Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 22 October 1799
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

						Dear Sir

					Berlin. 22. October. 1799.

				My last letter to you, was from Dresden, and dated the 17th: of last month, since which I have not had the pleasure to receive any thing from you. We spent a month at that place very agreably, & as long as the picture gallery remained open, I did not fail to visit it almost every day. We likewise went to Königstein, & saw also at Dresden the electoral jewels, the library, the old porcellain, the collection of antient armour, & the antiques, & models from antiques, all which, as you have seen them yourself, it is needless to describe to you— We returned (not by the way of Leipzig, as we had first proposed, because we were informed that during the Fair, it would be almost impossible to find tolerable lodgings there) but by that of Potsdam, where we visited once more the picture gallery of Sans-Souci, & saw the pfaueninsal, which had escaped our attention, when we were there together in the summer of 1798.
				While we were at Dresden, I dined twice with the Elector, who regularly invites the foreign Ministers, as well as those to his own

Court, as those to others, who are transiently at Dresden, every other Sunday.— I found an old acquaintance there in Count Zinzendorf, who is now Minister in the war department, & as I mentioned in my last met several other persons among the nobility attached to the court, who appeared to be men of much information, & whose circle of ideas was not so exclusively limited to military concerns as I had generally found here— We became acquainted besides with two or three English families residing at Dresden, who contributed much to make the time, which we passed there, pleasant.
				On the 12th: instt: we returned to this place, after a tour of nearly three months, & with the satisfaction of having my wife’s state of health as much improved as could reasonably be expected.— She is now as well as I have ever known her, & will I hope continue to enjoy long uninterrupted health.
				Upon our return we found Berlin, what is called remarkably dull, & as nothing can be more tedious than the continual gaiety, or rather dissipation of the last winter, we are happy to hear there will probably be much less of it in the season now coming on.— The King & queen are at Potsdam, where she was delivered a few days since of a daughter. They will therefore not come to town untill the beginning of December— The diplomatic corps here is now very small indeed— Count Panin as I have before written you is gone— Mr Grenville is gone— Since the death of Prince Reuss, no new Austrian Minister has been appointed to this court— There is no french Minister since Sieyes became a member of the Directory; & the Marquis de Musquiz is gone as Spanish Ambassador to Paris.
				As the winter will probably afford me much leisure I shall continue those pursuits of German literature, which my very slow progress in the language has hitherto so much obstructed. I am ashamed to say that although my studies of German since you left us have been interrupted, I have made no advances in the power of speaking, & very few in the facility of reading it.— With Lessing, & Gellert & Gesner & Wieland I have indeed made myself tolerably familiar, as by frequenting the theatre I have seen most of the fashionable drama’s of Kotzebue, now the favorite play wright, not only of Germany, but of England & France, from the former of which I perceive he has found his way to America— But the utter impossibility of meeting any opportunity here to speak the language constantly, for any length of time makes me dispair of ever acquiring it to any considerable degree.

				The number of books daily published in Germany rather augments than diminishes. There are certainly more volumes published here in one year, than there are of volumes worth reading in the world.— In every department of Science & literature, what loads of trash burden the stalls of Leipzig at the moment of the present Fair, but in none perhaps so much as in that of metaphysics & moral philosophy. You will remember it is not long since I anticipated that Atheism & Revolution would soon be preached in Germany without resorting to that canting gibberish which many good folks have been kind enough to take for obscurity— A disciple of Kant, one Fichte, professor of moral philosophy at Jena, has already done it in part.— He has written a book, ridiculing the ideas of a future life, & retribution of rewards & punishments, & of a supreme being, as the dispenser of them— But Mr Fichte unfolded the mysteries of the sect rather too soon. The work was denounced to the Governments of Saxony, Prussia, Hanover, & Brunswick, & was prohibited by them all except the king of Prussia, who answered that atheism was too absurd a thing to be believed however it might be inculcated, & that an author, who preached it, could only expose his own folly— Fichte has been removed by the Duke of Weimar from his professorship, & now wanders about Germany, scribbling, & holding himself forth as the victim of persecution.
				Here has been at Berlin, another, but a more cautious & guarded attack against the religion of the Country.— A large number of Jews, heads of families, of respectable character have subscribed & published a Letter to Mr Teller, provost of the upper consistory, (the department of Government, which has the superintendance of ecclesiastical affairs) in which they declare that being convinced the laws of Moses are no longer binding upon them, as not being adapted to their circumstances at this day, they are willing & ready to become Christians, as far as relates to the moral doctrines of Christianity, provided they shall not be required to believe the miraculous part of the christian creed & above all, the divinity of Jesus Christ; & provided they may be admitted to enjoy all the rights & privileges, enjoyed by the members of the established religion— Their confession of faith would be something less than Socinianism; but approaching nearly to it— They ask Mr Teller’s advice upon their plan, & whether he thinks it practicable— He has published his answer, which besides being, as I hear, not so well written as their letter, has given satisfaction to nobody— He tells them that they do well to believe in as

much Christianity as they can; & that if they cannot in conscience believe more, they do well not to profess it; but as to the question whether their fragment of faith, ought to entitle them to share the civil & political privileges enjoyed exclusively by entire Christians, it is not his Province, but belongs to the civil authority of the country to decide.
				Mr De Luc, a celebrated chemist, & theologian has published a letter to these Jews, in which he boldly advances to meet them on the ground, which Mr Teller eludes; he tells them that, far from scrupling points of Christian doctrine, they ought not even to abandon the standard of Moses; that the history of the earth, & its present appearance are the strongest of all possible testimonies, to the truth of the Mosaic History, & that if they will only take the pains to become natural philosophers; they will not be so ready to renounce their faith as Jews.
				There have been numerous pamphlets more, written & published upon this subject, which has made, as the french term it a great sensation in the North of Germany— It has even given rise to epigrams, though these are not a species of wit, native to the german soil— I have heard one repeated, the substance of which was

					“Why not give credit to the Son,
					Ye Jews, at usury, so clever?
					Because there’s nothing to be won;
					The father, means to live forever—”

				I can give you no satisfactory political intelligence. Since I wrote you last the Fortune of war has every where turned again in favor of the French. They have driven the Austrians & Russians from Switzerland, & the English & Russians from Holland. In Egypt likewise Buonaparte is again victorious, & although the Grand vizier has been upon his march from Constantinople ever since the month of May, I have no doubt that when he arrives he will but add a new sprig to the laurels of the Corsican ruffian.
				I enclose two letters; one for Mrs: Johnson; & the other for a Mr F Schultz, who I believe is a sadler at Philadelphia. I shall thank you to deliver to him yourself, & offer to forward his answer to me— It is from his brother in Law, one of the Elector’s servants at Dresden— He is very anxious to hear from his kinsman, & I have engaged to transmit the answer to him, if I should receive any.
				Dr Brown’s family always offer their kind remembrance to you— William is gone & has, I believe, been in Holland.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Joseph Pitcairn, 23 October 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Pitcairn, Joseph

						My dear Sir.
						Germantown 23d: October 1799.

					Between the 8th: & 16th: instants I have been fortunate enough to receive your several agreeable favors of July 6th: August 10th: 15th: 17th: & 28th: with sundry pamphlets &ca: &ca: for all which please to accept my thanks. The muskets by the Connecticut are likewise recd: in good condition.
					By the speedy passages of the Hamburg traders this season, we have been furnished with very recent European intelligence, and the triumphant progress of the allied powers has afforded matter of joy or regret, as the passions & feelings of individuals among us happened to be favorable or adverse to the cause of universal Monarchy for which they seem to be striving. It must always happen, so long as America is an independent Republic or nation, that the balance of power in Europe will always continue to be of the utmost importance to her welfare. The moment that either France is victorious & Great Britain with her allies depressed, we have cause to be alarmed for ourselves. The same thing is true when the reverse of this happens. We are of too much consequence in the scale of nations, to be left in the peaceable enjoyment of our Commerce, & gaining strength in proportion as others are losing it, without a

struggle at least to draw us into the vortex of war & waste. We have already resisted a single effort from each side since the commencement of the War, and if rumor has any truth in the tales it tells, we are not far removed from a fresh attempt to make us declare for one side or the other. We are, or in my opinion, soon must be, in a state of hostility with all mankind, and I swear as an American, that I had rather encounter the united rage of every power in Europe, as the Barbary States have formerly done, than be leagued, associated or allied with any of them in a common system of defence. Either we can, or we cannot, maintain our Independence, and I am of opinion that affairs in this Country are drawing fast to this issue.
					Our Commissioners to France are said to be on the eve of departure in the frigate United States, to sail from Newport. This I believe, may be relied upon. We hear that the British Minister has signified to the Government that the departure of these Envoys will be considered by the Coalition as an act of hostility. You have this as I hear it every day in public— I cannot vouch for the truth.
					I submitted your letters of the 17th: & 28th: August to the perusal of the Secy. of State, who after reading returned them with no other remark than that he could not advise me to enter into the speculation you propose, since the price of those articles you mention, is much lower here than your calculations. On the subject of the Ship to be sold & the article of Copper, he said nothing, but when I see him, I will ask more on these subjects.
					By a letter from my brother of the 16th: July, I learn that agreeably to a proposal I made him last May, he consented to take MB 2000 of the money I left in your hands & had accordingly drawn for it on that day. I have written you also a request to purchase certain articles for my Mother at Hamburg, charging my account with the cost, which I presume would nearly make a balance between us. Friend Brush, who you say undertook to send my great Coat, has never been polite enough to give me notice of its arrival, though he came safe himself some months ago. I had rather run the chance of getting one from you, according to my request, though you should charge it, than wait any longer for the other.
					We are about to revisit the Capital after a long & unprofitable absence. The disease has subsided both here & at New York, but not yet disappeared; the danger however of contagion is nearly gone— The Banks have remained through the Season, in spite of the sickness, but the public offices removed to Trenton and are not yet returned.

I expect my parents will pass the winter among us, which will contribute much to my comfort. The P——1 is already at Trenton.
					I will write again ere long, & mean time remain with esteem / Your very obedt: humble Servt:

						PS. Our Election for Governor gives us Thomas Mc:Kean by a majority of about six thousand votes— Numbers will always outvote property— Or in other words the democrats will always beat the Aristocrats on a fair trial of strength. If we are to fight G. B. this State will deserve a third part of the burthen of the war.
						Our Congress has a better reputation than I fear it will merit when it comes together. The Session will be long & stormy. I look for something great to save the Country.

							Philadelphia

								26

									th:

					I find a vessel ready to sail for Bremen and I shall make up my packet for you under cover to our Consul at that place.
					The departure of the Envoys will probably happen about the 1st: of next month. The story of the British Ministers representations on this subject is very doubtful— I am disposed to discredit it, though I have no special authority for so doing.
					I am as above / Your’s


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 23 October 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

					Dear William.
					Germantown 23d: October 1799

				I have yet to reply to your favors of the 15th: & 21st: instts: the latter of which with the letters of Mr: Pitcairn, came to hand last evening.
				I have been anxious for some days on account of reports, which have been circulated with great zeal & industry, of a serious misunderstanding in the Cabinet at Trenton, and though I give credit slowly to the idle rumors of the day, I cannot but wish it were in my power to contradict some of them, which their very extravagance tells me cannot be true. I know pretty well how to appreciate the stories circulated on the Subject of the departure of the Commissioners, but when great pains are taken to propagate a belief that the President has declared his intentions of resigning the Chair, and means are taken in consequence to promote the election of a Successor, I confess that the feeling to me is unpleasant and I am sure the effect upon others is pernicious.
				The story is, that the Secretary of State opposed with all his influence the departure of the Envoys for France— That his opposition was seconded by a declaration of the British Minister, that a fresh attempt at negotiation by our Government, would be considered by the Coalesced powers, as an act of hostility against them, since they had come to a resolution to force a declaration from every neutral power—for or against them. The President is said to have replied with characteristic energy to this communication— The Secretary persevered in his disaffection, which produced a warm explanation,

in the course of which the P——t declared he would resign, rather than submit to be influenced by the menaces of any other power on earth, on the subject of our external connections or intercourse— The Envoys of course are to go.—
				I do not write this account, with an expectation that you will be at liberty to tell me in return, what foundation there is in fact for any part of it; but only to acquaint you with what we the people hear daily in our intercourse with society.
				Since the triumph of Jacobinism in this State, there is a manifest scheme set on foot of irritating the public mind against Great Britain— I see the drift of it in part, but I should wish to know what fresh provocation has excited the animosity which thus discovers itself. Mc:Kean Governor of the State—Jefferson President of the United States is the next object of that faction. I have done looking up to the legislative branches of the Government for a relief and provision for our great & serious difficulties. “La puissance legislative,” (said a frenchman, who was no fool however he may have been a knave) “est essentiellement destructrice”; “le pouvoir Executif, est essentiellement conservateur.” I think I can foresee an expeditious sacrifice & sure destruction of our Government, in the prospect of such an overwhelming war as we are not sure of escaping— The legislative branches would abandon the Executive, by refusing the supplies necessary to carry it on, & it would fall lifeless to the ground, like a body of inert matter, elevated upon pillars too weak to sustain the burthen. If such must be the fate of this fabric, I had rather that myself & family were buried in its ruins, than survive the catastrophe by an untimely flight.
				Be so good as inform me; how soon the President intends coming to the City, and whether it would be worth while for me to visit you before you come. I could go next Saturday to Trenton or at furthest on Monday; but if you think a speedy removal will take place, I will defer my journey altogether?
				I am truly your’s

					T B Adams


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dearest Friend
					Trenton October 25. 1799

				I am favoured this morning with yours of the 22d.— This is Accession day you know. I shall always consider it as a red Letter day: a fortunate day. I am happy to know that you are comfortably Situated. I pray you to live in all Things at your own Expence and be no Burthen to Mrs Smith or the Lt. Col.
				I am pretty well recovered of my Cold, but it has reduced my flesh. James has found a beautiful Pair of black Horses a perfect Match for ours and is distracted to persuade me to buy them. one is Six Years old the other 8.
				I think with you that the Second Week in November will be soon enough for Us to enter the City. I am looking out for Brisler now every day. But am afraid that the Sickness of his Children may detain him longer than he intended.
				You alone might possibly live here with me for a Week: but Louisa & Betcy could not be accommodated.— You might all be well at Vantilburgs’ but I think it will not be worth your while to leave you present situation.— When Brisler comes on I shall write you more particularly.
				The next Winter will be the last We shall ever Spend in Phyladelphia— You will leave it early in April if you are wise, and you will come no more to the southward, for one Year & an half at least.— You will never think of going to George Town, upon Uncertainties, or rather upon the Certainty of leaving it on the 4th of March, with five hundred And fifty or Six hundred Miles to ride thro the Mud. An Election is approaching which will Sett Us at Liberty from these uncomfortable Journeys. I am as for 35 / Years I have been

					J. A


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith Shaw, 28 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Shaw, William Smith

						Dear William
						East Chester October 28th 1799

					what can you expect me to write you from this village; where I hear & know no more what is passing in the world, than if I was wholy secluded from it. I have not seen a Newspaper since I came and but one gentleman from N york. I can tell you that the leaves wither and fall, beautifully varigated by the frost with all the coulours of the Rainbow, that the tide Ebbs and flows covering the meddow from the window of the Chamber where I write, which enhances the Beauty of the rural Scene, that I walkd out on Saturday. the day was so fine and mild, that the Birds Sang like spring, and I picked some new blown flowers from the Grass— Mrs smith has a Pear tree at her window, which has the Blosom of spring & the fruit of Autum now upon it; what from the dark and intricate feild of Politicks can you relate gather so charming, so simple as even the decaying verdure of summer presents to my view. The state of Pensilvania is a strange medly I regreet that any of My Family should have a prevailing attachment to it. their late Election has withered all the laurels they ever had to boast off. the minister from Berlin says, that such is the purity of pennsylvania Elections, that he shall not be surprized to hear, that the Independent spirited candidate is Chosen Govenour—
					Some of our Quincy Neighbours regreet your absence very much, particuliarly the Greenleafs, and Boylstone— I received a Letter from Your Aunt Cranch by Brisler. she writes me that mr D Greenleaf and Family were going to reside in Boston Mr Apthorps Family were removing, and Quincy seemd quite deserted. I believe they all miss Me—
					I hope since the President has discoverd such a soft and kindly method of getting rid of a cold, that you will not suffer one to hang about you, coughing half a year together. Send me some News papers—even tho it be peters impudence.
					Yours affectionatly—

						A A

					unless you promise me that you have burnt this Letter, I will not write you an other—


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams Smith, 28 October 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

					My Dear Wife:
					Union Camp, Oct. 28th, 1799.

				I have received your letter of the 24th, this day, the after part of which has been taken up in the reception of the 13th regiment into our camp. The scene was brilliant, and attended by the whole of the inhabitants of the adjacent country. It is now over; and after giving a welcome in my tent to the officers and respectable inhabitants, and it being 10 o’clock at night, I compose myself to communicate with you.
				* * * * *
				With respect to the accommodation I have provided, very few who know me, would doubt of there being ample, and the best the country affords, and few countries can furnish more comfortable.
				There are a great many cross-grained things in the affairs of this life, my dear, which must be borne up against, with firmness; and when we allow ourselves to consider what a variety of character it necessarily takes to compose a world, with the aid of a little philosophy, we may rise superior to most of the common occurrences of life; at least, not permit them too pointedly to interfere with that negative, if not positive happiness, which depends greatly upon ourselves, and the proper organization of our own minds.
				Never tell me my dear baby is sick; if you were to write me she was dead, I could bear it; for I bow with reverence to the final decisions of a wise and overruling Providence; but when I think she is in pain, and that my assiduities as a parent might relieve her from a pang, I am tortured that I cannot fly to give her a momentary comfort in the lap of affection and parental tenderness. For Heaven’s sake take care of her, and let me know speedily she is better. Give my affectionate love to my dear mother and yours, my sisters and my lovely babe. We are still in tents, and from the arrangements made, are likely to be so for some time to come. The troops bear the cold well, and seem to be bouyed above the frost; for they say, look at the Colonel, he never goes to a fire, or seeks comfort in a house, and why should we complain? In short, they are ready to undergo “the

toils of war, and bear the hardships that their leader bears;” who cannot, however hard the struggle may be between duty and love, leave them to freeze or burn, without him.
				Adieu, my dear.

					W. S. Smith.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

					my dearest Friend
					East Chester october 29th 1799

				I received last Evening yours of the 25—with a Heart filled with gratitude, for the many Blessings I have enjoyed through the 35 years of our union; I would not look upon a single shade in the picture; for if according to Rousseaus Philosophy, abstinence from what we delight in, is the Epicurism of Reason; I have had my full proportion of enjoyment;
				This day is very fine. I almost regreet to lose it; but as I cannot yet go into the city, I am certainly more comfortably & pleasently situated here than at an Inn. I shall not be any expence to the Family, as I know you would not permit it, yet I had rather the expence should be here, than at an Inn—
				Guion will supply me with a Horse to Kinstone for 12 & half Dollors, and a Boy to bring the Horse back. he does not keep any Stage Horses— I think this is high. he calculates upon 5 days absence of his Horse. I do not know whether I shall be able to do better. Farmer is so lame that I fear he is ruind for Life, tho he walks better than he did— as to getting any more horses unless you were to part with Some you have, it Seems to me you will not know what to do with

them all, and they are a great expence, but you will do as you think best— I am out of conceit of young Horses for journeying, tho this which Brisler bought, is a hardy Hearty eating Horse. I think you will be pleasd with him—
				I make no calculation for going further Southard. my inclination will lead me to Quincy if my Health will permit, as Soon as the Roads are fit for travelling.
				Caroline Eyes are so bad that she is obliged to be shut up in a dark Chamber— the rest of the Family are all well
				I am most affectionatly / Your

					A Adams—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dearest Friend
					Trenton October 30th. 1799

				I have yours of 26 by Brisler and that of the 28th. this Morning. Thomas is in Phyladelphia and Brisler with his Family are going off this morning in the Stage. He will write me this Evening or tomorrow.— I expect to hear from you when and where you intend to Set out, and where you intend to be.— The offices of Treasury & State are gone to Phyladelphia. War, Navy & Law remain here, for particular private reasons.
				I hope Soon to hear that our Envoys have Sailed from Rhode Island, that there may be no longer room for impertinent Paragraphs fabricated by busy bodies who are forever meddling with Things they understand not.— I expect they will Sail by the 1st of November.
				I am ever

					J. A


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 31 October 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

						my dear sister
						East Chester october 31 1799

					I received your Letter on saturday the 26th by Brisler who with his family arrived here in safety John was taken with the Mumps the day before. he was not so sick, as to prevent their proceeding to cross the Ferry— I have not heard of him since, but expect to, this day. Louissa has had the Mumps, so as to be swelld up to her Eyes. they have been a week upon her, and are not yet gone— caroline was seizd last week with the worst inflamation in her Eyes that I have ever seen a child have. it threw her into a fever. she has been blisterd for it, and kept without light, which she could not bear a Ray of. it seems to be going of, but is still bad. Mrs Smith had designd to go on to Philadelphia with me, and remain untill the col got into his winter quarters in the Jersies, and then go to him and pass the winter with him— it was my intention to have gone from hence on Monday the 4th of November—but I fear caroline will detain me longer. the President is still at Trenton. we keep up a communication by the post at Rochell which is three miles from hence; and there I requested You to direct a Letter for me, but after this week I think you may address them to Philadelphia— Mr & Mrs Atkinson calld with Nancy Storer to see us this morning on their way to N york all well, and yesterday I met col & Mrs Morton Mrs Quincys Brother returning. Mrs Adams and Nancy smith went in on twesday. I expect they will return on saturday to take in the children. tell Mrs Norton I should like to present My Granddaughters to her sons; they are sprightly lively children Susan is very forward and intelligent for three years, and would stand all day to hear you read stories, which she will catch at a few times repeating, and has got all goody Goose stories by Heart as her uncle J Q Adams did Giles Ginger Bread— she tells all her Letters and would read in a Month if she had a good school abbe went alone at nine Months, and is very pretty, more so than Susan having the advantage of sprightly Eyes— both have fine complexions—but I cannot look upon them my dear sister with that Joy which you do upon yours— they make my Heart ache—and what is worse—I have not any prospect of their being better off— but shall we receive Good, and not Evil? Yet it is a trial of the worst kind, any calamity inflicted by the hand of Providence— it would become me in Silence to submit to but when I behold misiry and distress disgrace and

poverty, brought upon a Family, by intemperence my heart bleads at every pore-
					when I get to Philadelphia I will write to mr Cranch, and enjoin it upon Thomas to do so he will rise superiour to his troubles: he has no vices to disgrace himself and Family. his misfortunes have arrisen from trusting to the honesty of others—
					I am exceedingly anxious for my Dear son abroad. the last accounts from him lead us to fear, that the next will bring us an account of the Death of his wife. he too, had been sick of an intermitting fever— Where is the situation in Life which exempts us from trouble? Who of us pass through the world with our path strewed with flowers, without encountering the thorns? in what ever state we are, we shall find a mixture of good and evil, and we must learn to receive these vicissitudes of life, so as not to be unduly exalted by the one, or depressd by the other; no cup so bitter, but what some cordial drops are mingled by a kind Providence, who knows how as sterns says, to “temper the wind to the shorn Lamb”— But I shall insensibly run into moralizing
					you mention a pr of stockings. I left a pr for you. Betsy might put them into the black trunk in the entry. you will look there for them. with a kind remembrance to all our Friends and Neighbours—I am my dear Sister— / your truly affectionate

						A Adams

					when you write let me know how Pheby does


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 31 October 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					My dear Aunt
					Trenton Oct 31st 1799

				Your favor of the 28th inst I this morning had the pleasure to receive and for which my best thanks are due you. With this you will receive a letter from Mr T. Adams received last evening— I think the probability is that he will be with us this Afternoon.
				The Chief Justice and Govenor Davie have both left this place for New port where Captain Barrey is waiting to receive them and to carry them in the United States frigate to France. The same gentlemen who opposed the nomination opposed with persevering obstinacy their goeing. The newspapers have been filled with speculations on the subject. Attempts have been made to flatter and to threatnen The President out of the measure. Certain gentlemen have said, they knew The President too well—he had too much political sagacity—he had the good of his Country too much at heart to be guilty of a measure so impolitick, so derogotary to his character as a statesman, and so totally incompatible with the honor, peace and safety of the United States. They have threatened that in the event that our evoys go to France and make peace “we shall have again the British on our backs.” Still however The envoys will go and the party find to their bitter mortification, that The President is neither to be cajoled by flattery or terrifyed by threats—that he will not sacrifice to party purposes any measure of which he is convinced, that the interest and welfare of his Country demands.
				The Citizens of Philadelphia are moveing in to the city very fast. The Secretary of the Treasury and family moved in yesterday. Many of the other gentlemen will soon follow. I am very happy to contradict the report of the death of Dr Maze—he is not dead but in a convalescent state.
				I received a letter from Johnson of the 8th of Oct he & family were very well and desired to be remembered to you
				With respect I have the honor to be / your affectionate nephew

					Wm S S—


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 4 November 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					my dear sister
					[4 November 1799]

				Tomorow morning I expect to leave this place, and proceed on my way to Philadelphia—where I hope soon to hear from you. Frank and family had arrived before Brisler. they had only ten days passage.
				our Envoys I presume are ready to sail. the P   writes me, that he hopes they are gone that there may no longer be room for impertinent paragraphs fabricated by busy bodies who are forever meddling with things they understand not. I inclose You a Letter from William to me. be cautious however in your communications as the source will be traced. I request mr Cranch to have the inclosed communication publishd, taken from the N york commercial advertizer of Nov’br 2d in the centinal, or J Russels paper— I also inclose a paper which contains an answer to coopers address if it has not been republishd in our papers, it ought to be. if you could send it to mr Gardner Milton he will see that it is done. the Writer is T B A—as I have good reason to believe—
				Mrs smith goes on with me. my Love and regards to all Friends— Mrs Adams and children went to N York to day. she had been in part of the last week. she returnd last Evening, and went again this morning
				I read in the Centinal the death of Lilly Field. what was her sickness the quitting of mrs Foster was the ruin of that poor girl
				adieu your ever / affectionate Sister

					A Adams—


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 8 November 1799
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

					Weymouth Nov. 8th. 1799

				I have the Pleasure of hearing of your Arrival at East Chester and in Health. Since you left Quincy, We have scarcely had a Storm, except that which occur’d on your Journey. The Weather has proved favourable for Farming Business and for finishing the Cellar, which will probably be compleated this Week as far as was intended, th’o not in all its Parts as was directed by Brizler, the Part next to the End of the present Building is laid at a much great Distance than was proposed. Miller got Deacn. Veazie to lay that Part. The Deacon urg’d, that the laying it nearer would endanger the Wall of the old House to cave in, that He was afraid to proceed if He approached nearer. Mr. Bates & Porter both remonstrated against it’s being laid otherwise than as Brizler had orderd, but the Deacon was positive & prevaild— this occasions some Loss of Room in the Cellar, if he has erred, I believe it is an Error of the safest kind— this Circumstance leaves me under some Embarrasment with respect to paying Miller his Ballance, at any Rate he will be a looser— he has been very laborious & diligent.
				The Timber, Boards &c are safe landed and part got to the House, tho clear, and part of the Merchantable Boards are seasoned, these I have orderd to be hous’d— the Weather at present is so mild, that had Directions been given the Building might have been framd & probably coverd before Winter would set in— Genl. Thair had no Cyder to part with— I have engaged 8 Barrells of Mr. Black— The Carpenters have compleated the Work assigned them except Shingling the Wood House, which is deferred for a few Days till the Shingles are a little dryed—
				The News Papers inform us that the Officers of State are removing to Philadelphia, I hope the President will not go there till there is

no Danger from Infection— at the Celebration of his Birth Day in Boston, a Volunteer Toast was given, which carried in it some Reflection upon the Presidents appointment of Envoys to France—but was not drank by any—to the great Mortification of the Toaster— this appears to me to augur well— There has been much Speculation upon this Subject—at present People appear to be well satisfied—
				In a Letter recd. sometime since from my Kinsman Mr. Turell Tufts from Surrinam He observes “The British act as if they viewed with a jealous Eye, the rising Navy of america, and all their commercial Regulations indicate a Suspicion, that the United States will one Day supplant them in every Region of the Globe. I observe they speak of the President in a manner, that indicates more than Respect” I fear that the numerous Conquests of the British, will not be very favourable to the Und. States— But we must hope for the best, and guard against all untoward Events— Adieu—requesting to be rememberd to the President
				I am yr. Affectionate Frend & H Sert.

					C. Tufts


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 November 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					my dear sister
					Philadelphia Novbr 15 1799

				I wrote to you twice from East Chester. I left there the day I proposed; and had a fine passage across the North River—it was quite calm & not cold. we proceeded on our journey to Newark the same day, and there finding that we could go to Brunswick as conveniently by travelling through springfield and scotch plain to Plainfield the

place where col smith is encampd with three Regiments. we parted with Mr & Mrs Otis, and took different directions. we reachd Plain-field about 4 oclock—and found all hands officers and Men busily employd in cutting down Trees & building log houses for winter quarters
				we took a walk through the encampment, and then went to a House which the col had provided for us, where we lodg’d the next morning he accompanied us to Brunswick, where the President met us. we tarried all Night, and then sat out in Morning for Trenton 32 miles which we reachd by four oclock, and the next day proceeded to this place, but were overtaken by rain, and rode 18 miles in it— we were Met about four mils out of Town by the Light Horse escorted in &c
				ever since I have been sitting up—receiving visitors—which prevents me going even to take a ride—which I want for exercise— the show will be pretty well over by the next week, and then I must sit out to return them all— drawing Rooms will not commence untill after congress meet. News we have none but what you get first from Boston. I have not a line from any one but you since I left home and that by mr Brisler. I quite want to hear from you; I wrote to you twice from East Chester—
				I have seen by the papers the honorable testimony of respect and Regard paid to the Birth Day in Quincy, as well as in other parts of Massachussets— the citizens of N york and this place were not in a Situation to do it, if they had been disposed. the inhabitants were not returnd to their abodes who had been driven from them by the pestilence. I suppose they will, as they did last Year give a Ball and Supper, when the winter commences after Congress meet, and the Ladies have settled the fashions which are now canvessd, and adjusting from some late importations. amongst the Ladies presented to me the Countess de Tilly has been of the Number, by the Appelation of Madam de Tilly. she has all the appearence and Dress of a Real French woman, Rouged up to the Ears: Mrs Bingham did not appear to feel any Embarresment at introducing her, tho I cannot say She did not Creat one in me; for I really felt a reluctance at addressing her, so I talk’d to her mother and sister, and as there was much other company present I easily passt her over— Mrs Black will have a curiosity to know something of the fashions— I have heard of once a Man & twice a child, and the Ladies caps are an exact coppy of the Baby caps—those which are made with drawings, and drawn with a bobbin to a point, a quarter and Nail deep, a lace upon the border a bow upon the point, three bows behind and one

before. the Hair a little drest at the side & a few curls upon the forehead, the cap to lie flat upon the head Some tye them under the chin— Gown Waists, half a yd in length, morning dress a Gown very narrow just to reach the bottom of the skirt, a Narrow frill of half a Nail pleated round the bottom—buttond with a oval shirt button down before, two rows of the same down the back, over which a cord is crossd—the sleaves Short but with cuffs pleated, buttons upon them corded in the same Manner, two large buttons on the hips—a dress Gown, made with a long train behind comeing only half way down the coat before—a Muslin coat of the same with a small flounce at bottom— so much for fashions, already exhibited—
				I requested you to take charge of my pork for Bacon, but left you not the means. inclosed is a five dollors Bill to get Salt peter and Molasses—
				pray write. we all send Love Regards &c to all friends Neighbours &c &c
				ever Your / affectionate / sister

					A A


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 22 November 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, William

					dear sir
					Philadelphia Nov’br the 22. 1799

				Least you should not see many of the curiosities produced in the Aurora; I shall now and then inclose You a choice morsal; in this,

which I now forward you you will find a Letter, said to have been written by a Mr Crammond of this city, to Mr Parish the former Consul at Hamburgh and printed in a Paris Paper. Mr Crammond is a respectable English Merchant of this city, but by no means a politician, not a creature any way acquainted with him suspects him of being the writer. He says that he has not written a Letter of any kind for three years past, to Mr Parish—and that the whole is a forgery—the impudent comments of Duane are also a pack of Lies. no misunderstanding has ever taken place between the President and the British Minister—it is even suspected by some whether the french paper it self is not the production of that the Aurora office; but if not, the Letter must have been forged by some of their Tools. I also inclose You a part of Browns paper which contains the true statement of Robbins’s case, about which the Democrats make such a clamour—if it has not been printed in Boston, the printers I think ought to do it.
				if our Northern Members are not all here, upon the Day when a clerk is to be Chosen, it is feard that Beckly will get in again, as a great struggle will be made for him. You will see also that the batteries are opening upon mr Sedwick. in short no people are so unwearied as the evil Doers— our goverment is such an uphill Machine that it requires no common force, to support it against all the underminers— so Many of its Friends have local and personal views and interests to serve, that they rather pass by, with a wish that it may stand, than lend their aid to strengthen it—
				I pray you to remember me affectionatly to all our Friends and Relatives, and be assured that I am at all times / your Friend

					A A


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 22 November 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dear sir
					Philadelphia Novbr 22 1799

				I received Yesterday Your favour of Novbr 8th and thank You for the information containd in it.
				The weather has been uncommonly fine through the whole of this Month; I wish You had used Your own judgment respecting the putting up the frame this Winter. I had not any expectation of its being so early ready, or of the winters being so mild, but it is now so far advanced that it may be best to defer it untill early in March, and the carpenters as they proposed can make windows doors &c so as to get every thing in readiness
				I wish You to pay Fowle, so that he shall be no looser, even tho the Labour should amount to 10 or 15 dollors more than was agreed for— God forbid that I should grind the face of the poor— the cellar will be large enough, I think it was best to proceed safely—
				If the weather keeps off, and mr Porter can get up some sea weed, it would be very agreable.
				I expect when Congress meet there will be warm work. a Clerk of the House and a speaker are to be Chosen. there will be a great struggle to get in Beckly again, and unless our northern Members are here by the first Day, it will be effected. the southern are already comeing. a more voilent Jacobin does not exist than Beckly but the Election of McKean has raised them so Much that they think to carry all before them— the conduct of G Britain towards our Commerce gives us great reason to complain and puts weapons into the hands of the Jacobins. yet strange to tell, no official complaint of any Merchant, has ever been presented to the President; or any officer of the Government, which leaves Room to believe, that many of the captures which have been made, would not bear an Examination; they serve to make, and keep up a Clamour; but our Merchants,

will Many of them cover any property, and trade with any Nation where there is a prospect of gain— I believe fully with mr Tufts, that they Britains are sufficiently Jealous of our increasing prosperity; and that they do not wish to see our quarrel Setled with France: they are as Proud, as they are powerfull. I am told that at the Southward, they pretend to believe the President strongly attached to the British— this falshood is propogated to answer Political purposes— I wish there next President may be as Independant of foreign attachments. to do Justice to all is the Rule; and to be partial to none—
				I wrote to you and inclosed three hundred dollors, which I hope You have received.
				My kind regards to mrs Tufts and all other Friends from your affectionate

					A Adams—


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 24 November 1799
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

						My Dear Sister

							November 24th 1799

					I receiv’d your kind Letter of the 15th yesterday & am glad to find you able to receive so much company tho I fear it will not be advantagous to your nightly repose
					I was in Boston last week & find the appointment of the Envoys is growing to be a very popular action Some extracts from Joel Barlows Letters has made the appointment appear an act of wisdom— these extracts were in John Russels paper close at the heels of those peices you sent me
					I have given Mrs Black the list of the Fashions I am fix’d for the winter & Shall have nothing to do with them
					The weather is delightful I want to see your Building going on People have been ploughing eighteen Days at one of the Islands without interruption from Bad weather
					mr Beal has painted your Floors as you desired & they look very Well— Mr Porter has kill’d the Hogs 2 of them weigh’d 20 score

apeice & the other 15— the Legs shoulders &C are in our cellar, & shall be attended too

							28th

					I have been prevented from finishing this Letter till this evening you may remember tis our thanksgiving day & had you been here been highly entertain’d such Prayers & Such a Sermon oh! what a feast they are; so devoted & So truely evangelical! If I can prevale I Will send you the Sermon If possible I admire him more than ever If this People knew how to estmate Such Talents a hundred dollars Would not part us. next monday we are to have a meeting what will be the result I cannot conjecture He din’d with mr Black to day & is gone to Hingham this evening.
					Sister Smith & miss Betsy Apthorp din’d with us to day. Sister was very well & went to meeting with me we cannot get Mrs Apthorp out yet—but I sent her some dinner. the Turkey was very good The raisons made a fine Pudding—& the Flour is exellent the Sugar corrected the acid of the Craneberry & we drank our wine with thankful hearts & did not forget the channel thro which these Blessings flow’d
					mrs Apthorp behaves very properly, but the Family always do something different from other Folks When they bury their Friends— after Mr A was put into his Coffen, the young Folks thought the Head of it would look better lin’d with white Flannel so the Son & Daughter went to work with a Hammer & nails one held up his head & the other tack’d it on Mr A’s wife got her Brush & Paint & painted the edge Black, then the widow & all the People in the house were call’d to see what an addition to the beauty of the Coffen it was had I been present I should have proposed puting a little rouge on his Face— I am sure it would have look’d as much better as the coffen did for the Flannel & paint. They were not children of Sorrow. how could they be, but they Should not have made a Baby house for him
					I went to see uncle Quincy Twice last week. he is very well I never saw him look better. I call’d upon Mr Wibird both times he look’d more like a dirty Beast than any thing else I was affraid to set by him—
					mr Nortons Family & Mr Greenleafs were well yesterday. I saw mrs Foster last week sh[…] & hers were well Except herself She had a cold which settled in her Breast but it was better Mr Smiths Family were well Mrs Smiths children were very well when Mr

Smith was at atkinson John perform’d at the exhibition as well as any one in the Schooll Sister will not make us a visit this season, but I hope we shall all meet in the Spring the antisipation of it cheers in your absence / the Heart of your affectionate Sister

						Mary Cranch

					I have receiv’d the five dollar Bill inclos’d in your last Letter
					your Friends all send Love
					I have receive this day a Letter from Mr shaw & one for Doctor Tufts


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 25 November 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cranch, William

					Dear William
					Philadelphia 25th: November 1799

				I received with much pleasure a few days ago, your favor of the 15th: instant and shall not be inattentive to those parts of its contents which relate to the subject of your application for the clerkship of the Supreme Court of the U.S. and will be careful to give you seasonable notice whether your personal attendance here in February would be likely to conduce to the success of your plan. The indisposition of Judge Cushing, we hope, will not prevent his attendance at the next session, and your letter of application to him, having been transmitted by a sure conveyance, will have prepared his mind, for such fresh representations, on that subject, as it may be expedient to make when he comes here. I know not whether Judge Ellsworth communicated my application of last Summer to his Associates, but your letter to Judge Cushing is, I apprehend, the first written intercession on that subject. The interest of Judge Chase, would be serviceable, if you can secure it, and I promise my mite of representation, in your behalf, with him, if he should be here in February. Bayard will resign the Office, unless he has altered his purpose since the summer.
				The reasons you assign for returning to your old habitation, appear to be solid. If you can secure an house in the center of the City, upon a lease, I should think it might be turned to good account— If a large one could be obtained, the rent of a part of it to some of the Government folks, might cover the whole expence. This however, is a speculating scheme, in which I pretend to no great share of discernment.
				It gave me pleasure to learn, that a part of your difficulties have been removed, and I sincerely hope, that no fresh misfortunes may retard the progress of your career. The gentleman who was so wroth with the Sheriff for suffering you to go at large, must have had just notions of generosity according to the modern dictionary.

				Of Mr: Treasurer Meredith’s intention to resign his office at the time of removal, I can say nothing, as the intimation given in your letter of his intention purpose to that effect, is the first I have heard of it.
				I am now cleverly fixed in my law shop, which is advantageously situated for business, and I find already some small share of professional employment, with a tolerable prospect of increase. My Dockett is yet in its cradle, but anticipation, that delightful reverie of studious men, sometimes represents it to my busy fancy, as an infant Hercules. At other moments, when Saturnian fogs infest the atmosphere of thought, the gigantic form dwindles to dwarfish & insignificant proportions.
				The presence & society of my family at this place, among whom my Sister Mrs: Smith, is a temporary guest, makes my domestic intercourse abundantly delightful. I, who am doomed by imperious prudence to tread the cheerless path of solitary celibacy, can find no substitute so grateful as the tenderness of parental partiality. My prose would surely go mad, if I dwelt on this strain.
				Farewell.

					Thomas B. Adams.

					PS Make my best regards to the Georgetown family when you meet them & tender my compliments to Genl. Forrest, whose politeness to yourself in the case you mention, shows that you have had at least one gentleman among your creditors.


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 26 November 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

					My Dear Sister
					Philadelphia Novbr 26 1799

				Your kind Letter reachd me on the 20th. I began to feel very impatient to hear from you; Your Letter afforded me much pleasure; I rejoice that so worthy and amiable a Man as Mr Kendall allways appeard to me, is like to be so soon; and agreably setled. I would willingly exchange all the discourses I have heard here Since I came and all I shall be like to hear, for the one half which even chance offers us at Quincy. I do not believe that a people are ever made better by always hearing of the terrors of the Lord. Gloom is no part of my Religion—to Mantain a conscience void of offence, as far as is consistant with the imperfect State we are in, both towards God and Man, is one article of my Faith, and to do good as I have opportunity, and according to my means I would wish to make the Rule of my practise to do justly walk Humbly and to Love mercy—are duties enjoind upon every Christian, and if we can attain to those graces— we may cheerfully look for our recompence and reward, where it is promised to us—
				Shall we be so happy at Quincy as to settle a Gentleman of mr Whitneys talents? I most sincerely hope we may: but fear that so good a choice is not reserved for us.—
				I Saw in Russels paper the answer to Cooper. I found I was mistaken in the Writer. it was not the person I conjectured, nor is it known by him, who it was. Cooper has lately appeard in the Aurora, and in his former Mad Democratic Stile abused the President, and I presume Subjected himself to the penalty of the Sedition act. the greater part of our the abuse leveld at the Government is from foreigners every Jacobin paper in the united states is Edited by a Foreigner, and John Fenno is become a coppiest of them— what a disgrace to our Country
				On thursday next the four of our N England states keep thanksgiving— I would not suffer the day to pass without noticeing it here by the symbols of the festival as commemorated by us I have invited a chosen set to dine upon that day, and whilst we share, in & are plentifully Supplied with the good things of this world, I hope we shall not be unmindfull of the many blessing of the past year, which we have abundat cause to be thankfull for—
				Thomas has had a Letter from Your Son. he appears I think much more tranquil in mind; and is quite witty in his Letter—

				There is a Letter from mr Pitcarn in Hamburgh to Thomas dated in Sepbr, in which he says that he heard from mr Adams three Days before, and that he was well. he makes no mention of Mrs Adams. he would I think, if she had not recoverd or was so Dangerous as she had been represented—
				Mrs Smith and Louissa desire to be rememberd to You and all our Friends. I do not get a line from Sister or the Children. Mrs Smith is anxious to hear from them. William is well. Thomas will get into buisness in time I hope, he is very attentive to his office
				Next week Congress meet. I expect it will be a stormy Session. Electionering is already began. there will more things be amied at than will be carried either by Jacobins or Federalists—but the Jacobins are always more subtle and industerous than there opponents—
				My Love to Mrs Norten and Greenleaf— I hope if my Health remains to be with you early again in the spring—
				my best regards and the Presidents to mr Cranch
				accept the affectionate Regard / and Love of / Your sister

					A A


Title: William Smith to Abigail Adams, 2 December 1799
From: Smith, William
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear Madam—
					Boston. 2d. Decr. 1799

				Your favors of the 19th & 22d I have recd. no Vessell at present is up for Philaa. If any one offers, I will endeavour to procure the articles you wish to be sent. it is now so late in the season, that I do not expect I shall forward them— I am much oblig’d to you for the papers you inclos’d, such Mad Men, as Cooper can never do any injury to the Government their mad zeal, defeats their own purposes. if no other state suffer’d from such conduct but Pensylva. they richly deserve it, for giving such encouragement for Mad Men from every quarter of the Globe to resort there— the Business respecting Robbins is well understood in this quarter. The Letter in the Aurora, without doubt is a fabrication, & in my opinion the French Paper never cross’d the Atlantic. Mr C. has clear’d himself compleatly by

his two Letters. Our Envoys I hope before this are safe landed in Europe & I hope they will meet with success. they have the best wishes of a large Marjority in this Quarter. even the Junto are now silent & begin to doubt whether they have not been deceived in their opinion.— every arrival from Europe brings Bloody News. By an arrival Yesterday from Hamburgh We have accounts of several severe actions in Holland on the 1st & 2d Oct. in which the Dutch & French were oblig’d to retreat some distance. it is said that in another action after these the Duke of York was defeated with the loss of 4 or 5000. Men— I hope the Elections in the House of Reps. have terminated favourably— I was at Atkinson a few weeks since the Fa[mily] were all well. I attended the Exhibit[ion] & was much pleas’d with the performances. Wm. & John had conspicuous parts & perform’d very well. John perform’d his part in such a manner as to gain the applause of the whole assembly— the performances were in the Meeting House which was as much crouded as Cambridge Meetg House on Commencement Day.— Mrs. S & our Children are well she joins me in Affec. Regards to you & the President.—
				Yrs. Affecly

					Wm. Smith


Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 10 December 1799
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

						Dear Sr.
						Weymouth Decr. 10th. 1799

					Majr. Penniman sometime since mention’d to me, that upon further Consideration, He would take £30. for his Salt Marsh & Island, that he had been offerd £27. and refused it. For the sake of Cash in hand I rather suppose He would take £27. If you are disposed to purchase it, you will be pleased to let me know, and the highest Sum you would give for it. We have had no heavy Storms since you left Quincy, but little Sea Weed has been thrown upon the Shores & Meadows this Season, what could be collected has been carted and spread upon the Hill and in the Dung Yard.— The Stone Wall on Candlewood Hill is compleated and the Bill for your part of it has been discharged—
					By late Arrivals from Europe, We find that the belligerant Powers, like the eager Huntsman after his Prey, are busily employed in hunting, worrying and devouring each other, and with alternate Success. Accounts from Holland do not indicate a speedy Issue to the Contest there. Britain, it is probable, must expend much Blood & Treasure, before She will firmly reinstate the Stateholder in his Government.— And for what is all this Carnage & Destruction? and when & how is the horrid Scene to end?
					Is all this for the Design of thinning the human Race? Is it that over grown States may be so weakned as to give the lesser States an Opportunity to grow or to enjoy Ease and Rest? or is it finally for the Purpose of the Humiliation & Amelioration of the human Character?— Here I must stop. I feel my Ignorance and must content myself in deploring the wretched State of my fellow Creatures and waiting for further Light, making however this One Reflection— That it is the highest Madness and Folly in a King or Ruler to wage War without thoroughly weighing the Consequences of it and that it never ought to be undertaken without the highest Reason, Justice & Necessity—

							Dec. 14.

					Since the above which lay by me unfinishd, I recd. yours of the 29th. Ulto. And in the first Place I am to thank you for your kind

Enquiries relative to the State of my Health. I have the Happiness to inform you that it is much firmer, than it was in the preceding part of this year, and upon the whole, except now & then feeling some of my pulmonic Complaints, I enjoy as much Health as I have done for several years past—
					The Fall has been pleasant, Health has in general prevailed, some few Instances of bilious Fevers with us, at present scarce any Complaint of Disease. Brother Cranch seems to be renewing his Age— Our other Connections are well— Respecting your Domestic Affairs, in addition to what has been already mentiond. The Rail & Stone Wall Fence on Land bought of Mr. Cranch is finishd— No great Progress has been made in that between you & Mr. Black— The Buildings have been compleated agreably to your Directions, the Yards have been levelled. the House bankd, Eight Barrells of late made Cyder purchased & put into Your Cellar— The Indian Corn proved sound & good—100 Bushells lodgd in the Crib. The Barley has been threshd cleansed & stored— The Carpenters were dismissed sometime agone— Shipley the Beginning of this Month, Balch only remains but will be dischargd next Week— Porter will be employed in getting of Sea Weed and doing other Matters as opportunity presents—
					The Presidents Speech to Congress, has met with universal Approbation, as wise, temperate, firm & impartial— I hope it will calm the intemperate Heat of the British (I do not say high Federalists) and silence the Clamours of the French Party— Who is to command as first Magistrate in Massachust another Year, is very probematical; there is no one Person on whom the the public Mind is at present fixed, a variety of Persons are mentiond. Although there is no particular Fault charg’d to the Man now in Office, yet there are great Numbers of the higher Class and some of them who are fond of being esteemd Politicians of the first Magnitude, who will push for some other Character; these would be greatly mortified, should Our General slip in—yet I suspect that will be the Case if they do not unite with the Friends of the Lt. Governor in the Election. It is believed that the Office would be agreable to Him and some have gone so far as to say, that He has not been deficient in pursuing Measures to obtain it— A propos— It is storied that at a Military Review which He attended this Fall past—Having dind with the Officers, as soon as Dinner was ended, He slipt out, paid off or orderd to be paid off the Reckoning, and returnd, before the Toasts were given out—when the Compliment of Toasts had ended. An officer who by some

Means had discoverd, what had been done—arose and gave the following “To the independent Farmer, who does his Spring Work in the Fall” This produced a hearty Laugh, in which the Indt. Farmer bore his part with a good Grace.
					If the Weather should prove close & confine me to my House, I may possibly in a future Letter dabble a little more freely in Politics, at present can only add that I feel much Pleasure in hearing of your Health, for the continuance of which and every other Blessing, You have my sincere Prayers, begging you also to Present mine and Mrs. Tufts’s affectionate Regards to Mrs. Adams and am / Your Affectionate Friend

						Cotton Tufts—


Title: William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams Smith, 22 December 1799
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)

					My Dear:
					Union Brigade, Dec. 22, 1799.

				I have the pleasure to inform you that I struck my marquee on the 19th, and took shelter in my hut, which is yet without doors to it, but much more comfortable than the tent. The last night I slept in the tent, a bottle of wine, standing on the table, froze through, but still I was not uncomfortable. It will be some time before I can have the pleasure to announce to you, that the hut is sufficiently comfortable for you and my baby. The holiday’s are coming on, and I find the workmen disposed to visit their homes at the gay season. The pleasures of that season will, however, be checked by the death of General Washington, which I see is made known in the Philadelphia paper of the 18th.
				You will have a great opportunity now to notice the intrigues which this melancholy circumstance will give rise to. Now the President will be fretted, perplexed, and tormented; now the full force of party will be brought forward; and now, America shakes to her centre with convulsive throbs, wishing, yet trembling still to hear, that name declared, who is to fill the important vacant post; they scarce dare harbour a doubt, but that his successor will be eminent for his virtues, distinguished for his military abilities, and such as the embattled sons of Columbia will not blush to follow to the field of fame.
				I must acknowledge, however, for myself I fear that the President will not have it in his power to carry into effect the pure, unbiassed

dictates of his firm and virtuous soul. He will now find himself, like the Roman Cato, sustaining a painful prëeminence, distinguished amongst his countrymen by toils—superior toils and heavier weight of cares. Write to me very particularly.
				* * * * * *
				My love to my dear little girl. God bless you.
				Yours, sincerely,

					W. S. Smith


Title: Abigail Adams to Martha Washington, 25 December 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Washington, Martha

					Madam
					Philadelphia December 25 1799

				Whilst in Unison with the Sympathetic Sorrow of a Nation; I unite in Deploring the Loss; it has sustained of a Father, Friend and Benefactor. I intreeat Madam, that You would permit a Heart deeply penetrated with Your loss, and shareing Personally in Your Greif; to mingle with You the Tears which flow for the Partner of all Your joys and sorrows.
				Deep as the Wound You have Sustained is, and irreparable as the Stroke must be, May that Religion to which You have ever been an ornament afford You Support, and from that Being who has promised to be a Husband to the Widow, may You derive Consolation is the fervent Prayer of / Your truly sympathizing Friend

					Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 27 December 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, William

					Dear sir
					Philadelphia Decbr 27th 1799.

				Mr shaw will be the Bearer of this to you it is so long Since You saw him, that I presume he will want an introduction to your recollection, tho not to your Heart. he will bring to your Remembrance those agreable Days spent under his Fathers Roof, whilst expectations, and anticipation Presented you prospects of future felicity and enjoyment, before you had seen or experienced the checkerd Lot, to which we are all Heirs. If you have experienced your evil days— those of your Prosperity and success I hope and trust will be much more abundant—
				Mr shaw is going to Mount Vernon the bearer of Letters upon the Melancholy event which has Made mourners of a whole Nation; yet as it respects the great and Illusterous Character whom we all lament, I think his situation enviable length of days, would to him according to the order of Nature only have been subject to the

weakness and decays of time, and he had lived to honor to Glory, and to immortality, as far as Mortal could— his fame wanted no extension, his Character no addition— thus we trust his Great Lord and Master call’d him to a higher Sphere, to a more exalted station, to unite him with Beings of a superiour order.—
				I last week had Letter from your Mother. she was well, and your Father has had better Health since his last sickness than for a long time before—
				My Love to Mrs Cranch who has risen in My Esteem and Regard from her Prudence, her discretion and Many other excellent qualities which have Distinguished her Character through the troubles and difficulties you have both had to encounter—
				I most sincerely hope that Your future exertions will be crowned with Success—
				I am My Dear Nephew / Your truly affectionate / Aunt

					A Adams—


Title: Elizabeth Palmer Cranch to Abigail Adams, 27 December 1799
From: Cranch, Elizabeth Palmer
To: Adams, Abigail

					Madm:
					West Point Decr: 27th 1799—

				Mr: Cranch has taken the liberty to address a short letter to the President containing a desire to be tho’t of in the various appointments now making in the line of his business— as he did not chuse to trouble the President with any details—embolden’d by your known condescention I have taken the pen to observe that since Mr Cranch’s letter to my Uncle—relative to the Armory at Harpers Ferry (Potomack) we have made enquiry and have reason to think all the vacancys are fill’d up— Mr William Cranch writes thus,—“one Jacob Perkins is master workman—he is an old man, and seems infirm, and not active enough for the place”—

				I mention this circumstance Madm: that in case Mr Perkins should decline the business—it might be an opening for us— we presume not to chuse— we only wish for a decent living.—
				Permit me Madm: to congratulate you on your recover’d health— long may you enjoy this and every earthly blessing— I have the honor to be with Perfect / respect your most obedt: servt:

					Eliza Cranch.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 December 1799
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

						No 12.

					11. Octr: 26.
					My dear Sir.
					Philadelphia 29th: December 99

				Since the date of my last letter, I have received none from you, of course I do not feel very culpable in having suffered so long an interval to elapse without writing, though, if a direct opportunity from this place had offered, I should not have neglected it. In my last, I

promised to make out my Account at the commencement of the next Century, & this I intend doing, to accompany the present No 12 having written to Dr: Tufts requesting him to transmit me his account, which I shall incorporate with my own, when I receive it.
				Our latest intelligence respecting you was contained in a letter from Mr: Pitcairn of the 18th: September, wherein he informs me you were well on the 15th: of that month. When I wrote you last, I was on the point of joining my father at Trenton and did so, a day or two after— Our good mother arrived about a fortnight after, bringing with her our Sister Mrs: Smith, who passes the winter with us, intending to join the Col: at Camp in N. Jersey in the Spring. My Mother’s health is better this winter than it has been for several years, & notwithstanding the fatigues of business, my father retains his usual health & spirits. This minuteness cannot be displeasing or uninteresting to you, on such a subject; I believe no body writes to you from hence, but myself, of course, you are not oppressed with this sort of news.
				To preserve the thread of my movements & transactions, I think proper to inform you, that I returned to this City the first week in November, took possession of my Office, which I was so fortunate as to obtain in a very eligible situation, my abode, in my fathers family, and until this time have pursued a pretty constant system of Professional attention; “Pangloss’s occupation,” I might say, has begun, with more flattering prospects than he had anticipated.
				Even the slight encouragement I have received, has made me feel of more weight in the community, than I ever did before, and I hope in the course of a twelvemonth to consider myself settled for life. How so, say you? Are you about to become one of us? I answer—No promises—But stranger things have happened— Dont be alarmed though, for, unless I marry for fortune, I shall remain as I am, for some years to come.
				We presume our Envoys to France, who sailed early in November have, ere this, safely arrived somewhere. They had an absolute controul over the destination of the Frigate in which they embarked, and nobody knows whence we may hear from them first. Their departure was at a fortunate moment, when the tide of prosperity had materially turned against the Republican armies, and when rumors prevailed, though destitute of foundation, that the Coalition had resolved to compel an universal combination against the french Republic. The story was circulated with great zeal, that previous to the

sailing of the frigate United States, the British Minister had strenuously remonstrated against the departure of the Commissioners for France. This was untrue, though there is room to believe, that the mission was regarded with a jealous eye by the British Cabinet. Since the affairs upon the Continent have reassumed a more favorable aspect for France—the total failure & we apprehend, the disastrous issue of the expedition to Holland; our advances, to meet any disposition that may discover itself on the part of the french Republic, towards an adjustment of difficulties, are viewed with much greater approbation than at any period since the Envoys were appointed. The strain of invective in which some people had indulged against the measure, has in many instances been converted into applause, and except Fenno’s Gazette, there is not, to my knowledge, a newspaper in the Country, that does not speak of it in the style of encomium, which I always thought it deserved.
				I hope you are supplied, from the proper department, with the public papers, for it has been impossible for me to furnish any thing of the sort. I purpose, nevertheless, by the first opportunity for Hamburg, to send you some pamphlets &ca:
				Congress assembled at the Constitutional period. The Speech adverted to the departure of the Commissioners for France—to the suspension of the boards of Commissioners under the british treaty, and to several objects of inferior magnitude. It was well received by the public. By the house of Representatives it was answered with uncommon cordiality & unanimity. By the Senate, with indifference if not coldness. No laws of much consequence have yet been passed, nor is there any subject likely to occur, unless indeed it be the renewal of the Alien & Sedition laws, that will give occasion for any great political animosity. A revision of the judiciary system was strenuously recommended in the speech, and some improvements may be hoped for. The old standing dishes of Militia & uniform Bankrupt systems will be brought out in course.
				The friends of political decorum & integrity, who advocated, in our late election for Governor of this State, by all lawful & constitutional means, the cause of the unsuccessful candidate, are likely to feel the effects of their opposition to him, whom the sovereign people have chosen to rule over them. The Offices throughout the State, such as depended on the will & pleasure of the Executive, are to change hands, wherever the occupant is known to have been inimical to the election of the present Governor, or where by bargain

& contract, prior to the result of the struggle, the Office was promised as the reward of faithful exertion, should success crown the event.
				Here is a specimen of the purity of Republican principles; the party, styling itself Republican, have gained their point, in a great measure, by this infamous barter of Offices, this traffic of place & pension. The Prothonotaries of Counties, Registers, the departments of the land Office, and various other places in the appointment of the Governor, are to undergo a thorough purification, &, graduated by the scale of Republicanism, are to be filled with the most devoted partizans of the Reigning potentate. The present occupants were all appointed by the predecessor, in his best days, & are generally men of character, understanding & capacity for their employments, but having the usual concomitants of these qualities, a sense of independence, superior to the allurements of a temporizing policy, they voted & used their influence at the election against the Man of the people; for this offence they die— No plea of honest exercise of opinion; of services faithfully rendered during a long course of employment; of hoary age; of numerous & dependent families; of upright character; nothing of all this can save them from the proscription of antecedent promises & engagements contracted by the Governor.
				Here is a faithful portrait, though moderately coloured in comparison of with the reality, of an Administration which commenced ten days ago. From such a glorious outset, how resplendent must be a career of three years continuance! The popular branch of the Legislature is of a similar kidney, by a majority of two members, but the Senate is differently composed. Here is the Ark of our salvation, & we have reason to think it will outlive the deluge. As I shall have occasion to return to this subject at a future day, I will dissmiss it for the present.
				It will not be from my letter, that you will first learn the event of General Washington’s death, nor is it necessary to say to you, that all America mourns, with unfeigned grief, the loss of her brightest ornament. All that can be expressed by solemnities of an outward nature, has been employed to commemorate this national calamity. The devotion, which was shewn to his character while living, the praise which was tributary to his rare virtues, and the admiration which his name alone extorted, all shrink from a comparison with that consummate honor & adoration, that is now paid to his memory. I leave you to collect from Newspaper detail the particulars of this occurrence; that the man whom United America gloried in

pronouncing, “first in War, first in peace, & first in the affections of his Country,” is now no more, is all I can add.
				With the warmest affection I am, / Your Brother

					Thomas B Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 December 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my dear son
					Philadelphia December 30 1799

				Your Last Letter was dated in july No 45, near Six Months since. the secretary of state has one, in sep’br Since that period: a very long one to me, not a word have I heard from You I learnt from your Brother Thomas that you had been sick of an intermitting fever, that Letter was also in sep’br. I have myself been very deficient in writing to you; My mind revolts at looking back to the period of my last date. I hoped Your Brother would Supply all My deficiencies, but upon inquiry of him; he too confesses that he has been tardy; but of one thing You may be assured my dear son; that not a day passes in which You are not many times the Subject of my Thoughts; you will See by the date of this, that I am again in Philadelphia. I arrived here in Nov’br as soon as the fever was sufficiently subdued to make it safe to return; My Health which had been so greatly impared, has been gradually restored, and I have been as

well as I usually was in former Winters. Your Father spent Six Months at Quincy in as much tranquility as the public buisness of his Station would permit; that annually increases as our connextions extend, and our Country increases. with the rural occupations which his Farm affords, he recruits his spirits and his strength for the six Months Severe duty which falls to him during the session of Congress.— altho it is a Month Since Congress met, very little buisness has been transacted; The afflicting, and unexpected stroke of Providence which has taken Washington from us—has Made a whole Nation mourners. the Respect paid to the Manes of this Great and Good Man has been sincere, affectionate and Respectfull, all Party ceased and every description of persons have united in expressions of Regreet for his Death; and in acknowledgment of his worth.
				e’en Envys self is Dumb. I inclose to you one Paper which contains the Resolutions of Congress, the orders of the President to the Army and Navy, the address of the Senate & House with the Presidents Replies— I shall be collecting Papers for You, which I will send to You by way of Hamburgh, I mean that this Letter shall go by the Packet. You will not expect any thing confidential. the speech of the President at the opening of Congress has been highly spoken of, and is said to have given universal satisfaction; there are however some, who do not approve the sending the Envoys to France. I think it a happy circumstance that the President was independent, and determined enough to send them when he did, at a period when the French were daily loosing ground; and when their Arms were unsuccessfull in almost every quarter. some persons here indulged themselves in the Idea; that before this Period, the stateholder would be reinstated in Holland, and Louis the Eighteenth upon the Throne of France: to these wild vagaries of some who have thought themselves statesmen; and who wisht the Envoys to be delay’d for this Event, the P. replied, You might as well make me believe that the sun Moon and stars would fall from their spheres as that concequences of this nature will speedily take place. a Writer in the Boston paper, who I know not, in remarking upon the speech Says, [“]It unfolds the reflections of a Mind superiour to the Sordid occurrences of Life, and which seems indeed to “come occasionally into our system to counsel and decide” unmoved by the fluctuations of opinions, on the one hand, unallured by flattering appearences, and on the other undismayed by difficulties he holds “on the

Majestic tenor of his way“ his Country’s good, his constant aim, the object of all his Labours—” You will see in the Replie of the House, a full and decided approbation of the late Embassy the result is, and Must remain for the present in the dark—
				I presume you have learnt before this time, that the annals of this state can boast a McKean for its Govenour, and that virgina has rivald it, by a Munro for theirs
				Is not the Post of honor, a private station?
				No Man says McKean [“]may hope for employment or office from me, who is not a friend to republicanism. I will not put a dagger into the hands of an assassin.” accordingly he has made a sweep of 22 at one stroke, assureing them that their commissions will not be renewed. his rashness and imprudence has made Enemies of many of his former Friends—
				Every Day is producing Such astonishing Events, Such Scenes of carnage havock and devastation of the Humane species, upon the Theatre of the World, that we stand agast at the desolation, and think our “blindness to the future kindly given”
				May the thunders which rool around us, and the lightnings which flash, Still continue to pass over this part of the Globe, without kindling it into a Blaze: and whilst with a pittying Eye we behold at a distance, the horror which it spreads May we with gratefull hearts asscribe praise unto that Being who maketh us to differ from other Nations—who still permitteth us to enjoy in Peace the fruits of our Labour.—
				Your sister and her little girl have been with me ever since I came here. the col is with his Regiments in the Jersies. Thomas lives with us this winter, and is a great comfort to us as you will readily believe— he has taken an office in this city, and I hope will get into buisness here.— o that I could Say to you what I wish, of those who bear a similar relation shall I receive Good, and shall I not receive evil?
				William shaw is private Secretary; here, he is now gone to Mount Vernon, the bearer of Letters and the Resolutions of Congress which You will see in the papers. I have written to Mrs Johnson by him. I heard from the Family a few days since. they were all well. My Love to my dear Louissa whom I wish daily to know; I hope her Health as she grows older will become more firm
				Remember me to mr Welch his Friends were all well last week—
				Inclosed is a Letter for Tilly by the way, did You ever hear of a

runaway match of a Count Tilly with the youngest Daughter, of Mr Bingham— Tilly Made a good speculation, for mr Bingham gave him ten thousand dollors to relinquish all right and tittle to her paid down; ten thousand dollors Bills upon England; and 500 Guineys for Life to quit the Country, which the count complied with; the young Lady goes by the Name of Madam de Tilly.—
				Thomas is writing to you: from him You will learn with more accuracy the state of public affairs
				I am my dear son / Your ever / affectionate / &c &c—
				Your Brother Says I had better omit sending papers by the packet on account of the postage. Tillys Letter Must go also to Hamburgh


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 30 December 1799
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

						my dear sister
						December 30th 1799 Philadelphia

					I received Your Letter of the 23d this morning I should be glad You would inform me from time to time the state Mrs Mears is in. I have told mrs Brisler that she was ill, but as she it cannot be of any

Service to Mrs Mears, I think best not to let her know of her relapse tho I fear it will finally be fatal to Mrs Mears.— Mrs Brisler would so distress herself as very probably to bring on her fits and render her wholy useless in the Family—
					I think every days experience must convince the people of the propriety of sending the Envoys at the time they went. after the President had received the Letter from Tallyrand containing the assureances from the Directory which he required, he would not allow it, to be made a question whether they should proceed tho he knew certain persons Set their faces against it as far as they dared. Gen’ll Hamilton made no secreet of his opinion. he made the P—t a visit at Trenton and was perfectly Sanguine in the opinion that the stateholder would be reinstated before christmass and Louis 18th upon the Throne of France— I should as soon expect replied the P— that the Sun Moon & stars will fall from their orbits, as events of that kind take place in any such period but suppose such an event possible—can it be any injury to our Country to have Envoys there. it will be only necessary for them to wait for new commissions—and if France is disposed to accommodate our differences, will she be less so under a Royall than a directorial Government? have not the directory Humbled themselves to us more than to any Nation or Power in contest with her? if she proves faithless, if she will not receive our Envoys, does the Disgrace fall upon her, or upon us— we shall not be worse off than at Present. the people of our own Country will be satisfyed that every honorable method has been try’d to accommodate our differences. at the period the envoys went, France was loosing ground. she was defeated, and the combined powers appeard to be carrying victory with them— if they had been detained untill now, how mean and despicable should we have appeard? Reports have been circulated that the British Minister remonstrated; however dissagreable the Measure might be to him, he is too old a Minister, and understands the nature of his Mission too well, to have ventured upon any such step— as an independant Nation, no other has a Right to complain, or Dictate to us, with whom we shall form connections, provided those connections are not contrary to treaties already Made—
					Last frydays drawing Room was the most crowded of any I ever had. upwards of a hundred Ladies, and near as Many Gentlemen attended, all in Mourning— the Ladies Grief did not deprive them of taste in ornamenting their white dresses 2 yds of Black Mode, in length, of the narrow kind pleated upon one Shoulder, crossd the

Back in the form of a Military Sash tyed at the side, crosd the Peticoat & hung to the bottom of it, were worn by many. others wore black Epilets of Black silk trimd with fring upon each shoulder, black Ribbon in points, upon the Gown & coat Some plain Ribbon Some black snail &c their caps were crape with black plumes or black flowers black Gloves & fans the Gentlemen all in Black— the Ladies many of them wanted me to fix the Time for wearing mourning, but I declined, and left them to govern themselves by the periods prescribed by the Gentlemen— the assembly Room is burnt down, and they have not any place to Display their gay attire but the drawing Room and private parties, and as they expect it will be the last winter they will have the opportunity, they intended shining
					Mr Shaw is gone to Mount Vernon the Bearer of Letters from the President & the Resolutions of congress, to mrs Washington. it was thought most respectfull to Send a special Messenger he sit out last saturday. I wrote to your son by him, and he will be able on his return to give a particuliar account of their health and welfare— I expect he will be absent 10 days—

							Twesday 31.

					We have a report here that the plague is in Boston, brought by a ship from the Levant. I hope it is without foundation, but let me know the Truth— the weather here has been so Mild foggy and thawey that colds universally prevail Dr Rush says there is a procession fever. I do not wonder at it, for the processions was an hour and quarter from congress Hall to the church & an hour & half in church; the Gentlemen say they walkd half over Shoes in Mud. I went at Eleven & did not get home till 20 Minuts before four oclock. I then had to dress and sit down to dinner with 30 Gentlemen & Ladies I went to Bed the moment the company left me which was not till nine oclock. I felt Sick enough, & expected to pay for my exertions, but the next morning, I was quite smart, and went through the drawing Room ceremonies in the Evening— you will may be assured that my Health is much firmer than the last winter. I was at the Theater last night to hear the Monody performd— I think sufficient has been done to express the gratefull feelings of a people, towards the Character of even a Washington the danger is— least the enthusiastic disposition of some should proceed too far— Some things are requested of the P—— Which really appear improper, and may tend to turn what is designd as respect, into Ridicule— he

will withstand it if he can without giving umbrage to the Representives of the People If the thing is done, You will know what it is
					I inclose the Border I promised—and am your affectionate / Sister

						A Adams


Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 1 January 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

					Dr sir
					Phyladelphia January 1. 1800

				I congratulate you on the new Year and the new Century. Aspice venturo lætentur ut Omnia Sæclo.
				You may take Pennimans Island and Acre of Marsh at 27£ or perhaps at 30£ though fifteen is more than it is worth. The Island is mere Show. it lies however within me; and some one will Speculate upon me if I buy it not.
				Candlewood Hill is an unknown Country to me. I never heard the Name. But I Suppose it is one of the rising Hills between Penns hill and the great blue hill.— I presume you paid Deacon French for my part of the Wall. It is a good Work and am glad my part is paid.
				I thank you for your political reflections and your account of my litle private concerns in the agricultural Way.
				on the subject of your Spring Election for Governor I can say nothing tho I might say a good deal.
				I am Dr sir

					John Adams


Title: Martha Washington to Abigail Adams, 1 January 1800
From: Washington, Martha
To: Adams, Abigail

					My Dear madam—
					Mount vernon January the 1 1800

				Accept the thanks of a heart opprest with sorrow but greatfull for your friendly sympathising letter.
				To that almighty power who alone can heal the wounds he inflicts I look for consolation and fortitude
				May you long very long enjoy the happiness you now possess and never know affliction like mine
				with prayers for your happiness / I remain your sincear / Friend

					Martha Washington—


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 5 January 1800
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

					Dear Sister
					Quincy January 5th 1800

				I am very much mortified that I have Sent so Many Letters to you burthen’d with Postage I thought mr cranch had frank’d them all by his name on the Letters as well as on the Post Bill—he thought the later was sufficient— I will take care for the future that they Shall be directed right
				I have reciev’d yours of the 18th & 22d of December there solemn Subject has engross’d the thoughts & conversations—of every one: Language has been almost exhausted in doing homage to the vertues of this great & good Man, whose loss has Sabled a whole nation— I cannot think his Physicians understood his complaint— if they did I am sure they did not treat it as ours would have done. I was shock’d at reading an account of it. next Sunday we all put on mourning. tis propos’d by some of us to purchase Stuff enough to make Mr whitney (who has this day givin us his answer in a very Solemn & affectionate manner that he will accept our invitation) a Gown & to hang it first round the Pulpit for a month & I have thought of puting your Pew in mourning by fastning a band of Gauze upon the edge of the Pew—& tying it together in a number of places with a Black ribbon— mr Ware Preach’d for Mr w to day & read his answer. People were Much affectted I think we shall have the ordination in about a Month. we Shall want you; but as we

cannot have you I must ask leave to borrow a number of things of you Such as knives & Forks Plates Spoons &C— I have desir’d Mr Porter not to part with all the Turkeys I Shall have a fatigueing time of it—but I Shall not mind it, so long as tis for the minister I have So long wish’d to have
				Mrs Black has reciev’d her cap & looks very well in it. She will write herself soon she now has her Parents with her upon a visit.
				I thank you my dear Sister for My cap & mrs Smith has my Love & Many thanks for the work she has put in it—tis beautifully done & its value greatly inhanc’d by being the work of her Fingures.
				I wish your House that mr Clark is in was empty What we shall do for one for him I do not know; to build immediately the gentleman think will not be best, & such a price those who have Houses to sell hold them so that he cannot purchase without involving himself in a debt which would distress him all his Life, Mr Greenleaf thinks he shall not leave his Brothers as he expected to. that would have been a good place for him— something will turn up I hope for he will not be happy Separated long from the object of his affections whom he has liv’d in the Family with for Six years
				all our Friends are well, & desire to be kindly rememberd to You. you are so taken up with other Peoples concerns that you forget to tell Me how your own health is—
				we have fine winter Weather but want a little Snow to make it pleasent travelling. we have had no sleighing yet. I lose Many a ride by it & almost Suffer for the air mr & mrs Foster with her pretty Baby were here last week I put for her Mother & they din’d with me together Mrs Foster looks very well & is grown quite fleshy
				She desires her duty to you & Love to her sister
				will you give my respectful & affectionate regards to the President & tell him I hope he will not be disapointed in his expectation of the Pasture we have chosen in his absence. he may not possess all that energy which is so acceptable to hearers in general but tis Learning good sense prudence & Piety which must render a minister respectable & his preaching entertaining & useful
				I hope we Shall be able to scour out mr wibird so as to be fit to be seen by the ministers who will ordain mr Whitney I shall try to have him here he does not look so well & is as ragged as old Studson—
				with Love to Nephews & Nieces & the fair Carioline assure yourself my dear my invaluable Sister of the best affections / & the grateful Love of your Sister

					Mary Cranch