Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 March 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir.
Washington 14. March 1805.

In my last Letter I observed to you, that the form of putting the final question on the Articles of Impeachment against Judge Chase, was varied from that which had been adopted in the case of Mr: Pickering, and made conformable to the English Precedents—To shew you how essentially this variation of form was connected with a most essential important question as to the nature of Impeachment under our Constitution, I shall here state the difference between them—In Pickering’s case the question was “Is John Pickering, District Judge of New-Hampshire, guilty, as charged in the  Article”—And the Answer given was “aye,” or “no.”—In Mr: Chase’s case, the question was “Is Samuel Chase, the Respondent, guilty, or not guilty of a High crime or Misdemeanour, as charged in the Article just read.”—And the Answer was “Guilty” or “Not Guilty.”—Thus in this instance every member of the Court was by the form of the question, called upon to say, not only whether the facts alledged in the Article were proved, but whether they constituted a High crime or misdemeanour—whereas in the former case, that very material point was winked out of sight—The members answered that John Pickering was guilty, as the Article alledged, but whether the facts amounted to a high crime or misdemeanour, they did not undertake to say—One would scarcely conceive it possible that in such a body as the Senate of the United States, the acquittal or conviction of a man should depend upon the form of words used for taking the opinion of the members on his guilt or innocence—But so it was—The same form used at the present time was proposed, and strenuously contended for in the former case, but was then inflexibly rejected—I told you that the precedent was now abandoned almost without a struggle; but it was not with out very strong signs of reluctance; nor do I imagine it would have been given up, but that they who were most earnestly bent upon the Judge’s conviction, had sufficient indications, to convince them that there was no prospect of such result from any form of question they could devise—On the very day the sentence was pronounced, there was indeed a fresh attempt in Senate to prove that the power of Impeachment under our Constitution was unlimited; and the power of Conviction upon Impeachment, limited only by the proportion of numbers required to convict. But the bearing of the argument on the cause then to be determined was formally disavowed, because it was said, at all events the Articles charged against Mr: Chase, were of High Crimes or Misdemeanours—This was not altogether true—For besides the frivolous nature of the charges contained in several of the Articles, it is very remarkable that one of them, differing from all the rest, had omitted even the allegation of evil intent—It does not pretend to charge any thing more than error on a point of Law, and discards all the imputations of partiality, intemperance, oppression, injustice and sollicitude to convict, with which all the other Articles are so profusely laden—This omission cannot be presumed to have been unintentional, and the insertion of that and the next Article, (bottomed upon the very same grounds, but carefully resuming the allegations of oppressive intent) affords the most unequivocal proofs of a determination to establish the principle that Judges are removable by Impeachment, for any mistake on a point of Law—These two Articles must also be remembered were introduced, as an after-thought—were no part of the Articles reported at the former Session of Congress, and were now first brought forward, after all the reflections and meditations of a seven months recess. These Articles contained in themselves a virtual impeachment not only of Mr: Chase, but of all the Judges of the Supreme Court, from the first establishment of the national Judiciary—They were founded on the pretence, that the federal Courts were bound to follow in each State of the Union the modes of process, usual in that State—Now one of the earliest decisions of the Supreme Court, had been directly contrary to this position, and all the Judges had uniformly proceeded in conformity to that decision—If Mr: Chase was removable by Impeachment for having thus acted at Richmond, he had not an associate upon the Bench but was alike removable, for having done the same thing else-where—The fate of these two Articles, and their construction furnishes a curious specimen of the manner in which public bodies may be brought to act—One of them, the 5th: impeached Judge Chase for issuing a capias against Callender, because it says the Law of Virginia required that a summons, should issue—The very Law of Virginia to which it appeals, expressly authorises the Judge to issue in the cases to which it refers; a summons, or other proper process—The Article of Impeachment, omits these last words, and instead of a discretionary alternative, recites the law as in peremptory terms requiring a summons—And yet, upon this egregious misrecital, of a Statute as egregiously misapplied, did the House of Representatives of the United States, by a majority of seventy votes against forty-five, vote an accusation against one of the Supreme Judges of the Land, upon which, had his judges been no more restrained than his accusers, he must have been disgraced in reputation, and ignominiously expelled from his Office—On this Article the vote of acquittal was unanimous—The strong stimulus of political animosity, aided by all the perverse ingenuity of party spirit, could not devise an apology, upon which a single man should dare to say “guilty”—to this charge, which seventy members of the House of Representatives were not ashamed to sanction, with their names upon the record of accusation.
President Jefferson is reported to have said to a member of the Senate, that Impeachment was but a clumsy engine to get rid of Judges—His warmest friends in both houses of Congress, are I believe by this time tolerably well convinced of the same thing—I do not imagine they will very soon attempt to ply it again—But in its stead, another battery has been opened upon the Judiciary, the operation of which, only futurity can determine—Immediately after Mr: Chase was declared to be acquitted of all the charges brought against him by the House of Representatives, the same member of that House who had originated and principally conducted the Impeachment, offered to their consideration, a proposed amendment to the Constitution, making the Judges necessarily removable, upon a joint address of the two branches of the legislature, by simple majorities—Another of the Managers, the “one next himself in power,” offered also a further Amendment, to make the members of the Senate liable at any time to be recalled, by their respective Legislatures—Both these propositions are made the order of the day of the House of Representatives, for the first day of the next Session—These motions were made just at the pungent moment of disappointment, and were I think somewhat inconsiderately offered at the same time. I should expect that at the next Session the second will be relinquished, but I also believe the other will be pursued with persevering ardour—As there is much to be said in its favour as a proper provision, independant of all application to present circumstances; as it is recommended not only by the example of Great-Britain, but by some of the best among our State Constitutions, and as it must be in every point of view a desirable alteration to the ruling majority, there is the strongest probability, that it will not readily be abandoned—Its success in the Senate however, will be very problematical; at least untill another election shall have intervened—Several of the members of this body, besides those who voted for the full acquittal of Mr: Chase, were much dissatisfied, at the measure which so directly pointed at their body; and their disgust at that, extended some degree of disfavour to the other proposition with which it was coupled—Both of them were felt to be intended to cast reflections upon the Senate itself as well as upon its recent Judgment, and a sense of interest in the honour and dignity of the corps was discernible in the sentiments of many members, who had gone the farthest towards the conviction of the Judge—The Senate is not without enemies to its own Constitution within its walls, and there are more yet of its members destitute of the fortitude to resist encroachments attempted by the leaders of the popular branch of the Legislature—The co-operation of these men may possibly be obtained to seal the doom of the Judicial Department, in the shape of an Amendment to the Constitution, although they have not united to do it by the means of Impeachment.
After the decision in favour of Mr: Chase, and the two propositions in the House of Representatives, which I have noticed, and which all happened on the same day there were only two days remaining to close the Session—but in those two days, two incidents occurr’d, calculated to inspire an expectation that upon the crisis which appears to be hastening upon us, the Senate will ultimately prove true to its own honour, and to the highest interests of our Country—The judgment was given on the first of March—On the second, Mr: Burr, then Vice-President took leave of the Senate, and previous to quitting the chair delivered a valedictory address, of about twenty minutes in length, which appeared to make, and I believe has left a profound impression upon the mind of every person who heard him—In this address, among several other striking observations, he express’d himself nearly in these words—“And permit me to recommend to you, in your future deliberations, inflexibly to maintain, and to cherish those habits of order and regularity, which upon experience are found to be intimately connected with important principles—On a superficial view only, they appear of inconsiderable consequence, but on full investigation, it will be discovered that there is scarce a departure from order but leads to or is indissolubly connected with a departure from morality.—This body is growing in importance—It is here, if any where that our Country must ultimately find the anchor of her safety; here, the stand is to be made, at once against the storms of faction, & the silent arts of corruption; and if the Constitution is to perish, which, may God avert! and which I do not believe; its dying agonies will be witness’d upon this floor.”—The allusion to the circumstances which had just taken place was obvious, and it appeared to me there was not a member present, but felt the force of this solemn appeal to his sense of duty.
On the same day, a difference between the two Houses arose, upon a bill making provision for payment of the witnesses summoned to attend the Senate on the trial of Mr: Chase’s impeachment—This bill had pass’d in the House of Representatives some days before, and made an appropriation of five thousand Dollars, to pay the witnesses summoned on the part of the prosecution, and to defray any other expences, which had been incurr’d on the trial, and which should be certified, by the chairman of the Managers—On the second reading of the Bill in Senate, the day before the sentence pass’d, amendments were moved, to double the amount of the appropriation, to provide for the payment of expences incurr’d on the occasion, by order of the Vice-President, certified by him, and to extend the payment of the witnesses, to all those who had been summoned and attended, on the part of the Respondent, as well as the others—The question on these Amendments was by general consent postponed, untill after the decision upon the trial, it being observed that its aspect would be materially different according as the issue should be for conviction or for acquittal—This event having taken place, the Amendments were unanimously adopted in Senate—but on being sent to the House of Representatives were disagreed to by them—Each House insisted in the usual form—A conference was had without producing any agreement—each house adhered to its own purpose, and the bill was lost—Nor is it an inconsiderable fact, that the last Act of the Senate upon this Bill, that of adhering, was without a dissenting voice—This question will probably be renewed at the next Session of Congress; for by the failure of the Bill no provision is made for paying any of the witnesses, and they certainly have all a just claim to some indemnity for their time and attendance given at the regular Summons of the Senate. The question whether the United States shall pay the witnesses on both sides, in cases of Impeachment, is in many points of view important as a general question—It was not fully discussed in either House on this bill, and reason and precedent may be produced in support of both its sides—There were however in this instance circumstances peculiarly tending to influence the Senate in first adopting and finally adhering to the principle of indiscriminate payment—The acquittal of the person accused was one—But there was another which might have yet greater weight—All the witnesses had been summoned, by a Subpoena, the form of which was reported by a Committee of which Mr: Giles was chairman—This form commanded the attendance of the witness, without any indication, at the suggestion of which party it had issued—None of the witnesses therefore could know, whether they were summoned on behalf of the United States, or of the Respondent; their obedience was in all cases the same, to the order of the Senate, and it seemed obvious that their claim for indemnity from the Government stood on the same foundation—Mr: Giles very explicitly declared himself in favour of the principle, and gave it as his unequivocal opinion that it should in point of Justice and Policy be extended to all cases of Impeachment, whether the sentence should be for acquittal or for conviction.
The fate of this bill was succeeded by an attempt in the House of Representatives, to provide by their single act a substitute for it—A Resolution was offered directing the payment of the witnesses summoned on their part, from the contingent fund of the House; and this Resolution, prescribed the sum which should be allowed to each witness for his travel and attendance—It would inevitably have been carried, but that the number of members then remaining, disposed to rush into such extremes, was not sufficient, of itself to form a Quorum—And the members opposed to the measure, whenever it was called up withdrew from the house—Let it be remembered that this effort to extend the “undefined field of contingencies” was made by those who have been most clamorous for the extremest detail of specific appropriation.
It was in this situation, with the two Houses of Congress, in positions of direct opposition, against each other; with the House of Representatives, aiming with huge, two handed sway, at the same moment a cut at the Supreme Judiciary and a thrust at the Senate—With the same House of Representatives floating between Anarchy and discord, at one moment unable to make a Quorum, and at the next unable to keep it for the purpose of acting; with one party a majority attempting with blushless face a flagrant violation of the Constitution, and a Minority defeating their purpose by repeated secessions in a Mass; with several important bills at the point of falling through, though pass’d by both branches, because the Speaker could not sign them without a Quorum present—in this situation it was that at half past nine in the Evening of Sunday the 3d: of March, that the Eighth Congress of the United States terminated its existence—And I have been induced by two motives to give you the detail contained in this & my last Letter—The one, because the transactions which I have related may be the precursors of Events more highly momentous, and as such deserve peculiarly to be noted down, and the other because I was desirous to make you some return for the many excellent letters I have received from you in the course of the Winter, and which my engagements at the time compelled me to leave unanswered—I thought the narrative might afford you some Amusement, and knew it would furnish you a fund for useful reflections, of which I indulge the hope of sharing in the benefit.
15. March
The marriage which I mentioned to you in my last as being intended was last Evening solemnized—It is still my intention to leave this place early in the nest week—I dined last Monday with Mr: Cranch, who had the night before suffered a slight attack of the fever and ague—I have not heard from him since—My youngest Child has at length successfully been inoculated with the vaccine infection, and gone through it very happily—His arm is not yet perfectly healed; but the inflammation has already greatly subsided—My wife received two days ago a letter from my Mother, which the bustle that a wedding always excites among ladies has alone prevented her yet answering—I forgot to tell you I visited our New Vice-President, who entertained me with a Dissertation on the superiority of New-England and New-York, over this part of the Country.
Ever your’s


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 17 March 1805
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
Washington City March 17 1805

We have been under the necessity of delaying our journey a few days on account of the marriage of Harriet which took place on thursday evening at eight o’clock since which I have been so much engaged with company and preparations for my departure It has not been in my power to write you untill this morning—We propose leaving this place on Tuesday morning and shall probably reach Quincy in about a fortnight Caroline will not return with me she being engaged to pass the Summer with Mrs. Harper at Baltimore I shall therefore take Eliza on with who has been in a very delicate state of health and to whom it is thought the journey and change of air will prove very servicable I thank you for your invitation and with pleasure accept it George has an unpleasant breaking out round his mouth and I do not think he is quite well otherwise. John is just recovering from his innoculation for the Kine Pox al his arm is still very sore—
We were sorry to learn by your last letter that Louisa still continued so unwell I hope with you that the spring and mild weather will entirely restore her pray remember me to her affectionately—
Adieu my dear Madam pray make our best respects acceptable to all our friends and believe me your very affectionate
L. C. Adams


Title: From Ann Quincy Packard to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 March 1805
From: Packard, Ann Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Marborough March 18 1805

And her only child! my Dear Madam from her heart thanks you, for the kind consoling letter, recieved a few days since.
You Madam, who knew so long, and so intimately, my Dear Parent, will believe I am a mourner; but to those who did not, to say I am deeply wounded by the loss, would seem like regreting; the sun had set at its accustomed hour; or that the rich abundance of autumn, was succeeded by the chilling blasts of winter.—But she was not old, in ought but years, in constitution, in spirits, she was younger than myself: but even this circumstance, which in one point of veiw adds weight to the blow, in another lessens it: her prayers were answered, she did not outlive her usefullness.—and had I been asked, one and twenty years ago when my Father left me; if my Mother was spared to me just as long again as I had lived with him, and till I was happily settled with a friend deservedly dear to me, surrounded with five children, who in a mothers eye are desirable.—whether such a lot would demand my gratitude, and whether I could then, with resignation and patience, see my Mother hasten, to the rewards of a well spent life, my answer would certainly have been in the affirmative.—Yet now tis’ hard! Strange selfishness of the human heart!—
You say Madam, for fifty years you knew my Grand Mother, my Mother; Oh! may you never know, may you never hear of me; as the degenerate plant of such vines.—
Forgive the intrusion on your time, to read so long a letter.—
Mr. Packard joins, in most respectfull compliments, to the President, and yourself,—with / Dear Madam / most respectfully / and affectionately yours
N Packard


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod, 24 March 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Harrod, Ann Frances

my dear Nancy
Quincy March 24th 1805

I have had an inflamation for several days past in my Eyes, which has prevented either my reading or writing, and must plead my excuse with you, for not sooner thanking you for the pleasure afforded me by your excellent Letter, and of communicating to you mrs Smiths request in her last Letter, of being particularly remembered to you, and of saying to you that she hoped e’er long to become acquainted with you.
I see by the paper that you have had a repeated call to sympathize with the Family, which so lately follow’d the Head of it to the silent Mansions of the Tomb. the wise Man assures us, that it is be  mourning; than the House of feasting, for by it . altho personally a stranger to mr Themball his connection with the family of my much esteemed Friend Madam Sargent, the loss he sustained by the death of her to whom he was to have been united.—his consequent declineing Health, and many other circumstances, which were frequently our Subject of conversation the last winter, interested me much in his Character, and Melancholy fate.
“A lecture, silent, but of sovereign power!
And what its worth? ask death beds, they can tell.”
I hope agreable to your conjecture that he has done all in his power for Mary, whom according to your account, has been, Nurse, sister, and Friend. may she receive a higher remuniration than any pecuniary reward in his power to bestow, the consciousness of having bound up the broken heart, and poured balm into the afflicted mind, tho she could not avert the fatal shaft, which was commissoned to unite him, in happier Realms to his departed Friend—
and now my dear Nancy, having paid the debt of sorrow to departed worth it cannot be improper to consider the living, and as this is a mixed State of Joy and Greif, the transition will not be an unnatural one. if I call your attention to the Subject of the last letter, which you received from my son, and which he put into my hand for perusal, previous to his sending it—the propositions which he there made received my approbation. I have only to add that if you can wave all difficulties I shall do all in my power to render your situation agreable to you and hope that you will feel, that you have only exchanged one parents House, for an others.
That we may prove mutual comforts and blessings to each other, is the sincere and ardent wish of / your affectionate
Abigail Adams
Louissa desires to be kindly rememberd to you, as I also do to your parents & sisters. tell your Friend Mary that I sympathize with her in her repeated afflictions.—Postscript by Thomas Boylston Adams:
PS. I have been favored with the disposal of this letter, and now forward it with great pleasure. I took the liberty to underscore the words above, you & from, lest you might expect I had taken a liberty with your last letter—And if you should it would only be true; for, after writing my answer to it, I committed it with a benediction to the flames: Mother asked to see it; “it is burnt” said I, “for fear of accidents,” and if you have a mind to burn mine by way of retaliation, I shall be much obliged to you. My Mother has said so much about poor Kimball that I will only add, that I sincerely lament his untimely end.
Adieu.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 1 April 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Brother.
New-York 1. April 1805

It is so long since I gave my father notice of the time when we intended to take our departure from Washington, and of course expected to greet you at Quincy, that I am apprehensive you will begin to feel some anxiety on our Account—I have therefore determined to write you this line, though I hope to treat so close upon the heels of my Epistle, as to be with you by the time, it has performed the task of announcing our approach—If I should get the start of it, and arrive first, I shall only have to change parts, and prepare you for its reception.
Shortly before leaving the Metropolis, I wrote to my father two long Letters, which he has doubtless ere this received—In the first of them I told him we meant to depart the 18th:—I believe, in the last I mentioned we might be detained a day or two later—In reality we commenced our Journey on the 19th.—and coming from Baltimore by the Chesapeak and Delaware water Stages through Frenchtown and Newcastle, landed at Philadelphia, the 21st. in the afternoon—We lodg’d at Mrs. Roberts’s, where we found several agreeable fellow boarders, and among them your old friend Geo. W. Smith—My eldest Son had been unwell before we left Washington; he became still more so at Philadelphia, and his illness detained us there five or six days longer than we had intended—We finally took the Stage there last Friday (29th.) and reached Paulus Hoek the next day soon after noon—But in the midst of a North-East-Storm, we thought best to pass the Night there, and yesterday Morning came over to this City.
Thus much may suffice you for our itinerary Journal—Perhaps you are more curious for an account of incidents than a detail of roads—First then—At Baltimore we found Judge Cushing and his Lady travelling the same course with ourselves; but in their own Carriage—They also arrived at Philadelphia while we were there, and left it before us; but whether they have yet arrived in New-York I have not heard—We still expect to get home before them.
Secondly, from Baltimore to Philadelphia, we had the company of Mr. Burr the late Vice-President, and of Commodore Preble, the Mediterranean hero—the latter is a man very agreeable to my taste, by the unassuming simplicity of his manners; but whether the original seducer of mankind, has embodied himself in the person of the little ex-vice, I am not competent to pronounce—This I will say; that I defy Man, Woman or Child, so to withstand the powers of his fascination, as to part from him after such a transitory association, without feelings of good-will towards him—The last act of his political life I had witness’d, in the delivery of an Address to the Senate in praise of dignity, order, and Morality—Mr: Burr the Moralist, was now become the most amiable, attentive, and complacent of travelling companions—I had kept him at arms length the whole Session of Congress—I had felt it a cruel degradation to the Body itself, to have for a President at such a time, and on such an occasion, a Man under a legal accusation of Murder, and I could not forgive him for taking the Seat—But now, when he was a private Citizen again, and in circumstances of obvious difficulty, struggling with misfortune and maintaining a deportment superior to it—I had not strength of mind enough to retain in their full inflexibility the resentments even of Virtue—I felt a degree of compassion for the Man, which was almost ready to turn to Respect—He was more than barely civil to me and my family—I could not help feeling for him in return more kindness, than I was willing to acknowledge to myself—infinitely more than I suffered myself to shew him; and perhaps more than is justly consistent with that character which on a cool and distant estimate I cannot help believing to be his.
At Philadelphia we were visited by a great number of friends and acquaintance of your’s and of your mother’s, besides our own—From many of them we received proofs of that hospitality which has so long been known to you—But in the kindness of your Associates there was an ardour and vivacity, which attested the cordial sincerity of their unanimous declarations of affectionate regard for you, and of their continual mourning, for your loss—Dennie was with me every hour and minute that I could be with him, and entertained me with a banquet of recent literature, which after the famine of a Congressional Session was more grateful to me, than all the delicacies of sensuality that human invention has devised from the days of Apicius, to those of the great men Julian and Othello Pollard. Ewing scarcely left us, for a Moment, but when the indispensable calls of business took him off—Dr: Rush and his family, Mr: Hopkinson and Meredith we frequently saw, and still with new friendly obligations—We were also at Mr: Breck’s—Mr: T. Francis’s—Mr: James Greenleaf’s, and the last day I past there, I dined with another of your friends whom I had not known before; M I was twice at your friend Rutter’s and Mrs. Rutter called to see Mrs: Adams—Your apartment is occupied by a Dr: Chapman, a young man lately from Edinburgh, originally a Virginian, and who is trying his medical Fortune in Philadelphia—Mr. Rutter in consequence of a severe cold, has lost his voice, to such a degree that he can speak only in a whisper—He has been several weeks in this condition, and told me it was not a new thing to him—Mrs: Rutter is very anxious for an Answer from you, to her last Letter.
Here, our acquaintance is not so extensive, nor are our friends here of the same class; if I may so express myself—Coll: Smith and the family are well, and his brother Justus is here with him—I have call’d on Mr: Fitch, Mr: King, and Mr: M’Cormick; and this Evening have taken tea with Dr: Mitchill, who is I believe not personally known to you, but with whom as a man of Science and Letters, I have formed a sort of amicable intercourse, touching as little as possible upon politics.
Mr: Fitch is about to sail for New-Orleans, being as he says tired of walking the Streets of New-York; and intending to purchase there a sugar-plantation; for which he is doubtless well qualified, and which he may fairly hope to render profitable—As accustomed to the climate of Jamaica, he is not afraid of that of Louisiana. Dr: Mitchill shewed me a letter from Mr: Livingston at Paris, enclosing several patches of seal-skins given him by Sir Joseph Banks; with the furs in a different state of preparation—Mr. L—— announces his intention to bring home with him many useful agricultural inventions and improvements.
I have engaged a passage on board a Providence Packet, which is to sail with the first fair wind—The time fixed for departure was 1/2 past 3 of this afternoon (2. April) But we have an easterly air bordering on a calm neither of which will allow us to go—If we sail to-morrow, we may hope to see you as early as next Sunday or Monday—In the mean time with remembrances of duty and affection to all the fire-side, I am as ever, faithfully yours.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Walter Hellen, 2 May 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Hellen, Walter

Dear Sir
Quincy 2. May 1805.

Your favour of the 22d: ulto: came to hand a few days since—If it suits your convenience to keep the horse at the original cost it will be perfectly agreeable to me; my wish to have him sold was only upon the supposition that he was of no use to you.
I received at the same time with your last letter one from Mr: Cranch, in which he declines undertaking the Administration of Mr. Johnson’s Estate; owing to the difficulty of finding security to the large Amount required—It seems to me somewhat extraordinary that security should be required in so large a sum, as to render it almost impossible for any body to administer.
My trunks and boxes from Alexandria arrived here almost as soon as ourselves—Notwithstanding this arrival and several others the price of flour untill within a very few days has kept at Boston up at least as high as you have seen it marked in the Boston Gazette.
We have been settled now for about a week in our own house, and are all well, excepting the children—George has the whooping cough, which he must have caught at Philadelphia—His brother we suppose has also taken it from him; but as yet has it so lightly that we cannot be certain of the fact.
Mrs: Hellen and your children we hope are well—I beg to be remembered affectionately to them, and the girls, and remain, Dear Sir, truly your’s


Title: From Abigail Amelia Adams Smith to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 June 1805
From: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My Dear Brother
New York june 10th 1805

a week or two past we had your Marriage announced in our news papers and I have been congratulated upon it by many of your friends, and I confess have been waiting ever since for a communication from yourself, to offer my congratulations to you, upon an event that I most cordially wish and expect will be productive of your happiness
permit me to present myself to my new sister through your mediation which I presume must be most acceptable to her from the amiable character I have universally heard her represented I am predisposed to Love and admire and respect her. I hope before many months are elapsed to have the pleasure of a personal interview with you all
Your friend Robert Hare made us a visit the other day and enquired very particularly after you—it is said that he is soon to marry Miss Kean what think you of it?
remember me to all friends and beleive me affectionately your / sister

A Smith


Title: From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 10 August 1805
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
New York August 10th. 1805

Agreable to your wish, expressed some months past, Mrs: Smith, accompanied by Miss Caroline and Our son William, pay you a visit, I lament that it is not in my power to accompany them, but agreable to the old tune, I cannot leave my post, as Besides the paper War is recommencing, and as We are threatned with a broad side, I must recive it, & proceed to action, against the Clintonian faction,—Mrs: S. takes with her the first papers, relative to the commencement of the War—the attack in the first instance is directed against the enemies advanced fire ships, Cheetham & Coleman, our Battery is in high mettle this morning. you will notice the progress of the action and laugh to see what a dust the flies make.—With particular respects to The President & congratulations to Thomas & his Bride, I am with great / regard, Madam—Your most / Obedt. Humble Servt

W. S. Smith


Title: From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 4 September 1805
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

My dear
New-York, Wednesday, September 4th, 1805.

I believe that yesterday I answered your letter of the 27th, but did not particularly reply to the contents of yours of the 24th.
Medial matter missing
“All men,” says Knox, “are so much inclined to flatter their own pride, by detracting from the reputation of others, that, even if we were able to maintain an immaculate conduct, it would be difficult to preserve an immaculate character, for the malignity of some dispositions is so great, as to be highly gratified with the view of injured sensibility.”
Unfortunately for the comfort of mankind, calumny has too long been privileged to stalk the world at large, for one single foe to stop her rapid strides; and so secret are the springs which guide her motions, that they continue to elude her research. Nothing more easy than to barb by slander; nothing more arduous than to extract the dart. The reign of envious prejudice, however, oppressive as it is, is fugitive; or rather, while its tyranny is perpetual, its objects are incessantly changing; and those who were once its victims, become, in time, its cherished favourites.
The merit of a great man, defamed and hooted at as long as his ears and heart would have been sensible to the acclamations of applause, generally waits but his death, to be fully and clamorously recognised and admired: this truth we and our children will notice, when your good father pays the debt of nature.
No longer a living reproach to the mean and frivolous who compose the mass of every generation, he imperceptibly becomes their veneration and delight; and those talents, which once called forth the shafts of envy, and the censure of malevolence, are then encircled with a wreath of bays.
Though there is no situation in life, wherein the friendship and asistance of others is not necessary to the welfare and happiness of ourselves, yet how few are there who condescend, by a general compliance with the wants and wishes of their associates to promote their comfort or insure their felicity, and by those means give themselves a right to claim a mutual return of kindness and affection.
How can that man expect the esteem of others, who is continually detracting from their merit to exalt his own, or how can he hope to become an object of regard, whilst he is insidiously undermining his neighbour’s reputation? Could we banish envy and detraction from the world, we might hope to experience a portion of that felicity which benevolent spirits may expect to enjoy hereafter, and, instead of making this life a scene of strife and animosity, we should convert it into an abode of comfort, if not a state of bliss.
Kiss my dear children for me; remember me respectfully to your family, and believe me, / Sincerely yours,
W. S. Smith


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 5 September 1805
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
5th: September 1805

Next Monday (the 9th: currt) the Court of Sessions sit at Concord for the County of Middlesex—I have made a draft of a petition to be presented for a Committee to be appointed to appraise damages for the proprietors of Medford farm—Can you go there and present it—if not I will send it to my friend Danl. Adams of Hopkinton as I cannot go myself on account of its being so near last of service for Norfolk—
Answer if you please—
T B A—


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 10 September 1805
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Scituate September 10th. 1805.

I was much disappointed My Dear Madam in not having it in my power to see you again before we went to Newport & also in not calling on Mrs J Adams & Miss Johnston to have renewed my invitation to them that they would give us the pleasure of a visit this summer. I regret that I did not see them the day we were at Quincey; Delays are dangerous. Court held at Boston till Friy eveg prier to its opening on Mony at Newport so that the time was too short without our encroaching on the Sabbath, which is always an unpleasant circumstance. We were in hopes ere this to have seen Miss Smith here. Our family is a pleasant one in which I think she would pass her time agreeably; & nothing should be wanting in my power to render it so. Our Sister, Miss Cushing, & Mrs Bowers are passing the summer here. Neither of them you have seen. Mrs Jackson is spending a few weeks with us. We cannot be thankful enough that her health & spirits are entirely restored. She often speaks of & wishes much to see you & do my dear Friend gratify us all in favoring us with your company. Our family has been large but five will leave us this week.
I hope you have been blessed with health since we parted & that the remainder of your days may glide away without pain or sickness. Be so good as to write a line respecting it &c. Mr Cushing has his usual health & spirits. He wishes with me to be remembered with due regards to all the family.
H Cushing


Title: From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 9 November 1805
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dear Sir,
Jamaica plain Roxbury Novr 9th. 1805

The several Letters, for you from Treas the Secretary Treasurer of the united States, Mr. John  Dourdron of Washington and Nathl Williams of Baltimore, I have delivered you  with the Information  I have given you respecting will evoke what I have explained to you verbally  show  the grants of a Claim I have on Bills drawn by the Commissioners of under the Louissianna Convention in favr. of Jonathan Titcomb, Commander of the Brig Mary—taken for Loss & detention of sd Vessell & Cargo by who Captured & carried into Brest in Augt 1794, as will appear by these Authenticated Copies of protest, & the proof property by her Charter-party—as far as Authenticated Copies of both of which I have transmited to Se the Secretary of the Navy, who will please on your application to him on my behalf to deliver you this Business to y     or wi you will please to take such steps—another either agreable to his   the reccommendation conte is Letter or any other that you may deem adviseable or needfull, in as sp I do hereby fully authorize & empower you to act for me in the said concern to the best of yr. Judgement & will be  ameanable for any measures you may judge see fit  best to pursue for my Interest therein
I am Dr Sr. Most faithfully Yours  sincerely / Your obliged friend & faithfull St.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 12 November 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Providence 12. November 1805.

As our driver is about to return, I take the opportunity to inform you that we arrived here safely last Evening, and found a Packet, ready to sail, and waiting only for us—Mr: Otis is here also, and goes on with us—We are all well, excepting Mrs. Adams and Eliza, whose coughs are very troublesome—
We are to go on board the Packet at 9 o’clock this morning; the weather is as fine as possible; and the wind, though there is but little of it, fair—
We hope to hear from you at Philadelphia, and to find how our dear children have borne the loss of their mother—How they are in health, and especially how they behave themselves—George must remember to be a good boy, and not forget his little French.
With our best love, to all friends, I am dear Mother, ever faithfully your’s

J. Q. Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 17 November 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother
New-York 17. November 1805.

We embarked at Providence on Tuesday morning, as I wrote you we purposed to do; and after a tolerably pleasant passage of three days and Nights arrived here the day before yesterday about noon; much to the satisfaction of my Sister and her children, who have thus reached the end of their Journey.
But we for our part have accomplished not more than one half of ours; and we have taken Seats in the Stage for Philadelphia, which goes to-morrow morning; I hope we shall get there on Tuesday—My wife and Eliza Johnson are still severely afflicted with their coughs; and I cannot flatter myself that they will obtain relief from them untill we have finished our Journey.
The weather has hitherto very much favoured us—We have found it very moderate untill this day; when a North-west wind blows with its natural vehemence and keenness—The Season is not so far advanced here as we left it behind us—On our approach to this City, we saw many remnants of verdure upon the fields; and we find the leaves now just falling from the trees.
Mr. Otis proceeded upon his Journey yesterday Morning; and is I presume before this time in Philadelphia—
I have just returned from Church, where I have heard a Sermon from Dr Smith, the President of Princeton College.
I have been very much amused by looking over the volumes of prints and the coloured drawings presented by the Emperor Napoleon to the Academy of Arts, of this City—They are in this house, and consist of very beautiful engravings from Antique Statues, Architecture, and Sculpture—Views in Egypt, Syria, France and Italy, painted on paste-board by french Artists, and executed with great taste and elegance; and models from Antique Statues, the spoils of Italy, deposited in the National Museum at Paris—They are all well selected to give an idea of the greatness and magnificence of the new Emperor, and they all have a very immediate relation to himself or his family.
There is much conversation here, on the prospect of a War with Spain; of which however I have no conception—Mr: Skipwith has arrived somewhere in Virginia from France, and says our differences with the Spanish Government were unsettled, and likely to remain so; and in Florida there have been some menacing appearances; but all this is no reason for War—General Miranda is in this City, and I have met him both at Mr: King’s house and at the Colonel’s—He has lately arrived from England; but with what views I have not learnt—It is said he has lands in the Territory of Louisiana; and perhaps within the disputed boundaries—General Moreau is said also to be in this City, but I have not seen him.
Our anxiety to hear from you, and particularly respecting the health of our children increases, as the days slip away in succession—We depend upon having a letter from you by the time we shall reach Philadelphia; though it should only be two days later than our own departure—In the meantime, with my duty and affection to your family round, I remain, ever faithfully your Son
John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 21 November 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Brother.
Philadelphia 21. November 1805.

I wrote to my mother from Providence & New-York, giving her an Account of our progress thus far; but the moment one sets one’s foot into Philadelphia, the Squire becomes such a standing topic of enquiry from all quarters, that it never fails to remind me of the duty of remembrance to him.
We left New-York in the Diligence Stage on Monday Morning, and arrived here the next day just at dinner-time, very much fatigued; but after two Nights rest we all find ourselves recruited; and the ladies are much better of their coughs, than at any time since we left Quincy.—By the way, if you or any of your friends should have occasion to travel in the Stage between New-York and Philadelphia, I would strongly recommend to you the Mail-Pilot, and Diligence lines, which run in opposition to the Mail and Industry lines; for you must know that the latter have got into Democratic hands; the consequence of which is that their drivers are a set of drunken black-guards, whose insolence is insufferable, and whose intoxication continually endangers the lives of the passengers—Another effect of the new arrangements is, that the Mail and Industry, have changed all the Inns, at which they stop on the road; and now go to detestable dens, with sign-posts having “Republican Hotel,” inscribed upon them, where you can neither get a comfortable bed, nor an eatable meal, and where you can be sure of nothing, but being well fleeced—I do not indeed suppose that this system will continue long; for its natural consequence has already produced such a preference for the Pilot and Diligence, that they are always crowded with Passengers, while the opposite lines are almost deserted—The two lines always start at the same hour; the Stage in which we came was full, from Paulus Hoek—The Industry Stage that started with us had only two passengers—We met on both days the Stages, running to New-York, of the two lines, and always with the same evidence of preference given to the Pilot and Diligence—You will make your reflections upon these facts—Mine have been simply these—In the ordinary transactions of business in life, never deal with democrats if you can avoid it; and where a choice is offered you for your custom, depend upon it, the federal tradesman will use you best.
I called and delivered your letter to Mr: Ewing, who has your ci-devant Office & chamber, at Mr: Rutter’s—I dined with them yesterday; in company with Mr: Hopkinson—Mrs: Rutter is confined to her chamber with a pleurisy,—from which she is however on the recovery—She was disappointed, at my not having a letter from you for her—I apologized for you as well as I could. I have called twice upon Dennie; but have not yet seen him.
The State of Politics here is not so turbulent as when I was here last Spring; but now that the federalists have been set at ease on the danger to the Constitution for which they were so much alarmed, they have leisure to remark that the success of the late Election, was not their Success, and they are as much dissatisfied, as they would have been at the loss of the field—They have been indeed too much elated by the issue of the late contest, and have discovered a disposition to dictate in the Elections, without consulting their new Allies the Quids—One of the Senators for this County, recently elected, has resigned, in consequence of which a new one is to be chosen in his stead—A few leading federalists have met together, without admitting any of the thirds, and put in nomination a Mr: Hallowell—But he does not suit the third party, and they are resentful at having been excluded from the federal Meeting; so they are to start a candidate of their own, Mr: Joseph Reed; and the chance is that neither will succeed—The Governor too since his election is secured, has not shewn a disposition so accommodating to the federalists as they expected, and the composition of their Supreme Judicial Court, is a subject, upon which they are very uneasy, and on which their hopes of speedy amelioration, are greatly dashed, by his course of proceeding, & supposed intentions.
24. November 1805.
We have been in daily and anxious expectation of hearing from my dear Mother; but hitherto we have been disappointed—I hope the occasion of this has not been illness either of her, or of our children—To-morrow morning we purpose to proceed upon our Journey, and have already spent much more time here than we had contemplated—We must now content ourselves with the hope of hearing from your quarter when we reach Washington.
I have settled Allibone’s Account, and delivered him your letter containing the order for three barrels of flour, which he promises shall be sent by the first opportunity. I have also had the 3d: volume of the Supplement to the Encyclopædia, (which is in two parts) packed up at Dobson’s, and directed to your father, to the care of Mr:  Boston—Dobson says he will send it round by the first vessel, and Mr: Shaw  you mention this to him to be on the look out, for them when they arrive—Dr: Rush, with whom we dined yesterday, will also send to Dobson’s to go by the same opportunity a copy of the New Edition of his Works, which is on the Eve of publication in four Volumes.
I find upon Enquiry that I cannot transfer the Schuylkill Bridge Stock standing in your and your father’s names, without powers of attorney for that purpose. I shall therefore sell none of them now, and you will have leisure to send me the powers, in the course of the Winter, that I may sell the Stock on my return.
I have only time to add that I am as at all times, truly yours; with kindest remembrance to your wife.
John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 3 December 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Washington 3. December 1805.

This morning I had the satisfaction of receiving your kind letter of the 21st: ulto: which partly relieved me from the anxiety occasioned by the letter of a previous date from my brother, mentioning your illness and confinement—The weather has of late been so remarkably fine and mild in this quarter that I hope its benign influence has been extended to your regions, and has restored you entirely to health—I rejoyce to hear that my boys are so well, and that George behaves himself to the satisfaction of my Aunt.
I wrote to my brother from Philadelphia; and expected to have left that City, the day after I closed my letter to him—But we were about five minutes too late for the Newcastle Packet of that morning, though it carried off all our baggage, and we followed it the next day—We found our trunks safely stored at Newcastle, and continued our route by the way of French-town and Baltimore—We arrived safely here on Friday the 29th: having had the pleasure of Mr: Tracy’s company from Philadelphia—We were two Nights out on the Water, and the Packets were so crowded with passengers, that we had hardly 1/3 of a bed to each person—But our friend Tracy has such an inexhaustible fund of pleasantry and good humour, that I never felt less of tediousness on a journey, in my life, and when we arrived I almost regretted that we had reached the spot of our destination—His health I am sorry to say is far from being so good as his Spirits, though better than when I left him here last Spring.
Both Houses of Congress formed a Quorum yesterday, being the first day of the Session—The Vice-President not being here, Mr: Smith of Maryland was chosen President of the Senate pro Tempore, and Mr: Macon after three trials was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives—A feeble attempt was made by what they call the Eastern Interest to set up General Varnum as Speaker, but he had only 27 votes—More than one hundred members were present.—There were some scattering votes also for Mr: Smith of Connecticut, Mr: Gregg of Pennsylvania, and Mr: Dawson of Virginia; all which prevented the Speaker from obtaining a positive majority at the two first trials.
The President’s Message has just been received, and read—It will probably reach you in the newspaper’s as soon as this letter, which dispenses me from giving you many of its particulars—It speaks of our differences with Great Britain, and with Spain, in a tone of Spirit, which has not been usual in the late Communications from the National Executive—Recommends measures for the protection of our Sea-ports—Modifications of the Militia-Laws, and more gun-boats—It hints slightly at the materials for 74 gun ships, which are on hand, but without positively recommending their employment. The State of the Treasury is flourishing in the highest degree.
I shall be much obliged to you for any information you can obtain of a comfortable house at or near Cambridge for the next Summer—I shall probably abandon all thoughts of taking Mr: Davenport’s house; but I should much prefer a situation near Boston to the place where Mr: Wigglesworth lived.
With my love and duty to my father, and all the family, I remain, my dear Mother, faithfully your’s
John Quincy Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 6 December 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Washington 6. Decr: 1805

I enclosed under a blank cover to you a copy of the President’s Message, on the day when it was delivered, and having now to enclose a letter from my wife to my Mother, and a bill which has already pass’d both houses of Congress I cannot forbear writing a line with it, to recall myself to your kind remembrance.
You will perceive that the message is in a style and tone which have not been fashionable of late years—It is probable the Representatives of the People will not readily pledge themselves to the responsibility of all the measures of energy which it recommends—The disposition of parties towards each other, as far as can yet be observed, is less acrimonious than for many years past—But no occasion has yet occurred to call forth manifestations of temper.
The enclosed bill, covers only a part of the deficiency in the naval appropriation for the current year. Its whole amount is of 600,000 dollars—The bill pass’d the house of Representatives on a bare Statement that the deficiency existed—and without a question asked—In Senate a motion of Mr. Tracy, the Secretary of the Navy was called on for the reasons of this deficiency, and he has made a report, which you will see, when printed. To meet some of the expences which have so far outrun the prior provisions, and which press’d for payment before Congress met, the system of specific appropriation has been pretty freely trampled under feet.
I this day occasionally met and instantly recognized our old friend Captain Landais, whom I had not seen for upwards of twenty years—but I had some difficulty to brush up his remembrance of me—When brought fully to his recollection, he was very particular in his enquiries after you; whom he tells me he saw not many years since.
Love to my dear children—duty and affection to my Mother, and kind regards to all the family—with which I am ever yours
John Quincy Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 December 1805
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
Washington Dec 6th. 1805

After a pleasant although extremely fatiguing journey we have safely arrived at Mrs. Hellens were we found all the family in good health and spirits Mr. Adams’s health is much improved and he has gain’d flesh on the journey but I much fear that the exercise he takes will prove too much and again reduce him to his former state of debility-
My spirits and health have both been very indifferent since my arrival and I hourly feel the loss of my Children more sensibly, convinced as I am of the safety and happiness they enjoy still now that I am again perfectly domesticated I feel the want of their Society and the Solitude
I regret was extremely sorry to hear of your indisposition I flatter’d myself you would escape this year from any farther attacks I hope you will entirely lose the Cough before the winter sets in and suffer no farther inconvenience from it—
Mrs. Randolph the Presidents daughter is here I am going to pay my respects this morning I have not yet seen Mrs. Quincey she arrived before us some time the Question of ettiquette still occasions a great deal of trouble here and the heads of department are very much puzzled how to act as it regards Mrs: Merry—who still keeps up her state
Elizas Cough is still very bad Mama and the family unite in best wishes for your health and that of all your family Kiss my darling Children for me over and over gain and remind them constantly of their mother whose every wish on this earth centres in them should you have any apprehension of Georges having worms give him five drops of spirit of Turpentine upon a lump of Sugar every other morning and believe me dear your obliged and affectionate LCA.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 December 1805
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Atkinson Dec. 9th. 1805

None but an affectionate Sister, can tell how much I was gratified, to recognize your well known hand, & to find you able to offer a tribute of gratitude, in the congregation of the living, to that Being, who has so kindly raised you from sickness, & restored you to the dear companion of your youth, the Children of your Love, & the anxious trembling friends of your Heart.
You say, you were surrounded with every earthly comfort, every tender assiduity that could mitigate pain, yet my Sister all these, would availed but little, had you not fought the “Christian warfare, kept the faith,” you would not have experienced that peace of mind, that harmony within, which makes us smile in grief, & even, in anguish, tranquil.
How happy my dear Sister! must those be, in the near views of Eternity, who find they have subdued every temptation to vice, & made every passion, every affection subservient to the laws of that “better Country,” upon which they have kept a stedfast Eye; who have nobly risen above the false glare of life, & the alluring vanities of the age; who, in prosperity, have considered, from what fountain their streams have flowed; & in affliction, have drank the bitter Cup, & habitually said, “not my will,” O thou! Omniscient Father! but thine be done.
You kindly enquired after the health of your Niece, I feel happy to say, that I believe her visit to Gloucester has greatly benifited her tender frame, she looks much more firm, & grows tall—
I do not think Mr Peabody has been so well of late, as he used to be, he depends too much, I think upon the firmness of his constitution & catches one cold, upon another—Our family is numerous, good humoured, & healthy, for which I ought to be very thankful, as they all live distant from their own homes.
I hope Mrs Adams has recovered from her Indisposition—Shall we ever have the pleasure of seeing here your Son Thomas—And can I flatter myself, with a visit from you—“O lash your steeds!” & hasten to your affectionate / Sister
Elizabeth Peabody
PS. It is dark & I cannot see, only to present Love, & ask my Son if he ever thinks of his Mother, you know the tender, anxious thoughts.


Title: To John Adams from Esther Barrette Adams, 10 December 1805
From: Adams, Esther Barrette
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Jersey 10th. December 1805.

I beg leave to represent to you the following account of your Brother Summer Adams, my late husband, and hope at the same time you will pardon my freedom.—he being a young Man at the time he left America, was taken prisoner, and was obliged to serve in His Majesty’s Service, under Sir Digby Dent & in the Repulse Captain Dumarie, during the years 1780.–81 & 82. ‘till the Peace, when he obtained his liberty and came to this Island, where he remained untill 24th: January, 1784. when we were Married at St. John’s Parish in this Island, and have the following Children.— (My Maiden name is Esther Barrette)
Vizt:
David Adams Born at Jersey 28th November—1786.Summer Adams Do: 24th December 1788.John Adams Do: 24th:Do:1792
who are all living:—the first is at Labradore Forto, Newfoundland, the other two are here. Summer is learning to be a Ship Carpenter, & John the Baking business.—I have done the best in my power to give them a little Education, but am sorry to say, they have but a small share of that very necessary requisite.—
In March 1793. my husband being then in the Merchants Service:—Mate of a Vessel, returning from the Spanish Market was taken prisoner by the French, and kept in their possession ‘till the 10th: December following, three Days after that he came back here he took the Small Pox, and Died the 20th: of the same Month, to my great grief & loss; since which time I have done the utmost in my power to support my Children, without the aid of any, except my own Friends.—
I received a Letter bearing date 25th: April 1801. from Penzance in Cornwall from my husband’s Nephew Atkins Adams, son of your Brother Thomas, who had heard of the Death of his Uncle my husband, which letter I answered, but never heard of this young man since, altho’ he said he wou’d endeavor to come to Jersey.—
Sir,With a View of this being no deception I can obtain a Certificate from Gentlemen of respectability, that I were your Brother’s lawful Wife, and that the Children were born in lawful Wedlock, if you require it.—
I have therefore entered into this long Detail to give you that far a consolation of your late Brother, as well as for my own justification, at the same time beg you will take a Widow’s case into consideration, and any thing you may be pleased to do for me, will be gratefully acknowledged by / Sir, Your most Dutiful & very obedient / Servant and Sister in law
Esther Adams
P.S. Please to direct Esther Adams Ordinance Arms,  Rope Walk St. Heliers Jersey”
The following Gentleman (upon perusal of the foregoing Letter), has desired me to give you his address, in case you might wish to communicate any thing thro’ him,
Lt. Colonel Le Couterir Inspector of Island Militia. St. Heliers, Jersey


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 11 December 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

My dear Sir.
Washington 11. Decr: 1805.

When I pass’d through Baltimore on my way to this place, I applied to Mr: William Pinckney, late one of our Commissioners at London, and who has now returned to the practice of the Law, and left with him the management of your claim on the bills drawn in favour of Jonathan Titcomb. According to your direction I requested Mr Pinckney to draw upon you for his charges. Mr: Harper was not then at Baltimore, and Mr: Pinckney has been so peculiarly conversant with claims of a similar description of your’s, that I was persuaded your interests could not be more safely entrusted than to his hands.
On my arrival here, I called immediately upon Mr Skipwith, to enquire whether he could give any information respecting the principles of indemnity upon which the Commissioners had allowed the claim, and what proportion of it was due to you. The only minute of the case which he has here, mentions Benjamin Willis as the real claimant, without any reference to you or your concern in the vessel or Cargo. I asked him if he could not refer to his correspondence in the year 1794 when the capture and detention took place, which would doubtless show your interest, and your agency in the transactions which produced the restoration of the vessel prior to the claim for indemnity—But all these he has left at Paris in the hands of his agent Mr: Josiah Cox Barnet, to whom he wishes you to write for any information you may want, upon this subject. He further told me that the amount of the claim entered by him in this case was for about 94000 livres, and the sum finally allowed by the Commissioners was about 92000: so that the bills forwarded by Mr: Bentalou, and presented here at the Treasury do not cover the whole sum. The Commissioners have never given any intimation of the specific items upon which they made up their awards and have declined communicating any such matters of detail to any of the claimants; but Mr: Skipwith when he entered the claim formed it on a regular accompt, charging every item upon which the demand of indemnity was founded—A copy of this accompt is, he says, among the papers in Mr: Barnet’s hands; and as the sum allowed by the Commissioners, was so near the amount of the whole sum claimed, it would be very material to shew what proportion is justly due to you.
I have also seen the Secretary of the Treasury and obtained from him the copies of the charter-party and protest, which had been sent to him by you. I have mentioned to him your claim in this case, and he has promised me that the bills at the Treasury shall not be paid without previous notice to me, in sufficient time to enable me to arrest the money in the hands of any person who may receive it—No payment at all, he further says will be made, but upon the indorsement of Titcomb, or upon unquestionable proof being produced, by any other person, that he is the true owner of the bills—For the cases in which the bills have been drawn in favour of the Captains, the more nominal claimants, are so numerous, that the Government here have determined they would pay, without such indorsement, in all cases when a third person should produce unquestionable proof of his being the real proprietor.
Several claimants situated in a predicament similar to your’s have employed Mr: Key, an eminent practitioner here, to take the legal measures necessary for stopping the money in the hands of the person receiving it at the Treasury—Should there be occasion for any such process in your behalf, I shall apply to the same Gentleman, in whose abilities and integrity I have the fullest confidence, and employ him for you—But untill I shall receive the notice, which the Secretary of the Treasury has promised to give me, of an application for payment of the bills by some other person, no legal process can be commenced, neither can there be any necessity to engage the services of any professional character here— The process which Mr: Key has adopted has been an injunction in Chancery, forbidding the payment of the money untill the point of property should be settled. Mr: Pinckney also thinks this the properest process, and this opinion I believe is correct— At the same time it would perhaps be best for you by an amicable arbitration with Mr: Willis, to have the proportions due to you respectively settled and arranged where you are, without waiting the delays and incurring the expences of a Chancery suit here or at Baltimore. Mr: Willis has not yet made any application to the Treasury for payment, nor presented for acceptance the bills which were forwarded to him by Mr: Patterson.
I shall wait any further instructions you may wish to give me on this subject, and in the meantime remain, / Dear Sir, sincerely and faithfully your’s.


Title: From William Smith Shaw to John Quincy Adams, 14 December 1805
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Boston 14 Dec 1805

I hope before this reaches Washington you will have arrived there and found your friends well and happy.
I have received of Delisle & Dexter the rents which were due amounting to three hundred and seventy dollars and have paid Mr. Thayer as you will see by the inclosed receipt three hundred & fifty adding to which twenty dollars received as the dividend leave in my possession forty dollars for which no order has yet been presented but & the money awaits your order
Peter Thatcher desired me to inclose to you the folowing queries and to ask the favor of you, if would not be too great a trespass on your goodness to enquire of some gentleman from Kentucky from in Congress respecting them
I do myself the honor to send you by the same mail with this the last number of the Anthology for your acceptance. The gentlemen are extremely anxious desirous to induce you to make a monthly contribution for the Anthology—they think that much reputation and complete success would be insured to them by your compliance with their request On the first of Jan they propose intend to publish eight additional pages which an without adding to the price which they propose to make a repository of authenticated documents which shall tend to delineate the history biography literature &c of our Country—They also contemplate relecting publishing all the debates of both houses of Congress on all interesting subjects which they flatter themselves will give a more permanent value to their publication, than it has yet possessed—and this department is to be under the exclusive direction of Walter and myself. I have mentioned to you this contemplated improvement flattering myself that it would receive your approbation and wishing that you would have the goodness to suggest any ideas on the subject that might occur to you
I need not tell you how much I shall be obliged to you for any pamphlets congressional documents &c. which you may be pleased to send me. Wishing Sir to be kindly remembered to Mrs Adams & her family I have the honor to be with respectful attachment / your very grateful hum SertW S ShawThomas was in town from Quincy yesterday—the family there all very well.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 December 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Washington 16. Decr: 1805.

I received some days ago your kind favour of the 29th: of last month; and since then my brother’s letter of the 4th. instt:—from the last of which I am made happy by the information that you and my children are well
I have occasionally forwarded packets containing the documents which have been communicated to us from the President, and others which have occurred since the Commencement of the Session—but I have had little or nothing to write—for although the President’s Message would naturally lead to the expectation of some bustle and animation, yet since it was delivered we have been in a state of perfect calm and stagnation—The war measures of our fierce champions in the House of Representatives have not yet attained maturity: when they burst from the shell it is probable they will be duly tempered with prudence; for you will have perceived that the most difficult and angry point of discussion has been referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, who are to proportion their resentments and their effects to their operation upon the Revenue—We talk about non-importations and prohibitory duties &c but I believe we shall do little more than talk about them.
I have informed Mr: Quincy of the health of his children, according to your request—He is well, as are his family here, and that of Mr. Cranch—I have however not yet been able to visit them—Mr: Cranch is attending Court at Alexandria.
Ever affectionately yours,
John Quincy Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 17 December 1805
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Mrs Adams
Quincy, december 17 1805

I received your Letter of december 6th on the 14th and was very glad to hear of your safe arrival at washington; the journey at this Season when the days are so short must always be fatigueing. It must have been less so to you than it would have been with the children, tho I doubt not you must miss them very much. they are very well. John is as thick as he is long, has out grown his cloaths. you we cannot button his coats, and we are obligd to take out the Sleaves of his Shirts to lengthen the armholes—I say to him often, John do not eat so hearty. Grandmam, I stuff like a pig. Well John I am writing to your Mamma, what shall I say. please to say duty to Mamma, and John’s a good Boy. Who says so? Grandmamma. he comes again, Grandmamma I did not say duty to Aunt Eliza. Well must I put that in? Yes—He is really a very good Boy, and a very pleasent temperd Child, never wants any severity used towards him: George has more frequent ill turns and does not incline to be so fleshy. I do not think that humour which troubled him so much last Year is radically cured altho it does not now shew itself, outwardly. He is very good, pretty volatile, full of Life and play. I can easily believe that you must feel a void, not easily supplied tho your sisters little ones must in some measure supply their place. I am sorry Eliza should take back with her, as dissagreable a companion as she took brought with her. to reason and expostulate against the strong arm of fashion, are but weak and feeble weapons; she is as powerfull in her dominions as Bonaparte is in his. She levels all distinctions. decency submits to her sway, and modesty looses all her Blushes. even a fig leaf is thought too cumbersome and untransparent for the vestals of the present day. They have quite an abhorrence to all free Masonary and have no  all, allmost all, may be seen, from the crown of the Head, to the Sole of the foot, but as in early Life they have not been innured to this Mode, and fashion; the most delicate and fragile constitutions, fall early and premature sacrifices.
I wish mr. Adams would take lodgings nearer the Capitol, tho in the fine weather the excercise may be good for his Health, it cannot be so through the Season. wet and bad weather he must be exposed and will take colds.
My Health is in a great measure restored. I kept close whilst my cough lasted, and in about three weeks it left me. Present my regards to your mother, and the rest of the family. how is Caroline? remember me to her. I thought she appeard to be attached to Boston, and not to dislike Quincy and I felt the more attached to her in concequence of it. next to our Relatives, we feel these local propensities and predelictions
Mrs Adams and Louissa request to be rememberd. tell Eliza not to lose her Spirits. I shall think if she does, that she pines after Quincy—
Yours affectionatly,
A Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 18 December 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Washington 18. Decr: 1805

Your letter of the 4th: instt: came to hand two days ago—But I have no information of a public nature to communicate, which may render it worth your while to peruse an answer—We are all very full of sound and fury against the foreign Nations from whom we have received such violent outrages; but having two of them upon our hands at once, we shall be very cautious about engaging in the contest of doing harm, with either—We begin indeed by prohibiting the exportation of arms and ammunition, which is certainly a very spirited measure—The harm which it will do, to be sure will not reach either of the Nations, who have given us so much cause of complaint—it will all be spent upon our own people, whose commerce and manufactures will suffer by the sudden interruption of their accustomed course; but it cannot fail to strike terror into the hearts of the British and Spanish Nations; and by the mere force of terror will perhaps bring them to our own terms.
If however this should fail we have more pacific war measures in reserve, the character of which will doubtless resemble the first—If they do not harm our adversaries, they will infallibly have the advantage of harming ourselves—It is not even intimated what are to be our proceedings against the Spaniards; as we have the largest account to settle with them I suppose we shall keep that for the last—But against the British piratical Law of Nations we have the old Story—prohibitory duties—non-importation—sequestration—embargo—and confiscation.
When I was in Philadelphia, our friend Oliver Oldschool Esquire was under some uneasiness respecting the approaching issue of his indictment, the day of trial for which was then fixed—You have since seen his exultation upon his acquittal by the verdict of a democratic Jury—The particulars have undoubtedly been communicated to you by Ewing or some other of your Philadelphia friends—I understand that Hopkinson distinguished himself very much in the argument
The Orator of the  Society will find more copious resources in the stores of his own Understanding for the accomplishment of his work, than in those of the Professor, who is too much perplexed with the extent and intricacy of his own subject to have the means of making incursions upon the territories of his neighbours—I remember that some years ago a gentleman who shall be nameless, used to make himself merry at my expence, upon the burthen of Orationizing which a return to the bosom of our dear Native Country exposed me; and I look upon it as one of the happy examples of retributive Justice that his own sportiveness is now returning upon himself—I compassionate the qualms of your intellectual pregnancy, and pray that in due time you may be favoured with an happy deliverance.
We are here all well; and have hitherto enjoyed a season remarkable for its mildness—At this time last year the Potowmack was fast locked up in fetters of ice—As yet we have scarcely had any frost at all—By the way, I hope you have not forgotten my request to keep a register of the thermometer, this winter through—I have begun mine here; and intend to keep it very regularly—My thermometer is suspended in the open air at a window, in a northern exposure, so that the sun never comes upon it—This is the best position for ascertaining the true temperature of the atmosphere; and I take the observation three times a day—at 8 in the morning, at 3. in the afternoon; and at 9 in the Evening—If you would keep a similar register, which you could easily do by hanging the thermometer on a nail, just at the outside of one of the windows of your bed-chamber, and minuting the degree on the scale at which the mercury stands when you rise in the morning and at Night when you go to bed, we should have an opportunity of comparing the two climates and forming an accurate opinion of the difference between them.—Now if you consider this as too much of a philosophical petty kick-show to deserve your attention, I beg you to charge Shaw with the Execution of it—He will either do it himself or get some friend in Boston who has a thermometer to do it for him—And to stimulate his zeal, tell him it will make a very good closing page for the monthly Anthology—It will be very well to begin with the new year.—I enclose you a specimen of the manner in which I have kept my record here, by which you will perceive what a series of mild and beautiful weather we have had.
My dear children are scarcely ever out of my mind, and my their mother thinks of them morning, noon and Night—Give my love to George and tell him that his Cousin John Hellen, who began going to School with him, reads already very well, without spelling, and that he must mind his book, and learn to read as well before I come home in the Spring—I hope also that he will not forget his French, though unless you take the trouble to keep his instruction alive, I am afraid I shall have to begin all over anew with him.—As for master John, I hope you will not take such a fancy to his man of war tones, and his imperial orders, as to indulge him too much in them—He has a spirit that I would cautiously avoid to break, but which must be very carefully managed.
Poor Mack!—and Poor Nelson! we think that matters are not managed rightly—That the English ought to be beaten by sea—and the French by Land—But the great Disposer knows best—
Your’s as ever
John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 December 1805
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Quincy December 23 1805

I ought, before now, to have acknowledged the Receipt of your favours and even now I can do no more than acknowledge them, for what Subject have I for a Letter? Shall I Send you diagrams of my Grounds, which the fine Weather of November and December has enabled me me to plough, for Corn, Potatoes, Barley Clover and Timothy? But what a Miniature picture of a Lilliputian Plantation, would Six Acres and four Acres and three Acres and two Acres appear in Comparison of President Washingtons which as Mr Lear informed me employed five and thirty Ploughs in continual motion all the year round. But General Washington was a wise man from his Youth, took good care of himself and married a rich Wife; whereas I was a Simpleton from the beginning, took little care of the main chance and married a Girl as poor as myself. My Plough and my Molecule of Compost have been my important Business.
Now for my Pleasures. I have read the Six first Volumes of Gibbon, the three Vol. of Middletons Life of Cicero, and now I am Seriously Studying Tacitus, by comparing him Word for Word with Murphys Translation; and am Surprized to See how many more Words he is obliged to Use, than his Author. He gives a faithfull Idea of the Sense: but the Grace, the Brevity and the Pomp of the original is are wanting, and I fear must never be expected in English.
I have last read the Dialogue De oratoribus Sine De causis corruptae Eloquentiae, which you no doubt have read and will Study to perfection. It is a beauty and will deserve your most critical attention. I have a conceit that a more litteral translation than Murphy’s would be more like Tacitus. I have half a Mind to try my hand in the attempt. If it should be found to be only an Old Mans Vanity, what Signifys that?
I have given you an Account of my Business and Pleasures: and now for my Amusements which are all Domestic as you know and chiefly in Sports with my Grand Children. John and I are very intimate and he is as hearty and gay as you can wish. George unites with us delightfully when he makes Us a Visit, is tollerably well but not such an Hercules as John. He behaves remarkably well, and is in high Credit with his Uncle and Aunt Cranch.
Although the World is in Commotion and great Events are Struggling for Birth, in which our Country will be more interested than you and I could wish, it would be ridiculous for me to write any thing about them. So far from being able to reconnoitre the whole Country, I see no part of it. Our Negotiations with Spain and England, for five years are a profound Secret. If a want of Skill in the Cabinet, or in the Negotiators have brought us into Embarrassments and in a danger of War I think the Saddle Should be put upon the right Horse: but it will not be. If We get into a War, in my opinion our Country at Home, and especially our Elections will become the Sport of foreign Nations as much as ever our commerce has been. Urbem venalem mature perituram si modo emptorem invenerit. A Country whose Government can be made and unmade by Such Men as Calender, Paine Duane, Andrew Brown; Peter Markoe, &c &c may be bought and sold like Cattle at Smithfield. My Compliments, wherever they are due.
J. Adams.Better is a fortune in a wife; than with a wife. Both united are very pleasent; I believe the wife was the best calculated for the Husband that could have been obtaind, and the Husband for the wife—
A. A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 27 December 1805
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Sir.
Washington 27. Decr: 1805.

I have to thank you for the receipt of your letter of the 14th: instt: and for the last number of the Anthology, which came at the same time—I am much pleased with the Spirit of this publication which appears to improve as it advances, and which I hope you will not suffer to flag—I am much flattered by the partiality of the opinion entertained by the Gentlemen that a regular contribution from me would be useful to the success of the work, though I am sensible how far they overrate my resources in their estimate. The State of my health, and the real pressure of occupation which I have upon me, forbids my undertaking to furnish a constant portion of composition for every month, but I hope to prove my good-will to the association and the establishment, by some occasional assistance from time to time—I am even now reading with particular attention the Life of Washington, with a view to the promise I have made respecting it, and although its accomplishment may be delayed untill the work itself shall be out complete, I shall probably make up in point of quantity for the lapse of time—I shall always be glad to furnish you with any pamphlets or papers which may be useful to you; approving much the additional eight pages you propose to give in future, and the objects to which they will be devoted—But I question whether you will have space enough to give the Congressional debates on interesting subjects, unless it be in a very concise abridgment of them.
I shall endeavour to procure answers to the Questions given you by Mr: Thacher, and forward them to you as soon as possible.
Genl: Thayer’s receipt was enclosed in your letter; but you mention having received $220 from Delille—The sum he should have paid you was $225. I mention this, because I gave an order on you for 50 dollars in favour of Mr: French, and your funds will fall short, if you have from Delille only $220.
We have hitherto not entered upon any business of material importance; and at this time we are languishing through what is called the Christmas Holidays. Perhaps with the new year we shall commence our serious labours.
You know we have a Tunisian Embassy here; and there are also deputations from eight or ten Indian tribes on visits to the seat of Government—The Africans and Americans sometimes meet, and are objects of mutual curiosity to each other.
One of the Committees of the House of Representatives on the Presidents Message has reported to build 50 gun-boats and 6. Seventy-four gun ships. The gun-boats I presume will pass; but I fear the 74’s will sink on the passage.
Mr: Quincy and his family here are well—So are Mr: Cranch and his—So are ours—Mr: Quincy thinks he should hear more frequently from you.
Our weather continues remarkably fine and moderate—I keep a thermometrical register at 8. A M. 3. P.M. and 9. P.M—I want one kept at the same hours in Boston to compare them together—I have written to my brother about it.
Your’s sincerely
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 January 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Madam
Washington Janry: 6 1806

I received with joy your letter of the eighteenth a few days since as I had suffer’d considerable anxiety at not hearing any thing of my children it is true I have no right to urge any one on this subject but having been compelled to leave them I cannot command my feelings and must trust to your kindness to let me hear frequently—
I am very sorry to hear that George still continues subject to little indispositions. I cannot account for the change and I think it highly necessary to be careful of his food I must request Mrs. Cranch and yourself not to let either of them eat of salt Pork as it does not agree with them and is in my opinion too coarse a food for children of their age independent of which John being much inclined has always appeared to me to have a tendency to hives and I have been told by physicians that this sort of food is very likely to produce it for George anything salt is improper while he has remains of the humour with which he has been so much afflicted should Mrs: Cranch be put to any additional expence Mr. A. will with pleasure reimburse it present my love to her  that Mr. Cranch and family were all well a few days since Mrs Cranch has grown very fat since last winter—
The family are all very well and desire to be remember’d to yourself and the President Washington is not very gay as yet but it is expected it will be more so than usual this Winter Mrs: Randolph is a charming Woman she resides with her Father and expects to be confined in three weeks—
Present my respects and love to the family kiss my darlings for me and believe me your affectionate daughter
L C AdamsI beg you will employ Katy Copeland to make any alterations in Johns Cloathes and I will repay you when I return—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 January 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Jan’ry 9th 1806

This is the first Snow which we have had of any concequence; and this promisses to be keep. It began last night and has continued increasing all day. It is now mid day, and the storm is cold and severe, the wind North. I cannot tell you how the Glass stands, for when I went in the absence of your Brother & Sister; to take an observation as I promissed, the window was frozen down So tight, that I could not open it.
You gave yourself unnecessary anxiety about George. he is very well, and has never but two days been detaind from school since you went away, and then by a cold, and a trifling complaint in his Bowels. the Stopage in his Head is intirely gone. he has a good appetite, grows fast, and is fleshy enough for a running Boy. Master John my Charge, puffs like a very corpulent Man when he has walkd fast, his face is round as an apple, Rosy as a carnation, his Eyes Brilliant and Sparkling as diamonds his Lips a virmillion. a painter might take Hebe from the exuberence of his Health, and Adonis from the Beauty of his face. These are his infant traits; time will harden his features; and the sun burnish his complexion. he ought not to grow up as handsome as he is now. But what I value more than his Beauty, is his disposition which is very pleasent, and engageing. he is volatile like all sprightly Children. I cannot fix him to his Letters, but he will learn them soon enough. he talks much more about his Pappa and Mamma than he did when you they first went away; he does not realish my Sitting down to write, because it imposes a restraint upon him; I calld him just now to come to me. he replid, Grandmamma, what you call me for when you writing? he is very talkative and amusing. this page is for Mamma, as well as Pappa—your brother wrote you last week and your Father too I think, so I did not feel anxious least you should not hear from us. last Evening I received your Letter of Decbr 30th I shall deliver your Message to your Brother when he returns from Dedham and do not doubt but that he will pay due respect to your recommendation. the General Court meet on Wednesday next.
Your Father used to say that N. Englanders were always the dupes of the Southern States. I conjecture they are so now, as it respects the motion made, or the recommendation to appropriate eight or ten Millions to purchase the Floridas—It is Suspected that the measure would be unpopular, and, our wise Men are ready to take the odium upon their own Shoulders or may be, they are desirious of making as good a speck out of the purchase, as it is said the Chancelor, and Joel Barlow Swan, Parker and others have done out of the 15 Millions.
Sunday Janry 12th—
An interruption has retarded my pen and delayed my closing my Letter. George dinned with me to day in good health and desires me to tell his pappa and Mamma that he is very well, and a very good Boy: but that Thomas and John make him very wild and Noisy. John is So happy to see George, that their weekly meeting is quite an entertainment John is however much more manageable alone; we shall all get too fond of him; he is so easily reasoned into doing right, that very little authority controuls him.
I have not had an opportunity yet to make Such an inquiry of Mr. Storer respecting the House which was that owned by Mr. Sewal, as to enable me to write Satisfactory upon the Subject—The House owned by Mr. Fairweather is also to let, and you know that it is a large and Handsome House. dr. Waterhouse has mentiond it to your Father. you may however procure one nearer Boston I Suppose, but it is like the Rent will be much higher, for an inferiour House—
Mr. Ames, I very much fear will not accept the appointment; some of his Friends flatterd themselves that he would, as the Nomination was universally approved, but last week he fell down, either in an appopletic apopletic or an Epileptick fit. He has recoverd his senses again: but it will no doubt affect his spirits, and be considerd by him as an objection to entering upon So arduous an office—You have not mentiond your own Health; how is it? Your Friends write me that you do not look so well as when you first arrived and they think that the walk twice a day is too much for you. In the morning when the weather is fine it might not be an injury to you; but when; exhausted by attention, or perplexd by Buisness; or vext by ignorance or stupidity, a tedious long walk with an empty Stomack is very unhealthy you may depend upon it. it serves to irritate the whole nervious system; which wants soothing and calming with the oil and wine of comfort and consolation, instead of ploding along on foot a three miles trudge. besides the very look of it will be attributed to a cause which has no foundation. Some will call it parsimony, others will call it odity, but all this I Should not heed so much as the real injury I conceive it will be to your Health—Pray assure me that you will ride in all bad weather, and I shall be easier in my mind, and go to rest more tranquil at night.—
I would write seperately to Mrs Adams, but writing to one is writing to Both, and we have so few Subjects either novel or amuseing that I Should scarcly be able to fill a page to her; I could tell her that Mr. Whitney has had the good luck to have an other of his sisters married in Town to a Son of Mr James Brackets, a likely young Man, and that the eldest sister of the whole, has come to Quincy to make a visit. We know not where to find a Husband for her, unless She would take the Major; but we would be cautious of making the proposal, and wish the Lady better Luck.
With my best regards to the whole family / I am my dear Son your truly / affectionate Mother
Abigail Adams