Title: From John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 11 July 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear son
Stony Field July 11. 1801

I received yours of the 4th with double pleasure occasioned, by the Encouragement you give me to hope that I shall See you Soon at this chosen spot.
There are indeed in this Country, all the Characters and humours that you describe, and there will be such for many years to come, which will keep alive the extravagant Spirit of democracy longer than it would live of itself. Exaggerations of federalism will occasion exaggerations of Equality Levellism, modern Phylosophy and Moblocracy. Hyperfederalists will afford nourishment and Countenance to Hyperrepublicans. Parrallells will not always run upon all fours. How is it Lord Coke expresses it, non quatuor pedibus currunt or some such Phrase. Neither Caesar, Cromwell nor Monk, can bear a Parrallell with Bonaparte. No, nor Alexander. Bonaparte is hitherto Sui generis. He may hereafter fall into mere resemblances of all three. But Prophecies are all idle and vain. The French Revolution resembles accurately nothing which We read of. And Bonaparte differs from all the Conquerors we know of. Insurrections, Revolutions and changes of Dynasties happened in all the ancient Empires, among the Egyptians, the Persians the Indians: but we have no histories of any of the details of them. Time alone can reveal to us the March and Conclusion of the Changs in France.
I have read through Hauterives, State of France at the End of the 8th Year, and have a great Opinion of the Talents of the Writer. He is a Frenchman: and wishes France to have more Power, than Europe can safely allow her. But there is matter to excite deep reflection and wide Speculation. The Review of it will be a treasure.
Every thing I read, only Serves to confirm me in the opinion of the absolute Necessity of our keeping aloof from all European Powers and Influences; and that a Navy is the only Arm by which it can be accomplished. Mr. Jefferson has lately Said some very strong Things, in which I feel myself irresistably inclined to agree with him. “He wished to see the Naval Force of the United States adequate to the purpose of presenting a Line of Demarcation on the Ocean to any Naval Power of Europe, and saying Thus far shallt thou come and no farther” and that in twenty years time it might be and ought to be created.”—This he said to Governor Winthrop Sargent who related it to me. I mention my authority that you may know it: but I would not have you repeat my authors Name without necessity. The only misfortune of it is that Mr Jeffersons sayings are never well digested, often extravagant, and never consistently pursued. He has not a clear head—and never pursues any question through. His Ambition and his cunning are the only Steady qualities in him. His Imagination and Ambition are too strong for his Reason.
I have heard a report of a Letter from Mr. Jefferson lately to Mr. Samuel Adams, which is a Masterpiece. I dare not repeat the Contents as I heard them.... Another Letter from Governor McKean too to Mr. Samuel Adams is talk’d of.—By these Things it should seem that there is much cordial Correspondence and confidential Communication, among the Party. All Communication, at least all Confidence, is lost among the Opposite Party. I suppose however there is Secret Communication enough between the Juntos of Ultrafederalists, to render the Revival of that the proper federal Party totally impracticable and that forever, and I hope it never will be revived without a more common and a more liberal Principle; a more general and more determinate Object, and without Views of a purer Morality, and a less Selfish Policy, and without a President, indeed, who shall not be Snubbed by Pickering Hamilton no nor Washington—
I need not invoke your discretion, I take it for granted.
affectionately yours,
            J. A.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Joseph Pitcairn, 11 July 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Pitcairn, Joseph

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 11th: July 1801

Your kind favor of May 11th: is this day two months old. I received it with great pleasure about an hour ago, and as I expect to be off, on Tuesday next, the 14th: currt for New York and Boston, I shall have no time, but the present, to thank you for it, and also for the letters from my Brother, which accompanied it. I must do justice to your fidelity & attention in forwarding, with punctuality, so many letters & packages as you have had in charge from my brother. Within the space of twelve months, I have received upwards of fifty letters & I know not that more than one of the series, is yet wanting. I have endeavored to acknowledge the receipt of all, but I fear that my letter of the beginning of June, will arrive too late to meet my brother, and acquaint him in detail of all he could wish to know on this subject.
I am pleased to hear that you are gratified by the Portfolio; I doubt not you will continue to be so, for it improves, as it advances, and I have already sent you a complete sett, to No 23 inclusive; by the present conveyance you shall receive the rest, as far as they go. The encouragement for this Gazette has been liberal, and as the subscription was required, in advance, the Editor makes no bad debts by his customers; of course he has the advantage over all other newspaper Editors in the place. Some of his readers have been disgusted with the freedom taken in  merits of our famous state-paper called the Declaration of Independence. It had become very fashionable, with the Jacobins, to puff this paper, as a wonderful production of genius; as a model of elegant & correct style; as the political creed of all true Republicans; and it delighted them the more, for containing a string of Anathemas & denunciations against George. This conduct provoked some among us to scrutinize, pretty closely, the merits of this performance, and if you should think, that the truth lies exactly in the middle, between these two critiques, perhaps you would not err much in the estimate. The Ladies contribute towards the success of this Gazette also; but at times the Editor is so saucy, that they threaten to box his ears. Hitherto it has been conducted with taste & ability and I hope, will continue to be so.
It gives me pleasure that my brother is so shortly to return home, though I believe with you, that his talents might have been usefully employed in Europe. Our domestic politics are so crooked, that no man of his trempe can look for employment; nor, considering the company he must serve with, can any man of honest views & proper feelings, agree to officiate under this novus ordo; I mean with a new Commission.
I must ask your excuse for so short a letter, but my time is not abundant. On my return you may hear again from / your friend & hble Servt

Thos B AdamsPS. I hear that our friend W. Rogers is on the brink of the grave of batchelors. He is expected shortly to bury himself by the side of a rich widow, by the name of Cruger.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 12 July 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Son
Quincy July 12th 1801

I am much delighted to learn that you intend making a visit to the old Mansion. I wish you could have accomplished it so as to have been here by this time, which would have given you an opportunity of being at Commencment, meeting many of your old acquaintance, and visiting the Seat of Science where you received your first Rudiments; I shall look daily for you You will find your Father in his Feilds attending to his Hay makers, and your Mother buisily occupied in the domestic concerns of her Family—I regret that a fortnight of sharp drought has Shorn of many of the Beauties we had in rich luxurence. The verdure of the Grass is become a brown—The flowers hang their heads, droop and fade, whilst the vegetable world languishes—Yet still we have a pure air; The crops of Hay have been abundant upon this spot where 8 years ago, we cutt scarcly six Tons, we now have thirty; “We are here among the vast and noble Scenes of nature, where we walk in the light and open ways of the devine bounty, and where our Senses are feasted with the clear and genuine taste of their objects.”
“who that has reason and his smell
would not among Roses and Jasmin dwell,
Rather than all his Spirits choak
with exhalations of dirt and smoke;
And all th’uncleanness which does drown
In pestiletial clouds a populous town.”
At this Season it is best to take the packet by way of Providence. Sally came so, and was in Boston in two days—
Dr. Welch has a Letter from his son of 12 of May, in which he Says he shall leave Berlin in a few days, but that mr Adams will be obliged to remain some time longer.; He has calld his Son George Washington. This I think was ill judged. I feel that it was wrong; Children do not know how much their parents are gratified by the continuation of their Name in their Grandchildren. I was not myself Sensible  of it, and neither of my own Children bear the names of their Grandparents by the Maternal Side, Yet I now recollect, when you was named, that your Grandfather appeard hurt by it.
I am sure your Brother had not any intention of wounding the feelings of his Father, but I see he has done it—Had he calld him Joshua, he would not have taken it amiss—
I have received mr Ingersolls play: It is better executed than I believed him capable of performing; as a youthfull Specimin of Genius, it has merit, I presume William Shaw has sent you mr Paines oration upon July the 4th. I think you will be pleased with it,
I am my dear Thomas /  affectionatly /  Your Mother
A A


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 July 1801
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister
Atkinson July 13 1801

For the communications by Mrs. Black, you have my grateful acknowledgements. She made me only a  short, and sweet. I was very sorry she could not tarry longer.
I rejoice to hear that after many dissappointments your Eldest Son is at length made the happy Father of a living Child. May his and your joy be complete, by seeing it grow up, a comfort to its Parents, an honour and a blessing to the world.
Mr. Peabody has received a very polite and sensible Letter from Col. Smith. He appears gratified with the improvements that his Children have made under our Care, and wishes us still to watch over them with parental affection, and to stimulate them in their studies, that they may be qualified to enter the University the next year, with honour to themselves, and their Preceptor. For every pecuniary matter he desires us to apply to our mutual Friend Mr. W. Smith, and to send our bills to him, where he has deposited mony for defraying the necessary expences of his Children’s Education, and wishes them to be furnished with every thing necessary, or genteel. It must be a solace, and a comfort both to the Col. and you, that his circumstances are now such, that he is able to provide for his own house. I sincerely hope that by former misfortunes, he may gain wisdom, and be preserved in a line of conduct that may sweeten domestic life, and ever delight the heart of his truly amiable Partner.
I was glad to see that the dear  returned so cheerfully again. Lydia was sick upon the bed, occasioned by a bad fall, and our house crouded with Boarders. Should you ask, what were their names? I would not reply, that it was Legion though we are many, and at times make a terrible noise. Two of theme almost weeping left the house, that I had admitted conditionally, till William and John returned. You could not help taking Boarders no more than I, they do beg so hard, and live so pleasantly when together, that it makes me some compensation. But I think I have higher motives, and hope, and trust that the good seed may spring up, if not now, yet at some future period, and yeild some sixty, some an hundred fold.
Mr. Peabody will make you a short visit accompanied by one of our young Ladies. It is an opportunity for her to attend Commencement, and to see the Beau-monde that I am unwilling she should let pass. She is a person of wit, and quick discernment, but her mind must suffer for want of earlier cultivation. Permit me to introduce her to you, and my Cousin Louisa. A little friendly attention will please her, and make her come home highly gratified. You mention Abbys making you a visit. I want she should before long, but really you seem to have little ones round you, and I fear she will be troublesome, for she has been in such poor health that she cannot be so helpful as her dear Sister used to be in any family, though this summer she has been very serviceable, and I could not have done without her.
I have had a fine visit from  Mrs. Foster, and her sweet Babe. I  for her, for I fear this will not live  Child appears too much like a Cherub,  long a resident on Earth.
I am rejoiced to hear that my Brother and you enjoy health among the rural Scenes, in philosophick retirement, and that you permit my Son to visit you, and partake of your domestic felicity.
With sincere affection I am your SisterElizabeth Peabody
Elizabeth Peabody


Title: From Benjamin Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 23 July 1801
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Madam
Philadelphia July 23rd: 1801.

The enclosed publications should have been sent by your Son. The Account of Christr: Ludwick was written to fulfil an Old promise made many years ago, in case I should survive him. You will feel the patriotic Sentiments uttered by him. To the present calculating generation, they appear fanatical, and unintelligible.—
I send you the Account of the successful use of Mercury in the Consumption, because I think I Once heard you say, that disease had found its way into a branch of your family. It has lately been adopted in the Case of a Lady of the first connections in our city with success, and by a physician formerly much opposed to that, and all Other new remedies.
My dear Mrs Rush with her infant, is now at our little farm. Our Son John has returned from Sea after escaping death from a battle (in a British vessel in which he was a passenger) and from a yellow fever. He is About to leave the navy, and purposes to go to Sea, as master of a merchant man.
Our Whole family unite in the most affectionate and grateful remembrance of our much respected friend, and of every other branch of your family.
I have collected, and arranged some of the most remarkable Opinions, and speeches of our friend in the years 1774. 1775. 1776 and 1777 upon public questions. In more impartial times, they shall be committed to the press. At present, they would only provoke hostility and Abuse.
Our City continues to be free from yellow fever and our Citizens absurdly exult in the Safety they derive from our Quarantine law. Thus in the physical as well as political events of the world, we see the same want of discernment of the true connection between Cause and effect.
From my dr: madam with the greatest respect, your sincere friend
Benjn: Rush


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 August 1801
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister—
Atkinson August 18th— ca. 1801

The night before, our Exhibition I received your kind letter, which indeed sunk my spirits, as you can well suppose. My poor sick Son!—I had heard he had been ill, but was much better—& I hoped as I heard nothing from any one, that he had gotten quite well.
I write to let him know that it is the joint request of Mr Peabody & myself that he would come & endeavour to revisit in the good air of Atkinson—Perhaps Mr. Adams would be willing to take him in the Chaise with him, when he comes, as I judge it cannot be long first—I am sure if I had known how bad he had been, I should not have been easy without attending him—for my dear Children are one of my first Objects, where duty leads—& nature cheerfully follows—
I have had a tedious week, & I write now in the midst of Company who have been to see their Children, & are like a flock of birds round me, without the regularity of Birds of Passage—Few of my Boarders will leave me this vacation—The Ladies I intend shall go home, at the close of the Fall Season—But I hope to visit Quincy, if my Son gets well.—Oh my dear Brother and Sister how good you are—
May the blessings of heaven rest upon you, my beloved Friends—& smooth the pillow of age, is the wish of Your Sister

E—PeabodyMy Dear Son,
Do not be discouraged. I know this sickness is a sad thing to your rise in buisness, but it may make you more careful of your health, & convince you more effectually of its importance, & of your dependance upon your heavenly Father, for his Blessings upon your exertions—I sincerely hope, & trust that they will be such as your conscience can approve upon a sick bed—Sick beds are searchers of the heart—May your health be perfected, is the sincere & ardent wish of your affectionate Mother, in great haste—
E .Peabody


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 22 August 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
Philada: 22nd: August 1801

I have paid you all I owed in the article of letters, but I receive few communications from home. Please to tell my mother that I like to know, now and then, a little of the Cabinet secrets.
The Report that the negociation with France is broken off, creates considerable sensation here & at New York—I think few people actually believe the story, but it serves the turn of newspaper Scriblers to abuse the Mission or the President—The Gazette of the U.S. which is now in a great measure Edited by Mr: Dennie, has, I think, spoken a different language with respect to this news of Our Envoys, from that which it employed before the change—Tell me, if “Plutarch,” in the Gazette of last night meet with approbation, and then I will tell you who wrote it.
You may see how the Aurora of this morning, speaks of the legal adjudication on the question whether America & France are at War or at peace—This decision of the Supreme Court is a very dreadful thing to the Jacobins—They talk, you see, of impeaching the Judges for violating the Constitution—
Duane says “the Report,” is likely to be a forgery—but if accurate, then highly momentous for three reasons—
I have no need to tell you, I presume that I was the Reporter, and can vouch for the correctness of the Statement.
I perceive by extracts from “the Centinel” how “Mister Major Big Ben of Boston” goes on. He is one of the most Stupid fellows on the Continent. A political Whirligig, moving & twisting, turning & shifting with every pull of the string. Even the Commercial Gazette is false at times, but how can it be otherwise when no one man thinks in politics just like an other, nor like himself for a week together, & every body will write.
I enclose you a letter from T. W—
I must have the Aurora back again, or my file will be broken—You say nothing of my Books—there are several Philadelphia Gentlemen to whom you might entrust that which I want most, if you have found it.
Give my love to all & believe me Your’s
T B Adams


Title: From Margaret Stephens Smith to Sarah Smith Adams, 23 August 1801
From: Smith, Margaret Stephens
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

New Ark August— 23th— 1801

As it is a rainy morning which of Cource prevents my going to Church—I feel a greater propensity to scold you first—then read my Bible—did you not Say you would return in August—how then coud you let so favorable an Oppertunity pass, as Thomas Adams and not fulfill your engagement—when I heard his Name announced I ran with eagar expectation to meet you—but to my great disappointment he told me you was at Quincy—nothing Short of Indisposition can paliate this disappointment—altho he told me you was very Well I must Suppose he left you in too debilitated a State of health to undertake the Journey—or you surely woud have come with him—for Charity wrote me you was Ill with the Ague & fever—now untill I have your own reasons why we were thus disappointed I shall suppose you are still Sick or too weak to return—I will therefore thank you to relive my mind as soon as you can— I should have wrote you long before—but for the above pleasing expectation—
I will now attend to your letter to Nancey respecting your dear little Girls—you say you have some thoughts of leaving Abby & bringing Susan—and request my opinion—for me to select either woud be a painfull task—I love them both—therefore cannot do it—but wou’d rather as you have now a full oppertunity of Judging what is most Conducive to the Childrens comfort and advantage—act as you think—for their best good—I know you will be happier to have them both with you—so if you think we can do equal justice to them, it will be a mutual pleasure to have them brought up together—my dear Susans energetic speach often occurs to my Mind pray dont part us again Granmamma—let us be together—bring them both with you and we will do the best we can for them I am sure their little hearts will spring for Joy, & we have good schooles here—you can put it upon the footing of wishing to have them with you this Winter & when you Visit them again they shall come again—this they cannot object to—and I shall be gratified in their & your happiness—I wish you woud write me particularly about Charity—how she conducts, and how esteem’d in Society I am anxious for her—tell her—as I wrote her last Week Mr Bailey Was Ill—he is now dead—Was brought to New York & buried on Monday last—he was sick only six day—this is an Irreparable loss to the Community at large both as an eminent phician & health officer—and to my family Individually—his death was in consequence of severe exertions amongst the sick on Statten Island, the very warm days we had the Week before when your brother William Saw him in full health—how frail a flower is Man—give my regards to Mr & Mrs Adams—Mrs Smith & Caroline are here & well—and so through mercey are we all—kiss the dear Babes for me, and dont omit making their little hearts, Glad my dear Sally says your Affectionate Mother.
Margaret Smith


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 2 September 1801
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Scituate September the 2nd. 1801.

I fear my dear Madam that long before this you have taxed me with neglect. But however strong appearances are against me, not a day has passed since we parted in a snow storm, that my good wishes for your health & happiness have been omitted. Mr Cushing had business at Norwich, which obliged us to return that way. I then intended & fully expected, as soon as we had arranged the family in some degree, to have visited our Friends at Quinsey and Boston. But one little circumstance after another in addition to Mr. C’s aversion to be in Town in the Summer season, has prevented. He however offered to go to Quinsey which I would most gladly have accepted of, if I had not been fearfull that our Friends at Boston and Roxbury would have taken offence at our not calling on them, when so near them. In October we expect to set out for Washington, when I promise myself the satisfaction of visiting you. We are pleasing ourselves with the idea that in the interim we shall have the long wished for visit from you realized; & we should think it an additional honor if our late & good President would be one of the company. We daily hear of strange events taking place. But this People would not be satisfied with a President that was too good for them. Mr. C says he has done with Politicks, that they have got beyond him. It gave us much pleasure on hearing of the appointment of our worthy Friend Mr Cranch. It has been observed that it was one of the best Acts of the Presidents. Be so good as to present our best respects to him & accept of our sincere wishes for your health and happiness.
H CushingI hope that Mr and Mrs Cranch are well, also Miss Smith, It would give us pleasure to see them here. Our regards are due to them.


Title: From Elbridge Gerry to Abigail Smith Adams, 3 September 1801
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Madam
Cambridge 3d Sepr 1801

In our absence from home, you was so obliging as to address a line to Mrs Gerry, which she has desired me to acknowledge, & to inform you, that in leiu of the first volume of Wraxall, that of Volneys travels was by mistake enclosed to her. this is sent to Mr Smiths, & if the volume of Wraxall should be sent there, or at Mrs Catharine Davis’ in tremont Street, I will order my servant to call for it.
please to present our best respects to the President, accept them yourself, & be assured I remain dear Madam With the highest esteem your friend, & / very huml SertE. Gerryat N. York we had the pleasure of frequently seeing Col & Mrs Smith: whose absence the day before we left it prevented our receiving their orders for their friends here.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 4 September 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir.
Philadelphia 4. Septr. 1801.

After a passage of 58 days from Hamburg we have this day landed here, where we purpose to stay five or six days—My wife will then go to spend a few weeks with her parents at Washington, and I shall hasten towards Quincy where I hope within three weeks to present myself before you—Her health though yet very infirm is better than we could have expected, and your little Grandson is as hearty as any sailor of his age that ever cross’d the ocean.
My brother Thomas is with us, and we have so much to say to each other that I have scarcely been able to snatch a minute to inform you of our arrival, and to renew the assurance of our ever faithful and dutiful affection
John Q. Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 9 September 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Son,
Quincy, September 9th: 1801

I received your favor of 27th: Ult. in season; and have been slow to answer it; for what should I say? Quid ego irrigationes? Quid fossiones agri, repastinationesque proferam, quibus sit multo terra fæcundior? Quid de Ulilitate loquar Stercorandi? Quid ego vitium Satus, ortus, incrementa commemorem? I might say to you, Satiari delectatione non possum, ut meæ Senectutis requietem Oblectamentumque pernoscatis. I might give you an essay on Quantum Agri cultione Senes oblectari possint, or, on Voluptates agricolarum, quibus ego incredibiliter delector; quæ nec illâ impediuntur Senectute, et mihi ad Sapientis vitam proxime videntur accedere: habent enim rationem cum terrâ, quæ numquam recusat imperium, nec unquam Sine Usura reddit, quod accepit. But all this you know already, or may know it, with more, if you will only read the 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of Cicero’s treatise de Senectute. These, as a very beautiful apology for the life I lead, I wish you would attentively examine.
Your brother and his family will, we hope, arrive with you, in a few days, and go directly to Washington. His wife ought to see her father, mother, sisters and brother, and, being so near it is right they should go there first. He will pay his respects to the President and Heads of Departments with candor, politeness and good-humor without committing his principles, opinions, or dignity. I hope he will blindly attach himself to no party and have nothing more to do with politics in a public station. I mean not, however, to say this with authority, but as advice. If I were to go over my life again, I would be a shoemaker rather than an American statesman. Your mother and all are pretty well; a fine night’s sleep has made her as gay as a girl.
I am, with a tender affection,
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 September 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Dear Thomas
Quincy Sepbr 10th 1801—

Inclosed is a Letter for your Brother should he arrive as we expect in Philadelphia; I am told by mr Welch who was yesterday to See us that you have Letters from Hamburgh from your Brother dated in july—if  & family Should arrive in health, as I pray God they may, there first visit will be I presume to Washington. I think as they will be so near it ought to be—tho I can Scarcely give up the pleasure of being  seeing them as soon as they arrive—yet I know both duty and inclination must lead your Sister to visit her parents as soon as possible after there  her arrival. I would however enjoin it upon them, to come on here early in Novbr both the doctor Tufts and I have thought it best that mrs Whitman should give up the House she occupies in october when her year Ends—that your Brother might have it to go into for a temporary residence this winter. She has it at a much smaller Rent than he can possibly hire even a poorer one for—and he can let it upon better terms whenever he chooses to quit it—Here at Quincy both he and his Family Shall have a Home, untill he can be accomodated in Boston,—
we have had Some of the hottest weather for this fortnight that we have experienced through the Summer the Glasses have Stood at 90 in Boston, at 88 here for the four last days—it has debilitated me a good deal and given me a return of the old intermitting together with some Rhumatism. I find the best remedy a warm bath—how do you Sustain the Heat?
Sally went to Boston last week in order to return to Nyork, much against my advice and opinion, but the weather has been So intence that She is Still there, and as I learnt yesterday very unwell. I have Sent for her to return again here, and wait till october.
I hope you deliverd Brislers Letter to our Baker as it is now so late in the Season I Should like to have new flower and four Barrels instead of two. when it is Shiped he may give you a Bill of laiden, and his Bill which you will forward to me, and I will make the remittance through you—Your Father received Letters from you last week—miss Brecks were sent to her—
It is really So Hot I cannot add an other word, but that I am your ever affectionate Mother
A AdamsI have a pr of half Boots at your  here, when you can Send an order for them, or I get an opportunity of Sending them—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy September 12. 1801

The 11th. of September is reckoned among the happiest days of my Life. The Navy Officers who composed the late Court Martial on Capt. Little came out to visit me, with Mr Shaw who brought me your favor of the 4th dated at Philadelphia, informing me of your arrival on that day with my Daughter and Grandson in as good health as could be expected—You do not expressly say whether you intend to accompany Mrs Adams to Washington or not. if you do it will be much more than three weeks before I shall have the pleasure to embrace you. But knowing that you are on American ground, I shall not be impatient. However this may be I hope you will consider my house as your home, for yourself your Lady and Son, as well as for your and her Servants and Domesticks. We can accommodate you all as well as Destiny intends that you and I ought to be accommodated, at least untill you have Time to deliberate on your future arrangements.
It is fortunate that your Brother was the first to see you in America. He can tell you every Thing, and will not deceive you. He is prudent as well as intelligent: honest, as well as candid.
I have many projects in my head to communicate to you, for your Establishment, which however must be all very modest, very humble, very unassuming.—I shall leave them all to your choice knowing;—very well knowing that your Judgment is better than that of your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 September 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

Quincy Sepbr 13 1801

Welcome, welcome, my dear Son to your native Land after a seven years absence from it. God be praised that you and Louissa, and my dear John George &c have arrived in Safety, but I have trembled for you, least the extreem Heat you must have experienced Since your arrival should be too much for you all. The Sudden change we have experienced of no less than 30 degrees, is equally trying to weak constitutions. I hope it is not Sickly at Washington, but last october Agues and fevers were very prevelant; I can have no objection to the visit first to washington, but Say to you as I did in my last Letter, that it Should not exceed the middle of october. It is a long and tedious journey, but both you and mrs Adams are well ennured to travelling. at Quincy you can be accomodated with your Family untill you can do better. we ardently long to See you all.
mrs Adams is going to a place different from all she has ever yet visited, and amongst a people, where it will be impossible for her to be too gaurded; every Syllable She utters will be scaned not with loss of candour, but carping malice; Such is the spirit of party. think not that I veiw the aspect of public affairs through the medium of dissapointment. unhappily for our Country, you will find it all too true. I doubt not She will be the prudent; but her Family have been very basely traduced. there are persons no doubt hungrying after mr Johnson’s office. I hope however he will retain it, as it was the casting vote of the new president, which gave it to him.
You too my Son must look for your Share of calumny, and arm yourself wi against it by patience temperance and moderation, and by applying yourself Solely to your own private affairs. I hope you will be here Soon. I have a thousand things to Say to you, but none with more Sincerity / than that I am your ever / affectionate / Mother

A Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 15 September 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Dear Thomas
Quincy September 15. 1801

Have a care, that you do not let Captain Duane know, that I am reading Cicero de Senectute again: because he will immediately insert in his Aurora Borealis, that I recollected, those Words in the 17th Chapter “nihil ei tam regale videri, quam Studium agri colendi.” He will say that there is nothing in building Stone Wall, or in collecting Heaps of Compost, but the tang of Royalty and Monarchy, which Socrates and Xenophon and Cicero perceived, which attracts my Esteem and Affection: and all the Germans and all the Irish and all the Quakers and Anabaptists will Say they believe him: and the Presbyterians will Shake their heads and Say it is too true: The Captain will quote the Words “Nun quam terra recusat imperium,” as mathematical demonstration that my taste for Agriculture is only a fruit of my Arbitrary Disposition and despotic Principles.
I wonder how the Captain, will announce the Arrival of your Brother? What Ingenuity of Malignity and what Impudence of Mendacity, his Genius and his forehead will furnish upon this Occasion excites my Curiosity.
I dont recollect to have seen an Aurora since I became Monarch of Stony field, Count of Gull Island, Earl of Mount Arrarat, Marquis of Candlewood Hill, and Baron of Rocky Run.—But I confess I now wish to see all that the Aurora, shall say on the Arrival of J. Q. A. Send them to your affectionate Father


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 September 1801
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington Sept. 16th. 1801

I was so much fatigued from my journey that I found it impossible to write by Whitcomb he will tell you how very much the poor baby suffered and I hope it will be an inducement for you to come and fetch us as I really feel that George will be almost too great a charge for me alone he has quite recovered his fatigue and looks as well as ever the meeting with my friends was almost too much for us all Mama my Sisters and Tom look remarkably well but papa is very very much alter’d he is quite enchanted with our child who is seldom out of his arms they are all extremely anxious to see you and are so delighted with the thoughts of your coming to fetch me that I dare not hint to them that it is not your intention—
I am quite delighted with the situation of this place and I think should it ever be finished it will be one of the most beautiful spots in the world the Presidents house and the capital are two most superb buildings and very well worth coming to see the publick offices are likewise very handsome—
I should be much obliged to you if you would tell Whitcomb to send me one of his gowns if he should not have sold them as Mrs. Hellen is very desirous of purchasing one I wish him to send a yellow and white and a pink and white if he has them by the first opportunity and to make a little bill of them—
Mr. Meredith has resigned his place and leaves Washington the 1st. of next month it is said here that Mr. Aversham will be appointed in his stead—
Adieu my dearest husband remember me affectionately to all your family as mine desire to be to you and believe me / Your most sincerely affecte wife

Louisa C. AdamsI went this morning to see Mrs. Cranch she expects to be confined every hour but looks very well


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 20 September 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Mother.
Philadelphia 20th: Septr: 1801

I received your favor of the 10th: instt: the Day before yesterday, with an enclosure for J Q A & his wife, which I forwarded to her, as I perceived it was addressed to them both. They spent a week with me here, during the hottest spell of weather, we have experienced, this summer, and though much overcome by it, I was surprized to find, that they bore it so well. Dr: Rush, in the absence of his lady, performed the honors of his house, with great hospitality and kindness. Young Mr: Adams is a fine boy, and his mother is, of course, proud, as she ought to be, of him. I could not help feeling some fondness for the youth, though I did not testify half enough partiality, to satisfy the exquisite devotion of a mother’s heart. You will perform this office with a better grace, than I could.
The Ex-Ambassador, is to me, precisely the same man, as when I left him; but many of his former acquaintance exclaim—How you are altered! The only difference I could discern in his appearance was a sort of fatherly look, which has lately come to him, and which will, no doubt grow upon him, with increase of years. I am happy, that he is once more restored to his Country & friends, for they will both, be benefitted by his talents, however employed. He has no propensity to engage in a political career, and from his contempt of the conduct of all the parties, which have hitherto existed, I think he will not rank with any, unless it be with one moddeled on his own system. Should he converse freely on political topics, and discuss, openly, the conduct & characters of leading men, on both sides, he will, by the federalists be called a Jacobin and by the jacobins, a federalist. As a neutral character, he would not long continue if he could, nor could he if he would.
I received some letters for my Brother since his departure, which I now enclose. Your flour, I am told, was Shipped for Boston, a fortnight ago, addressed to Mr: Wm: Smith. I have ordered two Blls more, as you desire.
The half boots, which you have, at my service, if they will suit my brother, as I think they will, may be transferred to him; if not, please direct Wm: Shaw to send them round to me, by water.
I am, dear Mother, / Your Son
T B Adams.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 20 September 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
Philadelphia 20th: September 1801.

I have your letter of the 14th: with a paper for which I thank you. Mr: Reed has written to you, in consequence of the information respecting the demur, about delivering his trunk, and contrary to my advice, has sent money to pay Bills, which he says he had already, once discharged. I never will recommend any of my friends to that vile house so help me, truth!
Since my return, I have been more occupied with my profession than I had been, for a long time before, though with little immediate profit. My ambition does not aspire to any thing out of the pale of Bar promotion, but it is by no means an easy task to attain eminence in this Sphere. The number of competitors added to the difficult and laborious duties in the exercise of our profession, make it a perfect lottery as to success & profit. Every opportunity I get of holding forth, at the Bar, invigorates zeal, but I have not yet vanquished the terrors & palpitations incident to inexperienced speakers.
During the session of our Supreme Court, we have had some interesting trials & arguments. The case of Pickering vs Reynolds for a libel was heard a second time, but before the trial was finished, one of the jurors (a democrat) took sick; the Court adjourned and the juryman was unable to attend during the term. They jury therefore was discharged and another trial must be had. Brown & Relf; who were arraigned on an Indictment for a libel upon Dallas, which was removed to the Supr: Court, plead guilty; or submitted with leave to give matter of extenuation in evidence; the Court sentenced them to pay a fine of three hundred dollars each, the costs of prosecution and bound them over to good behavior for one year—So much for this Brimborion.
The ex-ambassador has had a long confab with the Port folio-man and I trust it will be profitable to him. He has been seriously addressed by several of his warmest friends, and promises reformation.
I spoke to Dickins about sending your paper.
By this or the next Mail I shall send under cover to my father some papers for Mr: Gay, upon business; you will please to deliver them.
Your friends are all well here. When you write to your good mother, please to remember me kindly to her, and tell her, I hope we shall some day or other meet again, even in this vale of tears, though I hope on no mournful occasion.
Love to Mr: and Mrs: Foster.
Your friend
T B Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 21 September 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Johnson, Catherine Nuth

My Dear Madam
Quincy Sepbr 21 1800 1801

A Severe attack of a kind similar to that which two years ago, reduced me to the verge of the grave, has prevented me from expressing to you the joy and thankfullness I feel at the Safe return of our dear Children to their Families and Friends. I hope e’er this reaches you that you have folded to your Bosom. Your long absent Daughter, and the dear Boy for whom She had So Severely Sufferd. I Sincerly hope that a change of country and climate may prove benificial to her Health, and that you will not long detain her, from those, who also claim a Share of her fillial Regard and affection—
Mr Shaw informd me a few days Since that you had been ill of an intermitting fever, and Some others of your Family Sick. I think you had a touch of it last fall. I fear your situation is not favorable to Health. Our Northern Air, climate, & I believe habits and manners would suit your taste better. You will Soon have here an inducement to visit us, and I flatter myself that Should my Life be spaired to another Season, I Shall have the pleasure of Welcomeing you to our Rural Retirement at Quincy.
“Where the free Soul looks down and pitties”.....!
With a kind remembrance to all Friends I am dear Madam / Yours
A Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 September 1801
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington Septbr: 22d. 1801

I should have answered your very affectionate letter by this days post had I not been confined by one of my fits of the cramps &c. which owing to the fatigue of my journey and the unusual agitation of my spirits was attended with a considerable degree of fever I am however much better today and should be perfectly well if it was not for my hands which are extremely painful it is a return of the same thing which I suffered so much with last year but unfortunately it is now in both hands I cannot concieve the meaning of it but the would  wish to pursuade me that it only proceeds from one cause and that nothing but time and patience  I only laugh at them as yet and only hope they may be mistaken—
By this time I may congratulate you on the meeting with your dear mother who is the delight of all my family and to whom I beg you will say every thing for me that is affectionate and respectful and likewise to your father and all the family desire their best respects—
Our dear baby I think improves every day every creature that has seen him has been struck with the striking resemblance he bears to his grandfather Adams he is as well as a child can be and fatter than ever—
Mrs. Smith has sent me a very polite invitation to spend some time with her in New York as this entirely depends upon you I shall not answer it untill I hear from you papa has so set his heart upon seeing you that he says he will not let me return untill you come to fetch me—
Adieu my beloved husband I only want you here to be completely happy and remain your ever affectionate wife
Louisa C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 23 September 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My best friend
Quincy 23. Septr. 1801

I hope you have duly received the letter which I wrote you, from New-York, giving you a regular account of my proceedings untill I reached that city. The packet on board of which I took passage was detained by adverse winds untill Friday, the 18th: when we sailed at about 5 in the afternoon—Of all the passages by water that I ever made, this I think was the most perfectly pleasant, and in thirty hours we landed at Newport, having had just wind enough to fill our sails; and scarcely motion enough in the vessel to make us perceive we were at sea. The night of the 19th: we pass’d at Newport; and on Sunday the 20th: went up the river to Providence—The next morning I took my seat with nine other passengers in the stage to Boston, but without going into that town, came here the same night, and enjoyed the inexpressible delight of seeing once more my parents after seven years of absence—This pleasure was allayed only by the infirm health of my mother who has again been very ill, though now much better than she was last week—Untill this morning I have been unable to find a minute even for the purpose of writing to you; not only the first duty, but the first pleasure I could be sensible of after that which naturally engrossed all my feelings upon my arrival here.
I had calculated that Whitcomb might possibly have arrived at New-York on  return as early as the morning of the day when I came away; and as he did not come, I was proportionably disappointed, and became the more anxious to hear from you and from our dear child—His legs, arms, and face with the inflamed eruptions upon them have haunted me ever since you got into the carriage at Mrs. Roberts’s door—I shall feel constantly uneasy on his and your account untill I hear from you.—Next week I may write you some more about your prospect of finding a roof to shelter you when you come on.—Here indeed is a roof, and room enough, and a most cordial welcome to await you—I suppose my brother Tom has sent you a letter from my mother, which she wrote you on being informed of our arrival; but which did not reach Philadelphia till after we were gone. Both she and my father will receive you with most cordial affection; and here you can stay, comfortably, and I hope, happily, untill our arrangements will enable you to go into a house of your own.
Our baggage from Hamburg has just arrived, but is not yet landed—That from Philadelphia, I have not yet heard of but expect it daily.
Do not fail writing me as soon as possible, when you think of setting out upon your return—My sister Smith will expect you to spend some days with her at New York—If you can get so far upon your journey I will meet you there—Or I will go on to Philadelphia, or even to Washington, where I understand there is at present no particular motive for me to remain distant.
Remember me most kindly to your father, mother, brothers, & sisters, without forgetting our little godson, whose health I hope is fully restored.
Ever affectionately yours,
J. Q. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 29 September 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa.
Quincy 29. Sept. 1801

Last friday Evening, the 25th. Whitcomb to my great joy arrived and brought the tidings of your safe arrival at Washington; he was detained four days at New-York; so that your letter of the 16th. reached me at the same time—I enjoyed over again the happiness of your meeting with your parents and family; and as you are apprehensive of too much inconvenience on your journey hither without me, I have resolved to indulge my own inclinations and yours, and in a fortnight from this time shall set out to join you—I hope to be at Washington about the 22d. or 23d. of next month, and both the season and the roads will make it necessary for us to be here early in November—Coll. Smith and my sister will expect to have a few days of your company at New-York, so that I hope you will make your arrangements to recommence your pilgrimage with me by the 25th of October at the latest.
I have been endeavouring to procure a house for you, and have I believe fixed upon a choice—It will probably not answer your expectations, and is certainly very far from the accommodations I should wish to procure you—But it goes to the utmost bounds of my power, and you have so long submitted to inconveniences with me that I hope you will cheerfully continue to put up with others—We shall probably not be able to enter upon the house before the new year, but in the meantime you will receive a most cordial welcome, and find I hope an agreeable residence here—I hope you will prevail upon your sister Caroline to come and pass the winter with you—My parents here will be very happy to see her, and untill we get settled, she will contribute to make this spot still more the abode of happiness.
Farewell, my best beloved—Remember me affectionately to your parents and family—ten thousand kisses to George, and believe me to the last gasp yours

John Q. Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, September 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Cushing, Hannah Phillips

My dear Madam
ca. September 1801

I received your kind and Friendly Letter of the 2d, and beg you to accept my thanks for your kind invitation to your Hospitable Mansion. I know not any visit from which I could promise myself more pleasure “from Friends of more than 20 summers ripening” grow not think on every Bow, Friends whom no change of political sentiments have warped, nor party spirit deluded—
I have frequently inquired after you since my return and was sure you went a Route quite distant from Quincy or we should have seen you here; where you would have found your old Friends attending to the buisness of Farming, enjoying a tranquility undisturbed by the responsibility of public Life, having neither addresses or Remonstresse to reply to, nor paying any Homage but to the Great Ruler of the Universe by whom Kings Reign and Presidents should decree justice.
I dare not promise you my dear Madam that I shall make you the visit I so much wish to. yet should I see two or three days where I can absent myself from Home with Louisa who is equally desirious of paying you her Respects I really feel as tho I would strive to. I have been very unwell this very warm weather with a return of the old fever; and but through the Summer I have had better Health than formerly. but whether I accomplish my wishes or not be assured my dear Madam that it will afford both to mrs Adams and myself the highest gratification to see the good judge and yourself at Quincy. I heard his old Friend express a wish a few days since, that the judge might live to the Age of His Father and retain in vigor the office he now sustains, for more than ever is it of concequence that no unclean thing be admitted amongst the Sons of God If the fountain of Justice should become impure, our only Sheet Anchor is gone—
My sincere Regards / to the judge and affectionate attachment / to You both. I am your Friend
A A


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 2 October 1801
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam.
Washington Octbr: 2d. 1801

I have recieved your very kind letters and should certainly have answer’d them sooner had I not been prevented by a disagreeable complaint in my hands
I was very to understand from your last letter that you had again suffered an attack of your former illness I hope however that you have now entirely recovr’d your health and that the sight of your beloved Son will prove a cordial and contribute greatly towards removing all your complaints—
Your kind invitation to Quincy dear Madam I most joyfully accept and feel myself highly flatter’d by it as it affords me an opportunity of paying my duty to the parents of my beloved husband to whom it is my earnest desire to render myself agreeable my sweet little boy I hope needs no other recommendation than the striking resemblance he bears to his Grandfather. The time of my return will entirely depend upon Mr. Adams as I am too great a coward to venture alone upon so long a journey—
My Sisters desire to be remember’d to yourself and Miss Smith and I remain dear Madam your most affectionate Daughter
Louisa C. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 October 1801
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington Octbr: 2d. 1801

I wait with the utmost impatience for a letter from you as I am extremely anxious to hear of your safe arrival and likewise to know something about your future plans as it regards my return home I have recieved a very polite invitation from your mother to Quincey but as I am very desirous of bringing one of my sisters home with me I have hesitated about the answer I will candidly own to you that it would  a terrible disappointment to me not to have one of them with me the next winter.I have weaned my Boy and it has not affected him in the least my own health is much as usual sometimes well and sometimes very ill my sweet Boy is as fat and hearty as ever and I only wish you were here to be perfectly happy papa has desired me to repeat his invitation to you and to tell you that he cannot think of parting with me untill you come to fetch me—
I wrote you in my last that I had suffer’d very much with the old complaint in my hands papa has already taken the advice of two physicians about and they seem to be of opinion that it is the Gout or an inflamatory rheumatism so that you see I am not likely to lose it shortly. they still continue very bad and prevent me from writing a very long letter I am ordered to ride on horseback and to drink new milk which they say will be of the greatest service to me It is only on your account that I wish for health as I have too long proved a heavy burthen upon you if the sincerest affection can ever make up to you the many painful hours I have occasioned you to pass you ought to be satisfied of perfect and tender attachment of your / most affectionate wife
L. C. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 October 1801
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best friend
Washington Octbr. 4th 1801

I recieved your very kind letter late last night and hasten to answer it although I have already written by this post. You need be under no apprehension about your dear Boy as it is impossible for a child to be in better health and the terrible eruption proved to be nothing more than bug bites he has taken his weaning like a little hero and continues to grow very stout and hearty I talk to him continually of his papa but he looks in my face and laughs and seems to care very little about either of us I wish most cordially you were here to see him. I think I should then be completely happy if it is possible for you to come to this place I entreat you will as the disappointment of not  seeing you would prove almost too much for papa in his present state of health he his indeed very very much broke but I sometimes flatter myself that he looks a little better and seems more chearful than when I first arrived. You will find the family in general much alter’d but they will all give you a sincere welcome—
Mr. &. Mrs. Hellen request you to pass a week at their house Nansy is not the least altered and you know she was always your friend your little Godson is a very fine Boy his leg is very weak owing to the accident which happened at his birth but I am in great hopes he will outgrow it if it is properly taken care of. Mrs. H. is in a fair way to have another in the Spring and they would fain pursuade me that I shall follow her very shortly but I know they only do it to teize me.
It will not be in Toms power to leave the office and I cannot think of undertaking any part of the journey by myself I hope however you do not need this inducement as papas great desire to see you will be sufficient to pursuade you to visit the family
Adieu my beloved friend be assured of the sincere and everlasting affection of your very faithful wife
Louisa C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 8 October 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa
Quincy 8. Octr: 1801.

The day after I last wrote you, I received your favour of 22d: Septr: and am much distress’d to find that you had again been ill with the cramps, and continued to suffer the pain in your hands which has so much afflicted us heretofore—I hope with you it is not imputable to the cause our friends apprehend, and that it will subside when the agitation upon your spirits occasioned by our tedious voyage, and your journey shall pass off.
My mother’s health, God be praised, is much better than upon my first arrival here, and I indulge the pleasing hope that by the time when you get here with me, it will be perfectly restored—I have found here great alterations among my friends; in the lapse of seven years, many have drop’d in mellowness or been plucked immature from the tree of social life, while on the other hand a forest of young plants are shooting up, which at the time of my departure were not even in the kernel.—I should without the aid of a census have perceived the progress of population in my country, for the first question I have to ask of my old companions whom I left here bachelors, is how many children they have?—and the answer is generally from three to seven.
I have purchased the house I mentioned to you in my last, but have hitherto bespoken no furniture but a bed—There is a tenant in it who will not be obliged to quit before new-year’s day, and as I expect we shall be here by the middle or latter end of next month, there will be time enough to procure furniture, while you stay at this house
Captain Lewis is at last arrived after a passage of ninety days from Hamburg, and our things sent by him are safe—Four or five days before he got here, Whitcomb tried to get insurance, and could not have obtained it under 75 per cent—The vessel from Philadelphia with our trunks has likewise arrived, so that we have nothing more afloat upon the ocean.
Our dear George—how I long to kiss even his slavering lips!—As for those of his mother I say nothing—Let her consult my heart in her own and all that pen can write or language express will shrink to nothing.
This day week—the 15th:— I purpose to take the wings—alas! not of the wind, but of that very earthly vehicle the Providence Stage  and thence by land or by water creep or wade or swim with all  that motion can give to this sluggish lump of matter my body, untill I can more than in wishes and imagination, fly to the arms of my best beloved, under her paternal roof—In the mean-time with my best affections to her father, mother, sisters, brothers, and our cousins Cranch, not forgetting the godson Johnson, I remain for this world and the next her devoted friend and husband,
A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 12 October 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

dear Thomas—
Quincy october 12 1801

your Brother will be the Bearer of this to you, and with it a commission for you to get executed for me against his return. inclosed you have a lock of Hair which I desire you to get me a ring made with the cypher N Q.—and on the back N Q, aged 85 dyed Sepbr 30 1800. there is a, or was a Frenchman in North 2d Street who works in Hair very well he made one for Louissa for Seven dollars & half. I Send you ten—your Brother will have so much to Say to you, that writing you now will be Superfluous. he can tell you how we all are. therefore with Love and affection I subscribe / Your Mother
Abigail Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 October 1801
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best friend
Washington Octr. 15th. 1801

I write you a few lines merely to mention that George is perfectly well and that I am almost tired of our seperation and extremely anxious to see you. I must draw upon you for the sum of twenty dollars as I have been obliged to purchace mourning on account of the death of Mrs. Hellen the Mother of Nancy’s husband the family all very anxious to see you papas not at all well. Adieu believe me / Your very affectionate wife
L. C. Adams


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 15 October 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
Philadelphia 15. Octr: 1801.

I thank you for the pamphlet & newspaper. In return, I send you the New York L. J. Brutus—rather a repetition of what has been written on the Same Subject, than any thing new—Oldschool & I disagree as to the author of Philalethes—I say the hand is not visible; but he thinks it is.
We have Duane again before the Circuit Court and he tried to manage his own cause; but before he had blundered & stumbled a great while—John Beckley took up the defence as a volunteer, and talked very bold. The trial is for damages, Levi Hollingsworth Plff—for a libel on his character. The same pitiful, mean & abject figure that Tom Cooper made, when he was tried under the Sedition law Duane now makes. His stile of argument was stupidly arrogant and if the Court had done their duty—they ought to have checked him in several of his remarks—The trial is not yet concluded.
I have something to send you by the first opportunity which I shall then direct you how to dispose of—
Mean time I am / your friend
T B Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 24 October 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear brother.
Washington 24. October 1801.

I have duly received your letter enclosing the 8 per Cents, and the bank bill, for which I am to give you my best thanks.
I arrived here safely after a fatiguing journey of thirty hours from Philadelphia, and had the happiness to find my wife and child in very good health—Louisa looks better than she has for years before, and I flatter myself with the hope that she will find this climate more congenial to her Constitution than that of Europe—The family are all well, excepting Mr. Johnson, who has a very bad cold with some fever.
I have paid my visits to the President and the heads of departments, and am now ready and anxious to move homewards—But a few days, I must allow to my friends, and shall probably get away by this day week—Our purpose is to go by the way of Frederick, and Lancaster—We hope to reach Philadelphia, by the 4th: or 5th: of next month; perhaps by the 3d:—of which, if you see Mrs: Roberts, I wish you to give her notice.
Your’s affectionately.
J. Q. Adams.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 24 October 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Mother
Philadelphia 24th: Octr: 1801.

I have received your favors of the 5th: & 12th: currt:; the first containing the mournful tidings of the death of our venerable Uncle Quincy; and the latter, by my brother, directing me to procure for you a mourning ring. I hope by the time my brother returns from Washington, to have your commission complied with, but as you gave me no particular directions respecting the fashion of the ring, I have been obliged to exercise my own taste in the choice of it, which at least runs the risk of not corresponding with yours.
I was in some measure prepared for this event, by the opinion I had formed when I last visited the good old gentleman, of the state of his health. He appeared much altered & broken, and I took leave of him under the impression, that I should never see him again. He was an honest man & a pious christian, and his surviving relatives need aspire to no higher character, to form his monumental inscription.
I recollect some conversation between my father and myself when I was last at Quincy, on the Subject of the probable distribution of the landed estate, belonging to my uncle, in the event of his death; and if I rightly remember, the course of descent is not much altered, by the will, from what it would have been had he died intestate. The veneration which my father entertains for hereditary institutions, especially in his own family, I had no doubt would make him desirous of acquiring this estate, and I expressed an opinion to that effect, during our conversation. I wish he might be gratified in the complete indulgence of this favorite propensity, for in addition to the convenience of situation, vicinity and so forth; an other important advantage would accrue from the possession & ownership; viz; it would swell the Catalogue or vocabulary of titles, which my father in his last letter to me enumerates and appropriates to himself, as consequences resulting from his being free from the Shackles of public duty. The Monarch of Stony field; Count of Gull-island, Earl of Mount Arrarat, Marquis of Candlewood-hill and Baron of Rocky-Run, would doubtless be proud of the additions, though drawn from military & naval heraldry, of Field-marshall of Mount Wollaston; & Lord High Admiral of Halfmoon.
I have read some sketches extracted from the Palladium, headed, foreign politics. The design is not unworthy of JQA, and the execution, so far as historical accuracy and correct judgment are concerned; but the style & manner is not his. The speculations are attributed to Mr: Ames & to my brother; but Ames’s constellation of blazing, fiery tailed Commets is not visible. In short, my judgment, a very hasty one, I confess, is, that the Scheme is a good one, but there are some blanks, which I think the public would have prized, if it had been the work of another hand.
I hope your ride to Atkinson was serviceable to your health. I have had more rheumatism, this fall, than usual, but not enough to confine me. I am obliged to take more exercise than I can well spare time for, in order to keep my joints from stiffning.
I had but little time with my brother, as he passed through, but on his return I hope to keep him a few days. You will be pleased with the sprightliness & vivacity of his wife; when she is in only tolerable health, her Spirits are abundant; she is so devoted to her boy that one might think she was quite satisfied, with a single heir, but if the truth was known, I guess she would tell another Story—Well! Heaven prosper them, I am content they Should for a time make good a batchelors deficiency.
I have not yet ascertained the price of Rye flour but, if I dont forget it, will inform you in my next.
Remember me kindly to my father & Louisa and / believe me your dutiful Son

T B Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 November 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother
Washington 1. Novr: 1801.

I have intended every day since my arrival here to write you a line and inform you of my having safely reached it; but have hitherto been prevented, partly by business, and partly by the waste of time in visits, dinners and other avocations of the like nature: I say partly by business, for I have found much more of that to do here than I was aware of: upon undertaking to settle my accounts here, I find myself charged by the accounting officers with about forty-five thousand dollars more than ever came into my hands; to discharge me of which, I am required to produce vouchers from divers persons, in various parts of Europe. For a small part of this amount, though much too large for me to afford losing, that is for about 1400 dollars, I am led to expect that a serious difficulty upon a settlement, will be made: though at the same time, there is not one of the accounting officers, but professes a perfect and entire satisfaction of mind, that my claims and statements are perfectly just— They must take their own way—I feel myself on the safe side of Justice and even of Law; nor shall I give up a tittle of my right.
I came from Boston to this place in six days and a half; that is all the way with the mail—I was indeed obliged to ride almost the whole time; night and day—But I had very fine weather, and a journey by no means unpleasant—I found my wife much better than when I parted from her at Philadelphia; and excepting a bad cold for the last three or four days, she has continued well—The child’s health continues yet uninterrupted—Mr: Johnson, has been one or two days quite ill; but is now much recovered—The rest of the family, all well.
I have visited the President, and the heads of departments—Have once dined with the former, and been very civilly treated by the Secretary of State—We have likewise been to Mount Vernon, and paid our respects to Mrs: Washington, who desired to be very affectionately remembered to you and to my father—It has made me very happy to meet again Mr. Cranch, and Mr: Dalton, with his family; both of them have given us a cordial welcome: but they reside so far distant from Mr: Johnson’s that it has not been in my power to see them so often as I should have wished.
I have been detained here some days longer than I expected; but have engaged the stage for Frederick, the day after to-morrow—I still hope to be with you by the twentieth of this month, the day I mentioned as that of my purposed return, before I left Quincy—But it probably may be four or five days later—Mr: and Mrs: Johnson intend going with us, as far as Frederick, with their two youngest daughters.
I am very anxious to get home for many reasons—and particularly for the pleasure of presenting to you and to my father my wife and child—Caroline will also be with us.
Yours in duty and affection
J. Q. Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 November 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother.
Philadelphia 16. Novr: 1801.

We left Washington on the 3d: instt: as I informed you in my letter from that place of the 1st: it was our intention to do—Mr: and Mrs. Johnson and their two youngest daughters accompanied us to Frederick—But Mr: Johnson and my child were both taken so ill on the road that we had some difficulty to complete our day’s journey—Mr. Johnson’s illness detained us a week at Frederick-town, where I meant to have stop’d only two days—Even when we came away he was still confined to his bed, and Mrs: Johnson could not part with Caroline—The child’s complaint was in the bowels—We expect him to cut some teeth soon—Dr: Thomas imputes his disorder to this cause—He recovered so far that on the 11th: we left Frederick and the next day arrived here. But stage travelling at such a rate, is too violent for my wife’s state of health, and she has been very unwell here—We must however get along as we can—This day I hope to get as far as Trenton; and to-morrow as far as Newark—There to see Mrs: Smith and sister Adams—and go into New-York the next day morning.—It is I find, utterly impossible, travelling with such a family to fix a day when I can expect to reach any given place—My journey has already been unavoidably protracted a fortnight beyond the time I had prescribed to myself, and I can scarcely hope it will not be again delayed by some accident or other—Instead of the 25th: which I mentioned in my last as the day when I should hope to see you, I must now reconcile myself to think of the 30th: as that when I may promise myself the satisfaction—I believe we shall go from New-York to Providence by water—It is by far the most comfortable, and in my mind the safest way for us to perform the journey—At any rate we shall be with you as soon as possible.
My brother is in very good health, and fattening upon celibacy—I wish his estate were fattening as much as his person; but he preserves at least an Independence, and I hope will ere long do something better.
Most affectionately your’s
John Q. Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 20 November 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, William Stephens

Dear Sir.
New-York 20. November 1801.

As your brother has heretofore intimated to mine, that it would suit his convenience to discharge his note of hand to me, by a conveyance of lands belonging to him, and adjoining the settlement upon which he resides, I am disposed, as well from the desire to make such an arrangement as shall best accommodate him, as from the wish to settle this affair in a manner advantageous to myself, to accede to this proposal—You will therefore oblige me, if you will propose to him to send me the description and boundaries of such tract of land, as he is willing to cede me, as equivalent to the amount of his note and the interest due upon it—But as I shall wish for time, to take all proper information concerning it, your brother will understand that I am to be at liberty, for twelve months after receiving his answer to accept the lands he shall offer, or to decline them, and hold him still answerable upon the note—It is not improbable that I shall myself in the course of one or two years undertake a settlement in that country: and I wish your brother to have an eye to this probability in making election of the spot which he would set off to me—That it may be land upon which a settlement may advantageously be made, and if possible, adjoining other lands which might be acquired upon favourable terms—I should also be very glad to receive information concerning the situation of the place—its prospects of improvement—Its state with regard to healthiness—its advantages and its inconveniences generally—Whether a small capital might be profitably improved by a settlement, and in what manner If your brother can give me satisfactory information upon these points, it will do me a favour, and may perhaps eventually promote his interest as well as mine.
I am Dear Sir very faithfully your’s.

Note 10 Septr 1798$2000 One years Intt paid.Intt to this day307.10Two years two months and ten days.Now due2307.10


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 22 November 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

dear Thomas
Quincy Novbr 22 1801

I have received two Letters from you since I have written to you. one Your last was of the 2d of this Month. Mr. Malcomb I presume by his request to you, conceived that some unfavourable impressions had been made upon my mind respecting him; I recollect Mrs. Adamss telling me that she had received by her sister Nancy the Sum stated, but I believe she had not then received so accurate a Statement as the one inclosed to me by you, which I shall send on to her.
We have not any subject here, which woud occupies the public attention so much as the peace, between England and France. Like the Rod of Aron, it appears to have swallowd up all the smaller powers. We have great reason for thankfullness that our peace was first made; that we had not any thing to ceade, but one poor solitary ship, about which there has been as much clamour and grumbling, as tho it had been a province or a Kingdom; the peace has come rather unexpectedly to our Merchants, and a general Stagnation of buisness is the concequence together with a fall in the price of produce. Many long and gloomy faces, and our exclusive feds are much mortified at the Terms. Gen. Sedwicks masterly State paper about which he puffd such high praises, meaning Lord Grenvilles reply to Buonaparty, does not rank so high in the estimation of our junto at this period; nor the restoration of Royalty in France appears an an event so suddenly to take place as the Hammiltonians predicted 15 months ago. That the peace will be followd by many serious concequences to this Country I fully believe. The Helm of State will not be the more steadily steared for it, nor the feds more satisfied with the measures which will be pursued by this chief.
I sincerly rejoice that we are safe cottaged at Quincy.
Your annecdote respecting an old acquaintance, I could not refrain laughing at, tho really too serious in its concequences to be a subject of merriment. The Lady is one of natures sports. She ought to be considerd as insane, for no woman in the free use of her understanding coud conduct as she has always done, neither beloved, respected or esteemed. She must now descend to the grave with a load of Ignominy attachd to her Character, possessd once of a fine person, a keen wit, and a natural good understanding. She has tarnishd all these qualities by crimes for which she ought to suffer reproach and disgrace. I never met with just such an other woman. She appears to have taken a particuliar fancy to printers. J. W. Fenno was one of her former favorites and Rumour was not silent with respect to him. French manners have made too many prossilites.
Your Brother has not yet arrived. We are all well.
Yours affectionatly,
A A


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 28 November 1801
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear brother,
Quincy 28. Novr. 1801.

The remnant of our pilgrimage since we left you at Mrs. Roberts’s door, stands thus—Monday Novr: 16. lodg’d at Trenton—Tuesday, at Mrs: Smith’s in Newark; where we found only the old lady and little Abby—Mrs: Charles Adams was in New-York—Wednesday morning we reached that place—The roads began to be deep and reminded us that we were quite late enough in the season.—Two days at New-York—Then sailed in one of the Providence Packets—Tuesday Novr: 24 arrived at Boston and the next day came out to Quincy—Just in time to keep thanksgiving with our parents, who are both well.—My wife and child the same—
George and his mother are heartily thankful to you for his coral—And I ought to be so too—and so I am; and would have told you as much, but that I did not make the discovery untill after we had left you
I commenced at New York an arrangement for the discharge of I. B. Smith’s note—I shall probably take his lands, and may perhaps purchase more in the same neighbourhood—I have thought of making a settlement there, and removing with my family to that part of the Country—It is the most promising spot on the continent for enterprize and industry—What say you to joining me in the plan; and going with me?—Independence, thrift and sport—You can promise yourself in a high degree—Why should we wither away our best days, and sneak through life, pinch’d by penury, and yawning off existence over the black-letter, merely for the sake of a few luxurious indulgences in a large town?—Reflect upon it, and let me hear from you.—In the meantime I shall establish my temporary residence in Boston—Some sacrifice I have consented to make; but my stock of patience is not large, and will not last long—
At Boston I received from Mr: Murray the enclosed letter for you, together with your letter to me of 7. June, which you had sent under cover to him—I think he must have arrived in the United States by this time.
Your mother desires me to pay you 21 dollars on her account for flour—Please to charge it therefore to my account, and pay yourself from any funds of mine in your hands.
Enclosed you will find a small scrap for Dennie; to whom remember me kindly—I hope to furnish him soon with a more liberal contribution—My time is yet very scant.
Your’s.
A.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 1 December 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, William

Dear Sir.
Philadelphia 1st: December 1801.

I have the pleasure of making Known to you Mr: Richard Peters & Mr: J. B Wallace, two gentlemen for whom I have a particular friendship & esteem. I am well assured, that I shall confer an obligation, by introducing them to your acquaintance, which will become reciprocal, by the friendly attention, you will feel disposed to Shew them.
Present me kindly to your lady & believe me / Your friend & ob: Servt:

T B Adams.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 December 1801
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Brother
Philadelphia 7th. December 1801

I have just now received your favor of the 28th. ult. with the enclosures; Dennie stepp’d in a moment after, and I gave him the fables, for which he thanks you. He desires me to add, that as he cannot expect, from your present, unsettled State, you will have much time to bestow in producing original matter, he will be grateful for any thing you may send him, from your stock on hand. I was gratified with Mr. Murray’s letter; it bespeaks the man we used to know, throughout. Moreover, I like his advice, in the concluding sentence, “Get married, love God, your Country, make money and keep it.” This is so much in unison with my apprehension of the whole duty of man, that I am a ready convert to the scheme—but then the means—You have suggested, at least a share of them, in the project you suggest offer for my consideration. I want but little time to look at it, for golden prospects could not sooner tempt me, than rustic independence, thrift and sport. If you can bring your mind to the sacrifice of “luxurious indulgences,” and consent to penetrate the wilds of a new, unsettled Country, in quest of honest though homely independence, I should feel a pride in emulating such an example; indeed I think so much like you, on this subject, that I am ready at a short warning to embrace, with zeal & ardor, any practicable enterprize which may justify a renunciation of my present, ill-requited labors in an ungracious profession. No more words. I am your man, for a new Country & manual labor—Head-work is bad business, and I never was fond of it. I will not more fully discuss this topic, now, but I pray you be explicit and untill we have ripened our scheme to the period of speedy execution, let it remain our own. My capital is chiefly in my hands & feet, and they are at your service. Love to all friends—
Your Brother
T B Adams


Title: From Walter Hellen to John Quincy Adams, 11 December 1801
From: Hellen, Walter
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
City of Washington 11th. Decmr. 1801

I am really fearful you may suppose I have not attended to your request regarding the House which you seem’d disposed to purchase; but believe me my dear Sir I have constantly had it in mind & have made several attemps to conclude the Business with the Proprietor, but as yet without any success—The truth is, the Man does not know his own mind; one day he will sell & another he will not; He now says he wishes to finish the House before he offers it for Sale—He says his intuition is to, build a Kitchen back of the House & to erect good Stables—When the whole is compleated he says he expects it will be worth Six thousand dollars—I shall keep it in view & you will in the mean time please say if you wou’d like to go to that price provided it cannot be had for less. Since you was here there is another House that has been offerd for Sale—It is much larger & will be finished in quite as handsome stile as the one you express’d a desire to have—it is situated on  the Pennsylvania Avenue, between the Presidents House & the Capitol—if you approve of this situation I am inclined to believe the House might be had for a sum not exceeding Six thousand dollars, & perhaps less—
The Letter you did me the Honor to write from Frederick I received, and regret exceedingly the occasion which produced it; Mr Johnson has continued ever since extremely Ill, and when he will be able to get Home Heaven only knows—By the last account we have (three days since) he was rather better than he had been, but continued very low—Mrs. J. & Caroline continue with him—
I hope this may find you & Mrs. A—safe at Boston—We were very uneasy about your dear little Boy. I however hope he bore the Journey better than our fears led us to expect.
Mrs. H desires her affectionate Love to Mrs. A & your sweet little Boy to which please add that of Dear sir / Yours very Sincerely
Walter Hellen


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Mary Smith Gray Otis, 15 December 1801
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Otis, Mary Smith Gray

my dear Mrs otis
post 15 December 1801

I received with great pleasure Your kind Letter of December 15. I regreted that I had not the pleasure of a visit from you before you left this part of the Country. old Friends and old wine are always valuable. they both tend to exhilirate the Spirits; and to enliven the declining part of Life: tho I am not particuliarly attachd to the latter, the first Stand foremost in my estimation. Some one asked Socrates why he lived in so small a house? would to Heaven was his reply, that small as it is, I could fill it with true Friends. descended from the same original stock I arrived at Mature age with the highest respect veneration and affection for your parents whom next to my own, I loved and revered, and in the decline of Life every Branch desended from them has become dearer to me as the parent Stock has have been leveld with the dust; I have not wished to increase my acquaintance; Time and circumstances diminish those: but my early Friends, my particuliar connections are twined closer round my Heart, and I feel it a diminuation of the Social bond to be seperated from them—my own declining State of Health, daily reminds me that the fabrick so frequently assaild must e’er long fall; I would therefore enjoy the fleeting moments as they pass; the poet assures me that“God is paid whom man receives”with the assurrence of the poet, that God is paid when man receives.
“To enjoy is to obey”
I mourn for the ill Health of my much valued Friend mrs Stodart She is one of those modest–unassumeing benevolent women who do honour to their Sex and age. She has sustaind two of the most important Characters a Female can fill with great propriety & usefullness—as a wife and Mother. her loss to her Family will be irreparable; pray tender her from me not the affected Homage of duplicity, but the Sincere and affectionate regard and concern of a Heart sincerely deeply interested for her Health & recovery. to mrs Dalton & Family, present a kind remembrance as well as to judge Cranch and Family. I have never written a line to any person in the city of Washington Since I left it, except to mrs Johnson—my Reasons for it have been many, amongst them however was not the want of attachment to many persons there. I have been so accustomed to write freely upon any Subject I chose that fetters and trammels ill Suit my humour. thoughts are free; and reflection follow. to commit these to paper would have been attributed to different emotions than those which I feel & know actuate my mind—have you never seen a little Book calld the World turnd upside down? If I was to offer my mite as a new years Gift—I should certainly choose that as a true representation of an administration “feeling power and forgetting Right.”


Title: From Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 December 1801
From: Otis, Mary Smith Gray
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Mrs. Adams
Washington Decr: 15th 1801

It was with regret, that I left Boston without seeing you again, but we were in such a state of uncertainty, till it was tame to take our departer, that it was not in my power.
I am extremely sorry to hear by Mrs Cushing that you was very unwell, when she left you; but hope that you are quite recovered; by this, & that you will enjoy the society of your friends and neighbours this winter, without any interruption from ill health. You will not I presume envy us any of the pleasures of Washington, notwithstanding the great improvements which you will hear have been made; the road from this to George town is very delightful, but there is much wanting to make it a desireable place of residence. The house you occupied, has been much improved within, in point of conveniances, we had the honour of dineing there soon after we came; Mrs Maddison is always there, when there are ladies, she is extremely sociable and agreeable. They live in a new house addjoining Dr Thorntons.
Mrs. Dearbon & Mrs Galatin live on the hill near us, the latter has had a sick family ever since she came  here.—Mr Daltons family are well, he has lately experienced a new mortification, which his friends very much regret, it was expected he would have been President of the Bank; but the George town intrested determined it otherwise.
Mrs Bayard is the only lady, we have with us at present, but expect in a few days Mrs. Loownes of So & Mrs Hill of No Carolina.
Mrs Stoddard made many kind enquiries after you, I fear she is not long for this world. She is thought to be in a confirmed dropsy.—
What is passing in the political world, I shall leave to Mr O to detail.—Please to present my respects to Your Friend, with love to Mrs Cranch and Louisa. Harriet and Mary join with me, not forgeting little Susan.
Your Affect Friend & Cousin
My: Otis


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 16 December 1801
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washing Decr 16th 1801

Enclosed is a letter from Mrs Otis who with her family are at board at Mr Stilles our old quarters.
Congress have as you see commenced their Session and the daily papers give you a view of their business. I expectd opposition to my continuance in office but was agreeably disappointed. Not a word was said nor do I think any injury was wished except amongst the Hamiltonians, you recollect King Ellsworth & the set who originally opposed me. And I think there is some of the same unfriendly influence discoverable—Not amongst the Repubs—for having a strong majority they could at any moment have turned me out. They can now—But it would have disgraced any party. I have done my duty punctually, unremittedly & for a paltry compensation—which but for advanced age and misfortunes I should dispise. I always thot myself degraded by the appointment and but that I supposed it a stepping stone to something better would never have been an object of solicitude. My time of life now and other circumstances, preclude any higher views, and I therefore avail myself of the office as a meer item of subsistence.
The Session hath commenced in quite a Republican style. No speech no reply, no company days, no formal dinners, & alas! no drawing rooms—How our new King is to get along liable all hours of the day to be interrupted in his business time will shew. But I think some of the practices of the old school would have been more for his convenience, and certainly more agreeable to his masters the sovereign people.
The principal business of the Session you see deliniated in the message. The judiciary will be new moddled infallably. Abolition of taxes, augmentation of navy &c. But I have masters too, and pretty imperious ones & I must obey their call after presenting my best respects to your lady & assurances of being with perfect esteem / your most humble Sevt
Sam A Otis


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 December 1801
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Madam
Washington December the 18th. 1801.

We came to the City on the 4th The weather & roads were as favorable as could be expected for the season. At New-York we had the pleasure to hear from Mrs Smith, that your health was much better than when we were at Quincey. Judge Cranch was so good as to engage us lodgings; they are as agreeable as any here, although not so pleasant to us as the last winter. I have been twice to see Mrs Cranch She looks exceeding well & also the children, except the infant. Her heart is set much upon going to New England the coming summer, I hope she will not be disappointed.
Mr. Tracy is a lodger here. He had been confined to the house three months prior to leaving home. We think he has been on the mending hand since he arrived, & I have great hopes of his recovery, although his cough is yet troublesome. He has found the greatest relief from letting blood about once a week, 12 oz at a time, but the necessity becomes less frequent. We have 13 members here; all good Fedts., Mr. Griswold is one, who by the way pleaded a cause in Court with so much weight & argument that Mr Cranch was highly pleased with him. It might be the more so as it was in support of an opinion which my Friend had given at Heartford. In the next house adjoining us where the Vice President lodged last winter are gentlemen of another sect. The Att. Genl. &c Dr Eustis whom I always have had hopes of; whether they were founded in reason or not is with them; but I have heard it whispered that he is not satisfied with his company nor with the majority. I fear that we shall leave the City without my haveing seen the President. The day that Mr Cushing dined with him when the carriage came to the door for us it was raining so violently that my timidity overpowerd my inclination & I let him go without me. When my respects were offered to the President He pleasantly said that he had rather that I had presented them myself. I went with Mrs Maddison to hear the Speech read as She called it I have heard but little said upon the Message. However between you & me The C J observed, that it reduced the strength of the Government to the old Confederation. About 20 Members waited on the President on Tuey, supposing that of all the days in the week would be the least acceptable. Mr Dana purposed keeping it up. His dinner partys are small 8 or 10 Persons at a time. On the 11th. we dined at the Secrey of State’s where we had the pleasure of meeting Mr & Mrs Murray, who arrived a few days before, after a tedious passage of 11 weeks. The Ship put back to England twice, and & almost constant gales. Mr. & Madam Pichon was of the party. She has a sweet interesting countenance but 21 years old. The Court have this day passed a rule upon the Secry. of State to shew cause next term, to shew caus why certain commissions for Justices of Peace for Columbia duly authenticated under the late Administration, but which remained in the Office, should not be deliverd to the Persons appointed. Before this Mr. Gi. had given them the appellation of the six Directory I do not know what he will call them now. Congress have done but little except to cut out work; it is said enough of that has been done to keep them imployed till April. The Speaker has conducted to the approbation of the Fedts. hitherto. The Senate have enough to employ them six months The appointments will take up much time, Mr Greens Comn. will be largely dwelt upon, & also The Sy of The T—But what will all that avail if the Judy system is destroyed. Mr Griswold is confident it will be attempted, but some of the Ans reject the idea. Dr. E went “to the other side of the house & asked Mr. Dana why they did not take a part in debate, & not sit laughing at hearing us dispute but you will not be silent any longer than it is for your intres”
Monday the 21st.
Court has finished to day. On the morrow we intend to set our faces to the North. Judge & Mrs Cranch called on us this morning their little girl is better. Mr. Dexs. grand cause comes on the 28th. He has just been in to see us & confidently said “that he is more & more convinced that nothing effectual will be done this session; there are three parties in the Majorityy and they must crumble to pieces; the Fedts. have little to do but to keep silent.” My own conscience would condemn me in writing thus freely to any other Friend. I was lately told that the Fedts. had agreed not to write any thing of a political nature to their friends. If they for the two years prior to the last had conducted with so much judgment & prudence the Newhaven Remonstrance &c would have been unnecessary. Since the best part of the community have got into limboe they must unite heart & hand in getting out again.
Vanhorns the 23rd.
The weather & roads were fine yesterday & to day we are stoped here by a N’E storm. We left Mrs Otis & family well, also Mrs Dalton & family They moved last week upon Capl. hill.
Philadelphia Jany the 4th.
We arrived here on the 31st. The roads were much injured by the rain at the same time they were uncommonly good for the season. Mr. Rutledge arrived at Wasn from Rhode Island the day before our leaving it. He said he never knew the travelling finer at any time Mart. Street appear’d to great advantage when we entered it about sun set. The houses have progressed much further from the Presidents house than I had apprehended & all of them elegant; but the beauty of the street must always appear greater to a person, coming from the southward, than from the Northward. I was highly diverted an evening or two prior to our leaving Wasn. Mr. Upham was reading the Message paragraph by paragraph, & Mr. Tracy criticising upon them. He said that he had not read it, nor heard it read, since in the Senate, & it then put him in a fever, which lasted 48 hours, & now he should have to be bled. We dined yesterday at Mr Boudinots Each individual enquired affecy. after you & yours & wished me to remember them to you. In a day or two we intend to proceed to Midn but are undetermined whether to remain there till the first of June May or return to Scituate. Mr Cushing unites with me in affectionate regards to our friends in Quincy. A letter informing of their welfare will be gratefully received by your Friend
H. Cushing