Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 26 July 1788
From: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

          Haverhill July 26th.1788
          My Dear Sister—

        I got home the Friday-noon after I left you, & had the great satisfaction of finding all well—my little Daughters humour much abated, & was going of without a sore forming under her chin, as the Dr feared— But I soon had a bitter ingredient thrown into my lap, by hearing the complaints of my faithful Servant Lidia, who had every Symtom of a voilent fever coming upon her— The Dr thinks her fever is come to the height, but she cannot set up more than ten minutes at a time now—
        We ought to prize a good Girl, for we miss & feel the want of them, when taken from business most terribly— Your Family has been sick, as well as mine, & we know how to pity each other, for one we are used to, is worth ten new Servants—
        I was fearful Ester would give you trouble when I left you— Her Step, & motions were much too quick for Stability,— I think it was very lucky for Cornish that she was taken sick just as she was— though I presume you do not think it so for yourself— I am sorry you have so much trouble, for Sickness throws everything into confusion—& brings ten thousand wants & cares with it—
        I rejoice to hear of your increasing health—may it still keep on, in a happy progression— Cares if not too great, I have often thought were pleasures— Exercise of Body is absolutely necessary to our health— But few (my Sister) like you, can figure in the higher walks of Life, & with so much ease descend to the every concern, & business of your Family— It is happy when Americans can so do—
        Peter was taken sick yesterday, but I hope it is nothing more than eating too much green fruit— Betsy Smith came home to me, with her Uncle from Commencement— Dear good Girl she is I am sure I do not know what I should do now without her—
        Mr J Q A— went to Newbury a Thursday My Nephews have been rather unfortunate in this visit, on account of our Sickness— But I tell them they never found us so before, & they must take us for better, & for worse—

        They do not know half the pleasure, & satisfaction they give their uncle, & Aunt when they make us those visits— They would never fail of coming if they did— I am glad to hear of the health & welfare of Mr & Mrs Smith— I hope to have a Letter from her myself soon—
        I hope our Family will soon be well, & yours too—that we may have the pleasure of seeing, & welcoming to our habitation my Dear Brother & Sister—
        adieu most affectionately Your / Sister
        E Shaw—


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to John Adams, 27 July 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, John

          Jamaica, Long Island, July 27th, 1788.

        Last Thursday I had the pleasure of receiving my dear papa’s kind letter of July 16th. I was very impatient to hear of your welfare. My mamma’s letter, received a few days before, was the first particular account I had heard of the situation of the health of my dear parents since your arrival. My brothers have been very inattentive to me; I fear they have forgot the duties they owe to an elder and only sister.
        It gives me great pleasure, my dear sir, to hear from you that they sustain good and amiable characters. Young men who pass through college without any imputation of misconduct, have laid a very good foundation, and are less liable to fall into errors afterwards. The habit of well doing is not easily overcome, and when it is the result of principle and judgment, the impression is so strong upon the mind as to influence their conduct through life. May you, my dear sir, never have occasion to regret the conduct of any of your children; but that you may have cause to rejoice in the character which they may support through life, is my most ardent wish.
        I thank you, sir, for your solicitude respecting my friend and his future pursuits. As yet, I believe, he has formed no determination respecting his future career. At the bar there are so many persons already established by a course of practice, who are known in the State by common report, that there is but little encouragement for one who by long absence has been lost in public view. There is a strong propensity (perhaps it is a natural consequence,) in the people of this country, to misplace the absent by those who are present. A few combining accidental circumstances may bring a man into notice; he will, without any extraordinary exertions on his own part, rise in the opinion of the people; the enthusiasm catches like wildfire, and he is in the popular voice more than mortal.
        I think I can, in our own State, recollect a few instances of this kind, and I believe it is the case throughout the continent, both in public life and in particular professions.
        For myself, I confess my attachment to the profession of the law. I think the study of it the most conducive to the expansion of the mind of any of the learned professions; and I think we see throughout the continent, the men of the most eminence educated to it.
        * * * *
        With respect to yourself, my dear sir, I do not quite agree with you in opinion. It is true that a very long absence may have erased from the minds of many your services; but it will not take a long time to renew the remembrances of them, and you will, my dear sir, soon find them not obliterated.
        You have, in a late pretended friend, a real rival. The attention lately shown you was the highest proof of policy, grounded upon fear, that could have been given; it was intended to blind the popular eye, (perhaps it may for a time,) but every person of any discernment saw through the veil.
        It is my opinion that you will either be elected to the second place upon the continent, or first in your own State. The general voice has assigned the presidentship to General Washington, and it has been the opinion of many persons whom I have heard mention the subject, that the vice-presidentship would be at your option. I confess I wish it, and that you may accept it. But of the propriety of this, you must judge best.
        This State has adopted the Constitution by a majority of three only. It has given great joy to many, that at any events they are admitted to the Union. There have been great exertions made by the opposers of it, to prejudice the minds of the populace against its adoption, by such arguments as would have most weight with them—the addition of taxes, the rise of provisions, and some of the most improbable, though affecting to the lower class of people, that could be invented. The motives of some persons in power in the State, in opposing it, have been attributed to selfish views; whether just or unjust, I know not.
        It is now a great question in debate, whether Congress shall remove from New-York, and great exertions are making by some of the southern members, to get them to return to Philadelphia. Upon this question, I presume that selfish views actuate all who are violent upon either side, for I do not see that any material advantage can arise to the country from the local situation of Congress, except such as contribute to the convenience of their residence.    *
        Believe me your affectionate daughter,
        A. Smith.


Title: Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 30 July 1788
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail

          Plimouth July 30th 1788.
          My dear Madam

        one line by my son inquires after the health of my Friend, at Braintree. do you begin to feel at home. & will you not after becoming a little Domesticateed in your native town think of an excursion to plimouth where you will find the same Friend, the same hospitality & undissembleed affection which in my opinion Gives the truest Zest to human life.
        you have seen all the Varietiy. & perhaps have tasted as much real felicity in the little social parties as in the pallace of the prince. but you must again go to Court.— but flatter myself you will improve the interem & let us see you again at the unadorned board which satisfies the wishes of circumscribed ambition when blessed with the intercourse of those they Esteem & love.
        Hope MrAdams received a line of Congratulation from MrWarren sometime since:he means to do himself the Honour & Pleasure of making a Visit to his Friend as soon as he is able which I hope is a circumstance not far distant. as he has withing the week past been able to put on his shew which he has not done before for several months.
        You will make my most respectful Compliments acceptable to a Gentleman who I hear is employing the short respite from the field of politics & the intrigues of statmen: to the momentary delights of rural peace and the Cultivation of his own Grounds.—
        I am my dear Madam as ever / Your affectionate Friend
        M Warren


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 6 August 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

          [6 August 1788]
          My dear Child

        It grieves me to think how little I have been able to write to you since my arrival here. I have set apart many hours which I have determined to devote to you, but family cares company sickness have prevented
        I have received all your kind Letters and thank you for the intelligence containd in them I rejoice at your agreeable situation & wish that I could visit you more than in Idea, but at present I do not see any prospect of the kind. Should your Father go on to congress in November of which he is yet doubtfull I do not See that I can by any means leave home. we have come upon a place—wanting but every thing pertaining to Farming & find ourselves destitute of every utensal which we once possess’d so that like Regulas of old we want the most necessary articles for Husbandry. added to that the Garden was a wilderness & the House a mere Barrack this naturally encumbed us with work people of all kinds &, your Pappa is as he used to say he would, employd in Building Stone wall and Diging ditches. and as he always loves to do things expeditiously, tis not unusual to have ten laboring men in a day. I have get more reconciled to the spot than I was at first, but we must build in the Spring an other kitchen a dairy room & a Libriary of the two last we are quite destitute, and distresst for want of. untill this week I have never been over the Hill since I first came & only once to weymouth, nor have I made a single visit but to my old Friend mrs Quincy Your Brothers have been at Home ever Since I came & I have had much to do for them. Esther is Better tho feeble as usual. but I have had the misfortune of having Cornice the old woman who came out with me taken Sick the very week she was to have left me, with the inflamitory Rhumatisim totally deprived of the use of every Limb as helpless as a baby attended with a voilent fever & for a month back we have had her to attend She is now better & recoverd the use of them again tho terribly emaciated & weak. She want very much to go & live with mrs knox but whether mrs knox would take her is a question. She would be very good to attend Children is Honest & a hand in Sickness and scarcly ever had a days Sickness before if you should see mrs Knox I wish you would mention the old womans desire. I never saw a better creature at sea than she was. and now my dear Girl you must tell me whether you cannot come this fall & make us a visit, I long to see you & my dear Billy. You are the Subject of our daily conversation & I visit the picture as the only substitute, & look at Charles with double pleasure because he so nearly resembles his Sister. your Friends here all wish most ardently to see you. I do not find their regard or affection in any way diminishd towards you. You must come to your cousins Betsys wedding which I presume will be in November— I am not enough acquainted with the Young Gentleman to judge of him, he bears a good Character and I hope will make her happy She is a very deserving Girl, and so is our tranquill Lucy who has been a good deal with me and assisted me much. but I see no person who seems so much alterd in the course of four years as your worthy uncle Cranch he is very thin & look more than ten years older. Nancy Quincy is the same warm Sprightly animated Girl she was when we left her and mrs Guile as amiable as ever. she came & with mr Guile & drank Tea with me one afternoon her Eldest son is now at mr Cranchs and is a sweet little Boy, mrs Storer is with mrs Quiny with her three daughters who are all ill with the hooping Cough. mr Isaac Smith Spent the last week with us & preachd here on Sunday. mr wibird like most old Batchelors is become nearly useless, and fears his own Shadow mr Weld has again met with a most severe stroke & lost his wife a few days after my arrival here, she got to bed & was seaz’d with the child Bed fever and died the third day after. miss B Palmer was with her & continues there with Polly Greenleaf mr Able Allen is married to Nancy Chace & live upon mrs Apthorps place. Hannah clark married mr Boice of Milton & lives very well. mrs Allen saild for England a few days before I arrived here & the place is Sold to a mr Black who appears a civil obliging Neighbour & has a very agreeable woman for his wife. thus I have given you a Breif account of Some of our old acquaintance. as to our Boston Friends I know not much of them as I only tarried two days in Town & have never been there since; Mrs Smith is very pleasing woman & has got an amaizing great Boy for his age & a very fine child he is, cousin William is an attentive Husband & fond Father;


Title: William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 10 August 1788
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John

          Long-Island— Beaver Hall August 10th, 1788—
          Dear Sir.

        I have been honoured by the receipt of your friendly Letter of July the 16th. I supposed, that on your arrival, various matters would necessarily engage your attention; we sensibly feel for the indisposition of our good Mama, and wish she was near us, that we might each take care of a finger,— previous to our being informed of these reasons of silence, we concluded, that there was some sufficient cause for it, & flattered ourselves daily, that it would be removed— we now, with great satisfaction congratulate you, on the perfect arrangement of domestick affairs, & hope soon to hear of the whole family being restored to their usual health & tranquility— I find my native City as you do yours—much improved, with respect to Buildings and streets, but I have not yet observed, or been informed of, any establishments being made, to promote the industry of our Countrymen, nor any system in our rulers, to check that amaizing thirst for foreign productions & foreign follies; too many of them, appear to me rather disposed to loose sight of the American Character, & to be pleased with nothing, but what borders on British or French, either of which, in my humble opinion will rather injure than benefit, but I hope (for my Country) that new times & new seasons are fast approaching, new York has adopted the Constitution, tho with a bad grace, and Congress are now endeavouring, to put it in train for operation I doubt not but our representatives under it, will, early attend to the formation of dignified political systems, and pursue them (as they may begin—ab ovo)—usque ad mala— at present, we have none, & what may appear very extraordinary to you, it was not their intention to be totally unrepresented at the Court of London— you were permitted to return home in Complyance with your request, & I was expected, in consequence of the expiration of my Commission, but the question was never put, whether the vacancy’s should be filled up, or whether, any new appointments of a less important nature should be made, thus it rests for the deliberation & decussion of (I may say) the rising Generation— the present, feel themselves on the decline & are disposed to leave important points to be settled by those who are to come after them— we have been received here, with all the attention & respect we could wish for, and after residing a sufficient time in new York, to return the civilities offered, we have retired to this place, where we live in peace & happiness, mutually pleased with each other & delighted with our Boy, we are all in high health & envy not the govt—
        I have received a very polite & friendly Letter from General Washington, congratulating me on my arrival & marrige in a manner too flattering—for me to send you a Copy of it— I have it in contemplation to visit him—nothing prevents my deciding on it, but a doubt whether Mrs.Smith (considering Circumstances) could stand the Journey, now sir, If a jaunt here would be agreable to you & Mrs:Adams & you would wish to visit our Country & friends, as far as the Potowmack, I have good horses & a Carriage to convey you, Mrs:A can stay with Mrs:S. while we make the excursion, many of your friends wish to see you, & I think you may do a great deal of good— two or three day’s will convey you from Boston to new York by the way of Rhode Island, & one hour & an half after your landing you may Kiss your Daughter & Grandson at Beaver Hall— tell me what you think of the project & whether the whole or any part of it, will be agreable to you— Mrs:Smith joins me with our best affections & wishes to you & Mama & I remain Dr.Sir— / Your most Obedt./ Humble servt.
        W: S: Smith


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 20 August 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

          Jamaica August 20th 1788—

        It was with real pleasure my Dear Brother that I received a few days since your letter of july 20th— It was a scource of double Sattisfaction as it releived me from an anxieity I had felt least you were less disposed to be attentive to your Sister than formerly, and as it informd me of your wellfare, I had sometimes been grieved at others half offended at not hearing from you, but the date of yours and hearing from Mamma that it had been delayed some weeks, by mistake; has releived my mind from every anxiety respecting the decrease of affection or attention—on your part—
        it gives me uneasiness my Dear Brother to observe from the tenor of your letter that you permit the Cross accidents of Life to affect your spirits too much, true Philosophy does not Consist in being insensible to them, but in supporting ourselvs above them with becomeing dignity, and in acquiessing with chearfullness to those events which are irremidable, and by striving to attain such a Station in Life as we may not be subjected to their influence
        I am going to give you a little advice and to tell you in what respects I think you amiss in your judgement, if you should disagree with me in opinion—I shall expect you to offer your reasons in vindication of yourself—
        “you say that a young Man at your time of Life aught to support himself” and regret that it is not in your power to do it— it is not  often the Case that young Men of your age let them have been ever so fortunate in acquiring their professions at an early period do it independant of their Parents it is most fortunate for themselvs and their friends if they possess the disposition, which will in time ensure them the ability
        your absence in Europe at that period when you would have been pursueing a Profession had you been at home, was not a fault, you was necessitated to it and it will not eventually prove a disadvantage—but I hope may be advantageous to you in future, I think you were right in returning at the time you did and that you discovered a judgement above your years in the path you have pursued since your return— I dont mean to flatter you—
        you are now pursueing a profession which is undoubtedly the first of all the Learned Professions—and by which a Man may acquire eminence and independance if he pleases, but you must not be impatient, nor discouraged— for a few years you must acquiesse in the Humble Station of a Student,—as you term it,—and be Content to rise by degrees,—but I see no reason why you should exclude yourself from society,— it is not Policy for you to do it, you should when an opportunity offers visit, and pay any little attention that civility may dictate, to those persons with whom you may have been formerly acquainted and keep yourself up in the minds of People, who are not obliged to remember you unless you are sometimes to be seen
        your station even at this period is as respectable for your own Country as the more exalted one in which you have been known in Europe by many of your fellow Citizens excuse the freedom with which I write, and beleive me that it arrises from the interest I feel in every thing which respects your proggress and Situation in Life—
        it would contribute greatly to my happiness to receive you here and it will not I flatter myself be a long time before you will find it Convenient to make us a visit— CollnSmith will I am sure be very happy to become personally acquainted with you—
        I hope my Father will determine to Come on to Congress in November, if a new Election for President should take place I have no doubt but he will be chosen and if there should not—I think it will be of service to himself and to the Country if he accepts of the choise made—
        I will indeavour to forward to you the debates in Congress—respecting the place at which the new Government should meet— you will there see—party interest interfereing and even rejecting arangements which in duty to their Country ought to have been early decided— tis time indeed that there was a change—
        Colln Lee from Virginia a nephew of the Mr Lee’s —and a Member of Congress told me the other day that it was his opinion, and the opinion of others, and, he spoke as a Southern Man;—that the offices of Vice President and Chief justice, would lay between my Father and MrJay,—that he wished my Father might be appointed to the latter and accept of it—for he esteemed it next to the Presidentship—the most respectable under the new Government and that it was esteemed of more importance than the Vice Presidents. I wish our Dear Father to Consider well—as he no doubt will, before he decided against accepting it,
        I hope he will not be inclined to going abroad again, his Chrildren are comeing forward into Life and it will be much in his Power to assist them forward by his Precept advice and judgment— a Situation abroad however respectable it may be made—is an exclusion from his friends, and by a Long absence every one is last in the remembrance of his Countrymen—and his family neglected—(at least under our Governments) our Country is not able if they were disposed to make such provision for those Persons who have been long in their service as to render them independant at the decline of Life— nor are they disposed to make any provission for their decendants— every one must move independantly—by the force of his own respectability—in this Country—to be sure Interest and intrigue are not excluded—but this is the Principle— of such service as you can be in promoting my views and designs—so far I will give you my support—provided there is no fear of your clashing with my pursuits— I see its operation on many—and I dispise it—but I fear I shall tire your patience with my Politicks both public and private—
        I Shall not dispute the subject of Federal or antefederal with you, I think that the Constitution is now too generally adopted by the States to be receded from by any one with good intentions, but of the affect I Confess myself doubtfull— there is a great deal to be done to Sattisfy the Sanguine—and perhaps there may be found more perplexity in doing than is yet suspected by any one— it is a most important and critical era in the fate of our Country— may She be so Conducted as to insure peace tranquility and happiness to her Subjects is my wish, and in this I dare say you will not dissent from your affectionate Sister
        A Smith—


Title: Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 23 August 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, William

          Braintree August 23 1788

        Will you be so kind as to wait upon the Govenour early on monday morning with the inclosed cards and take an answer from him; which Brisler will call for on Monday at mr Fosters. if he has any objection to thursday, let it be fryday only I would wish for a decisive answer. if he agrees to the day proposed, then I would request the favour of you to go with the card to mr Brecks, but if the Govenours engagements are such as to prevent him & his Ladys comeing out on either day, omit carrying the card to mr Brecks— if any thing should prevent Brisler from comeing to town on monday he will be in on tuesday morḡ. I hope your goodness will excuse my troubling you with this buisness, and believe me your truly & / affectionate / Aunt
        A Adams
        Sunday morg mrs Sewall is at the Govenours


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 7 September 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, Abigail

          Jamaica, September 7th, 1788.
          My Dear Mamma:

        I received, on Wednesday last, from the hands of Mr. T——, your letter, No. 4, of August 25th. He was so obliging as to call with it himself, in company with Mr. King. * * *
        Mr. George Storer came out last evening to pass Sunday with us, and by him I propose to forward my letter. He is very civil in forwarding letters for me, and is disposed to be sociable; I am glad that he is pleased with his visits to us. There is a satisfaction in renewing our acquaintance with persons to whom we have been formerly known; and particularly so to one who is not disposed to acquire  new friendships, or contract new acquaintances. Unless there are some very apparently attractive traits of character to induce me to cherish the friendship of persons with whom I become acquainted, I do not find much satisfaction from them.
        When we arrived in this country, I found myself in a land of strangers. There were but two or three persons that I had any knowledge of, and not one that I had any friendship for. I was visited in New-York by fifty or sixty ladies; I returned their visits, and here the acquaintance ceases. There are a few families that I have been invited to; some I have visited frequently, but with no one have I, or shall I, ever become intimate. By retiring to the country we have avoided the society of those with whom I might have (by habit) become familiarly acquainted, without finding any thing in them of much value or importance.
        I have been several times to New-York, and have been treated, upon every visit, with as much civility as I had any reason to expect, or wished; but there is no family where I can make a home, and go when inclination would induce, or business necessitate me, with freedom and unreserve; so that I believe I shall pass most of my time at home, to which I find myself daily more and more attached. I have as much society as I wish in our own family, and to me it is more agreeable than any other I could find.
        I cannot but wish that you could make us a visit with my father, but I think your reasons against it are very forcible. I do not at all wonder that my brothers dissuade you from it. Your presence must fill up a great vacancy in their minds.
        Although I wish you to come with my father, to be here in November, yet I see the force of your objections against it. You would not be pleasantly situated in New-York, unless my father were President of Congress; but if you will come and spend a few months with us in the country, and papa go to New-York at such times as he must attend Congress, it would make us very happy. But for you to live at lodgings in New-York would not do at all. You would not be much pleased with the society. They are quite enough dissipated. Public dinners, public days, and private parties, may take up a person’s whole attention, if they attend to them all. The President of Congress gives a dinner one or two or more days every week, to twenty persons, gentlemen and ladies. Mr. Jay, I believe, gives a dinner almost every week: besides the corps diplomatique on Tuesday evenings, Miss Van Berkell and Lady Temple see company; on Thursdays, Mrs. Jay and Mrs. Laforey, the wife of the French Consul, on Fridays; Lady Christiana, the Presidentess; and on Saturdays, Mrs. Secretary ——. Papa knows her, and to be sure, she is a curiosity.
        I begin to doubt whether the States will generally appoint new members to Congress, as their time of continuance will be so short; and I suppose the members who now hold their seats, will be too fond of retaining them as long as they can, to leave their States long unrepresented. A short time will determine the event. I think the present appearances are, that this Congress will continue together until March; or that there will be a dissolution of all government for several months. For these two months past, these wise counsellors have been disputing and debating about the place where the new Government shall meet. The question has been brought on every day for the last month, and is not yet decided. New-York and Philadelphia are the points in contest, and neither party can get strong enough to make a majority in favour of either.
        I am pleased to find that my politics meet with my father’s approbation. I hear from many persons, the place of Vice President, or Chief Justice, assigned to him. Many persons consider the latter as the most respectable situation, and wish my father in it, as better calculated for it than any other man. Mr. Jay has also been mentioned for both, and I suppose every State have assigned every office that is to be created, to persons belonging to themselves; as the people of Philadelphia have already found men within the city, to whom they have assigned every place that is to be at the disposal of the people. There was such a list given out not long since; and so I presume it will be in most of the States.
        Mr. —— is injuring his interests, I am informed, by his conduct towards the Lieutenant G. I wonder how he comes to be so mistaken in his politics, for in general he has discovered some knowledge of the human mind, by the manner in which he enforces himself upon the opinions of the people. I see by the papers that he is now putting himself into the observation of the people, in all parts of the State. To me his motives are obvious; but to appear opposed to him would, in my opinion, be the surest means of establishing his wishes. But to have done with politics.
        There are eccentric characters in all stations. You were not personally acquainted with Mrs. ——, but you knew her by reputation. She returned to New-York in a late ship, with her son, who is married to a daughter of Mr. ——. He is seventeen years of age, and the lady fifteen; but possessed of an income of £500 per year, and a fortune in reversion. He will be entitled to a fortune of £30,000 when he comes of age.
        Mr. B—— came out the other day, and dined with us. What an old fop! I was sorry to hear by him that Volnay had failed in business, since we left England, and that Mrs. O—— was in great distress there.
        Col. Smith had a letter from Mr. Short by the last packet, which mentioned the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Paradise in Paris.
        Cutting writes volumes of speculation to Col. Smith, upon the politics of Europe, and I fear will speculate with himself until he is ruined for any station in his own country.
        Your affectionate daughter,
        A. Smith.


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 28 September 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

          Jamaica September 28th 1788—
          N3

        this morning my Dear Brother—Mr Storer Came out from New York—to spend the day with us and was the Bearer from thence of your kind letter dated Septr 11th from Braintree, I am very much surprized that you had not at that time received a letter from me, I wrote you in August and Mr Dane took my letter to Frank—and I had expected that you had received it long ere this,— Several of my friends—to whom I was very punctual in writing, I hear complain of my inattention— I fear my letters have miscarried—through the inattention of some Person,— I dont know to whom to attribute it— I shall in future be particularly attentive to whom I entrust them
        I am however my Dear Brother the more obliged for your Letter as you had not heard from me—and from the appearance of things had reason I acknowledge; to tax me with negligence—towards you—so well do I know, and experience the Sattisfaction arrising from the receipt of letters from my Best Friends, that I can easily judge of the Chagrine and disappointment that must result from any circumstance which can interfere with their attention towards us—
        this seperation of families which prevents us from paying to each other those attentions which our affection would dictate is to me the most painfull circumstance in Life— at times it affects my spirits—but I indeavour to dissipate the present anxiety by anticipating a future situation—when we shall meet together—and enjoy with double pleasure—the mutual interchange of affection and attention which—a Personal interview will render Possible—
        the Happiness of our family seems ever to have been so interwoven with the Politicks of our Country as to be in a great degree dependant upon them— I almost hope that my Father may again be called to act upon the Public Theatre— such Men are much wanted altho I do Confess that self interest does not lie dormant in this wish— at Present you and my other Brothers are so much from necessity from home—that I cannot but hope that Mamma will accompany my Father this way at least for a few weeks—. I have made this proposal to her that She should come with my Father the last of next month and  spend a few weeks with me—and if She wished to return it would be a fine opportunity for you to Come for her—and would give you an opportunity which I very much wish for—to make me a visit— indeed I begin to be quite impatient to see all my Dear Brothers—. and half wish that we had set out soon after our arrival for the purpose of visitting my friends Eastward—but there were reasons which prevented at the time—and it is not, now in my Power this season—
        I Shall be very happy to receive from you an account of your Situation—. and of your acquaintances—for I am greatly interested in your wellfare and Sollicitous for your prosperity and Happiness
        do you hear from your friend Murry! you doubtless know that he returnd to Mary Land—more than twelve months since—and has since been making some figure there, as I have heard—. he like most others could not withstand that Vortex of dissipation which Europe presents and which like a Whirlpool draws in almost Every youth who—inadvertently steps into the stream
        Poor Cutting will I fear fall a Sacrifise,—Possessed of tallents that might make a figure—had He Steadiness enough to pursue any fixd plan—with decission. he is now wasteing his time to the utter astonishment of all his friends and I beleeive dependant upon the Fortune of the night for the Subsistance of the day—
        the Tragical Story you relate has made much talk here as well as with you— that family seem to be devoted to misfortunes of every kind,— if there are any innocent—one cannot but regret that they should be doomed to suffer with those whose atrocity of Guilt is almost unparalleled—
        I hope our Countrymen will be Wise enough to take warning from those instances they have recently had of the pernicious affects of Such extravegance, dissipation, and folly;—as have been exhibited to view of late years;— the fatal Consequences which thousands of Innocent Persons experience from the downfall of thease airry fabricks—and visonary Castles of splendor—aught alone to deter others from pursueing So fallacious a Plan of Life—
        your friend Munroe—inquired after you the other day—and wished that you would make me a visit which might give him an opportunity of seeing you in New York—
        I have sent MrStorer to meeting with Bellinda that I might write to you— it is I beleive near time for them to return— CollnSmith desires to be kindly remembered to you—
        write me often and beleive me your affectionate Sister
        A.— Smith


Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 5 October 1788
From: Smith, Abigail Adams
To: Adams, Abigail

          Jamaica, October 5th, 1788.
          My Dear Mamma:

        I wrote you a hasty letter from New-York, just to acknowledge the receipt of yours, No. 5, the week before last; since which I have not heard from you, nor have I had an opportunity to write.
        * * * * * * *
        Pennsylvania has already appointed her Senators, who are Mr. Morris and a Mr. McLain. Poor —— is, then, disappointed; for he went home to make interest for himself, as it was said.
        There are two gentlemen,—the one I mentioned in a former letter from the southward, and the other from your State, who is now in Congress,—who are looking for foreign appointments. We are all content that they should receive what they desire, for no one who has been abroad could, I think, wish to go again, knowing how matters must be situated.
        Professions are much easier made than fulfilled, especially in these days when barter is the fashion. The maxim of the present time is, “if you can be of service to me in promoting my views, I will give you my assistance in yours.” Fear oftener actuates to friendly offices, than love. But I am not surprised at these things, for I am vain enough to think I can see as far into persons’ characters, sentiments, and the motives which direct their conduct, as most ladies of my age and experience.
        I may, sometimes from delicacy, at others from pride, suppress my opinions; but I flatter myself that in many cases I think right.
        My father’s idea of returning to the bar, (unless he is placed, as he ought to be, in a situation agreeable to himself,) is what I should expect from him, knowing his sentiments as I do; and unless the idea militates with his feelings, I can see no more respectable situation in private life, and no one so independent either in public or  private, as he would establish himself in; for I presume the smaller parts of the practice would be wholly excluded by him, and left to young practitioners. It is a profession which I do venerate, and hope one day to see all my brothers, if it is their choice, to pursue this profession, making respectable figures in it. And, if it is not looking too far forward, I would hope that my son might yet become a pupil of his grandfather’s. Ever since I have thought at all upon the subject, it has been my opinion that the study of law tends more to mature the judgment, and establish the right character of the man, (provided there are proper principles for the foundation,) than any other profession. There are men without principles in every profession. I do not think that the ill conduct of individuals ought to lessen the respectability of the profession they have made their study, although it may in the minds of some persons have this tendency.
        The recent instance of perfidy and unheard of atrocity, which you mention in your letter, and which has made much talk this way, ought to brand with infamy the name and character of the author. Yet it seems hard that innocent persons, if there are any such connected with him, should suffer in their characters and reputations, by their affinity to this fiend of wickedness. This family seems devoted to misfortune of every kind, but I think that this instance must be the criterion of them.
        My friends must have thought me very inattentive to them, if they have not yet received my letters. I have answered very punctually almost every letter I have received. It is a great amusement to me, writing to my friends at this distance. I do not find that time lessens the painfulness of a separation from our friends; it is only alleviated by this intercourse by letters. You have been very good in writing me, and yet when I do not get a letter for several weeks, I begin to grow impatient. You must not omit any opportunity of affording me this source of satisfaction.
        I am much obliged by your request to have my dear boy with you this winter; but this is a separation I cannot think of. He is a great amusement to me, and becomes daily more engaging.
        Your affectionate daughter,
        A. Smith.


Title: William Stephens Smith to Abigail Adams, 10 November 1788
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, Abigail

          Jamaica Long-IslandNovr. 10th, 1788.
          My dear Madam—

        It is with particular pleasure I communicate to you the joyfull news of Mrs: Smiths safe delivery of a Son, which took place between seven & eight the last Evening, she was not the least indisposed untill six o’Clock & by ½ past seven all was well & tranquil, both continue composed and easy, but Nabby desires me to tell you that she is much disappointed, she had made the things, to adorn a female & a male has taken possession of them; but she seems to take some comfort in contemplating the beauty of the infant, which (setting asside the partiallity which my mind may very naturally be supposed charged with) is in reallity very striking, I must amongst other favours which I feel gratefull for, particularise one, viz, the Boy has a fine promising Nose & an honest forehead, which I think will be some recommendation to a Lady of his Grandmama’s taste & penetration, why will you not come and visit this happy family? but the fault is not in you but in your Stars, we have almost entirely given up the Idea of seeing any of the family, unless the sound advice contained in Mrs:S’s last letter relative to her Brother John should put him in motion, which we both seriously wish may be the case—Mrs: Smith joins me in affectionate regards to Sir & yourself—to Brothers, Aunts, Uncles & the whole interesting train of Relations & friends & Individually, I am with great affection Dear Madam / Yours sincerely—
        W: S: Smith


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 11 November 1788
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

          Braintree, November 11, 1788.
          My Dear Child:

        Our anxiety for you, in your present circumstances and situation among strangers, (though we doubt not you have many friends,) has prevailed upon me to make a great sacrifice, in consenting to your mother’s journey to Long Island.
        * * * * * * *
        I am kindly obliged to Col. Smith and to you, for your many invitations, and I have a great desire to see you, your friends, and even your situation. But, as long as this political squall shall last, I can scarcely lie asleep, or sit still, without censure, much less ride journeys on visits to my friends.
        If my future employment in public depends on a journey to New-York, or on the feather of being for a week or a day President of Congress, I will never have any other than private employments while I live. I am willing to serve the public on manly conditions, but not on childish ones; on honourable principles, not mean ones.
        It is the opinion of good judges, in which I fully concur with them, that there will be no Congress till February; nor then, but merely to declare the old Government dissolved, and the new one in exercise; so that there will be no occasion for me to go.
        I find men and manners, principles and opinions, much altered in this country, since I left it. Gen. Knox will tell you, when you see him, how completely I am initiated in the order of Cincinnatus, without any vote of the Society. He has obliged me by two short visits, and is the same sensible and agreeable man as when I formerly knew him.
        I am, my dear daughter, with much affection, / Yours,
        John Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 16 November 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          Hartford Sunday 16 Novbr 1788
          my dearest Friend

        We Reachd this place last evening and put up at a mr Avery’s private Lodgings, where we are very well accommodated. I am delighted with the veiw I have had of this state, the River is in full sight from the House & the fields yet retain their verdure, Lands I am told are valued here at a hundred pounds pr acre, and it is not unusuall to let the Farms upon this River at four pounds pr Annum pr acre. Manure is generally carried out in the fall. So much for Farming which is in your own way, besides I have learnt a New method of preserving pumpkins which is in my own way. I hope to make the journey usefull to me by further observations. I followd your injunctions stricktly kept open the windows, walkt some times &c but still no remedy against evening air. the day’s being short & the evenings fine we wisht to improve the good weather & get on our journey as fast as possible, so rode late in the Evenings by which means I got a sad cold, or rather added to that which I had when I left Home. it is however going of to day. I hope you are relieved from yours, and that without the assistance of Bridgham prescription, I think of you very often and how I shall get back to you. I find the weather full cold enough now for travelling with comfort.  we have a very easy carriage good carefull driver and able Horses, yet find thirty miles as much as we can accomplish in one day. Some of the Road Rough enough as you well remember. our Landlord who is an intellegent man fell into politicks to day, inquired who were talkd of for Senators in our state, &c but finding no politicians in company few observation were made. he was high in praise of Dr Johnson & judge Elsworth, hope’d the rest of the states would send as good men & then he did not believe that the House of Lords in England could equal them, did not like pensilvana’s chusing a Man who had never been heard of before, he might be a good man, but he wanted those men in office whose Fame had resounded throughout all the states. I ventured to ask him who were talkd of for Representitives. he said col wardsworth would be one, but that much had not been said upon the Subject yet. our Friend Trumble lives within a few doors of this House. I have sent my compliments to him to come and take a dish of Tea with us, the Messenger is not yet returnd. we propose persueing our journey early in the morning and hope to reach Newyork by thursday Night.
        I hope to hear from you by Genll Knox or mr Jarvis, pray see that our son excercises daily. I shall want to know a little of politicks, but with them I suppose you will tell me I have no Buisness—I design to be vastly prudent I assure you hear all, & say little— I hope you will be in good spirits all the Time I am gone, remembring Solomans advise that a merry Heart does good like a medicine— Love to all my Friends—
        Have had a charming visit from Trumble we were so happy & sociable—I wish’t you had been here to have shared it, we talkd of Books a little politicks, &c &c and so long that, the post is just going, and I have only time to Say a good Night and that I am yours most tenderly
        A Adams
        dont leave my Letters upon the table


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 24 November 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

          Jamaica Novbr24 1788
          my dear sister

        I know you will rejoice with me that all was happily over & mrs Smith safely abed before I reachd her She thought she should do as she did before, so told no one that she was unwell, untill mr Smiths mamma & sister could scarcly reach her, and a Negro Woman whom she has was obliged to officiate for her. happily she had on some former occasions assisted some of her own coulour, but all were teribly frightned, however no one sufferd, but mrs Smith & my young Grandson are as well as usual at this period. Master William is the very Image of his Mamma at the same age, except that he has a great share of vivacity & sprightlyness, the merest little Trunchion that you ever saw, very pleasent & good humourd
        I find this place a very retired one Rural & delightfull in the summer. mr Smith has a large connection of sisters & Brothers, who as well as his mamma appear very fond of their Sister & her daughter & Grandsons Belinda who keeps chiefly here, is very pleasing & soft in her manners, much like my Friend Mrs Rogers. I was so short a Time at Newyork that I saw nothing of it, and I feel as if I ought to return to my Family again, as soon as mrs Smith gets about, but it is a long journey & the Stages I find are very inconvenient for a Lady & wholy improper on many accounts for me. they are not hung upon springs & they drive very Rapidly over very bad road. I hope you will write me and give me some account of my Family, about which I am anxious you will learn from Esther how she makes out I wish to know whether she is able to take the care which is upon her— I also want to know how mr J Q As health is, I know you will feel a care for all of them in my absence.— mr Adams will Frank your Letters which please to direct under cover to Col Smith
        my Love to my dear Neices and tell Betsy I design to be at Home to wedding mrs Smith joins me in affectionate Regard to you & Family.
        I am my dear sister affectionately / Yours
        A Adams
        I wish my dear sister if it will not dissapoint cousin Betsy that you would write a line to the chair maker at milton to Send the half dozen to mr Smiths store in Boston put up so as to send safely on Board the first vessel which shall sail for Newyork, & let him know that I will pay him on my return, pray mr Smith to address them to mr daniel macormick Newyork


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Mary Smith Cranch, 26 November 1788
From: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

          Haverhill Nov. 26th. 1788
          My Dear Sister—

        I do not know whether you have heard a word from me since I left you, if you have not, I presume it will afford you some pleasure to be assured that I got home well, though we had an uncommon cold time— We found our own Family in good Health— But Miss Lydia Marsh was very sick with the scarlet fever, & good Mrs Marsh was taken the day we got home with a very voilent fever, which threatened speedy dissolution— But to the great comfort of her Friends, & Relations she is again recovered, & her useful Life is a little longer lengthened out to us—
        I heard by Judge Seargant that Sister Adam’s was going to New-york, but I doubted whether it were true— But I have since heard that she is gone— Seems to me it was very sudden indeed, for she did not intimate anything of it to me I fear she will always be moving from us— She is so connected in publick Life, & must have so large a Sphere to act in, that it is not likely we shall ever have that sweet enjoyment, in still domestic Life, which we used to experience in the private Circle of dear Friends—
        I am glad to hear Mr Adams is better, I should not have thought his Mother would have left him— A journey mig[ht] perhaps, been of eminent service to him—
        I am grieved to tell you that our dear Mr Thaxter has had another dreadful fit— It did not last but a few minutes—& he was not so sick afterwards— I really think Mrs. Thaxter suffers more from apprehension than he does in reality— How often does unforeseen Calamity cast a shade over the brightest prospects— The tender affection which subsists between this worthy pair, serves only to sharpen the edge of their affliction— I really fear the distress, & agitation of her Mind, will occasion Mr Thaxter a third dissappointment—
        Next week Mr Adrews is to be ordained at Newbury— This I presume will afford me the pleasure of seeing many of my Friends this way— among them may I not hope to see Mr Norton, & my dear Cousin— I look earnestly in the news paper, but have not as yet seen his nutials announced to the publick— Whenever that may be, may my young Friends be blessed, & happy— I have got some fine Turkeys I wish you were here to eat them— Mr White, Mr Osgood, &  Mr Bartlet presented us with one—so we have seven for you my friends if you will make haste & come to your ever affectionate
        Elizabeth Shaw
        PS Love in abundance


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 30 November – 2 December 1788
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

          Braintree November 30th 1788
          My dear sister

        I have been waiting above a week hopeing to have a Letter from my dear sister informing me of her safe arrival at newyork Before I can write said I—I think I must have a Letter— you left us so unwell that I have been anxious about you ever since— I have a thousand times wish’d you back again your Letter to Mr Adams dated at Hartford has in some measure reliev’d me— I hope before this that you are rejoicing with your children in the safety of my dear Niece & that you are fondling over this new addition to your Family my sincere congratulations attend you all whenever it shall happen— As soon as mrs smith can be left I am sure you will return— mr Adams looks quite a solatary Being has not been from home excepting when he is upon his Farms since you left him. He calls upon us once or twice a day—but these are only flying visits— I have not yet been able to get him to dine with me altho I have ask’d him repeatedly— I thought surely to have had him & my Nephews at thanksgiving—but his reasons were so amiable that I could not but approve of his refusal— “He wish’d once more to meet his Mother & Brother at his own house upon such an anniversary. He felt assur’d it would be the last that his kind Parent would ever keep with him.” she has had a bad fall sin[ce] you left us— she caught her foot in a wheelband as she was crossing the Room & fell— It has givin her a sad shock. She is so feeble that she can scarcly walk your son charles din’d with me to day & says that things go on very peacably at home. I have heard no complaints— As to cousin John—when we turn to Books he will visit us. He has not been in the house since you went away— He says he is well—
        I ask’d Mr Adams the other day if he had written to you He said “no—” it was to tender a subject as Dr—— said “it always made him melancholy—” very well said I— then I know what I have to do or somebody else will be melancholy for want of inteligence— & so my sister you see my scribling Pen is once more set to work—
        cousin Tom went last week to Haverhill— mr Andrews is to be ordain’d at Newbury Port the week after next—which will give your eldest son & mine a little Journey which will I hope be for the health of both of them The Brother & sisterly affection subsisting between our children gives me the highest pleasure— may nothing ever happen to lessen it—
        you will see by the Papers what a contest there has been between the House & senate—The stuborn senate—but such ploting & cabaling in doors & out is a scandle to our stateI foresee that some of our late popular characters will sink into disgrace. The man who dares to pluck the mask from the Face of the dissembling vilain will be feard but must not expect to be belov’d but by the virtuous few—He who acts honestly will not be so much hurt by the ingratitude of those whos interests he has greatly serv’d as one whos motive was mearly the applause of the multitude—because he acted from a better principle He will like the Being he has imitated rejoice in the good he has accation’d to others altho they may not see the hand from which it came—
        December 2’d
        I am this day to be favour’d with Mr Adams & your sons company to dine— I should feel an additional happiness if you could all join us I long to clasp the little strangers to my Bosom. Mrs Hall is much better Mr Cranch & I spent the last sunday evening with our solatary Brother & had a choise dish of Politicks for our entertainment
        william is at home— I had like to have said but I should have said is at your office. His cousin was so desirous of having him for his companion both in his office & in his excurtions on horse back that he has left his master for a little time— our weymouth Freinds are well Mr Tufts is gone to housekeeping—

        I inquir’d of mrs Brisler how she did with her kitchen Family— she told me pritty well— If there is any thing you wish me or the children to take the care of you know we are bound by every tye of gratitude & affection to afford you every assistance in our power—
        we all wish ardently for your return but none with more / sinceritty than your affectionate sister
        Mary Cranch
        Accept the Duty & Love of your Nephew & Neices’s


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 December 1788
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          Braintree Decr.2. 1788
          My dearest Friend

        Before this time I hope you have the Happiness to See your Daughter out of all Danger and your Son in Law and your two grand children in perfect health. I have no Letter from you, Since that you wrote at Hartford, and I cannot find fault because this is the first I have written to you. We are all very well, and go on very well. Charles came home and Thomas went to Haverhill, last Week.—
        We are all in a Lurry with Politicks. MrDalton and Mr Strong are Senators and Mr Lowell will be Rep. for the District of Suffolk, as is generally Supposed.— Mr Varnum, Mr Partridge Coll Leonard, Mr Grout Mr Sedgwick or Mr Lyman Mr Jackson or Mr Dane or Mr Goodhue, Mr Thatcher or Col Sewell, are named for other Districts.
        My Love to our Children and Respects and Regards wherever you please.
        Dont be uneasy, on Account of your Family here, nor in haste to come home before a good opportunity presents.
        I dont enter into any political Details. My Mind has ballanced all Circumstances. and all are reducible to two Articles Vanity and comfort.— I have the Whip Row Alternative in my own Power. if they mortify my Vanity they give me Comfort.— They cannot deprive me of Comfort without gratifying my Vanity. I am my dearest / Friend your forever
        John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 December 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          December 13th 1788
          my dear Friend

        I hope every post to hear from you, but every post has hithertoo dissapointed me. a month is a long time to be absent from Home without learning any thing from you. you have often left me and always was very punctual in writing to me. this is but the second time I have left you, and the first that I have been so long without hearing from you. I have written three times before, but have very little to entertain you with. Politicks are confined much to Newyork the papers of which give us but little information and winter leaves us very little scope for Farming or Husbandry. Col Smith has a fine poultry yard consisting of Turkys Geese fowls ducks in abundance, a pair of very good Horses & two cows, two pointers & two water dog’s. the Island abounds with game Quails partridges ducks plovers &c
        Having tarried till mrs Smith has got well and about House, I am anxious to return Home again I think I could be more usefull there than here. I should have like’d to have spent one week in Nyork, but shall not tarry a day for that purpose after an opportunity offers for my return. I beg you would write me by the post. mrs Smith desires me to present her duty to you & Love to all her friends. most affectionately / yours
        A A—


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 December 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

          december 13th 1788 Jamaica
          my dear son

        I begin to think I am not of that concequence at Home which I supposed myself, or that you think me less solicitious about my Family than I really am, since a whole month has elapsed since I left you, in all which time I have neither received a single line or heard a word from one member of it. three times I have written to your Pappa once to your Aunt Cranch, and now I try you to see if I can be favourd with a few Lines at least. The subjects I wish you to write upon, is first How your Father does, yourself and Brothers come Next, your Grandmamma uncles & Aunt & cousins next to them our domesticks. The Family here are well, and Since Barnard  chuses to keep the Trunk which was committed to him, or rather we cannot learn anything of him, I am incapacitated from making any visits in Newyork, but shall embrace the first fall of snow to return to massachu. again
        I have only seen one Newspaper from our state since I came here, and that mr George Storer sent me last week. it containd the choice of Senators. I was glad to see our Senate act with proper spirit and dignity. Virgina you will see by the papers, is lighting up a fire the G——r and assembly of N york tis said will blew the coals. Col duer dined here last week, it was his opinion that there would not be any congress this winter. a few members only were come.
        This place is much more retired than Braintree. most of the Families who reside here were Tories during the war. Some of them are so still. Col Smith has not a single acquaintance upon the Island whom he visits, he belongs to a club in Newyork of which mr Jay Benson Hammilton duer King and a Number of other Gentlemen are members, they usually meet once a week and dine together.
        I am very desirious of getting Home before the Jan’ry vacancy. Col Smith will bring me, and your Sister seems very much inclined to make us a winter visit as she thinks she could accomplish it with more ease to herself and little ones than any other way. She is extreemly desirious to see her Father Brothers & Friend’s. I fear to encourage her as the accommodations upon the Road are very indifferent for a winters excursion with young children, but if the Sleying should be fine I think she will try it. if the Snow Should keep of, why I do not know how I shall return. I wish I could be assured of getting back with half the convenience I came, aya Say you, I told you so mamma. So you did, but I thought I was doing what duty and maternal tenderness demanded of me, and I shall not regreet it tho I should encounter many difficulties in concequence of it.
        pray accommodate your Father with writing materials and tell him I am very Solicitious to have under his own Hand that he has not sufferd with the cold and from yours that you Rest well, and are better than when I left you.
        Yours most affectionately
        A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 December 1788
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          Jamaica december 15th 1788
          My dearest Friend

        It was not untill yesterday that I received your Letter & mrs Cranchs. mr mccomick came up & brought them both to my no small satisfaction, and this was the first that I had heard from Home since I left it, except by the News papers which I have engaged George Storer to forward to me. I have written to you every week since I left you, and Subjected you to more postage than my Letters are worth, which I did not know untill Saturday when mr Jay offerd to Frank my Letters & requested me to have mine sent to him. Members of congress it seems have not that privilege but when they are upon duty. mr Jay came out on Saturday to visit me. he had been waiting some Time for mrs Jay, but the children were sick with the measles and prevented her. Col smith was gone to Town, so we had all the Talk to ourselves, and very social we were, just as if we had been acquainted Seven years. He expresst a great desire to see you, and thought you might have come on without subjecting yourself to any observations, tho he knew your Reasons were those of Delicacy. I replied to him that your wish to see him was mutual that a visit from him to you would have made you very happy, but that you was become quite a Farmer and had such a fondness for old Professions that you talk’d of returning to the Bar again. he replied with some warmth, that if your Countrymen permitted it, they  would deserve to be brought to the Bar—that you must not think of retireing from publick Life. you had received your portion of the bitter things in politicks it was time you should have some of the sweets. I askt him where he thought the sweets in the new Government were to grow. he smild and said that he hoped for good things under it. I askd him whether the oppositition in virginia was not likely to become troublesome, particularly when joind by this state. he said it was his opinion that they might be quieted, by the New Governments assureing them that a convention should be called to consider of amendments at a certain period. Col Smith dinned at club on Saturday. col Hammilton shew him a Letter from madison in which he “Says, we consider your Reasons conclusive. the Gentleman you have named will certainly have all our votes & interest for vice President,” but there is interest making amongst the antifeds for Clinton both in Newyork and virginia, and if the Electers should be of that class tis Said General washington will not have the vote of his own State for Pressident. Col Wadsworth says he is sure of connecticut with respect to a vice president— I am rather at a loss to know how to act. I find there is much inquiry made for me in Newyork. one Lady is sending to know when I am comeing to Town & an other where I shall keep and Tickets for the assembly have been sent up to me. mr Jay requested me to make his House my Home, but I have no maid with me and should experience many difficulties in concequence of it if I went where I should be exposed to so much company and I was previously engaged to mrs Atkinson, but my Trunk with all my Cloaths is not yet arrived, & I am Sadly of, even here having only one gown with me. and I must be obliged to return home without even Seeing Newyork should Barnard be driven off to the west Indies, if a good snow comes I shall not wait. the Ladies must stay their curiosity till my Leve day, and if that never comes, they will have no further curiosity about seeing A A—who it seems was of so much concequence or somebody connected with her, that at every Inn upon the Road it was made known that I was comeing. I find the peice called a Tribute justly paid &c is in the Nyork & conneticut papers— I see several political maneuvers in our Boston papers particularly the Letter which places you a certain Gentleman in the chair dividing the state into two parties one for the Late & the other for the present Governour, & supposing they mean both to unite in mr A. an other peice dated at Braintree, which I am persuaded was never written there I dare say I shall tell you News out of your own papers

        Mrs Smith desires me to present her duty to you. she is very weak yet, but otherways well. mr Jay upon seeing william cry’d out well here is Grandpappa over again. he is a fine red cheekd chubby Boy, as good temperd as I ever saw a child. Mrs Cranch says you are very solitary and that she cannot get you to see her. they tell me here that the Great Folks in Newyork are never solitary, if the wife is absent why they supply her place, now rather than my Husband should do so, I would stick to him, cleave I believe is the proper word all the days of my Life. I hope the Lads are all well and that Esther takes good care of them & of their things. Mrs Smith says I am in better spirits since I got my Letters. I believe it is true I know I was near home sick before. I think of a thousand things which I ought to be doing, and here I am near 300 miles distant. my duty to your good mother, I hope she has recoverd from her Fall & is able to visit you sometimes. pray write me all about the Family and cover your Letters to mr Jay— adieu most affectionately yours—
        A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1789
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          New york Janry 12th 1788 [1789]
          my dearest Friend

        I last wednesday received yours of Decbr 28 and should have answerd by the post of thursday but that the mail for thursday closes on wednesday Evening and does not give time for any replie to Letters which come by that post. I wrote you from this place on sunday last. at that time I was in hopes I should have been on my journey home before this, as we have every thing in readiness to set out the day that we can get a sufficient quantity of snow. Col Smith will bring me home at all events, even tho I should finally be obliged to come in a carriage which we should be glad to avoid at this Season as the Roads are bad, and the Ferries worse for crossing the stages change at the Ferries, & do not cross at this season
        Mrs Smith would even now venture to providance by water rather than be dissapointed of her visit but with a young Baby and at this dangerous Season of the year Her Friends all disswade her. tho I am sometimes more than half a mind to try it, the expence of taking a coach & sending for me at this uncertain period when it might be detain’d by Snow before it reach’d half way, would be really too great and I had rather suffer many inconveniencies than you should attempt it. half a foot of snow or less would answer very well, & we have daily reason to look for it. we have however concluded not to bring william with us, as we imagine he will be much more troublesome than the Baby. this is the Time that I hoped to have been at Home. I know you must be Lonesome—and my Boys want looking after or rather their things.
        I am glad to find that Massachusetts behave so well. in this state the Legislature & senate are at such varience that it is not expected that there will be any choice at all, and should that be the case, they have little hopes of keeping Congress here. you judged right with respect to the sitting of Congress. there is not the least probability of there meeting, nor is there any occasion for it, on account of ushering in the New one. for when the New Senate & House come together they chuse a pressident to receive and count the votes from the different States, & declare the choice this is said to be the mode pointed out by the constitution. the next post will bring us the choice of conneticut.
        Since my arrival in Town I have received every mark of politeness and attention from this people which I could have desired. Sir John & Lady Temple were among the first to visit me. I have been to Count montier to a Ball given by him; and to the Assembly. I have dinned at one place & supped at an. or nether Sat at table (for suppers I discard), untill I am fully satisfied with dissipating. we have however kept very good Hours, as mrs Jay is like to have an addition to her Family she is obliged to be circumspect. my own Heaeth is much better this winter than it has been for several years. I attribute it much to my Journey. I want to know how you bear the cold. last Evening we had a light fall of snow just sufficient to cover the Grund but it will all run to day. the clouds are however gathering for more. I hope I shall not have occasion to write again before I see you. my Love to the children & to Brother & Sister Cranch with whom I sympathize under their late affliction. I would write to sister—but hope soon to see her. be so good as to tell Brisler that he must keep some of the pears untill we come mr & mrs Jay desire their affectionate Regards to you. he is a plain as a Quaker, and as mild as New milk, but under all this, an abundance of Rogury in his Eye’s. I need to say to you who so well know him, that he possesse’ an excellent Heart. mrs Jay has all the vivacity of a French woman blended with the modesty & Softness of an American Lady.
        adieu visiters call upon me. I have received & returnd more than forty visits already—
        Yours affectionatly
        Abigail Adams


Title: Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 3 February 1789
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail

          Plimouth feb 3d1789

        How dos my dear Mrs Adams like the City of New york: its manners & amusements as it may probably be her future residence I hope she found every thing prefectly agreable— shall I hope before you fix in that distant abode that you will make us an Visit at Plimouth: to such a traveler the journey can be nothing. and since that Mrs Adams, friendship is unimpaired: I should think (judging from my own feelings) that no stimulous would be necessary but the recollection of former mutual Confidence & affection. such a Visit would give particular pleasure to me not apt to change her attachments either from time place absence or other accidents—
        I hope you left Mrs smith & her little ones well & happy I should be pleased to see the Attention of the young Mother at the head of her Family where I dare say she acquits herself to the approbation of her Friends. her maternal tenderness she has from instinct. her domestic avocations she has been taught by early Example, & her own Good sense will ever make her respectable. you know my partiallity towards her. I loved her from a Child nor has absence made any abatement. therefore you will mention me with affection when you Write again.—
        Is my Friend Mrs Montgomery yet sailed for Ireland.— I will not ask any more questions least the number of your replys should preclude some sentiment of your own when I am again Gratifiied with a letter.
        My pen has lain Comparitively still this winter, I have been sick: very sick and very long, nor have yet been out since the middle of october. but hope as the spring approaches to revive with the summer insect: & if able to take wing shall probably alight among those whose converse both improves & enlivens the social hour.

        If the Coll & Mrs smith should Visit the Massachusets in the spring: before you leave it: I hope they will extend their Journey to Plimouth. & I am sure they have no friends who will recieve them with more sincere Cordiallity than this & your affectionate Friend
        M Warren


Title: Abigail Adams to Sarah Livingston Jay, 20 February 1789
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Jay, Sarah Livingston

          Braintree Febry 20th 1789
          my dear madam

        When I left your Hospitable mansion, I did not design so many days should have elapsed, before I had express’d to you the pleasing sense I entertaind of your kindness and Friendship. they have left a durable impression upon my mind, and an ardent desire to cultivate them in future.

        I reachd Home Ten days after I left Newyork. we had an agreeable journey, good Roads fine weather and tolerable accommodations. our Musk and Lemon Brandy were of great service to us, and we never faild to Toast the donor, Whilst our Hearts were warmed by the Recollection. I hope my dear madam that your Health is better than when I left you, and this not for your own sake only, but for that of your worthy partner, who I am sure sympathized so much with you, that he never really Breakfasted the whole time I was with you; my best Regards attend him. I hope both he and you will one day do me the Honour of visiting Braintree, where I would do all within my power to Render the fireside as social and as pleasing as I found Broad Way.
        If Miss Levingston is still with you pray present my Regards to her. my Love to Master Peter, the Grave Maria & the sprightly little French Girl. Compliments to Mrs Knox to Lady Kitty, and to all the other Ladies from whom I received particular attentions whilst at Newyork, and do me the Favour to let me hear from you by the first opportunity— This Letter will be deliverd to you by mr Ames, the Suffolk Representitive, a Young Gentlemen of an amiable Character and very good abilities, he was so good as to offer to take Charge of any letters I might have for Newyork. I have embraced this opportunity to present my little Friend Maria with a Book which I hope may be pleasing & usefull to her
        mr Adams joins me in affectionate Regards to mr Jay, & best wishes for your Health and happiness— be assured I am my dear Madam with sentiments / of Esteem and Regard Your / Friend & Humble Servant
        Abigail Adams


Title: William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 6 April 1789
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John

          Newyork april 6th. 1789—
          Dear Sir—

        Mr: Bourne has this moment waited upon me and informs, that he has been honoured by the senate with the appointment of being the Bearer of their Dispatches to you, relative to your election as Vice President of the Western Empire, upon which please to accept of my affectionate congratulations and of my sincere prayers that Heaven may guide and protect you in this great Career— The Virtuous members of this Government are very anxious to see you here, they promise themselves great aid in their pursuits from your Council and influence, and I am sure you will not fail in being here as soon as possible, your Country expects that your motions will be rapid after you recieve the official information, and when you consider that during the interregnum, the United states loose one thousand pr. Diem, I am sure you will haste to shelter them all in your power from greater loss—
        My Calculation is that if this Gentleman travels by Land this will be presented to you on saturday next but If with a fair Wind he attempts the Water Communication, it may possibly reach you before— but Calculating on the former, I take the liberty of supposing that you will finish the Governors Ceremony on monday and rest, tranquilly at Watertown the same Evening, so that agreable to Contract you will arrive here on the Monday following, in which case I will meet you 15 or 20 miles out of town and inform you of the opinions at present Circulating here— I think it will be of service that Mrs: Adams should accompany you, for various reasons, both public & private, which it may be as well not to commit to paper— should you not leave Braintree before Monday, will you be so good as to write me by sunday’s post informing me of your arrangements, and intentions, this Letter will reach me the saturday night before you, and give me some hours to arrange my movements and to meet you prepared to relieve Mrs: Adams from the hurry and Ceremony which will accompany your reception
        for further particulars I refer you to the Letter from Mrs:Smith to her Mama and am / Dr. Sir, Yours affectionately
        W: S: Smith


Title: James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 12 April 1789
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, Abigail

          April 12th. 89.

        Mr. Duerr, as you pronounce it, and my Wife seem to think alike as to the Powers of an Ambassadress when placed as an Helpmate to the Ambassador. Mr D. had an Idea of an handsome Face Mrs. L thought only of the Good Sense of the Lady. If this is ambiguous, yr. best Friend can make it plain so far as relates to Duerr.
        As to Mrs. L I will show her to you in a Minute, just as She appeared the first Instant her Eyes were opened this Morning “Well Mr: Lovell I think as others do, you are too confident about your office;— you ought to go to New York;— One of your main Expectations has failed you already;— your Friend Portia is not going on to Congress.” Good Morning Ma’am, replied I, “I am sorry for that.”—a Pause—
        Indeed, Portia, there was not so much Compliment in my Reply as a Stranger would guess there was. “I am sorry,” because I could say twenty Things to you which I would not dare to trouble your Husband with. I could talk to you about Insurgents, and the Tools of the Tools of Insurgents, down to the Successor of the Successor of your humble Servant late a Naval officer, for the Port of Boston. But really I should not have thought of this Subject if I had not heard it said Yesterday by one of the veriest of that Tribe “my Friends have spooken to Mr. Adams about me.” Curses on their Impudence! it makes no Odds to them whether Virtue or Vice is in Rule; they hope with good Grounds under the latter and they dare to ask Patronage of the former. In this Commonwealth, I have seen them have every Advantage. Vice triumphant, they have turned out of Place whom they would; and upon a Change in Government they held their Offices because the virtuous would not take the vicious Mode of turning any Man out who did his Duty let him have gotten into office how he might. By being the accidental but Kidney,— Deputy of Nat. Barber for 3 Months only, the present Naval Officer was preferred before John Rice who had served 3 years, with me faithfully scientifically & amiably. But I would only be understood here as remarking who ought not to have the Naval office of this Port. leaving it totally with my Betters to say who shall have it. The present Incumbent may have one advocate at Head Quarters if Mr. O should be chosen Clerk of the Senate.
        “Scratch now for me and I will always scratch for you,” has been the perpetual Rule of that republican Electioneering Set, to which the Two in Question belonged— A caucasing-Town-Meeting Bulldog like Barber or one of a more sly least like his Successor, must have had many Promises of future Friendship from would-be Representatives Senators & Governors in this Town, who thought that the Road of Promises was the broad one to Preferment.
        I am Madam, yours respectfully
        J L


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          Havilands at Rye. April 19. 1789
          My dear

        I have been so diligent on the Road and so much interrupted by Company at the Taverns that this is the first time I have been able to get an opportunity to write to you. We arrived at this house last night (Saturday) Shall rest here to day and go into N. York tomorrow.— at Hartford, the Manufacturers presented me with a Piece of Broadcloth, for a Suit of Cloaths. at N. Haven the Corporation presented me with the Freedom of their City.— at both these Towns the Gentlemen came out to meet us, and went out with us.— at Horseneck, we were met by Major Pintard, & Captain Mandeville with a Party of Horse from the State of New York, and there is to be much Parade on Monday.— Before this I presume, the Printers in Boston, have inserted in their Gazettes, the Debates of the House of Representatives, which are conducted with open Galleries.
        This Measure, by making the Debates public will establish the national Government, or break the Confederation. I can conceive of no medium between these Extremes.— By the Specimens that I have seen, they go on with great Spirit, in preparing the Impost, which is a favourable omen.— My Love to the Children and Duty to my Mother, &c.
        John Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 April 1789
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          Braintree April 22d 1789
          my dearest Friend

        I received mr Bourn’s Letter to day, dated this day week, and I was very happy to Learn by it that you had made so Rapid a progress. I hope you stoped at my old acquaintance Avery’s, and that you met with as good entertainment as I had led you to expect. all your Friends rejoiced in the fine weather which attended you, and conceive it, a propitious omen. I enjoyed, the Triumph tho I did not partake the ’Gale, and perhaps my mind might have been a little Elated upon the Late occasion if I had not have lived Long enough in the world to have seen the fickleness of it, yet to give it, its due, it blew from the right point on that day.
        Mr Allen was so polite as to come out to Braintree to day to know if I had any Letters or package that I wish’d to send forward to you, & that he would take them. I pomis’d to forward a Letter & News papers. mr A. I presume has buisness of importance by his return so soon. I hope it is not an office that a Friend of yours now hold’s, and who is in some little anxiety about his own Fate. I received a Letter from him this Evening. I will inclose it by an other opportunity, yet I promisd to mention to you what I conceived almost, or quite needless, because I knew your sentiments with respect to him so well, that I was sure you would interest yourself for his continuance in office whatever the System might be. if I have written a little ambiguously you may the more easily guess at the person meant.
        The Children are now at home. Charles tells me that the Class which take their degree leave colledge the 21 of June and that if you have occasion for him he can come on as soon after that day as you wish, that he can have his degree as well as if he was present. he seems to be fond of the thought of getting rid of the parade of commencment. if it would be no injury to him, I should be equally fond of getting rid of a trouble in which there is very little Satisfaction, a good deal of expence & generally many affronts given by omissions
        I mentiond it to the dr & he approves it. I wrote thus early that I might know your mind upon the subject. you will give me the earliest information respecting prospects I hope you will be carefull of your Health, and be enabled to go through the arduous task in which you are engaged. I wish to hear from you as often as possible. my Love to mrs Smith & childr[en.] Let Brisler know that his wife & child are very cleverly, that she is able to Nurse it, & much better than she was before she was confin’d mr Bass moves tomorrow into our House. I have reserved a part of it for Esther if Brisler should continue at Newyork, and that will obviate the difficuly of being alone in a House. I had the misfortune of loosing one of the Young creatures a day or two after you left me by the Horn sickness it faild of eating in the morning & before I could get any body to it, it was dead— the Horns were hollow upon inspection but I suppose your Farm is quite out of your head by this Time & you will only think of it as a departed Friend, & without the consolation of thinking its situation better’d, the 20 Trees are all set out, & came in good order.
        I am my dearearst Friend / most affectionatly yours
        A Adams—


Title: Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 22 April 1789
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Lovell, James

          Braintree April 22. 1789
          My Dear Sir

        I this evening received your letter of April 12th. tho’ you love a labyrinth you always give a clue. Mr & Mrs L may be assured that an old friend so well qualified for the office he holds will not be forgotten, and that it would be of little consequence whether P: is at Braintree or N York. Mr L is surely sufficiently acquainted with my friend to know that he may be sure of his interest. I presume the enquiry will be in the appointment of offices, Who now holds them? Are they qualified? Have they discharged the office with fidelity? Why displace a man worthy of his trust? I know Mr A is sufficiently sensible of the importance of having the naval office filled by a gentleman of firmness and integrity, and I can scarcely think there can be any occasion of calling to his mind the man who in former times has fought by his side and of whose indefatigable industry and perseverance in the cause of his country he is so perfectly acquainted, and whose sufferings he has felt! Yet that P——a may have the merit of a mite She has this evening in a letter to her best friend reminded him that there are persons upon the spot and going there who think to carry their point by solicitation and unwearied application the method by which the Clerkship to the Senate was carried
        My best regards attend Mrs Lovell who has really flattered me by hinting that it was in my power to serve her or her family, of this I am sure I cannot fail if my power be half equal to my inclination
        I am &c &c &c &c
        A A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 April 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          New York. April 22. 1789
          My dearest Friend

        This is the first Moment I have been able to Seize, in order to acquaint you of my Arrival and Situation. Governor Clinton The Mayor of New York, all the old officers of the Continental Government, and the Clergy, Magistrates and People, have Seemed to emulate the two houses of Congress, in shewing every respect to me and to my office.— For Particulars I must refer you to the public Papers. Yesterday for the first time I attended the Senate. Tomorrow or next day, The President is expected.— Mr Jay with his usual Friendship, has insisted on my taking Apartments in his noble house. No Provision No Arrangement, has been made for the President or Vice P.—and I See, clearly enough, that Minds are not conformed to the Constitution, enough, as yet, to do any Thing, which will Support the Government in the Eyes of the People or of Foreigners. our Country mens Idea of the “L’Air imposant” is yet confined to volunteer Escorts, verbal Compliments &c.
        You and I however, are the two People in the World the best qualified for this Situation. We can conform to our Circumstances.— And if They determine that We must live on little, We will not Spend much.— every Body enquires respectfully / for Mrs A. of her affectionate
        J. A.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 April 1789
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

          Braintree April 26. 1789
          my dearest Friend

        Major Gibbs Captain Beals & mr Woodard all are going to New-york, and all have desired Letters, but as they all go at the same Time one Letter must answer. I wrote you this week by mr Allen, since which nothing has transpired in our little village worth communicating. the Newspapers I inclose to you all that I get in the course of a week, but the printers or the persons to whom they are committed, think as you are absent, it is of little concequence whether I get them or not. the Torrent has subsided & a calm has ensued. Laco I see has advertized his Works to be sold in a pamphlet
        I wish to know where & How you are accommodated, and what ever else you may think proper to communicate. I have heard only once from you at Hartford & fear I must wait a week longer, before any intelligence reaches me. pray is it prudent discreet or wise, that the debates of the House should be publish’d in the crude indigisted manner in which they appear to be given to the publick?—
        Have you seen your little Grandsons yet? how is mrs Smith I hope she will write me I shall be very lonesome when our sons are gone to colledg Next week, only I am buissy about the Garden, tho I have had Time to get very little done. I have been obliged to have all the wall of the great pasture poled the sheep became so troublesome & wandered every where, & to day have been building the wall against Mr Bass—
        The Family are well. Esther is tolerable the Baby has a bad soar mouth— pray burn all these Scribles for fear you should leave or drop any of them—any where
        Let me know how you do— I cannot Say I am very well, tho better for this fortnight than I was before you went away. I hope your journey will be of service to you but I fear too much perplexity in Buisness for you.
        adieu & believe me most affectionatly / Yours—
        Abigail Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 April 1789
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

          Newbury-Port April 27th: 1789.

        I expected to have received ere this some Letters either from Braintree or Boston; But excepting what I have collected from the Newspapers I have heard neither directly nor indirectly from either. Had any good opportunity for sending, presented itself I should have written, although the only topic of information, would have been concerning myself.— The sum total of my news is that since I return’d to this place, my health has been better than at any time since last September; and that scarcely any thing of my complaints remains, except the spasms, which are not frequent, nor very troublesome.
        I hope you have not given up the thoughts of making a tour to Haverhill, and shall be ready to meet you there, upon the shortest notice.— I should wish to know, when you expect to set out for New-York, and whether you depend upon my attendance.— It is possible that circumstances may be so situated, as to render it inconvenient for me to leave this place, in the course of the ensuing summer.— If you should not go, till the latter end of June, and my Father should be willing that Charles should be absent from Commencement, I imagine there would be no great difficulty in obtaining leave from the College government, and he might attend you.— However; if Circumstances should not be very untoward, I shall be able to go; and my own inclinations, induce me to wish much to go; as it will probably be the only opportunity I shall have to see my Sister, and perhaps my other friends, for several years to come.
        Mrs: Hay is going away this morning, and I fear I shall lose the opportunity unless I come speedily close.
        Your dutiful Son—
        J. Q. Adams.
        P. S. There are in a draw of one of the desks or tables in the chamber where I lodg’d a pair of old silver buckles. I wish to have them sent to me. If you will please to give them to W. Cranch, he will transmit them—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 May 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          New York May 1. 1789
          My dearest Friend

        It has been impossible to get time to write you.— Morning, Noon, and Night, has been taken up with Business, or Visits.— Yesterday the President was Sworn, amidst the Acclamations of the People.— But I must refer you to Gazettes & Spectators.— I write this abed.— Mr Allen deld. me, Yesterday your Letter.— I like very much your Plan of coming on, with Charles and Thomas, before Commencement. But as yet I have no House, nor Furniture.— When you come you must bring, Table & Chamber Linnen and the Plate, and I expect, some beds.— But all is uncertain as yet.— You may send by a Stage, or a Cart to Providence and there embark, many necessary Things in the Packett.— The House of Representatives will I hope, soon determine some thing.— But my Expectations are not raised.— I fear We shall be Straightened, and put to difficulty to live decently.— We must however live in Proportion to our means.
        The President has received me with great Cordiality, of affection and Confidence, and eve[ry] Thing has gone very agreably. His Lady is expected this Month.
        My Duty to my Mother, Love to Brothers Adams Cranch &c & sisters and every friendly, grateful sentiment to our Honourable Dr. our Guardian Protector & Friend, and to Mr Quincy, whom I had not opportunity to see, before I came away, and to all other friends & Acquaintance &c.
        I ought to thank Captn. Beal, Mr Allen Mr Black &c for their obliging Attention in accompanying me, on my Journey.
        You will receive by Barnard, some more fruit Trees. The Ladies universally enquire very respectfully after Mrs Adams, when she will arrive &c.
        The last Sunday, I Spent very agreably at Col Smiths.— Nabby and the Children very well. William, had no Knowledge of me, but John knew me at first glance.
        I long to take a Glance at my [farm?] but this cannot be.— write me as often as you can.— Yours with the tenderest Affection.
        John Adams.
          I have Sent the Horse. You may sell him or give him to my worthy son John, for his Health, if you think it possible to pay for his Keeping.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 May 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          New York May 3. 1789
          My dear Portia

        I must finally conclude to request of you to come on to New York as soon as possible and bring Charles and Thomas both with you if you can— if they cannot come at present let them follow as soon as they can be permitted.— I design they shall both Spend the Vacation here at least.— I want your Advice about furniture and House. bring Polly Taylor with you.— You had better land on Long Island and go directly to Jamaica to Mrs Smiths. The Journey to Providence is not much and the Passage from thence pleasant, at this season. My Love to all
        John Adams.