Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Phila. June 11. 1795

          If I could take a Walk or a Ride to N. Y. in the Evening and come here again in the Morning how clever it would be!— I am Somewhat disappointed in not having recd a Line from you Since I left you—You are not sick I hope—
          Mr Jay Spent last Evening with me and let me into the History of the Treaty and Negotiation, explaining his Views of its intent and operation— I can Say nothing upon it at present.
          I have read 8 of Mr A’s Dispatches and 14 remain to be read.— Govt is much pleased with them.
          The Newspapers give you all the Public News.

            J. A


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Phila. June 11. 1795

          I have recd yours of the 10th and a Cordial it was, for I began to be fearful for your health.
          Louisa is a good Girl for writing Such comfortable Accounts from home— I believe the Farm looks well.—
          I am grieved for my Dear Johnny. He must go home with Us for northern Air.
          My Love to all. When I shall get away from this City is uncertain: but I have no hopes of being excused before the End of next Week. The Treaty is of great Extent and Importance and will not be rejected nor adopted without a thorough Examination. I presume every Member will wish for such an Investigation as will enable him to render a Reason for his Vote whether Pro or Con.
          I am as ever

            J. A.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 June 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my Dearest Friend
            N York June 15 1795

          I have regularly received Your Letters and thank you for them. I have read the pamphlets. the Bone has much good natured Witt, contains many painfull facts, & Shows in a strong light what manner of Spirit actuates the pretended Patriots. the writer has in some places taken, a poetical Licence I have not offerd it where I am. Society and Interest and dissapointed ambition will have their influence upon most minds— be assured I am remarkably cautious upon the Subject of Politicks. I am satisfied mine would essentially clash with any one, who could call the Peace System, a milk & water System.

          I hope and trust the decision upon the Treaty will be a wise and candid one. that it should not be Suddenly rejected or accepted will I believe be more acceptable to the people than if it was otherways. I hope however a fortnight at furthest will be found Sufficient. My Health has been much mended by my Journey. Johns Ague after 3 fits of it, terminated by falling into his face.
          you mention having read a part of the Dispatches from the Hague. are they made publick to the Senate?
          My best respects to the President & mrs Washington. Love to mrs otis Betsy smith &c
          most affectionatly / yours

            A Adams

            have you read G. Adams Speach to the assembly it is Seasoned a little.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 June 1795
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dear Madam.
            The Hague June 15. 1795.

          We have very seldom an opportunity of hearing from you; and still more seldom that of writing you by a direct opportunity. An indirect one presents itself, and I cannot let it pass, were it barely for the pleasure of writing you that we are well, and enjoy in profound tranquility the beauties of the Season.
          The Peace and Alliance between France and Holland; the violent insurrection against the Convention recently suppressed at Paris; the revolt quelled at Toulon, the war broken out once more in the Vendee, and the surrender of Luxemburg to the french Army, are all, important events that have happened since I wrote you last; but this letter will be so long before it can reach you, that it would be idle to dwell upon any article of News.
          Not one vessel has sailed for Boston from any port in this

Country since we have been in it. Not one has arrived from thence. Once in a while I see the face of an old acquaintance, and have recently seen my friend T. H. Perkins of Boston, and Mr Hichborn; they are now both returned to France.
          My latest letters from any part of America are more than three months old. We have however accounts down to the latter end of April.— Full of new complaints against british depredations and rapine.— The Spirit of Rapine is the character of the Nation; they have commenced again the capture of neutral vessels bound to France with provisions. It is some satisfaction to find the cordiality with which they are detested by every body. I am fully convinced that not a breath of air from any quarter of the Heavens over the whole surface of the Earth is wafted along, but is loaded with some malediction against them. For my own part I have always considered the wish of Caligula, as no less atrocious than it was extravagant. But reasoning from analogy, I begin to suppose, that it might be dictated by the purest and most refined sentiment of Justice and humanity.
          your affectionate Son

            John Q. Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 June 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My Dearest Friend
            June 18— 1795

          I received yours of the 12th. I wish congress may rise by the time you mention. a Gentleman reported here yesterday that he had heard that mr Langdon had said he was determind to oppose the Treaty in every article. people are very anxious— the col had letters from Halifax which informs him, that without Libeling the vessel, they proceed to unload her & will not permit the Captain nor a single hand belonging to the vessel to be on Board. Mr de Latomb came yesterday to see me, & is to Breakfast here this morning. he looks thin, but I believe considers himself a very fortunate Man to be able to return to America with his Head upon his shoulders— he is very communicative respecting the State of France both when he arrived there, & when he left it Says he has dispatches from our Son to the Secretary of state that he inquired after him of the Commissioners from Holland that they informd him, that the Minister & his Secretary were much respected there—
          I was glad to hear that you were well. I hope you will be cautious of the Hot Suns, & the reflection from the houses & that you will get an umbrella— I walkt out yesterday a little way near the middle of the day, and felt such a sensation from the Heat of the Sun as I never before experienced— tho I had an umbrella and the distance was short, I was near fainting. mrs Fitch Sent me home in her carriage. I have had the Head ack ever since. I have often heard of the

Brick and stone reflection, but I never felt the force of the Sun in such a manner before—
          Mrs Smith & children are well I have not heard again from Quincy
          affectionatly Yours

            A Adams—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia June 18. 1795

          Mr Adet was presented to The President on Tuesday and accompanied by The Secretary of State made me a Visit immediately after his Audience. I was not at Home but in Senate. On Wednesday Morning I returned his Visit at Oellers Hotel. He is about the Size of Mr shaw, Charitys Husband and looks a little like him: not quite so rosy coloured.
          He is not a Friend to Clubbs—announced to The President the entire annihilation of Factions in France. &c
          His Excellency Governor Jay returned Yesterday to N. York— He has been very sociable and in fine Spirits. His Health is improving. We have no C. J. as yet nominated. It is happy that Mr J. Election was over before the Treaty was published: for the Parties against him would have quarrelled with the Treaty right or wrong that they might give a Colour to their animosity against him.
          Some Think We shall rise this Week: but I fear We shall be obliged to sitt some days next Week.
          I hope We shall not have many of these Supernumerary sessions.
          one of our Senators yesterday, Mr Ross of Pensilvania after walking a great deal about Town went imprudently to a Pump and drank too freely of cold Water in Consequence of which he Was taken

very ill at Mr Binghams where he was at Dinner and obliged to go home & be bled and vomited. I hope he will be able to go out to day: but he had a nice risque of his Life.
          Mr Bingham lives in great Splender and his Lady shines among the Senators as with all the rest of the World.
          Mr Morris lives at Lansdown— seeing Mrs Morris in the House in Town I went in and made my Compliments. she made the usual Enquiries about you.
          Kid, has bought the Land at 100£ a foot between the Presidents House and Mr Morris’s House and is building a new House there.
          My Love to all

            J. A

            Mr Otis’s family goes to their old Lodings in Dorchester after the senate rises


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 19 June 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My dearest Friend
            N york June 19 1795

          I received yesterday yours of th 14 & 17 I am happy to learn that you are well, and hope the Senate will not be obliged to sit longer than tomorrow. I saw mr Jay last Evening. by the manner of his Speaking I thought he did not expect they would get up so soon. the Antis know not how to contain themselves, at the Secrecy of the Senate. they wish to be clamouring the whole time, and stand with their mouths open ready to sit up the Halloo. we see by the report of Merlin in the Name of the committe of publick Safety, this day publishd in the Gazzet, the declaration of the Essential principals of

social order, as they are called, every article of which, is to guard against the domination of self created Societies, and incendary publications.
          I rejoice with you in the late receipt of intelligence from our dear Sons— Mrs smith has letters to the 16 of April & Charles to the 9th. I would hope you may have some too. I presume the Secreatary of state has dispatches. they give a pleasing account of their Health & of their personal Safety and tranquility. the letters are excellent as usual. you will So soon see them that it is needless to make any extracts from them—
          I am glad you wrote me about the Medallion. I did not chuse to ask you. I knew the Subject gave you pain. I think however that you had better see Mead, & shew him the Letter to bar any future Demand. General Gates desires his respects to you & says you must go out to Rose Hill & go over his Farm one day before you return home. I presume you will only stop here one day. present my kind regards to mrs Washington. I should be happy to see her. John is better I think as Mrs Washington did that it was a Worm Ague— adieu in hopes of seeing you the beginning of the week. I am as ever yours &c

            A Adams—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia June 19. 1795

          Last Night the Consul General De la Tombe made me a Visit with your kind Letter of the 18th.
          He looks older than When I last saw him and he is indeed a fortunate Man: He gave me many details of affairs in France: a gloomy Picture of the Reign of Terror and a Smiling one of the present Reign of Moderation: but he is not without Inquietude on the subject of a Constitution.
          By the Turn which the Debates and Deliberations in senate took Yesterday, We must Sitt next Week and I have now little hope of Liberty till the last day of it. Some Members, perhaps wish to give time to Mr Adet to open his Budget, which it is conjectured may contain Propositions on the Part of France.
          The Sun is terrible here as well as at N. Y. I beg you to be afraid of him and keep out of his Beams. I dread going out to Lansdowne to dinner at Mr Morris’s on sunday according to his invitation.
          The News you mention from Hallifax is very disagreable. I wish that Misfortune and Adversity could Soften the Temper and humiliate the Insolence of John Bull: but he is not yet sufficiently humbled. If I mistake not it is to be the Destiny of America one day to beat down her Pride— But the Irksome task will not soon, I hope be forced upon Us.— All this is under the Rose.
          My Love to the Family.

            J. A.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia June 20. 1795

          I received yesterday two Letters from each of our Sons at the Hague, who were very well and in good Spirits on the 25th of April: but the Letters contain So much Information, that I have been obliged to lend them to The Secretary of the Treasury: I shall inclose them to you however on Monday
          All the next Week will be taken up, I Suppose in further

Investigations of the Subject before Senate, and indeed I should be very glad to be ensured that the Decision will be as early as Saturday. If it should be earlier I shall be agreably disappointed. I shall take my Departure as soon as the Business is done, and I hope you will be ready to join me at New York on our Way home without further loss of time.
          The Day is at hand when Governor Jay is to take the Reins in New York: may his Administration by easy to himself and happy for the People
          That a violent Temper and a weak head should have Said He would combat every Article, is not improbable.
          affectionately & ardently yours

            J. A.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia June 21. 1795

          The Sun is so bright and augurs Such heat that I am doubtful whether I shall go out to Landsdowne to dinner.
          I dined Yesterday at Mr Wolcotts the Secretary of The Treasury with King Elsworth Cabot and a few others. The Conversation turn’d upon old times. One of the Company expressed such Inveteracy against my old Friend Gerry that I could not help taking up his Vindication. The future Election of a Governor, in Case of an empty Chair, excites a Jealousy which I have long perceived. These Things will always be so. Gerrys Merit is inferiour to that of no Man in the Massachusetts, except the present Governor, according to my Ideas and Judgment of Merit. I wish he was more enlarged however and more correct in his Views. He never was one of the threads tyed into the Essex knot, and was never popular with that Sett.
          I Sent you Yesterday four Letters from our sons, which have been approved by all who have read them. Mr Wolcott thinks that the

Report of Merlin upon Clubbs as quoted in Tommys Letter ought to be published— Charles may get it inserted in a Paper without Names or any Circumstances which can indicate the source from whence it comes. If you know Mr Webster you may let him read those Letters in Confidence.
          My hopes are to be at N. York by Saturday night— But my fears are Stronger that I shall not get away from Philadelphia before Monday. if senate should finish on Wednesday I shall sett out on Thursday. But this will depend on the Will of others.
          I am with unfeigned Affection

            J. A


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 June 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            My dearest Friend
            N york June 22 1795

          I was fearfull before I left Home of Such a Seige as has taken place. whatever else may be objected to the Treaty, that of a hasty decision cannot and ought not to be of the Number— as people are all alive upon the Subject, there are no doubt many Speaches put into the mouths of particular senators according to their former sentiments & opinions— one day we here of very warm Debates. an other, that there will be no decision, but the Treaty will be deferd to the next meeting of Congress— but What I fancy is more founded on Truth, is what a Gentleman wrote his Friend from Philadelphia “We know no more about the Treaty here, than if the Senate were sitting in Siberia”
          I can have nothing to detain me here after you come. I am anxious to return & dread the Heat, both for you & myself—
          Col smith has received Letters from his Agent at Halifax. after unlaiding the vessel clear to the bottom in serch of Some brass cannon which they were informd she had, & finding none nor any Naval stores, they reloaded her & sufferd her to sail after detaining her a Month in the buisness

          I was happy in the receipt of the Letters you sent me, and rejoiced that any of mine had at last got Safe to Hand
          Boston Chronical goes on in its accustomed stile of abuse— G Knox has got his share—Lord of Maine &c &c
          We are all Well. I have not any intelligence from home I wrote last week that I was in hopes of sitting out on the wedensday of this
          adieu yours affectionatly

            A Adams—


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

            My Dearest Friend
            Philadelphia June 23. 1795 Tuesday

          Some Senators are confident We shall rise tomorrow or next day. if so, I shall be with you on Sunday— But these Conjectures are always uncertain. I shall write you every day so that you will be apprized of the time when you may expect me.
          Both the public Dispatches and private Letters of our dear Boys are the delight of all who read them— No public Minister has ever given greater Satisfaction, than Mr Adams has hitherto. His Prudence Caution and penetration are as much approved as the Elegance of his Style is admired. Providence I hope and pray will make him a Blessing to his Country as well as to his Parents.
          I went out to Lansdowne on sunday about half a mile on this Side Judge Peters’s where you once dined. The Place is very retired, but very beautiful a Splendid House, gravel Wallks shrubberies & Clumps of Trees in the English style—on the Bank of the Skuylkill— Jona. Williams’s House, which was once McPhersons is over the River. It is the first time I have trodden the new Turn pike Road which is a great Improvement.
          I am affectionately your

            J. A


Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 June 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John

            my dearest Friend
            N york 25 June 1795

          I received yours of 23d. it is reported here that 19 Senators are for a ratification of all but the 12th article of the Treaty. Greenleafs paper contains daily Some weak foolish superficial sausy reflections & abuses upon the senate the President & the supposed Treaty but they cannot make an impression; but upon such minds as are, as weak, foolish, and superficial as the writers.
          Have you read Pelets speach on the 8 of April upon the External and internal situation of the Republick of France. it contains many judicious observations & Reflections. he evidently aims at a balance of power tho he dare not Speak out baldly. “what he observes is the Guarantee in the constitution of 1793 which insures to the Nation a lasting Republican existance? where is the force, where is the protecting institution which shelters the Nation from innovations on the part of the legislators? ought we not to Surround Liberty with more secure formalities and with more Solid barriers? Does Liberty exist in a Country where a power detached from the people, altho sit up by them would enjoy the Strange capacity of giving them arbitrary constitutional Laws; or without consulting them; change their opinions their manners their Character & their Religion according to the convenience or capacity of the Legislators? as long as the political Goverment of the Nation shall be intrusted in the hands of persons who can offer me no other Security but their presumed probity, I shall always fear their ambition. I shall never set confidence in Men. the Law alone must be my security. I have no reliance but upon the Law; I believe only the promises of the Law. of the constitution of 93—he observes that it is the general opinion that its Principles are those of Democracy; but some say it wants a Spring, but I say it wants also wheels and to be set in motion. A constitution ought to include every thing which interests the Liberty of a Country and that of every individual”
          read the Whole Speach it is well worth a perusal tho the Speaker

like all the rest of his countrymen, does not appear to have thought deeply upon the Subject of Govenment, yet he has thrown out many wise & judicious observations. I am however of Stuarts (the great Walkers) mind who says he told Tom Paine, that he might as well teach a Hen to Swim, as make a real Republican of a French Man—
          I went on twesday to Breakfast at Rose Hill—General Gates Seat. I am solisitious you should see it. it is the most Beautifull Spot I have seen here, 92 acres of Excellent land, and a House to gratify any moderate ambition for two thousand pounds, was a bargain indeed tho only a Life estate. I walk with the General to his Garden to his Farm house & to his Barns to his Feilds of Grain &c he may literally be said to live in clover. he pointed to a parsnip bed in his garden prhaps a quarter of an Acre, & told me that he made 27 pounds from that spot the last year beside sufficient for his Family & this Years says he from that Spinnage bed about 20 foot, I have taken 20 pounds & My Sparigrass beds neated 3 pounds pr day during the Season of it. the market people go to the Garden & take it so that he has no trouble of sending it to market. one man takes the whole care of it after it is dug in the Spring. the whole Garden is not so large as our lower Garden, but vegitables are very dear in the market, cowcumbers sold at 3 shillings a peice a fort night ago. mr Hammond has a Garden out below where we used to live at Greenwich. he told me one day last week that his Gardener Sold in one day 60 dollors worth of vegitables. When Shall We Farm So?
          I have past my time very pleasently Since I have been here, but I know our presence is wanted at Quincy tho I hear that every thing goes on well. I shall be ready to return with you as soon as the Senate will give you permission, the sooner the more agreeable to / Your affectionate

            A Adams

            P S—
            We have a delightfull rain to day. We are engaged to Rose Hill to dinner. I wish I may not covet my Neighbours House & lands. I think my ambition would be bounded by such a situation—just so much Land so productive “but we know not ourselves—[”] the General has a Grindstone upon a new construction which I want you to see when sit in motion it will go a quarter of an hour without any assistance so that one person may grind a tool Crugher price was Seven thousand pounds for the fee simple of that place. it would now fetch 15 prhaps 20—


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My Dear Son
            New York June 29. 1795

          I arrived here Yesterday from Philadelphia in my Way to Quincy. My little Flock are now all collected, except the two in Holland and all in good health excepting Johnny Smith who has the Ague severely.
          The Senate after a Session of 19 or 20 Days compleated their deliberations on the Treaty. The Result is Advice to ratify it except one Article or rather to ratify it all provided a new Agreement is made to suspend one Article. To consent to limit surplues in the Export of our own Productions as Cotton for Example, in short to restrain ourselves from exporting what We please is humiliating, and a mean surrender of a part of our Independence which our senators could not Submit to, no not for an hour. No Part of the Treaty is to be copied till after the Ratification of it, and Exchange of Ratifications.
          I recd last Week your Letter No. 7. and you cannot conceive the Pleasure it gave me. I have shewn it to several Gentlemen, who all expressed their great Satisfaction in the Penetration and discretion of it as well as in the style. The President and his Ministers of state expressed to me their entire Approbation of your Conduct and Correspondence. Mr Jay is to take the Rains of Government in N. York on Wednesday and the 4th of July is to be celebrated with great solemnity. We are kindly invited but my Affairs at home require my immediate Attention.
          Your Brother Charles has taken a Second Clerk a son of Mr Henry Cruger formerly Member of Parliament for Bristol. Charles’s Reputation is rising and his Business increasing as fast as can be reasonably expected and I hope he will succeed very well— Go on, my Dear sons in the Paths of Honour Virtue and Industry and I pray Heaven to make you all Blessings to your Friends and your Country.
          It grieves me that I have not written you oftener but your Father is allmost three score years of Age and has gone through Scænes which have almost worn him out. Your Letters by Captn Boadge have been all received and have done you great honour—so have Thommys. We sett out this afternoon for Quincy where I shall remain till the middle of November.
          I am, my Dear son, with great satisfaction and / the tenderest affection your Father

            John Adams

            My kind Compliments to all my old Friends


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 29 June 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            My Dear son Thomas
            New York June 29. 1795

          I last Week at Philadelphia recd your kind Letter of April by Captn Boadge, and it has been a delicious Morcell to me and to several other of your Friends.
          As you are in the best Country of Europe for the study of the civil Law, I hope you will embrace the Opportunity of making yourself acquainted with all the best Writers on that divine Science, as my Master Gridley used to call it.
          The French I presume begins to be familiar to you and the Dutch I hope is not wholly neglected. You have many Friends who enquire after you, and who read your Letters with Eagerness and Delight.
          We begin to flatter Ourselves with hopes of a general Pacification in Europe: and are all heartily weary of the Noise of war.
          Your Mamma will write you every Thing concerning the Ladies and particularly the Marriages of Miss Morris Miss Anthony &c.
          You will do well to form some Connections with Gentlemen of Letters as well as Persons in Trade with whom you may correspond hereafter through Life upon subjects of Science as well as Business to your Profit as well as other Advantages.
          We expect a great deal of Jacobinical Insolence in the News papers about the Treaty: but no great Impression will be made upon

the People. There is a great Change of sentiment in America Since you left it in favour of Peace and order. You very early took a decided aversion to disorderly Clubbs and your opinion is now general in this Country as it seems to be in Europe.
          My farm begins to shine. a rainy season makes it appear to more Advantage than it has done, in Years past.
          Let me know your Views and Prospects from time to time—and whether you intend to return as you proposed at the End of two years.
          If you should go to England Go out to see Paines Hill and Osterly House— Stow Hagley The Lessows &c are too far off—But the Gentlemens Seats in England are the greatest Curiosities in it.—
          Speculation in Lands goes on rapidly in this Country— other Speculations run now chiefly into foreign Commerce. I am my Dear / Child with a tender Affection your / Father

            John Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 29 June 1795
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            8.
            My Dear Mamma.
            The Hague June 29. 1795.

          Your favour of April 22. marked N. 4. reached me a few days since; I have already acknowledged the receipt of your three preceding letters and have answered them. The sight of a letter from America has lost none of its charms in Europe, and that of one from you can never lose them in any part of the world.
          I have just written an encyclopaedia of politics (I mean in point of quantity) to my father, and have indeed so exhausted myself by it, that I shall say nothing more upon the subject to you, at this time.
          Please to accept my best acknowledgments for the little poem enclosed with your letter; the perusal of it gave me great pleasure. It is not without ingenuity, though it is an imitation rather too close of the Rolliad. I could not help applying to the author, a remonstrance of Peter Pindar to one of the Painters, who had borrowed with a similar liberality from Snyders. “But Zounds! friend, do not pilfer the whole dog.”

          My friend T. H. Perkins, who was here some time since had already informed me of the discomfiture the Jacobinical Heroes had suffered in Boston, by the loss of Honestus’s election.
          His Chronicle Printer, the Tom Tit, twittring on this goose’s back, cannot forget it seems his little wish to be malicious against me. He will never forgive me for having put some truth and Justice into his paper. It was such a violence to the personal character of the man, and the political character of the print, as would have made him my enemy forever; if he had dared to be the enemy of any man. The American Minister neither went to England with the Stadtholder, nor remained at the Hague under the Protection of General Pichegru. He remained at his Post under the protection of the laws of Nations; that is of certain usages and principles to the printer and editor of the Chronicle unknown, but which all civilized human beings, hold in singular veneration, and which General Pichegru as well as the other french generals and Representatives of the People who have been in this Country took particular pains, to preserve inviolate. It did not once enter their minds that the Minister of a neutral and friendly Nation, could be a subject of protection to them. But they were anxiously solicitous that none of the rights annexed to the character should suffer the minutest injury from them, and strange as it may seem to the aforesaid Printer and Editor, they universally valued very highly the reputation of being scrupulously observant of the Laws of Nations.
          I have a Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury dated only one day later than the last of those I have from my father. It is in answer to one from me of February 2d: written subsequent to the Revolution here; as I wrote a long Letter to my father of the same date I suppose it must have been received within a few days after your last Letters. I have also continued from time to time the relation of public events here since the Revolution, and have written you as frequently as I could with a communication so much interrupted as that with America has been. There is at length one vessel about to sail from Rotterdam for Boston, by which this letter will be conveyed. I shall take the same opportunity to send you the bracelets, which I hope will be to your mind.
          It gives me great pleasure to hear of the marriages of my Cousins William and Lucy Cranch. I find by Letters from some of my friends in Boston, that every body is married or about to be. The case at Philadelphia is the same it seems. If the market as we left it should fail totally, it is to be hoped there will be new supplies.

          I shall write by this opportunity to my aunt Shaw. I hope Doctor Welsh has ere this time received my letter in which I have anticipated your recommendation
          When we came from England we were in such an hurry, that we were obliged to leave the principal part of our baggage behind. After we came away it was put on board an English vessel coming to Rotterdam. The vessel came from London as far as Harwich, and was there delayed by the wind. The winter came on; the Maes froze up, and the vessel did not venture to come over. The french armies arrived, and the English vessel instead of coming to Rotterdam, as soon as the spring opened returned to London. My baggage was there several months longer, until at length it was put on board an american vessel coming to Rotterdam, and at the end of nine months we have this day received it. I expected that my books and cloathing would be very much damaged if not entirely ruined; but I find they have sustained no injury whatever.
          Please to make my remembrance of duty and affection acceptable to my grandmother and to all our relations and friends at Quincy and Weymouth, and to be assured of the invariable dutiful Sentiments of your Son

            John Q. Adams.


Title: Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 June 1795
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, John Quincy

              My Dear Brother
              New York June 30th 1795.

            The last letter I received from you was dated the 16th of April and contained not only the latest but by far the most satisfactory intelligence, we had received. I thought that is was proper to give the most of it to the public, especially, as the accounts from England of the same date were very unfavorable. The conduct of the French toward the Batavians, since the conquest of Holland, has given sincere pleasure to true Americans: if anything for a moment restrains their joy, it is the apprehension that this system of lenity may not be permanent.
            The direct communication between this Country and Holland, has been stopped for nearly four months. Our merchants, uncertain respecting the power the French might chuse to exert over that Country; have for a while suspended their intercourse. The vessel by which I now write, is the first for a long period that has sailed for Amsterdam. The change of opinion since the suppression of the whiskey insurrection, is very remarkable throughout the United States Democratic Societies in some of the States the most violently Antifederal, have adjourned Sine die. In no one particular State, has there been a greater regeneration than in this; which hitherto has been miserably misguided Clinton’s popularity and that of his adherents, is gone with the days before the flood. In the fairest election we have ever had in this State, Mr Jay was elected Governor by a majority of 1580 votes and in each house of the legislature there is a large majority of Federal members. The weight thrown into the Federal scale by this revolution, will be very important. At the last session an act was passed for taking a census of the inhabitants this will give those of our new Counties which are peopled principally from NewEngland an equal representation, and firmly fix our political concerns in their proper channel.
            After a long discussion the treaty with Great Britain has been ratified. The twelfth article is to be further explained before its adoption. I have read the treaty and beleive it the best we could procure; yet there are many things in it which will give rise to much abuse, both on the Negotiator and the Senate, except the virtuous ten, as your friend Bache calls them, who voted against it. Peace to this Country is secured, and that great object must compensate for some inconveniences. The Southern people make many mouths at

the prospect of being obliged to pay their debts. They never could bear to hear of the subject. but alas they must be honest; or rather must be forced to do justice. There are many people who now wish to raise a jealousy between Mr Jay and our father, but I trust they are aware of it, and know one another too well to flatter the views of so base a Clan. In case of the Death of the President they will endeavour to divide the Federalists and by that manœuvre to put in a person of their own sentiments. You will be at no loss to know whom. Such is the sentiment as drawn from conversations and insinuations preparatory to an event, which God grant may not happen these many years.
            We have been happy for three weeks past in the company of my mother She enjoys a tollerable share of health, more I think than for some years past.

              July 6th

            The Anniversary of our Independence has passed with more than usual brilliancy. People who are ignorant, are deluded by the Artful into a beleif that the treaty will be ruinous to this Country. Those who are wholly unacquainted with the precarious state of our Commerce here to fore, who never read, and many perhaps who could not read, our treaties with the different nations of Europe, set themselves up as competent judges and without hesitation condemn the late negotiations, and all concerned in them. There will be many Newspaper discussions on this subject and they must tend to enlighten: If those who condemn will state the grounds of their objections, they must be wholly defeated.
            I look upon this clamour as the expiring groan of Jacobinism. Col Hamilton has returned to the practice of the Law. he has been for a long time wanting in this City I know of no man better calculated to keep men in the right road His talents are very popular, and very great respect is paid to his opinions; yet it is in vain to hope for unanimity in so motley a mixture of inhabitants as are found throughout the United States.

              July 23d

            The Ship by which this goes has not sailed so early as was expected. The inhabitants of the town of Boston have been very hasty in condemning the treaty and have sent the resolutions passed in their town meeting on to The President with a view of preventing

his signature Such a measure, was sufficient to rouse the discontented in this City: accordingly a meeting was called. Those who condemned the treaty, were invited to join with their bretheren in Boston in expressing their execration. on Saturday there was a very large assemblage of the inhabitants at The City Hall. Mr King Col Hamilton and some others were prepared to discuss the treaty with candour; but The Livingstons, who had the Democratic Society embodied directly by them, would not hear a word. Hamilton first endeavored to speak to the people but in vain. They hissed, clamoured, shouted in such a manner that he could not be heard. Col Smith was then appointed chairman: upon his taking his seat one of the Livingstons arose to speak. Hamilton insisted as he was first up he had a prior right upon this there arose such a clamour, that no Speaker could be heard. A proposition was then made, that those who condemned the treaty should go to the left, and those who were friends to a fair discussion, to the right. A separation was made. Hamilton then read a resolution to this effect, That the meeting had a full confidence in the virtue, ability and integrity of The President and that they did not conceive it necessary to give any opinion respecting the treaty. The vote was taken; both sides claimed a majority: but so tumultuous was the assembly that it was impossible to determine. The enemies to discussion then proceeded to the battery and burnt the treaty. The friends to good order retired. When The dissaffected returned, they had the ground to themselves and nominated a Committee to draw up resolutions and forward them to The President; who will pay that attention to them they diserve
            It is remarkable, that those who are most immediately concerned, the Merchants, have at a large meeting of The Chamber of Commerce testified their approbation of the negotiation almost unanimously. I never before was witness to a scene to scandalous Hamilton was abused reviled and stoned!— There was a Mr Morris who many years ago went to England to obtain a Charter for some Company in which the Citizens of New York were very much interested; upon his return, having obtained his object; The mob took the horses from his carriage and drew him home amidst the universal huzza’s of the people; as he alighted, he turned and spoke to them thus. Gentlemen I am obliged to you for your kindness, but not in the least elevated. I recollect well, that the same men who one day cried Hosannah to The Son of David, the next exclaimed Crucify

Crucify him. Such are the people of all Countries, and I fear Americans do not grow wiser as they advance.
            Adieu my dear brother beleive ever yours

              Charles Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams, 6 July 1795
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Charles

            My dear Brother.
            The Hague July 6th: 1795—

          I received some time since from Mr: Rogers in London your bill upon me for £225 sterling, with a request to have the money remitted there. I have been obliged in consequence of the measures that have been taken in England, to prevent all payments from this Country, to procure a bill upon London from Hamburg, which I hope Mr Rogers will receive within a week or ten days, from this. The exchange at which I have the Bill is about one per cent lower than that at which yours was drawn, and the value of your obligations has risen since I wrote you last. They are now at 94 & 95— though a payment of interest has intervened since I informed you of their being yet lower. As I have not been obliged however to sell any of yours to procure the money for which you drew, I am determined that you shall lose nothing upon them, and you may yet draw on me for the amount of eleven hundred dollars for the remainder of your obligations in my hands together with 250 florins, which I received on the first of June for interest upon the whole.
          The latest letter I have from you is of the 10th: and 12th: of March— since then I have written you two Letters dated April 16. and May 17. I hope the first of them has reached you before now, and that the other will soon do the same. I have letters from Boston of April 26, and from Philadelphia of April 27. The communication from America, is however still very precarious, and our information from thence very general. Indeed I have given up all expectation of having it particular, and only hope that you will continue to send me punctually the newspapers.
          Since I wrote you last a variety of political events have occurred of considerable importance, but which appear much diminished by comparison with the Colossal magnitude of those, which during the

preceding twelve months had been continually taking place. Luxemburg with a Garrison of twelve thousand men has capitulated to the French. Mentz is now the only place on the left side of the Rhine, which is not in their possession. It is defended with an obstinacy equal to the violence of the siege, and there are said to be between three & four hundred thousand men in arms now engaged in the attack and defence of that one spot.
          Excepting this however the operations of the war are extremely languid on both sides. Nothing of consequence appears to be done in Spain or in Italy, and the maritime war seems to be scarcely contested. There is much talk and much threatning of a violent, bloody campaign, and yet half the season for campaigning is past, with nothing done.
          The internal state of france is as stormy as ever. Towards the last of May there was an insurrection at Paris against the National Convention, more violent than any of which it had been before the object. It was however finally qulled; nine or ten members of the assembly, convicted or accused of having been concerned in the plot, have been guillotined or stabbed or shot themselves. Twenty or thirty others are under arrest, and to be tried. The War in the Ven dee is renewed; but its details are not made public. In several parts of the South of France there are associations formed to assassinate the people denominated terrorists: that is the partizans of Robespierre’s dominion. The Convention have recently enacted a severe Law on this subject.
          A new plan of Constitution has been presented to the assembly, and at this time is probably under discussion. It proposes a Legislative body in two branches and an Executive power of five persons. I have no doubt however but the details of this system will be public in America, by the time when you will receive this letter, and I need not therefore say anymore about it.
          There is a great scarcity of grain, flour and rice in France, in this Country and indeed all over Europe. The British Government have therefore taken it into their heads to starve, not only their enemies the french, but also their unfortunate friends and allies the Hollanders. The moderns value themselves highly for their improvements in the art of war, but nothing is so well calculated to carry it to its acme of perfection as the starvation schemes of british policy. They want only one single ingredient to serve as an exception to the general maxim that perfection is not attainable by human efforts; that ingredient is practicability. If they could but make out to famish

the whole french nation, it is very clear that peace upon their own terms would follow of course; and if they could famish their friends and allies the Dutch, they would at least be delivered from the trouble and disgrace of being beaten off their ground in defending them.
          Tis great pity that designs so interesting to humanity should so repeatedly and totally fail in their execution. Perhaps when the recur to another plan of a similar character, and which seems to be more easy to effect, I mean that of poisoning all the streams, they will be more successful.
          As to famine there is not at present the most distant prospect of any such thing either in this Country or in France. The season is now so far advanced and so promising, that the plan may as well be postponed till the next year.
          We lead an easy, dull, peaceable kind of life here. Our acquaintance are not very numerous, nor in Holland are they like to be so. We are not however entirely destitute, and we have books in plenty to amuse us. There is a french company of players who perform here at present, and it is a considerable subject of speculation to me to observe the style and characters of the plays they perform, and to compare them with those I was formerly accustomed to under the ancien Regime of France. Most of the present performances bear the stamp of the Revolution the object generally appears to be to connect the most amiable passions and sentiments, with republican opinions, and in some instances the execution is equal to the design. In almost all the music is excellent, and that is a charm always very attractive.
          Your affectionate brother.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 8 July 1795
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith

            My dear Aunt
            The Hague July 8. 1795.

          About three months have elapsed since I received information by Letters from America, of the distressing trial you were called to endure, and the heavy affliction you sustained so soon after my departure from my native land. The intelligence affected me sensibly not only from the disposition to sympathize with your sorrows, but because I felt the loss myself of a friend, whose affections were always warm and expansive, who had been to me as a parent, and from whose conversation I had always been sure to derive both

instruction and delight. I have not written to you before, because I have been unwilling to revive the painful recollection of an event, which can only be lamented, and which it is vain to lament. The only consolation of which the mind is susceptible in such a calamity must come from the mind itself; from resignation to the will of Heaven; from that patience and fortitude, which the faith and the hope of a Christian inspires, and which I well knew were possessed by you in an eminent degree.
          But at present I take the pen, from the desire to give a testimonial of remembrance where it is due, and where my feelings as well as my duty impel me to perform it: from a wish to assure you, that at whatever distance of time & place your nephews are separated from you, they can never cease to feel deeply interested in your welfare.
          Upon the supposition that you might possibly be under some embarassment to provide for the expences attending the education of my Cousin at College, I have requested Dr: Welsh, to apply a small Sum quarterly from the beginning of this year to that purpose in my behalf—
          In case however that this charge should be otherwise provided for, you will doubtless have other occasions for the use of these small offerings of which I have to request your acceptance, and which I hope will be of some little utility to you.
          It is now almost a year since we left our Country, and we have during that time been witnesses to many extraordinary events. We hope that the period will not be very distant, when we shall be permittted to return to our Country, and find peace and prosperity instead of war and desolation, which almost every part of Europe has constantly before its eyes.
          I am with sentiments of invariable and grateful attachment, my Dear Aunt, your affectionate nephew


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 July 1795
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother.
            The Hague July 12th: 1795.

          The four Letters which your last favor of April 23. mentions to have been written to me, have been received in their regular order, though some of them were nearly five months old when they came

to hand. Accept my best acknowledgements for your kindness in writing so often; to solicit a continuance of it from you, is useless, because I know you will omit no occasion of affording to your sons, what is their chief source of consolation in their absence, the satisfaction of reading your letters.
          I have not always written when my brother did, because he has frequently sent Letters by the way of England; but I have omitted no direct opportunity from this Country, which, considering the little comparative importance of my communications, may perhaps be often enough.
          The intelligence you give of the gradual increase of national sentiments throughout our Country, which have discovered themselves from the Pulpit with such decision, is particularly pleasing, as it may be considered an happy presage, that the true interests of the American people, will no longer be the sport of demagogues & hypocrites. The Clergy of our Country have always been distinguished for patriotism; they have inculcated political order & obedience as the assistant & supporting handmaids of religious freedom, and when it is considered that their sentiments are the voluntary & gratuitous tribute of conviction, their value is appreciated far above the hireling offerings, of a dependent hierarchy.
          Nothing can afford more real satisfaction than the certainty that our Country is prosperous, florishing & happy; progressing rapidly in improvements of an useful nature, & increasing in wealth, quite as fast perhaps as may be beneficial to us. There is doubtless much wisdom in the cautionary injunction, “make not haste to be rich,” when applied to a nation, as well as an individual, for “much wealth is corpulence” (says Young) “if not disease”. Projects of agrandizement often result from a sudden superfluity, and the success of them is usually proportioned to the rashness which begets them.
          The pleasing picture which America exhibits at this moment, is as you observe contrasted by the terrifying & melancholy prospect of European affairs. The different powers are at this time, or probably will soon be, alltogether by the ears. Instead of any rational ground for the expectation of permanent peace, there are many circumstances, which indicate a greater extension of the war. France is still menaced, though her victories & triumphs have already cooled the courage of some who were the first to begin the contest with her; but if they have diminished the fury of these, they have also provoked & aggravated the resentment of others. Russia has already

joined the coalition with England & the Emperor, and this event has not only terrified the King of Prussia into a treaty with France in expectation of a more terrible enemy in the rear, but even Denmark & Sweden are more than apprehensive of too intimate regards from the same quarter. They are almost as much alarmed at the prospect of female dominion as the Poles are impatient, though impotent under it.
          The British Ministry instead of sending an Ambassador to treat with the french Republic are said to have dispatched a Minister to reside near the person of Monsieur, now, according to their calculation, as well as actual coronation Louis 18th:. The Emigrant chair under the Prince de Condé & Count d’Artois are to be paid by the British Court; The war of the Vendée is to be kept alive still, which added to the assistance that is to be afforded from without, seems to be the solution of the scheme in part, which is to restore the Ancient Monarchy in France. The British Ministry are literally the Bankers to their Coadjutors in the trade of human buchery, and they do not hesitate also to supply the necessities of their enemies in this particular, though in the latter instance their presents will not pass muster at the Office of verification.
          What aid, support or assistance these projects may receive from the exertions of french Royalists within the territory of the Republic, I know not. Of one thing I am certain, that attachment or even good will to Great Britain, will not be the stimulating motive of them. In one thing frenchmen are united; it is a love for their Country, and a pride of character, which is superior to all their partialities, and even their resentments; and though they may be the worst enemies of each other & of themselves, they are almost universally frenchmen & lovers of France.
          At Sea the french are still inferior— within little more than a twelve month they have lost 19 Ships of the Line, either by the accidents & disasters of the Ocean, or taken by the British. “The prayers of the unrighteous shall not avail,” it is said, & though the prophet Samuel devoutly bent his reverend knees “aboard the Gallic Ship, that France alone might rule the Seas,” the fixed decree, seems not to have relented of its rigor, when assailed by all the fervor of the Patriarchal devotee.
          I thank you for the news-boys address; you perceive that I have turned it to account. Your domestic anecdotes are always acceptable, though they are sometimes painful. You enjoin upon me

insensibility to female charms. Five and twenty years ago, you would perhaps have spared a young man so impracticable, not to say unfeeling, a task. Ask of my Creator to remould my nature, & perhaps I shall yield obedience to it.
          Pardon my dear Mother this rhapsody; I am not often so civil to the ladies. Above all believe that filial respect & affection still reign supreme in the heart of / Your Son

            Thomas B Adams.


Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 13 July 1795
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

            My dear Sir.
            The Hague July 13th: 1795.

          The flattering reception which my Letters have met with from you, and the expressions of commendation you have been pleased to use respecting them, would excite sensations of vanity, if I could consider them in any other light, than as the effusions of parental partiality, & paternal indulgence. As a tribute of affectionate approbation, I shall cherish it with fondness, & rember it with gratitude.
          Your kind favors of April 21st: & 26. have been some time in my possession. They present to my mind many objects of deep & interesting reflection, and are replete with that useful instruction, which your communications never fail to afford.
          If to you the state of Europe is enigmatical & incomprehensible, it is no less so I believe to the mind of every reflecting man. Its Wars its Revolutions, and its Convulsions, must have their course, but what will follow in their train, or where they will terminate is beyond the reach of calculation, if not above the flight of imagination to ascertain. If a second Iron age does not speedily commence its dominion, nay, if it does not actually exist, it will not be because mankind in the old world are not richly deserving of it, as their follies & their crimes seem calculated to hasten its progress. The powers of Europe, one & all, seem to have lost every thing but their pretensions to former greatness, and these appear to increase in proportion as their actual conditions become desperate. Diminished Empire begets an expansion of pride, and recollected splendor is taken as the standard of aspiring claims.— Between such dispositions, who shall undertake to mediate? It would be to assume the task of reconciling mortified though not humiliated vanity, with the extravagance of new fledged success, & the arrogance of systematic agrandizement.
          Rational grounds for the expectation of peace are as you observe Sir, not to be seen. Perhaps from necessity something may be expected, but there is surely nothing to be hoped for from amicable or pacific dispositions.
          Since the death of the Son of Louis 16th: there seems to have

arisen a wonderful activity among the Royalists both external & internal. The Hostage is no longer to be endangered by their exertions; and the safety of the royal infant can no longer afford an apology for their indolence. Favored by a squadron of the English Fleet a descent has lately been effected upon the French Coast in the neighborhood of L’Orient; from 10 to 15 thousand Emigants are said to have been landed, and if report be true they have been joined by a formidable number of the inhabitants of that quarter. The Convention have employed the most vigorous means for defeating this enterprize, and have dispatched two of their members, Tallien & Blad, to superintend the operations of the Republican forces. Another naval victory has been gained by a division of the British Fleet under Admiral Bridport, in which the Brest squadron lost three Ships of the Line.
          The new plan of Constitution, now under consideration of the National Convention will doubtless cause much speculation in our Country. If I mistake not the temper of the times, it will be cried up by a particular class of our Citizens as a model of perfection, for experience has shewn, that, let the political breeze blow from whatever point of the Compass it may in France, it never fails to produce a coincident variation in the American weather vane. Your Book Sir, has been both consulted and cited upon this occasion, but I believe you would be loth to acknowledge the sketch of a Constitution, as being formed & fashioned after your prescriptions.
          Boissy-d’Anglas, the Organ of the Committee of Eleven, upon the occasion of presenting the Organic Laws to the Convention, pronounced a very Eloquent discourse; he develops the motives which actuated the Commission in their researches, and enters fully into an investigation of the plan. In quoting your work, to prove the necessity of a separation of powers & a division of Legislative functions, he was guilty of a misnomer as to the Author, by giving you the addition of Samuel instead of John. If the reputation of the quoter were not in some measure compromitted in this error, one might suppose that there was as much of intention as of ignorance in it.
          As yet I have seen only an imperfect sketch of the most important outlines of this new project. If it contains less of Nedhamism, Turgotism, or Franklinism, than the former essays, I believe that it also abounds very little with Adamsism. What will be the fate of it, seems yet to be doubtful, but it is said, very little expectation of its practicability is formed of it in France.

          The future boundaries of the French territory, were lately proclaimed by Merlin de Thionville to the “Soldiers of Liberty,” upon the occasion of the surrender of the fortress of Luxemburg. “Luxembourg,” says the proclamation, “que l’Univers l’apprenne, est pour toujours lié aux destinées de la Republique Françoise. Mais, que dis-je? Luxembourg! Tous les pays, où votre valeur a porté les drapeaux de la liberté, tous les pays que vous avez arrosés de votre sang, & conquis au prix de vos dangers, partageront les bienfaits de la Revolution, que vous avez défenduë. De l’Océan aux rives du Rhin, des Pyrenées à la Zeelande, il n’-y aura qu’ une Loi, qu’ un peuple, qu’ un territoire.”
          The whole proclamation is in the same style, and the reflections which have been made upon it have adduced the maxim, that “the more an Empire extends its limits, the less susceptible is it of a Republican form.”
          My Brother has already enclosed to you the plan for the Convocation of a National Convention in this Country. You observe Sir, that your “curiosity is quite awake to see the new Dutch Constitution.” The chance of your being gratified in this particular, very shortly, seems to be small. If one may be permitted to judge from the total silence which reigns here with respect to this object, of the importance which is attached to it by the Community, it might be said that a solicitude to avoid an examination or enquiry concerning it, is all that can be predicated of the public opinion.
          As to “intolerance in political discussions” which you hope will not appear, if I mistake not a species of such a spirit already prevails too powerfully; not in actual persecution as yet, but in the well grounded persuasion of a great portion of this community, that public discussion would awaken it. It is this apprehension which restrains every species of political investigation in the public prints, & which connected with the want of confidence between individuals, renders society as insipid as it is uninstructive. This Country has no doubt merited in former times a character for learning. But the celebrity which the researches of her Litterati have obtained, cannot save her at the present day from the reproach of a total apparent apathy toward Sientific speculations.
          We have anticipated your injunctions concerning the regularity of exercise. We have frapped the “Barrier derriére la maison du Bois,” almost every day. In addition to the pleasantness of the walk, it derives some satisfaction from the reflection, that we every day tread the same path, which you were used to frequent.

          Presenting my affectionate remembrance to all our friends, through your kindness, I remain with sentiments of respectful attachment, Dear Sir, / your Son

            Thomas B Adams.


Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 July 1795
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

            9.
            My Dear Mamma.
            The Hague 30. July 1795.

          I received yesterday your favour of May 25th: not numbered but the fifth that has reached me from you; the four former ones I have acknowledged before.
          The Peace and tranquility of this Country has not hitherto been interrupted since the Revolution, and it is to be hoped that it will continue to be inviolate. The greatest dangers to which it is exposed proceed from the popular Societies, which are very numerous, very restless, and fond of violent measures. They have in several instances already excited popular commotions, but hitherto without the consequences for which they were intended
          But as to a free Government, a Government of Laws, or any Government other than that of opinion, that is of parties, it is not to be expected either in France or in this Country. How many more years they will spend in making Constitutions I know not; But that they will never make a Constitution and execute it is evident to every dispassionate observer. It is impossible to say how long an alchymist, will hunt for the philosopher’s stone without being discouraged, but those who imagine he will find it are blessed with a stronger built faith, than has been allotted to me.
          In my last Letter I mentioned that we should send you the miniatures by that opportunity. They were not finished however in Season to go by that vessel, and we have now recommended them to the care of Captain Gardner of the Lydia, about to sail from Rotterdam to Boston, and by whose conveyance you will receive this Letter. The pictures are both in one small case, addressed to the care of Mr: Smith.
          The likenesses we think will be satisfactory to you, and the execution, will convince you of the talents of the artist. The only part of your directions which we have been unable to perform is with

respect to the hair. To have it introduced on the reverse of a bracelet is beyond the skill of a Dutch Jeweler and we were obliged therefore to supersede that part of your orders.
          The news of any consequence that are stirring in Europe I generally give in my Letters to my father, and as I write to him by this opportunity, I find I have but a small fund left for your entertainment. The essence of our intelligence is that we are well; spending our time as might be expected in Holland, and finding means to be constantly and busily employed though with very little to do.
          I request to be remembered as usual affectionately to all our friends at Quincy, Weymouth and Boston, and remain / your dutiful Son

            John Q. Adams.


Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 14 August 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, Abigail Adams

            My dear Mrs Smith
            Quincy August 14. 1795.

          I quitted you with a heavy heart with many reflections upon my mind known only to myself. You ask me why I choose to be separated from my children? To see my children happy around me would be a felicity to me which Providence does not see fit to grant me— Some are called to act their part in a foreign land— Others are

destined to live at a distance where our intercourse must be chiefly by letters— A family harmony would make so essential a part of my happiness that I could never enjoy myself without it— A mere cold civility towards each other would be far from gratifying my ideas of fraternal regard and affection— My own family are few in number but though so much separated the ties of consanguinity are not weakened. I have every reason to believe they are affectionately dear to each other and God grant they may ever continue so; that neither prosperity nor adversity may lead them to neglect or forsake each other but I could have no enjoyment with my family without a thorough harmony. I am sure I had better be where I am, dear as my children and grandchildren are to me than be where I am satisfied I could be of no service to either of them— I find myself advancing in years and the early sentiments and habits which I imbibed are daily more strongly impressed upon me— They are so old fashioned that though they make a part of my enjoyment, they are illsuited to modern style and fashion— Like other old people I am very apt to fancy they are the best and I long for nothing more than to have two very likely boys to educate in the same manner in which I brought up my own sons. One great mistake in the education of youth is gratifying every wish of their hearts. Children should know how to suffer want. They are little capable of knowing how to abound— Their enjoyments are much lessened by it.
          A powerful motive for me to remain here during the absence of your Father is the necessity there is that such care and attention should be paid to our affairs at home as will enable us to live in an humble state of independence whenever your father quits public life which he daily becomes more and more anxious to do. You, my dear daughter, must know that nearly thirty years of the most active part of your father’s life have been devoted to the service of his Country— the pecuniary emoluments of which have never permitted him to live equal to the stations in which he has been placed nor by any means equal to what as a private gentleman with his professional abilities he would have attained if he had not been called into public life. He has lived to see his Country rise to a state of freedom and prosperity and is conscious that the faithful discharge of the part allotted to him has contributed largely to her glory and independence. He has ever sustained the character of the independent freeman of America. Unseduced by the intrigues of France on the one hand neither duped by the Politics of Britain on the other he sought the best interests of America with an undeviating progress

through all her dangers and perils. To an honest heart and an upright mind what must be the feelings to behold faction Intrigue and the worst of foreign politicks with the violence of a whirlwind threatning to lay waste with the pestilence of its breath our Laws, government & Religion, and to involve in all the horrors of war, and in calamities which neither we or our children will ever see an end of, and this for the sake of gratifying the most malicious, and basest, of passions. Revenge. Stirring up hatred and animosities. Family against Family. Parents against Children, & Children against Parents? Destroying the Character of the most honest Fair and independent of men, attributing to them views and motives of which their souls were incapable, men whose consciences hold themselves accountable to a superior Tribunal than an earthly one. Who can refrain from sickning at the prospect, or when we turn our eyes towards our Allies, agonizing for their fate, and whilst we pray for their restoration to peace and order, suplicate Heaven to defend us from like calamities, for from them arises our danger, and to draw us into war with Britain a war which shall appear to be our own act is the whole system of that nation, how much so ever we pretend to be unbelievers, the people who are now running mad are Mesmerized most of them without knowing the secret springs which set them in motion, and this from Charlestown to New Hampshire.


Title: Charles Adams to Abigail Adams, 16 August 1795
From: Adams, Charles
To: Adams, Abigail

            My dear Mother
            New York August 16. 1795

          I have been sometime expecting to hear from you upon a subject the most interesting to my heart. It appears to be the wish of those concerned and a wish that perfectly coincides with mine that the connection between Sally and myself should take place as early in the fall as possible. I request you to consent to the proposal and to bestow your parental blessing upon your affectionate son

            Charles Adams


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 August 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My dear Son
            Quincy August 25. 1795

          I have recd your Letters in Succession to N. 9. I think inclusive but they are in So much request in this Country that I can never keep them long enough to make regular Answers to them. The Last appeared to me of Such Consequence that I Sent it to The President to whom I have communicated all of them I believe or all but the first, from London. I have Reason to think that your whole Correspondence public and private has been as much esteemed as that of any former American Minister, and more admired for a brilliancy of Style, and a freedom Independence and bolness of Sentiment, as well as a Sagacity equal to any Conjuncture of national Events. Go on my worthy son in your glorious Career and may the Blessing of God crown you with success.
          our hasty Countrymen in The Seaports, have been Sett agoing by a treacherous Publication of The Treaty and have made work to themselves for severe Repentance. It is a grief to me to See some of our oldest Members of Congress carried away by this Gust of Wind but I had seen so much before that this does not surprize me. I have no doubt the Treaty will become The Law and be carried into Execution. Your last Letter appears to have entered perfectly into the Spirit of this Business. it has happened in America as you anticipated and from the Causes which you Saw, or suspected.
          The Newspapers have been full of Defences & Vindications of the Treaty and Refutations of the objections to it. A Fœderalist a Curtius and a Camillus have been most read and applauded. They have turned the Tide of popular sentiment in favour of Mr Jay the senate and the Treaty. Poor Jay has gone through as fiery an ordeal As I did, when I was Suspected of a blasphemous Doubt of Tom Paines Infallibility, in Consequence of Publicolas Eloquence and Jeffersons Rashness. The People repent of these Faults but they are the Sin that too easily besetts them.
          I can say little of myself that will give you Pleasure. The Treaty hurt me more than any one, for the Journey & a Dissentery were too much for me. at present I am better but not capable of much Exertion. My Farm has this Year Shone— The Season has been rainy equal to any former Example and the Beauty and Production of the Country in Proportion.
          What shall I say to you my son concerning yourself? I would not

advise you to return to America, under three Years nor to stay in Europe longer unless promoted to an higher Rank and at another Court. I want your society as well as that of my other Children, but I must submit to your and their Arrangements in Life. I wish you to come home and be married after two Years. But you must return with the Spirit of a Stoick—a determind Spirit to bear any neglect, any Affront from your Countrymen without resentment. to go obstinately to the Bar, in all our Courts and attend patiently in your office for Business—and what is infinitely worse very likely see an ignorant but chattering Coxcomb preferred before you, not only by the indiscriminating Multitude but by the wise & learned, for these are at least as often wrong as the Mob.
          our Friends are all well, though a Scarlet fever prevails in many Places in this Town. I am my Dear son your / affectionate father

            John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 September 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My Dear Son
            Quincy Sep’br 15 1795—

          I am ashamed to say how long it is Since I last wrote to You. I have received Your Letters to No 6. I believe only one, viz that from England has been lost. So valuable are Your Letters that I regreet the loss of a Line.
          Freeman as you fear, will not be heard of again, untill the Sea gives up its Dead. to his Parents he is a loss that never can be made up. they are disconsolate and almost refuse to be comforted. to his Friends and acquaintance he had greatly endeard himself, by his amiable manners and his engageing Deportment. The House of vance & Freeman have been peculiarly unfortunate. since his absence, a valuable vessel & cargo have been captured, belonging to them, and it is Said here that mr Freemans affairs were much embarrassd
          I have felt a reluctance at taking my pen to write you ever since the meeting of the Senate in June, to relate the dishonour and the disgrace of any portion of our Countrymen is a painfull task. no event Since the commencment of the Government, has excited so much undue heat, so much bitter Acrimony, so much base invective, as has been pourd forth against mr. Jay and the Treaty. one of the most mortifying circumstances, is to see Some worthy and respectable Characters Drawn in to the vortex and made the Dupes of

Jacobine leaders & F——h Emisaries Your Letter to your Father No 9 is a clue to the whole buisness. it Devolops the dark and secreet designs of those agents of mischief. the contents of that Letter were so important at the period, when it arrived that your Father immediatly inclosed it to the President, who returnd it with the following Passage,
          “Mr J Q Adams Your Son must not think of retireing from the walk he is now in. his prospects if he continues in it are fair and I shall be much mistaken if in as short a period as can be expected, he is not found at the head of the Diplomatique Corps—let the Government be administerd by whom so ever the people may chuse his Letter No 9 discloses much important information and political foresight for this proof of your kindness & confidence I pray You to accept my most cordial thanks”
          Many have been the voilent publications against the Treaty. the Train was so concerted that a multilated part of the Treaty, said to be taken from memory, appeard in the Boston papers. this was sufficient to exasperate candid & good men. no sooner was this accomplishd, than Benny was Sent on to Boston with Masons coppy, so that the first remonstrance was drawn up in Boston, and as Peter Porcupine observes, in Such haste were the Citizens of that Town, to get the start of other places that the first copy of the Treaty had not been arrived in Town 24 hours—before a Town meeting was convened to condemn it. at this meeting a motion was made to read the Treaty, at least before they remonstrated against it, but this motion was not even Seconded. Jarvis was the Demagogue, and orator. they had an unanimous vote. few persons of Character chusing to remain at a meeting where hissing and Noise and clamour excluded reason and argument. N York was not much behind Boston in point of Time, and in other respects far outstriped them, as Stones and Brick Bats were Substituded in the room of Hisses— Smith was their Chairman. a proposition was made for adjourning to a more convenient place for a fair and full discussion, but this was opposed with much clamour. there were a great majority of the Merchants Traders and people of property both in Boston & N York in favour of the Treaty, as soon as time was given them to examine & judge for themselves. this will appear by the Names of the Protestors, but the Flame was lighted up, and it spread from capital to capital, Damning cursing the Treaty, mr Jay Senators & even President. the President by a wise and cool and judicious reply to the Boston committe, appeard to allay the Ferment for a Time. several Learned

and able pens have been engaged to vindicate the Treaty & enlighten the people. Camillus said to be col Hn Curtius said to be mr Kg in N York have satisfied every reasonable Man, and a writer in Boston under the Signature of a Feaderilist has written very Sensibly & cooley. Some pamphlets have appeard one written in carolina by mr smith, but none which I have read pleases me more than Peter Porcupine, written by the Author of a Bone for the Democrats. These pamphlets as well as news papers I will collect and forward to you by the first direct conveyance to England, for there do I expect to hear of you soon it is of importance that you should receive all the intelligence possible upon the subject. my Letter must swell to a volm to contain all that has been written for & against the Treaty. I should however observe to you that no commotion or meeting has taken place in any of our Country Towns in N England, Dracut the famous Dracut excepted, & that the state of Connecticut has been as usual, wise steady and discreat. their Wits have however been active and the Echo will repeat to you many Solid truths—
          You are call’d upon to take a part in this important Buisness— You have put your hand to the plough, and I know you too well to believe or even wish you to look Back; or shrink from your Duty however Arduous or Dangerous the task assignd you. You will prove Yourself the Genuine Scion of the stock from whence You sprang. “Yet with Milton You may say, you are thrown on perilious Times.[”]
          My petition to Heaven for you is, that in the Hands of an over Ruling Providence you may be instrumental of much good to your country and that your Life and Health may be preserved a blessing to your Parents and a comfort to their declining Years— this and no other is the ambition of your ever affectionate Mother

            A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 17 September 1795
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

            my Dear Thomas
            Quincy Sepbr 17. 1795

          This very Day twelve month You lost sight of your native Land. Your Native Land is not I trust the less Dear to you, tho the account I must give you of some of its inhabitants will not tend to heighten your National Pride or vanity. A real American will remain Such

under all circumstances, and in all Countries, but an Anglo American or a Frenchified American, is an unnatural Character, and they do our Country incredible Mischief.
          The late Treaty between Great Britain and the United states, has excited all the Malovelence and awakened all the animosity of the Democratick Societies throughout the United States. tis Death to their hopes. it blast all their projected schemes of War. the sparks which lay smotherd during the negotiation of the Treaty, now burst forth with renewed vigor. the rekindled Flames are blown by the four winds of Heaven from one capital to an other, from Portsmouth in N hampshire to savannah in Georgia. Falshood and Faction have as usual united their forces, and poor mr Jay has sufferd a smithfield Martrydom, in most of the Capitals. Boys and the Rabble are the only Actors in these Scenes, but the fowl Stock from which they originate may be traced beyond the American shore.
          The Presidents answer to the Town of Boston, appeard to stop the conflagration & to allay the turbelent passions of the people. Such was the universal confidence in his wisdom and integrity, but foreign influence, and private ambition, reard again their Heads and leveld their shafts at the Head and Heart of the President himself— possessing no political abilities, and despiseing and contemning the Voice of the people, their Aim is to render the President Suspected and to injure his Character and weaken the confidence of the people in him, but in this I trust they are deceived like Mount Atlas. the Billows will burst at his feet, Whilst firm unshaken and steady he persues one steady course of impartial Justice and Equity, permitting neither French or British insolence to insult our Country. where the Responsibility lies with him, this will appear by the late revocation of the British consuls Exequator at Rhode Island for transmitting an insolent and threatning Letter from the Captain of a British frigate to the Governour of that State.
          The News papers of from all parts of the states abound with publications upon the Treaty. Some able Writers have appeard in Defence. Camillus takes it up upon the Broadest basis—goes more particularly into its Merrits, and learnedly defends it. his vindication will Swell to a volm. his 13 Number has appeard and he has advanced only to the 4 or 5 article of the Treaty.— col Hamilton is the reputed Author. I will send this with some other pamphlets directly to England, where I prisume you will be when this reaches you—
          it will be more agreable to you to pass the winter in England than

in Holland I presume. Your Brother is directed there I am inform’d, and tho he must learn how illiberally the Treaty has been handled in America, he will not shrink from the Duty assignd him, tho he shares the abuse in common with the wiseest & best statesmen of our country.
          I inclose to you the first part of the Echo. I did not observe a curtius, untill I had cut it off, so I send it, tho mutilated. Mr King is said to be the writer the Second part of the Echo I inclosed in a Letter to your Brother a week ago. I do not venture upon whole News papers because I cannot get a direct conveyance. the Eclogue has netled the Parties, and been the occasion of some Riots in Boston, such as breaking the windows where the Editor of the paper lives. Jarvis’s hopefull Heir assaulted Paine on Sunday & beat him. Paine is blamed for not breaking his Bones, but Paine can write better than fight. Honestus […] Austin was obliged to come out in his own Chronical & declare publickly that he was an Enemy to Mobs, as they injured the cause of Liberty, and disturbed the peace of society.
          I ought to enumerate to you, and acknowledge the recept of your several Letters, that of 19 April I received at N York, and had the satisfaction of communicating it to several Friends, amongst whom was the late Secretary of the Treasury, who returnd it with many flattering compliments, upon the correct stile and Elegant composition, as well as the Judicious remarks and observations, at the same time plumeing himself upon his own penetration, having as he Said always predicted, that the young Gentleman was possessd of Genius and talents. these observation could not fail to gratify the fond heart of an affectionate Mother, who was conscious, that the letter, and writer meritted all that was bestowed. let it be a stimulous to you my Dear Thomas to improve and cultivate those talents, which will become more and more valuable, matured by Time judgment and experience, and which promise to your country future usefullness.
          The next Letter was May 17 and containd your observations upon the fine Arts. as you View them oftner, you will find your taste for them increase
          I always derive a pleasure at this Distance of Time from the recollection of many of the Paintings which I saw when abroad. Claud Laureigns Sun rising & sitting, allways delighted me, as well as the paintings of snyers fruit and Game. I found the wise Mans

observations true, that the Eye was not satisfied by Seeing, and as shakespear said upon an other occasion

            “increase of Appetite grew from what it fed on”

          I have almost come to the End of my paper without, assureing you of the Health of our Friends, and of their desire to be kindly rememberd to you
          your affectionate Mother

            A. Adams


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 September 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

            My Dear son
            Quincy Septr. 19. 1795

          I, Yesterday recd your favour of June 27. No. 10. It is in common with all the Numbers which preceded it, full of accurate Information, profound Sagacity and nice discernment. I sent four of your preceeding Numbers to the President, who wrote me on the 20th of August that “they contain a great deal of Interesting matter and No. 9 discloses much important Information and political foresight. Mr J. Adams your son must not think of retiring from the Walk he is in— his Prospects if he continues in it are fair: and I shall be much mistaken, if, in as short a Period as can well be expected, he is not found at the head of the Diplomatic Corps let the Government be administered by whomsoever the People may chuse.” I hope however that they will let you come home in two or three Years to look you up a Wife. Charles in this respect has got a head of you.
          Your Maxim of Neutrality between Factions is exactly just and the more indispensible as your Country is neutral— if U. S. were a Party to the War her friends must be your friends and her Ennemies your Ennemies. But at present We are friends to all Nations and all Parties in Europe.
          Syeyes I find is not so much esteemed as Boissy D’Anglas; But I can Say nothing of any of those Gentlemen—they are all Strangers to me. There is not a Man left in the Government of France whose Name I ever heard when I was in that Country.
          I thank you for that exquisite Piece of political Clock Work, the Dutch Plan of a Convention.— If those Patriots can keep the People with them, they will do something memorable: but it must ever be remembered that the Mob is a Part of the People, and I begin to

fear the most influential Part. The Mob has established every Monarchy upon Earth— The Mob has ultimately over thrown every free Republick. The Doctrine of universal suffrage is so manifest a Courtship to the Mob as to need no Comment.— But it never can Succeed, for any length of time.— These good Creatures never look forward for two days. The Mob must ever be in the Power of Government—Government never in the Power of the Mob.— Property is universally & eternally irreconcileable with Universal Suffrage. It is one of the Sweetest Consolations of my Life that I had the Constancy to resist this Doctrine through every stage of our Revolution. A Letter of mine has been printed written in 1776—and printed within two or three years past in Youngs Magazine at Philadelphia. This Letter I prize above a statue or a Monument—merely as Evidence of my opinion at that time and of my Courage to avow it, when many of my Co Patriots and more of the Courters of Popularity were very much inclined to admit all Nature to an equal Vote. If all are admitted to a Vote, the Question instantly arises between Men of Property and Men of No Property and as the latter are always the most numerous, three to one at least, the Vote is always carried by them against the others. A Man of Property is instantly in the Case of the Lamb in the Custody of the Wolf.—
          It is humanity to those People themselves to exclude them from a Vote, for they never have it and Use it but to their own Disgrace, Remorse and Destruction.
          The Politicks of this Country I shall leave. The last hope of a Party seems now in a desperate Attack upon the President. But a successful Attack upon that Man would be a Demonstration that Elective Executives are impracticable.
          If I have heard a true Whisper, you have a Part to Act concerning the Treaty. Be of good Courage and of good Cheer— It will not hurt you finally, though it may raise a present Clamour. Publicola knows what a popular Clamour is.
          I am my dear son, with best Wishes and / constant Prayers for your Wisdom Virtue / and Prosperity, your affectionate Father

            John Adams


Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams and Mary Smith Cranch, 24 September 1795
From: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith
To: Adams, Abigail,Cranch, Mary Smith

            Haverhill. September 24th 1795

          Justice & judgment are the habitation of thy throne, O my God! but thy mercy endureth forever—
          In the depths of Sorrow, I have lifted up mine Eyes, & felt some ray of comfort, when I saw this thy darling Attribute shining with distinguished lustre—“many, very many were the virtues of my Friend”— feign would I hope, they were such as would more than ballance his failings— feign would I hope that when the accusing Spirit flew up to heaven’s high chancery he found not there an high

priest who was not touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who ever liveth—making intercession for his frail creatures—who died—& rose to obtain pardon for a guilty race—that our transgressions might be blotted out forever— Feign would I hope that they might not appear in this world to disgrace a sacred Office—nor as a Stigma to the innocent—nor to condemn at the great day of retribution— God grant that he, who shewed mercy to his fellow creatures, may have found mercy, through the Lamb who was slain, & not a “consuming fire,” for “many, very many were the virtues of my Friend”
          How often have I said, that [“]if my head were waters, & my eyes a fountain of Tears, I would weep day & night, if it could but wash out Sin, free him from the worst of slavery & make him stand fast, in that liberty, where with Christ had made us free” How often have I said that if I had any hopes of an happy hereafter for my friend, I should infinitely prefer, (dismal as my Situation must be) to see him streched a pale Corpse before me, than to endure the anguish— the torture that I daily experienced—yet “many, very many were the virtues of my Friend—”
          I think I once told you, my Sisters, there were some subjects that were too tender to write, or converse upon. I now find there are some too painful to think upon—& as words are indequate to my feelings, I leave you my Sisters to Judge what those must be, when (what I should consider under happy circumstances as my greatest affliction,) I must now think the greatest Blessing, that could befall me, or my Children— And if ever I could trace the footsteps of divine love & pity exercised towards me, (since it did not please to grant me the unspeakable joy of being the happy mean of his reformation) I think I can see it in his immediate removal—for alas! our Children were too old not to perceive there was something very wrong, & religion must inevitably have met with a wound.— The eyes of our domestics have been blinded, & their Lips sealed, but it seems as if my gaurdian Angel could not have saved us much longer, as if he must be weary, with warding off the fatal blow— Hush trembling heart, hush—silent as his Grave—tread lightly over the ashes of the dead— That my heart has bled—few know— I hope, & trust they do not— And how you my Sisters could have come by your information, I cannot conceive— The friend to whom I suppose I am under many obligations, has made in times past too frequent visits, not to perceive the tremor of my Nerves, & the anguish of my heart, but

has been too generous to claim any merit, & too delicate ever to give the most distant hint of any services rendered me, or mine—
          After having so unexpectedly suffered in one tender connection, who can wonder if I feel extremely timid, & reluctant in forming a new. Yet as I never heard anything amiss of the person, & every one here is congratulating me upon my comfortable prospects, I will hope that there are some days of tranquility (at lest) in store for me, & that tears, trouble, & dissapointment will not forever be the ensignia’s which mark my way— You say my Sister that you hope I shall not be obliged to change my State from pecuniary motives, I am sorry to say, I am fully sensible I must change my place of abode, & retire into a room, if I do not go to Atkinson— Last year I had many things from the parsonage, but this year I have every thing to purchase, even to a grain of mustard, & you must be sensible how little 40s will do, towards providing a week for a Family, washing, & ironing forever too this hot summer— There is no one in the Town but myself who take borders for a living, & board is no ways equal to the advanced price of articles— wood is from 20s to 24s now, I assure you I feel anxious, for there is no oeconomising with boarders, though mine are very good— I hope no one will think pecuniary motives have more than there proper weight, though they may urge a more speedy removal, than At first I thought of, yet they are the lest, & it would be paying my Friend but an ill compliment, & doing injustice to merit, & persevering regard to suppose it— I cannot but say, I feel anxious upon his account, lest such an addition to his Family, should be more than he has considered of— I suppose Cousin Betsy has told her Sisters, (though she has never said a word to me) that as soon as his own mind was made easy, he took the earliest Opportunity to assure her, that he would have her go with me, & consider his house as her home, just as she did in her uncle Shaws family, for he should consider her in that respect, as my Child— It was a favour I wished but could not ask— If that had not been granted, I should I believe tarried in Haverhill, till spring, & how much longer I know not—for our attachments I find are very strong towards each other— I hope she will be well married, I wish Mr Tucker was in business. they were formed for each other— I hope you do not think I have palmed my own daughter upon you. I really want her assistance now, for I never had so little time for myself in my Life, & being sick so much has put my work back— I was saying we had not all been so well for seven years, when in a few

minutes after, my dear Abby Adams came from School with the tears in her Eyes, “mamma my head akes, & my throat is very sore,” so uncertain is every thing here— I intended to have written to you by Mrs Black, but her being taken sick, & having a very high fever for several days has prevented my earlier returning my most cordial thanks— What should I do, if I had not such good Sisters!— Such Nephews, & Neices as I am blessed with seldom fall to the Lot of any one— To be esteemed, & loved is & has been the solace of my Life, the soft soother of my woe, the cheif ingredient that has sweetened my Cup of Life— In the mutual interchange of kind Offices, in the exercise of benevolent affections I wish to spend my time here, till I am admitted to purer regions, & then with more extensive views, & enlarged powers, I hope to spend an Eternity with those blessed Spirits, who fly to do the will of their great Original—