Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 June 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

My Dear Sir
Boston june 18 1778

At length my anxiety is relieved and the happy happy tidings of your arrival and safety in France has reachd my Ears and blessd my Eyes. By an English paper taken in a prize and carried into Salem, under the Paris News there is mention made of my Dearest Friends arrival at the abode of the venerable Dr. Frankling.—What have I not suffered for this month past? The Fear of your being finally lost daily encreased upon my mind, for not the least inteligence could be procured with regard to the Boston save what our Enemies told us that she was taken and carried into England. My anxious Friends by their endeavours to console me plainly discoverd their own fears, upon this occasion, but my joy is great in receiving the constant and repeated congratulations of my Friends, and in seeing the unfeigned joy of the countanances of all I meet. The vessel was in general given up as taken or lost.
I have wrote to you 7 different times, but of late my Heart so much misgave me that I knew not how to hold my pen, and the distracting thought of not knowing where to find you withheld my Hand. Do not fail of writing to me by every way and opportunity you hear of, if Letters are sent to any other State directed to the president of congress I shall soon get them.
I shall wait with impatience till I receive some tidings from the well known hand of my dearest Friend. O When, When will it arrive. But Hush my anxious heart, two days ago I would have promised to have rested quiet, only to have known that you were in the land of the living. When you think of those you have left behind you, you know where to find them, but I have been wandering from Sea to Sea and from Shoar to Shoar not knowing where to rest. I have the pleasure to tell you that our children and Friends are all well, that my Friends are all well, that my aged Father is upon the recovery from the small pox, which he has pass’d through lightly.
As to news the present talk is that commisioners have arrived at New York. Of this my Friend may be assured that the Idea of treating with them upon the terms they are supposed to have, is treated with indignation and contempt by every American. We dispise the Nation that can suppose us so nearly assimilated to them, as to renounce treatys, break the publick Faith and tamely give up that Liberty which we have purchased with our Blood, who whilst they are pretending to hold out the olive Branch with one Hand, extend it only to deceive—for Blood, Fire, Slaughter and inhumane cruelties are sealed with the other.
Many are now trembling in this Town least a few days should involve them in the same terrors and confusion they have heretofore experienced. Mr. How’s movements indicate a remove some where and many suppose Boston destined for destruction, but I am not yet of that opinion yet.
I have mentioned to you in one Letter that I should have a small Bill to draw upon the commisioners this month, to which Bill I wish you would add ten pounds Sterling in such articles as I may have occasion for. I find by a Letter which I have received since your absence from Mr. MacCreary, that he is setled in the mercantile way at Bordeaux, which place he represents as the best to purchase Goods. I was thinking to send such Bills to him as may be drawn in your favour and get you at the same time to write to him requesting him to procure me such things as I may write to him for, and to the amount of ten pounds Sterling at a time more than the Bills drawn for Interest, which will be 3 times a year. I wish you would write me with regard to this or any other method you think best. I have allready paid in taxes 47 pounds odd, there is an enormous tax for raising men, which together with the continental Tax amounts to 50 pounds more which must be paid immediately. Labour is 15 and 12 pounds per month.
I am very uneasy too, about our Charlly. We have no School nor can I procure any instruction for him in Town. I have some thoughts of putting him to Board at his unkles in Haverhill where there is a very good School, but could not think of it till I heard from you. I shall now run the venture tho at present I do not see my way to get through all the difficulties which suppose you have discoverd from what I have mentiond.
I hope and pray that this may find you and my dear son well, to whom I wrote last week.
The Season here is very fine and promisses a plentifull crop. Adieu. Remember with unabated ardour her whose chief happiness is calling Herself your affectionate

Portia


Title: Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 24 June 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Lovell, James

Dear Sir

Braintree, 24 June 1778

I know not whether I ought to reply to your favour of April the first, for inded Sir I begin to look upon you as a very dangerous Man.
It was a Saying of a very corrupt Statesman that every Man had his price, had Sir Robert Walpole impeachd mankind with a universal Love of Flattery I believe his assertion would have been more agreable to Truth, but I suppose he was judgeing others by his own venal disposition and I am practicing upon the same principal when I acknowledg that undeserving as those few lines were penned in the bitterness of my Soul of the encomiums bestowed upon them, I cannot but acknowledg Mr. Lovell a most ingenious and agreable flatterer, nor will I attribute this kind praise wholy to a corrupt principal in humane Nature since a desire to stand high in the estimation of those whose virtues and abilities adorn humane life, is rather a proof of a desire of immitation and a stimulous to a good Heart, that if it is conscious it does not already deserve the praises bestowed upon it, it will hasten to obtain them.
The late agreable news from the court of France in some Measure compensates for the anxiety I sufferd from that Quarter of the World before, and I now anticipate the pleasure which it must give my Friend upon his arrival to find the great interest of his Country so generously espoused and a prospect opening for its future Glory and Welfare, nor do I regret that he waited not till this period, but sought to serve his Country in a Foreign Land when the prospect was much glomier than it is at present—and I can now look back to the 13 of Febry. with some pleasureable Sensations and much less Emotion than I could a month ago. But you kindly advice me to confine my Imagination to a future happy day. O Sir you have pointed me to a motive which is my food by day and my Rest by Night, it sheds a Ray of light upon the Gloomy hours, days and months as they pass. But I must restrain a pen which would run riot upon this subject.
The Letters which you mention in yours of March 21 as having wrote to my partner arrived since his absence and were deliverd to me, and agreable to his direction I opened them all, and perused them with a pleasure which the communicative manner of your writing must always give to your correspondence, tho in these I could not charge you with excerciseing a talent, which in your late favour to me you did not hide in a Napkin. There is something peculiarly pleasing in all of them. The Letter which your curiosity leads You to inquire after and which is forwarded, is that in which you gave ample scope to your immagination with regard to the Robbery of the publick packets. It most abundantly aided my fears and apprehensions at that time, and I could easily connect assassination with Robbery, and devollope the whole scene of wickedness at once.—The concilitary plan as it is calld, will reach you before this Letter. I cannot but congratulate my country upon it. Since they will be universally united in dispiseing it, he never could suppose with the advantages we are in possession of that we would accept them. I hope we should have disdaind them in our most unfortunate days, or I should think my Countrymen arrived at that unfortunate period, when as a late political writer observes a people are no longer worth saving. But not for this have we endured Hunger, cold and Nakedness, the sword and pestilence, But the Laws, the Rights, the generous plan of power deliverd down, From age to age, by our renoun’d Forefathers.

“And think thou North the Sons of such a Race
Where Beams of Glory bless their purpled Morn
Will shrink unnerved before a Tyrant face
Nor meet thy lowring insolence with Scorn.
Go raise thy hand and with its magick power
Pencil with Night the Suns assending Ray
Bid the broad Veil Eclipse the Noontide hour
And blank the radiance of the cheerfull Day
(Such Night as lowers o’er Britain’s fated land
Where rayless Shades the Darkned Throne surround.
Nor Deeper Glooms at Moses waving Wand
Pour’d their thick Horrours, oer the memphian land)
Bid Heaven bright Flames at thy dread Voice expire
Or chain the angry vengance of the waves
Then hope thy Breath can chill the Eternal Fire
And free Souls pinion with the Bonds of Slaves.”

Excuse this borrowed poetical flight, and the length of this Epistle. I have had a great mind to commit it to the flames but considering it cost me some time to write it, and some paper too which is an expensive article, and that I have a curiosity to know the contents of Mr. Deans packages which I could not so conveniently ask for in any other way, I have concluded to let it come under the Signature of

Portia


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 June 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

Dearest of Friends

June 30 1778

Shall I tell my dearest that tears of joy filld my Eyes this morning at the sight of his well known hand, the first line which has blessed my Sight since his four months absence during which time I have never been able to learn a word from him, or my dear son till about ten days ago an english paper taken in a prize and brought into Salem containd an account under the Paris News of your arrival at the abode of Dr. Franklin, and last week a Carteel from Halifax brought Capt. Welch of the Boston who informd that he left you well the Eleventh of March, that he had Letters for me but distroyed them, when he was taken, and this is all the information I have ever been able to obtain. Our Enemies have told us the vessel was taken and named the frigate which took her and that she was carried into Plimouth. I have lived a life of fear and anxiety ever since you left me, not more than a week after your absence the Horrid Story of Doctor Franklins assassination was received from France and sent by Mr. Purveyance of Baltimore to Congress and to Boston. Near two months before that was contradicted, then we could not hear a word from the Boston, and most people gave her up as taken or lost, thus has my mind been agitated like a troubled sea. You will easily Conceive how gratefull to me your favour of April 25 and those of our Son were to me and mine, tho I regret your short warning and the little time you had to write, by which means I know not how you fared upon your Voiage, what reception you have met with, (not even from the Ladies, tho you profess yourself an admirer of them,) and a thousand circumstances which I wish to know, and which are always perticuliarly interesting to a near connextion. I must request you always to be minute and to write me by every conveyance. Some perhaps which may appear unlikely to reach me will be the first to arrive. I own I was mortified at so Short a Letter, but I quiet my Heart with thinking there are many more upon their passage to me. I have wrote Seven before this and some of them very long. Now I know you are Safe I wish myself with you. Whenever you entertain such a wish recollect that I would have willingly hazarded all dangers to have been your companion, but as that was not permitted you must console me in your absence by a Recital of all your adventures, tho methinks I would not have them in all respects too similar to those related of your venerable Colleigue, Whose Mentor like appearence, age and philosiphy must certainly lead the polite scientifick Ladies of France to suppose they are embraceing the God of Wisdom, in a Humane Form, but I who own that I never yet wish’d an Angle whom I loved a Man, shall be full as content if those divine Honours are omitted. The whole Heart of my Friend is in the Bosom of his partner, more than half a score of years has so riveted it there that the fabrick which contains it must crumble into Dust e’er the particles can be seperated. I can hear of the Brilliant accomplishments of any of my Sex with pleasure and rejoice in that Liberality of Sentiment which acknowledges them. At the same time I regret the trifling narrow contracted Education of the Females of my own country. I have entertaind a superiour opinion of the accomplishments of the French Ladies ever since I read the Letters of Dr. Sherbear, who professes that he had rather take the opinion of an accomplished Lady in matters of polite writing than the first wits of Itally and should think himself safer with her approbation than of a long List of Literati, and he gives this reason for it that Women have in general more delicate Sensations than Men, what touches them is for the most part true in Nature, whereas men warpt by Education, judge amiss from previous prejudice and refering all things to the model of the ancients, condemn that by comparison where no true Similitud ought to be expected.
But in this country you need not be told how much female Education is neglected, nor how fashonable it has been to ridicule Female learning, tho I acknowledge it my happiness to be connected with a person of a more generous mind and liberal Sentiments. I cannot forbear transcribing a few Generous Sentiments which I lately met with upon this Subject. If women says the writer are to be esteemed our Enemies, methinks it is an Ignoble Cowardice thus to disarm them and not allow them the same weapons we use ourselves, but if they deserve the title of our Friends tis an inhumane Tyranny to debar them of priviliges of ingenious Education which would also render their Friendship so much the more delightfull to themselves and us. Nature is seldom observed to be niggardly of her choisest Gifts to the Sex, their Senses are generally as quick as ours, their Reason as nervious, their judgment as mature and solid. Add but to these natural perfections the advantages of acquired learning what polite and charming creatures would they prove whilst their external Beauty does the office of a Crystal to the Lamp not shrowding but discloseing their Brighter intellects. Nor need we fear to loose our Empire over them by thus improveing their native abilities since where there is most Learning, Sence and knowledge there is always observed to be the most modesty and Rectitude of manners.


Title: James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 9 July 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, Abigail

Dear Madam

July 9th. 1778

I heartily congratulate you upon the indubitable Proofs of our Friends Arrival in France. You might imagine that the Congress had received some important Intelligence in the large Packets sent lately from Boston, if I did not acquaint you that they were chiefly for Monsr. Girard who is not yet arrived. A french Fleet having sailed for America, an English One being ready to follow, and a second french One to pursue that, if there is to be a War between the two Nations, it will probably commence in our Seas.
The Indians and Tories have cut off Wyoming; and They must be eradicated Root and Branch as soon as ever we get a little Relaxation from War on the Sea Coasts.

I am not inattentive to Mr. Adams’s Boxes which shall be forwarded by the first Opportunity. I presume I shall now get that which contained his Papers left under the Care of the Rev. Mr. Sprout.

With every friendly Attachment, I am Dear Madam your humble Servt.,
James Lovell


Title: John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 10 July 1778
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Madam
Philadelphia July 10th. 1778

I had been so short a time in this place when I wrote you last, that it was out of my power to furnish you then with any particulars respecting the enemy’s conduct during their continuance here. By enquiries and observations since, I am enabled to give you some particulars on that head.
The City in general has escaped, but houses and fences detached from the Town have felt the wantoness of their power. Many arbitrary imprisonments have been occasioned by Villains in the City lodging informations—indeed they were repeated, till fatigued with the importunities of those Vipers, they turned them out of doors.
Houses of worship of the Presbiterian order were converted into hospitals, while the Churches escaped. Those buildings have suffered considerable damage. They have unpaled grave yards and left them as Commons. Men, women and horses have been indiscriminately thrown into Vaults. Several have been found under the State House. It was not however a general practice. Single and married women together with Servants to the amount of near two thousand departed the City with this legion of monsters. The Whigs of the City would have escaped many evils and Calamities had it not been for those vile miscreants who were perpetually at the elbow of the General. Upon the whole, there are left in many places the Vestiges of a British Army and the traces of British Violence. I need say no more.
By a deserter from the Enemy we hear of their embarkation. Part of the fleet is to recieve the troops at New York, if they are not captured by the French Fleet, which is not improbable. The fleet from France are going to Sandy Hook not far distant from N. York. They have already sunk an English Frigate of 26 Guns. The force at New York is very incompetent to an effectual opposition and must fall a sacrifice if they are not relieved. The Troops there cannot make any figure after the capture of the Ships. I wish an Event of that kind to take place. We should have great plenty of goods, as the City I understand is full of them.

11th.

I have the pleasure to congratulate you on the Arrival of the Ambassador in the Delaware. He is near Chester in a ship of War. Tomorrow he will make his Entrance, I imagine, into the City. Great preparations were made for his reception this afternoon, but an unhappy tempest prevented the Ship from coming down the Bay. In the morning I hope to have the honor of seeing him. He is only 15 miles off.
I have look’d at Whig and Tory Phizes and find the features of Joy in the one and a dejection bordering on despair in the other. The Transition in the latter from one State to the other was as unexpected as unwelcome. They will swallow the bitter Pill of Independence shortly I have no doubt.
It is confidently reported here that the French ships have drove the Roebuck ashore and captured the Pearl and Rose Frigates. I do not affirm it, tho I firmly believe that one or two of the Enemy’s Fleet are taken or destroyed. The particulars we shall have tomorrow. I would with pleasure wait for them, but the Express leaves this City in a short time. I have only time to request you will be pleased to remember me to all Friends.

I am Madam with great Esteem, Your Obedt. Servt.,
J.T.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 July 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

Dearest of Friends

Braintree, ca. 15 July 1778

By Mr. Tailor, who has promised me to deliver this with his own hand to you, or distroy it if necessary, I take the liberty of writing rather more freely than I should otherways venture to do. I cannot think but with pain of being debared this privilidge, the only one left me for my consolation in the many solitary and I may add melancholy hours which pass. I promissed myself a negative kind of happiness whenever I could hear of your safe arrival but alass I find a craveing void left akeing in my Breast, and I find myself some days especially more unhappy than I would even wish an Enemy to be. In vain do I strive to divert my attention, my Heart, like a poor bird hunted from her nest, is still returning to the place of its affections, and fastens upon the object where all its cares and tenderness are centered. I must not expect, I ought not indeed for the sake of your repose to wish to be thus frequently, and thus fondly the subject of your meditation, but may I not believe that you employ a few moments every day from the Buisness and pleasures which surround you in thinking of her who wishes not her existance to survive your affection, who never recollects the cruel hour of seperation but with tears. From whence shall I gather firmness of mind bereft of the amicable prop upon which it used to rest and acquire fortitude? The subject is too tender to persue. I see it touches your Heart. I will quit it at the midnight hour, and rise in the morning suppressing these too tender sensibilities.
Tis 5 month since the Boston sailed during all which time I have only received two very short Letters. That you have wrote more I know tho you do not mention them. Cautious as tis necessary you should be, methinks you need not be so parsimonious. Friendship and affection will suggest a thousand things to say to an intimate Friend which if ridiculed by an Enemy will only be an other proof among the thousands we already have of a savage barbarity. A variety of new scenes must arise the discription of which would afford ample amusement to your domestick Friend.
I had the pleasure of drinking tea a few days ago with Sir James Jay and Mr. Diggs. It was a pleasure to hear so directly from you and my dear Jack. The Gentlemen were very social and communicative. I found they had throughly enterd into the character of my Friend, who they represented as rather relucttantly entering into the modes and customs of — — and rather conforming from necessity than inclination. They diverted me with an account of the Freedoms and fondness of the . . . . . . for the venerable Doctor. At the same time I could not refrain figuring to myself a grave American republican starting at the sight unaccustomed to such freedoms even from the partner of his youth. After 13 years intimate connexion, who can recollect the time when had she laid her hand upon his—a universal Blush would have coverd her.—Much however must be allowed for Forms and Customs which render even dissagreable practise’es familiar. I can even consent that they should practise their Forms upon your Lordship considering your natural fondness for the practise whilst I hold possession of what I think they cannot rob me of. Tis mine by a free gift, mine by exchange, mine by a long possession, mine by merrit and mine by every law humane and divine.
If I was sure this would reach you I should say many things which I dare not venture to. I stand corrected if I have said any thing already which I ought not to. I feel myself embaresse’d whilst my Heart overflows, and longs to give utterance to my pen. Many domestick affairs I wish to consult upon. I have studied for a method of defraying the necessary expences of my family. In no one Instance is a hundred pound L M better than thirteen pounds Six and Eight pence used to be, in foreign Articles no ways eaquel, in taxes but a fourth part as good. Day Labour at 24 shillings per day. What then can you think my situation must be? I will tell you after much embaresment in endeavouring to procure faithfull hands I concluded to put out the Farm and reduce my family as much as posible. I sit about removeing the Tenants from the House, which with much difficulty I effected, but not till I had paid a Quarters Rent in an other House for them. I then with the kind assistance of Dr. Tufts procured two young Men Brothers newly married and placed them as Tenants to the halves retaining in my own Hands only one Horse and two Cows with pasturage for my Horse in summer, and Quincy medow for fodder in winter. At present I have no reason to repent of my situation, my family consists at present of only myself, two children and two Domesticks. Our daughter is at School in Boston, and I wait only to know how I shall be able to discharge my schooling for Master Charles to place him at Haverhill. Debts are my abhorrance. I never will borrow if any other method can be devised. I have thought of this which I wish you to assent to, to order some saleable articles which I will mention to be sent to the care of my unkle Smith a small trunk at a time, containing ten or 15 pounds Sterling, from which I may supply my family with such things as I need, and the rest place in the hands of Dr. Tufts Son who has lately come into Trade, and would sell them for me, by which means if I must pay extravagant prices I shall be more upon an eaquel footing with my Neighbours.
I have been obliged to make fence this year to the amount of 100 & 50 Dollors. I have occasion for only a pair of cart wheels for which I must give 60 pounds Lawfull money. I mention these few articles to serve as a specimen of the rest. I inquired the price of a new carrage the other day and found it to be no more than 300 pounds Lawfull money—at this rate I never will ask for a supply of this light commodity from any Body let my situation be what it will. The Season has been fine for grass but for about 3 weeks past we have had a sharp and severe Drouth which has greatly injured our grain and a blast upon english grain with a scarcity for flower so that a loaf which once sold for 4 pence is 4 shillings. Tis rumourd that the French fleet to the amount of 18ten have arrived of Chesepeak. The Enemy have left Philidelphia, but for politicks I refer you to the publick Letters which will accompany this.—Mr. Tailor promisses to bring Letters from you whenever he returns. I am in daily expectation of hearing from you. I lament that you lay so far from the sea ports that you must omit some opportunities of writing. I will not suppose that with more leisure you have less inclination to write to your affectionate and Lonely Friend

Portia


Title: John Quincy Adams to John Thaxter, 22 July 1778
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Thaxter, John

Dear Sir

july ye 22 1778

It is with great pleasure That I write to you who have been so good and kind to me for which I fear I Shall never be able to repay you. I wrote to you just before I came from america which you have not answer’d but my Pappa received one from you about a week ago in which you said you was so much hurried that you could not write to me for which I was very Sorry for I Should take a great deal of pleasure in having a few lines from you when you have a little leasure time

I am &c


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 July 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passi July 26. 1778

Yours of the Tenth of June by Captain Barnes was brought to me Yesterday, which is only the second that I have yet received from you. The other is of 25 March. I have written to you, several Times, as often as I could, and hope they will arrive. I have put on board one ship, all the Articles in your Minute. By Captain Niles I have sent you a smal Present of Tea. By Captain Barnes, I will send some few Things.
You enquire how you shall pay Taxes?—I will tell you.—Ask the favour of your Uncle Smith or Some other Friend to let you have Silver, and draw your Bills upon me. The Money shall be paid, in the instant of the sight of your Bill, but let it be drawn in your own Hand Writing. Any body who wants to remit Cash to France, Spain, Holland or England, will let you have the Money. You may draw with Confidence, for the Cash shall be paid here. I suppose however, that one hundred Pounds, a Year, sterling will be as much as you will have Occasion for. With silver, you may get your Father, or your Uncle or Brother Cranch to pay your Taxes.
You have made your Son very happy by your Letter to him—he is writing a long Answer. He begins to read and speak French, pretty well. He behaves well, and is much esteemed here, which gives me constant Pleasure.—His Sister is to blame for not writing to him as well as to me.—He has been very good, is almost constantly writing to her, and his Brothers, and to his Cousins and his Friend Joshua Green, and many other Correspondents. He wrote a french Letter the other Day to his Grand Pa. He will write to his Grand ma, to whom present his and my most affectionate and dutiful Respects.
As to Politicks, The Emperor and King of Prussia are at War. France and England are the same altho there is yet no formal Manifesto. America, I think has nothing to fear from Europe. Let her chase away the broken Remnants of her Ennemies, now within her Limits, and lay on Taxes, with a manly Resolution, in order to raise the Credit of her Currency and she will do very well.
This is a delicious Country. Every Thing that can sooth, charm and bewitch is here. But these are no Enchantments for me. My Time is employed in the public Business, in studying French like a school Boy, and in fervent Wishes, that the happy Time may arrive soon, when I may exchange the Elegances and Magnificence of Europe for the Simplicity of Pens Hill, and the Glory of War, for the Obscurity of private Contemplation. Farewell.


Title: Le Coeur to John Adams, 31 July 1778
From: Le Coeur, M.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur

Ce 31 Juillet 1778

Vous avez eu la bonté de me confier M. votre fils. c’est pour lui donner toute l’education possible, je me ferai honneur de mettre ses talens à profit je crois que vous devez être satisfait; pour le mettre au Latin j’aurois désiré qu’il entendit un peu mieux le françois et qu’il ait plus de facilite à apprendre par mémoire. il travaille et ne perd point de tems, il faut esperer qu’avec la bonne volonté qu’il a, il ne sera pas long tems sans faire des progrès rapides. Lundi prochain il commencera.

J’ai Lhonneur d’etre tres parfaitement Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obéissant Serviteur
Le Coeur


Title: John Adams to Richard Cranch, 6 August 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Cranch, Richard

My dear Brother
Passi August 6th. 1778

I have long wished for an Opportunity to write to you but the thousand things that have surrounded me have prevented. Mr. Williams has promised me to write you concerning your Affairs and I suppose he has done it. I am not able to inform you of anything concerning them.
There is a Society here resembling the Society of Arts &c. in London. It is called “Le Societe libre d’emulation.” It gives Rewards to every Inventor of Improvement in Mechanicks and other Arts. I will send you by another Opportunity the Regulations of it. They have done me the Honor to elect me a Member as well as Doctor Franklin and Dr. Lee. In my Case it was a meer Compliment, because my Avocations having been very different I have never turned my Thoughts much to such Speculations. If they had chosen you, the Consequence would have been Honor to the Society and Benefit to Mankind. I have thought however that if I could not gratify my Vanity upon this Occasion I might possibly become accidentally an Instrument of some good to my Fellow Men by introducing some of your Discoveries to the Society. I therefore beg of you to send me a Draught upon paper or a Model in Wood of your Card Machine and Spermacaeti Machine with Explanations in Words of the various parts, or any other of your Speculations that you may think fit. I will engage to introduce them to the Notice of the Society and possibly they may grant Rewards. At least you will do good. It will be for the Reputation of our Country here. It will strengthen the Connection between the two Nations and be in other Respects usefull to the World. It shall be known that I am not the Author, and it shall be known who is. The Reputation and the Benefit shall be yours, and I shall think myself very happy in being the Channell of Conveyance. Remember me with the tenderest Affection to my Sister and the Children and to all our Connections and believe me with the utmost Esteem & Affection,

Your Brother

PS I have paid Mr. Williams of Nantes 141 Livres 9 Sols for you, which you may if you please repay to my Wife. He has sent the things you wrote for to you.
Memoire des Fournitures faites par le Roy Horloger du Roy a Monsieur Williams.

      1 Grosse de clef de Cuivre en couleur prix
      22

      6 douzaines & demi de ressorts de montres conformes aux echantillons a 10  10s. la douzaine
      68
      5

      2 Grosse de Crestaux pour montre a 6  6s.
      12
      12

      2 douzaines de pendant de Montre & une doze: de Boucles en argent
      38

      pour la Caisse & tembalage

      12

      £141
      9

   Payé par Monsieur Adams

signé J Williams Jr.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 August 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Passi Aug. 11. 1778

I am desirous of conveying to you, in a manner that will not probably fail of success, and therefore have written the same Thing by many Vessells. I have ordered some Things to be shipped to you by two Opportunities. But least these should not arrive, or whether they do or not, I beg of you to draw upon me, for one hundred Pounds sterling which shall be paid at sight. Any Person who has occasion to remit Money to any Part of Europe will be glad of the Opportunity and will let you have Silver or Gold for the Bill. Your Uncle will negociate the Affair for you.
My Son is writing at the same Table with me, is very well, sends his Duty and Affection.
What would I give that the rest of my Family were here. But I dont see how they could have lived through the Passage. Yours—Yours—Yours,

John Adams

The only News I send to Congress, which is the Battle between the French and English Fleets, and the different Accounts of it by Keppell and D’Orvilliere. However, both concur to shew that the English had a drubbing.
Birons fleet appears to have been shattered terribly in a storm. Several of his ships have returned to Europe in sad plight. The Russell has returned to England, scarcely able to swim and with upwards of 200 Men sick of the Goal Fever.—Is it Presumption to imagine that one sees the Wrath of Heaven against a Nation overloaded with Guilt. I cannot however but hope, that these Sad Things will bring the Nation to Consideration, and induce them to become just.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 August 1778
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

Hond. Mamma
Paris august ye 11 1778

you will pardon me if I do not write to you very often for you know how I used to teaze you to write a copy of a letter for me but now I do not have you to write and my Pappa being always a doing publick affaires or a writing to you cannot do it for me, so that I am obliged to think myself, sometimes I think of a few words to write but you know I am no great hand at letter writing for if I was I should write much oftener though I have wrote several times I wrote a long letter by captain Barnes with an account of my voyage

I am your dutiful son
John Quincy Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 14 August 1778
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch

My Dear Cousin
Paris august ye 14 1778

by your desire I now sit down to write a few lines to you and not yet having wrote to you I cannot let this oportunity pass without writing. my Pappa has received two or three packets from my mamma in which she said our family and Freinds were all well as I hope this will find them. I have nothing material to write having given an account of my voyage and travels to my Mamma. I am your affectionate Cousin

John Quincy Adams


Title: Benjamin Rush to Abigail Adams, 15 August 1778
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, Abigail

Madam
Philadelphia Augst: 15th. 1778

I set down with great pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from Mr. Adams dated February 8th, with a poscript from you, which through a Mistake, or neglect in the post Offices did not reach me ’till the 10th. of this instant. I hope it is not too late to thank you for them both. The remedies you have demanded to releive the anguish of your mind occasioned by parting with your dear Mr. Adams have now become unnecessary from my hand. You have drawn comfort from a hundred resources since he left his native shores. You have heard of his safe arrival in France, of the marks of respect with which he was introduced into that kingdom, and of his zeal and industry in promoting the liberties, and adding to the Stability of the independance of his country. To greive at the Absence of a husband thus honoured, and thus employed, would partake of the weakness of those people who bewail the premature translation of a friend from the humble pursuits of earth to the beneficent employments of heaven.
I am led by the many amiable traits I have received of your Character from Mr. Adams, to call upon you to rejoice in the happy changes that have taken place in the Appearance of our Affairs since my correspondence commenced with Mr. Adams.—An Alliance has been formed with the first Monarchy in Europe. The haughty Court of Britain has been forced to sue to her once insulted colonies for peace—the capital of Pennsylvania the Object of the expenses and blood of a whole campaign has been evacuated—the flower of the british army has been disgraced—and above all, a french fleet now hovers over our coasts, and adds its Strength to the Arms of the united States. These madam are great and unexpected events, and call for the gratitude of our country to the great Arbiter of human Affairs. When the Duke D’Avignon, After having witnessed the destruction of a whole Army by Sickness, the war before last, at Hallifax, saw his last Ship perish in a storm, he cried out “God is resolved to have all the honor of conquering us to himself.” In like manner it seems as if heaven was resolved to have all the honor of our deliverance to itself. The wisdom of our counsels was often foolishness, and the strength of our Arms was too often weakness. Even the capture of Burgoyne which produced this wonderful revolution in our Affairs was the effect of a Mistake in Congress. By recalling General Gates from Ticonderoga they gave the enemy a post which led him into the heart of our country. The restoring of General Gates to his command was not the effect of the wisdom of Congress, but the result of the spirit and clamors of the people.
Soon after my last letter to Mr. Adams I was forced to resign my commission of physician General to the military hospitals having no prospect of being supported in doing my duty by the Congress, or the Army. This prepared the way for my returning to Philadelphia as soon as the enemy left it, where I am now setled with my family in the business of my profession, and wholly taken up in the duties of private life. Our city has undergone some purification, but it still too much resembles the Ark which preserved not only the clean, but the unclean beasts from the effects of the deluge.

My dear Mrs. Rush joins in best compts: to you, and your little family with Madam your most Obedient humble servt.,
Benja. Rush


Title: Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 19 August 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Lovell, James

My dear Sir

Braintree, 19 August 1778

This Moment your favour of August the 6 is come to hand. My Heart reproaches me that I have not before this time told you that according to the Scotch Song “I had banishd all my Grief for I was sure the News was true and I was sure he’s well.”—Indeed Sir I have been so much absorbed in my own happiness and so selfish that I have scarcly thought of communicating it.
But a debt of gratitude is due to you who not with standing the weight of publick cares which must engrose all your hours, have frequently devoted those which Nature requires for repose, to the Benevolent purpose of giving ease and dissapating the fears and anxieties of your greatly obliged Friend. No additional proof was wanting to convince me that the Native Sensibility, tenderness and Benevolence of Mr. Lovell could suffer no alteration or dimunation, by any buisness or employment in which he could be engaged—that it is an innate principal and displays itself in every action of his life and of this he may be assured if it will give him any satisfaction that the happy talent he possesses in the Manifestation of those virtues will ever attach the fair Sex to him and in a perticuliar manner.

Portia


Title: Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 19 August 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Thaxter, John

Dear Sir
Braintree August 19 1778

I really began to feel very uneasy at your long Silence and feared Sickness or some disaster had befallen you. I have been a journey, and absent about a fortnight as far as Haverhill, and upon my return I expected to have found Letters in Town, for so long a Space has not intervened since your absence, but to my no small dissapointment I could not hear any thing from you, but I will not complain since Last nights Express brought me so ample a compensation, for which accept my thanks and for the publick papers enclosed which beguile some of my lonely Hours. Six months have elapsed, in the whole of which time I have received only two short Letters from abroad. You may judge how painfull to me this long interval appears when I compare my present Situation with my former indulgence. Tho I could not expect such frequent intercourse yet I had flatterd myself with a much freer communication. I cannot help exclaming sometimes, O! that I had the wings of a Dove.
I was in hopes that I should have had some very agreable intelligence to have communicated to you before this time from Rhode Island; the Spirit I assure you is greater here than you ever saw it. Gentleman of rank and fortune have joind that Army in the capacity of volunteers, the spirit caught from Town to Town surprizeingly. Portsmouth, Newburyport, Salem, Boston, all their chosen Sons, have marched with a spirit and vigor that does Honour to America. Hitchbourn, Welsh, Mason, Smith, Bradford, Codman are those you know of the independent company and all of them are gone to earn Lawrels I hope, and wear the victors Crown.

“Honour rewards the Brave and bold alone
She spurns the Timirous, Indolent and base
Danger and Toil stand stern before her Throne
And guard, so Jove commands the sacred place
Who seeks her must the mighty cost sustain
And pay the price of Fame, Labour, care and pain.”

We are very anxious for the French Fleet, which saild after How, the day before the severest North East Storm ever known at this season of the year. Nothing has been heard of them since and to day is 9 days since they went out.
The commissioners of Britain make not only a small but an ignominious figure. I cannot help considering them in the Light of the Fallen Angles in Milton who meditating upon their own miserable State and lost Liberties are desirous of involving this New world, this paridice of Freedom in the same chains and thraldom with their own and thus consulting,

“Here perhaps some advantageous act may be achievd
By sudden onset, or with tempting Bribe
To waste this whole creation or possess all as our own
and drive, as we are driven the puny habitants
or if not drive, seduce them to our party,
that their God may prove their foe
And with repenting hand, abolish his own work.”

They too like the Grand Deceiver must be making use of the same instruments to effect their diabolical plans by tempting a Modern Eve to taste the forbidden Fruit. But tis with pleasure I find in the General and Statesman a more rigid virtue and incorruptable Heart than our primitive parent discoverd, tho perhaps it may be happy for the Gentleman that his own Eve was not imployd, and she the only Female on Earth, or that unbounded knowledg was not the Bribe, instead of the paltry Gold.
You have heard before this time of the recovery of your worthy parent and mine from the small pox. They are both in Health.—I believe I did not mention to you that I have a new Nephew at Haverhill (betterd I hope by the Mothers side).
You do not tell me how you do, nor how you like the city, the Metropilis as she calls herself of America.
Masters Charles and Tommy present their respects to you. Charly is learning to write and hopes soon to let you know it. Miss Nabby is at Boston. I have reminded her of a debt she owes you but she is backward in paying it. General Hancock you see is gone to Rhode Island, so is another General from this Town as volunteer. May they be calld to action and acquit themselves with Honour.
Continue to write by every opportunity. I love to know what is passing in the world tho excluded from it. I asked you several questions in my last, an answer to which is expected by your Friend

Portia


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 August 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passi August 21. 1778

If I knew of any more endearing Title I should certainly give it. But this appears to me to express the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.
It is at this Time a very still season for News. We are all Impatience to hear from America, having nothing certain since the 3d. July.
My Son is well, and servant, and both behave well. The first is in high Reputation here.—Please to draw Bills on me for what Money you want, and get your Unkle to obtain Cash for them. They shall be paid at sight. If any Body scruples your Bills get your Father or Unkle to indorse them.
It is uncertain by what Conveyance this will go. I send you the Journal de Paris, which contains an Account of all the new Books and Publications. Our Friends will be amused with them and our Children should be taught to read them. I hope you teach them all French, it is so usefull a Language that they should all learn it.—Embrace them for me. My duty to Father, Mother, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Uncles and all good folks.

I am &c.,
John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 26 August 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Thaxter, John

Dear Sir

August 26 1778

Your favour of the 5th instant is just come to hand. I should like very well to see the Speach you mention and the reply, but would not desire it till you have full Licence to communicate it.—I wish I could give you such intelligence from Rhode Island as I hoped to, but not withstanding we have men of Sence and Letters, many of them there, we do not get Authentick intelligence. Tis a week since the French Fleet returnd, yet to this day we know not whether she had any engagement with How or not. We are told that they were much damaged and are comeing round to Boston to repair, and that in consequence of that the Seige of Rhode Island is like to be raised. I own I am Mortified, because I never before saw the people so zealous, or so much engaged and determined. I thought it portended success to our Arms—no expence has been spaired.
I will not censure. I know not circumstances sufficently, but I wish we had succeeded tho at the expence of many Heroes.
I wish them to recollect the Maxims of one of the greatest Statesman in the World, Sully, that we ought neither to adventure upon rash attempts from too much confidence nor to dispair of Success in a great design from the appearance of difficulties. In bold and difficult enterprizes we should endeavour to subdue one obstacle at a time, nor suffer ourselves to be depressd by their greatness and their Number. We ought never to dispair of what has been once accomplished.
How many things have the Idea of imposible been annexed to, that have become easy to those who knew how to take advantage of time, opportunity, Lucky moments, the faultts of others, different Dispositions, and an infinate Number of circumstances.
I never had all the confidence in the World in the abilities of the ——. Courage I believe he has a sufficient portion of. But an unfortunate General is always supposed to be a culpable one, tho the censure may some times be unjust.
The Large 74 Gun Ship calld the Ceasar which parted company from the Fleet fell in with an english Ship and fought her but two more comeing up obliged her to quit and to come into Boston.
We have had the Hottest Summer I ever remember. I am this moment almost melted, and this is the 3 day of such voilent Heat. You will therefore excuse my sending you this Scrawl in a greater Dishabill than usual.—Your Friends were all well yesterday. The first cool day I expect to bring your Sister Hannah to tarry with me.—No News from the Far country—no Letters, no vessels. High ho—ten times in an hour I wish I had a Bird of passage.

Adieu continue your correspondence with unremitted assiduity and know that you greatly oblige
Portia

I am greatly hurried, the person who is to take this waits, excuse everything and purify by fire. I am conscious I sometime write better.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 August 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Passi August 27. 1778

I shall inclose by this Opportunity, by Mr. Ingersol, Son of Mr. Ingersol of Connecticut, the late Judge of Admiralty at Philadelphia, but very different from his Father in his political sentiments, the Journals of Paris. But must refer you to the Public Papers for News.
Indeed there is a Famine for News at present, here and in England. Not a Word from M. Destaing, nor from America since beginning of July.—We are all Impatience.
We are all well here. The Climate, the Air, and the manner of living agree very well with our Health. But when will the happy Time arrive, that I shall return to the scaene of my Happiness.
I have several Times sent some Things to you and shall continue to do so. But draw upon me for what Money you want.
Remember me, to Father, Mother, Brothers, Sisters, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and to those which I ought to have mentioned, first of all Children.

I am yours, ever yours,
John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Jonathan Mason?, August 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Mason, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Sir

Braintree, August 1778

Tho I cannot stile you a plant of my Hand, in some measure I own you as a child of my care, and as such feel anxious for your Glory and welfare. It was with pleasure I found you determined to enter the Feild against our cruel and Barberous foes and should you be calld to action I dout not but you with the rest of your Brethren would Signilize yourselves, and gain immortal Honour to the Arms of America. You must for a while forget the soft endearment of Love, and instead of worshiping at the Shrine of Venus Buckle on the Armour of Mars and fight the cause of Honour, Virtue, and Liberty.
Providence (says a favorite Author) has fitted mankind for the higher engagements which they are sometimes obliged to fullfill, and it is in the midst of such engagements that they are most likely to acquire or to preserve their virtues. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties, not in engageing the repose of a pacific station. Penetration and wisdom are the Fruits of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure; ardour and generosity are the qualities of a mind raised and animated in the conduct of Scenes that engage the Heart, not the Gifts of reflections or knowledge.
The present contest is of that Nature, and gives you an opportunity of acquiring and displaying immortalizeing your Fame to future ages.

Honour rewards the Brave and bold alone
She spurns the Timirous, Indolent and base
Danger and toil stand stern before her Throne;
And gaurd, so Jove commands the sacred place
Who seeks her must the mighty cost sustain
And pay the price of Fame, Labour and care and pain.

Your enterprize is Harzerdous, and I fear you will find an obstinate resistance, but it was a maxim of an able warior never to dispair of what had been once accomplished. We do not get such minute intelligence from you as we wish for. I want to know how you weatherd the Storm, where the French Fleet have been, and what became of those they went in chase of, the disposition of your Army, how many regular Troops you have, How many Militia, and every thing respecting your Army. Be so good as to present my regards to Dr. Welch and Mr. Smith. A Letter directed to me with orders to leave it at Vose’s at Milton will come safe to Hand. The Hand writing is so well known to you that I need not add any other Signature than that of

Portia


Title: James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 1 September 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, Abigail

Philada. Sepr. 1st. 1778

Yesterday the Letters of Portia of June 24th. and Augst. 19th. came to my hand together, by Post. The wishes expressed in the latter have made all the Impressions of the most pleasing Commands, and shall be strictly attended to upon the first possible Occasion of fulfilling them; which must, I think, be soon, tho the Embargo is not yet taken off.
As to the former, I will not now make it the Baisis of a Declamation against Flattery. I will only tell the sudden Effect which it produced, upon the quick glancing of my Eye over it. Did it add to my former great Respect for the Writer of it? No, Portia, not at the first Reading; but it forced from me, almost audibly, in a grave Assembly where I broke the Seal, “gin ye were mine ain Thing how dearly I would love thee”! Excuse me, Ramsay, if I now misspell you; I am sure my Feelings did Justice to your Sentiment!—A second Reading restored me to Decorum, and I recognized my Age, tho I did not find any sudden Aids from Philosophy; nor do I now think that one single Plunge into the Waters of Lethe would quite prevent all after Recollection of the pleasing Impulse which I felt on this Occasion.
I will not, at this Moment, suffer my Ideas to deviate so widely from the Track they have been in as to go into the Trenches and covered Ways at Newport. I will still make them attend to your American Republican, who can, as readily as Vertumnus, throw aside an “awkward” Cloak, in the Presence of a Pomona. You will think less of what he can do than of what he really will. You may contemplate Judge Adams at the Louvre; while he will render you Justice with Interest, by contemplating the Mistress of his Happiness, a Portia.
Though I have just avoided a certain Part of your Letter, yet, perhaps, in the Shade of Evening a Raven or a Screech Owl may send Voices to my Ears which will attune my Nerves for a Dirge upon blasted Hopes and abortive Victory.
But,—I almost forget that the Post is to convey this memorandum of my constant affectionate Wishes for your Happiness.

James Lovell


Title: Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 2 September 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Thaxter, John

Dear Sir

Sepbr. 2. 1778

I was much surprized to Night upon receiving a Letter from you, in which you say you have not heard from Home since june; I have wrote many Letters to you since that time and have sent 4 or 5 from your Friends all under cover to Mr. Lovell to you. What can have become of them I know not, unless some of them being directed to York Town travelled that way and have been lost. Do not think unkindly of us, for I assure you many Letters have been sent since that time. I saw your Mamma last week. She is very anxious for your Health. I deliverd with my own hand the Letter to your sister. You mention comeing home in October. Your Mamma and Sister are very desirous of seeing you, but say they would not have you return, unless you mean to quit your place. You know your own situation best, and whether it is worth your while to tarry longer. You may be assured of a Hearty welcome from your correspondent, tho I shall regreat the loss of my intelligencer.
You will hear no doubt before this reaches you of our unhappy Failure in the Rhode Island expedition, and yet no one to be blamed that I know of either for want of courage or conduct, but the Hand of providence was against us. The Terible Storm I mentiond to you in my last so impaired and shatterd the Counts Fleet that he was under a necessity of comeing into Boston to refit, in consequence of which the Enemy took the advantage of it, and attacked our Army. A pretty smart engagement ensued, in which we lost tis said a hundred Men killd and a 100 & 80 wounded, but did not loose ground, drove the Enemy back to their entrenchments, their loss have not heard. By orders since from General Washington the Island is quitted and every thing brought of without molestation. The reason for leaving it, is that How had sent his Fleet that course, and now finding the Island evacuated they are hovering about this coast 20 Sail of them. Poor Boston is again distress’d, and I own my Spirits not a little agitated. Tis now past Eleven o clock, and as I sit writing to you I hear the alarm Guns fired; the Count has this day orderd his Men to entrench upon Georges Island. Guns are carrying to Nantasket, what ships he has fit for an engagement are drawn up in order of Battle, but his own is disabled more than any other. The seat of war appears to be drawing into this quarter again. Should they attempt landing here, which I can scarcly believe, they will I hope meet with distruction, but they come upon us rather unexpectedly, and would greatly distress us. More Guns—I believe I shall not sleep very soundly to Night.
You inquire after my Dearest Friend. O Sir, I know not how to curb my impatience, only twice have I heard and those Letters dated in April. I wish a thousand times I had gone with him. We have not had a vessel from France since july when I heard by Sir James Jay. I think it very strange indeed and apprehend they must have been taken.
I would be more perticuliar but the News paper will tell you all the New’s. We are very dry here, our crops are very much cut of, and this Fleet raises the price of every article which before exceeded in Lawfull money what they used to be in old tenor. I cannot say I shall come to the Town for a support, for I think I ought to come to the Continent. Some where or other I must find it, what signifies what one was once possessd of, when a hundred pounds Lawfull Money is reduced to thirteen pounds, six & 8 pence. I cannot name you an article save House Rent but what exceeds and eaquels that difference.
Tis very late, but I will not seal to Night. I will add a few lines in the morning if I am not captivated before that time.

Thursday morg. 3

I heard nothing further last Night. What tremours they had in Town I know not, but am inclined to think they were pretty great, as the Night before the Bells rung and the Militia were paraded at Eleven o clock at Night.

I must hasten and close or loosse this conveyance. Excuse all inaccuracies from your Friend
Portia


Title: John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 2 September 1778
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Madam
Wednesday Philadelphia Septr. 2d. 1778

Your much esteemed favors of 23d. July and 19th. Augst. came to hand on Monday. Your Letters and the inclosed ones were very acceptable; as they contained agreeable Information. The Letter of June from you and also those from home of the same month mentioned that our Parents were under the operation of a disease, which has swept away its thousands. Tho’ Art has check’d its malignity, yet fears will arise when near connections have it in the way which promises the greatest success. The present Letters contain the only information from that Quarter since June—an Interval of more than two months. I will only say that my sensations in that period were neither pleasing nor agreeable.
Should I pass over the Quotations and observations in your letter respecting the Commissioners without expressing Admiration, I should deprive myself of the pleasure which the pertinency of both inspired on the perusal. There is not a passage in Milton more applicable—it designates their characters in a very just manner. Their productions since the last publication of Congress are curious. Govr. Johnstone has made a seperate declaration—Carlisle, Clinton and Eden a joint one. There is neither decency nor conclusive reasoning in either of them. Johnstone to prevent embarrassments and difficulties has seperated himself from his Colleagues in Iniquity, Congress having declared they could not negociate with him as a Commissioner. The Commissioners may publish their productions—Congress I believe will not. It is not known among people here that Congress have recieved any thing further from them. You will therefore Madam use your discretion as to a communication of the above. I believe it is somewhat private as yet.
We hear nothing of consequence of late of the expedition against the inchanted Island. Great men have gone—may great Exploits be atchieved. I hope the present Expedition has no features of the old. Success there will materially affect the Councils and Operations of the Enemy at New York. For that reason I most ardently wish for it. The departure of the French Fleet has no doubt thrown embarrassments upon the operations on the Island, but I presume not insuperable Obstacles. The Spirit of the Militia does them great honor. If General Spencer is within the Atmosphere of the Troops he ought to be sacrificed. It must be damp, rainy or foggy wherever he is if fighting is the Object.
The Charges against General Lee were as follows viz. 1st. Disobedience of orders in not attacking the Enemy agreeable to repeated instructions. 2d. Misbehaviour before the Enemy in making an unnecessary, disorderly and shameful retreat. 3d. Disrespect to the Commander in Chief. He was found guilty of the whole of the 1st. and 3d. and in part of the 2d. viz. in making an unnecessary and disorderly retreat. The proceedings of the Council of War are publishing. Every one that reads them will judge for themselves. He is suspended.
You propose a number of Questions to me respecting the Ladies in this part of the world, which I beg leave to arrange under the two following heads viz. Sense and Beauty. I can answer them Madam, only in general terms, as a multiplicity of business and other causes have prevented any considerable Intercourse with them. I have been introduced to Ladies possessing the former and latter. You will excuse any thing of a descriptive nature, lest insipidity or partiality should be the most conspicuous Color in the portrait. I possess not a descriptive talent, but good Sense and Literature I respect in both sexes. As to the Question which immediately affects me, I must candidly answer, that a cold phlegmatic frame has in times past and does at present render me invulnerable to the most poignant shafts of the celebrated Bow. This is a constitutional answer. It is a misfortune—and one without remedy.
I am much obliged by your polite Caution, Madam: Be assured that the greatest attention shall be paid to the preservation of the health of so valuable a Lad as he who has the honor to be with great respect your most humble Servant,

J.T. Junr.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 September 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passi September 9 1778

I fear you will complain of me, for not writing so often as I ought. But I write as often as I can.—I really never had more Business to do in my Life, and what mortifies me, beyond Measure is, to be obliged to say I never did less.
No News from England, or America—dreadfull Intervall! I say dreadfull Because, the Question of Speedy Peace or not depends, I apprehend upon what has already passed in America and We have not heard of—our last News was that D’Estaing was anchored, before Sandy Hook.
I send you a litle Amusement—and Love and Respects to all Friends. Nabby, Charly and Thommy particularly. Johnny is well—reads and chatters french like a french Boy.

John Adams


Title: John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 11 September 1778
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Madam
Friday Philadelphia Septr. 11th. 1778

Your favor of the 26th. Augst. I was honored with last Monday.
Just after I had wrote my last to you we had an account here of the action at Rhode Island. I am very happy in its being successful in so great a degree; but will be honest enough to declare that my most pleasing expectations are disappointed. There seemed to be a Certainty almost of a total reduction of the Enemy at that post. There is a Spell set upon the Island, which we shall not I fear be able soon to remove.
The Spirit and Patriotism of the Militia in the affair have acquired them much honor every where. Congress have thanked them for their Exertions.
Pardon my impoliteness in omitting to congratulate you on the birth of the Haverhill Nephew. My only apology must be that I really intended, what unfortunately escaped my recollection at the time of writing. May a sincere Congratulation at this present expiate the offence. I hope it is “bettered by the Mothers side” in all conscience, else I pity it. May it be an heir to its sweet mother’s Perfections and an alien to its Father’s Imperfections.
In the margin beside the preceding paragraph: This is too impudent. The flames will purify.
I have not as yet been able to get any needles of the Number Mr. Hardwick wants. I will make all enquiry possible. If I can procure any I will send them forward.
I am very desirous to hear from Mr. A. and Son again. I was very glad in hearing of the health of both sometime agone. You will certainly hear oftener in a little time. The intercourse with that Country will become more general.

With great respect I am Madam Your very Hble. Servt.
J.T. Junr.

12th. Septr.

I have just heard that a vessel has arrived at some part of Maryland after a passage of 26 days. The news brought by her is to the following effect—that the Brest fleet, consisting of 30 sail of the line and 40 frigates, had sailed. That Keppel had sailed from his Station; but soon returned.—This is the substance. What will be the consequence time will unfold.—It is all conjecture at present.
I begin to feel the greatest uneasiness for Providence and Boston. May they escape the vengeance of a merciless Enemy.

J.T.


Title: James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 12 September 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, Abigail

Sepr. 12th. 1778

I have the Mortification of being obliged to tell the amiable Portia that the Council of Pensylvania will not grant a partial Exportation of Flour from their State while the general Embargo lasts: So that I cannot soon have the Pleasure of executing the Commission which that lovely Woman has entrusted to me. The State of Massachusetts Bay will have the Direction of a Quantity out of which the distressed Inhabitants may get a Pittance. I shall join Portia in my Attentions to my dear Mrs. Lovell upon the first free Exportation from hence.

With affectionate Esteem,
J L


Title: John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 15 September 1778
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, Abigail

Madam
Tuesday Philadelphia Sept. 15th. 1778

Since the date of that letter mentioning my not having recieved any intelligence from home for more then two months, I have had the honor of four or five letters from you and two or three from home. Your favor of the 2d. inst. came to hand yesterday. My situation is such at present, that it will by no means answer for me to reside here. Boarding, at almost the cheapest rate, is 16 dollars per week and Washing between two and three dollars per dozen. Every thing else is in proportion. Shoes 9. 10. and 12 dollars per pair. My pay is 100 dollars a month. After the Bills for boarding and washing and other contingent expences are paid, what is there left? Why a fund sufficient to support an extravagant Wife, a magnificent Table and all the equipage and parade of high life. I never wish to see Salaries very high in America. My Ambition is a decent competency. I believe my pay will not be raised. Congress do not seem inclined to raise Wages. Compensation is most agreeable to them. If the limits of some Room in a certain building, now before my Eyes, does not mark the utmost extent of my personal liberty, I shall be easy. I hope to escape.—Enough of Egotisms.
Ten sail of Jamaica men were lost on the Bahamas in the late storm. Fine Harvest indeed for the Divers.
A paragraph of a letter from the far Country mentions, that an Engagement between the two fleets was daily expected. It was the opinion of the Writer that as soon as the news of the Ratification of the Treaty between France and America reached England, War would be instantly declared. The letter was dated July 4th. 1778. A letter of the 12th from a Gentleman of distinction at Camp mentions that the accounts from deserters as well as appearances seem to indicate a total evacuation of New York by Water.—Destruction attend them wherever they go. Thus much for News. It needs no Comments. The Observations to be made will naturally occur.

With great respect I am Madam Your humble Servt.,
JT J.

I have this instant heard that the Privateer Montgomery has arrived from Nantz in France. She brings news that Keppel is blocked up in Portsmouth, by the Brest fleet—that 3000 manufacturers had risen—and that the insurrection was quelled by Subscriptions. Tame fools. They are fit subjects for so mercenary an Administration.
I hope de Chartres the French Admiral will make Keppel tremble to some purpose.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 September 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

My dearest Friend
Passi September 23 1778

A very idle, vain Conversation, at a Dinner, has produced you this Letter from a venerable old Lady, in this Neighbourhood, the Wife of Monsr. Grand the Banker.
As the Subject was introduced, and according to the turn that the Conversation really took, there was not so much Vanity and Ostentation on my Part, as you will suspect from her Account of it. But as I speak french very imperfectly and she understands not a syllable of English I suppose she did not fully understand me.—All that I maintained was that it was the Duty of a good Citizen to sacrifice all to his Country, in some Circumstances. God Grant I may never be called to do this again so often as I have done already: for I have hazarded all very often and done as much as sacrifice all sometimes.
You will have a delicate Task to answer her. Write to her in English —she has a son about five and twenty who is a Master of English and will interpret.
It is a virtuous Family, and very civil to me and my dear Johnny of whom the whole Family is very fond.
We are in deep Concern for America, the last Accounts having left D’Estaing going to Rhode Island and Ld. Howe after him.
It is high Time for me to write to my Children but hitherto I have not had time. I hope you have received twenty Letters from me, in which I have desired you to draw upon me for what Money you want. Yours,

John Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 September 1778
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

Honoured Mamma
Passy september the 27th 1778

My Pappa enjoins it upon me to keep a journal, or a diary, of the Events that happen to me, and of objects that I See, and of Characters that I converse with from day, to day, and altho I am Convinced of the utility, importance, & necessity, of this Exercise, yet I have not patience, & perseverance, enough to do it so Constantly as I ought. My Pappa who takes a great deal of Pains to put me in the right way, has also advised me to Preserve Copies of all my letters, & has given me a Convenient Blank Book for this end; and altho I shall have the mortification a few years hence, to read a great deal of my Childish nonsense, yet I shall have the Pleasure, & advantage, of Remarking the several steps, by which I shall have advanced, in taste, judgment, & knowledge. a journal Book & a letter Book of a Lad of Eleven years old, Cannot be expected to Contain much of Science, Litterature, arts, wisdom, or wit, yet it may Serve to perpetuate many observations that I may make, & may hereafter help me to recolect both persons, & things, that would other ways escape my memory. I have been to see the Palace & gardens of Versailles, the Military scholl at Paris, the hospital of Invalids, the hospital of Foundling Children, the Church of Notre Dame, the Heights of Calvare, of Montmartre, of Minemontan, & other scenes of Magnificense, in & about Paris, which if I had written down in a diary, or a Letter Book, would give me at this time much Pleasure to revise, & would enable me hereafter to Entertain my Freinds, but I have neglected it & therefore, can now only resolve to be more thoughtful, & Industrious, for the Future & to encourage me in this resolution & enable me to keep it with more ease & advantage my father has given me hopes of a Present of a Pencil & Pencil Book in which I can make notes upon the spot to be Transfered afterwards in my Diary & my Letters this will give me great Pleasure both because it will be a sure means of improvement to myself & enable me to be more entertaining to you.

I am my ever honoured & revered Mamma your Dutiful & affectionate Son
John Quincy Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 September 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

Braintree, 29 September 1778

It is difficult my dearest Friend at the instant in which the Heart finds itself dissapointed of some darling hope, to avoid reflexions that however, our cooler reasons dissaproves. I know not whether the pleasure I had in hearing that you were in Health the 10 of last June, was eaquel to the pain I endured in not receiving one Single line from you by the vessel which arrived last week from Nants in a passage of fourty days on board of which came a French Gentleman passenger from whom my Friends have kindly collected the state of your Health. If there had not been publick dispatches on board
It is painfull to me to tell you that I have never received a line from you since those which were dated in April, tho I have reason to think you have received several Letters from me. I will not suggest an Idea that you have not wrote, or entertain a suspicion that distance, length of time, change of climate or any other cause could render you less mindfull of your country, less thoughtfull of your Friends or less solicitious for the welfare of your family, since so many hazardous circumstances may have arrisen and deprived me of the repeated testimonies of your affection. I dare aver that the Sea can witness for you that you have not been unmindfull of your Friends. Four vessels bound from Bordeaux to Boston have fallen into the hands of the Enemy. I must suppose I have lost letters on board of them. If I had realized before you left me that the intercourse between us would have been so hazardous, I fear my magninimnity would have faill’d me. Expectation has so long and so often been combatted by dissapointment that I feel myself unhappy, my Spirits which were naturally cheerfull are depressed and the enjoyments of life are growing very insiped to me.
I view myself in a situation by no mean to be envied. I wish for an Education for my children.
Our publick affairs which looked so promiseing and so likely to meet with Success have been remarkabley frownd upon in an expedition against the enchanted Island. Neither spirit or conduct were wanting. Every one appeard zealous in the cause and determined by a vigirous effort to crush the vipers who had all collected together into a fort and gave up their cause as desperate. Count de Estang with his Fleet were to cooperate with our Army. How appeard of with his Fleet. The Count went out to attack him. A most uncommon storm arose, shatterd the Fleet to such a degree that it was not thought prudent to tarry. This at one stroke put an end to the opperations upon the Island, and our troops returnd mortified enough you may be sure. A small engagement ensued by an attack upon our troops in which they discoverd what they would have done had they been assisted—but I forbear being minute as you will from News papers and other ways collect better accounts than I can give you. The French Fleet now lie in the Harbour of Boston. The daily supplies which we are obliged to afford them enhances the price of every article of life scarce before but now almost incredibley so. We have had a most uncommon hot and dry season. The months of July and August were the hottest ever known here and have cut of our corn, our potatoes and every other article. The cry for Bread is such as I never heard before. Rye 10 dollors a Bushel, Barly 6, corn not to be had, not one Barrel of cider will be made upon this place this year. The fruit is intirely cut of nor will there be one . Flower 50 Dollors per hundred. Whilst Scarcity and want threatens us on one hand, the pestilence is rageing on the other. The Dyssentery is as mortal as it was 3 years ago and prevails in the Neighbouring Towns, it has not yet been so mortal in this. All things look gloomy and melancholy arround me.
As to my own affairs you may recollect the sum you left with me was between 11 and 12 hundred dollors 7 of which I placed in the publick funds, there was a debt due to the clerk of the court which amounted to 50 dollors which I discharged and another to the Black Smith amounting to 55. My Rate Bill amounted to 49 pounds, and the continental Rate to 15, the ministerial Rate raised by contribution. These sums with the payment of my winter Labourers left me destitute enough but I struggled along hoping to receive some assistance from you in the articles sent for, but never having received any thing I must suppose that I have been unfortunate enough to loose them. I can receive four pounds Lawfull money here for one pound Sterling paid in France. I have therefore run the venture to draw upon you for 50 pounds Sterling payable to my Cousin Smith which order suppose you will receive with this Letter. I have taken this method in preference to borrowing a sum which would subject me to the payment of Interest, and perhaps I might be calld upon for it when it would not be in my power to discharge it. You will keep in mind my dear sir that you may not think me lavish that the 2 hundred Lawfull is not eaquel to what 2 hundred old tenor once was. Those who purchase with hard money give for every necessary of life more than double what it formerly sold for.
I shall if I can have patience to coppy send Duplicates of this Letter. I enclose to you some papers and the kind remembrance of all your Friends.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 September 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dear Son

Sepber. 29 1778

Writing is not A la mode de Paris, I fancy or sure I should have heard from my son; or have you wrote and have I been so unfortunate as to lose all the Letters which have been written to me for this five months.
I have sufferd great anxiety in not hearing from your pappa, or you. I hope you have not been so unlucky in those Letters sent to you.
I want to know your situation, what proficiency you make in the Language. I expect you will write me a Letter en Francois á vous dire le vray, un si long silence commençoit déja á me donner de 1’inquietude.
We have here a large portion of the French Navy. I never wanted to speak the language half so much before, it is difficult holding any intercourse with them. Many of the officers appear to be Gentleman of Education.
I wrote you one very long Letter, hope you received it. You must be very perticuliar when you write. I think it very hard when a vessel arrives without a Letter for me. You know the pleasure I always took in hearing from your pappa in his frequent absence from me. You must think now both he and you are at such a distance from me that Letters are more acceptable than ever.
Your Friends here are all well. The next opportunity you have for writing you must not forget your Grandmamma. Mr. Thaxter is at Philadelphia yet, tho he talks of returning this month.
Does the climate of France suit your constitution. You used to be unwell in the spring and fall. It is very sickly here with the dysentery.
We have heard of the engagement between the French and English Fleets, and are much gratified with the good conduct of our Allies.
After the faileure of the late Expedition against Rhoad Island, we were in great apprehension of an attack upon Boston, as the Fleet lay in that harbour, but haveing looked in upon them Lord How thought it best to retire to New York after plundering 9000 Sheep from Martha Vinyard.
Your Brothers send their Love to you, and thank you for their Letters, will write to you as soon as they are capable of it. Charlly got his pen to day and attempted it but could not please himself. I believe I must not write an other Letter to Paris till I hear from thence. Be dutifull my dear Son, be thoughtfull, be serious, do not gather the Thorns and the Thistles, but collect Such a Garland of flowers as will flourish in your native climate, and Bloom upon your Brows with an unfading verdure.

This will rejoice the Heart and compensate for the continual anxiety of your affectionate
xxxxxxx xxxxx


Title: Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 29 September 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Thaxter, John

Dear Sir
Braintree Sepbr. 29 1778

I know not but you are upon your return home. If you be a pleasent journey to you but you will not I fear find us a bit better people than you left us. We are more extravagant, selfish, oppressive than we were last year, and then you well know we were bad enough. What can be done with this light commodity which makes such strange work amongst us. It cost me as much to live one month as it used to in a year, but the mischief is that I know not where to get it. To day Labour I cannot go because forsooth they have placed my Husband in a Station that must not be so disgraced. Yet had he been left in his own station, I need not have had a care of this kind.
It is true says one that Mankind in general are a worthless and ungratefull set of Beings for a Man to wear out himself in serving but if we do not lay out ourselves in the Service of mankind whom should we serve? Our own insignificant selves that would be sordid indeed.
Thus I hush all my murmurs by considering we are all embarked upon the same bottom, and if our Country sinks we must sink with it.
I believe we shall be rest pretty secure in this quarter this winter. How is gone to New York to winter, and Count Destaing has made this harbour impregnable.—By the way I am going on Board the Fleet tomorrow by a perticuliar invitation, I will tell you all about it when I return.—Your good sister Hannah has been with me these 5 weeks and presents her Love to you. Your Mamma was well to day and here for a rarity. No News yet from my absent Friend, how cruel this suspence. Present my most sincere regards to Mr. Lovell for his kind attention to me. I will thank him myself soon, at present adieu in haste from your affectionate Friend,

Portia

PS Hardwick desires if you cannot procure No. 6 that you would try for No. 7.


Title: Lafayette to Abigail Adams, 29 September 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, Abigail

Boston Tuesday Morning 29 September? 1778

Le Marquis de lafayette Most Respectful Compliments Wait on Mrs. Adams and is highly sensible of the honor she had done him By her Most polite letter. He is very sorry that his Going immediately to Camp prevents him from Waiting on her at Bain tree Where he should have been happy to Present her With a tribute of his Gratitude and Respect.


Title: William Smith to Abigail Adams, 1 October 1778
From: Smith, William (1755-1816),Codman, John Jr.,Codman & Smith (business)
To: Adams, Abigail

Madam
Boston 1st. Octr. 1778

I have received your Letter, respecting the Bill for £50. The way that you propose is as agreable to us as any. The Credit of the Bill no one can dispute. It will be proper to have the Bill drawn in the proper form. I have inclos’d 4 Bills of the same Tenor and Date for the £50 which you have only to sign. You mention some Bills that will become due in November if you have not engag’d them We shou’d be glad to have them and what other Bills you may receive.

Yr. affectionately,
Wm. Smith

PS 3rd. October. We have left a Blank in the Bills for the Place where Mr. Adams resides, as also for the manner in which you may choose to subscribe, both which, you will let us know, that it may be filld up, by the same hand, or draw other setts, yourself if you should Incline, in which the Inclosed may be some guide. If you should choose the time of payment, twenty or thirty days after sight we have no Objection, & are Madam, with great Respect & Esteem Yr. Most Obedt. Hume. Servts.,

Codman & Smith

Should be obliged by their Return as soon as Convenient, as intend writing by the Counts Express.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams, 2 October 1778
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Charles

Dear Brother
Passy October the 2d: 1778

I have been thinking of a subject for a letter to you, & I can find none more agreable than that which is the constant employment of my thoughts, I mean the French Language, & as you will very soon begin the same study, it will be profitable to you as well as to myself, to sketch a little plan for the more easy & effectual acquisition, of so elegant & useful accomplishment, as that of reading, speaking, & writing, the French Language—There is a great number of excellent books written in this Language in all sorts of arts, Sciences, & Litterature, & there is more conversation and correspondance in this Language, than in any other throughout Europe; for which reason it is worth while for children of your age & mine, to take a great deal of pains to acquire it: Pappa laments very much his having neglected this study in his youth, in terms so pathetical, as to have made a deep impression upon my mind, & I wish to make the same upon yours, that we may both employ those hours which are often spent in frivolous amusements, in gaining a knowledge which will make us useful to our fellow men when we grow up.
I have taken so much time in writing my preface, that I must leave the book to another opportunity, in the mean time with the tenderest sentiments of brotherly love, I am your affectionate

John Quincy Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams and Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 October 1778
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Charles,Adams, Thomas Boylston

My Dear Brother
Passy Octr. 3 1778

in my last letter to you of Septr. the 30th I promised you to sketch a plan for learning French and in a letter to Tommy I promised him a list of books such a list will fullfill my Promise to both I will therefore send a Copy of this letter to each of you.

The grammers in common use in america are Boyer Chambaud & Tandam every one of which is imperfect and inaccurate in addition to these I have the use of a Volume intitled Principes Generaux et raisonnés de la Grammaire Francoise avec des observations sur l’orthographe les accents la ponctuation et la prononciation et un abrégé des regles de la versification Francoise dediée a Monseigneur Le duc d’orleans premier Prince du sang par Mr. restaut avocat au Parlement et aux conseilles du Roi onzieme edition I have also the use of another work intitled Les vrais Principes de La langue Francoise ou la Parole reduite en methode conformement aux Loix de l’usage en seize discours par Msr. l’abbe Girard de L’academie Francoise et secretaire interprete du Roi in two volumes duodecimo this is a most elegant and beautiful performance the style is so beautiful and the researches into the Principles of the language are so rational, ingenious and curious that the book is as entertaining as a Romance though the subject is so dry.
But there is another work which is a greater curiosity still it is the monde primitif analysé et comparé avec le monde moderne considéré dans l’histoire naturelle de la Parole ou grammaire Universelle et comparatif avec des figures en taille douce par Mr. Court de Gebelin de la Société Oeconomique de Birne et de l’academie royal de la rochelle this is a surprising work the effect of immense Labour & contains a collection of almost every thing which has been written in whatever Language upon the subject of philosophical grammer this Grammaire Universelle is in one Large thick volume in Quarto, but there is an abridgement of it in one volume in octavo under the title of histoire naturelle de la Parole ou Precis de l’origine du Langage et de la grammaire Universelle extrait du monde Primitif this work is so learned and contains so ample a collection of every thing relating to the French Language in particular as well as to Grammer in General that if one owns this it is unnecessary to have any other.
nevertheless I have the use of many more Particularly two volumes in twelves intitled synonymes Francoises leurs differents significations et le choix qu’il en faut faire pour parler avec justesse par Mr. L’abbe Girard Nouvelle edition considerablement augmenteé Mise dans un nouvel ordre et enrichie des notes par Mr. Beauzée de L’academie Delia Crusca des academies Royales de Rouen et de Metz des societes Litteraires d Arras et d’Auxerre professeur de grammaire a l’ecole royale militaire.
there is another excellent book intitled Dictionaire portatif des regles de la langue Francoise contenant les Principes necessaires pour ecrire et parler correctement le Francois en prose et en Vers; les Regles de la grammaire, de l’orthographe de la ponctuation et de la Prononciation et generalement tout ce qui concerne la logique la Rhetorique la Versification &c, Le tout appuyé sur les autorités des meilleurs auteurs this work is in 2 Volumes in twelve’s. † vidé the 2 books described at the end of this letter.
Dictionnaire Grammatical de la langue Francoise ou l’on trouve rangés par ordre alphabatique toutes les regles de l’orthographe de la prononciation de la prosody du regime et de la construction &c. et les memes regles appliqués à chacune des mots de plus les remarques et observations des plus habiles grammariens. ouvrage tres utile aux jeunes gens aux etrangers et aux habitans des differentes provinces du Royaume.
Traité de l’Orthographe Francoise en forme de Dictionaire; enrichi de notes critiques et de Remarques sur l’etymologie et la prononciation des mots, le genre des noms, la conjugaison des verbes irreguliers et les variations des auteurs nouvel edition considerablement augmente Sur la revision et les corrections de monsieur Restaut avocat au Parlement et aux conseils du Roy.
Manuel Lexique ou dictionnaire portatif des mots Francois dont la signification n’est pas familiere a tout le monde ouvrage fort utile a ceux qui ne sont pas versés dans les langues anciennes et modernes et dans toutes les Connoisances qui s’acquerent par l’etude et le travail pour donner aux mots leur sens juste et exacte dans la lecture dans la langage et le style on y a joint les noms et les propriétés de la plûpart des animaux et des plantes. nouvelle Edition considerablement augmentée.
Dictionnaire Historique des meurs usages et coutumes des Francois contenant aussi les etablissemens fondations et poques i.e. époques anecdotes progres dans les sciences et dans les arts et les fetes i.e. faits les plus remarquables et interressant arrivé depuis l’origine de la monarchie jusqu’a nos jours. this work is in three volumes in twelves.
Vocabulaire Francois ou abrégé du dictionnaire de l’academie Francois auquel on a ajouté un nomenclature geographique fort etendue ouvrage utile aux Francois aux etrangeres et aux jeunes gens de l’un et de l’autre Sexe this abridgement is in two volumes in octavo—dictionaire de l’academie Francois in two volumes in Folio.
dictionaire Universelle Francois et Latin vulgairement appelée dictionaire de trevou contenant la signification et la definition des mots de l’une et de l’autre langue avec leurs differents usages; les termes propres de chaque etat, et de chaque profession la description de toutes les choses naturelles et artificielles; leurs figures leur espece leur propriété: l’explication de tout ce que renferment les sciences et les arts soit liberaux soit mechaniques, &c. avec des remarques deruditions et de critique le tout tiré des plus excellens auteurs des meilleurs lexicographes etymologistes et glossaires qui ont parut jusqu’ici en differents langues.
nouveau dictionaire Francois-Anglais et Anglais-Francois contenant la signification des mots avec leurs differents usages les constructions Idiomes faeons de parler particulieres et les proverbes usites dans l’une et l’autre langue les termes les plus ordinaires des sciences arts et metiers le tout recueilli des meilleurs auteurs anglois et Francois de Mr. Louis Chambaud corrigée et considerablement augmentée par lui et par Mr. J. B. Robinet. this work is in two volumes in Quarto. dictionnaire Royale Francois Anglais et anglais Francois tire des meilleurs auteurs qui ont écrit dans ces deux langues par Mr. A. Boyer avec une dissertation sur la Prosody Francois par Mr. de la S.R.
Des tropes ou des differenes sens dans lesquels ont peut prendre un même mot dans une même langues ouvrage utile pour l’intelligence des auteurs et qui peut servir d’introduction a la Rhetorique et a la logique par Mr. Du Marsais.
Logique et Principes de Grammaire Par Mr. Du Marsais ouvrage post humes en partie, & en partie extraits de plusieurs traités qui ont deja paru de cet auteur.
Traité de la prosodie Francoise par Mr. l’Abbe d’olivet avec une dissertation de Mr. durand sur le meme sujet.
Methinks I hear you ask “why does my brother trouble himself to write and tell me to read this long role of title pages which has so much appearence of pedantry?”
I answer that you may have the means in your possesion of furnishing yourself sometime or other of a compleat collection of books for learning the French tongue

I am your affectionate Brother
J Q. A.

†Les Rudiments de la langue latine a l’usage des Colleges de l’université de paris par Mr. Tricot Mtre. des Arts & de pension en la meme université Quatorzieme edition—Abrégé de la Grammaire Francoise Par Mr. de Wailly septieme edition revue et augmentée.


Title: Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 14 October 1778
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail

Wednesday 14th october 1778

The importunity of my Friends at Braintree, though my inclination is strong, is not sufficient to Carry me again from my Family till a Little more time is Elapsed. We therefore instead of indulging our own Wishs substitute a son who will be happy to Escort you, and in whose Bosom Curiosity is or ought to be as much alive as in that of his parents. You will doubtless have an agreable day. I can Enjoy it at this distince, and speculate on the Exstrordinry Connextion and the Rapid Changes that have led to it by my own fire side as well as in the apartment of the General or the state Room of the first Count in France.
My best Regards to the family at the Farms tell Miss Quincy when she again dances with the Count de Brouce to take care of her Heart. Tell Miss Mayhew that knights of Malta are sometimes Dangerous Companions, that their Vows will not always protect a Lady from the shafts which a Little Mischvious Urchin often indiscriminatly throws.
I depend on seeing you Next week when I hope you and your amiable Companion will make a Visit of some Length, I Wont say as Long as you Can be Contented with your assured & Constant Friend,

M. Warren


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1778
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

Braintree, 25 October 1778

The Morning after I received your very short Letter I determined to have devoted the day in writing to my Friend but I had only just Breakfasted when I had a visit from Monsieur Rivers an officer on board the Langudock who speaks English well, the Captain of the Zara and 6 or 8 other officers from on Board an other ship. The first Gentlemen dined with me and spent the day so that I had no opportunity of writing that day. The Gentlemen officers have made me several visits and I have dined twice on board at very Elegant entertainments. Count dEstaing has been exceeding polite to me. Soon after he arrived here I received a Message from him requesting that I would meet him at Col. Quincy’s as it was inconvenient leaving his ship for any long time. I waited upon him and was very politely received. Upon parting he requested that the family would accompany me on board his Ship and dine with him the next thursday with any Friends we chose to bring and his Barge should come for us. We went according to the invitation and were sumptuously entertaind with every delicacy that this country produces and the addition of every foreign article that could render our feast Splendid. Musick and dancing for the young folks closed the day.
The temperance of these Gentlemen, the peaceable quiet disposition both of officers and men joined to many other virtues which they have exibeted during their continuance with us, is sufficent to make Europeans and Americans too blush at their own degeneracy of manners. Not one officer has been seen the least disguised with Liquour since their arrival. Most that I have seen appear to be gentlemen of family and Education. I have been the more desirous to take notice of them as I cannot help saying that they have been neglected in the town of Boston. Generals Heath and Hancock have done their part, but very few if any private families have any acquaintance with them.
Perhaps I feel more anxious to have them distinguished on account of the near and dear connextion I have among them. It would gratify me much if I had it in my power to entertain every officer in the Fleet.
In the very few lines I have received from you not the least mention is made that you have ever received a line from me. I have not been so parsimonious as my Friend, perhaps I am not so prudent but I cannot take my pen with my Heart overflowing and not give utterance to some of the abundance which is in it. Could you after a thousand fears and anxieties, long expectation and painfull suspences be satisfied with my telling you that I was well, that I wished you were with me, that my daughter sent her duty, that I had orderd some articles for you which I hoped would arrive &c. &c.—By Heaven if you could you have changed Hearts with some frozen Laplander or made a voyage to a region that has chilld every Drop of your Blood.—But I will restrain a pen already I fear too rash, nor shall it tell you how much I have sufferd from this appearance of——inattention.
The articles sent by Capt. Tucker have arrived safe and will be of great service to me. Our Money is very little better than blank paper, it takes 40 dollors to purchase a Barrel of cider, 50 pounds Lawfull for a 100 of Sugar and 50 dollors for a hundred of flower, 4 dollors per day for a Labourer and find him which will amount to 4 more. You will find by Bills drawn before the date of this that I had taken the method which I was happy in finding you had directed me to. I shall draw for the rest as I find my situation requires. No article that can be named foreign or domestick but what costs more than double in hard money what it once sold for. In one Letter I have given you an account of our Local Situation, and of every thing I thought you might wish to know. 4 or 5 sheets of paper wrote to you by the last Mail were distroyd when she was taken. Duplicates are my Aversion tho I believe I should set a value upon them if I was to receive them from a certain Friend, since so little a Friend who never was deficient, in testifying his regard and affection to his

Portia