Title: Abigail Adams to Royall Tyler, 4 January 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tyler, Royall

      My Dear sir

       4 January 1785

     Half the pleasure of a Letter consist in its being written to the moment and it always gave me pleasure to know when and Where Friends received my Letter. Know then sir that this fourth of Janry 1785 of which I give you joy, I was sitting by my fire side at one end of a table and at the other my best Friend studying his favorite Author Plato. I was a reading a French comedy called the, procurerer which I saw acted a few evenings ago and was at that part in which Aristes who is the Attorney says,

      D’ailleurs, j’ai voulu voir Si, Sous ce vêtement,
      Un homme ne pouvoit aller droit un moment,
      Si cette Robe etoit d’essence corruptible
      Si l’honneur avec etoit incompatible

     when John Brisler entered with two large packets in his hand, upon which I cried from America I know from America and seizd my sizer to cut them open. Emelia and her Brother went to Paris this afternoon and have run away to some play I fancy by their not being yet returnd, so that we had the reading of our Letter wholy to ourselves. Hers I have tuckd away with an intention of teazing her a little. This packet is dated November 6th. and is the second received from you since my arrival. I wrote to my Friends about 10 days since, but only a few line to you as I wished to set down and write you a long Letter, but the receipt of this 2d Letter has determined me to Seaize my pen this very moment and thank you for both your excellent Letters. To discribe to you the pleasure that a packet from America gives me, I must take a theatrical Stile and Say it is painted upon my face it Sparkles in my Eyes and plays round my Heart. News that is not what I want, politicks well enough by the by. I Love to hear every domestick occurrence then I live with you tho absent from you, and your paper of occurrences I approve much. It is not my fault that Cap. Lyde did not take my Letters, I sent them to London with orders to be put on board of him, but Mr. Tracy gave them to some other Captain. London is the best and only way of safety by which you may convey Letters or to Amsterdam. I write by no other way than London; direct there to Mr. Cranchs Friend Mr. Elworthy.
     You and the rest of my Friends seem to think me engaged in a round of pleasures and amusements. I have pleasures and I have entertainments but they are not what the Beau Mond would esteem such. I never was more domestick or studious in my Life. I will tell You how, and give you a journal not in the stile of Swift, but of my own. We rise in the morning, not quite so early as I used to when I provided the turkies and Geese we used to Feast upon, but as soon as my fire is made and my room cleaned I then repair to Emelias Chamber and rouse her, from thence knock at my sons door, who always opens it with his Book in his hand: by that time we are all assembled to Breakfast, after which Mr. A sets down either to writing or reading, I to prepareing work for my Chamber Maids or sewing myself, for I still darn stockings, my son retires to his Chamber to his studies and translations of Horace and Tacitus, Emelia to her room to translating Telemack. In this manner we proceed till near 12 oclock when Mr. A takes his cain and hat for his forenoon walk which is commonly 4 miles, this he compleats by two. The Ladies at 12 repair to the toilite where some Author employs their dressing hour. At 2 we all meet together and dine, in the afternoon I we go from one room to an other sometimes chat with my son or make him read to me. Emelia in the same manner works reads or plays with her Brother which they can do together in a game of Romps very well. The afternoon here are very short and tea very soon summons us all together. As soon as that is removed the table is coverd with mathamatical instruments and Books and you hear nothing till nine oclock but of Theorem and problems besecting and desecting tangents and Sequents which Mr. A is teaching to his son; after which we are often called upon to relieve their brains by a game of whist. At 10 we all retire to rest, and this is the common method in which we spend our time varying sometimes by receiving and sometimes by going into company. Ten oclock and these young folks not returnd, a dark stormy night too, but then there are Lamps from Paris here which enlightens the road. This is a very pretty ride in agreeable weather, for upon your right hand you have the River Sein; Ceasar barks and the gate bell rings which announces the return of the Carriage. Now for a little pleasure of which you shall have the whole History. Enter Miss A, “What are you cold?” Enter Mr. JQA with a set of Mathamatical instruments, “Pray what Spectacle have you been at to Night?” “A Variety, into the palais Royal. I have seen the du palais du bon goüt l’Intendant comedien malgre lui; le Mensonge excusable, et le nouveau parvenu.” Now what had I best do, give her these letters to night which will keep her up till 12 or give them for her Breakfast to morrow morning? “Hem, come take of your Cloak and I will give you an etrennes”; which in plain english signifies a new Years Gift. Off went the Cloak in an instant, then I delt out the letters one by one, at every one Miss calling out for more, more untill I had exhausted the bugget; but so secret and so affraid that one can hardly get a peep at a single line. I believe you will think by my thus trifling that I am tinctured with the frivolity of the Nation. Manners are very catching I assure you, and dissagreeable as I found many customs when I first came here, 5 months habititude have made them less so. For instanc when I dine abroad I am not so grosely offend at seeing a Gentleman take a partridge by the leg and put it to his Nose to see if it is in a condition to offer to the Ladies, because I have learnt that this is politeness instead of incivility. Nor do I look with so much amazement when I see a Lady wrapturously put her Arms round a Gentleman and Salute him first upon one cheeck and then upon the other, I consider it as a thing of mere course. I can even see that the Rouge gives an additional splendour to the Eyes: I believe however there are some practices which neither time nor Custom will ever make me a convert to. If I thought they would, I would fly the Country and its inhabitants as a pestilence that walketh in darkness and a plague that waisteth at noon day. I believe you need be under no apprehension respecting a young Lady of your acquaintance, who has never yet found her self so happy in Europe as America, and who I dare say will ever find in herself a preference to the manners of her Native Country. She has had an ernest desire to spend half a Year in a celebrated Convent in Paris for the purpose of acquiring the Language perfectly, but her Father entertained not so favourable an opinion of those abodes as some who have placed their Children there, and thought that the advantages arising from speaking the Language perfectly would never compensate for one less strickt Idea either of Modesty or Manners. I pretended not to judge in this Case. There is a certain saying not the less true for being often repeated, that habit is second nature. The Phythagorian doctrine of Reverenceing thyself is little practised among the Females of this Nation; for in this Idea if I comprehend it aright is included an incorruptable virtue joined to the strickest modesty. There is so little Regard paid here to the conjugal union that it naturally introduces every kind of licentiousness. The distinction of families is the corrupt Source from whence the pestilential Streems issue. The affections of the Heart are never traced. The Boy of 12 14 or 13 15 is married to the miss of 10 or 11, he is sent upon his travels and she confined in a convent. At 20 or 21 he returns and receives his wife; each of them perhaps cursing their shackels. Dispositions and inclinations varying, he seeks a mistress more pleasing, and she a Gallant more affectionate and complasant. Or if it is thought necessary to perpetuate the family titles and estate perhaps a year or twos fidelity is necessary upon the Ladys part, and it is esteemed a sad misfortune when more than two or 3 children fall to the share of a family. The young Ladies of a family are gaurded like the Hesperian fruit and never sufferd to be in company without some watchfull dragon. They have no Idea of that sure and only method of teaching them to reverence themselves which Prior so beautifully discribes—

       Let all their ways be unconfined

      Be to her faults a little blind,
      Be to her virtues ever kind
      Let all her ways be unconfine’d
      And clap the padlock on her mind.

     Yet dissolute as the manners of this people are said to be they Respect virtue in the Female Character almost to Idolating and speak of a Lady whose Character is unblemished and some such there are even here, as the Phoenix of the age. A Gentleman carries his Galantry to such a pitch here that altho he knows that his Lady has her Lover, yet if any person dares to insinuate the least reflextion upon her honour, nothing but blood can wash it out. I have had a Rouncounter related to me which happend last year at the opera where they frequently have Mask Balls. The Count D Artois the kings youngest Brother taking a fancy to a Lady in a Mask and supposeing her a Lady of pleasure used some familiarity with the Lady which she resented. Feeling his Rank he gave her a Box on the ear, upon which he was instantly seizd and his Mask torn of. The Lady proved to be the sister of the Duke de Bourbon. This being an offence for which even the kings Brother could not repair attone by asking pardon, he was challenged by the Duke they fought and the Count was wounded. Are not these things lessons to our Country to avoid family titles and every distinction but those which arise from Superiour Merit and Virtue: to cut of the Hydra headed Cincinnati and every appendage which pertains to it. The Heraditary Monster is already distroyed routd, but who sees not others which in time may grow to be equally distructive? The most fatal poison is that Secreet kind which distroys without discovery.
     I can offer you no advise, at this distance but such as you already have upon paper and if as you are pleased to say you feel disposed at all times to attend to it, I flatter myself it has ever been of that kind which will promote both your honour and Reputation, for which you may be assured I am not less solicitious when I view you with more confidence as the person to whose care and protection I shall one day resign a beloved and only daughter. Industery integrity frugality and honour are the Characteristick Virtues which will recommend and ensure to you parental Regard and Fraternal affection and which will continue to you the Friendship the Esteem and the Maternal Regard of

      A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Lucy Cranch, 5 January 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Lucy,Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch

      My dear Lucy
      Auteuil, 245January, 1785

     I Hope you have before now received my letter, which was ordered on board with Captain Lyde, but put on board another vessel, because it was said she would sail first. By that you will see that I did not wait to receive a letter from you first. I thank you for yours of November 6th, which reached me last evening; and here I am, seated by your cousin J.Q.A.’s fireside, where, by his invitation, I usually write.
     And in the first place, my dear Lucy, shall I find a little fault with you? A fault, from which neither your good sister, nor cousin Abby, is free. It is, that all of you so much neglect your handwriting. I know that a sentiment is equally wise and just, written in a good or bad hand; but then there is certainly a more pleasing appearance, when the lines are regular, and the letters distinct and well cut. A sensible woman is so, whether she be handsome or ugly; but who looks not with most pleasure upon the sensible beauty? “Why, my dear aunt,” methinks I hear you say, “only look at your own handwriting.” Acknowledged; I am very sensible of it, and it is from feeling the disadvantages of it myself, that I am the more solicitous that my young acquaintance should excel me, whilst they have leisure, and their fingers are young and flexible. Your cousin, J.Q.A., copied a letter for me the other day, and, upon my word, I thought there was some value in it, from the new appearance it acquired.
     I have written several times largely to your sister, and, as I know you participate with her, I have not been so particular in scribbling to every one of the family; for an imagination must be more inventive than mine, to supply materials with sufficient variety to afford you all entertainment. Through want of a better subject, I will relate to you a custom of this country. You must know that the religion of this country requires abundance of feasting and fasting, and each person has his particular saint, as well as each calling and occupation. To-morrow is to be celebrated, le jour des rois. The day before this feast it is customary to make a large paste pie, into which one bean is put. Each person at table cuts his slice, and the one who is so lucky as to obtain the bean, is dubbed king or queen. Accordingly, to-day, when I went in to dinner, I found one upon our table. Your cousin Abby began by taking the first slice; but alas! poor girl, no bean, and no queen. In the next place, your cousin John seconded her by taking a larger cut, and as cautious as cousin T—— when he inspects merchandise, bisected his paste with mathematical circumspection; but to him it pertained not. By this time, I was ready for my part; but first I declared that I had no cravings for royalty. I accordingly separated my piece with much firmness, nowise disappointed that it fell not to me. Your uncle, who was all this time picking his chicken bone, saw us divert ourselves without saying any thing; but presently he seized the remaining half, and to crumbs went the poor paste, cut here and slash there; when, behold the bean! “And thus,” said he, “are kingdoms obtained;” but the servant, who stood by and saw the havoc, declared solemnly that he could not retain the title, as the laws decreed it to chance, and not to force.
     How is General Warren’s family? Well, I hope, or I should have heard of it. I am sorry Mrs. Warren is so scrupulous about writing to me. I forwarded a long letter to her some time since. Where is Miss Nancy Quincy? Well, I hope. We often laugh at your cousin John about her. He says her stature would be a great recommendation to him, as he is determined never to marry a tall woman, lest her height should give her a superiority over him. He is generally thought older than your cousin Abby; and partly, I believe, because his company is with those much older than himself.
     As to the Germantown family, my soul is grieved for them. Many are the afflictions of the righteous. Would to Heaven that the clouds would disperse, and give them a brighter day. My best respects to them. Let Mrs. Field know, that Esther is quite recovered, and as gay as a lark. She went to Paris the other day with Pauline, to see a play, which is called “Figaro.” It is a piece much celebrated, and has had sixty-eight representations; and every thing was so new to her, that Pauline says, “Est is crazed.”

      Affectionately yours,
      A.A.


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 7 January 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

      No. 5.
      My Dear Sister
      Auteuil Janry 7 1785

     Your kind Letter of November 6, I received the 4 of Jan’ry. I hope you have received my September Letters which were so unfortunate as to be put on Board a vessel which Mr. Tracy thought would convey them sooner than Lyde, but which I find had not reach’d you when you wrote me; by Mr. Jackson who left Paris in December I wrote 12 Letters which were to be put on Board Captain Young, one of the packets addresst to Mr. Cranch, in which was a peice of sattin for you; and Some Money which I requested you to dispose of, I desired Captain Young by a card, which I wrote to him; to put that into his trunk and to deliver it himself: which I hope he has done. Mr. John Appleton has ben here for 3 weeks, and I expect him with other Company to dine with us to day: he will go on twesday to London and I am very desirious of getting my letters ready to send by him.
     I wrote you so lately that I have nothing material to entertain you with: even the common topick of conversation, the Weather, were I to discribe it as I find it, would rather Serve to make you gloomy than Cheerful, yet the present Beautifull Sunshine which invigorates my Heart, almost tempts me to pass over, the last ten days of fog and clouds and rain, and the ten which will probabily succeed according to the custom of the present Winter, this one Days clear Sky. I think I had rather feel our severe frosts, and see our hills and Feilds glittering and sparkling with Snow; in the clear Sun beams; and the delightfull azure which paints our Sky; than this more temperate climate; which has so much more Shade than light. The parisians have certainly a better excuse for continually seeking amusements; than our Country will be ever able to produce. The suicide which is so frequent in London I have heard attributed to the everlasting fogs of that Island. There is no object in nature so exhilarating to the Spirits, or so invigorating to the animal as well as the Natural World, as that Glorious Luminary which was worshiped by the Heathens as a deity, and is truly one of the most magnificent productions of the Great architect.
     I am sorry to find that there is such a prodigious Dearth of Clerical Genius in our Country as to tempt, one church to rob an other. I have no personal acquaintance with the Gentleman who is called to set in the seat of the late Dr. Cooper, to supply his place will be no easy matter. There are some stars which shine best in their own Hemisphere, and I rather think from the Character I have heard of that Gentleman, that his wisest course would be to imitate those stars which are fixed. The Church over which our dear parent so happily presided, have my good wishes for their prosperity, and I feel an affection towards them, not for having my birth amongst them but because they are the Sheep of a Shepherd who was every way dear to me.
     With those Letters which went by Captain Young was one to Mr. Cranch; from the Dutch Merchants; which they enclosed to Mr. Adams with bitter complaints; that they had not received any letters from Mr. Cranch for a long time: they had received remittances; but they know not the state of their affairs: what goods remained unsold, nor what best suited the American Market. Mr. Cranch will look into these matters and satisfy them; as soon as possible. There is such a crumbling to pieces of the merchants every where, that I suppose they feel allarmed. Unless the price of goods rise with you, they that have the least to do with trade are the best off. I should think myself very well off to purchase goods here as I could in America. Every article which goes into Paris pays a heavy Duty. From thence I am obliged to supply myself. In the Seaports and the manufacturing towns I suppose they are more reasonable. The few articles I left at home, I am very glad I did not part with.
     Mr. Adams desires to be rememberd both, to Mr. Cranch and the rest of the family. Continue to write to me by every opportunity, and believe me most tenderly and affectionately Your Sister

      Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 11 January 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith,Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

      My Dear Sister
      Auteuil January 11 1785

     I was doubly rejoiced to receive a Letter from you not only on account of the pleasure which I usually enjoy from your pen: but because it informd me of your recovery from a dangerous illness. In a Letter which I wrote you the latter part of December, I have given you a long lesson respecting your Health: which altho it might savor something of the Quack, and a little of the Authority of Eldership, Spoke not my Heart, if it manifested not the tender solicitude of a Sister anxious for the Health of one deservedly Dear to her. I must therefore repeat to you; not to encumber your family beyond your Strength. A life of ease, and gentle excercise, is absolutly requisite for you: a tranquil State of mind, which has much to hope and nothing to fear. A different Situation would remove you, much sooner than Your Friends wish, to a state greatly Superiour to that which you now possess. I own myself so selfish that tho I doubt not of your qualifications for it, I hope to see you remain many years subject to the incident infirmities of Mortality, and like your fellow Mortals grow Grey and wrinkled here, before you Bloom afresh in the regions of immortality. I am not a little rejoiced that my Letters proved so benificial to you as you describe, and that I was capable of serving you, tho so far removed from you. A sudden exhilaration of the spirits, has proved of vast service in many disorders. I have experienced the benifit myself. Your family narrative afforded me pleasure because it related those calamities which were happily past, and displayd a more pleasing picture.
     I am rejoiced to find that my Sons have been bless’d with so large a share of health since my absence, if they are wise they will improve the rigor of their early Days, and the Bloom of their Health in acquiring such a fund of learning, and knowledge, as may render them usefull to themselves, and benificial to Society, the great purpose for which they were sent into the World. That knowledge which is obtaind in early Life becomes every day more usefull, as it is commonly that which is best retaind. To be Good, and do Good, is the whole Duty of Man, comprized in a few words; but what a capacious Field does it open to our view? And how many Characters may grow from this root, whose usefull branches may shade the oppressd; May comfort the dejected: may heal the wounded: may cure the sick, may defend the invaded; may enrich the poor. In short those who possess the disposition will never want employment.
     How justly did you describe my Ideas; when you said “a parents thoughts flew quick.” Mine, I own, had outstriped that passage; I would not, that a son of mine, should form any sentiments with respect to any female, but those of due decorum, and a general complasance, which every Youth acquainted with good manners, and civility will practise towards them, untill years have matured their judgment, and learning has made them wise. I would; that they should have no passion but for Science, and no mistress but Literature: “so shall discretion preserve them and understanding keep them. If they incline their ears to wisdom and apply their Hearts to understanding.”
     The age of the Young Lady relieved me from some anxiety, especially as I have since heard that she has much older admirers. Charles’s disposition, and sensibility will render him more liable to female attachments, than the Young Hercules who sits beside me, and who like many other Youths pretends to brave the danger which has never assaild him; but who in time, like that Hero, may find an Omphalia to bring him to the distaff, but who, at present is much better occupied with his Horace and Tacitus.
     I thank you for all your kind Maternal care towards my sons. I hope they will be both sensible of it; and gratefull for it, and that both their uncles and your advice to them will not fail to have a due influence upon their conduct.
     I suppose every Letter I write; you will expect that I should give you some account of the amusements I have; and the curiosities I see; there are enough of each in Paris to employ my pen. But of the amusements, the theaters are those only which have yet occupied me; the description of which I must reserve for my Young correspondents. As there are a variety of cuorisities I shall endeavour to adapt the account of them to the different tastes of my Friends; I am going this afternoon to visit the Enfans trouvés, which at my return I will recount to you because I know your Benevolence will lead you to rejoice in an institution calculated to save from Death and wretchedness, those helpless Indigent Beings brought into existance by criminality; and owned by no one.
     I have returned from my visit to the Hopital des enfans-Trouves, and truly it is a painfull pleasing sight. This House was built in the Reign of Louis 14th. in the year 1747. It was built by a decree of the king and is under the direction of Eight administrators, and is Superintended by Nuns, or charity sisters as they are call’d. We were shewn into a Room Large and airy which containd about a hundred cribs, cradles they call them, but they are more properly cribs, as they are fixd all round the room and are not moveable. Through the middle of the appartment are two more rows the length of the Room, which was I am almost tempted to say the cleanest I have seen in France. Every bed was white linnen, and every child in them appeard neat, and with cloathing that lookd comfortable. I observed too; the large quantitys of necessary linnen which hung at fires in the different rooms, which like every thing else which I saw here; was very white and clean. The rooms too were sweet, which was an other proof of the attention of the Nurses. There were numbers in the Arms; great numbers a sleep; and several crying, which you will easily credit, when I tell you; that this is but the Eleventh day of the Month, and the Charity sister who appeard an intellegent well bred woman informd us; that two hundred had been brought in since the year commenced. Whilst I stood talking with her there was one brought in which appeard to be 3 months old. They generally receive at this House Six thousand a year, (there is an other House of the same kind.) Last year she told us that five thousand five hundred were lodged there, and that House had sent into the provinces 15 thousand which were now at nurse: they keep them out untill they are 5 years old. Children are received here at any hour of the Day, or Night, in the day they are brought in at the door, and in the Night the Nuns watch to receive them. There are certain parts of Paris which are appropriated to this purpose, and small Boxes which may be drawn out from under a cover; in which the child is deposited, and the person who finds it Carries it to this House; where they are received without any further form or declaration from the Commissary of the quarter than naming the place the Day and Hour when the child was found. The person is not obliged to relate any other circumstance. They have always four wet nurses in each appartment for the youngest and weakest of the children: but as fast as they can provide accommodations for them in the Country, they are sent there: where the Air is purer and better than in Paris. The Governess told us that about a third of them died, notwithstanding all their care and attention, that they were sometimes so chill’d with the cold; and so poorly clad that they could not bring them to any warmth, or even make them swallow.

      “Where can they hope for pity, peace or rest
      Who move no softness in a parents Breast.”

     The Hôpital de la pitié which joins upon this is the place where they are received when they return from the Country. There they are taught to read and write, the Boys to knit, and the Girls to sew and make lace. When they have made their first communion which is from 10 to 12 years of age they are put to trades. They have a church which belongs to the Hospitals, but I had not time to see it. Whilst we approve the Charatable disposition, and applaud the wise institution which alleviates the fate of helpless innocence; can we draw a veil over the Guilty Cause, or refrain from comparing a Country grown old in Debauchery and lewdeness with the wise Laws and institutions of one wherein Mariage is considerd as holy and honourable, wherein industry and sobriety; enables parents to rear a numerous ofspring, and where the Laws provide a resource for illegitimecy by obliging the parents to a maintenance; and if not to be obtaind there, they become the charge of the town or parish where they are born: but how few the instances of their being totally abandoned by their parents? Whereas I have been credibly informd that one half the Children anually born in that immense City of Paris, are enfans trouvés.
     Present my Regards to Mr. Shaw, to whom I will write if I have time. Pray has Mr. Allen carried home his Lady yet?!
     I believe Mr. Thaxter has forgotton that I was formerly a correspondent of his, but I design soon to remind him of it. I hear of his success with pleasure; you will not fail to remember me to your Venerable Neighbour at the foot of the Hill, and all her Worthy family. I feel for the sore calimity of Mrs. White: by how many instances are we taught, not to place our affections too firmly upon earthly objects. How doatingly fond was this good Lady of her children, and she had reason to be fond, for they were both amiable and good. To Judge Sergant and family present my Regards. Honest, Modest Mr. Flint shall not be forgotten by me. The air of Haverhill Hill is too keen for him, he should live below it. Mr. Adams by me, presents his affectionate Regards to Mr. Shaw and my worthy Sister, to whom I tender the compliments of the New Year. May this and many succeeding ones find her happy is the ardent wish of her affectionate Sister

      Abigail Adams

      Will my sister accept a peice of sattin for a peticoat, which if I can smuggle into England in the form of a large Letter; will I hope go safe to her hand. There is a trunk of Cloaths sent from the Hague for the Children which you will be so good as to let me know when they arrive. Whatever is out grown you will dispose of as you think best and if there is any thing which will serve Mrs. West, who prehaps may be more needy than some others, you will be so good as to give them to her but dont mention my name, as they are all at your disposal.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Shaw, 18 January 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Shaw, John

      Auteuil Janry. 18 1785

     I find Sir, what I never doubted; that you are a Gentleman of your word: I thank you for the agreeable proof which you have given me of it, and that I may not be wanting in punctuality I have taken my pen to discharge the debt which I acknowledge is due to you. Amongst the publick Edifices which are worthy of notice in this Country are several Churches. I went a few days Since to see three of the most Celebrated in Paris. They are prodigious Massess of Stone Buildings, and so surrounded by Houses which are seven story high that the Sun seldom enlightens them. I found them so cold and damp that I could only give them a very hasty and trancient Survey. The Architecture, the Sculpture, the paintings are Beautifull indeed, and each of them would employ my pen for several pages, when the Weather will permit me to take a more accurate and critical inspection of them. These Churches are open every day, and at all times of the Day, so that you never enter them without finding preists upon their knees, half a dozen at a time, and more at the Hours of confession. All kinds of people and all ages, go in without Ceremony, and regardless of each other, fall upon their knees, cross themselves say their pater nosters, and ave Marias, silently and go out again without being noticed, or even seen by the priests whom I found always kneeling with their faces towards the Alter. Round these churches (for they have not pews and Galleries as with us; Chairs alone being made use of) there are little Boxes, or closets, about as large as a Centry Box, in which is a small grated window, which communicates with an other closet of the same kind. One of them holds the person who is confessing, and the other the confessor, who places his ear at this window, hears the crime, absolves the transgressor, and very often makes an assignation for a repetition of the Same Crime, or prehaps a new one. I do not think this a breach of Charity, for can we suppose that of the many thousands whom the Religion of the Country obliges to Celibacy, one quarter part of the number can find its influence sufficently powerfull; to conquer those passions, which nature has implanted in Man, when the gratification of them will cost them only a few livres in confessions. The Priest who is known to betray his trust, or devulge any thing committed to him in confession; is punished with Death.
     I was at the Church St. Rock about ten oclock in the morning, and whilst I was there, about three hundred little Boys came in from some Charity Seminary which belongs to that Church; they had Books in their Hands. They followed in each other in regular order, and fell upon their knees in rows like Soldiers in rank and file. Their might be 50 other persons in the Church at their devotion. Every thing was still and Solemn throughout this vast edifice. I was walking with a slow pace round it, when all at once, the drear Silence which Reignd was suddenly broken by all these Boys at one instant Chanting; with loud voices which made the dome ring; and me spring, for I had no apprehension of any Sound. I have never been to any of these Churches upon a Sunday, when the weather is warmer I design it, but their Churches seem rather calculated to damp Devotion than excite it. I took such a cold there; as I have not had since I have been in France before. I have been several times to the Chaple of the Dutch Ambassador; and should go oftner, if I could comprehend the discourses which are all in French. I believe the American embassy is the only one to which Chaplings are not allowed. Do Congress think that their Ministers have no need of Grace? Or that Religion is not a necessary article for them. Sunday will not feel so to me, whilst I continue in this Country. It is High Hollyday for all France.
     We had a visit the other day from no less a personage than Abbe Thayer in his Habit, who has become a convert. His visit I suppose was to me, for he was a perfect stranger to Mr. Adams. He told us that he had spent a year at Rome, that he belonged to a Seminary of St. Sulpice in Paris; that he never knew what Religion was untill his conversion, and that he designd to return to America in a year or two, to see if he could not convert his Friends and acquaintance. After talking sometime in this Stile he began to question Mr. A. if he believed the Bible, and to rail at Luther and Calvin, upon which Mr. A took him up pretty short, and told him that he was not going to make a Father confessor of him, that his Religion was a matter that he did not look upon him self accountable for, to any one but his Maker, and that he did not chuse to hear either Luther, or Calvin treated in such a manner.
     Mr. Abbe took his leave after some time, without any invitation to repeat his visit.
     With respect to our interest at Medford what ever is necessary to be done for our mutual benifit, you will be so good as to direct performd. I am glad that the old Tennant did not go off, untill death removed him. The account you give of your Nephews is vastly pleasing to their, and Your affectionate Friend.

      A Adams


Title: Katherine Hay to Abigail Adams, 7 March 1785
From: Hay, Katherine Farnham
To: Adams, Abigail

      My Dear Madam
      Beaugency March 7th. 1785

     I intended writing you before this but have been waiting very impatiently for letters from Mr. Hay, (but hitherto in vain) as they will fix the time of my leaving France. I have expected my next letter to you wou’d be to ask the favour of you to take a lodging for me, but I am now under the Necessity of troubling you very unexpectedly upon an affair that has given me a good deal of uneasiness.
     It was fix’d when I came to this Country that I shou’d draw a Bill on my Freind in England, if I shou’d want more Money than I brought with me. January last I found I shou’d be Oblig’d to Draw for Money by February, at that time a quarter wou’d be due for my Board accordingly. I try’d to get Money here for my Bill on London, but it was impossible. Mr. Mather advis’d me to write to a Mr. Graff in Paris, and get him to Negociate the Bill for me. This Mr. Graff Mr. Storer recommended to me for Cambrick or laces and every Article in the Linin way; we lay’d out some Money at his Magazin, and he appeared much of the Gentlemen, was very polite to us while in Paris. He came every Day to see us, and offer’d his service for any commission when we got into the Country. From this knowledge of Mr. Graff, without any doubt, I drew a Bill on my friend in London payable to Mr. B Graff for £30. Sterling at 7 Days sight, enclos’d it to Mr. Graff, desiring him to get me the Money for it, and send it to me, by a rescription on the financier of this place. He immediately answer’d my letter with all possible politness and attention, and told me he had taken the Bill himself, and wou’d send me the Mony in the way I propos’d or some other way very soon. In about a Week after he wrote me a friend of his that was a going to Bordeax had taken charge of 30 louis d’Or, and would pay them to me at this place and desir’d me to acknowledge the receipt of them in due time;—I waited 10 or 12 Days and heard nothing of his friend nor Mony (in the mean time I receiv’d a letter from my friend in London acquainting me he pay’d my Bill the 30th. Janry.). I then wrote to Mr. Graff acquainting him that I had not receiv’d the Money and I was in want of Money, and wou’d be much Oblig’d to him to send it as soon as possible. I every Day expected an Answer. I waited 10 Days without hearing a Word. I then wrote the second letter, this is the 8 Day and I have not heard a word of him.
     Mr. Mather thinks that he heard your son say he knew him, however I must beg the favour of you to Intercede for me with your son, and get him to go to Mr. Graff and know if he is alive, for I cannot help thinking he is Dead; if he is in existance, will he be so good as to let him know that I have not receiv’d the Money and have wrote him two letters to that purpose, that perhaps have miscarried (tho’ it is hardly possible that two letters shou’d miscarry) and that the delay has put me into a very disagreeable situation. I am reduc’d to my last Crown for pocket Money. I have been Oblig’d to ask Mr. Mather to pay my Board for me that was due last Month. Six Weeks has elaps’d since I first sent him the Bill, and I suppos’d I shou’d have reciev’d the Money in 8 or 10 Days.
     Shou’d their be any trouble or difficulty. . . matter, (which I hope not and am ready to think its oweing to something that I cou’d not foresee,) will you be so good as to shew Mr. Adams the letter Ask his advice what steps I shou’d take. I wish Mr. Graff wou’d pay your son the Money and he wou’d give him a receipt for it. If I cou’d get it, into your hands I shou’d be quite contented. I would give a Bill upon Paris for it. Will you be so good as to write me my Dear Madam as soon as you know what is the Difficulty.
     I must rely on your goodness and candour to excuse the frequent favours I ask of you. I can only say I shall ever be ready to serve you or yours. My Best respects to Mr. Adams Miss Adams and Mr. A——Junr. in which Mr. and Mrs. Mather Joine.
     With great esteem Dear Madam your Oblig’d freind and Servt.

      K Hay

      Mr. Graffs Direction Magazin de Dentelles Rue de Deux Portes St Sauveur.
      PS This Week receiv’d a letter from Mrs. Atkinson, she has been in very bad Health all the Winter and in a way of having an addition to her Family.


Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 8 March 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch

      No 5
      My Dear Betsy
      March 8th. 1785 Auteuil

     There is a Gentleman by the Name of Blakney a Philadelphian who is with other company to dine here to day and on Monday is going to England. I think to charge him with a Letter or two, tho I know not of any present conveyance unless Young is yet there, who has been going every week, ever since December, and who has, as my Friends will find, Letters on board written in that month, which is very discouraging. I could write by way of New York monthly, but I am loth to load my Friends with a postage. If Mr. Gerry continues there I shall some times take the freedom of covering a Letter to him, and getting him to forward it by a private hand. And my Friends may in the same manner enclose at any time under cover to Mr. Jay who is minister for foreign affairs directed to your uncle which Letters have a right to come as far as the packet, without postage, and from thence will not be more expensive nor indeed so much so, as those which come by way of England. Never omit writing for want of Subjects, every thing and every object is interesting to me, ten thousand times more so than any thing which I can write you from hence, because I had almost Said I love; every thing and every body in that Country. Tell me when you begin to garden. I can brag over you in that respect, for our flower pots were set out in February and our garden began to look smilling. The orange Trees were not however brought out of the House, and it was very lucky they were not, for since this month commenced came a nipping frost very unusual at this season, and stiffend all our flower roots. I really fear they are kill’d. O Betsy how you would delight in this Garden. As to the House it is large and with 20 thousand livers expence in repairs and furniture would be very elegant and fit for a minister to live in, but as it is, let it pass, it is as good as we can afford, and is a fine clear air. The Garden too is much out of repair and bespeaks the too extravegent provision of its owners who are not able to put it in order. The Garden is however a fine walk in summer and the beautifull variety of flowers would tempt you to tan yourself in picking and trimming them. The garden has a number of statues and figures, but there is none which pleases me more than one of a Boy who has robed a bird of her nest of young; which he holds in one hand and in the other the old bird, who has laid hold of his finger with her Bill and is biteing it furiously, so that the countanance of the lad is in great distress between the fear of loosing the young and the pain of his finger.
     Cousin Nabby says Mam, the company are come some of them. Well then go down and entertain them, for I will finish my Letter to Betsy. There is amongst them a Mr. Pickman of Salem, to whom Mr. Tracy gave a Letter of introduction. Do you know him? I have never seen him yet. He calld and left his Name one Day and his address. Your cousin Jack returnd his visit but not being at home, he also left a card, and we sent him an invitation to dine here to day. That is the form and process in this country. There is a Mr. Williamos here who was in Boston after I left it. He is a Swiss by Birth, a very clever sensible obligeing man, who is a very great intimate at Mr. Jefferson’s, which alone would be sufficient to recommend him. He dines here to Day and Col. Humphries our Secretary, a Mr. Waren a Carolianian and Miss Jefferson from the Walls of her convent does us the favour of a visit to day. Those form our Society for this day. O, could I transport you and your Dear family how much it would enhance the pleasure. Mr. T——r too should assist at table as he is very handy that way, but his Carveing abilities would be almost useless here as the provision seldom wants any thing more than shaking to peices. I have got a long Letter begun to your Mamma and I have had some thoughts of changing the address and sending it to you, only I owe her one and not you. Tell Lucy I would give a great deal for one of her Cats. I have absolutely had an inclination to buy me some little Images according to the mode of this country that I might have some little creatures to amuse myself with, not that I have turnd worshiper of those things, neither.
     There is not one creature of you that will tell me a word of our good parson. How does he do? Alass he deserves it, for being a simple individual. I will however remember him and tender him my Respects.
     I design to get my other Letters ready to send on, about the middle of the week, but if this should have the Luck to get a passage as soon as it arrives in England, why it may possibly travel along accompanied only, with one to Dr. Tufts and an other to Mrs. Feild which is all I have had leisure to get ready. Your cousin John thinks very much of it that none of his Friends have written to him. Remember me to all my dear Friends. I can name none in particular but your good Parents. I have vanity enough to think it would take all the rest of my paper to enumerate them.
     I have written you all this, to shew you how to triffle and as it is unworthy of a copy and written in great haste I must apoligize for its inaccuracy.
     Believe my dear Girl affectionately yours,

      A A

      I darnt send my Elder Sister such a hasty scrip, besides I may venture to triffel with the daughter when her Mamma requires a steadier pen.


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 8 March 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

      My Dear Sir

       March 8th. 1785

     Mr. Adams received last Evening a Letter from you dated January 1st, in which you inform him of some little purchases which are very agreeable to him. I wrote you by his consent in January respecting Mr. Alleynes Farm. I suppose my Letters have not yet reachd America, as Captain Young has been detained Months in England longer than was expected. We are a little alarmed at the Hazard we have run, because we find it impossible upon the present Establishment to save any thing from it. I believe I mentiond to you that with the assistance of my son I had kept a Regular account of all our expences. And I am sure you will suppose that we live very differently from what we really do, when I assure you that I am obliged to Economize not to be in debt at the close of every Month; if Congress would place us where we were at first, we might get through the purchase of the place, but as that is yet dubious and our sons are going into College which will be attended with a large expence, we are fearfull of being involved in difficulties, and tho it is an object very desirable to us, we fear we shall be obliged to give up the Idea of it. If Mr. Alleyne however should be as dilatory as he has hitherto been, I will not dispair, if our former request have not reachd you so as to have taken decisive measures. You will go no further at present than to make inquiries what it may be had for, and what you really think the value of it, which you will be so kind as to transmit to us. I recollect a story of a minister of Queen Elizabeths whom she one day visited, and observed to him that he had a very small and indifferent House. May it please your Majesty said the minister, the House is big enough for the Man, but you have made the Man too big for the House.
     As to the Medford Farm you will be so kind as to have every thing done which will be for the benifit of it. We have so perfect a confidence on your judgment with regard to all these matters that we scarcly wish to direct about them, and Mr. A has been so long a statesman that I cannot get him to think enough upon his domestick affairs. He loves to have every thing as it should be, but does not wish to be troubled about them. He chuses I should write and think about them and give directions. Tho I am very willing to releive him from every care in my power, yet I think it has too much the appearence of weilding instead of sharing the Scepter.
     I cannot Sir give you any very promising account with Regard to the Treaties of commerce. Prussia have compleated theirs all to signing. As to England they appear as much infatuated as ever, no answer has been as yet sent to the information which our ministers gave them in December, that they were ready to go to England and treat with them. I have heard that our Merchants are very Angry that the ministers do not Treat, and that they reflect upon them. What more can be done than to inform the Courts of their powers, and to offer them term of treatys. They cannot compel nations into treaties. England is very sour and bitter haughty and imperious, and I hear abuses America upon every occasion. Time was you know Sir, when an amicable treaty might have been made with England very favourable to America, and you know to what intrigues it was oweing that the Commercial powers were taken from the person in whom they were first invested; but Time past, can not be recalled, as our Country Men now feel, and as was then predicted.
     Mr. Jays acceptance as minister for Foreign affairs gives us hopes that his wisdom and integrity will have a happy influence upon our affairs. Mr. Adams’s Colleigue Mr. Jefferson is an Excellent Man. Worthy of his station and will do honour to his Country. He has been sick all winter and is now far from being well. Dr. Franklin goes not out at all. Remember me sir to my dear good Aunt and to your son and Neice. My Heart always overflows when I think of all my dear Friends in America, in the first of that Number I hold you and yours and such I hope you will ever consider your affectionate

      A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 20 March 1785
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Thaxter, John

      My Dear Sir
      Auteuil March 20. 1785

     To what cause shall I attribute your silence, that not a line has reachd me since I arrived in Europe? Altho I have not written to you since my arrival, yet as a Friend and former correspondent I feel myself entitled to your remembrance. I have heard from others of your welfare and pleasing prospects, in which be assured no one more sincerely rejoices than your Friend.
     My son too complains that altho he has repeatedly written to you, and other Friends, he has not received a line in reply. He hopes soon however to refresh the memory of them, by his return to America, where he flatters himself he shall be kindly and cordially received notwithstanding their failure in literary testimonies of remembrance.
     It is with no small regret that I see the day speedily hastning, which is again to seperate me from this Branch of my family, but I do not consult my own pleasure or satisfaction which must necessaryly suffer a diminution; but the future benifit and prospects of a Youth just Launching into the world. An American breize will be more likely to set him forward on his Voyage with less danger to his passage than the European gales, which too often wreck the adventurous Passenger, and always hazard his safety.
     But to quit Allegory, it is in complience with his own requests, that both his Parents have consented to his return. A Year spent at Harvard with diligent application may qualify him to commence the study of the Law, and prepare him for a usefull Citizen in his native Country. You and the rest of our Friends I hope will aid him, by your advice and counsel, and from his present disposition and inclinations, I think he will not willingly give them any cause of displeasure.
     You may posibly think it much out of season, if I should now congratulate you upon your return to your native Country, but I never before could do it, with such a firm persuasion of the utility of it, or paint to myself the amaizing difference which subsists between those Countries which have passt the Zenith of their glory, saped by Luxury, and undermined by the rage for pleasure, and a Young a flourishing a free, and I may add, a virtuous Country uncontrouled by a Royal Mandate, unshackled by a military police, unfearfull of the thundring anathamas of Ecclesiastic power, where every individual possest of industery and probity, has a sure reward for his Labour, uninfested with thousands of useless virmin, whom Luxery supports upon the Bread of Idleness, a Country where Virtue is still revered; and modesty still Cloaths itself in crimson. But you have lived too long in Europe to require any description from my pen, and I dare say have too often contrasted the difference not to wish a long long youth to America.
     Do you expect from my pen a detail of politicks? I can only tell you, that neither England or Spain will enter into any treaty here; Prussia is the only power with whom a final treaty is closed. Other Courts move so slowly that no buisness is yet concluded with them. We hear daily and bitter complaints of the British temper and disposition towards America, but it is not the Mercantile Clamour of a people which designates the sense of the Cabinet. We suffer for want of a Minister there. You know it is the policy of .... to prevent an exchange of ministers with the British Court, but the invitation from St. James to Congress to send a minister and the late appointment of Mr. Temple as consul General, are proofs that they are not so indifferent with regard to a connection with America as Refugees and others pretend. You are too well acquainted with Courts not to know, that you must look behind the scenes to discover the real Characters of the actors, and their naturel appearence, whilst the World see no further than the Stage, without once conceiving that all Courts are James’es.
     The ministers have received Authentic accounts that an American vessel has been Captured by one of the Emperor of Morocas Corssairs. He has not sufferd the Men to be enslaved, as those which are taken from other Nations are, but has informed the Ministers that he will release them as soon as Congress will send a person to treat with him, and that he is ready to enter into an alliance with America upon the same footing with other Nations, which you know is with Cash in hand, but as the Ministers here have no Authority upon that score, they are much perplexed what course to take. Some are for making war upon these people as pirates, but England France and Holland treat and pay, would it not be folly and madness in America to Wage War? Mr. A’s dutch loan has succeeded so well that there is cash enough to treat with, provided Congress think proper. The words which were once represented as so reprehensible, viz. “I will go to Holland and see if I cannot make America less dependant upon France,” have been literally accomplishd, in more instances than one, for not a single stiver is to be had any where but in Holland, even the interest due to this Court is drawn from thence. But what does our Country design. Interest is a canker worm which will knaw to the vitals, and to borrow abroad even for the payment of interest they will find very bad policy.
     On Monday last I dined with the Dr. Franklin who has always been vastly social and civil to me. He looks in good Health, but is much afflicted with his disorder which prevents his riding or walking. He tells me that he is fully determined to go out to America in the spring, but I think whatever his inclination may be, his infirmities will prevent him. Mr. Jefferson too has been sick these four months. Mr. A is very happy in him. As to Col. Humphries he looks Built for duration.
     Pray make my affectionate Regards to all your family and tell me how they do. I cannot in future suffer either Courts or Writs to Rival me in your Regards, nor will I give place to any female but a wife. Be not alarmed at the word, Since you will find the reality a very necessary ingredient in your future portion of happiness. At least that is the opinion of one who has had twenty Years experience in the Connubial State. A greater felicity than a happy union cannot therefore be wished you by your affectionate Friend

      Abigail Adams

      Be so good as to present my Respects to Judge Sergent and family. Emelia joins in affectionate Remembrance to you.


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1785
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

      Dear Cousin

       11 April 1785

     I have not received any Letter either from Mr. Adams or from you since Yours, just after your Arrival at Passy. We are solicitous to hear, from You—and I flatter myself that We shall for the future have more regular Intelligence. We have had much to do in the Electioneering Way. So far as we can judge from Accounts from different Parts of the Country, Mr. Bowdoin will be elected Governor. Am doubtful whether the Lt. Governor is elected by the People. Had Your nearest Friend been here, No Struggle would have arisen who should have been the first Magistrate. I think there would have been a Unanimity. Mr. Hancock and his Adherents struggled hard to introduce Mr. Cushing.
     Bror. Cranch and Sister, Betsey and Lucy are all well. Mr. Palmer is reduced to a deplorable Scituation as to Estate. German Town is advertised for sale and he still possesses his State for planning. His Daughter Betsy is I fear in a Hectic State. I had no expectation of writing a Line to you, But Mr. Smith presenting to me this Letterand informing me that Col. Norton who will probably be the Bearer of this, will not go on Board untill half an hour hence I could not resist the Impuls of writing. Love to Cousins. More hereafter. Your Affectionate Frd. & Kinsman

      Cotton Tufts


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1785
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

      Dear Cousin
      Weymouth April 19. 1785

     It is now a violent Snow Storm (PM) and I hope it will be the last for this Spring, for the Snow has been on the Earth through the Winter and from January to the first Instant the Sledding has continued; on the 26th. of March I rode to Abington, from Mr. Williams’s Meeting House, in one of the Roads for near two Miles the Snow was level with the Walls and the Crust so hard as to bear my Horse, the Snow supposed to be 2 ½ Feet upon a Level at that Time. On the 10th. of this Month Your Sister Shaw writes, Ice continues in our River over which People pass and repass &c. The Weather however has not been so cold through the Winter as in some former Seasons.
     Last Week Mr. Smith handed me a Letter from a Mrs. Fitch of Jamaica directed to You and informed me what he supposed it related to. I took the Liberty to open it, write a few Lines in it sealed it and as Col. Norton was just then going to Europe committed it to him. I found Mrs. Fitch as an Expression of Gratitude for the Kindness and Civilities shewn by Mr. Adams to Mr. Fitch and herself when in Europe had sent you some Sweet Meats and Cuhen. I advised Mr. Smith to distribute them among Your Friends, but afterwards finding that they consisted of several Parcels, packed up in great order and no Danger of spoiling, Your Sister Cranch thought it best to let them laiy untill We had Your Directions and She will accordingly write to You therefor.
     I have wrote both to Mr. Adams and to You 3 or 4 Letters since You left America. Cap. Young arrived last Wednesday and brot sundry Letters for Haverhill and Braintree also One for me from Mr. Adams of Dec. 15. 1784 in which he makes no Mention of his or Your having received any from me. Should some Things be repeatedly mentioned Youll excuse it, as I am in doubt whether my Letters reach my Friends and for want of some sure Conveyance I think it prudent to withhold many Things which I wish to communicate.

      21st.

     I just received Yours of January 3d. which affords me much entertainment and Pleasure. Your Scituation methinks is Curious, to be obliged to appear in high Life in Europe (and indeed almost any where else) and submit to all its Follies is I suspect laying Nature upon the Wreck but as You justly observe when Necessity calls it is best to obey with Patience.
     I received a Letter from your Brother Shaw the other Day. Your two Sons are in Health. They have besides their Studies attended a Singing and Dancing School through the Winter. I took Occasion upon Mr. Shaws consulting me with respect to their attending the dancing School, to express some sentiments relative to Master Charles’s Attention being engaged to his Studies, the Expectation of his entring at our University next Commencement and my Wish that He might be so fitted as to enter with Honor to his Instructor and to himself. I received an agreable Answer Viz. “If Master Charles has his Health and pursues his Studies as Well as he has done I doubt not but he will enter College with Reputation to himself and his Instructor.” I am pleased with the Intention of Mr. Adams’s sending Master John to our University, I am of Opinion, the sooner he sends him the greater will be the Advantage. If there is any particular Branch of Learning that he may be unacquainted with and necessary for his Admission to an advanced Station, he may be placed under some of the Professors or some eminent Instructor for a short Time previous thereto if thought best. I cannot but urge the Expediency of his residing a Year and an half or two Years at the University, he may be of great Service to his Brother Charles and he will have the Company of his Cousin Cranch, a sober amiable and studious Youth.—It is reported here that Miss Nabby is to return with Your Son. Would it not be best for her to defer it untill You return which I presume will not exceed another Year for I am pretty Certain You will by that Time be well tired of Europe. And by that Time I hope Mr. Adams will have compleated the necessary Treaties in Europe and that We shall once more have the Pleasure of seeing You all at Braintree.
     I last Week went to Medford, leased the Farm at £40 Per Annum to Benj. Teal a Nephew of the Old Tenant. The Farm Buildings and Fences are all in bad Order. Repairs must soon be made. The House at Boston I have contracted with a Carpenter to take down the Roof (which is rotten) and raise it one Story higher. Belcher is going out of the House at Braintree. Turner the Stocking Weaver is coming in. I know not what to do with this House, the South End of it is going to Wreck and Ruin. Real Estates in the Country are Sunk greatly in Value, they afford but little Profit. This is a Subject if Time permits I shall enlarge upon in some future Letter.
     Pheobe and Abdy is still in your House, she takes good Care of it. Notwithstanding her Attention, somethings will suffer. I call’d in this Week and took a general View. Some of the Woollen Articles, and especially some of Mr. Adams Cloaths, that will not answer for the Children, had they not better be disposed of? However Your Sister will write You more fully upon this. I have now and then a little Trouble to keep down the Spirit of the African and reduce it to a proper bearing, but upon the whole I generally succeed.
     The Farm under the Care of Mr. Pratt is conducted as heretofore. I have made an Addition to it of 20 Acres bott of James Thayer and between 2 & 3 Acres of Salt Marsh bott of Davd. Bass of which I suppose You have received Information by this Time as I drew a Bill on the 5th. January on Mr. Adams for £50, in favour of Mr. Elworthy on Account of the Purchases. On Settling with Mr. Pratt he claimed a Remission of such Part of the Town Taxes as exceeded the ordinary Taxes of the Town, this he said You agreed to, and as I had hitherto found him honest, I allowed it, But wish You to write in Your next what lies in Your Mind with respect to it.
     I have not had an Opportunity to negociate any thing relative to Allens Farm, but shall attend to it as Opportunity presents.

      29.

     You kindly enquire after the State of our Parish. I wish I could give You a pleasing Account, but we are still unsettled. We have made several unsuccesful Attempts. Two have been called and have refused, Viz. Mr. Shuttleworth, and a Mr. Packard. Their Refusal perhaps, may prove in the Issue advantageous. But Time must settle the Minds of contending Parties and I hope Time and Patience will bring us a good Man.

      May 1. Sunday Evening 12°

     I need not tell You my Letters are wrote in haste, they sufficiently shew it, besides my Eye sight is so weak that I suffer much by writing. I can only add that Mrs. Tufts presents her Love to You Mr. Adams and the Children, a Turn of the Cholic kept her Low through the fore part of the Winter but she is now in her former State, begins to think of getting into her Chaise and take an Airing. Lyde I am informed will sail to Morrow and hope to forward this seasonably in the Morning, and trust it will reach You in London. With Love and Affection to Mr. Adams, Yourself and Children I am Yr Affectionate Kinsman

      C. Tufts


Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 24 April 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

      Dear Sir
      Auteuil April 24. 17845

     It was yesterday only that I received your Favour of Nov. 26, which contains many Things which you mentioned in a posteriour Letter which I have answered.
     I am glad you purchased the Pasture and Marsh. I accepted your Bill at sight and it was paid to Mr. Elworthy at sight fifty Pounds. I wish you to repair the House in Boston, and to go on purchasing Bits of Marsh and Wood, if you can find them at moderate Prices, but I am not zealous about this. You may draw upon me, to the amount of Three hundred Pounds when you please, and also to pay for Veseys Place if he will sell it reasonably, and provided you can obtain a good Profit upon Exchange. With this purchase I Stop my Land Projects, but poor as it is, it lies so situated that I wish it added to my little territory.
     My Son John Quincy will embark in the Packet at L’Orient, for New York, and will be with you before Commencement I hope, perhaps he will deliver this.
     Charles as well as John I hope will enter Colledge this summer and I hereby place them both under your Superintendence. I pray you to pay all their Bills and draw upon me for the Moneys necessary. It is my Intention that both of them shall be accountable to you for their Expences of every kind, and receive nothing but by your Order. They must be as frugal as possible, otherwise I shall find the Utmost difficulty to get along with them.
     Dr. Franklin has been soliciting for Years, to get his Grandson appointed a Minister abroad, Supposing no doubt that his own Services, would prevail: I know too well the Character of my Countrymen, to believe that they will thus impute the Merit of the Parent to the Offspring, and therefore instead of proposing my son for publick Employments, I am Sending him to qualify himself for private ones. I might retain him as my private Secretary, But I will not educate him in such a state of Dependence upon Congress nor my self. He shall Stand on his own Legs, place himself on a Level with the Youth his Contemporary Countrymen, and become a Town Meeting Man first, if he ever wishes for public Employment.
     You ask my Opinion concerning the 4th Article of the Treaty of Peace. I wish to avoid being quoted upon these Points. I cannot See the Propriety of the Legislatures interfering. If a Jury determine the Interest to be a bona fide debt, there is no Remedy. An Explanation will never be obtained unless a Minister should be sent to London, if then. We have written and demanded long since, but have no Answer from the British Ministry. In short they are determined not to treat in France. These Interferences of the Legislatures will be construed Violations of the Treaty and the great Posts upon the Frontier will be pretended to be held against Treaty for this Reason. But the little Interests of Individuals in such Governments as ours, will if We are not cautious, disturb publick Interests of infinitely greater Magnitude, and involve our Reputation and even our public Faith.
     Whether England and France can import Timber and Lumber from Denmark cheaper than from America I know not. I dont believe they can. But if they could they should consider how they are to pay. There is a great difference between paying Cash and paying in Produce and Manufactures.
     Shewing what I had written to Madam she has made me sick of purchasing Veseys Place. Instead of that therefore you may draw upon me, for two hundred Pounds at as good an Exchange as you can obtain and lay it out in such Notes as you judge most for my Interest, so that the Interest may be a little Fund for assisting you in paying the Expences of the Education of my Children. Indeed if you See a Prospect of making any considerable Advantage in this Way, for me, you may draw upon me for more.
     My regards to you Lady & son, and believe me with great Affection your Friend

      John Adams


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 25 April 1785
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

      N1:85
      My Dear Sister
      Braintree April 25th 1785

     I reciv’d your September Letters a little while after I sent off my November ones, and a Feast they were to me. Mr. Storer inform’d us of your leaving England, any thing further was all conjecture. We have not had one chance of Sending to you this winter except by the way of Amsterdam last week: but as I thought you would get a Letter sooner from England, and Capn. Lyde was to sail soon, I would wait and Send by him. Doctor Tufts met with Colln. Norton in Boston who was going Passenger in the Amsterdam Vessal and was to be landed or left in the Downs. By him he wrote a short Letter he had not time for more. I should have done the same had I known of the opportunity in Season.
     Your December and January Letters we reciev’d the 13th. of this month. I need not decribe the pleasure we felt upon being inform’d of your welfair after a tedious interval of Six month. Had you been in England we could have heard from you often. There have been many Letters from thince in the course of this winter. We reciev’d your December Letters almost a week before we knew we had later ones on board the Ship. Mr. Tyler reciev’d only one from Emelia, Dated September in the first Pacquit. He look’d very cross. It was nothing but a scolding Letter he said. I told him I was very glad of it. Such an one was all he deserv’d, and that had my Cousin possessed my Spirit he would not have had one. I told him also that my last date was the 12th of December. That Captain Scot had arriv’d, and that you had receiv’d the Letters sent by him, but I refused to read him that part of your Letter in which you so Picturesquely decribe the reception of them. Ask’d him whether after setting such an example of neglect and exerciseing the Power he knew he had to give Pain, He thought he ought to expect any more. He was nettled and I design’d he should be. I had no doubt but he had more on Boad ship, but it was hard, that one should suffer so long Such Cruel Suspence and the other none. He was gone to Plymouth Court when we reciev’ his Pacquit, and did not come home till the last of the Week. He stay’d at home and pouted away all Sunday. Monday morning He sent a messanger to Deacon Storers to inquire if he had not reciev’d a Pacquit for him. The man return’d about Noon with a volume of Letters for him and several for others. I gave him yours to him Which was inclosed in Mr. Cranchs. I have read both Mr. Adams’s and yours, and have heard parts of Emelias, and you may if you please assure her that he never fails of reading that part in one of them, wherin She tells him that Mrs. Hall told her Papa that Mr. T. was a very handsome Man.
     We thought for a long time that you were in England. We had some accounts that made it probable you would be there, and concluded you were ingag’d in a round of company and amusements, but by your Letters I find that Some of our Social evenings would have been a cordial to you. This winter has been indeed a Solotary one to me. There never has been a time since I liv’d in Braintree, when I should have miss’d your Company so much as since you left us. Your Supporting presence and kind assistance, through the goodness of Providence, I have not needed as in times past. I have had much of the Rhumatism this winter but have not been confin’d to my Chamber above three or four Days. Betsy has had her Health much better than usual, not one turn of the pain in her Stomach that used to afflict her so.
     Mr. Cranch has been as usual in Boston except Sundays all winter. Billy at College and Betsy or Lucy have been either at Weymouth or Germantown. Mr. T but little at home.—He is very fond of being drove about in a Sliegh you know, and we never had finer roads for it than the last winter, nor did it ever continue longer. The poor Cattle and Horses would tell us so if they could speak, both Beast and Man were tir’d of it. Mr. T has been rather unlucky in his plans for the sleighing season. In the beginning of it, he took a Gay Horse of Thomson Baxters to keep for the use of the Sleigh. He had not used him above three times before he lamed him so much that he could not use him again the whole winter and was oblig’d to keep him, and hire another, for the Sleigh could not go with one: and ours made so poor a Figure by the side of his, that he would not do by any means. But this is not all. About the middle of March the lame Horse was thought well enough to be return’d, and Mr. T was very loth to be at the expence of keeping him so long for nothing. He was determin’d to have one ride with him before he put him home. He invited us Ladies to go to Germantown with him. The Horse was so fat and so Gay that we were affraid: but Mr. T could not think there could be any danger. We Ventur’d. The Snow was in some places quite gone tho much bankd in others. We got as far as Deacon Webbs Bridge. It was bare. The Horses were obstinate and would not draw. It was a dangerous place. We got out, and left Mr. T and John in. Mr. Vessy happen’d to be ingag’d. They whip’d but all to no purpose. They got out. Mr. T whip’d and John push’d behind, and we three stood in the wet to see what the result would be. After much Flagilation they started and went like the wind. Mr. T being out, had no command of the Horses. The Lane between Mr. Mashes Marshes and Mr. Vesseys was much bank’d. The Sleigh was immediately overset. The Horses ran Scraping the Top of it against the Fence till they tore it all to peices. Thus ended the Sleighing for the winter. The Glass lamps happen’d not to be on and the Glasses in the Back and Sides were not broke. Mr. T had depriv’d the Sleigh of its Gloomy appearence by rendering it light both by day and night.

     I am really greiv’d that your Friend Should Sacrifice his Health and spend all the best of his days in the service of his Country and yet not be able to lay up enough to admit him to spend the evening of them in retirement and repose. Dearly as I love you and much as I miss you I most Sincerly wish you had been with him from his first going abroad. I dare say he is now more than ever sensible how necessary you are to his Health and Happiness. The more important the Business is in which a Man is ingag’d the more he stands in need of a Sensible prudent and discreet companion, and he never will make so good a Figure without as with such an one. Turn your thoughts to our worthy Parson. I need not bring an other Instance.
     Mrs. Hall looks in fine Health considering her age. I told her soon after you went a way that if She wanted any thing and would be so good as to apply to me I had orders to supply her. She said she did not want any thing. I sent Betsy one day this winter to bring her to dine with me. As she was comeing she told Betsy She heard you had left orders with Doctor Tufts to give your poor Neighbours and a number of widows something at Thanksgiving. She took it very hard that She was not among the number. She was sure nobody was poorer than she was. That she had nothing that she could command, “That every thing she had was in Mr. A’s Hands.” Betsy told her that the Doctor would have thought he should have insulted her if he had done it in that way. That she knew I had orders to supply her with every thing she wanted, and that she was Sure that her uncle and aunt wish’d her to have every thing for her comfort. I did not know of this till after she was gone or I should have talk’d with her upon the matter. As soon as I reciev’d your Letters I went to see her, and told her I had again reciev’d orders to supply her with any thing She might want and ask her to let me know what she wish’d for. She said as before, that she did not want any thing. I did not tell her, you had sent me money to lay out for her, for the reason you gave for not sending it immediately to her. She was very warm. She said she thought very hard of it that you did not leave her something when you went away that she could have commanded and done what she pleas’d with. That Mr. A had all she was worth in the world in his Hands. That she had not ask’d for any Interest for twenty four years. That she could not now earn her living. That she was a burthen upon her son, not that he complain’d She said, but she was sure she was. That you was very kind to her while you was here. That you did not let her want for any thing. But to ask for any thing of Doctor Tufts or me, was so like beging that She Could nor would not. I ask her why she did not tell you so before you went away. She did not think You would have gone so soon. I told her I knew you wish’d her to have every thing in that way that would make her happiest. That I should let you know her mind. I thought it would be best to give her the money you sent, taking a recept for it. I did not give it to her then, thinking it best to wait till I should recieve another Letter, and then tell her that you had sent it to her. I ask’d the Doctors advise. He thought so too. I have now reciev’d another and shall give it to her as soon as I can see her and shall wait your orders before I offer her any thing further.
     I shall dispose of the money for Louisia as I think best. She is well and so they were all. We have no very good accounts of her Papa. Some people from the place where he is say that he is out of business and does not behave well.
     I had a Letter from Sister Shaw last week. She is well. Your Sons also. They are very good children. Cousin Charles will enter College without doubt Mr. Shaw thinks. Tommy pulls up his uncle says.
     I shall be gratified, when they are where I can be of use to them and repay some of the obligations I am under to their Parents. I fear you will think Cousin John so necessary to your Happiness that you will not part with him. From the accounts I have of him I do not wonder you wish to detain him with you, but our own pleasures are soon given up when we cannot enjoy them without injuring our children. To know that they are great and good will give us the most Satisfaction, be they where they will. I want more than I can express to see him, Sweet Youth! I could have shed Tears at your description of his walking away a little morftified upon not finding any Letters for him among those he had taken so much pains to procure. It shall not be so again. He will have enough this time to make up his dissapointment. I shall thank him for mine. His uncle is much pleass’d with those to him and will not fail to answer them. His cousins will remember him also. If I have time I shall write to Cousin Nabby. Dear Girl she does not know how anxious I am for her Happiness.
     I fear my dear sister your Health will suffer greatly for want of exercise. I hope soon to hear you are in England. You will be then able to walk, as tis the Fashon to do so there, unless your rank Should render your Feet useless. There are a thousand things which I want to ask you, and want to tell you that the distance renders improper, as Letters are so liable to be open’d. When you get to London we shall do better. Mr. A mentions his design of returning to his own country Soon, but I suppose he did not then know of his appointment to the Court of Great Britain. This I fear will retard your return but if you are there I shall feel as if you were half way home.
     Thank you my dear sister for the sattin you sent me. Tis a beautiful colour. I shall never veiw it but as a Token of the Tender affection of my sister. Uncle Quincy has been confind to his chamber with the Rhumatism in his hip and Leg ever since the beginning of November. He came down Stairs last week but has not been out of the House yet. He has been very sick part of the time. My visits when I was able to go out have been divided between him and the distress’d Family at Germantown. The latter have been so long the Tool-ball of fortune that they are almost wore out. The Farm The Great House and all the Land except thirty acres, Has by Some negotiations have fallen into the Hands of Major Swan. The remainder Mr. Guild attach’d as Mr. Parkers property and they have been all advertiz’d for Sale. The Family have been in expectation of being oblig’d to move they knew not where this whole winter. What will yet be done they know not. Mr. Guilds affairs are so involv’d with Mr. Parkers, that every thing he has in the world is attach’d, all the Furniture, and all her fortune in the Hands of the Executors. I hope she has not been so romantick as not to secure it. She was advis’d to do it before she was married, but she would not. Poor Creature, I went to see her last week; she looks as if she would sink into the earth. She lays in, this month. Mrs. Quincy is with her. She has charming spirits you know. Nancy will pine all the Flesh off her Bones.
     The Doctor wrote you that Mrs. Fitch had sent you a Box of Sweetmeats from the West Indias, and that he had desir’d uncle Smith to divide them among your Friends. He told me of it and desir’d me to see to its being done, but when I came to unpack the Box I found a Pot holding about two Quarts, mark on the cover Green citron and two others holding one Quart mark’d I know not what. They were rub’d out—and two pint Bottles of Cayenne. I did not open them as I thought it best to let them remain unopen’d till I heard from you. They are so well secur’d that I think they will keep a long time. Had they been articles that would have perish’d soon I should not have scrupled useing them, but as they are not, I chuse you should have the direction of them your self. Billy is under great obligations to his uncle, for the kind present of Books which he has made him. Be so kind as to present him my thanks also, but as he is not in present want of any, we shall wait till Mr. Adams returns. He will recieve them with double pleasure from the Hands of his uncle. At present we hardly know what will be of the most advantage to him. If he should Study Law as he now seems determin’d too do, Law Books would be most acceptable.
     The Violin cousin John is so kind as to give Billy is gone a Voyage to Cape Francois. Whether it will be benifited by it I cant say. I ask’d to borrow it till Mr. Cranch could meet with one for Billy as I supposed he would not carry it with him when he went, but his mama thought it would be an amusement to him and advis’d him to take it. “Then let me Buy one mama.” I found how the matter Stood so said no more about it. I thought you would have been as willing I should have it as that it should go a voyage.
     Aunt Smith would take it kind in you to write to her. She Says her Hands are too lame to hold a pen or she would write. Uncle open’d the Pacquit directed to him and was almost affronted that he had not one line. He talk’d of Sealing the cover and Sending it back a Blank paper.
     Our Neighbour Mrs. Bass has been confin’d the whole winter by bad managment of the shingles which she had in the beginning of it. She was in Boston. Was taken with a pain in her hip, thought it was the Rhumatism, advis’d with a Doctor. He order’d a Blister upon it. She came home, her Hip Broke out. She did not know what it was. She put on the Blister in the midst of them, but a dreadful peice of work she had with it. The irrupttion spread half round her and a great Blister as big as your hand besides did not help the naturaler Irritabillity of her Temper. She was seizd as soon as they began to heal with such Spasms in that side as if possible exceeded Betsy Winstows Winslows. They lasted a month. I had no expectation of her Life, but she is now much better, I think. I have seen enough of this dissorder to dread it.
     Mrs. Field is made quite happy by hearing from Ester. She is well and so are all your Nieghbours.
     Captain Brackit has lost that pale delicate little Daughter of his. Scattering the Kings-Evil which she had in her neck was the cause. Fanny Nash we fear will not live long. She is in a consumtion. Captain Jo. Baxter is going to marry Deacon Arnolds Widdow, much against her Friends advice, but of how little avail is this in such cases. But tis very hard when we think we see our Friends connecting themselves in a manner that will make their future Days unhappy, to be silent.
     I have heard so much of the fine climate of France, that the account you give me of the Gloom appearence of the winter Surprises me. Give me a warm House and an american winter I say.
     There are a number of things in your House which I think will be usefull for your Sons at college. They will want Sugar and Tea. There is one cannester unoppend and a little Breakfast-Tea in another. The Bag of Pepper Doer. Tufts thinks had better be sold. It will loose its strength. We find it necessary to open and shake the woolen Cloaths in your House very often. The Moths have got into the Hair of the trunks. We have order’d them to be keept Brush’d. I have at present a violent cold but as soon as tis better, I shall make a thorough rummage and pin all the woolens up close in Sheets. There is no other way to preserve them. Are there none of those cloaths that will do to be alter’d for Cousin Charles? The Fashon may alter so much, that Mr. Adams will not chuse to wear them. Cousin Charles is grown very tall I am told. I bought three pair of stockings for him last winter. Sister Shaw Says they must have more this Spring. I cloth’d them in Lamb-Skin for winter. Sister writes me that they did not put on their new Shirts till January, but that the Linnen was so poor that by the Time they had been wash’d twice or three times she had to mend them from one end to the other. I have I think got them a very pretty Piece of Linnin, and have sent for their measure. The children will make them as soon as they recieve them. I disign to take care of Cousins washing when he becomes a Collegian. I can then mend them in Season.
     Mr. Thacher is settled at Doctor Coopers, and is become quite an old story. Many of the People are gone to the old Brick. By the way they have made a very elligant house of it and have got an organ in it. Have you read Doctor Chauncys Book, which was publish’d in England last Summer? It has been much talk’d of there. It has been republish’d here, but instead of making a noise as it was thought it would, it has silenc’d every body. There has not been one attempt to answer that I can hear off. True or not, tis most admirable done.
     Weymouth are in an unsettled State yet and like to be so for any thing that appear at present. They have behaved oddly this winter, and treated the Doctor Shamfully, and all because he would not vote for a man he did not like.
     I hear that Lyde is to sail next Sunday. Mr. T would not write till the Court which began to set excepting two days last week this week was over, so that unless he writes in Boston which I should think he may, he will not write by this vessel. I dont know how it is with you, but I had rather have a Letter by every vessel than a volume at a time, and that but seldom. I wish you could see him when he is writing. Shut up in his chamber for a week together with about forty Books round him: I told him one day, that one Letter warm from the Heart and sent in Season was worth all of them. I ask’d him also what excuse he could make for his neglect. He said he should make none. I confess I felt too much to answer him. I will not take another Sheet. Som thing shall be left for the next vessel. Love to Mr. Adams and cousins. Adieu, may you be happy prays your affec Sister

      M Cranch