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

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia March 11. 1794

          I received Yesterday your kind Letter of Feb. 28. and March 1.— I can never be sufficiently thankful to you for your constant unwearied Attention and tender care of my Mother. I hope that you will be very careful of your own Health and not suffer your Solicitude and Exertions to go beyond your Strength.
          Our Selfish young Rogue at Boston is so taken up with his Business and his Fees, that he has not written me any Thing this Winter. However he has done a Public Service of more importance than is or ever will be acknowledged, by any Body but his father and Mother.
          The Federalists must be in high Spirits to threaten Such mighty Things. But I doubt their Power, their Union, their Spirit too much. They are Seeking Popularity and Loaves and Fishes as well as the Anti.’s and find it inconvenient to act a decided open Part in any Thing. But for this, many Things would have gone better. But for this your Husband would not have been Sacrificed, nor the unrivalled unexampled Writings of your son persecuted or neglected, as they have been. Let him listen to the Charge of a Father to mind his private Business and keep himself forever independent of the Smiles or Frowns of political Parties. A rigorous Frugality in Spight of all the Sneers of Bankrupts, Debauchers and Puppies. A Solid Income from a landed Estate in the Country; an unwearied Attention to study and Business: and an Integrity inexorable to every temptation, will carry him, as it has his father, through Life with more comfort and Honour and enable him to do more good than hundreds of thousands of Reptiles and Insects by which he may be sometimes annoied.
          You go on in the Conduct of your Farm with so much Spirit, amidst all your melancholly Avocations, that it is a noble Regale to read your Letters. Plant the Ground which We broke up last fall with corn. Sow Barley where We had corn last Year—plant again the lower Garden, Potatoes again at the Beach Meadow. Plant again

Faxons last Years Corn field. Buy as many Cows and young Stock as you can keep in plenty. Send the sheep as soon as convenient to the Pasture by Harmans.
          I shall send you some Money in a fortnight or three Weeks.
          I know not whether John was at the Boston Town Meeting. Col Smiths Meeting at New York did not terminate so gloriously quite, as that at the Old South.
          most tenderly your

            John Adams


Title: Charles Adams to John Adams, 12 March 1794
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John

            My dear Father
            New York March 12th 1794

          The Samaneens were a sect of Philosophers of India They embraced the doctrine of Butta or Budda whom the Indians have placed among their Gods and beleive him born of a Virgin One peculiar difference between this sect and that of the Brachmans was that originally the Brachmans were all of one tribe or Cast The Samaneens did not exclude any class from their body The were much respected and venerated. It appears by the history given of them in the Encyclopedie that they suffered persecution on account of their principles and were expelled from many parts of India “Il n’en reste plus de traces sur les côtes de Malabar et de Coromandel Le culte des brachmes â succédé a celui des Samaneens; ceuxci selon le temoignage des Brachmes ont été detruits par le Dieu Vischnou parce qu’ils blasphemoient ouvertment contre sa religion; regardoient tous les hommes comme egaux n’admettoient aucune difference entre les diverses tribus ou Castes, detestoient les livres theologiques des Brachmes et vouloient que tout le monde fût soumis a leur loi.[”] This article is interesting I have made an abridgment for you, as you desired me. I could wish neither to speak or hear of Col Smith his flights are too sublime for my comprehension In his late capacity of Committee man he has gained the honor of putting much more milk and water into the Resolutions than would have been mingled had he not been there. I have received your favors of the eighth and tenth inst In answer to the Question Whether all connection had ceased between me and The family of Smith I shall say that it was my wish to have concealed in my own bosom

every chagrine I never go there I have not even seen my Sister more than once in three months and that by accident Why should I be called upon to say anything further I know not. How to answer the other question? Should I use deceit towards my father and tell him that I am perfectly convinced of [my] weakness and error? Were I to say so, it would be far from the truth. Were I to declare that I did not entertain the same opinion of Sally Smith that I ever did, I should declare a falshood If you have questioned too closely it is not my fault I have obeyed
          With every affection I am your son

            Charles Adams


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 March 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            Dear John
            Philadelphia March 13. 1794

          This morning I had the Pleasure of your Letter of the 2d of this month. The Town meeting did itself honour by its judicious Result. But there has not been the Same Wisdom in New York nor

Philadelphia: nor is there equal Wisdom and Decision in either house of Congress. All that has been done has been to restrain and moderate the constant disposition to rashness Intemperance and Madness.
          Mr Fauchet is a very different Man from Genet and is pursuing a different system.
          I am glad to hear you have been busy and wish you may be more so. Your Letters always give me Pleasure but I can easily Admit your Apology for Writing so seldom as I well remember when I was of your Age and standing at the Bar. A few Lines however now and then would not cost you much time and would give me great Comfort.
          Proteus will never merit your Friendship and is not worth your Enmity. Do him Justice but court neither his Ill Will or Good Will. You have made him feel your Superiority to him, and it may not be amiss, and you will have Opportunities enough for it, to put him now and then in mind of it, by making him see his own Ignorance and Absurdity.
          The Decline of my beloved Mother is a sourse of Melancholly to me, which I cannot and ought not to dissipate. My You and I my dear son fulfill our Duties in Life as well as she has done. We can never be too sensible of the Obligations We are under to this worthy Woman. She is about to leave a World on fire for Abodes of Innocence Peace and Bliss. Such is my Faith, and without it I should be in despair.
          The Defection of certain New England Characters from what I think the line of their Duty and the true Interest of their Country, will oblige me to remain here I fear till the End of the session. This however in Confidence. I have a great Aversion to a War by Implication and Construction. We may be too soon compelled into it very expressly. But I am determined to do all that may depend on me to keep it off as long as possible. I am my Dear son / Your Affectionate Father

            John Adams


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

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy March 14 1794

          This Letter will not bear you so melancholy tidings, as from the close of my last, I apprehended. our Parent still lives; the ulcer which in my last, I informd you had broken upon her Lungs, and brought on the Symptoms of a speedy dissolution; she had Strength sufficient to Grapple with; all day on Sunday, we expected every moment would be her last, but she fell in to a quieter Sleep; and was revived with it; and has to the astonishment of her Friends Survived an other week. her cough has again become very troublesome, but she is not so distresst as she was: and may continue for some time to come she is loth we should think her better: tomorrow will be her Birth day; when she will commence her 86th year. since she was taken sick, she has seen & heard of 5 person in her Neighbourhood carried to their Graves; it has been very sickly here. mrs Bass who lived in our House was buried this week; she died of a mortification occasiond by a Rupture, which she had for several years, and not properly attended too. mr Seth Baxters wife, & Mrs Pray of a Lung fever, & two children—
          The weather has been so warm for three days, this week, that I could not but be anxious for my Philadelphia Friends: I fear the late intelligence will oblige Congress to sitt long. What can be done with that mad & I may say unjust Nation? if they force us into a war with them George will deserve a second time, to lose his Head; so sure as he provokes America into a war, so sure he will lose his crown. Heaven avert from us so distressing a calamity but there is a General Gloom and distress amongst the mercantile people.
          our People commencd war—against the canker worm, the 2 day of March. we were the earliest in Town, and we have already slain our thousands. other people are but just begining, mr Black yesterday. I have sent to Town for an other Barrel of Tar—yet they use it more prudently than the last year. the Season is not so forward by a fortnight as the last year. the Roads have been so bad the frost just comeing out of the Ground, that Shaw is not yet come. I expect him in a few days—and have agreed to take Joy, and family. I shall want 5 cows. I can not hear of any under 20 dollors a peice I sent last week by a person going into the country after stock for cows & young cattle. he returnd without getting any with word that they were dearer there than round here. I shall want Pails Tubs pans hoops & the

whole Apparatus for a dairy a Cheese press excepted which I bought. I will send out the begining of April for my cows; Belcher Says we can keep them here, being well provided with salt & fresh Hay. we shall be obliged to purchase an other ox, for the other place, by Faxons movements, for he has bought on a match for that he had last fall; & a young Horse by which means he makes a Team up for his Son to work with. he is a sad, and I fear a dishonest Man. I shall be glad when we are rid of him; I have purchased 8 Barrels of cider: and I have engaged a Barrel of Rum, & a Barrel of molasses, a hundred of sugar as every article is rapidly rising in concequence of the detention of our vessels and the Ruin of our trade; some other articles I have omitted least I should plunge too deep; I have engaged an other load of Hay. tis a sad expensive thing to have to feed sheep 4 months with corn and English Hay. I make my Boys with one Man Tar for the most part; as soon as the frost is out, we shall finish breaking up the peice of ground for corn. I should like to know whether you design to Break up any New Ground at the other place, or plant over again part of what Faxon broke up last year. I long to have the places arrang’d Gardening will soon come on— I wish Brisler could send me some willow Trees— tell him I saw mrs Brisler & his Boy this week. both are well, and the Boy half grown a very fine child. I have been once only at my sisters for near Nine weeks. adieu my dearest Friend. Heaven preserve you in Health and return you in safety to your affectionate

            Abigail Adams

            The Hayseed not yet arrived.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 March 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia March 15. 1794.

          I know not how to throw off, the Lassitude that hangs upon me.—weary of a daily round, which to me is more confined and more insipid than to any other. I would gladly go home: but at a time So critical as this, it would not be justifiable, to quit my Post if there were no particular Reasons against it. But as the Senate is nearly

divided in all great questions, and the President pro tem, has lately taken it in his head to Shift his Box, my retirement would give an entire new Complexion to the Government. This Circumstance however must not be repeated from me: but it is true.
          Great Pains have been and Still are taken to inflame the Populace of Philadelphia and New York, and they have no Method to correct this heat by a Town Meeting and by the temperate Reasonings of the Soundest Part of the Community, as they have at Boston: the Consequence of which is that Clubb meets to countract Clubb, Merchants to undo what Merchants or pretended Merchants have done, and the public Opinion is a Chaos, a Proteus any Thing every Thing and nothing. Yet all Sides trumpet and dogmatize about the public opinion.
          If the New England People Suffer themselves to be artfully drawn into a War, they will be Dupes indeed, for all the Men and most of the Money must be forced from them, and while others, will throw off the Burthen of British Debts, and obtain all the Advantages of Fur and Petry Trades and Western Lands, We have not the smallest Thing to hope, unless it be by Privateering, and such is now the tremendous Naval Superiority against Us that We shall loose more than gain by that.
          A General Dearbourne from the Eastward and a Mr Lyman from North hampton discover a Disposition to go wrong. Whether the first wants Employment in an Army I know not. the last is a Pupil and Correspondent of Sullivan, certainly: probably of Jarvis and Austin. He has a false a Subtle and a malicious Countenance: This I know, from my Sight. That he is so in realty I have heard. But a Pettifogger a Tool to Sullivan is enough to decide a Character: and by Such Characters is this Country to be cursed with War, and an Additional Debt of hundreds of Millions, while they are every hour declaiming against Debts and Taxes.
          Raynal prayed that rather than Men should always be Knaves and Fools, the Species might be annihilated. at present it seems in a fair Way to be so. I love them too well with all their faults to be glad to see their present rapid Progress towards destruction. All that I have and all that I am would I chearfully give to prevent it. but I see no means. Havock must have its perfect Work and then Eyes will begin to open.
          It is some relief against Melancholly to laugh: and Libells themselves evil as they are have their Uses. The inclosed from New York may divert you and the more so because you are a stranger as well

as I to most of the Characters. The Patriots in New York should seem to be at least as pure Characters as those at Boston, if the Poem is not mere fiction.
          I have some hopes that your next Letter will inform me my Mother / is better. I am yours forever

            John Adams


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

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy March 17th. 1794

          I received your two kind favours last Evening of march 2d & 8th. the seasons I belive have been very near alike both here and with you. we have had several days of warm & muggy weather, the Ground thawing the slug & miller very industerous, and as the Scripture assures us that tis Lawfull to do good upon the Sabbeth, my people are employd in Annoying these destructive Enemies, who make not the Sabbeth a day of rest; I hope our care and early attention will put an effectual stop to their career. our Neighbours are pretty generally taking the same precaution, tho they have been too neglegent of the season; I wish you to enable me as soon as possible, to send out for stock. Cows are in such demand that they rise in price every day. Col Bass of Randolph is after 20, and many others are in quest of them I should have sent the comeing week if I could.
          I am much dissapointed at your loss, as I know not how to help myself here I want about 3 hundred Dollors. one hundred & 50 I shall send out for stock. we cannot expect to get Cows under 20 & some have been sold at 23 dollors. we have two calves which we are raising— I have got a Barrel of Rum and a Barrel of Molasses a hundred of sugar, which come to 54 dollors all these articles have risen since I first sent to ask the price of them. I want 50 weight of Coffe & some Chocolat I wish to know whether you would not think it best to get an other Barrel of Rum? there is a strong talk of a

General Embargo— whether Congress have such an object in contemplation I cannot tell, but trade is much distress’t. Rye has fallen in Price and as the Spring advances will be still lower. of that I would purchase 12 Bushel flower for what reason I cannot tell has risen three shillings in a Barrel. veal is currently Sold at 6 pence pr pound good Mutton and the best of Beaf at the same price so that the Farmer need not much complain. Hay keeps up at 7/6 & 8 shillings & Butter at 1/4 pr pound. these things must soon fall, if the Spring comes forward with a good Prospect. Cider I bought, drawn of at 2 dollors pr Barrel, which is said to be as cheep as 10 shilling would have been in the fall, considering the waste there always is in a Barrel—
          what you mention respecting L——n I am sorry to learn. I always had a good opinion of him. poor Humane Nature, How few of they ospring are “firm and steady to their trust, inflexible in ill and strictly just”

            “Fame is a Bubble the Reserv’d enjoy,
            Who strive to Grasp it, as they touch, destroy.
            Who pants for Glory finds but short repose
            A Breath revives him, or a Breath o’erthrows”

          I never knew so little of what was passing in Congress. we have only mutilated speachs and as to the Senate we are not informd of a Single movement how was Gallitan Election determind?
          I am like to be in trouble in my oun Family Polly Howard is taken sick with the prevailing Lung fever. I hope a well timd bleeding may save her. I have hopes of the Recovery of our Parent “let none despair she says, if I recover, it may be calld a Resurection from the dead.” I cannot say she is out of danger, but she is certainly better, tho her cough is still very bad, and she is extreemly weak and low—
          My Love to Thomas I have so many cares upon me that I do not get time to write to him so often as I wish. I am my dearest Friend most / affectionatly Yours,

            A Adams


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

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia March 17. 1794

          Your favour of 8. March is just put into my hand.— My beloved Mother is very near my heart and has Spread a gloom over my Days from the first of her Illness. I must resign her to the Disposition of the supreme Ruler and prepare to follow her Example if I can in Life and in Death. My Love to my Brother and his Family who will be sincere Mourners with me and you upon this occasion. It grieves me to think that you are called to go through this melancholly Scene without the Participation of your Partner: But the Distresses of our Country have often destined Us to such Misfortunes for which We have little praise and less Thanks. The Prospects of our Country at this time are far from being bright. The Infatuation of our People has I fear brought upon them Resentments, more lasting and more fatal than they are aware. I still hope however that We shall not be involved in War: but our Madmen will provoke it if they can.
          Brisler is this day beginning to Ship our Goods on board a Vessel that is to carry them into Qumcy Creek if he can. they must be carried on shore in the Scow I believe. I shall send you 500 Dollars by our son Thomas to his Brother John to Morrow perhaps. This must last Us till June, for I fear I shall be compelled to spend all the rest here if not more. I am most tenderly / yours forever

            John Adams


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 19 March 1794
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, William

            My dear William
            Philadelphia [19] March [1794]

          My last Letter to you was of such a nature, that I can easily persuade myself no matter arose out of it sufficient to furnish an answer. the subject was personally interesting to me alone, and as

such, it deserved only to be dwelt on by me. I am manifestly also in your debt for your agreeable favor of the 18th Jany:. You ask me to “let you know the State of Politic’s at the fountain head.” Alas! I am not a Physician; and if I were, my chance for accuracy of judgment would be no greater than that of others; and when I tell you that scarcely two people judge alike of the actual State of the public pulse; that the most skillful differ materially in their conclusions, whether it beats the standard of health & tranquility, or indicates a latent disease, the first symptoms of an approaching eruption, or the sure prelude to actual tumult; your surprize perhaps, will be exceeded, only by your conviction of the falibility of human skill—nor will you tax me with a deficiency of discernment above the ordinary run of geniuses, when there are so many professing themselves equally bewildered with myself.
          The crisis is thought to be near at hand, when the American council must pronounce how far they will tamely submit to insult, depredation, & unlawful spoliation from the powers of Europe— English pollicy is more blind & besotted than ever it has been heretofore— they are streching on the rack, the cool and collected spirit of American Independance, whose sinnews will bear but little more tension before a total dissolution must ensue. “O cæcas hominum mentes, O pectora cæca.” Their policy may be good, but our partiality will suggest its apparent fallacy so far as our interest is affected by it. It has long been in the power of Great Britain to bind America forever to her interest, without any uncommon share of favor extended on her part; instead of performing those friendly offices, usually practised among civilized nations, her system has been that of an overbearing, insolent, & haughty Nation, swallowed up in her own self sufficiency, & confiding in the brutal arm of force to procure advantages, which she is too proud to reciprocate. To this conduct we may object, but if breach of faith had not been added to the Catalogue, we could hardly be justifyed in a formal complaint. An Independant Nation may refuse to another privileges of intercourse & may abridge the advantages of a Commercial connection; but if the advantages are reciprocal, the door is open for similar conduct on the other side. This appears to be nearly our situation at present with reference to England— Mr: Madisons Resolutions, which have made so much talk in Congress and in all parts of the Union, contemplate something similar to this mutual restriction. They have met a violent opposition, more from the Idea that they were premature, & probably would be ineffectual for the

accomplishment of the object that produced them, than a conviction that our wrongs called not at this time for redress. Every American heart I am fully persuaded palpitates opposition to British insolence; but that we are in a situation to avenge our injuries at this time, if pacific measures should prove fruitless, is a question that excites no small degree of embarrasment by the doubtfullness of its nature.
          War is become a common topic in the Seaport towns; it is in a measure familiarized to all classes, by the frequent meetings of Merchants that have been convoked. For the most part, the result of these Assemblies, by the aid of those not so immediately desirous of violent measures, has been favorable. It has been thought prop[er] to leave the business with those, in whom the regulation of Nati[onal] measures is legally vested.
          In this place much pains is taken to inflame the public mind against England; you may easily immagine that our National prejudice requires little provocation of the artificial kind; the spur to our antipathy need not be sharpened, for the mettle is genuine, & to have been once sorely pricked, is sufficient to persuade us, that the part is tender. With me, you will join in an earnest prayer that we may neither suffer too long, nor resent too hastily the oppression with which we are threatned. That we may be as terrible in our resentments, as our forbearance has been magnanimous.
          Your’s

            Thomas B Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 March 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my Dearest Friend
            Quincy March 22 1794

          Yours of March 11th reachd me yesterday I have the satisfaction to anounce you our Parents Life, her complaints graduly decrese. her Health appears to be languidly returning, and last night for the first,

she passd without a Watcher. Nine weeks she has been confind, but as her disorder of Body gives way, her faculties which all along during her Sickness seemd brightned, appear to be impaird, which is often the case in Younger and stronger persons. She now hopes to be Spaired to see you once more. my own Family is very sick, both my girls confind with this Lung fever. Polly Howard got better, but too soon exerting herself got cold and is worse than at first. we have had very warm weather for several days uncommonly so for March. the Grass is turning Green and to day we have a fine rain. we have taken advantage of the weather and finishd the breaking up. the Slug & millar are thought to be in greater plenty than usual. we have not omitted tarring every day. I went this week to see the new House and Farm. the House I found in such a state as to require imediate attention. like the Augean Stable it wanted a River Turnd through it, to do them justice they had engaged to have it cleand, but the woman never did it. I sent a couple of Hands and it took them two days to make it decent. there are a dozen Squares of Glass out, and some small matters which want to be put in order without. I went into the Barn & out buildings which are convenient and I think the purchase not a very dear one considering the Buildings. Thayer drove all his Stock into the country in November & sold his Hay so that there is very little manure, not much more than will be wanted to put upon the peice of ground which was planted last year to corn, & must now be Sown to Barley. you direct to plant again Faxons last years corn Field. would not it be better to break up a few acres more, & sow down a part of what was last year planted. I wish to execute your commissions directly, respecting stock, but it will not do to send out without the needfull. I have been up to Faxons to examine what I shall want for both places for the dairy. Pratt I find were out every thing they had, & what Faxon has belongs to them excepting a cheese press so that I hall have occasion for 6 dozen milk pans 6 creem pots 8 milk pails 2 cheese Tubs & Baskets 2 churns Hoops &c some more Tools will be wanted. Thayer has a pr of Broad Wheels would you take them? wanting Hay & oats I have been obliged to apply to the dr for 15 pounds. my workmen want their pay weekly, and the Spring opens new wants daily. we have had a subscription for purchaseing a new funeral pall which was much wanted, the cost of which was 60 dollors. I gave 5 towards it. the subscription was soon filld and the purchase made. is there any prospect of your Grass-seed, or is it all gone. let me know as I believe I can get some in Boston—

          The Genett Party the Jacobine club—are trying for an other civic feast in Boston, but I believe will not succeed with only their own Party every article of foreign produce is risen a Quarter higher.
          we hope you are all employd in doing much good but we know very little what
          most affectionate Regards attend / you from your

            A Adams—


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 March 1794
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother
            Philadelphia 23d: March [1794]

          I have neglected writing to you longer than usual, that I might have it in my power to give you some more favorable prospect of publick affairs, than for some time past has presented itself to my mind; I have had some serious thoughts of the alteration of my pospects, in the event of a war. Instead of peaceably pursuing the path of my profession; the law of Arms would probably excite my attention; I know not whether I was born with courage enough for a Warrior, but at least I should not be deficient in inclination. The subject of war has been & [sti]ll continues to be much talked of; but I apprehend it [to] be farther distant than is generally immagined. The People at large have scarcely heared of such a thing, and the Rulers of our Country understand too well the responsibility of their Offices to hazard a headlong & precipitate measure, which is to affect so sensibly the purses of their Constituents. The Sea Ports are generally irritated by the depredations of the powers at war upon their Navigation & Commerce, but however clamorous they may seem for the moment, many of them are too sensible that the condemnations that have taken place of their Vessels & Cargoes, have not been without a justifyable cause in many instances. Doubtless there are cases which wear the appearance of arbitrary rule, & the propriety of the law or proclamation, which declares a particular course of trade contraband, may excite a doubt; but in our earnestness to obtain redress, we should be careful how we furnish a plea of justification to the aggressors. If Great Britain has violated or infringed our just rights, (and none will doubt but she has,) if she has done it under a plea of necessity, & leaves the justice of it to be discussed at a future period, when that necessity has ceased, it may be

doubtful whether a patient forbearance on our part till that period arrives would not be the most adviseable conduct. But it may be objected, that our losses under her present system are continually weakening our power & exhausting our resources, and the longer we forbear, the less able we shall be to obtain redress by force— This argument would carry force with it in my mind, if I thought we were able to […] with all the powers combined against France in [the pre]sent situation; but we are not, & a war would cost [the coun]try infinitely more than she is likely to loose by the restriction of her trade. The populace will always follow the impulse of passion & resentment, without considering the consequences; & opposition to their opinions is looked upon by them as a decided approbation of the measures they reprove. They acknowlege no medium, between being with them, or against them. This is a misfortune to which all popular questions are liable. And a greater one than this, is, that they never can be persuaded that a measure which they advocate will opperate injuriously till they actually feel its effects. Congress have been occupied with the question of imposing an embargo for 30 days on all vessels now in port; but it has been negatived by a small majority— As the debate was private I know not who were its advocates or opponents.
          I am preparing to make a Journey into the interior part of this State, in a Circuit with my Master Ingersoll, who as Attorney Genl. of the State is required to attend the Supreme Court in his official capacity. It will be useful to make an acquaintance with the State in which I am to reside; I have held in a favorable light the idea of a settlement in some Country Town hitherto, but as my Father & my Master think a continuance in the City more favorable, & as my father is willing to extend his assistance till I may obtain business sufficient to support myself, the probability is that I shall settle here— Dependance is at all times irk[some and] I feel the weight of the obligation too strongly [. . . .] in my endeavors to place myself beyond the [. . . .] I can hardly expect however that my success will b[e as] rapid as that of a native citizen, supported by a numerous family of relations. I never will omit an opportunity of introducing myself to business where it may be done with honor; & if my talents do not entitle me to notice the defect must be radical, & not the fault of my own endeavors.
          I am / my dear Mother / with the strongest affection / your Son

            Thomas B Adams

            PS Give my love to Louisa & remember me to Uncle Cranch’s family.


Title: John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 24 March 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Boston March 24. 1794.

          I received on Saturday your favour of the 13th: Instt: Our Supreme Court closed their session in this town last monday, and I am thereby left with more leisure, and less care upon my hands than I had been for some time past used to. The anxieties of business carry with them an antidote, but the anxieties of no business have nothing to weaken or alleviate them.
          My Grandmother is still living, and we have yet hopes of her recovery. I heard from her on Saturday, that her symptoms were more favourable than they had been for some time.
          The depredations committed upon the commerce of this Country, have considerably distressed, and still more alarmed our merchants, and if the principle upon which the british have lately proceeded to seize our ships be persisted in, I fear we shall have no alternative but War; indeed it is of itself a state of War, to have every thing that passess under the denomination of supplies liable to capture.

          The aversion of our people to War is however constantly strengthening; and has of late upon several occasions appeared in a very decided manner The Event of our town-meeting exhibited very forcibly the public sentiment here; a still later occasion has shewn the prevalence of the same Sentiments.
          An attempt was last week made to celebrate the late successes of the French, by a second civic festival.— It was set on foot by the Jacobin-antifederal faction, and they appointed a Committee who applied to the Lieutenant Governor to order out the military and to make a display in behalf of the Commonwealth— He at first complied with their request, ordered out an artillery company, and directed that they should be supplied with one hundred cartridges at the expence of the State; that is from the public magazines; but what with squibs upon the subject in the newspapers and with serious expostulations from some respectable gentlemen, he got intimidated; one despicable passion rescued him from the disgrace which another was bringing upon him, and he countermanded his orders; the civic festival is postponed, and we shall hear no more of it untill some new accident, shall give another clue to those who set it on foot.
          The old Gentleman has hurt himself by this improper compliance with an insolent request; the general opinion seems to be that there will be no choice of a Governor by the people at our ensuing election. It is my opinion however that Mr: Adams will be chosen.— He may do less harm than some others, but he will certainly never do any good. Stat magni nominis umbra. His present impotence leans for support on his former services; and the office will be given him as a reward, not as an employment.
          I am Dear Sir, ever your’s

            J. Q. Adams.


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

            My dearest Friend
            Quincy March 26th 1794.

          our two Tenants are come, and I have occupation enough. I have set them to clear the manure out of the Barn and to digg the Garden put all the wall up and look to the fences. when that is done, I shall send them to clear up the Bushes in Curtis’s pasture. I hope you will not be detaind longer than the Month of April. you will be weary of hearing of my wants, and of supplying them, but I find we want for the Two Farms a Wheelbarrow for each place 2 spades 2 forks 2 shovels 2 axes 2 hoes. I shall order two more Sythes immediatly—each place must be supplied for it will not be working it right to carry from this place those articles as at present, we are obliged to, and still worse to Borrow— I shall Buy 50 weight of clover and a few quarts of Herds Grass seed. I wish you to inform me whether for the corn land which is broken up here, the manure is to be spread as the last year. Belcher is of opinion that as the land is cold it would be better to manure in hills— I am waiting for a Remittance to proceed with courage. mrs Brisler, too want me to let her have some money, or you had better let Brisler have it for her, but I shall let her have 5 dollors as I promisd it her— for myself I have spent only 2 dollors & half through the winter & that was for shoes— the whole of the Family expences are upon my Books. Arnold seemd so desirious of continuing with us, that I think to hire him for 8 Months, or by the Year if you think best.
          we continue our daly Labour of tarring how long it is to hold I know not, but it will be necessary to get an other Barrel of Tar, as the animals are so thick as to oblige them to lay on plentifully every day.
          Mother continues much in the same state as when I last wrote you. she is a mere shadow but the wonder is that she lives. she has been led out of the Room twice—
          Trade languishes. we are full of wrath but Patient, whilst

            “A Passenger the voilated Merchant comes along
            That far sought wealth, for which the noxious gale
            He drew, and sweat beneath equator suns,
            By lawless force detained”

            “When ruffian force
            Awakes the fury of an injurd, state
            Even the good Patient Man, whom reason Rules
            Rouz’d by bold insult, and injurious rage
            with sharp, and sudden check th’ astonishd sons
            of voilence confounds;”

          Yet I see no more reason for going to war with England than with France, nor indeed so much for England does not pretend to give us the Fraternal kiss, & judas like betray us, tho I own want of power only to resent their injuries would restrain me, if negotiation should prove unsuccessfull—
          the civic feast vanishd in smoke. none but the democratic club would unite in it. I have not seen our son for a long time, so that I cannot tell you so much about it as I wish.
          I am my dearest Friend most affectionatly and tenderly yours.

            Abigail Adams—

            I have learnt this afternoon that the L. Govenour assured the Jacobines who waited upon him requesting his attendance to the civic Feast, and that he would order out the Militia, that their request should be complied with. when the real merchants and principal people found that the Government was to be drawn in; they had a meeting, & sent a committee to remonstrate to the Governour, assuring him that it was in direct voilation of their Solemn engagement to remain Neuter; and that if any such thing was attempted more than a thousand of the inhabitants would remonstrate against it; he was much allarmed and said he would use his endeavours to prevent it the Chronical asscribes it to the distress of the Town and the deplorable Situation of the Trade! misirably reduced indeed that not even one solatary Dollor pr head could be furnishd. poor spirited wretches. what shifts to support an abhored system.
            I must request you to hasten me some money. my Buisness is much impeeded at this time through want of it. I know the reason has been the delay of the Appropriation Bill—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 31 March 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest friend
            Senate Chamber March 31. 1794

          I have scarcely a moment to acknowledge the Rect of your favour of 22 this instant put into my hand. I rejoice in the Recovery of my dear Mother and hope to see her, but I cannot say how soon.

          We the old Sachems have enough to do to restrain the Ardour of our young Warriors.— We shall Succeed however, I still hope, in preventing any very rash steps from being taken. There is a dishonourable Motion before the House to sequestre or confiscate private Contracts: but it will not pass the House—if it should the senate will stop it.
          Break up as much as you please and sow as much as you think proper. I must leave All to you.— I cannot think of leaving senate yet. I sent you 500 dollars. purchase all the Tools &c that are wanted and stock.
          I am sincerely

            J. A

            I am grieved at the Dotage of the Lt Govr.. He is mad.


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

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia April 1. 1794.

          Cheesman has at length arrived and I have recd my Trunk in much better order than I expected.
          The People here are much cooler than they were last Week. The Embargo begins to be felt by many who have been the most noisy and turbulent. Speculation mingles itself in every political Operation and many Merchants have already made a noble Spec. of the Embargo by raising their Prices: but the foolish Tradesmen and Labourers who were so ready to follow the heels of their Scheeming Leaders are now out of Employment, and will loose 30 dollars at head by this Embargo. If they had been taxed half the sum to the most necessary and important Measure they would have bitterly complained. I can See little benefit in the Embargo except that it may cool down the Courage of such kind of People. It may be expected that We shall soon have a Clamour against the renewal of it, if not to have it repealed.

          The Assembly of Pensylvania have this day chosen a senator Mr James Ross of Washington County in the Place of Mr Gallatin.
          A violent Measure has been proposed in the House to Sequester all Debts due from American Citizens to British subjects. Such a Motion will do no honour to our Country.— Such Laws are injurious to the Debtor as well as the Creditor, for they cannot annul or dissolve the Contracts. It will not pass the House, and if it did, it would stop in the Senate.
          We are rejoiced that the civic Feast in Boston Succeeded no better. It is astonishing that Mr Adams should ever have thought of implicating the Government in so indecent and hostile a frolick.
          We have had an incessant Struggle, all Winter to restrain the intemperate Ardour of the People out of Doors and their too accurate Representatives in both Houses. Too many of our good Federalists are carried away at times by their Passions and the popular Torrent, to concur in motions and countenance sentiments, inconsistent with our Neutrality and tending directly to War. But I hope We shall be able to make a stand against all fatal Attempts.
          I long to be at home, but I dare not ask leave to go. The Times are too critical for any Man to quit his Post without the most urgent necessity. Ways and Means must be provided to defrey the Expences incurred and I expect this will be put off till May. I Shall be very uneasy through this whole month, but I must take Patience.
          I hope Mr Adams of Boston, the Lawyer is full of Business and making his Fortune— I hear so Seldom from him that I must Suppose him busy.
          Tel my dear Mother that I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing her in the Month of May. Love to my Brothers & sister & Cousins &c
          I am, most tenderly yours

            J. A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 April 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia April 3. 1794

          The Post of the day brought me, your kind Letter of 26. Ult. The more I am charmed with your Bravery and Activity in farming the more I am mortified that my Letters in Answer to yours are so

insignificant and insipid. I must leave all your Agriculture to your Judgment and the Advice of your Assitants. I sent you more Grass seeds with the Furniture, which I hope has arrived before now. Mr Adams has sent you the 500 before now. I will sent you a little more if I can possibly Spare it.
          The Times are so critical and Parties so nearly ballanced that I cannot in honour, nor consistently with my Duty abandon my Post. There are so many wild Projects and Motions and so many to support them, that I am become of more importance than Usual, in the opinion of the Soundest Part of the Community.
          We have very disagreable Business to do in finding Ways and means for the Expences We have already incurred. It grieves me to the heart to see an increase of our Debts and Taxes, and it vexes me to see Men opposing even these Augmentations who are every day pushing for Measures that must involve Us in War, and ten times greater Expences.
          But the Inconsistencies and Absurdities of Men are no Novelties to me.
          I have pleased myself with a hope that I should get home in April: but the general opinion is We shall be obliged to remain here till the middle of May. I have little Expectation of seeing you before Election. You are so valourous and noble a farmer that I feel little anxious about Agriculture. Manure in Hills, if you think best: but manure your Barley ground well and harrow it well.
          I have now the pleasing hope of Seeing my honoured Mother again in comfortable health. I have Suffered many melancholly hours both on her Account and yours, and I think myself, indebted under Providence to your tender Care and indefatigable Assiduity, for the Prolongation of her Life.
          If the Yellow fever should mak its Appearance here We shall soon fly: but there is no symptom of it as yet.
          I am sometimes obliged to give critical Votes which expose me to the Passions of Parties: but I have been wonder fully Spared this session. They find it best to let me alone; for I get credit by their Abuse. I am most sincerely / and most kindly your

            J A


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 April 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My dear son
            Philadelphia April 3. 1794

          I have recd your favour of the 22d I believe it is, and am glad to hear that the People of Boston are disposed to Stand firm on neutral Ground. Much will depend upon their Stability. There are so many Interests constantly contriving to draw Us off, from that Position, that if Boston should fail Us We should be in great danger. I feel for the Sufferers under the Unexampled depredations of the English, whether they are brought into their present Distresses by mere misfortune or by their own Imprudence: but a War would accumulate burthen upon burthen in Such a manner that it ought to be avoided if possible. This is, for any thing I know, the most cruel War that ever was waged; of the most uncertain Object, and most incomprehensible Issue. We know not who would be our Ennemies, nor who would be our friends, nor what We could get nor what We might loose. We must endeavour to obtain restitution. one is for commercial Warfare, another for Reprisals on private Debts and a third for prohibiting all Intercourse: measures which would do nothing but mischief, if they should not lead, as it is probable they would directly to War.
          Your Business I hope will encrease. You must bustle in the croud make Speeches in Town Meeting, and push yourself forward. Meet with the Caucusses and join political Clubbs. not the Jacobins however. Some have a faculty of making friends and dependents: some marry fortunes; some marry into Connections. Others find Ways of making money in twenty honest plans. Much more depends on little Things than is commonly imagined.— an erect figure, a steady Countenance a neat dress, a genteel Air; an oratorical Period, a resolute determined Spirit, often do more than deep Erudition or indefatigable Application. A King a Dexter, an Otis have started up per Saltum into fame. All have not the same Gifts.
          My sons according to all Appearances, must be content to crawl into fame and be satisfied with mediocrity of fortune, like their Father. Either nature has not bestowed on Us her most exquisite favours, or We have some Aukwardness in Address, or some peculiarity of feelings, which condemn Us to perpetual Drudgery, without much fame fortune, or Attention from the World. so be it. We are under so much less Obligation to Others. You must not complain. The World will take Advantage of every murmur, and revenge itself

on you for that superiority in some Things which it knows you possess.— You must extort Admiration or you will never have it. If you appear to want it and to seek it, it will fly from you. He who asks favours of the People never fails to be favoured with their Contempt. You must compel them to ask favours of you. If you cannot excite their Enthusiasm, and make them afraid of you, they will never respect you.
          When you arrive at my Age, and look back upon your youth you will see your Errors as I do. If I were to live over again I would not again be the slave of an ungerous World; so declares your affectionate Father

            J. A.


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

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia April 5. 1794

          The Weather is cooler And the Minds of Men are calmed by the inclosed Communication. But
          A Sourd Party will plunge Us if possible. The most uncandid; the most hypocritical Part is acted to take Us in.— Protestations against War by those who are pushing every Thing that can force War, are not the Worst. The southern Men have Art enough to dupe northern ones to bring forwards measures, that the northern Part may have the Odium of bringing on a War. In short the Knavery of some is so abominable and the stupidity of others so contemptible, that I am almost brought to Raynalls Wish.
          The old Debtors to Britain uniting with those who are bribed to France, and both operating on the Populaces of our great Towns, will devote this Country to Calamities as unnecessary as they will be dismal; Unless the Vigilance and Patience of those who have no Object but their Countries Good is supported by the sound Part of the People out of Doors.
          My good and worthy son, I presume sees all I send you— All my hopes are in him: both for my Family and Country
          Yours most affectionately

            J. A.


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 April 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My dear son
            Philadelphia April 5. 1794

          The Old Debtors to British subjects, united with the over Zealous Friends of France and the Democratical societies of our principal Cities, are urging a sequestration of Things in Action: and as I know you are not inattentive to any question of public Law, I have inclosed you some minutes of Authorities and I wish you to look into all others relative to this subject. I have not Grotius here, who with his Commentators Barbeyrac and Rutherford are Said to hold Actions and Debita among the Property liable to Confiscation in time of War.
          I know not whether Rutherfords Institutes are in Boston or not: but he is Said to have discussed this question very well. He is a Commentator on Grotius.
          The Examples adduced by Bynkershoek are all I think more than an hundred Years old: and Vattel represents the rigourous old Law of Nations to be now changed by general Consent in favour of Commerce.
          At least it cannot be considered as any Thing less than direct Hostility, and yet the motion is made and supported by Persons who unanimously declare themselves against War.
          The very discussion of such a question I fear will disgrace Us, and diminish the Confidence of all Men in our Honour and public Faith.
          This Country has been upon a Precipice. A few of Us have been Steady to Peace and Neutrality and We shill hope to avoid a fall. But there is so much more Prejudice than sense, Passion than Reason, and Cunning than Integrity, in Numbers that We shall be long in great danger. If the sound Part of the Community does not exert itself to support Us, they will have severe Cause of Regret, when it may be too late.
          I am unhappy to be from home, this fine Spring but the ship is too leaky and the Weather too stormy, to allow of my Absence, how little soever I can do for the good of the Voyage.
          I am my dear son your affectionate / Father

            J. A.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia April 7. 1794

          Your favour of the 28th. Ult. arrived this morning. before this time I hope you have received your furniture.
          We are Still endeavouring to preserve Peace. But one moves a Series of commercial Regulations, another a Sequestration of Debts, a third to prohibit all Intercourse with Britain, a fourth to issue Letters of Mark against Algerines, all tending to excite suspicions in Britain that We are hostile to her and mean ultimately to join her Ennemies. One firebrand is scarcely quenched before another is thrown in: and if the sound Part of the Community is not uncommonly active and attentive to Support Us We shall be draw off from our Neutral Ground and involved in incomprehensible Evils.
          In danger of a War, that will be unnecessary if not unjust; that has no public Object in View; that must be carried on with Allies the most dangerous that ever existed, my Situation is as disagreable as any I ever knew. I Should have no fear of an honest War, but a knavish one would fill me with disgust and Abhorrence.—
          At nine o Clock at night I suppose your Election is over, and another fortnight will enable Us to guess whether An Adams or a Cushing is to be the great Man. Although the Old Gentlemans Conduct is not such as I can approve in many Things of late years, Yet I find it difficult to believe that the People of Massachusetts will forsake him in his last moments. Alass! his Grandeur must be of short duration if it ever commences. I Shall be happier at home, if Cushing Succeeds and the State I believe will be more prudently conducted.
          The Fœderalists have ventured on a dangerous Manoeuvre. I am afraid the Delicacy which has usually attended Elections in New England, will be injured if not destroyed by these Elections of Governors and senators, so as to be never regained even in the Choice of Representatives. But We must fulfill our Destiny.— I am afraid I shall not see you till Election. I never longed more to be at home. Yours / most tenderly

            J. A


Title: Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 April 1794
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My dear Brother
            New York April 10 1794

          I received your favor of the 18 ulto inclosing the money you was so kind as to procure for me. I laughed for half an hour at the witticism upon Orator Adams’ occupation. At the second Townmeeting I am informed you came forward and acquired much honor, as the business eventually redounded to the honor of the town of Boston I was pleased that you had signalized yourself I see very plainly whither your buck is tending in vain you may cry Quo me rapit tempestus it must be so you must be your fathers own son notwithstanding the rocks he has pointed out to you. Our Citizens have the greatest desire to be at war with England poor fools they know not what they do No place will fall a more easy sacrifice than New York at present there is not a shadow of defence and a single frigate in four hours might destroy twenty five millions of dollars of property At such a period I have one consolation I have not a shilling to loose and I sometimes thak God that it is so. Yet still I cannot but feel interested in the wellfare of those who are the Children of fortune. We have much ill treatment to complain of from all parties engaged in the European contest We overlook glaring injustice from France while England is the object of inveterate enmity. I sincerely hope that what is right and just will be done but parties among us are very high—
          I am my dear brother affectionately yours

            Charles Adams


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

            my Dearest Friend
            Quincy April 11th 1794

          You I presume are so much occupied and fatigued with the duties of your station that you can get but little leisure to write, for of late I have received only a few lines at a Time from you; I hope we may not be driven into a War but the present & past conduct of Great

Brittain has been such that want of power and ability, are our greatest Security to ourselves and not the Humane Principal of Benevolence or Love of our Country, and tho this Principal has a powerfull influence in the Breast of the Good and virtuous, it would not have power to restrain the passion of those who feel them selves injured and agrieved. You will see by the return of votes that mr Adams is undoubtly chosen Govenour by a large Majority of the people, and it is probable mr Gill will be Leut Govenour judge, Cushing stands high upon the list, but the cry of Gratitude towards an old Servant of the publick, whose years could not be long, was powerfull, nor would they fix a stigma upon him by placing an other over his Head. their Principal was good, and I wish they may always act as wisely. yet at this very critical Time, a more National & unprejudiced Man as well as a more active one, might have proved a greater Blessing to the State. Two of the counsel Daws & Wendle are good Men— Austin, I need not say What, he has the Mechanick Interest, and the art of making them believe that he has some Brains— in the counsels of the National Government the confidence of the people appears to be strengthend and as the clouds thicken they look to them for counsel and direction. Thus much for politicks which amidst all my Rural occupations will find place in my mind.
          I will now as concisely as possible tell you my plan of opperations. The two Tennants have been employd in putting the fences in order and in clearing Bushes in Curtiss pasture. Faxon would not remove a day before his lease expired which will be on twesday next. he has workd down the cattle in such a manner that they are not able to do much more. he has been breaking up ground with four cattle only. the Yoke he bought he takes off as I am advised by no means to give his price which is 21 pounds the oxen are old. he makes out an account and leaves himself in debt only seven shillings. in this neither Stock, or Wagon are included, yet he has used the Team constantly & beat out the Waggon Wheels— it will be impossible to go on with Buisness without purchasing an other Yoke of oxen, for there is a hundred load of Manure to cart out 9 acres of Hills to plow there and 1 acre & half at Thayers place. Faxon says there is three hundred load of manure. I wish his words were true. our people are plowing here and will sow next week. they Suppose they shall have near a hundred load of manure to cart out here. I have hired Arnold again for 8 Months for the same we gave last year, and an other Man for six Months for 45 shillings pr Month. mr Belcher leaves me

the begining of May, to go to mr Cranch. Copland offerd himself to me to day by the Month, and I can have him at the same price with Arnold. Shall I engage him? the Season is comeing on as buisy as any in the Year and shaw must have more help than one hand with him. I believe I shall hire copland without waiting to hear from you. these hands are used to the place & the buisness—which makes some odds— I agreed with my Tennants upon the Terms you offerd Porter, with this difference, instead of wood for the year, only for the summer, & instead of 36 dollors for the dairy, with which he was not contented I give 30. but one request they have, that as they find themselves, and have Families they may have their pay Quarterly, and that I would advance them ten dollors apeice that whilst Grain is low, they may purchase. this I have agreed to, hopeing you will ratify all my proceedings I am in Quest of oxen & a Farm Horse. one or the other I must have immediatly—both are wanted. I was thinking that if it would suit mr Smith to receive the freight of the furniture in Philadelphia to request you to pay it to captain Eames who will be there again in two or three weeks, and to let me retain in my Hands for the purchase of Stock & the payment of my Labourers and the suppliy of my Family, what you sent me. I have pay’d the expences of the landing carting &c. of it.
          we are now upon our sixth week of Tarring and the sluggs still Crawl. a Tedious buissness it has been as well as an expensive one. I have done more at the buisness than all the rest who have attempted it, in Town—
          your Mother is slowly Mending— this day for the first time Since last Feb’ry I have been as far as weymouth, and in my absence much to my regret, judge Cushing and Lady calld with a design to dine with me, & Mrs Lowel & Mrs Cabot came to visit me.
          shall I ask you a Question you cannot answer? why No I will not since I know you will not remain a day after you think you can return with propriety, to your ever / affectionate

            A Adams—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 April 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia April 15. 1794

          Upon the receipt of your excellent Letter of the fifth of this month I Yesterday sent for our son Thomas and desired him to remit to his Brother at Boston for your Use two hundred Dollars. I have been at Expence to Purchase a Horse Saddle Bridle and Saddlebags to fix out Thomas to ride the Circuit with his Master Mr Ingersol. He begins his Journey on the 28th of this Month. This has left me without Money to pay my Board and my Journey home. If the Money you have is not Sufficient ask my Friend the General whose kindness has so often obliged Us to lend you what you want and I will repay him in June.
          The House Yesterday passed a Resolution in Committee of the whole, whose Depth is to me unfathomable. The Senate will now be called upon to show their Independence, and perhaps your Friend to shew his Weakness or his Strength. The Majority of the House is certainly for Mischief, and there is no doubt they represent the People in the southern States and a large Number in the Northern. Vox Populi Vox Dei, they Say: and so it is sometimes, but it is sometimes the Voice of Mohamet of Cæsar of Cataline the Pope and the Devil. Britain however has done much amiss and deserves all that will fall thereon. Her Insolence which you and I have known and felt more than any other Americans, will lead her to ruin, and Us half Way. We indeed are in point of Insolence her very Image and superscription. As true a Game Cock as she and I warrant you shall become as great a scourge to Mankind.
          Our Furniture has had its last removal. Your Distress and Distraction at its landing is very strongly described— Whatever Crashes have happened shall be the last from Removals.
          My Countrymen are going into a Career, that I shall not long follow. I dont expect another Election If I should peradventure ride out the storm for the Remainder of my Term.
          I long to see you, but I fear it will be late in May if not the beginning of June
          I am with ardent Gratitude and Affection / your

            John Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 18 April 1794
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            My dear Brother.
            Boston April 18. 1794.

          Mr: Newcomb has executed a power of Attorney, authorising you to receive his interest due. I herewith enclose it.— You mention in your Letter to your mother, that you expect to leave Philadelphia the 28th: of this month. But not where you purpose to go. I should be glad to hear from you once in a while. I think you are now in my debt upon the score of our correspondence.
          War—seems to be now the danger that most imminently besets us. What will be the consequences, if we should get involved in it, is

beyond the reach of calculation. The oppression which our commerce has suffered from privateers and privateering judges, is scarcely tolerable, and there is so much weakness, so much folly and so much wickedness in active exertion to foment every particle of our irritation, that it is hardly possible we should continue much longer at peace, if the War in Europe should not terminate.
          Leonard White went on to Philadelphia, by the last stage—probably you will see him— “There swims no goose so grey &c” His taste is not the worse for being singular. You and I perhaps may go further and fare worse, though I have made up my mind tolerably well to the life of a bachelor. There is so much slavery in marriage, even at its best Estate, that it cannot be satisfactory, to one whose existence is liberty.— I fear I should make an inattentive, if not a neglecting husband, and mean to avoid the sin by denying to myself the happiness of the State.— As an observer however I should be much gratified with a sight of the meeting between those two Lovers.— Their enjoyment I think must be overpowering.
          Affectionately your brother

            John Q. Adams.


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

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy April 19 1794

          A memorable day in our Annals, which is all I shall say of politicks here. the season is very variable from hot to cold & cold to Hot, and much too dry; it has not raind since my poor furniture had such a share of it. the Trees just begin to Bud, and the ground to put on some little verdure. Faxon moved off two days ago and shaw removed in. we are getting things arranged as well as we can. I have purchased a yoke of oxen (and an other cow for Thayers place) I have agreed to take the Waggon and the Bull at the apprizment tho much too high. the yearling calves were apprized so out of Reason, at forty shillings pr Head, that the dr thought best to take only our half— there has been sad Havock made with the fencing stuff by Faxon I suppose. there will be no Hay to devide if there is enough to last till the 20 of May, which make me rather Backward in

purchaseing on two more cows, which will compleat the Number we want. Joy has the three Cows I have bought with him, and I removed salt Hay from here for them, and bought half a load of Fresh. our Ground is all prepaird for the seed & tomorrow we Sow— we have carted what manure we thought we could spair upon the ground, first having it chopt over according to your old custom. some of my Hands are daily employd in that Buisness—and in putting up the walls and fences. I would fain hope that no one thing may be left undone that ought to be done, and that your buisness may suffer as little as possible by your absence. you must make a large allowance in point of Buisness for Seven weeks constant tarring of Trees.
          our son sees all your Letters when he comes to visit me which is not so often as I could wish. I believe he has his share of Buisness. how profitable it is I know not
          your Mother has been with me this day. she rode out twice before, and she appears to recover as fast as a person 86 years old could expect to. she desired me to remember her kind Love to you, and to thank you for your good wife, to whom she bids me say under providence She is indebted for the prolongation of her Life “I have obeyd her directions, and expressd her words”
          be calm as possible amidst the perplexities of State, nor let your Health Suffer the Lord Reigneth, let the Earth rejoice—
          I am with every Sentiment of affection & Regard Your

            A Adams—

            Love to Thomas—
            Mrs Brisler and Family are well. tell Brisler to preserve me a quart or two of Strawberries if he stays till Strawberry time—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 April 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia April 22. 1794

          I recd. Yesterday your kind favour of the 11th. I have not been able lately to write you so much as I wished. The President has appointed Mr Jay to go to England as Envoy Extraordinary, in hopes that Satisfaction may be obtained for the Injuries done us in the Capture of our Vessells. I have no very Sanguine hopes of his Success, but if any Man can Succeed I presume he is as likely as any. At least he will give as much Satisfaction to the American People as any Man.
          Mr Adams’s Election is no surprize to me. I should indeed have wondered if he had been disgraced and should have lessened my Veneration for the sentiments of Justice and Gratitude in the Breasts of the People of Massachusetts. I wonder not at his lukewarmness at the national Government. I wonder rather that I am not as indifferent to it, as he is. He knows as well as I do, what a kind of Ennemies We are associated with.— I have no Apprehension that he will oppose or embarrass the general Government more than another.— A Governor must ex officio be good for nothing.
          Mr Gills Election was not so clearly forseen by me. He however can afford to be Lieutenant Governor or Governor as well as any Man, and is for what I know as well qualified. One thing I know We have three Governors in senate neither of whom are a whit wiser or more virtuous than Mr Gill. The People are most afraid of knowing and designing Men, as Governors.
          You conduct your Farm with great Spirit, and I wish you good Success.
          Last night and to Day We have a charming Rain after a long droughth— I hope you will have rain enough for a fruitful Season.
          I cannot answer your Question: but I hope the Appointment of an Envoy, will accellerate our Adjournment by Some Days.
          Our Friend here is evidently disappointed. The Farm at Brooklyne will prove like that at Neponsit and like that at Cambridge.— These Advances to the Chair, are like the Advances of a Mistress: unless

they are attempted with great Address and Delicacy they are Apt to cool the Ardour of the Lover.
          The Election of Mr Austin is no Way unexpected to me. The Mechanicks who think he has Brains, in my Opinion are not wholly mistaken. I wish he had more liberal Connections and better informed Advisers.— I wish he was a more Sincere Inquirer after Truth less under the Influence of Prejudices and less disposed to flatter the Prepossessions of others.
          The House has resolved to prohibit British Manufactures next November. Whether a Bill will pass as currently as the Resolve I know not. And What will be the Fate of the Bill if it comes, in the Senate I doubt not.—
          The English have treated Us very ill: but Neutrality is so much preferable to War, that We shall bear somewhat, rather than fight. We must not bear too much however. The American People must not loose the Sentiment of their Forces, nor submit to too many and too deep humiliations. I am with / an ardent desire to see you, most / tenderly your

            J. A.


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 April 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia April 23. 1794

          If the combined Powers are exhausted by their Exertions The French must be no less distressed by theirs, and each Party thinks it is contending for Existence.— My Calculation is that the other

Powers in Combination will hold out as long as England although Spain and Prussia may Slacken their Exertions: and that England will continue the War till the Three Per Cents Consolidated fall to fifty five or perhaps a little lower. This Campaign and next Winters Budget may reduce them from 68 where they now are to 60 and the Campain of 1795 and the Budget of 1796 will bring them down to 52 or 53— Then they must make Peace or become Bankrupt.— If America next Winter Should be forced into the War, the Stocks will fall more rapidly.
          I congratulate the People of the Massachusetts upon the Discovery that they are not base and ungrateful enough to disgrace, in his last moments the Man to whom they are under the greatest Obligations. What a Tryumph it would have been to Despots through the World, to have Seen Sam. Adams forsaken by the People.!
          I approve of your caution in political matters. These are times when Such Circumspection is as much a Duty as an Interest.
          The Mediocrity of Fortune that you profess or affect ought not to content you.— You come into Life with Advantages which will disgrace you, if your success is médiocre.— And if you do not rise to the head not only of your Profession but of your Country it will be owing to your own Laziness Slovenliness and Obstinacy.
          Is there Such a Book in Boston as Précis du Droit des Gens moderne De L’Europe, fondé Sur les Traités et L’Usage. Auquel on a joint la Liste des principaux Traités conclus depuis 1748 jusqu’à present avec l’indication des Ouovages ou ils Se trouvent.
          Par Mr. Martens Professeur ordinaire en droit de la nature et des gens, et Assesseur de la Faculté des Droits en L’Universite de Gottinque. in two Vol. 12mo. It is somewhat like De Mablys Droit Publique de L’Europe fonde sur les Traites.
          This Professor Martens, to be sure, has had three of King George’s sons, three British Princes under his Care, and his Work is dedicated to them Erneste Auguste, Auguste Frederic and Adolphe Frederic.
          This Creature of their own, who to flatter them might make what Law of Nations he pleased, they quote as Authority to justify their orders of June 1793 for capturing all Provisions bound to France. Have I adopted a Style too much like that of Genet concerning Grotius & Vatell: if I have I ask Pardon of Mr Professor Martens and recommend his Book as a valuable Manuel. It is worth your writing to Holland for.

          I have no Faith in the Doctrine that England has a right to consider all France as blocked up and in a state of seige.— It is a very pernicious System and America ought to set her face against it.
          The other Doctrine too that they have a Right to capture our Vessells which have Produce of french Islands bound to Europe, is as arbitrary as the former.
          and the third that they have a right to consider all the West India Islands as in a State of Seige is as bad as the other two.
          I wish We had a Minister to The Empress of Russia and the other Northern Powers— If Russia connives at this maritime Tyranny she will hereafter repent of it.
          The Armed Neutrality ought to be revived.
          The French and English I see are confiscating Debts, and so are the Spaniards attaching shares in the Bank of st Charles. I wish you would enquire and ascertain these facts with their Dates. Pitt calls it Robbery and our Tracey calls it an Outrage on common Honesty— But Yet Pitt scruples not to commit Robbery in Retaliation for Robbery.
          certain Americans will not forget to quote his Example and Authority. Adieu

            J. A.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 April 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            Quincy April 25th 1794

          I last Evening received your of the 15th and our son the Remittance, which he went directly to pay but mr smith Says the Sum is this currency, whereas mr Brisler expressly wrote me that it was Philadelphia currency and after nameing the sum in pounds, was so particular as to calculate the sum in Dollers. Captain Eames has saild for Philadelphia so that mr smith must wait unless he will credit mr Brislers Letter which I have now inclosed to mr Adams— I expected captain Eames would have come up from the vessel before he went to Boston, but the rain prevented him. I have no doubt however that mr Brisler who is generally accurate in Buisness did not leave this matter at an uncertainty. if captain Eames is in Philadelphia when this arrives, he had better Sign with Brisler the agreement. I shall do the best I can to make the sum I have last till June. I have delayd any further purchase of cows till May. they will do but poorly without English Hay after they have calvd, and what stock we have will empty our Barns of all but fresh Hay. one of the oxen you purchased last Summer has been Sick with the Yellows & horn distemper and unfit for Buisness this fortnight, so that the odd ox which Faxon left has been of use. Your Brother has a pr which after planting he talks of selling for 25 pounds, but will not take less I gave for those which I purchased sixteen pound ten but they were not in so good order, and older than his. I thought you would turn the yoke of to fat which you bought last year as they had been so over workd, that as the spring advances they fail. we have an ox calld the Twin ox which has a wen and tis supposed that it would be better to turn him off after the spring work is over, but tis probable cattle may be purchased lower after the Month of May. we have the appearence of a dry time, a little rain to day, cold foggy weather our Barlly and Grass Seed are sown. our Men are employd in plowing for planting, at both places—but we have many wheals to set in motion, and much more to look after than we had before. I have not

been absent from home a single day Since you left me— at length the canker Worms have ceased and the catterpillar begins. I have had all the trees upon this place cleard oncce & I mean it shall be done once a week whilst they appear, but I can promise only for this place the work is so behind hand at the other place that we are driven with it. Shaw I knew to be a steady honest carefull Man his wife I knew to be active neat and clever. the other I took upon shaws recommendation. he is not bigger than Samll Curtis, but twice the spirit and activity of shaw, and it might have been more for our interest to have placed him here prhaps. he has a very likely woman for his wife to appearence, when he has workd here he has never faild being here by sun rise— I have got an other steady Soul who belongs to sandwick. I took him upon captain Beals recommendation for whom he workd two seasons & came up to let himself again to him, but the captain having let out Squantum to a French Gentleman for six hundred dollors pr Year, he did not want him. the captain says he is faithfull diligent & sober. I have no reason to think otherways of him
          Would to Heaven you could retire from the Madness of Men to the Rural occupations of your own Farms—and shut out the din of war and all its fatal concequences— the voice of the landed interest is not for war and I dare say it will be found a sound maxim that the possessors of the soil are the best Judges of what is for the advantage of the country. if an Enemy invades our country, every Man will rise for its defence, but when only the mercantile property is struck at, tho it ultimately affects the landholder Yet the Body of the people had rather suffer than wage war and ways and means will be found more difficult than in any former war, or I see but little way. France will aveng our cause, & we might resent when we are able, or punish them if we can without suffering greater injuries than we can retaliate. Words are easy, but ways & means difficult to obtain. I am my dear sir / With every sentiment of affectionate / tenderness Your

            A Adams

            I saw mrs Brisler yesterday She and Family are well


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

            My dearest Friend
            Philadelphia April 30. 1794

          Your favours of 18th. and 19th instant are so full of your Plans and Labours in Agriculture, that I begin to be jealous you will acquire a Reputation as a Farmer that will quite eclypse my own.
          I rejoice at length that all Tenants are dispossessed and that Land stock and Utensils are now at our own Disposal.— I am glad you have bought a Yoke of oxen and hope you will buy a farm horse.
          Our Thomas is fitted off with Horses saddle Bridle and Saddle Bags and on Monday last sett off upon the Circuit with Mr Ingersol— He will be absent Six Weeks. He goes to Chester Lancaster York Carlisle &c
          Mr Trumbull our Friend the Painter goes with Mr Jay as his private Secretary.
          I send you an illiberal Party Pamphlet or two and am tenderly

            John Adams

            Has Mr Cranch opend his Post office?


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 1 May 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

            My Dear Daughter:
            Philadelphia, May 1, 1794.

          Whether we shall preserve peace, or be involved in war, is a problem, not easily solved; but I think we shall preserve our neutrality another year, and after that I presume that Great Britain will be weary enough with her war against France.
          In the improbable case of a war, however, it would not be easy to take New-York, and it would be still more difficult to keep it. So large a fleet and so numerous an army must be employed, that I see not where the English can obtain them. They are in too much danger at home, to send away their defence to America.
          I know not who are “honoured with the attention of the President;” but if any one has, to the neglect of the Baron, I am very sorry for it.
          Mr. Jay is to carry no sword, that I know of, offensive or defensive; he is to require justice, and I hope will obtain it: if not, as he is generally thought to be a man of as much political prudence as any in our States, the people will be satisfied that nothing has been neglected or omitted by government, which ought to have been done in the way of negotiation.
          The English Parliament will support the war another year, but they cannot continue it more than two years longer. Their finances, manufactures, and commerce, will not bear the burthen more than that term.
          I am not able to say when I shall return. I hope Congress will rise the week after next, but cannot depend upon it. Whether I shall go by water from this city to Boston, or only from New-York to Rhode Island, I know not; but my family and affairs are suffering, as well as myself, so much, that I shall not lose a moment’s time in returning.
          My love to Colonel Smith and the children. Let me entreat you, my dear, to devote yourself to the education of those promising boys, and to the formation of their minds to study and to business. Men of pleasure, in all countries, are contemptible beings; men of science and literature, and men of business, only, are respectable, in this country especially.
          I am, my dear child, / Your affectionate father,

            John Adams.


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

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia May 2. 1794

          I have recd your favour of April 22 and am pleased with your Observations on the Doctrine of Reprisals on Choses in Action. As it is a Subject, which is likely to be discussed among Mankind for many Years to come, England France and Spain having lately attempted something of the kind, every Book which can throw any Light on it, ought to be looked up. Spain is Said to have confiscated or Sequestered French Shares in the Bank of st. Charles. The National Convention of France has lately attempted to compel Creditors of British Subjects if not of the British Nation to draw for their dues and Mr Pitt is employed in Parliament in making Retaliation. These Authentic Acts should all be collected and collated in order to see the Principles and form a system.— If the whole is not to be considered as Anarchic and Revolutionary. If it is We must have a little Revolutionary Retribution or Retaliation I suspect, before all is over, if Mr Jay cannot obtain Satisfaction in a more honourable Way. The Southern Debtors dont Seem to pant after Sequestration nor Confiscation, for this destroys not the Obligation of payment, so much as after War, which would suspend Payment at least. But with constant Declarations in Public for Peace, they frequently suffer to escape them in private Ardent Wishes for War and never fail to vote for every Measure that can provoke it.
          The Executive and the Senate have preserved Us from War hitherto in opposition to the Ardour of the Majority of the H. of. R.
          Whether Jay will make the Figure of Rabbi Monis’s Man in Heaven, who understood no Hebrew, stand behind the Door with his Finger in his Mouth I know not.— But one thing I know John Bull had better be very civil to him. John has many Ennemies, and no Friends but Such as his Guineas purchase for him in Europe and his Purse will be exhausted in a Year or two. Thomas is gone the Circuit of Chester Lancaster York Carlisle &c
          yours

            J. A.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 3 May 1794
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My Dearest Friend
            Quincy May 3d 1794

          I received your two kind Letters of April 19th & 22d I was much gratified by the appointment of mr Jay as Envoy extrodanary. I know not how the President could have made a more judicious choice, but there are Some evil spirits who would fault the measure of heaven & quarrel with the Angle Gabrial were he sent even to declare Peace on Earth, and good will to Men. the Jacobine clubs who watch over the measures of Government, sent their clue to Honest[us], hence the Chronical teams with abuse upon the exe[cut]ive, and clamours against the appointment of [the Chi]ef Justice. I have been credibly informd that Austin [li]ves Principally in the Printing office & has seldom quitted it, upon thursdays & Mondays till 12 at Night, or rather upon the Night preeceeding the publishing of the paper— I presume if the senate act with consistancy the Negative upon the non importation resolve will be as full as the vote in favour of sending mr Jay abroad, for I do not see upon what Principal they can vote for the one, and agree to the other. you will see before this Lord Lansdowns & Earl Wycombs speaches in the House of Lords, from which we may gather, that they are consious of the evils committed, and anxious for the concequences— after ways and means are devised I hope Congress will rise directly. their resolve respecting the Prohibition of British Manufactors, has already taxd the consumers twenty & thirty pr cent. the rise of all foreign Articles has been very rapid— many failures must be the concequence of the detention of our vessels & the depredations upon our Trade—
          upon the 12 of this Month a peice of land upon which the widow

vesey formerly lived is to be sold at Auction, 6 Acres. tis expected that you will purchase it. the owner talks [of] a hundred and Eighty pounds for it. as it is to be sold at Auction, I have conversd with dr Tufts who does not think it worth more than ten pounds pr acre. yet to avoid bad Neighbours, he thinks I had better allow it to be bid up to 15 pounds but beyond that he would not advise me to go. I wish I kn[ew] your mind upon it and, whether you will think me distracted [by the] price. the buildings are good for nothing, the land worne out but still I should be loth to have a bad Neighbour there. I wish you would inclose to me a card to Gen’ll Lincoln, and ask him to send me the Money if I should purchase it
          The trees are very forward & we are like to have upon many of them a full blow, but the Season is dry.
          tell Brisler his wife and Family were well to day. I am my most tenderly and affectionatly / Yours

            A Adams


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

            Dear sir
            West Chester 3d May, [1794]

          The return of some Gentlemen of the Philadelphia Bar gives me an opportunity of droping you a few lines; The Court has been engaged in many important trials, & contrary to their expectations are obliged to meet this day— Mr: Ingersoll however intends making part of the Journey, to Lancaster this afternoon; To prevent an interference of the Court of Com Pleas & the Supreme Court in Lancaster Coun[ty.] the arrangement is such that the Supreme [Cour]t passes Lancaster for York, & returns to Lancaster a week afterwards
          I have passed a pleasant week— the County of West Chester is cheifly inhabited by Quakers, but I do not find that their doctrine of forbearance, has much tendency to diminish the number of Law suits, for I am told that in proportion to numbers there is as much business here as in any other long settled County— Most of the trials in County Courts are concerning Lands; a majority of trials this Court have been Ejectments. The Country about this place is very delightful—the Season of the year is uncommonly favorable to

inspire pleasing impressions; but independant of this, there are natural properties such as richness of Soil—situation &ca: sufficient to justify my admiration. If the expression is alowable I would say that the Country is uniformly uneven, Verdant Hills, & cultivated Dales are the prominent figures of a variegated Landscape, and if I were not fearful of growing Poetical I would endeavor to enlarge the description; the land is said to be in general good— I have viewed it in almost every direction from this place a few miles round & I never was in a Country that pleased me more— U[pon] average I am told Land in this Count[ry costs?] 6 or 7 Pounds; just round the town a Lot [sells?] for £100 Pr Acre, but this is no rule for finding the value of a whole Plantatation. As to the town itself, nothing very striking or observable differ’s it from other towns where there is a Court House five or six taverns, a Jail & from 40 to 50 Houses— it is situated high, and is said to be very healthy—
          I must not forget my little Mare, whose merits are so great that I am much in love with her— she travels well—is perfectly sure footed, & by no means vicious; I hope her virtues may increase as they have allready expanded upon acquaintance—
          I shall be at York Town next week, where a Letter from you would be particularly agreeable to / Sir / your dutiful Son

            Thomas B Adams


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

            My dearest Friend
            Senate Chamber May 5. 1794

          I have this moment recd your favour of 25. April.— If you want more Money before June borrow it of the General whom I will repay when I return. The freight of the furniture was in Mass. L. M.— The Farm goes on admirably well— I am well Satisfied with all you do.
          The Weather is terribly hot and dry for the season. Yet the Country looks charmingly. I hope to be at home by the first of June. Thomas is upon the Circuit.
          Mr Jay is to immortalize himself over again by keeping Peace—This will depend on the Valour of the french. I begin to rejoice in

their Successes more than I did. The English have treated Us very ill.—
          We must Send a new Minister to France and another to Holland. Mr Fauchet begins to grace our Democratic Societies with his Presence. This must not be carried very far. These Assemblies are very criminal.
          Oh that I was with you!

            J. A.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 5 May 1794
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

            My dear sir
            York Town May 5th: 1794.

          In our Journey from West Chester to this place we lodged at Strasburg, a German Village 9 miles the other side of Lancaster; I had little opportunity of viewing the town, as we arrived at dusk & started at 5 oClock the next morning; the lands about it are valuable & well cultivated, the Houses are many of them built with logs, with a Cement of gravel mortar to fill up the chincks— the people appeared industrious and are said to be rich; we breakfasted on Sunday Morng at Lancaster; Judge Shippen who had lodged there was still in Bed, when we arrived; we stayed but a short time & then sat off for the Susquehannah; on every side the fields of grain met our eyes, and the extent of the Cultivation from the Road was a good indication of the richness of the soil. The river is said to be more than a mile in width, & is in many places so shallow that we were in danger of fixing on the Rocks we reached the other Shore however without difficulty; before I return, this River will be more familiar, as we cross it four times in the course of the Circuit. We dined

upon fish, caught in the River called Carp, but the House was destitute of Liquor’s except York Beer, which for want of Better was made to answer our purpose The Landlady told us that since there was no market for Flour the waggons had ceased going to Philada:—& she could procure nothing of the drinkable kind for the accomodation of travelers— Here was the second instance I had met with of personal in convenience from the embargoe, in complaints of this kind— So far as I can understand, there is very little talk of Politicks in the Country— they appear perfectly tranquil, and as to war I have not heared a lisp of the kind— The Mail comes to this place but once a week & arrives on Sunday noon—so that no letter can reach me here as I shall be in Lancaster on Sunday next— if you should incline to favor me with a line or two, it had better be directed to me at Lancaster where I shall hope to find it.
          I am / sir / your Son

            Thomas B Adams
            May 6th:

            PS I shall be glad of Fenno’s latest papers one or two if convenient to send them me at Lancaster—


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 May 1794
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My dear son
            Philadelphia May 7. 1794

          In reading the Advertisement prefixed to De Lolme p. 6. I met a Passage which recalled to my Mind a Letter of yours concerning the Papers signed Columbus and the cold reception they met with among their Friends.
          “I shall add, says he, a few Observations, of a serious kind for the Sake of those Persons who, judging themselves to be possessed of Abilities find they are neglected by those having it in their Power to do them occasional Services, and Suffer themselves to be mortified by it. To hope that Men will in earnest assist in Setting forth the mental qualifications of others, is an expectation, which, generally Speaking must needs be dissappointed. To procure one’s notions and Opinions to be attended to and approved, by the Circle of ones

Acquaintance, is the universal Wish of Mankind. To diffuse these notions further, to numerous parts of the Public, by means of the press, or by others, becomes an Object of real Ambition: nor is this Ambition always proportioned to the real Abilities of those who feel it; very far from it. When the Approbation of Mankind is in question, all Persons, whatever their different Ranks may be, consider themselves as being engaged in the Same career: they look upon themselves as being candidates for the very Same kind of Advantage: high and low, all are in that respect in a State of primæval Equality; nor are those who are likely to obtain Some prize, to expect much favour from the others.” Here My son you may read your Destiny.—
          In the Discourses on Davila, you will remember, there were many Observations on the Universality Constancy and Energy of the Passion for the Approbation of others. very important Consequences were drawn from it— No less indeed than the whole Theory of Government, Despotic as well as free. Emulation which is the source of so many Virtues and the motive to so much good; is also the source of many Vices and much Evil. I wish I could See a compleat Treatise on this Ingredient in the Composition of human Nature.
          You, I fancy, will, one day, find means of compelling, those who are now reluctant, to celebrate Talents which they see and feel although they do not acknowledge. Much reserve however is necessary much Delicacy and much Caution— A Man must not commit him self—he must not furnish his Rivals with stories to tell, of his Pride of his Vanity of his Imprudence &c Indeed almost too much Design and Art and Craft, is necessary, for an honest Man to stoop to it.
          I am &c.

            J. A.