Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Brand Hollis, 6 September 1790
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Hollis, Thomas Brand

My Dear Sir,
New-York, September 6, 1790.
You ask, in one of your letters to Mr. Adams, what is become of Mrs. Adams that I do not hear from her?
If my heart had not done you more justice than my pen, I would disown it. I have so long omitted writing to you, that my conscience has been a very severe accuser of me. But be assured, my dear sir, that I never fail to talk of you with pleasure, and think of you with affection. I place the hours spent at the Hyde amongst some of the most pleasurable of my days, and I esteem your friendship as one of the most valuable acquisitions that I made in your country:—a country that I should most sincerely rejoice to visit again, if I could do it without crossing the ocean. I have sometimes been suspected of partiality for the preference which I have given to England, but were I to live out of America, that country would have been my choice.
I have a situation here, which, for natural beauty, may vie with the most delicious spot I ever saw. It is a mile and half distant from the city of New-York. The house is situated upon an eminence; at an agreeable distance, flows the noble Hudson bearing upon her bosom the fruitful productions of the adjacent country. On my right hand are fields beautifully variegated with grass and grain to a great extent, like the valley of Honiton in Devonshire. Upon my left, the city opens to view, intercepted here and there, by a rising ground, and an ancient oak. In front, beyond the Hudson, the Jersey shores present an exuberance of a rich well cultivated soil. The venerable oaks, and broken ground, covered with wild shrubs, which surround me, give a natural beauty to the spot which is truly enchanting. A lovely variety of birds serenade me morning and evening, rejoicing in their liberty and security, for I have as much as possible prohibited the grounds from invasion: and sometimes almost wished for game laws, when my orders have not been sufficiently regarded. The partridge, the woodcock, and the pigeon are too great temptations to the sportsmen to withstand. How greatly would it add to my happiness to welcome here my much esteemed friend. Tis true we have a large portion of the blue and gold, of which you used to remind me, when you thought me an Egyptian; but, however I might hanker after the good things of America, I have been sufficiently taught to value and esteem other countries besides my own.
You was pleased to inform us, that your adopted family flourished in your soil, mine has received an addition. Mrs. Smith, Mr. Adams’s daughter, and the wife of colonel W. Stephen Smith, respecting the name of the great literary benefactor of her native state, and in grateful remembrance of the friendly attention, and patriotic character of its present possessor, has named her new-born son Thomas-Hollis. She desires me to present you her affectionate remembrance. Mr. Adams is absent upon a journey, or he would have written you a letter of a later date than that which Mr. Knox is the bearer of. This gentleman is a brother of our secretary of war, and is appointed consul to Dublin. He is intelligent, and can answer you any question respecting our government, and politics, which you may wish to know; but if he should not see you, I know it will give you pleasure to learn that our union is complete by the accession of Rhode island; that our government acquires strength, confidence and stability daily. That peace is in our borders, and plenty in our dwellings; and we earnestly pray that the kindling flames of war, which appear to be bursting out in Europe, may by no means be extended to this rising nation. We enjoy freedom in as great a latitude as is consistent with our security, and happiness. God grant that we may rightly estimate our blessings.
Pray remember me, in the most affectionate terms to Dr. Price, and to Mrs. Jebb, and be assured, my dear sir, that I am, with every sentiment of regard and esteem, / yours, &c.
Abigail Adams.


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, before 8 September 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear sir
New York [ante 8] September 1790
I received with great Pleasure your Letter of the 9 of August, inclosing a Receipt from Mr Parsons for one hundred Pounds lawful Money, which you paid him in the month of August, Second day, in full for your Tuition as a Clerk in his office for the term of three Years.
I learned, with Pleasure also, that on the 9th of August you took Possession of an office in my house, where I wish you more pleasure and as much Profit as I once had.
At the Age of 23, My son, I know by Experience, that in the Profession of the Law, a Man is not to expect a run of Business, nor indeed enough to afford him a subsistence. I mean to assist you, till you can do without my Aid: I only ask of you to recollect that my Circumstances are not affluent: that you have Brothers and a sister who are equally intitled to assistance from me: and that therefore as Strict an Œconomy as is consistent with your Comfort and with decency is necessary.
There is a Pew in an Obscure Corner of Mr Thatchers Church which belongs to me. My Advice to you is to acquaint the Family in Possession of it, that you have the Care of it. indeed I would have you take Possession of it, and Sit in it— The Contribution I had rather pay than that you should not have a known Seat in some Meeting.
You are happy in a Connection with Dr Welsh. He is a Man of Sense and Information in publick as well as private affairs, and will be a worthy Friend to you. I hope he will introduce you to his Clubb: and I know that it will be in his Power and inclination to promote your Reputation.
Dread not “unmerited Enmity” nor “unprovoked Ma[li]ce” “Industry” and “honour” will dissipate every Vapour of those kinds. Patience will be necessary. You must take large draughts of Patience. nothing is to be done in this World with out that.
If you meddle with political subjects, let me Advise you to never loose sight of Decorum. Assume a Dignity above all Personal Reflections: and avoid as much as possible a Party Spirit. The true Interest and honour of your Country should be your only Object. And may you be a Terror to those evil Doers, to whom Truth and Falshood are equally but sport, honour but a Phantom, and their own insignificant importance their only objects. The hands of two many such Creatures appear in some of the Boston Newspapers.
I shall give you the Care of my House where you are and will send you a Power for that Purpose. fifteen Pounds is too much to be deducted out of 36 for your office. I had however rather apply the whole 36 to your accommodation there than that you should go any where else.
Your communications on political subjects, will always be agreable.
Your Brother Charles is uncommonly assiduous in his office, and very attentive to his studies. He is acquiring [a] Reputation for the Ease and Elegance of his manners as well as for the solidity of his Pursuits.
I am uneasy at the Delay of your Brother Tho[mas.] I long to See you, as well as my Aged venerable, beloved Mother and all my other dear friends Around the Blue Hills.
I am with the tenderest Affection / your Father
John Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 September 1790
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

my dear son
Newyork Sepbr 9th 1790
yesterday mr Howard arrived here and brought me Letters from your Brother Thomas, and one from you to Charles— I was rejoiced to find that he was on his way here, as the delay had been the source of a good deal of uneasiness. I am fully of your mind with regard to Thomas, and know that if he studies Law it will be a force to his inclinations. the want of capital I Suppose is one great objection to Merchandise, but I think a young man who is dilligent and attentive to Buisness may make his way very [wel]l in a country like this, or suppose your Father was to send him to Holland & place him with the Willinks. I think as far as I can judge, that it would be the best method to promote his interest. you and I know Thomas so well, as to feel satisfied that he would be steady industerous and indefatigable in his persuits, but at the same time you know that advising to a measure against which some objections arise, in case of failure the adviser must bear the blame. I have sometimes found great address necessary to carry a point, and much prudent caution to effect my scheme, yet I am sure your Father would do every thing in his power to promote the interest of his children— that they must labour for themselves is pretty plain, how foolishly so ever the world judge—and one shilling earned by their own industery is worth a pound in the publick Service. it is not grudged you may spend it, or save it without a murmer, but the people who are continually Clamouring may rest satisfied that instead of lower salleries there will be higher, and the further the Southern Gentlemen can get from the North So in proportion will there salleries be increasd, and if they Send an intire New delegation, they will very soon be converted, or what is more likly out voted. at Philadelphia they will have higher Salleries soon, than at N york, and higher still when they go to Potomack I reason from the Nature of things, and from the probable flourishing state of the Country, the burdens of which will be greatly lessned by the funding of the debt, and the measures taken to sink it.
is Sullivan the inve[nome]d Snake that lifts up his head and bites, then squirms about & sneaks into the Grass? I suppose he wants a sop you must expect to feel your share of envy.
Mr Bourn wrote to your Father in favour of mr Woodard as a proper person to employ to purchase publick securities, if any Agents were employd by the commissioners—but the act does not appear to have been attended to, which says they shall be purchased openly and at the market price. the Loan officers of the several states will do the buisness—
adieu yours / affectionatly
A Adams
Thomas is not yet arrived owing I suppose to contrary winds


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 September 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear John
New York Septr. 13. 1790
Since my return from Philadelphia where I have been to get Lodgings, against the meeting of Congress, your Mamma has shewn me your Letter: and I consent you Should keep the Horse for the present.— My Brother may Supply you with hay, as far as your occasion for it may go.
Can nothing be done to make my Estate at Boston and Braintree more productive? The House where you are is at a miserable Rent. It ought to be higher. I am egregiously imposed upon in that instance. but much more so at Braintree. The Farm under Pratts Care is Scandalously husbanded—and my own House Garden and Land about them might be made Something of.
I must have a new Tenant both at Braintree and Boston, if I cannot have a better Rent without it. Expences are multiplying upon me, for your Brothers as well as yourself, and something must be done to assist me in the management of my Estate or I shall run behind hand and be ruined.
Your Success will depend altogether upon your Steadiness at your office. It will not be worth your while to leave your office to go much to Country Courts, without Business to lead you there at present.— While the Older Lawyers are at Country Courts, will be your best opportunities.
Your reasons for prefering Mr Clarks Meeting may be good, but the Congregation in Brattle Street, has long given the Tone. Do however as you judge most prudent, notwithstanding what I said about my Pew in my last Letter. I am a proprietor in the House in Brattle Street to the amount of about fifty Guineas advanced when I was young, so that I have an affection for that Spot.
I know not who are the great Lawyers, at Boston at present. Mr Tudor, Gore, Dawes, and Some others are ingenious Men: but I presume your Litterature and Science need not be discouraged.
Constancy in Attendance at Court, whether you have Business or not, and whoever is absent, will get you Business faster than any thing next to Constancy in your office. However tedious it may be, never be absent a moment nor let any thing of practice escape you. take minutes of Cases, Notes of Practice and Argument as well as Authorities and preserve them. This kind of Patience will do more than any Thing else.— You must have another kind of Patience too: a Patience under all the mortification Humiliation and Ennui, of Want of Business for Days Weeks, Months if not Years together. Without these Several kinds of Patience, you will not succeed at last. With it, you have nothing to fear: Success is certain.
There is, between ourselves, a Savage, whose trea[chery] I would advise you to avoid like a Pestilence, but at the same time be wanting in no respect which his office Age and Rank at the Bar and in Life, entitle him to— I mean Sullivan. A more false and faithless Character is Scarcely to be found. His pretended friendship and secret [Envious?] to me, of both of which I have sufficient Evidence, I equally despise. But do you watch him. He cannot hurt me: to you he may do mischief, if you are not on your guard. You have no reason to dread him. His Learning in all kinds is as much inferiour to yours, as his Age is superiour. This must go no further than you and me, at present. I may possibly expose that fellow, if he dont mend his manners, Sometime or other. I know his hand in all his paltry Scribbles.
yours
J. A.


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 September 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear John
New York Septr. 13. 1790
I wrote you before to day: but I forgot to say Several Things.— Have you ever attended a Town Meeting? You may there learn the Ways of Men, and penetrate Several Characters which otherwise You would not know. There are Several Objects of Enquiry, which I would point out to your consideration without making any noise or parade about them.
1. The State of Parties in Religion, Government Manners, Fashions.
2. The Leading Characters in Church and State.

3. The Machines, Arts and Channels, by which Intelligence and Reports are circulated through the Town.
4. The Makers and Spreaders of Characters.
5. The State of the various Tradesmen and Mechanicks, their Views designs and Projects
6. The State, Hopes, Views, Plans, Passions, and Sentiments of the old Tories, and their Correspondencies abroad and at home in their own State and in other States.
7. Ditto of the old Whigs of 1764 and 1774.
8. Ditto of the Neutrals.
9. Ditto of those who have Sprung up Since the Revolution.
10. The Characters of all the Clergymen, of all denominations Physicians, surgeons Apothecaries, Lawyers, and Merchants of Eminence & shopkeepers
11. The Foreigners in or out of offices, French English, Dutch &c
12. The Various Combinations of all these.
13 The State of Diversions Amusements, Spectacles. &c
14. The various Clubbs, Lists of all which you should obtain.
15. The Buffoons, the Merry Andrews, the story tellers the song Singers, the Mimicks.
These are all Wheels Springs Cogs, or Pins, Some of them dirty ones which compose the Machine and make it go.
Visit my old Friend the Lt. Govr sometimes, and Pay all due respect to the higher Powers. Write me as often as possible. dont shew my Letters. Yours
J. A.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Welsh, 13 September 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Welsh, Thomas

My dear Dr Welsh
New York Septr. 13. 1790.
I received your Letter, before my Departure for Philadelphia, but had not time to answer it.
It is not probable that any Special Agents will be employed in the Business you had in contemplation. The Board consists of Men, who will Study Æconomy, in that as well as in all other Affairs committed, to their Charge; and therefore the Loan Officers or Collectors or some other known Character will have this Additional Duty annexed to him, without any other Reward, than the honour of it, as I Suppose.
I have much Satisfaction in finding my Son in your Family. What the Conjunctions and Oppositions of two Such political Planets may produce I know not.— Politicks are bred in the Bones of both of you. but your good Example will teach him I hope to take Politicks by Way of Amusement, or Spectacle without ever Suffering their Interference with your Professions.
I recollect the painful Years, I Suffered from 1758 when I was Sworn at Boston, to the year 1761 too perfectly not to Sympathize with John. Dont let him flatter himself with hopes of a run of Business, which is neither to be expected, nor would be beneficial. His Business is to Study, and be constant to his Office and in Court. Causes and Clients will come soon enough for his Benefit, if he does that. “My Knowledge of the Law cost me Seven Years hard Study in that Great Chair” Said John Reed, who had as great a Genius and became as eminent as any Man. “Attend to the Study of the Law rather than the Gain of it” Said my Master Gridley to me; and I recollect the precept with Pleasure enough to recommend it to my Sons. I can ill afford to maintain my Sons at their Studies, but I had rather do that than have them overwhelmed with a run of Business at first, which must put an End to their Studies.
If a Fathers Partiality has not deceived me very much, John is as great a Schollar as this Country has produced at his Age; and I know he has a Spirit that will not stoop to dishonourable Practice or Conduct. I am therefore perfectly at ease in my Mind about his success. Whether his Reputation Spreads this year or two or three years hence, is indifferent to me, provided his Anxiety does not injure his health. I have seen too many flashing Insects in my day, glitter and glare for a moment and then disappear, to wish that my sons may Add to the Number.
The best regards of my family accompany my own to Mrs Welsh, from, my dear sir, your Fnd & sert
John Adams


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 28 September – 16 October 1790
From: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

My Dear Sister—
Haverhill September 28th. 1790
I know your tender sympathetick Heart will join with me, & drop a Tear over a lovely Child—the once beautiful John Adams Thaxter—sick—faded—withered—dead— Just as his dawning reason made us wish his stay— Just as his beauteous smile & sparkling Eye promised future Joy—

“Tis God that lifts our Comforts high,
Or sinks them in the Grave
He gives—(& blessed be his name)
He takes but what He gave”—

It is this consideration alone that can calm the tumult of the Soul, & give peace, & serenity to the weepings Eyes, & bleeding-hearts of the fond doating Parents—

“Religion noble comfort brings,
Disarms our Griefs, or Blunts there Stings”—

You (my Sister) know how grievous such a bereavment is, & we that are Mothers know how tenderly we love those little Sucklings— they draw love from our hearts, & are closely twisted with its fibres—
I fully intended writing to you by Cousin Thomas but Mr Thaxters Child grew so sick, that my Mind did not feel calm enough for anything, & besides that, I wished to devote all my leisure hours, to the distressed Parents— The Doctor advised Mrs Thaxter to wean her Son, but unfortunately it happened to be while he was cutting his Eye Teeth— She weaned him, & Mr Shaw carried her to Cousin Thomas’s Commencement— But the dear Child was seized with a lax State, while she was gone, & was never well afterwards. They had to watch over a sick cradle for a great while, long enough to exhaust better Spirits, than poor Mr Thaxter was possessed of— It was at times in great distress—& for a whole fortnight, they did not expect its life from hour to hour— Mr Thaxter is supported much better than I feared— He behaves like a Christian— his health suffers, & it is true, that “He thinks like a Sage, but he feels like a Man”—
The Death of this Child (my Sister) affects me more (perhaps) than if I had not an Infant of my own— Bearing the same name, & People talking so much about them, makes me look upon my little Aba Adams, & consider her, as widdowed even in her Cradle— As her Brother & Sister were so much older, I did indeed promise myself much comfort in seeing them pleasant companions for each other, at lest in the more early part of Life, & that Protection, & attention which she could not have from her Brother, she might with propriety claim from her Cousin— But heaven allwise—has determined otherways, & Submission—however hard, must be our part—
Your youngest Son has now compleated his Studies at the University, & distinguished himself by his amiable Conduct, & gained the approbation, & esteem of all— So we find that merit, even in these degenerate days, does not pass unnoticed, & is not without its sincere admirers—
Mr Thomas had lived with us so long, & was now going to enter into business, on the wide world, & so far distant from me, that it affected me exceedingly— A fond Mothers heart, could not have felt more peculiar emotions— Though I wished him every Blessing, I could not bid him farewell—
October 16th.
This Letter has laid by me for sometime, not knowing of any direct Conveyance— But Mr & Mrs Dalton has been so kind as to call upon me, & informed me of their intended Journey to the Southward the last of this month, & politely offered to convey Letters to you— So good an Opportunity I embrace with pleasure— Mrs Dalton is indeed a fine woman, & an excellent Mother—& I am glad they are going to return for yours, & my Cousins sake— The Miss Daltons I suppose will inform you, that your eldest Son has been vastly attentive to the Ladies of late—& that one happy fair, was distinguished— aye my Sister—what will you say, should your Hercules be conquered? Shall we believe Report?— And it says, that a certain Lady is highly favoured— You my Sister can easily conceive of what advantage it is, for a young Lady to have a faithful Friend—One who can kindly check the temerity of Youth, & accurately describe the Lines by which a celebrated Beauty may pass through the dangerous age of Sixteen—One who can sweetly point out the path of Duty, & make the fair Field of Science, & Literature still more pleasing, by pointing out where the sweetest flowers may be culled to adorn the female Breast,—& where the richest Fruit, to refine, & please the mental Taste—
I have given up all thoughts of visiting Braintree this Fall— Though I long to see Sister Cranch, I content myself at home, as I cannot have the pleasure of seeing you there— My little one grows finely— I was mortified that she was asleep with her night-gown on when Mrs Dalton saw her— I wish you could see her now, I fear she will not be so handsom in a year or two— I question whether Mrs Smith or Cousin Charles will ever have a Child look more like them than this sweet creature does—
It looks very dismal to think you are going so far from me, & Cousin Thomas too to settle in Pensylvania— I cannot feel willing—
I congratulate you upon the birth of a third Grandson— There will be statesmen in plenty, if Mrs Smith goes on from year to year in this way— My Love to her & the dear little Ones— I know Mrs Smith, & Cousin Charles will mourn at your leaving new york—for there is nothing better than a Fathers house—
I think I bear nursing very well, my health is certainly better than it has been for several years, or I could not tend Miss so much as I do, for she is almost as fleshy as my William was, though every body says she is much prettier— My Letter has run to a most unreasonable length— Adieu— most affectionately
E Shaw


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 28 September – 6 October 1790
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

Dear Madm.
Weymouth Sepr. 28. 1790
Yours of the 5th. I recd. the 15t. Inst.1 By Mr. Thomas who has reached You before this Time I wrote & enclosed Mr. Adams Accts. and an Answer to a former Letter of Yours. Had I known that it had been necessary for Your Son to have come forward at an earlier Period and his Stay here had rested on his not being furnished with the needful. I should certainly have procured it by some means or other— His modesty joind with his Desire to Visit his Friends before He left the State prevented him I suppose from pressing the Matter—

With Respect to Your House at Braintree, No Person has presented to hire it— An Applicant would probably expect the Garden, Stables &c. with the Dwelling House—not unlikely the Land on the Back of the House, Part of these are already under the Improvement of Capt. Adams— However should any Body present to hire, I will pay ready Attention to the Business.
In the Close of last Month I paid Mr Codman for the Two Casks of Wine at which Time He engaged to forward them by Barnard— about Ten Days past I call’d on Him found they were not sent— he promised to put them on board of Barnard who was then at the Wharf or in Case He was full, by an other Vessell which would sail in a Day or two from that Time— I hope you have recd. them before this—
You have not mentioned in any Letter, the Receipt of the Barrell of Sugar & 1 bb. Spirits from Jamaica sent by Barnad in June last— Would you have your Cheese & Butter from Pratts sent to you— What is to be done with your farming Tools Cart & mud Boat—
Gen. Lincoln mentioned to me the 16th. Inst. Dr. Williamsons wish to exchange some Bank Notes for the Value to be received in New York; to oblige the Dr: I consented to Gen. Lincolns endorsing my order on Mr. Adams, it was accordingly delivered to the Dr. of which I gave information by Letter, which I hope reached Mr. Adams timely enough to prevent his sending forward the order proposed—
I have enclosed a List of the public Securities, you requested, if it is not descriptive enough, Youll let me know.
The Assumption of but part of our State Debt, will render it I conceive exceedingly embarrassing how to provide for the Remainder so as to facilitate the Loan of the Sum agreed to be assumed, as well as to establish a Uniformity between the measure of Congress and the State—a more full Provision than what Congress has made for Payment of Principal & Interest will be contended for, and if not allowed, I am doubtful whether any effectual Measures will be adopted— indeed at present I am entirely in the Dark, How this Business is to be settled so as to make any tolerable Consistency in the adjustment of it—
Pray what will the Commissioners employed to purchase Continental Securities, allow, or how will they conduct their Business? State Securities are sold at 8s/Pr. £ Continental @ 12s/2d. Indents from 6/8 to 7s/— Will it best to sell or best to buy—
Next Week the Choice for national Representatives will come on— much Pains hath been taken to prejudice the Minds of People against Mr. Ames— The Votes in Suffolk Distt. will be divided between Mr. Ames, Judge Dawes & Mr Benjm. Austin Junr. I think it is a Doubt whether Mr. Ames will be chosen— great Interest is making in middlesex to introduce Mr. Gorham— it is thought by some, that it will prevail—
The general Dislike of the Pay, Salaries & Compen[sation] granted by Congress will lead to a Change of Men in hopes of a Change of Measures— Had Congress even with the Grants complaind off made a reasonable Dispatch in their Business Complaints would probably have subsided, more especially if they had early established a funding System upon Principles clear easy & in the Apprehensions of the Majority of the People just—upon the whole but very few People in the Massachusetts appear to be pleased with the Doings of Congress in their late Session— I do not however conceive that they have any just Reason to find fault with their own Members or indeed to treat Congress with that Rudeness which some of our Scriblers have taken the Liberty to do—
Mrs. Tufts begs to be remembered to You & Yours.
Accept of the best Wishes of / Your Affect. Friend & H Sert
Cotton Tufts
Octob. 6th:
On Monday last, the Towns in this Commonwealth met for the Choice of Federal Representatives— By the Returns from a Number of Towns in this District, there is no doubt of Mr. Ames’s being chosen— It is not improbable the Choice in Middlesex will fall upon Mr Gerry, notwithstanding the Pains taken to introduce Mr. Gorham—


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 3 October 1790
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

my dear sister
Newyork october 3d 1790
do you not pitty me my dear sister to be so soon all in a Bustle? and wary of Removing again, as much Boxing and casing, as if we were removing to Europe. our furniture may well be stiled movables. the expence attending the various removals would very handsomely furnish one House. I feel low spirited and Heartless. I am going amongst an other new set of company, to form new acquaintances to make and receive a hundred ceremonious visits, not one of ten from which I shall derive any pleasure or satisfaction, obliged to leave mrs smith behind, and the Children to whom I am much attached, and many other things I have upon my mind and spirits which I cannot communicate by Letter. I live however upon the Hope that I shall come and see you next summer. I hope congress will not set out the Month of April.
I have wrote to the dr respecting the Widow Owen and Rebecca Field. I had rather they should be in the House than have it left empty through the winter. they must always remember that they must remove when ever we come to want the House, and that without giving us any trouble.
you wrote me about Rose water. if you have an opportunity to send me a dozen Bottles I should like to have it. I forgot to write to you Sooner, but you may have it put up and addrest to col smith Newyork when Barnard comes again we expect to get our furniture on Board by the 20th of the Month. Charles is going to Board with his sister, and Thomas will go into an office in Philadelphia. I wish he could have gone into merchandize as I am sure he has more of a Turn for active Life.

How is mrs Norten & her Boy? we have got one with a Red Head I do not know what part of the family he lays claim to. I forget whether I wrote you that they had Named him Thomas Hollis.
Let mrs Field know that Lucy and mr Brislers children have the small pox. it has turnd and they have it very lightly, Lucy not more than 20 pock Nabby not a dozen, Betsy is pretty full but has a good sort and is very cleverly. I had Prince inoculated at the same time. he has about a Dozen, but has not been confined at all, nor sick a little headack excepted. be so good as to send his Father word if you have an opportunity
Mrs Smith is here to day and desires to be rememberd to all her Friends. when did you hear from sister shaw. I think I used to get Letters and write oftner when I was abroad than I do now—
Let me hear from you Soon, and believe me most affectionatly yours
A Adams
Love to mr cranch & duty to mother, I hope I shall see her again good old Lady


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 October 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
New York October 4. 1790
I have received and read with great Pleasure, your modest Sensible, judicious and discreet Letter of the 31. of Septr.
The Town of Boston is at present unhappily divided into political Parties, and neither Party I presume has tried Experiments enough upon you to discover to which Side you belong. You might very easily induce either Side to make much of you, by becoming a zealot for it: but my Advice to you is Nil Admirari Nil contemni. Admire neither Party—despize neither Party. Treat both Sides with Civility and respect but be the Devotee of neither. Be always on the side of Truth Justice Honour Virtue and public Spirit. Even S. may be of service to you if you keep him at a distance, and never put yourself in his Power.
The Youth you mention has considerable Advantages, but his Contempt will hurt him, not you. Let me tell you however, once for all, that however painful, the mortifications of Emulation may be, you must learn to bear them and be Superiour to them. You will see one, preferred to you for his Party, another for his Church, a third for his family connections a fourth for an unmeaning fluencey, a fifth for his figure Air, Gate. and some for their Profligacy and Debauchery—others for their Want of Principle. Let not those Things move you out of your Course.
In your Studies, you have yet to begin a system. from all I have Seen and read, I have formed an opinion of my own, and I now give it you as my Solemn Advice, to make yourself Master of the Roman Learning. Begin with Livy.— take your Book your Dictionary, your Grammar, your Sheet of Paper and Pen and Ink. begin at the Beginning and read the Work through— put down in Writing every Word with its meaning as you find it in Ainsworth. You will find it the most delightful Employment you ever engaged in. When you have finished the 35th. Book you will say, that you have learned more Wisdom from it than from five hundred Volumes of the trash that is commonly read.— The Writings of Cicero too, you should read in turn. When I Speak of reading I dont mean holding a book in hand and dreaming over it— take your Pen.—and make yourself Master of every Sentence.— By all means make yourself Master of the latin Tongue and that immediately. Polybius and Plutarch and Sallust as sources of Wisdom as well as Roman History, must not be forgotten, nor Dyonissius Hallicarnassensis. Read them all in Latin.— Nor would I by any means consent that you forget your Greek. keep it alive at least, and improve in it by degrees.
My Brother might Supply you with Wood from my Lots as well as Hay. I wish you to ask your Uncle, respectfully as becomes you, how the account Stands between him and me and what Articles he can supply you with on my Account. I will give you the whole Management of my Estate, if you will take it— Yet I will not urge it upon you— perhaps it may interrupt your Studies too much.
Above all Things keep up your Spirits and take Care of your Health.
I long to see you in your office: but the Care of a troublesome Removal to Philadelphia, will prevent me till next year.

Your Letters give me so much pleasure as well as Information that I wish you to write as often as you can to / your Affectionate
John Adams.
Your Brother Thomas is as studious as I wish him to be.


Title: John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 October 1790
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Boston October 19. 1790.
I have a Letter from you which has called forth the few remaining sparks of my attenion to politics— Were my own mind at ease, I should at the present time enter more than ever into the spirit of speculation upon public affairs. The prospect is really glorious; but it is perhaps impossible, at least for a man whose patriotism is not tinctured with more heroism than mine, to consider the general prosperity with such peculiar pleasure, when he is not one of the individuals who derive any immediate advantage from it, as when the fabric of his patriotic ardour is supported by the firm pillars of private interest. I feel myself growing more and more selfish and contracted in my Sentiments from day to day; and I am perswaded I shall never be much of a philanthropist or even of a Patriot, untill I have more reason to be pleased with my own Situation and prospects.
However, it was politics that I professed to make the subject of my Letter when I began, and to them I will return after this digression, which I am afraid will not please you so much as the remainder of the Letter.
I have attended Town-meeting, Sir, and it was upon the occasion of the choice of Representative for the district. I was indeed not a little diverted at the scene, and derived I believe some little Instruction as well as Entertainment from it. Three fourths of the Votes in this Town were indeed for Mr: Ames, and this perhaps may enable you to form an opinion respecting the popularity of the general Government in this State. Mr: Gerry too is reelected in the district of Middlesex, notwithstanding the whole personal interest of Mr: Gorham and his friends was very strenuously exerted to operate a change. There was not even the pretence of opposing a candidate to Mr: Goodhue, and Mr: Sedgwick is also rechosen by a surprizing majority of votes in his district; these are premisses from which much more accurate conclusions may be drawn, than from the senseless bawlings of a miserable faction; who are reduced to the last resource of making up in unheeded clamour, their total deficiency of influence and power.— The real fact is that the new Government is very rapidly acquiring a broad and solid foundation of popularity.— It possesses in my opinion the confidence of the people in this State to a more eminent degree than any other Government upon Earth can boast of: and it appears to me to have already acquired a stability, as astonishing as the revolution it has produced in the face of our affairs.
The effects of that revolution are already felt in a very high degree in this part of the Country. Our Commerce is increasing and extending; our manufactures multiplying very rapidly, our agriculture flourishing; industry has resumed the place which it had resigned for some time to idleness and luxury; and is seldom without employ. I am informed that the mechanics of almost every description in this Town are at present more constantly busy than they have been at any period since the Revolution. The population of the Town has increased from 14000 to 18000 inhabitants since the year 1784. And the property has augmented in a much greater proportion. 1200 people are employed by one manufacture which has been only three or four years established; that of wool cards. That of Sail-Cloth, equally recent gives bread to several hundreds more: Paper hangings have become even an article of exportation from hence. Near four hundred tons of hemp, I hear have been raised this Season, within the State. This is a new Article of cultivation, and even so late as the last year there were not more than 30 tons raised within the Commonwealth. It is found to be a very profitable article, and in all probability in the course of two or three years will cease to be imported altogether; and from a calculation which I have seen we might export it and easily undersell the Russians. There is a Coll: Wood in Charlestown who has raised more than three tons upon six acres of his land, and the produce of that small field will neat him 300 dollars. There is undoubtedly a connecting chain, the commune vinculum, between, all the various employments of mankind, as well as between the liberal arts & Sciences. The farmer, The tradesmen, the mechanic and the merchant, are all mutually so dependant upon one another for their prosperity, that I really know not whether most to pity the ignorance or to lament the absurdity of the partial politicians, who are constantly erecting an imaginary wall of separation between them.
The health of the Governor has been better for these two months, than for several years before. There is I think a probability that he will hold the chair of State for many years to come. It will not I presume be contested him; and indeed the bitterness of parties has been tempered very much by the favourable alteration in the public affairs. The Public Peace, and public Prosperity, appear in this instance to have possessed a mutual acting and reacting power to establish and confirm each other.
I believe no experiments have been made upon me in order to discover my political Sentiments. I have not importance enough to make it worth their while.— I have the advantage of being compleatly neglected in this line, as well as in that of my profession. But “Sweet are the uses of adversity.”
In the stagnation of our own politics, the people who have a fondness for the subject turn their attention to those of Europe, which seems to be now as much as ever it could be un repaire d’horreurs. The war between Spain and England has been so long suspended in the balance, that we presume one of the scales must very soon preponderate. The last information we have has a greater appearance of hostility than any we have hitherto received.— In France it appears to me the national Assembly in tearing the lace from the garb of government, will tear the coat itself into a thousand rags.— That nation may for ought I know finally be free; but I am firmly persuaded it will not be untill they have undergone another revolution. A nobility and a clergy, church and State levelled to the ground in one year’s time; rights not inconsistent with those of man, established by a prescription uncontrovertable, if any prescription can be so; rights like these, blown to the winds, by the single breath of a triumphant democracy are inauspicious omens for the erection of an equitable government of Laws.— By the politeness of the french consul, I have perused several volumes of their debates and projects for constitutions. There are some valuable papers among them; but it appears to me that the rabble that followed the heels of Jack Cade could not have devised greater absurdities than many of their propositions: some of which have been adopted by the Assembly.
I am, dear Sir, your’s affectionately.
J. Q. Adams.


Title: Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 October 1790
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dear Brother
New York October 21 1790
Upon my return from Law Society this evening I found my father in my room with a letter in his hand from you to me. He asked me to see what you had written concerning your downfall. Upon opening the letter I soon found what he alluded to, but could find no marks of any downfall That you should have been somewhat confused upon your first exertion was by no means a matter of astonishment to any of us The person who is unintimidated upon such occasions has not the common feelings of human nature. There is a pride a respect required by the auditors which makes a little confusion rather pleasing than disagreeable. I think that an harangue of fifteen minutes is by no means despicable for a first essay. Your father was quite consoled when he heard my letter for that written to Mamma which he had previously read had led him to suppose you had failed and suffered A Vox faucibus hasit in reality. And pray how did your opponent acquit himself? I dare say well, for I think he has more command of himself than you have. Johnson in his Rambler has an excellent paper upon the nature and remedies of bashfulness a paper which will aford great consolation to those who labor under any difficulty of this kind. Number 159 Saturday September 24 1751. This man certainly saw more of human nature than any other. I am delighted with his sentiments upon moral subjects. Your caution concerning postage will probably not be wanted as I am determined with the advise and consent of the Counsel to spend the three winter months in Philadelphia where I shall be under my master’s care and direction. Our City seems to be quite in a lethargy since the removal of Congress, I hope we shall soon awake from this torpor. Perhaps there is no place of its bigness in the world in which so few of the inhabitants care any thing about politics. They seem to be wholly swallowed up by their business and can allow no time for recreations of this kind. The party in Boston against Mr Ames appear to have blown their blast in the newspapers, and cut but a poor figure at the election even the enemies to justice are not so numerous in Boston as some supposed. I imagine your intelligence concerning so great a change in the Representation must have been premature as by the return of the votes I find most of the former members are again elected. I suppose Grouts oration upon salt secured his election as Parkers blackguard treatment of the Senate did his in Virginia It is very strange that his conduct in that respect should have been made use of by him as an argument to his electors for his second admision into the legislature. I cannot conclude without wishing you could persuade yourself to take the world a little more fair and easy I am confident you raise hills in your imagination more difficult to ascend than you will in reality find them May you have great fortitude and a more peaceful mind is the wish of your brother
Charles Adams


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 October 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
New York October 23. 1790
The Note from Piemont, I would not have Sued by any means. Hopkins’s Pretentions I have no Idea of. I Suppose an account with him may be found in my Ledger, But I can Say nothing upon memory. Piemont ought to make out his Account— He says I had a Bar Wig and a Bob Wig of him. If so he should make out his Account and if they amount to as much as the Note, there is an End of the Business. If not, he ought to pay the Ballance. But in all Events dont sue him. The other Notes and Accounts, if you write to the Persons and they come and settle it will be well. But dont throw away good money after bad.
I congratulate you, on your first opening at the Bar in Boston. Mr Otis’s Civility, I shall not soon forget. It is not the first Time that Otis and Adams have been concerned together in that Court. I wish you may have as good a Friend as I had in one of the Name and be to him as faithful and Useful a Friend as I was. From 1758 to the day of his Death my Friendship with his Uncle was uninterrupted.

Your Anxiety is too great.— You have no right to expect and no reason to hope for more Business than you have. Remember, Your Reputation is not formed but to form.— Confidence in your Talents & Fidelity, must arise by degrees and from Experience.— The Interests of Clients are too dear and important to them to be committed by hazard to the Care of a Lawyer. Your Name can as yet be no more than that of a promising Youth— They will call you after sometime a growing young Man.
Your Sensibility at your first essay at extemporary oratory your Agitation, your Confusion, if they were as lively as you describe them, are not at all Suprizing. Had you been calm and cool, unaffected and unmoved, it would have been astonishing. Mr Pratt Said to me, “I should despair of a young Man, who could be unmoved at his first Attempt.” This will by no means hurt your Character or your Reputation. Such Modesty is amiable. Such Bashfulness is touching: it interests the People in ones favour. I hope however, that you will never wholly conquer this Modesty. The Audience have a right to be respected and venerated. A sense of Decency; the Awe of a Gentleman ought always to be upon your Mind when you Speak in publick. The Judges, the Lawyers the Jurors, the Parties and Witnesses, have all a right to be treated with respect from You, and no other manners or Language than those of a Gentleman should ever escape you towards any of them.
Your Mother has had a severe ill turn: but is better. We expect to remove in all next Week, to Philadelphia.
It is to me a severe mortification that I cannot have more of your society: But Providence has ordered my Course of Life in such a manner, as to deprive me for the most Part of the Company of my Family. Now I totally despair of ever living with them together.
I wish I had Served a Country possessed of more generous Sentiments that I might have been able to give my Children Some better assistance: but Complaints are Follies.
The Publick in every State is rejoiced at the reelection of Mr Gerry and Mr Ames: But there is some Anxiety for the Consequences of a very restless Party in Boston. There are some Figures there of unbounded Ambition and deep Insincerity. Ambition is a good quality, when it is guided by Honour and Virtue: but when it is Selfish only, it is much to be dreaded.
I am my dear Child your affectionate
John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 25 October 1790
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

my dear sister
N York october 25 1790
After I had closed my Letter to you this day fortnight, I retired to my chamber, and was taken with a shaking fit which held me 2 Hours and was succeeded by a fever which lasted till near morning, attended with severe pain in my Head Back &c the next morning I took an Emetick which operated very kindly and proved to me the necessity of it. on tuesday I felt better and went below stairs, but was again Seazd with an other skaking fit which was succeeded as the former by the most voilent fever I ever felt. it quite made me delirious, no rest for 5 Night & days. it setled into a Regular intermitting Fever. the dr after having repeatedly puked me, gave me James’s powders, but with very little effect I began upon the Bark the 10th day which I have taken in large Quantities and it has appeard to have put an end to my fever, but I am very low and weak. I rode out yesterday and found no inconveniency from it. I shall repeat my ride to day. I have great cause to be thankfull for so speady a restoration, but I have a jouney before me which appears like a mountain & three Ferries to cross. very fortunate for me the winds have kept back the vessel from returning from Philadelphia which was to have been here the 20th to have taken our furniture Mrs smith has been with me till yesterday. her Baby is inoculated for the small pox, and she expects him to brake out this week. but here endeth not all my troubles, for the day before yesterday mrs Brisler was taken Sick of a Plurisy fever she has been 3 times Bled & is Blisterd, and lies very ill tho I hope not dangerous. I received your Letter by mr Cranch he landed I believe only a few Hours. he went to mr Laurences office to Charles and deliverd the two casks sent by Brother I believe the Ladies did not come on shore as the wind was then fair for them, and they had been out ten days, & much of the weather very stormy & Boisterous. he told Charls that they had been very sick. I am sure it would have given me great pleasure to have received & entertaind them or to have supplied them with any thing in my power
I received a few days Since by mr durant your kind Letter of october 11th which I thank you for. Remember me affectionatly to mrs Eunice Paine. would a few Bottles of wine or Porter be acceptable to her. if they would will you take the trouble of getting it from our cellar for her. the dr has just left me and says he thinks mrs Brisler much relieved, and that she will be better in a few days. my Head I find as week as my body you will therefore excuse my writing more at present than to assure you that I am as ever / your affectionate sister
A Adams
P S mr Brisler would be glad the money may be sent by mr Ames when he comes to Philadelphia


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 November 1790
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

Boston November 20. 1790.
I received with great pleasure, my dear Mamma, your favour of the 7th: instt: which relieved me in some measure from my anxiety on account of your health, though it is now again alarmed at having no letters this evening by the Post. I want exceedingly to hear of your arrival at Philadelphia, and of the thorough restoration of your health.— I hope nothing will induce you to spend another summer in that part of the Country.
I conjure you my dear Mamma, not to suffer your anxiety on my account to add to any other evils with which you are afflicted. I have been a child to complain of my situation. It has nothing really distressing in it— So long as it shall be convenient for my Parents to favour me with a continuance of their support, I can continue here, and expect some favourable chance, or the gradual operation of a good character and unblemished reputation, to place me upon my own feet: and if that assistance should become inconvenient, I can I am perswaded find some situation in the Country where I shall be able to live upon my own industry: my situation here except in my prospects of business is as agreeable as I could wish.— Mrs: Welsh is very kind and attentive, the Doctor is a man of science and genius, in whose conversation I take much pleasure, and were it not for a degree of anxiety which is incorporated into my constitution, and for one or two other circumstances which cannot continue long, I should enjoy myself as well as if Fortune were more favourable.
The other circumstances which I have mentioned, are derived from a source upon which I did not intend to have given you any concern. But as common Fame, has carried to your Ears the report of my attachment to a young Lady, I wish to give you full satisfaction by assuring you that there shall never more be any cause on my part for the continuance of it. The Lady will henceforth be at the distance of 40 miles from me, and I shall have no further opportunities to indulge a weakness, which you may perhaps censure, but which if you knew the object, I am sure you would excuse.
Upon this subject as upon several others I could converse, with more freedom than I can write; and if I could meet with the perfect approbation of my Parents, I should be happy to pay them a visit of three or four weeks this winter at Philadelphia. The expence would not be much more than I should regularly incur during the same time here. The change of air, the exercice, the novelty of the place and the variety of scenes, might have a favourable effect upon my health and Spirits. The pleasure of seeing those dear friends, from whom I am almost always separated, is an inducement of great weight. And I have at present no business with which such a tour would essentially interfere.— I only mention my wish however as an idea, which has repeatedly presented itself in agreeable colours to my mind, and shall cheerfully resign it, if it should not be altogether agreeable to my father and to you: as I well know every objection you can have will arise from a consideration of my advantage. Should the proposal obtain your consent, I shall wish to go sometime in December or January, and if any business should intervene to require my presence here at that time, I can easily postpone my visit.
The money which was due to Brissler I had received before your order came, and have paid the principal part of it to Doctor Welsh for my board. I feel too grateful to attempt expressing it for the unceasing kindness and indulgence of my parents, and I faithfully assure you, that my only present real cause of complaint is that I am obliged to rely so much upon that indulgence, my only apprehension, that I shall abuse it.
I beg to be remembered affectionately to all my friends, and am your affectionate Son.
J. Q. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 4 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Charles

My dear Charles
Bush Hill Decr. 4. 1790
Although I am much obliged to you for your kind Letter of the Second, and the News and Observations in it; I am dissappointed in not receiving you as I expected, instead of a Letter. I thought it was Sufficiently explained and understood between Us, that you were to be at Philadelphia on the first monday in December. But as it now appears otherwise I desire you to loose no time in coming on; as I want you, for the Sake of your Mother your Brother and yourself: besides a little selfish interest I have in you.
We have had a melancholly house but are all now better. Your Brother, weak as he is, has passed the worst of his disorder, as we hope.
My Love to Col & Mrs Smith, Billy & Tommy and all Friends.— Johnny is as hearty and as gay as you can imagine. His Health has been immoveable, and his almost alone.
Judge Wilsons Lectures commence on monday fortnight: and I wish you to apply to him as early as possible. He will be pleased to have you and your Brother, as Hearers. You must take minutes of what you may hear and Send them to John.
Your Haerlem Oil is pronounced to be an empirical medicine.— This Town is full of Accademies Professors, Letures and Students both of Law and Physick: and will afford you a good opportunity of improvement, in various kinds of Knowledge. No Advantages or Opportunities however will avail like Patience and Study.
The great medical Characters here, Jones Shippen Rush and Khun’s were educated in Europe at Leyden, Paris, London or Edinburgh: but in Law Mr Ingersol alone has Studied at the Temple— exept Mr Shippen who is not yet in Practice.
on a Visit to Dr Jones Yesterday I had the Pleasure to See the Portraits of Boerhaave, Muschenbroek Mead & sloane, over his mantle Piece: and remaked the Pleasure with which he related the Lectures he had heard at Leyden and Paris.
The great Judges and Masters of the Law are to be the Objects of your Admiration and Imitation. There is no Character more venerable on this side of Heaven than a wise and upright Judge. The destroyers of Mankind however glorious are hateful in comparison.
But where do I wander? I only took my Pen to desire you to come immediately to your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 12 December 1790
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

My dear Sister
Braintree December 12th 1790
I have been waiting with impatience to hear of your arrival in Philedelphia, your health was so poor that I want to know how your Journey affected you, I hope you have found an advantage from it, but the fatigues attending moving are not very pleasing to the Body or Mind. If there could be any advantage arising from it to you, there would be something to balance the trouble, but to be at such an expence for nothing, & to be the subjects of envy too is hard— It was suppos’d that General warren was chosen to represent Plymouth county—& every body seem’d to be glad as the exchange would have been so much for the better: but alass—you will hear who it is—one who from the character he sustains you will be asham’d to invite to your table. how could the People make such a choice?
I want much to hear how you like your situation. I pity mrs Smith, I am always thinking of her. I must find a way to hear from her, I think to apply to mr Storer for a private conveyence
I was at your Brother adams’s the other day. Mrs Hall look’d & was very well mrs Turner is not yet mov’d I thought by what he said he was to have gone into your house immediately, she told me she thought they should soon, she is surprizingly recover’d but looks much altered
What think you my sister of the spirit of matrimony which has appear’d in Hingham— Miss Gay the younger married to Parson Howard of Boston. Major Rice Publish’d to miss Sophia Blake. & mr Caleb Thaxter to miss Fanny Gay, a Grandaughter to the late Doctor Gay—& tis said that Parson Clark of Lexington will take Miss Nabby Gay, I have not heard that any of our good cousins are spoken for.— but these are incouraging circumstances for the good Girls. I think that Colln. Gay ought to find a wife among them, Betsy has something very handsome left her by Madam Derby
Mr Thaxter I hear is better. Sister Shaw I have not heard from for some time, but suppose they are well— Mr Nortons Family are well. She was with me a day or two last week with her sweet little Boy— who can almost run alone & is as playful as a Lamb, he is wean’d but did not mind it in the least, he has nine or ten Teeth which he is always useing, He is very healthy & very quiet now he grows very pretty, has as fine Black eyes as you ever say, & a good animated countinance—at least this is Grandmamas oppinion— I think you must pine after mrs Smiths Children, there is nothing that enlivens us so much as having these little creatures round us—
Lucy has been making mrs Packard a visit mrs Quincy & she look sattisfied & happy, & that is enough— He has a nice house well furnish’d but neither Lucys nor my oppinion is chang’d about him, Prudence is a gift from heaven—a duplicity of character will be discover’d sooner or later wherever it is—
I know you feel interested for Williams success as well as your own sons, he has I think as much business as he could expect for the time—but not enough to maintain himself. I tell them both not to be discourag’d. good characters & good abilities will make there way good in the world— Your son keep thanksgiving with us. & I found him wanting stockings, Drawers, caps & necks— Stockings mr Turner will make for him as soon as he can. We have got him two pair from mr Hardwick for the present for he could not wait he suffer’d for the want of them, the other things Lucy went to Boston & got for him, & has made them up, He appear’d very well. He shew me the Letter you wrote him from new york the day before you left it—& it was the first hint I had of his attachment— his cousins knew it they have told me since— I had no time to say any thing to him after I had [read the] Letter. I was sorry as I suppest’d by his shewing [it to] me he wish’d I should—but I believe you may trust to his prudence— She is young but has had a very good education I hear, He will tell you himself how the matter stand between them. Cousin Thomas is well I hope; what is he doing? Something I know, his active spirit will never be Idle My Love to him I expect much entertainment from his letters to his cousin. he has taken an exellent likeness of him. & tell him he has left as strong an imprssion upon his Heart as he has upon his imagination, I design he shall try for your Face next— my Love also to Louisia. h[er] mama complains that she has not written to her or B[roth]ers & sister. Mr Adams is always included in my wishes for your Health & happiness, & no one can wish you more than does your affectionate Sister
Mary Cranch
Lucy sends Duty & Love


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dear Son
Philadelphia Decr 13. 1790
Your Brother Charles arrived on Saturday night from New York and has dissipated some of the Gloom of the Family. Your Mother however Seems pretty well recovered from her Indisposition: and Your Brother Thomas, tho very weak is on the Recovery, as We hope. The rest of the Family is well.
In a Letter to your mamma, you intimate an Inclination to make Us a Visit. Nothing I assure you would be more agreable to me: and I wish you to come as Soon as you find it convenient.— Philadelphia is worth Seeing. It is a great City and has Science, Litterature, Wealth and Beauty, which deserve respect, if not Admiration. The Journey by the Stage will promote your health, relax your Attention, and improve your mind.
Your old Friend Mr Bingham is in the high road of Promotion. Member of the assembly and unanimously chosen Speaker. He lives in a Style of Pomp & Splendor which is almost novel in America.
A respectful, attentive and complaisant Behaviour will engage you the good Will of the World: and your extensive Knowledge will give you great Advantages, as soon as you shall have opportunities to act yourself.
It is accident commonly which furnishes the first Occasions to a young Lawyer, to Spread his Reputation. I remember, it was neither my Friends nor Patrons among the great and learned: it was Joseph Tirrel the Horse Jockey who first raised me to fame. At Plymouth Court he had a sister, who had a popular Cause depending. He advised her to engage me in it: and I had the good fortune to conduct it in such a manner that from that time forward I was engaged in all the Causes in the County. Some odd incident, altogether unforeseen and unexpected, will very probably bring you into some popular Cause, and Spread your Character with a thousand Trumpetts at a time. Such a Thing may not happen however in several years. meantime Patience Courage.
yours
John Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 17 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

My Dear Child:
Philadelphia, December 17th, 1790.
I have not had an opportunity to write you till now, since the departure of your Colonel Smith, for England. I presume that this voyage was undertaken on mature deliberation, and wish it may prove exactly to his satisfaction, and his interest. The state of solitude, however disagreeable, should be rendered tolerable to you, when you recollect the many years of separation which fell to the lot of your parents, in infinitely more gloomy times, and with prospects more dismal and disconsolate. Your children are a trust which will employ your mind, and occasion both business and amusement. Retirement from the world, to a great degree, of which the absence of a husband gives not only an excuse, but a peculiar grace, is not at all incompatible with the solidity, prudence, diligence, and economy, as well as thoughtfulness of your character.
This world, without constant recollection and serious reflection, is but a gay bauble.
Our family are all well, except your youngest brother, who is on the mending hand. Your little John is as healthy as he is lively and entertaining. God bless him and his brothers, is the daily prayer of
John Adams.


Title: Thomas Brand Hollis to Abigail Adams, 20 December 1790
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, Abigail

My Dear Madam
Chesterfeild Street Decem. 20. 1790.
A sincere desire to hear of your welfare prompted me to write that I might have the pleasure to know from yourself, that you retained the memory of a sincere friend who has an affectionate regard for your self & family & desires the welfare of your country; being above the contracted Idea of an Insulaire who is unwilling any should enjoy Liberty but the Inhabitants of his own Island.
The love of general freedom & the Universal welfare of mankind is I deem not inconsistent with the truest regard for one’s own country.
I am glad to hear the hours you spent at the Hide were agreable to you as it was my wish to make them so & I am pleased to hear you have a situation beautiful & charming your description of it would raise my envy if that was part of my Constitution but I enjoy other people happiness as an addition to my own. we are here obliged to be contented with natural beauties on a smaller scale.
I have made my rivulet larger & longer & uninterrupted & it has a good effect the ends being concealed with a gravel walk on the banks.
you have made me interested in the increase of your family I know not what to write in return for the uncommon & most indearing circumstance of commemorating the memory of my friend in which also you have made me an inheritor.
The walk which Mr Bridgen appropriated to his nuns & friars will receive with Jay its new visitor endeared by every circumstance imagination could invent & he will find himself surrounded with all the charities of father mother Friends & relatives.
may the young man imbibe the principles of his nominal father & as he by example & books propagated the best of principles so may the young Thomas Hollis bring them into practice for the benefit of mankind.
This attention to small matters which generally lead to good is so much in the spirit of my Dear friend Mrs Adams that whereever she passes her good deeds follow her that she will never be forgot.
I shall write to Mrs Smith & endeavour to convey in weak language the strong sense I have of her regard to the principles of Virtue & Liberty by pointing out to her son for his imitation examples of intrepid worth & persevering virtue at the same time not insensible to the ingaging attention she has paid to me & to my friends character & name.
mr Knox had left London before my return to it. This letter should have been sent long since but waited a proper conveyance as private hands are very uncertain having but lately received an account of the receipt of 3 boxes of books sent to Boston June 1789
mrs Jebb is alive, I dare not tell her your suspicion of which she has no fear—tho I have the greatest.
France continues to go on gloriously in spite of the clergy & Aristocraticks & will become the preceptors of mankind.
our press is under difficulties & danger paper & printing taxed & very dear penalties enormous. take warning & preserve it sacred for from instructions & circulation of principles you are now a great nation long may you continue so & be happy is my earnest wish and I remain with the highest gratitude and affectionate regard— wishing every good / your obliged Friend
T Brand Hollis.


Title: Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 December 1790
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Brother
Bush Hill Philadelphia Decr. 26th 1790
I fear that my receiving your letters so late may be some disadvantage to you. The information I shall now give you perhaps may reach you too late. By the last post I received your favor of the 14th instant and this morning went into town for the one dated the 11th which Harbach brought. The newspapers before this time must have informed you concerning some of the business you have written to me upon. The Presidents speech is public from that you may see that a loan of three millions of florins has been completed in Holland. The two Houses of Van Staphorst and Willinck in Amsterdam had of their own accord & without any order borrowed three millions of guilders for the United States some time in the winter of 89 and ninety. But I will copy a paragraph from a letter written your father by the houses dated February 1st 1790 The houses took on themselves to open a loan of three millions at a five pr cent interest in full confidance that our motives would be considered in their true light and not doubting but our loan would be highly approved in the United States The President upon consultation has thought proper to ratify that loan upon motives best know to himself. I think that there were eleven millions to be borrowed three only have as  yet been borrowed as we know. It is not certainly know whether more has been borrowed for Dutch merchants here but from the complection and interests of money lenders in Holland it is not probable There is therefore a large loan to be negotiated and it may be done upon favorable terms in Holland. The 6 per Cents are now selling in Amsterdam at 124 pr Cent as I am informed from those who know. They have been sold at par here but I beleive 18 shillings is now the price generally some thousands have been sold at par upon 90 days credit. No man can lose by bying in the public stocks now The three pr Cents will in my opinion be soon at 10 shillings. The resolution of the Virginia assembly will have no effect. The public creditors of Pensylvania have exhibited an arogant remostrance to the Congress and the resolution of the Senate thereupon you will see the tenor whereof is this that it would be hurtful to the Country to make any alteration in the funding system at present
There is no doubt says Mr Lawrance that the house of Representatives will make ample provision for the remaining part of the public debt and this opinion seems to be general among the well informed. I fear very much that I have not been sufficiently accurate I think you may depend upon the information given here my desire to send by this post has made he hurry more than I could have wished. You will do well to come here this winter. All well—
C—


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 30 December 1790
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, Abigail

my Dear Mamma
New York Decr 30th 1790
I have this moment received your Letter of the 26th and having a Leasure moment I embrace it to reply to it— it seems to renew my spirits to get a Letter from you—and they very frequently require the aid of such incidents as arrise from Communicated friendship to keep them up—for I find it very solitary— I have no inclination to go out, and except to Mrs King I have not made any visits out of the family circle,— Bellindas Connection at this time has brought all Mr Clarksons family and Connections, which are very numerous, and respectable, to visit the two families— thease visits I think it my Duty to return—and to do all in my power to accommodate upon all Sides—to stand aloof—and not associate with them would not be friendly— therefore I find myself obliged to enlarge my acquaintance— they are a plain Hospitable friendly People— Mrs Charlton is Mr Clarksons aunt and having no Chrildren of her own—She has in Part addopted him as her Child and has been very friendly to the family—and much to my surprise as I did not think myself entitled to the attention as we never had visitted I received a visit from her— I returnd her visit and find her a very chearfull friendly disposed Woman— her first appearance is rather stiff and reserved—but this wears aways—upon a Short acquaintance— I expect that Mr and Mrs Clarkson will spend the Winter with me— Colln Smith proposed it before he went away;—and they cannot go to House keeping much before May,—and their family is so large and the House so small and inconvenient that I think they will be more comfortable here— we have ever Lived together as one family altho we are in Seperate Houses—and it is my wish to accommodate them as well as I can— for they have ever treated me with the same friendship and unreserve as they behave towards each other— and I know it is Colln Smiths intention that whatever advantage accrues from his present Voyage to participate it with his family— his Language to me was— this opportunity presents to me; and I see a probability of reaping advantage from undertakeing it,—the seperation from my family is a Sacrifise, which nothing but their benefit would induce me to make—but I have been waiting too Long in expectation of some appointment to releive me from the Mortifying Situation in which I have been left—and I will make this exertion chearfully for I cannot  Live myself; and behold My Mother and her family—depressed by the want of those Comforts which they have been accustomed to enjoy in a Superior degree with those who now look down upon them— I join you most sincerely in wishing that we may reap advantage from it—but I Confess that my expectations are never so Sanguine as to permit me to suffer from disappointment should it not prove equal to our wishes— you mention in one of your Letters that my Father wished to send some Papers—to Coln Smith— there are Vessells very frequently going from hence—and the Packett will sail the 6th of January— could you forward them here I could send them soon—
the weather here has been for some time past extreamly Cold—& most People are not supplied with wood— indeed the Carmen say they never knew such a Scarcity of wood— I paid the Last week three pounds for a Cord of oak Wood—and Wallnut is 18 shillings a Load— if the weather should not moderate soon—and the river not open many must Suffer—
I have frequently heard of your family from Mr Deblois and Mr King— they tell me that my Brother is recovering which I am very happy to hear—and that you find yourselvs rather more retired than when you were here—
Charity says in answer to your inquiries whether She is going to be Married—that She is determined not to receive the addresses of any Gentleman untill next May, She has some body we cannot find out who in her Mind, Peggy and myself Lecture her so severely when She comes to see us—for her volatility and flirtation—that She sometimes looks quite grave Sally is much better She with Peggy is gone to dance out the old year—an ancient Dutch Custom, kept up from time out of mind—
when do you expect my Brother and how does he get to Philadelphia— if he should not remember that he has a Sister in New York when he Passes I shall be very much grieved, and afflicted,—for I shall be very happy to see him here— I had a very affectionate but gloomy Letter from him— it gave me the dismals for two or three days—
I have had two invitations to be escorted to Philadelphia— Mr McCormick and the Baron Stuben have both offered to take me under their Protection but I have not the smallest idea of vissitting you this Winter I should not find Courage to undertake such a journey without my better half—unless Compelled by absolute necessity;— my own fire side has more charms for me than any other  place— if I can make myself comfortable there it is all I wish altho I Long to see you all and more especially my Dear Boy—
adieu yours affectionately
A Smith
my Love to Louisa—and little John— please to Burn this—


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 7 January 1791
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

My dear Sister
Braintree January 7th 1791
What a Succession of troubles have you had to incounter & not one of us to help you through them— I have been very anxious for you & was affraid by my not hearing sooner that something had happen’d— oh my poor Thomas how I pity him—his Patience & fortitude have been put to their trial— he has a great share of it I know, & he will find tis good to be sometimes afflicted he will feel more tenderly for others & be more ready to be “Feet to the lame, & hands to the hungry, if not eyes to the Blind[”] than if he had never needed the like from others tell him that Miss Paine Sends her Love to him & says she feels most sympathetickly for him & for you all & wishes you that health which she never expects her self she knows she says that cousin has thought of the poor cripple at Braintree— I hope to hear he is better soon— I wonder how you have stood such fatigues—& your house too to be in such a miserable situation not fit for well People to have gone into I wonder it had not made you all sick. I wonder if it has been as cold with you as here I never saw such a December & now we have a thaw which has Set every thing a float & makes us all feel very unwell it has given me such a head ack that I can hardly see what I write—but I could not bear to have your son visit you without a line from me. I must write a little to mrs Smith too She poor woman now knows a little & but a little of the feelings of her mama in her Friends absence She is not left with such cares as you were nor is he in any danger from an Enemy I wish she was where I could see her & her dear little Boys
It seems to me your Gentleman & Ladies were wanting in judgment to visit you before you had time to put up your Furniture I hope you will find some Friends where you can visit free from the shackels of so much ceremony as your station subjects you to you have found Doctor Rush just what I always thought him; by the way—I wish you would some time or other ask him whither he ever attend’d such a Funeral as our Neighbours have reported he did: cousin Thomas can recollect the Story & the names enough to ask the question— they say mrs Brown dy’d two year ago this winter & it was her Funeral that was so splendid. The Lady here is still in mourning for her Friends
your Friends are all well & desire to be rememberd kindly to you especially those of this household. tell cousin Thomas I long to be with him cousin Charles is a good nurse I am glad he is with you— my good Louisia does every the can to assist you I know, my Love to them all— Mr Adams with my dear Sister will always have the highest esteem & the tenderest affection of their / grateful Sister
Mary Cranch
my Love to mrs otis when you see her


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 8 January 1791
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

My Dear Mrs. Smith,
Philadelphia, 8 January, 1791.
I received, by Mr. King, your letter of December 30th. I am uneasy if I do not hear from you once a week, though you have not any thing more to tell me than that you and your little ones are well. I think you do perfectly right in refusing to go into public during the absence of Colonel Smith. The society of a few friends is that from which most pleasure and satisfaction are to be derived. Under the wing of parents, no notice would be taken of your going into public, or mixing in any amusement; but the eyes of the world are always placed upon those whose situation may possibly subject them to censure, and even the friendly attentions of one’s acquaintance are liable to be misconstrued, so that a lady cannot possibly be too circumspect. I do not mention this to you through apprehension of your erring, but only as approving your determination.
I should spend a very dissipated winter, if I were to accept of one half the invitations I receive, particularly to the routes, or tea and cards. Even Saturday evening is not excepted, and I refused an invitation of that kind for this evening. I have been to one assembly. The dancing was very good; the company of the best kind. The President and Madam, the Vice-President and Madam, Ministers of State, and their Madams, &c.; but the room despicable; the etiquette,—it was difficult to say where it was to be found. Indeed, it was not New York; but you must not report this from me. The managers have been very polite to me and my family. I have been to one play, and here again we have been treated with much politeness. The actors came and informed us that a box was prepared for us. The Vice-President thanked them for their civility, and told them that he would attend whenever the President did. And last Wednesday we were all there. The house is equal to most of the theatres we meet with out of France. It is very neat, and prettily fitted up; the actors did their best; “The School for Scandal” was the play. I missed the divine Farren; but upon the whole it was very well performed. On Tuesday next I go to a dance at Mr. Chew’s, and on Friday sup at Mr. Clymer’s; so you see I am likely to be amused.
We have had very severe weather for several weeks; I think the coldest I have known since my return from abroad. The climate of Old England for me; people do not grow old half so fast there; two-thirds of the year here, we must freeze or melt. Public affairs go on so smoothly here, that we scarcely know that Congress are sitting; North Carolina a little delirious, and Virginia trying to give law. They make some subject for conversation; but, after all, the bluster will scarcely produce a mouse.
Present me kindly to your mamma and sisters. How I long to send for you all, as in days past; my dear little boys, too. As to John, we grow every day fonder of him. He has spent an hour this afternoon in driving his grandpapa round the room with a willow stick. I hope to see you in April. Congress will adjourn in March, and it is thought will not meet again till December.
Good night, my dear. Heaven’s blessings alight on you and yours,
A. Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 9 January 1791
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

my dear sister
Philadelphia Janry 9th 1791
I received your kind Letter of December 12th with one from my Nephew inclosing 4 Portraits I instantly recognized my worthy Brother Cranch and my dear sister together with our venerable uncle Quincy. the other not one of us have skill enough to find out, by which I judge it is not a likness the three first are admirably executed and I have to request that the same hand would take my Mother and send it without letting mr Adams know for whom it is designd. you inquire how I like my situation. I answer you the one I removed from, was in Burks stile, the sublime. this is the Beautifull the House is better, that is the work within is superiour. the Architecture of the other House was Grand and the Avenue to it perfectly Romantick. the British Troops rob’d this place of its principal Glory by cutting down all the Trees in front of the House and leaving it wholly Naked. behind the House is a fine Grove; through which is a gravell walk; which must in summer add greatly to the delight of the place. I am told for 8 months this place is delicious. in winter the Roads are bad and we are 2 miles & a half from the city. I have received every attention and politeness from the Gentlemen and Ladies which I could either expect or wish. Living here is more expensive than in N york, Horse keeping in particular, which we sensibly feel, as we are obliged to keep four, for during the sitting of Congress they frequently go six times to the city in the course of the day. we cannot purchase any marketting but by going into the city. we have had very Severe cold weather from the begining of December till the week past; when the snow has chiefly left us I am thinking seriously of making arrangments to come to Braintree early in the spring as the Roads will permit, for it is generally believed that Congress will not sit after march if so I hope to be with you by the last of April or begining of May and as I must leave Brisler and his Family here, I would look out early for some person in his stead. can you inform me where Nathan Tirril is, and whether he was last summer engaged. he is a good Hand in a Garden and on many other accounts usefull. there are some articles which I shall want in the kitchin way, but it will be time enough to think of these things some months hence
I feel the loss of mrs smith and Family and it pains me daily that I could not have her with me this winter it is in vain to say what we ought to have been able to do, I feel what I cannot do. the Cols Family are all very kind to mrs Smith and treat her like a child, but a Fathers House is still the most desirable place. I hear every week from her. I have John with me a fine Boy he is and the enlivener of the whole Family we are a scatterd family, and I see no prospect of our ever being otherways. mr durant was here last week and said he was going to Boston in order to sail from thence for st croix, the River here being frozen up. I thought the Letter you sent to the care of Thomas would go best & soonest by him, so we gave it to him. Thomas is much better tho he does not yet go out except to ride. I have had a succession of sickness in my Family when we have been well ourselves, our servants have been laid up. when I come to this place again I am determined to bring a decent woman who understands plain cooking with me. Such a vile low tribe, you never was tormented with & I hope never will be. I brought all my servants from N york, cook excepted and, thought I could not be worse of than I had been. I have had in the course of 18 months Seven, and I firmly believe in the whole Number, not a virtuous woman amongst them all; the most of them drunkards. I recruited with a new one last monday, who brought written recommendations with her, and who to all appearence is very capable of her buisness, but on thursday got so drunk that she was carried to Bed, and so indecent, that footman Coachman & all were driven out of the House, concequently she has turnd herself out of doors. we know little of vileness in our state when compared to those cities who have Such Numbers of Foreigners as N york and Philadelphia— I thank you my dear sister for your kind care of your Nephew. he wanted it I believe. he mourns a want of employ, but all young men must have patience, especially in his profession. [“]there is a tide in the affairs of men” our young folks must watch for it.
I would ask dr Rush about a certain affair if I had a short detail of Names circumstances and time. if cousin Lucy thinks it worth her time to give me some account of the affair, I am upon such an intimate footing with the dr since his practise in our Family that I could easily assertain all he knows about it, but the story was so complicated that I am by no means mistress of the Subject.

my Love to mrs Norten & my young Nephew. I anticipate the pleasure of meeting you all. pray heaven nothing may arrise to prevent my realizing the Satisfaction. Let me hear from you as often you can and / believe me at all times most / affectionatly yours
A Adams


Title: Martha Washington to Abigail Adams, 25 January 1791
From: Washington, Martha
To: Adams, Abigail

Tuesday morning January 25 [1791]
Mrs Washington, presents her compliments to Mrs Adams,— if it is agreable to her, to Let miss smith come to dance with nelly & Washington, the master attends mondays wednesdays and Frydays at five oclock in the evenings— Mrs Washington will be very happy to see miss smith


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 6 February 179[1]
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

my dear sir
Philadelphia Febry 6 1790 [1791]
I received your kind Letter of Janry 7th by my son. in replie to the Buisness part, I think upon reflection and to save trouble, I would wish you to Loan my Notes as Trustee to me. I as well as many other should have liked the system of Finnance much better if the Faith pledged had been literally fullfilld; by the payment of Six pr ct interest, then let the new Loan have been fill’d at 4 or 3. the National Honour would have stood much fairer with all honest Men, and tho some individuals might have accumulated great fortunes by it, I think it would have circulated & spread abroad with more satisfaction than it will Curtaild, and part deffered as it now stands, but having been accepted & agreed to by the Government it is best to abide by it.
you will Learn by the publick papers that mr Madison is come forward with all his powers, in opposition to the Bank it is difficult for the world in general to discover why a wise Man or rather so Learned a Man can take up such opinions as he has, and defend them so earnestly, but there are some who can see further through’ a mill stone than others to whom mr Madisons designs are not so impenetrable, but there remains not a doubt but that the Bill will pass the House by a considerable majority. Congress will rise in march, and have I hope a long recess. we propose visiting Braintree as soon as the Roads will permit and if you have not shipd the Beaf and Tongues I would have them reserved for my use there, but then I shall want only one Barrell. pork I suppose I can buy. Hams I would be glad to employ mr Foster to get for me, say one dozen I never eat finer than those which he procured for me last year
upon the subject of visits which you mention, for a publick Character like the Presidents & his Ladies I do not know how they could be visited in any other way than they are, consistant with the Rank they hold. on twesday from 3 to four the President has a Levee, when strangers are introduced Members of the House of commons & the other House visit him Such of the inhabitants as chuse attend. this is no more than going an hour upon the exchange an hour in Boston or Else where on thursdays he usually gives a dinner and a very handsome one too, to such company as he invites previously, and they are always properly chosen; on fryday Evenings mrs washington has a drawing Room which is usually very full of the well Born and well Bred. Some times it is as full as her Britanick majesties Room, & with quite as Handsome Ladies, and as polite courtiers. here the company are entertaind with Coffe Tea cake Ice creams Lemonade &c they chat with each other walk about, fine Ladies shew themselves, and as candle Light is a great improver of Beauty, they appear to great advantage; this shew lasts from seven, till Nine oclock comeing & going during those hours, as it is not Etiquette for any person to stay Long. on other days any Lady who is in habits of intimacy may visit mrs washington with the same freedom & take Tea with her as unceremoniously as my good Aunt, your Lady will with me, when I return to Braintree, as I hope. with regard to my Ladyship, your Honours Neice it is most certainly true, that she would be very happy to See an entertain ten persons where She now does one, if her good Friends would have enabled her so to do, but as they have not she gives of such as she has with a hearty good will and be sure in as smart a manner as she can afford it is not very often that she has the pleasure. as to visits many must be of the ceremonious kind, but then there is this satisfaction that one can make 20 in a forenoon— I accept no invitation nor my Family for saturday Evening & make no sunday visits. Sometimes a Friend or intimate acquaintance will dine on sundays with us, but no invitations for that day— my dear sir I Look forward to the Spring with much pleasure as I have the prospect of seeing you then and the rest of my Friends. at present my Family are all well my three sons with me, and the Chief Justice of the united states makes this House his home during the sitting of the Court.
Remember me kindly to all my connections and be assured my dear sir that I am with / Sentiments of esteem and affection / Yours
A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Elizabeth Cranch Norton, 7 February 1791
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Norton, Elizabeth Cranch

New York Febuary 7th 1791
I received your kind Letter of 16th of January by Mr Jackson and feel myself particularly obliged my Dear Cousin for your attention at this time the absence of my Husband—leaves a blank in my mind which may be alleviated in some degree by the Kind attentions of my friends; but which nothing can fill up— my Chrildren are yet so small as not to afford me much society;— in their smiles;—and Lively prattle I find an amusement;— in Mr Smiths family I have kind and attentive friends disposed to Contribute all in their power to my Happiness; we Live in the most perfect Harmony reciprocal attentions strengthenths the bond of friendship His Mamma—is a very fine Woman. possessed of a strong mind and an amiable Heart, attached to her Chrildren—to a very great degree—ever sollicitous for their wellfare and Happiness— it is no small degree of Concern to us that She does not enjoy her Health— She is greatly afflicted with a Severe pain in her Arm—which She apprehends to be the rheumatism—but which I fear will prove of a more serious nature— I am apprehensive of a paralytic dissorder— his Sisters are all fine and amiable Women— Bellinda has Married this Winter a young Gentleman Whose name is Clarkson—an amiable young Man— with whom I beleive she will be very happy— they spend the Winter with me—as also Miss Peggy the Eldest Sister who [is a] charming sprightly Companion— the Eldest Brother has taken Colln Smiths place in the Office—of Marshall—and he also is of the family—so that I am not alone,— I nevertheless frequently wish that I could enjoy the society of your family—and a few of my friends—for whom I feel an attachment that is not to be abated by distance or time—the removeall of my Mamma and her family from this place is to me an irreparable Loss, of an invaluable blessing—and an event which no Length of time can reconcile me to the dispersed State of my own family is a scource of anxiety and unhappiness—to me— to look for friendship—without the Circle of ones own family and Connections whose interest as well as pleasure it is to Contribute to each others Happiness—is to expect a very great improbability if not an impossibility— if we are not disposed to contribute to each others advancement in Life—we cannot reasonably expect to interest other People in our behalf— it is a most excellent Motto—United we stand, divided we fall,—

I was I assure you my friend much gratified to hear of your prosperity and Wellfare— it would afford me much pleasure to bring our Chrildren acquainted with each other— you would be surprized to see your friend surrounded by three great Boys— I can scarce realize the idea myself I assure you— as far as one can Judge at so early a period they promise to possess amiable dispositions—and the youngest Master Thomas Hollis is not I assure you the least of a favourite altho he was considered as an usurper— I had anticipated the pleasure of having a Daughter— he has Carrot Colourd Hair—and consequently a fair Complexion—but every person who sees him observes a great resemblance to my family— I am happy to hear that our friend Anna is happily settled— I agree with you that She is the greatest female enthusiast I ever knew—and I beleive she stands a greater Chance for Happiness—provided the fervor—of friendship can always be kept alive— the object may perhaps change & the principle be still supported— I suppose she will think that her Chrildren should she have any—are of a superior order of beings—
with you my friend I join most sincerely in wishing that the absence of my best friend may not be of a Long Continueance—and I have no expectation of its being prolonged Later than May at fartherst but if it should;—you may bid adieu to your Cousin—for I am determined to follow him— the motives which have induced him to undertake this voyage—were the most Laudable;— you may have heard that he is gone upon Public Business—but it is not true should he succed equal to his expectations in his Business—I shall not regret having made this sacrifise—
I regreted much that I did not know of Mrs Cranch and Miss Palmers being in town when they went on to West Point I should most certainly have seen them— it was not untill a Month after their departure that Mr Greanleaf called and delivered their Letters— I fear that they must have thought me unfriendly and inattentive—
be so good as to present my regards to all my friends my Love to your Mamma and Sister and my respects to Mr Norton
beleive me my Dear Cousin sincerely / your friend
A Smith—