesnut Streets. Here I Shall be at School with a Society of Patriotic Members of Congress who are all, virtuous Republicans. I Shall agree with them as Gentlemen, but shall claim the Right of a virtuous Republican, to differ from them in political Questions, whenever I may think them in the Wrong.
          Our Sensible and worthy Nephew Mr William Cranch Spent the last Evening with me, and gave me a particular Account of the vast Projects of Mr Greenleaf. His Sawmills in Georgia, his Iron Works on Hudsons River, his forty or an hundred Houses building in the Fœderal City &c &c &c. But among the rest I was Sorry to hear of his Opening a Loan in Holland though only at four Per Cent, to enable him to make Payments to his Workmen. I am apt to Suspect Speculations upon Credit, tho sometimes they may be Successful. I however have always placed my Glory in Moderation, not having Spirit enough to undertake, nor Understanding enough to conceive great Projects and Enterprizes.
          My Lodings are the most decent of any in Town that I know of, and my Accommodations are quite agreable. Brisler has orders to send you Wheat & Rye Flour for a whole Year, but probably he will not ship it, till Ames returns from Boston. With the flour I shall send Grass seeds for next Spring. The Season with you, I hope is as agreable for Business as it is here, and if it is I hope to have all the Yards filled with The Treasures of the sea thrown in Such

Abundance on shore, and All the Grass Land in Hancock’s orchard covered with it.
          If Hancocks Meadow could have a covering it would be more grateful for it, than any other Land I have at present.
          Every Body is anxious about Mr Ames’s Election and impatient to know the Decision: if I he falls it will only be to rise the higher and the faster, for certainly a Man who has had so great a share in producing the present Prosperity of this Country cannot at his years be neglected. The Supposition is too dishonourable both to Government and People. both must be neither generous nor even selfish with common sense, to overlook so useful and honourable an Instrument, of their own fame and their own good. To choose in his Place at such a time as this a Man who has Opposed and Obstructed that very Prosperity, and who would probably very often put it to a hazeard as far as his Vote would go, would be Such a Proof of Levity Wantoness and Folly as I shall not believe till it is proved.
          Mr Otis & Family are all very well, very kind and obliging.—
          Above all Things take great Care of your Health and Louisa’s too
          Yours as ever

            J. A.

            My Duty to my Mother & Lover to Brothers & sisters & Cousins &c


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia November 11. 1794

          Since the Certainty has arrived of the very honourable Reelection of our Friend Mr Smith of S. Carolina, the wiser Part of the Community have been the more anxious for that of Mr Ames. The Orrery from Boston, which arrived Yesterday has excited great Expectations, that the District in which Boston is placed, will not disgrace itself by disgracing Sound Principles and independent Conduct in that worthy Representative. Thursdays Post will relieve Us from all Uncertainty. Mr Swanwick is announced to be elected instead of Mr Fitsimmons, by a Small Majority, but it is Said it will be a contested Election Still, and Swanwick may be, for any Thing that I know as fœderal as his Rival.
          The President told me that Mr Finlay Said to him, at their Interview, that the Opposition of the People in the rebellious Counties of Pensilvania was not a Resistance to the Excise, or any other

particular Measure of Government, but it was an universal Opposition to All Law, all Government and all Magistracy. And that rather than go through Such another Scæne as he had witnessed among them he should wish to quit the Scæne of Life. This Declaration from Finlay is as important as it is curious.
          If The French Should be in Possession of The Hague and the United Provinces, Our Minister will not go there. His Credentials are to their High Mightinesses and His most Serene Highness, but if their Authority is annulled, either by Conquest or by a Change of Government, Mr Adams will wait in England for new Powers or further Orders. I do not believe however that the French will be in Holland nor the Government changed.
          The President and his Lady enquired kindly after your Health. Mr Cranch I took with me on Sunday Evening and presented him to All the Family, where We drank Coffee and Spent two Hours. He gave The President & Lady a particular Account of the present State of the City of Washington.
          Miss Custis, Mr Cranch Says, is to be married to Mr Peter of George Town son of a rich Proprietor in the Fœderal City.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 November 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            (2.)
            My dear Madam
            The Hague November 11. 1794.

          The day after the date of my last Letter, we dined at Mr: Hallowell’s, and were entertained with much hospitality. We saw his

Daughter, whom we found very amiable and accomplished After seeing her, I felt myself at least highly flattered by the proposal Mrs: Gill made to you, and the young Lady, certainly took the shortest way to my heart, by the manner in which she spoke of you. I was much gratified with my visit, and should have been really alarmed for myself, had not the absolute necessity for my immediate departure ensured my safety.
          The day after we dined at Mr Copleys; and had the pleasure of seeing his two daughters. They are quite grown up, and the eldest particularly is pretty and engaging. I suppose my brother will write you more about her than I shall, for he was so much captivated, that I did not know, but I should have had to leave him behind.
          We both however made out to escape from that fascinating city, on the 28th: of the month, and by means of a fortunate water passage arrived here three days after.
          As to the curiosities of London, we had not a moment of time to spare for the sight of them, which I regretted on my brother’s account, having seen heretofore most of the rarities myself. You will perhaps enquire how we could be so exceedingly busy for a whole fortnight. But what with the letters and visits to be delivered and paid; the trouble and vexation of getting our baggage through the gauntlet of Custom-House rapacity, the invitations to dinner which we could not avoid, and which the civility of our friends repeated every day of our stay there, the letters which we were obliged to write to America, to give notice of our safe arrival, and the time I was compelled to devote to conferences with our Ministers in London, I assure you we found it extremely difficult to get from thence as we did, and excepting two evenings which we filched to see a representation at each of the Theatres, we absolutely saw nothing atall.
          As you will be informed by the public papers of the invasion of this Country by the French, you will perhaps imagine, that we found every thing here in the utmost confusion. The truth is quite the contrary. Every thing appears to me exactly as it did eleven years ago, except the greater number of Orange cockades at this time. It is probable that in a few days we shall have the cannonading within our own hearing. But these people do not stir a foot the more or the less for it.— They leave the defence of the Country entirely to the allied forces, who are beaten day after day from one station to another, and will very soon be dispersed, or prisoners of War, or shut

up within the walls of Amsterdam.— Maestricht and Nimeguen are both taken, and the next attack will probably be upon Utrecht. Yet here at the Hague, every thing has the appearance of profound peace, and I believe will continue so, happen what may.
          We have hitherto been detained here, in order to go through the forms of my acknowledgment, but purpose going to Amsterdam in two or three days from this. We shall then see to the Execution of your Commissions for table-linen and broad-cloth, as well as to the arrangements relative to the funds
          I found here few of my former acquaintance. Mr: Dumas, and his wife are both well, but they do not live together. Their daughter I have not yet seen, but shall pay her a visit ceremoniously tomorrow:— She is married, and has three children. I shall see her to avoid the appearance of singularity or affectation. I shall see her, I doubt not, with composure; perhaps with indifference, but not with pleasure.
          We do not find here as yet any of the nymphs of the Country, whose attractions are like to steal our hearts. I do not perceive, that either of the Graces has yet assumed the shape of a Dutch millener, to reduce the dimensions of the hoop, to lengthen the petticoat, or to whiten the stocking. We have seen however in the streets some very beautiful women, whom we have understood to be refugees from France.
          The number of these unfortunate emigrants is very great; both in England and here. The poverty of many of them, must excite compassion, even without recurrence to the recollection of their former opulence the transition from the most immense fortunes to the most abject indigence is experienced by so many among them, that it is hardly a subject of notice at this time. I have heard it remarked, and I readily believed it to be the fact, that in general this extreme reverse of fortune, is supported with more magnanimity, and submitted to with more dignity by the women than by the men. The instances are not uncommon of families which have been hurrled from affluence to absolute want, the females of which at this day by their industry, obtain a subsistence not only for themselves but for the despicable partners of their misfortunes, who saunter about the streets, and idle away their present existence as they did that of their prosperity, incapable of exertion, and exhibiting the melancholy prospect, of objects, whom not even calamity itself can entitle to respect.

          What will become of these miserable beings, I know not. For the french Generals always inexorably except them from all terms of capitulation. And all those that have been found bearing arms have been shot without mercy. They are obliged to fly from one place of refuge to another, and are hunted down like wild beasts.
          Since the fall of Robespierre, every day new details of the most inconceivable cruelty, are produced in the national Convention, and every thing is laid to his charge. The Leyden Gazette of this day contains the debates of the Convention on the subject till the 20th: of October. The eye of humanity turns away from the sight. The most detested despot, that ever afflicted the race of man, the most unrelengting thirst for blood ever indulged by priestly bigotry, the most abominable massacres of religion that ever desolated the earth furnish nothing to exceed the infamies committed in Britanny, La Vendee, and Lyons by the satellites of Robespierre; many of whom are now upon trial for being the instruments of his crimes. I suppose that the debates in the Convention, from whence all these facts appear, will be republished in America, before this reaches you. The wanton and unnecessary effusion of blood, which so long desolated the french republic, has at length become unfashionable: the people are shocked at the proceedings which they so long permitted, and the tail of Robespierre, that is the colleagues and cooperators of this execrable tyrant, have become the objects of public detestation. Barrere, Collot d’Herbois and Billaud, Varennes, dare not open their lips in the Convention. The affiliated popular Societies have become very unpopular, and the Convention will no doubt abolish them as soon as they shall think themselves strong enough to do so. For the popular Societies and the system of terror are still formidable, and if the fashion of humanity should pass as rapidly as all the other political fashions which have alternately had a momentary prevalence, for the last five years, terror will again become the order of the day; new inventions for expediting the wholesale trade of murder will be multiplied, Modesty will again be obliged to hide her head, and Benevolence to weep in secret at the celebration of Republican nuptials, and the furies of destruction will again be loosened to feast on human blood.— Let us hope however for better things, and in particular that the dreadful evils which France has suffered from this connection of popular societies, evils which she could not arrest, but which she is now obliged to punish by severities almost equally afflicting, may be deeply impressed upon the minds of our own Countrymen, and destroy the influence of those

self-constituted Legislators, that have arisen among us in imitation of the popular Societies in France.
          The prospects of Europe are thickening, and a deadly gloom hangs over their futurity. The progress of opinions adverse to the system of hereditary privileges is continually advancing, and the Nations of this Hemisphere, are growing more and more dissatisfied, with the Governments to which they have hitherto submitted;
          They have not however provided themselves with any rational plan of policy to substitute in their stead. “With heaviest sound, a Giant Statue falls.” and what sort of fabric will be erected upon its ruins, it would require gifts more than prophetic to conjecture.
          Whatever the event may be, I am sure you will most fervently pray, that our own Country may still be the abode of Peace and Happiness, in which prayer you will ever be joined by your affectionate Son

            John Q. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Nov. 14. 1794

          By the Post of Yesterday I received your kind Letter of the 4th. of this month, and, by it, was relieved from a great Anxiety on Account of your health and that of Louisa. The News from the orchard is also very pleasant, I wish I could hear as good News from Hancocks Meadow. A Covering would keep it warm But I leave all to your better Judgment.
          No senate Yet.—
          Mrs Morris by her son has received “a Gallery of Fashion” i.e. Prints of Ladies Dresses in all the Months of the Spring & summer— The House goes on rapidly.— Speculation always ends in Extravagance— I love these People too well to be an uninterested Spectator, of what I fear is not Wisdom— But it is indeed properly Speaking as you’l say, none of my Business.
          Mr M. declines the Election as Senator— Tenche Cox or Fitzsimmons or Bingham will it is said be chosen.—
          Our senate is under a Cloud— Two Members Frelinghuysen & Ross are with the Army vs the Rebels— Butler Bur & Bradley are absent no body knows why— Several are sick and there are several Vacancies &
          Adieu

            Col Smith is in Town— He breakfasted with me two days ago & dined with me & the Ps. yesterdy


Title: Susanna Clarke Copley to Abigail Adams, 15 November 1794
From: Copley, Susanna Clarke
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Madam
            London Novr 15 1794

          I am happy in this opportuntity of thanking you for your kind favor by your sons: whom it gave me great pleasure to meet, and to be particularly infomed of your welfare; as well as that of the rest of your Family, which Blessings I most sincerely hope you and they may long enjoy, and that while you are called to Make so great a sacrafise as the parting with so dear connections will occation, that you may continue to receive the very pleaseing satisfaction of their being so useful to society—
          I hope that the sattin which I have this opportunity of sending may be approved it is as near the colour as could be found with out haveing it made; but the Variation is now esteemed more fashionable here— the Vessels haveing left this place before the receipt of your Letter: I was fearful that the season when it was wanted might be passed before I had an opportunity of sending it: but am now happy to have heard from our Friend Mrs: Parker who is ever obliging that she could forward it to you, but not haveing seen her sence: am ignorant in what way but trust it will get safe to hand— there being some change left of the eight Guinas receivd from Mr: Adams I have laid it out for a Hankerchief, which as they are very Fashionable for the Head I hope will not come amiss—

          haveing but a few moments notice I can only beg yours, and Mr: Adams’s acceptance of the best regards of this Family, and / to beleive me to be Dear Madam / with great esteem / your sincere Friend

            S: Copley


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Phila. Nov. 17. 1794

          Yesterday I attended the Dedication of a Temple. The Presbyterian Congregation in Market Street, have taken down their old Meeting House, and erected a new one, in the Same Place, much larger higher, more light, airy and elegant. They assembled in it for the first time, Yesterday, when Dr Ewing preached in the Morning and Dr Blair in the Afternoon.
          I recollected with Pleasure upon this Occasion the Course of sermons delivered in Rotation by the Ministers of Boston in the new Church in Brattle street, and Philadelphia got nothing by the Comparison. Dr Blair however entertained Us with an elegant and Sublime Discourse, in which among other good Things he gave Tom Paine a hearty Reprobation.
          I dined at Mr Otis’s: all well.— I hope to receive a Line to day. a Journal, or diurnal Register of farming would be very very refreshing, and entertaining. Oh the tedious solitude that awaits me, for 3 or 4 months, amidst the Noise, Smoke Wealth Luxury, Eloquence, Learning Wit, and Wisdom of this proud City and our venerable Congress.! To me, one Week of Domestic fœlicity & Rural Amusement, would be worth it all.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Nov. 18. 1794

          I had just Sent off to the Poet office, my Letter in which I requested a Diary of Husbandry when I went to The Senate Chamber where I found your Letter of the 10th, which contained the very Thing I had asked for, very accurate & pleasing. I hope for a continuance of it, for nothing refreshes me like it, in the dull Solitude to which I am destined for four months.
          A Senate was made to Day, by the Arrival of Col Burr, as fat as a Duck and as ruddy as a roost Cock. An hundred Thousand Pounds is a very wholesome Thing I believe, and I Suppose my manifold Infirmities are owing to my Poverty. I know not whether fame lies, on this occasion, but she begins to whisper that Burr has been very fortunate and Successful as well as Several others of Govr Clintons friends, by means that I will not explain till fame explains them more in detail.
          These Simple Republicans are rewarded in this World for their Virtues, as well as admired for their Talents.
          Tomorrow We shall have the Speech, which is to be delivered in the House of Representatives as there is some doubt of the Solidity of the Building to hold a Crowd in the Senate Chamber.
          They have built us no Gallery, from which neglect, Some conclude that the Soi-disant friends of the People are afraid that the Senate will appear to the People better friends than them Selves. The Debate on Mr Gallatin’s Election Seems to have abated the public Curiosity.
          Mrs Cabot comes here, without Handmaiden or female Companion, in Six Days by the Stage Coach and is as alert as if she had done nothing.
          I am glad you went to Haverhil to see our unfortunate afflicted Sister, but am anxious about that paltry River, lest it should bring again your intermittent.
          Adieu

            J. A.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 18 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

            My Dear Daughter:
            Philadelphia, November 18, 1794.

          After a journey without any accident, I arrived here, in good health, the Friday night after I left you, and went into lodgings, which I did not find convenient, and the next morning removed to Francis’s hotel, where I have good accommodations, with company enough.
          I forgot to thank you for your kind present of patriotic manufacture; but I own I am not, at my age, so great an enthusiast, as to wear with much pride, these coarse homely fabrics. I was once proud of an homespun camblet cloak, and used to go to meeting in it, at Dr. Cooper’s tasty Society; but I own I was not sorry when a thief, by stealing it, furnished me with an excuse for wearing it no more. Those times were very different from these. My Hartford present of Connecticut broadcloth, I could not long endure; and the New-York cotton is not yet made up. I am not the less obliged to you, however.
          I have not yet heard whether your brother has returned from his visit to Steuben.
          Colonel Smith is well. My love to William and John—give them a kiss for me, and present them with the blessing of their / Affectionate grandfather,

            John Adams.

            Your mamma, on the 10th of November, went to Haverhill, on a visit to your unfortunate and afflicted aunt.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 19 November 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy 19 November 1794

          I received by Saturdays post Yours of Novbr 8th, and was happy to find that you had got well to Philadelphia, and that there was a fair prospect of Peace on all sides. I was fearfull that they would make a senate before you reachd Philadelphia. Butlers conduct is much like the Man, unsteady and wavering. the Democrats have found a spirit in the Body of the people too enlightned, & too Sensible to their own happiness, and the welfare of the Country, to Second their views; in the manner they flatterd themselves. mr Amess Election has dampd their spirits here; and tho Jones upon the Stage in Portsmouth, in the Character of a servant who was puzling his wits for his masters support, Breaks out, that he knew not what to do now unless to invent Lies for the Boston Chronical. (Ben Still goes on lying.) this peice of wit, in the actor, produced a Roar of Laughter through the whole house, which was followd by a Clap in unison, and proved more fully than fifty essays the Estimation in which that paper is held. Tis said Genll Shepard is Elected in the Eastern district, instead of Lyman
          I made my visit last week to Haverhill and found my sister as well as I expected, tho at times Low in Spirits. She desired me to make her gratefull acknowledgments to you for the aid afforded to her son. without that assistance She should not have ventured to have continued him at Colledge—after the present Year. I am assured that the overseers will grant him every aid in their power, so that he will not be any great expence to his Mother for his Education. Captain Brooks says that the Tennant cannot live in the Farm House at Medford an other Year—that the House is now propd up with Timber & stakes, and that they are in danger every storm. I talkd with mrs shaw. she would sell her part, if she could vest the property in any real estate equally productive, but She has referd herself wholy to dr Tufts to do for her as he would act for a Daughter of his own in the same circumstances. She says, if she Builds she must morgage the interest—for a Number of Years, which under her present circumstances, she knows not how to do without. May Dr Tufts be collecting material this winter for Building.?

          with regard to Home, the last week our people finishd the potatoes, carted Manure one day brought up three scow loads of seaweed making 18 loads and would have, got an other, but mrs Pope took it into her Head that bringing off the Sea weed, would leave the Farm exposed to be washd away with the sea, so our people lost a tide being obliged to remove to an other place to load the westerly winds & high tides had carried it off from our own ground. last Saturday & several days through the week we had severe weather, and considerable Snow. the Ice has made round the shoar so that at present no more sea weed can be got in that way. savil & Nightingale have cleard the shore hire. the latter brought his account yesterday 28. Load for which I payd him. Bracket & Savil have not yet brought theres. we have got home our new wheels. Splitting Hills, & getting out the remainder of the Manure will be the next object. the Winter however approaches fast. Shaw Suits me exactly— the 5 oclock hour does not find me in Bed the Sun is just now rising & promising a fine day—
          to your ever affectionate

            Abigail Adams

            Mrs Brisler and Family are well and are to keep thanksgiving here tomorrow


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Nov. 19. 1794

          The Presidents Speech is so important to the Public that I know you will be anxious to See it as early as possible. When the Answers of the two Houses come to be debated We shall See whether there are any Apologists for Rebellion, in these Sanctuaries.
          As Mr Edwards of Kentucky appeared in Senate to Day, We can do Business if one Member should be Sick, but it will be very

inconvenient to have so small a Majority. Mr Potts of Maryland and Mr Taylor of Virginia have resigned. The Senate Seems really to be too Small a Body for So important a Branch of the Legislature of so great a People.
          I feel, where I am, the Want of the society of Mr Otis’s Family, but much more that of my own. I pore upon my Family at Quincy, my Children in Europe, and my Children and Granchildren in New York, till I am Melancholly and wish myself a private Man. That event however would not relieve me, for my Thoughts would be at the Hague and at N. York if I was with you at Quincy. Your Meditations cannot be more chearful than mine and your Visit to our afflicted sister will not I fear brighten your Views or soften your Anxiety. I hope We shall be Supported. But there is no Plan, that occurs to me that can relieve Us from our solicitude. We must repose ourselves upon those Principles in which We were educated and which I hope We have never renounced nor relinquished.
          I would resign my office and remain with you, Or I would bring you next Winter with me but either of these Plans, the Publick out of the Question, would increase our Difficulties perhaps rather than lessen them. This Climate is Disease to me, and I greatly fear would be worse to you, in the present State of your Health. Mrs Jay, poor Lady is more distressed than We are.
          I pray you to take Care of your Health and of Louisa’s too. she is a good Girl: but I Sometimes wish she would run about a little more if it was even to look at the young Men.
          Adieu

            J. A


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 20 November 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

            My dear Sister.
            Amsterdam November 20. 1794.

          About a month after I last took my leave of you in New York, I sailed from Boston, and after a passage of twenty eight days landed at Deal in England. We spent a fortnight in London, where we saw several of your friends who enquired particularly after you: and have now been about three weeks in this Country, principally at the Hague.
          It is at a very critical and dangerous period for this Country, that we have arrived. The french armies are advancing rapidly into the Heart of the Country. The nation internally is divided into parties extremely inveterate against each other. Their troops are dispirited; their allies troublesome, their fortresses incapable of defence, and their present apparent resources, almost reduced to nothing.
          But the appearance of the Country is remarkably quiet; and except as a topic of conversation, which frequently occurs, you would

scarcely imagine the United Netherlands to be in a State of War. Even the dread of conquest is very much abated by the treatment experienced in the towns already taken; and the people in general here appear to be rather indifferent as to the event of the War, provided they can save their money. There is little apprehension of personal danger to any body, particularly at the Hague; there will be certainly none for us.
          Please to remember my best regards to the Coll: and my respects to Mrs: Smith, and her family. Love to your children, and tell William and John they must not forget me. Our Brother Thomas is well and writes you by this opportunity. His company has been the greatest alleviation to the tediousness both of the voyage, and of my residence here.
          I am anxiously desirous to hear from my friends in America, among whom there is none whose welfare, more than your’s is at the heart of your ever affectionate brother

            John Q. Adams.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams, 24 November 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Charles

            My dear Brother
            Amsterdam November 24th: 1794.

          I have already written you respecting the private business upon which I was commissioned by your father, and I enclose a duplicate of that Letter, to meet the case of miscarriage, that may happen to the original. But you will expect, and indeed are entitled to some more lines from me, though I have nothing interesting to say to you, except that we are well, and very anxious to hear the same good news from you.
          Thomas tells me he has written you a long letter; I presume therefore he has related to you the most prominent particulars of our passage & adventures, from the time we left Boston until our arrival here. He has doubtless told you of our hair-breadth scapes, not in the imminent deadly breach, but from the treachery of a faithless bottom on the water, and from the ingenious contrivances of English Thieves on the land; and you know by this time, or will before this reaches you, that our voyage was short & tedious, pleasant & uncomfortable, which indeed is the greatest eulogium that can be past upon the most favorable passage across the Atlantic, that I ever made. It will be equally well known to you that we whirled round in the sling of London City for one fortnight, and then came from Harwich with a Captain, who before we sailed had preceded us by more than half the way, and a huddle of Passengers of all Nations, Countries and Languages, as if a new Babel had been building in England, and the workmen were all going home together. Of all these facts it is therefore unnecessary for me to repeat a detail which has already been made you, and I shall say nothing of them.
          As to political intelligence you will no doubt expect much of that under an idea that we are now in the very center of information.

The truth is however that we have but little, and that is almost exclusively confined to the state of this Country itself in the part invaded by the French armies. In conformity to our engagement before we left America, we shall regularly send you the Leyden Gazette, which will give you most of the information that we could write. We Shall endeavor always to send it you as early as possible, and we earnestly urge you to make the same efforts in return. You will recollect, that personally your information to us, is of great importance, that the essence of valuable intelligence is its early reception, and that our channels of conveyance for American news, are much fewer in number & narrower in extent, than those that flow towards you; We ask not however for more punctuality than we shall shew.
          I suppose you think we are at this moment swiming in the water, or under the command of Citoyen Pichegru, and I have no doubt but Amsterdam has been taken five times at least before this present hour, in the name of the French Republic, by all the Newspapers in the United States. This is not yet the case however, but if there is any thing in human probability, it will be within two months. Peace upon such terms as the French Republic shall dictate or the immediate interposition of more than human power, are the only things that can arrest the progress of the republican armies short of Amsterdam. In the mean time, we are as quiet and peaceable as we could be in profound peace. Excepting the addition of a few Soldiers, every thing looks exactly as it did thirteen years ago, and the inhabitants of the City, who you know were never very cordial to the cause of their present rulers, shrug their shoulders in the spirit of the gentleman in Phædrus who enquires, “num feram binas clitellas?”
          In the article of literature, this is the worst place where I could possibly be situated to give you any thing worthy of your attention. France is the only source from which any novelty of merit can proceed, for the public entertainment or instruction here, and all communication with her is interrupted. Old French publications are cheap enough at the present time, for obvious reasons. The circumstances are something like those in the dialogue between Falstaff and Prince Henry, when Land was as cheap as stinking Mackrel, and Maiden-heads to be bought like Hob-nails, by the hundred.
          This letter you see is not very Diplomatic; but it will serve my turn much better, if it proves to you, that I am with unabated affection your friend / and Brother.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 November 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

            my dear son,
            Quincy Novbr 26 1794

          This day compleats Ten weeks, since you sailed and I have had no opportunity before this, by Captain Scott, of writing to you, unless by way of Amsterdam, where I have little hope of finding you. The Arms of France have proved so powerfull, and their victorys have been so rapid, that I should not be surprized to learn, that they had renderd your commission Nul & void, by overturning the Republick, and Demolishing the Government of the Country to which you are accreditted; in that case, you will remain where you are, untill further orders.
          You will be pleased to hear, as you will no doubt, from various quarters, that the Insurgency is suppressd in Pennsylvania. the determind spirit of the people Soon formed too powerfull an Army for them to make any Head against. they Soon Saw and felt, that they must submit. Numbers of them have been taken, and confined for trial.
          Mr Findley in an interveiw with the President, told him, that the opposition of the people in the Rebellious Counties, was not a resistance to the Excise, or any other particular measure of Government, but an universal opposition to all Law, all Government, and all

Magistracy, and that rather than go through such an other Scene, as he had witnessed amongst them he should wish to quit the stage of Life. this from Findlay; looks as if he had been compeld to alter some of his sentiments by sad experience, and will I hope have a good effect upon a Man of real good Sense, and I hope Heart.
          Mr Smith of S C. is Re Elected, by a large Majority. Mr Ames Election was carried with a firmness and Resolution which abashed all Jacobinism. if the Electors would bear a Scrutiny upon the Side of his opponent, they certainly would upon his. if any credit was to be given to the Chronical, we Should believe that Ames’s party had adopted the sentiment of Hudibrass,

“To combat Evil, tis Lawfull to employ the devil”

But he remains in full pay of the other Party, and can transform assignatts into Crowns or even Guineys.
          The New Elections are generally Federal and our Government has taken deeper and firmer Root, for the storms and tempests which have assaild it.
          Generall Waynes victory over the Savages has had a happy effect upon our Tawnny Neighbours and the Aspect of our Country, is Peace and Plenty. the view is delightfull, and the more so when contrasted with the desolation and carnage which overspread a great proportion of the civilized world.
          I heard this week from your Father and your Brother and sister, all of whom were well. they will undoubtedly write to you, as vessels are going from thence
          we have flatterd ourselves that you had a prosperous voyage, as the Winds from shore were favourable for a long time. I hope you will not omit any opportunity of writing to her whose happiness is so intimately blended with your prosperity, and who at all times is your / ever affectionate Mother

            Abigail Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 November 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Nov. 26. 1794

          The Pamphlet inclosed may be called “The most astonishing Concentration of Jacobitical Malevolence that ever Scottish Spite exhibited.” I have read it however with Interest and Avidity. It is not badly

written— It has, no doubt, too much foundation in Truth. It has little of the Wit and none of the humour of Tom Pain, but has more than his Malice & Revenge. It is sometimes amusing to contemplate Sheer Malignity, especially when it seems not to have any Power to do harm. The Writer is a “Callender” now in this City employed as a Writer of Essays and Paragraphs for his Newspaper by Andrew Brown. We shall soon see the offspring of his Genius applied to Men & Measures in America. very soon will he be a Member of the Democratical society, as I foresee. This Country is to be the Asylum of all the discontented, turbulent, profligate and Desperate from all Parts of Europe and Democratical societies are to raise them to fame, Popularity, Station & Power. How long the People will countenance this I know not. Jefferson it seems is to give the first Passport to these Incendiaries. Malignity seemed to have Seized upon that Mans mind as deeply as upon Paines & Callenders.

            I expect a Letter tomorrow

          The President and Senate have fixed a Stigma on certain Anarchical societies. The House will do the same though perhaps in feebler terms. No Party No Man in either house has justified them—None has even excused them. some have imprudently admitted their Legality. People have a right to meet & consider of Laws express their Opinions and feelings, for the Purpose of petitioning the Legislature for Repeals Or Amendments. But it is not lawful to meet to frame & publish Censures upon Laws, and Libels upon Men or Measures. If when assembled they do an unlawful Act Their Assembly is adjudged to unlawful from the Beginning. The Legality of the Meeting depends upon the Legality of their Conduct. It is incautious and improvident therefore to acknowledge their Legality, without Exceptions Qualifications & limitations as some have done who are no friends to them.
          Adieu
          My Waggish Friend Fitch of Jamaica applies to me from the Rolliad, or Probationary Odes.

            “There Cornwall Sits, and oh unhappy fate!
            Must sit forever, through the long Debate;
            Painful Pre-eminence! he hears, tis true,
            Fox, North and Burke—but hears, sir Joseph too.
            Like Sad Prometheus fasten’d to his Rock
            In vain he looks for Pity to the Clock;
            In vain the Effects of Strengthening Porter tries

            And nods to Bellamy for fresh Supplies
            While Vulture like the dire Mahon appears
            And far more Savage, rends his suffering Ears.
            With Mulgrave—at whose Scream, in wild surprize
            The Speechless Speaker lifts his drowsy Eyes.”


Title: Joseph Cranch to John Adams, 27 November 1794
From: Cranch, Joseph
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            West-Point 27th: Novr. 1794

          I will not add to my offence by troubling you with a long apology for this intrusion on your Valuable time— Suffice it to Say,—that encoraged by the Condesending manner in which you listen’d to my small affairs (interesting however to me in the extreem) I am embolden’d to beg your interest with the General in my behalf, so far as you can do it consistant with your princeples of Propriety— a word perhaps from you, thrown in apparently by accident may have great effect.— I had an intervieu with the Secretary at War, after I had the honor of seeing you— after considerable conversation on the Subject, in which he Seem’d doubtful and hesitating—about making an exchange with the person now at Springfield— as I was taking leave he Said—“you would wish an appointment”?— Certainly Sir— “and you prefer Springfield to any other Place[?”]
          On my answering in the affirmative—he Said—“you had best write and I will answer you immediately.”—
          In compliance with this enjunction, I have wrote by the Same Post which convays this.— and Confess I see not how he can get

over the matter without complying with my request; esspecially when he Sees the extracts which I have taken from letters wrote as far back as the years—: 87 &—89—wherin he Says
          “Persuaded as I am of your industry Skill and integrity, I Shall be extreamly glad to make a permanent arangement to continue you in the publick Service”.— again he Says—
          The new Government will require time before it can obtain so much Vigor as to make the necessary arangements of its arsinals in order to find constant employment for you, whenever this event Shall happen, I Shall, as far as I may be concerned, be glad to give you employment, being confident of your ability and faithfulness to Serve the Publick Permit me Sir to breathe a most fervent wish for the happiness of you and yours—and to Subscribe my Self / your greatly obligd / and most Humble Servt

            Joseph Cranch


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 November 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy Novbr 30th 1789 [1794]

          I have to acknowledg the receipt of Several Letters from you, together with Demourier Memoirs; for which accept my thanks; I wish to hear from you, & to learn something of the Buisy world as often as your Time will permit, but in return I have only to relate to you the Small occurrencies which my Family and Farm afford. Not a son to visit me now, and enliven by his presence once a week or fortnight, a long Winter Evening, and to detail to me what is passing in the more active scenes of Life. Mary is gone home, & Julias sportive gambols are the enliveners of some solitary moments when unoccupied with the cares of my Family; and feeling anxious to hear from my Children, I have just finishd a Letter to each of them to go by captain Scott. I hope you will write to them as I see several vessels up to go from Philadelphia;.
          The buisness of the week past, has been plowing carting sea weed and stones. two of my Hands will leave me in the course of the present week as their time expires— they have been very usefull in going with the scow for sea weed. the weather now grows too Boisterous

to make further use of it, this season. I am in hopes if the season permitts to compleat filling the yards from the shore, but I have made no provision for my fireside yet, but from day to day, I have been so desirious to improve all the open weather for the other buisness.—
          Mr Pratt has informd mr Cranch that he means to sell his pew. he bid it of at 42 pounds. he laid out in finishing it between 4 & 5 pounds he would sell it for 46— mr Cranch desired me to let you know it. he will not part with it till he hears from you
          Dr Tufts desires me to get mr Brisler to inquire the price of clover seed.
          The President Speach I hear is come I have not seen it. the weather was bad yesterday, and my Neighbours did not get their paper
          adieu most / affectionatly Yours—

            Abigail Adams

            just as I was folding my letter, to close it, yours of the 19 Novbr was brought me. I know our feelings are often in unison, and I fear you would think me in low spirits. my spirits tho sometimes low, from particular causes, are generally on a uniform key. I am sorry you are deprived of mrs otis & Familys Society— I know it amused you. three Months will soon slide away when I hope we shall meet again. I shall inclose the Presidents speach to our son thanks for the Book—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Phila. Decr. 1. 1794

          Your Letter of the 19th of Nov. gave me, in addition to the ordinary Satisfaction I receive from your Letters, the Pleasure of knowing that your Visit to Haverhill, the damp Vapour of whose River I dreaded, had not injured your health.
          You ask me, if Dr Tufts may be collecting Materials, this Winter for Building on the Medford farm? I fear it will be a very costly Undertaking considering the Extravagant Prices of every Thing, and it will keep me Streightened and poor for a long time. I expect the Expence of Building will be 300£, the Interest of which is Eighteen Pounds a Year near half the annual Rent of the whole Estate. I am willing to sell the whole for what it will fetch or to buy the whole at any reasonable Rate. But is it desired of me to build the whole House at my own Expence, when the half only of the Place is yours? I know however your tender and laudable Attachment to the Place, and will consent cheerfully to whatever you determine. or I will desire Dr Tufts to consider me as his son, when he considers sister shaw as his Daughter, and do for Us both, as a father.
          We had last night and to Day another North East Storm which I hope has brought up a fresh Stock of Seaweed upon the Beach.

Your Annals of Agriculture are more entertaining to me than political History or amorous Romance.
          You will see the Address of the House and the Reply. cold, frozen, Stiff, awkward Stuff— The Reply as an Echo to the Address is an admirable one.— richly merited.
          The News from Europe is enigmatical enough at present. The whole Theatre of Europe has been taken up, for years, with the Representation of a Tragedy of Errors. one knows not what is true, nor what is false: what is right nor what is wrong. Suspense and Pyrrhonism is all my Mind can rest on— One Truth however results from every fact and every Report, every certainty and every Supposition—our own indispensible Duty to preserve our Neutrality.
          The Members of Congress begin to See the Danger of receiving Foreigners with open Arms, and admitting them into our Legislatures so easily as We have done. The Western Insurgents are almost all Irish White Boys, and peep O Day Boys &c imported and many of them sold since the Peace.
          Adieu

            J. A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Phila. Decr. 2. 1794

          I have recd your favour of Nov. 23.— Mr Cooper The Friend of our Diplomatic at the Hague, I hear was very active in the Election of Mr Ames.— I wish that both Parties and all Parties may be convinced that Some Qualification of Voters is necessary; but if Negroes & Sailors and Tapsters all unqualified by Law as Oliver Cromwell used to call them are to vote for one why not for another.?
          You have by this time the lively Address of the senate and the lively Reply to it— You will soon have the dull Address of the House and the cold Reply to it.
          If Fame Says true Clinton cares little for Popularity: for The Miser has made himself immensely rich, and all his Friends and Tools besides.
          Mr Cranch is again here— he has Spent one Evening with me and taken one Breakfast.— He is busy with Mr Greenleaf, but in very good health.
          The Mania of Magnificence, is as bad as that of Avarice. King Hooper and Coll Lee, were all their Lives in Such a Rivalry as Mrs Morris & Mr Bingham. Heaven preserve me from Such a Judgment. Industry, Frugality, Moderation, and Resignation are the only Qualities which can render human Life happy.
          To be first is the Charm as you say. But no more than one can be first—are all the rest to be miserable?
          Your Annals of Husbandry continue to delight me. Pray have the yards and Styes all filled with Seaweed. There are 2 or 3 Loads of Manure at the sheep barn which ought to be carted up the Hill.— Joys Manure must be sledded in Winter over the Meadows to our Corn field in the old Plain. The Manure made in the Stable and Barn at home, must be carted or sledded up the Hill before Spring.— If Seaweed can be obtained, it is my design to cover the Mowing Ground opposite Eb. Pennimans as well as the Meadow by Cleverlys. I dont wish to lay out more Work than our People can do but I only mention these Things to you that they may be kept in mind.
          Brisler will send you Flour as soon as any Vessell Sails for Boston.
          Mr Ceracchi has sent here a Present for you—a Medallion in

Marble of my Head—as grave, as Sad, as anxious as Severe, as the marble is hard, and the work fine. I inclose you his Card
          Adieu

            J. A


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My dear Son
            Philadelphia Decr 2. 1794

          Holland, according to our latest Accounts from Europe, may so very possibly have been overrun by the French that it is uncertain where this Letter will find you. As you have a French Tongue in your head, and received a Part of your Education in France, I Should be under no Apprehensions, of your receiving any uncivil Treatment if you were to be wholly among the French, especially as you are a Citizen a Republican and an American. If indeed that Country should be conquered, or if it should become an Ally like Geneva and a new form of Government instituted, all you can do will be to write home and wait for further Orders from The President. I am not however of Opinion that either of these Cases will be reallized.
          Your rising Reputation at the Bar, your admired Writings, upon occasional Subjects of great Importance, and your political Influence among the younger Gentlemen of Boston sometimes make me regret your Promotion, and the Loss of your Society to me and to

your Mother, are additional Circumstances of a disagreable Nature. On the other side, your Appointment is respectable and you see Europe again at the most interesting Period of its History.
          Our Army under Wayne has beat the Indians, and The Militia under Governor Lee, have Subdued the Insurgents, a miserable though numerous rabble of Irish & Scotch Emigrants and Redemptioners, chiefly imported Since 1783. The good Members of Congress are generally reelected, and some who were not so good have been left out.
          Your Mother and all your Friends are as well as when you left Us. Your Uncle, who was also to you for sometime a Preceptor and instead of a Father, went off Suddenly and left a Widow and Children in Distress. I must assist them as much as I can. They have deserved it by their Kindness to me and mine upon all Occasions.
          Charles has passed his Examination with honour and is now a Barrister—or Councillor, and if a premature Marriage should not injure him, in a good Way.
          The Duke de Liancourt is arrived here in the Pigou, and as it is reported in a very destitute Condition.
          It is difficult to find opportunities to send you the News papers: but I will seek as many as I can.
          Mr Greenleaf is soon to embark and will be able to give you all Information
          With a tender Affection as well as great / Esteem I am, my Dear son / your

            John Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            My dear Thomas
            Philadelphia Decr. 3. 1794

          You have lost the Opportunity of sharing in the Glory of some of your Friends in this City, who have been out and returned, from the Campain against the Insurrection in the four Western Counties of Pensilvania. Your Friend Climer lost his Life, and is greatly lamented.
          ’Squire Cranch as his Father calls him was here Yesterday with Mr Greenleaf, whose Agent as well as Lawyer he is to be at the Fœderal City. A little ill Luck in the Loss of his Books and Cloaths, with Mrs Daltons furniture and Mr Daltons 100 dozen of Madeira Wine, will not I hope discourage him. 40 houses which Mr Greenleaf is building at once will give him Amusement and Employment.
          Pray how does that mighty Novelty Europe Strike your youthful Curiosity.? Let me tell you a Secret Tom.— It will either make or mar you. If you prove Superiour to its Blandishments Seductions and false Charms, it will make a Man of you.— if not you are undone.
          Your Friends enquire often about you, and express their high Esteem.
          Your Landlady came with her little Daughter and asked me to lend her your Bed till Spring, in moving Accents which I did not Strive to resist. The other Things We shall take away. The Gentlemen Boarders at your Lodgings enquire civilly & kindly after you.
          Science, Litterature in general, Law & Policy in particular, Arts Agriculture Commerce and Taste, ought to be your Objects— And have a Care how you loose your Admiration of the sublimest Philosophy which the human Mind can conceive, or your Love of the purest Morals which ever touched the human heart.— One God of Wisdom Goodness & Power, creating preserving and Governing the Universe in Truth & Justice and rewarding in a future World Virtue & Benevolence in this. A Wise Man if he could be convinced that this was all fiction and Imposture (which he never can be) would think himself bound if he had either felt Love or Benevolence, to Support it with all his faculties.
          All our friends are well and anxious to hear from your Brother & you. Adieu my dear son / I am your affectionate

            John Adams

            Remember me to all my old friends


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Decr 5. 1794

          I returned, this Day the Visit of the ci-devant Duke De Liancourt. He is a Sensible Man. He is a Cousin German of the late Duke de la Rochefaucault, and inherited his Estate and for what I know his Titles: but neither the Estate nor Titles are of any Use at present.— What will be, the future destiny of these high Personages is a curious Problem.
          I endeavoured to impress upon him as I have upon all other French men, the Necessity of an independent Senate in France, incapable of being warped by Ministers of State on one hand or by popular Demagogues on the other.
          I begin now to entertain hopes of soon hearing from our Sons, to whom I have written by Mr Greenleaf.
          This Session of Congress is the most innocent I ever knew.— We have done no harm.
          The English are so beaten and the French so tryumphant that I wonder, there are not some Projects for War.— But it seems Popularity is not now to be gotten by Spirit.
          I know not what to write to you, unless I tell you I love you, and long to see you— But this will be no News. I wish I had a farm here— I would give you my Chronicles of Husbandry in return for yours.
          Three long months before I can see you. Oh! What to do with myself I know not.
          Brisler has this day shipped 2 Barrells of flour and the Medallion—by Ames.
          My Duty to My Mother and Love to Brothers & sisters & Cousins.

          Mr Morris enquired of me the Character of William Cranch— besure I gave him a good one.
          How is Mr Wiberts Health and Mr Quincys?
          Adieu

            J. A


Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 6 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Charles

            Dear Charles
            Philadelphia Decr 6. 1794

          I condole with you, under the mournful News of the Barons Palsy. I have long wondered that a Military Character so habituated to exercise should have neglected it so imprudently for so many Years. This Country is loosing in rapid Succession the Characters

who were forward and active in the Revolution. Mr Handcock, Mr sherman Mr Alsop, Mr Witherspoon, Mr Clark Mr Lee, Mr Gillon, and now the Baron, will in a few months lessen the Catalogue of Old Hands. There is however, a young Generation rising who promise to fill their places, with equal Decency Reputation and Utility. May you, my son be one among the many whose Appearance upon the stage, may comfort the hearts and quiet the fears for their Country of the elder Characters as they Advance off. and among the rest of your affectionate / Father

            John Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia Decr 8. 1794

          Your favour of Nov. 30, I received this morning. As every Thing conspires to keep me poor, I may as well give Way as not: so I will even agree to purchase Pratts Pew: But when I can send you Money to pay for it I know not— The Appropriation Bill is not passed and when it will be brought forward is uncertain, I will Send to the Treasury however and see if I can get a quarter without it. If I cannot I will write you Word in a Post or two. As to Pratts parting with the Pew I believe there is little danger of his finding any other but me imprudent enough to go to his Price.
          Brisler has given fourteen Pence this Currency, about 11d of our

Lawful Money per Pound for what he has sent by Eames, of Clover Seed, and two dollars for 1/2 Bushell of Herds Grass seed, but it is thought the Price will rise.
          The Senators and Representatives from N. England come to see me oftener than they ever did when at Mr Otis’s or when I had a Family here, and We converse on a more familiar Footing: But I cannot bear this course of Life— I must get out of it, some way or other.
          The Whiskey Rebellion has rendered unpopular the Rant that was in vogue last Winter: but as every Thing has its Revolution in these revolving Days It may become fashionable again.
          It Seems that Dearborn & William Lyman are not chosen at the first Tryal, and I should guess they will not have a better Chance at the Second.
          The Situation of Britain is fearful, as well as that of Holland: nor is that of France, notwithstanding their brillant Successes against their external Ennemies less ominous. But The Deneuement, The Catastrophy of the whole vast plot is beyond the reach of my Comprehension or Conjecture.
          The Right of a nation to institute a Government is undeniable: But whether any nation will ever fairly institute a good one is yet a Problem. I fear that France will be cheated into a bad one after all her struggles & sacrifices.
          I have written to our sons. I dont flatter myself with hearing very soon of their Arrival. Their Visit is made to Europe in a very critical and a very interesting time. Every Faculty they have, must be excited by the terrors around them, and the Observations Reflections and Conversation they may have, may be of the greatest service to them thro Life.
          Adieu


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Phil. Decr 10. 1794

          Entre nous Mr sheerjashub Bourne called upon me the other Morning to ask me some Questions about Mr Blacks farm and Captn. Beale’s farm. He says both are to be sold— Beale asks ten

thousand Dollars for his New House and farm—and the same for Squantm— Mr Blacks asks Eighteen thousand but it is Supposed would take fifteen. I hope in mercy Bourn will not buy— Our present Neighbours are I believe much better. dont say any thing of this. Beale and Black are both impatient to be making Money in Boston, and I dare say the Ladies had rather shine in the City.
          Mrs Hancock it seems, thinks the Captn of a Man of War as great a Man as a Governor or King— I dare say she will find him a greater. Do you remember a Dialogue of Ld Littleton between The Princess of orange and the Countess of Clarickard? I dare say she has no Idea of devoting herself to the Memory of a deceased Husband. such Ideas are too Heroic & Romantic, for this enlightened Age.
          Mr Cranch breakfasted with me, this morning. Tomorrow he goes off— I gave him a Letter to Mr Carrol of Carrolton.
          Adieu


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 11 December 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            Quincy December 11thThursday mor 1794
            my Dearest Friend

          I was most sadly dissapointed last Evening when my Newpapers came from the post office without a Letter. the latest date I have received was Novbr 26, so that two post have arrived without a line. I am not anxious if one, only passes, but you are usually so good in writing me once a week always; and very frequently oftener, that I am really allarmd least you are sick, & very sick otherways you

would have written. my only hope rest now that mr Freeman who I hear got in yesterday, may have a letter for me. I shall be in the vapours till Saturday, if I do not hear.
          I have read with great eagerness the Debates in Congress, and whilst I am highly gratified at the firmness and independant Spirits discoverd by those who with superior Tallents Support the Laws & Government, I am mortified to find so large a proportion of that House Abbettors of Jacobine clubbs, and favourers of a spirit of insurrection and Rebellion— yet tis best that the world should see and know them, and their principals. these have been pretty fully displayd in the late Debates. Austin I hear is thundering his annathamas against the President & Ecoing Giles in the Chronical.
          we have had remarkable fine weather Since December came in. I pray you to send me for a New years Gift, Lady Cravens Journey to constantinople, Bennet’s Strictures on Female Education, & to Louissa Bennets Letters to a young Lady. they are to be Sold at Davies Book store No 68 market Street.
          My Creditors call upon me, and I promise to pay them in the course of the Month. I am really in want of a remittance. I know I have it in my power to help myself, but I had rather wait a few days longer—
          I have only time to add Sincere & fervent wishes for your Health & happiness—without which neither can be the lot of your ever affectionate

            A Adams—

            I have written to you every week


Title: Charles Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 December 1794
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother
            New York Decr 11th 1794

          Since I left the Baron which was about three weeks ago I have had the melancholy account of his being attacked with the numb palsy. I never expect to see him again his total neglect of exercise has rendered it almost impossible he should ever recover. Thus

strikes the hand of disease—and we are no more. To me he has been a friend indeed and I may never expect [“]to look upon his like again.”—
          My brothers have gone where they will probably behold many scenes of distress. As it does not appear possible to stop the career of the French they may be obliged to return to this Country earlier than we expected. By the latest accounts to be credited the French army have obtained such a footing in Holland that according to their usual mode of progression the whole Country may in a few weeks be in their possession The present Session of Congress promises to be very tedious not an inch but what is disputed with all the virulence of party Messrs Ames and Dexter have gained great credit by the eloquence of their speeches but I fear a majority of Antifederalists in the lower house. If this Country is to be governed by Democratic societies honest men had better retire. “When vice prevails and impious men bear sway the post of honor is a private station” Colo Hamilton resigns in January and if Mr Jay does not return I think he will be proposed as Governor for this State. Though nothing of this kind has as yet transpired I have little doubt that it will shortly come forth. Should he prevail it will be the victory of Schuyler over many of our great Demagogues whether “this is a consolation devoutly to be wished” or not, I leave for those who are more fond of party animosity than I am to determine. Though I have much confidence in the firmness and independence of Col Hamilton yet I freely own I know of no man who can at the present moment support with perfect freedom the dignity of that chair.
          Adieu my dear Mother believe me ever your / affectionate son

            Charles Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 December 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy December 12th 1794

          If I had waited patiently for the post of Thursday Noon, I need not have had so much anxiety, but I had Sent on Wednesday to the office, and received my papers, & word that there were no Letters, so not having been very well myself, my Imagination conjured up

that you were not only sick, but very sick, or you would not let two posts pass without writing. I was relieved by your Letters of December 1 & 2d. what I wrote you respecting the Medford Farm, and collecting Materials for Building, went only upon the Supposition that my Sister should sell. the Building I know will be expensive, but according to Captain Brooks, the house is Scarcly habitable If I had more landed estate, which had been my Fathers, I should regreet less the parting with my part of the Medford Farm. For I never had an anxiety upon my mind, but what if I was ever to be so unhappy as to need it, that I should be sufficiently provided for. yet as that is my Birth Right; been upwards of ninety years in the Family & sixty Tennanted by the Same Name; I own I should part with it with great reluctance. captain Brooks told me that there had been a Number of persons to him, since the death of mr shaw to inquire if mrs shaw would sell, & whether it were possible to purchase the whole. the Cannals have given a rise to land in that Neighbourhood if Mrs shaw does not sell, she will Mortgage the income to Build I have conversd with the Doctor upon the Subject. he means to go to Medford & take a Carpenter with him and estimate the cost. Mrs Shaw has some thoughts of selling Hockly which will enable her to Build without relinquishing her income from the Medford Farm, but she is still undertermind, & wishes for advise— I did not like to give it, first, because I really could not say which was best for her to do, and because I was an interested person. tho I know I am not selfish, and should dispise my self if I was capable of even wishing an advantage over any person, much less the widow & Fatherless. I was gratified the last week in hearing of an act of benevolence in the Haverhill Farmers. some of them proposed to the Gentlemen of the Town, that if they would purchase a Quantity of wood in the woods Sufficient for Mrs shaw this Winter, they would cut & draw it, which was accordingly done, and at Thanksgiving they continued & manifested their regard and affection towards her. who ever goes after her in the Relation in which she has stood, will find a difficult Task to make her place good. no person could wish to be more loved & regarded by a people than she is by them.
          Have you read the Jacobiniad in the orrery? do you know its features? you will recollect a request made for a coppy of a poem. the Reply was that it was out of the hands of the owner. if they become Sausy & Insolent it shall be printed, said they who the retailer is I know not. I suppose Honestus’s attack upon the President has brought forth the extracts alluded to. I was pleasd with the address

of the Senate, and observd to mr Cranch, how feelingly the President replied, & with an ardour & warmth, that shew his sensibility upon the occasion— the address of the House, is like the motion of a Caterpillar, slow & heavy; I expect the Countanance which the Democrats have met with from the House, and their unwillingness to censure them, will cost this Country a standing Army. as France has had a great hand in raising the Spirit of munity & Rebellion here, now she appears to be convinced of the pernicious concequences resulting from her Revolutionary Tribunals, Jacobine clubs &c & Since the convention have declared it a disgrace to suffer any voices to be heard in the Republick, which shall speak louder than the National representitives. I hope their influence will be as great in crushing this Hydra, as in giving birth to it, but the Devil is always easier raisd than laid. what say the Jacobins to that part of the address, which says—“No private Authority, or society is the People; or ought to act or speak in their Name.” Holland it is generally believed is in the Hands of the French— England is just ready for Tumult. happy America, Land peculiarly blest! long may it continue thus, under an all gracious Providence, to whom do this people owe their safety and security? to their wise govenours—their judicious patriots, & to the enlightned part of the community.
          present my respectfull compliments to mr Ceracchi for his obliging present. if it is as good a likeness as the Bust, I shall value it highly— I wish I could obtain a Medallion of the President as a companion to it. this Country will never again be blest, as it is at this Period. may the Remembrance be perpetuated. I see the Secretary of the Treasury has Sent in his determination to resign. have his adversaries hunted him down? or has he more asspiring views.? where will be found a successor?
          The Farmers Calender must Succeed. this week 3 days have been employd in the woods, one day in plowing for mr Belcher. diging up the wall & heaping the Stones for sleding has occupied some of their time. to day they are in quest of more sea weed, but my people, all report, that they have cleard the Shores of it. the manure at the Barn will be attended to. at present we see no prospect of Snow, nor does the Season look like winter. shaw told me a few days ago that he had been seven weeks here, & that his Team had not stood still a day during the whole time, Sundays excepted. his Name sake wants more energy. tis difficult getting him in motion.
          Mrs Brisler is here to day She and her Family are well— our Friends are all So. your Mother has walkd here twice this week, and

spent two days with me. Remember me to mrs otis & cousin Betsy. they were all well at her Brothers yesterday—
          Yours

            A Adams—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 December 1794
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            Dear Madam,
            The Hague December 12th: 1794

          The Commission with which you charged me for the Messrs Willink has been executed so far as depends upon me. The Gentlemen have promised to embrace the first opportunity that offers for Boston, to forward the things to you. I thought that they were too large to be sent with convenience form New York, for which port only, were there any vessels to sail immediately from Amsterdam. The commissions with which I was charged for Mrs Welsh to be executed in England, were duly attended to. The Silk was colored according to the pattern given; and the money delivered to Mrs Copley to purchase the other silk, who promised to send it by the first opportunity addressed to you. I believe this is all the important business I have to communicate.
          I wish it were in my power to afford you any amusement by this opportunity; but having experienced very little myself since my residence here, I have nothing to relate which could be worthy of your perusal. I past a few days some time since at Amsterdam, and received many flattering civilities from many people there, but as I cannot yet speak either french or the language of the Country, I felt

myself what I actually was in most companies, a mere cypher. I understand almost every thing spoken in French, and hope shortly to acquire the talent of speaking that language, which is more generally in use than the language of this Country.
          I was pleased with the City of Amsterdam, which in point of appearance is much superior to London. We were occasionally in company with the Orangists & the Patriots, and sometimes there was a mixture of both; the professions of friendship & cordiality were greater from some of the patriotic party than the orangists, but I should do violence to my opinion if I said, that any difference was discernible in the actual attentions we experienced. I could easily discover the exciting cause of professions of attachment to America, which came from gentlemen, who owe all their present wealth to the lucrative commerce they carry on with that Country, and I could not but think, that the warmth of expression was in some measure proportioned to the degree of benefit. In short there is a species of idolatry to money in this Country, which altho’ it may not be more fervent than in other places, at least has the appearance of devotion, because it is not a point of delicacy to conceal their homage. I began in England to despise the sordid temper which appear’s to actuate that people in a great degree, but my contempt was not complete till I saw this passion in its most lively colors in the genius of a Dutchman. I have no contempt for the possession of money, as it is a means of obtaining the goodthings of this world, but to possess millions, and convert them to no use for the benefit of others, is practising avarice in its most approbrious shape. I suppose however that the doctrine of Hobbes is more strikingly illustrated in this Country, than any other; and that the ladder of power is made of gold, instead of personal merit. It is but a different mean of attaining the end & aim of all mankind. When gold is wisdom, or in the same estimation among a whole people, the heaviest purse is sure of the greatest patronage. It is a circumstance as singular in my opinion as it is true in fact, that this principle of avarice is so strong, that it will not suffer these people to contribute a trifling proportion of their wealth to defend and secure the whole. I suspect that the despotic dominion of their glittering Master, has so dazzled the active force of independence in their minds, that they will submit to any foreign power, that may chose to take them under protection. Present appearances authorize all these reflections; you will not therefore accuse me of severity; when they deserve a better opinion I shall be happy to embrace it.

          You will wish to know in what manner we pass our time here. I can satisfy you in a few words. We rise in the morning between 8 & 9, write all the forenoon, that is till 3 ’o’Clock. Get our dinner, and then read or write till between 12 & 1. at night. This is the journal of one day, and it answers equally well for all. When the weather permits I take a walk in the wood, where the only beings with whom I have any connection are an army of half naked beggars who are emploring a hard earned pittance from the close-clinched fist of charity. This place is in itself a delightful spot. I never saw a City altogether so beautiful; in Summer it must be another paradise, you see already I have begun to rebell.
          Remember me to all friends in your neighborhood, and believe me now & at all times / your Son

            Thomas B Adams.


Title: Charles Adams to John Adams, 13 December 1794
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John

            My dear Sir
            New York Decr 13th 1794

          I yesterday received your favor of the 11th inst enclosing the Post note for 100 Dols: for which receive my thanks. Our election for members of the house of Representatives was finished yesterday and thus an end put for sometime to the iniquities which upon such occasions are always practised. The friends of the Democratic Mr Livingston and of the Aristocratic Mr Watts flatter themselves that their respective Candidate will obtain the seat. Among the many odd circumstances in this world that the Livingston family should obtain the reputation of Democrats is not the least curious but not surprising.

            “Observe their courtship to the common people:
            How they do seem to dive into their hearts,
            With humble and familiar courtesy;
            What reverence do they throw away on slaves;
            Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles,

            And patient underbearing of their fortunes,
            As ’t’were to banish their affects with them.
            Off goes each bonnet to an oyster wench:
            A brace of draymen bid God speed them well!
            And had the tribute of their humble knees;
            With—Thanks our Countrymen our loving friends.”
            Ricd 2d A 1. Sc 4

          I suppose in case Mr Jay does not soon return Col Hamilton will be proposed for the office of Governor of this State. Mr Burr expects to obtain it. Mr Clinton is to resign as is said. Chancellor Livingston has pretensions. Not one among these candidates can supply the place of Mr Jay whether this State is to be ruled by the Schuyler or Livingston family is of no great importance and by one or the other it must be if the Chief Justice does not return. These are my sincere sentiments, sentiments which if made public would damn me in the eyes of both parties. I beleive them just and I cannot and will not go every length with any party whatsoever.
          I am my dear Sir your affectionate son

            Chas Adams


Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 13 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Charles

            Dear Charles
            Philadelphia Decr. 13. 1794

          The Nature, Designs, rise, Progress, present State future Operations and successes of “Selfcreated Societies,[”] are likely to become Objects of interesting Enquiry and should be critically Studied by a Lawyer. We know something of the History of them in France. The fruits of them in Geneva you will see in the Pamphlet inclosed which was written by D’Ivernois. The fruits of them in Scotland, you may see in another Pamphlet inclosed, the Tryal of Wat and Downie.— I may send you another Pamphlet shewing them in Lauzanne and Le Pays de vaud in Switzerland—as also in some other Tryals in England and Scotland.
          It behoves you as a Lawyer to Settle in your Mind accurate Ideas of the Limits prescribed to the Legality of Such Societies,

Assemblies Conventions or Clubbs. I will assist you in furnishing you with Information on these Subjects.
          I am &c

            John Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 December 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Madam.
            The Hague December 13 1794.

          I hear of an opportunity from Rotterdam to Boston, but so lately that I have scarce time to write any Letters except my necessary dispatches. General Eustace goes as a passenger in this vessel, and I have given him letters of introduction to you and several other of my friends in Boston.
          Had I known of this vessel earlier I could have taken measures to send your things by her; which for the present must be postponed. I hope however we shall have occasions from Amsterdam.
          Of news I can say but little. The detail of war is as insipid in relation as it is inhuman in action. The french armies do not go into winter quarters; three days since they attempted at three several places to cross the Waal, but failed of success. The other army at Mentz last week renewed an assault upon that city five times but were still repulsed, as is pretended with great loss.— All this amounts to nothing upon the great scale. The success of the French is at this time secured almost beyond the malice of Fortune. Another campaign appears however to be inevitable
          We begin to be very anxious to hear from our friends in America; we hope they will not wait to hear of our arrival, before they write to us. It is probable that the present state of affairs in this Country may deter our merchants from sending their vessels to Holland.— You will therefore be so kind as to write by every opportunity to England, enclosing your letters under cover addressed either to Mr: Pinckney or Mr: Johnson. I shall easily receive them in either case.

          Before this reaches you the Treaty signed by Mr: Jay and Lord Grenville, will no doubt have reached America, and be under the discussion of the Senate. The rumour of Mr: Jay’s being further employed in negotiations for Peace is revived, and it has even been publicly said that he is gone to Paris. I have however already observed to you that I see no real prospect of Peace whatever
          At Paris, the moderate party still maintain their ascendancy and the Jacobins are nearly dissolved to appearance. I retain however the opinion upon this subject, that I expressed in my Letter to you from London.— It is the effervescence of boiling water, which only subsides for a moment after overflowing. “Moderation” like all the other principles for these five years in that Country, is the watchword of a Faction, used to oppress another faction whose watchword was “terror.” Which ever of the two prevails will extinguish the other in blood. I should not be surprized to see within six months the Jacobins restored to all the plenitude of their power and glory; though at this time they are becoming from day to day more and more unpopular.
          In England the Parliament is prorogued to the 30th: of this month, and will probably be so until the 21st: of the next. The trials for hightreason have all terminated triumphantly for the prisoners. The war becomes burdensome and unpopular; the administration is illsorted and discordant, the people are clamorous for Peace, and the Government decided for War.
          In this Country, the States of all the Provinces have recommended Negotiations for peace. The Government party pretend that they are going forward: the patriots think that they are the only persons with whom France will treat, and they most devoutly hope that the first article of the pacification may prescribe the extirpation of the present ruling power.
          Though we have no Letters from America, our intelligence is as late as the beginning of November, from thence and we are happy to find it agreeable. Peace, Prosperity, and Happiness, inseparable in their nature; that they may be all enjoyed by our Country is the most fervent wish of, Dear Madam, your affectionate Son.

            John Q. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 December 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest friend
            Philadelphia Decr 14. 1794

          I wrote you last Week and inclosed an order for 600. Let me know when you receive it.
          Although the Weather is the most beautiful I ever knew in December, the Time Seems longer to me, than ever any time did in America— The Business of Congress this session is Dulness Flatness and Insipidity itself.
          Mr Cranch went off, on Fryday for Washington as he intended to go to Anapolis, I gave him a Letter to Mr Carrol of Carrolton.
          I have been much engaged in Reading the Tryals of Muir, Margarot, Wat, Downie, and Walker.
          Mr Walker of Manchester appears to have been very ill used by

the Church Party: but he was honourably acquitted. The others, I suppose could not be held guiltless, according to the Laws of scotland, and England. The severity however of their Sentences may excite rather than Suppress discontent and Mutiny. Selfcreated Societies, must be circumspect. It is very easy for them to transgress the Boundaries of Law, and as soon as they do they become unlawful assemblies, Seditious societies, mischievous Conventions, pernicious Associations, dangerous and destructive Combinations and as many such hard Appellations as you choose to give them.
          I take it for granted that political Clubbs must and ought to be lawful in every free Country.— I belonged to several in my youth and I wish I could belong to one now. It would save me from Ennui, of an Evening, which now torments me as bad as the blue Devils would, if I had them, which by the Way I never had, and so cant say by Experience. Low Spirits and the blue Devils are not the Same.—
          I think I will read Sweedenbourgs Works— I dare Say they are as entertaining as The Pilgrims Progress or Robinson Crusoe or the seven Champions. Any Thing that shows a strong and strange Imagination and is neither melancholly nor stark mad, is Amuzing. I fear the Atheistical and Theistical Philosophers lately turned Politicians, will drive the common People into Receptacles of Visionaries, Enluminees, illuminées &c &c &c For the Common People will undoubtedly insist upon the Risque of being damned rather than give up the hope of being Saved in a future State. The People will have a Life to come, and so will I.—
          I fear you will think me a little crazy—so I / conclude Adieu

            I send you an History of Geneva


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 16 December 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my Dearest Friend
            Quincy December 16. 1789 [1794]

          Tomorrow will compleat three Months Since our dear sons saild, and this moment I have received a Letter from Town with this agreable intellegence, “on Sunday Evening the 14 Captain Joy arrived from England. just before he saild from the Downs, a ship came too about 2 miles a head, of him. the Pilot who came on Board Captain Joy told him she was the ship Alfred in 32 days from Boston.[”] tho I have no letters; yet to know that the vessel is safe arrived, has given me a pleasure which you will easily conceive and participate, and I seazd my pen instantly to communicate it to you. I pray God our dear Children may be safe and well.
          I expect Letters from you tomorrow. mr Brislers Letter came to day inclosing a Bill of Laiding our people have compleated covering the Medow with sea weed, which is all that can be obtaind untill a North East wind replenishs our shores again. mr Brisler mentions a case & tells me it must not be brought up in a cart, but Does not say what the contents are. adieu I am / most sincerly & affectionatly yours

            A Adams