Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 October 1797
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail

          My Dear Mother.
          London 7. October 1797.

        It is but a few days since I received your kind letter of 14. July, brought to Holland by Genl: Marshall, and forwarded to me here. The pamphlets also which you have been kind enough to send me have come to hand. I value them much not only for the advantage of perusing them, but because I am endeavouring to preserve a collection of such publications. My state of continual motion is indeed very unfavourable to this purpose, for it often prevents packets destined to me, from arriving. For instance I have not to this day received the pamphlet containing the correspondence upon the subject of the refusal by the Directory of France to receive Genl: Pinckney last Winter, and as this makes a very material chasm in the series of my State Papers, I shall request you to forward me one of them— It was printed towards the last of May, and is the more material to me, as it contains (so I am informed) extracts of one or two of my own Letters to the Secretary of State.
        Mr: Harper’s Observations upon the dispute between the United States and France are very valuable, and must I think prove very useful. The facts I think are very correctly stated, and the Spirit with which they are commented is truly American. I rejoyce to see that Spirit thus coming forth, and hope to see more of it than any of our Enemies expect.— It becomes every person of information and character to detect and expose that base and hypocritical villainy of faction, which endeavours to load with the odium of being under British Influence, every Man who is not the servile or the venal tool of France.— Mr: Harpers example will I hope be followed, and the sooner we can ascertain who are the true, unmingled Americans, the better.— I have seen enough, and more than enough of those characters who would slide along between the two parties, with the hope of sharing in the triumph of either, under the pretence at present of belonging to none. Randolph’s catastrophe, made me sick of such personages.— Solon was right in subjecting to severe penalties every Citizen who refused to take his side, in great public controversies.

        The elaborate pamphlet against the late President, is apparently of french origin. The french idiom is manifest in every page, and the translation is poorly done, for they have been obliged to help it with an explanatory glossary by way of notes.— Yet I think Randolph must have some hand in it: for what other man upon earth could quote Randolph’s pamphlet and Fauchet’s certificate as authorities
        As to Washington’s character, it is one of the fortunate things of his fortunate life, to be attacked by such beings as Randolph and Payne, and this pamphleteer; that is by men of some talents, and more popularity, full to the brim of the foulest and most malignant venom that the human heart can engender. Against such a life and such virtues, secured and sanctioned as they are by retirement, no talents, no malice can avail, and publications like those which have been levelled at him, only expose the authors to disgrace, and will serve in future to be quoted as the tests by which his virtue was proved, as the fires from which it issued only brightened in its lustre.
        But in the pamphlet which you sent me, the attack upon Washington, is a mere feint to cover an attack upon the Constitution. You know that the plan for this attack has long been laid, and the substantial object of it fully understood.— I confess that I was not a little diverted at reading the laboured and pompous panegyric upon the wisdom of the french Constitution in establishing a Directory of five persons, at a moment, when three of the five had just expelled and proscribed the other two, by mere military force, and in the most undisguised and unblushing violation of that wonderful Constitution; nor did I avoid remarking, that Carnot so emphatically eulogised in the pamphlet as the great author and organizer of the stupendous Republican french victories, was at the time when I read this encomium, one of those very two directors, thus expelled and proscribed by his three Colleagues, without, the forms of a trial or even the ceremony of an accusation. The convulsion of the 18th: fructidor (4th: of September) displays in such a striking manner the merits and operation of this boasted Constitution, that I have drawn up very hastily at such leisure as I could snatch while preparing for my departure from this place, some observations upon that Event; which you will see, and read if you have the Patience to go through them.— They are founded upon the facts as stated by the prevailing party; the party so loud in crying up the Constitution which they have sacrificed: they rest principally too upon official documents.

        Mr: Smith arrived at Lisbon about the 25th: of August. I have a letter from him of that date. Mr: Gerry arrived at Rotterdam the 19th: of last month. I have a letter from him dated there on the 24th:— Genl: Marshall had arrived before him and with Genl: Pinckney had proceeded to Paris where they arrived on the 28th:— The commission in my opinion is excellently composed, but for any reconciliation worth having there must be a favourable and an honest temper on both sides.— My hopes are but small.— In general the American diplomacy in Europe,—myself excepted, is now as well chosen as can be wished— The men are all honest, and able.— In excepting myself I do not mean a silly disqualifying salvo. I cannot be contented with my last appointment.
        My old school mate Bache has indeed been so industrious in making his praise slander and his slander praise, that abuse from his press, is at least what as a lawyer I should call prima facie evidence of merit. I feel therefore some satisfaction in being the object of it.— But the appointment to Berlin was objectionable on two grounds.— It had a bad face: for it looked like a nomination by the President of his own Son to high office; it was not well-timed for it was I think the very first nomination, after the opposite example of the Predecessor— It was not in fact a promotion of me, but it looked like it.— A train of reasoning, a recurrence to other facts was necessary to answer cavillers against it. The first appearance of things, is a point which deserves some attention.
        When from the appearance you turn to the reality: I had been destined as Minister Plenipotentiary to Lisbon; but for the expences of the voyage and journey there; or what is called the outfit, I had been allowed only half the usual sum.— I had been at all this expence, had taken my own passage and that for all my baggage, and had even engaged an house there, when I am at once ordered back to the other extremity of Europe, with a new voyage and journey necessarily and inevitably very expensive, without the addition of a farthing to my previous half-allowance.— I received therefore an office at once invidious in appearance, and oppressive in reality.— But I have done with this subject, which I have not willingly renewed. My Country has every claim upon me; if her service were merely a bed of roses, it would not be a worthy incitement to ambition.— As for Bache,—he was once my school mate; one of the companions of those infant years when the heart should be open to strong and deep impressions of attachment, and never should admit any durable sentiment of hatred or malice. There is a degree of

regard and tenderness that mingles itself in my recollection of every individual with whom I ever stood in that relation— The school and the College are the sources of the dearest friendships; they ought never to be those of malevolence or Envy.— Bache has none of these feelings, or he would not have been the vehicle of abuse upon me, at least during my absence from the Country.— But he cannot hurt me.
        That the President retains his Spirits and fortitude unshaken is what I expected, and it gives me much pleasure. Great worth and virtue has no vouchers so complete as strong trials. I have a firm and undoubting confidence not only in the Justice but in the final success of the cause for which we may soon be called to contend with all our energies.— But our strength has slept too long; it must be called forth.
        Your hints concerning my Sister’s situation, give me pain more than surprize— I am too familiarly conversant with such things.— Perhaps it may give you and my father some satisfaction to learn, that I remain still as independent as your own hearts can wish: and that notwithstanding my increased expences without any increase of fortune, and notwithstanding the additional voyage and Journey above-noticed, I am and will continue fully within my means.
        your ever affectionate Son

          John Q. Adams.


Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 11 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Charles

          Dear Sir
          East Chester Oct. 11. 1797

        I arrived here this Evening with your Mother and Cozen all in good health, and was Sorry to hear that you went from hence on Monday unwell. I hope you are better.
        If I go into Town in Ceremony I Should be glad of your Company with me in my Carriage.
        My Letters will, Some of them be directed to your Care, I Shall be glad to receive them as soon as possible. Can you Send them out by the Stage to Guions, or by private hands. Any News or Newspapers will be acceptable.
        I hope Mrs Adams and the little Miss are well.
        I must depend upon you and Mr Malcom to make all necessary Preparations for me. I feel the honour that is done me by the City of New York and pray you to Signify my respectful Attention to it, upon all proper Occasions.
        It seems to me the Arrangements had better be conditional—on such a day and hour if the Weather is fair—otherwise the next fair day. However this is only Suggestion. I shall conform in all Things to whatever is determined on. The Thought was Suggested to me, by a drenching in a Soaking Rain of Governer Sumner, General

Hull and seven thousand Militia in compleat Uniform the other day at Concord in Massachusetts.
        I am your affectionate Father

          John Adams


Title: John Quincy Adams to Joshua Johnson, 11 October 1797
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Joshua

          Dear Sir.
          London 11. October 1797.

        I received your obliging letter dated in Margate Roads just before your departure. I had indeed long observed your distress and that of your family. I was not particularly acquainted with its causes, nor was it a subject upon which I thought it proper or necessary to enquire
        You expected that the step upon which you determined would expose you to censure; but as you observe you thought it the best you could take to do equal Justice to all.— The turn of affairs here has not been such as your friends could have wished— Appearances and allegations are advanced which bring in question something more than merely your credit, and unfortunately your friends have not the means of refuting them in their power.
        I enclose to you a copy of a letter I have received from Mr: Delius at Bremen: I can see no honourable motive upon which he could address it to me; but it is such as calls for animadversion from you.
        Your affairs in America, as you represented them to me, are amply sufficient to satisfy every claim upon you in Europe, and to leave you still a decent property. Let me urge you then Sir by every consideration of regard for yourself and your family, to consider Justice to your creditors as the most imperious of your obligations.— To render it speedily, and amply, however unkind you may think their

treatment of you has been.— I urge it, because I cannot suspect you of an unnecessary misrepresentation of your affairs to me, and because if your statement was correct it will be perfectly and largely within your power.
        With respect to the Execution of your Will, I hope there will be, these many years no occasion for it— But as far as my situation may leave me the possibility to co-operate in it, I shall always cheerfully contribute to it, or to any other service that I can render to yourself or your family.
        With my affectionate regards to Mrs: Johnson, and all the children, I remain, Dear Sir, / [your friend &] very hble: Serv1:

          John Q. Adams.


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 15 October 1797
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

            Dear Sister
            Quincy october 15th 1797

          I thank you for your Letter from worcester since that I have heard by the papers you have arriv’d in new-york. I hope Safe. you must have had bad weather some part of the way if Such as we had reach’d you. last Sunday evening we had a terrible Tempest of thunder Lightning & wind & rain the Lightning struck the house of capn. Jo. Baxter & every person in it reciev’d a Shock there were many young People collected there Boilstone Adams & I believe Sukey mr Adams was very much affected for several hours & many were obliged to be rub’d with vinagar for a long time it came down

by the side of the chimney & went thro the house into the cellar. that no one should be kill’d was a great preservation. it Struck a house in milton also. I never Say Such Lightning. it was like columns of Fire & fell to the Ground. the wind was violent mr & mrs Norton were on the top of Pens hill when it took them. they were oblig’d to run into a house for shelter they look out their house & the chaise was blown half way down the hill. they were on their way to Atkinson. they return’d yesterday found & left all well. the little Boys were finely & contented. cousen Betsy Stay’d with mrs Nortons children in her absence
          I Saw mrs Porter to day they are both well I spoke to her about the clothes lines. She will take care of them. mr Foster & Eliza Bond were here last Sunday— She has got her health & looks finely but neither She nor I can make Cousen Betsy own that there is any connection design’d to be form’d between mr F & her notwithstanding all the appearences She does fib. I know She does. they were Several hours alone together in our east Parlour she has recover’d her spirits much better than I fear’d She would. had She been with her Brother She would have felt very differently from what She now does I believe it would have kill’d her in her feeble State. Sister Peabody did not forget that the day he was buried was the 29th of September it render’d the Scene doublely Solemn
          your Neice mrs Hubbart & Salomy came the last week to make you a visit they did not know you were gone. they spent an affternoon with me Doctor Tufts came to do business with you about half an hour after you left us. he wishes for many directions which he expected to receive—
          mr Cranchs coat I supposed you must have taken by mistake. we have not receiv’d it yet nor heard of it only by your Letter. but think it will come along Tis one he wants much this time of the year his Devonshire is too thick & heavey
          I am impatient to hear from you again & to know how you found mrs Smith & your other children my Love to them all— I want to know also where congress will be call’d. do not go to an unhealthy Spot— Stay with your children untill you can go into your own house I Shall be distress’d about you if you do— I have been from home but once since you left me your house looks So gloomy I cant bear it— I wish it was occupy’d in your absence by some Sensible neighbour— George Apthorp is come with his wife & her mother mrs Perkins, a Sister of mrs Aptho[rp] mrs A is a pretty innocent Sensible coun[try] Girl just 19 years old— they are come to Settle

here.— our neighbour mrs Apthorp has been very ill for above three weeks in violent pain in her back & one side it has at last Show’d itself to be the Shingles to a dreadfull degree. She continues very ill
          mrs Norton Sends a thousand thanks for your kind present. had it made. & it looks very handsome—
          pray give my Love to the President & Louissa / & believe me at all times your truly / affectionate Sister

            M Cranch

          mrs Porter Says she has found […] Buckets
          Doctor Tufts wishes to know what is to be done with the cheese butter &C


Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 17 October 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Tufts, Cotton

            Dear sir
            East Chester october 17th 1797

          I was in hopes to have seen you, and had some more conversation with you upon the subject of finishing the Room in the out House. I experienced so many inconveniencies from a mixture of Families Whilst I was at Home, that I should not wish to try it again, for if

mr & mrs Porter had not been of a very accommodating disposition we should have met with more trouble than I did. I told mr Porter that I would have him digg a cellar under it, and I should be glad to have a small building behind for a dairy room suppose it only 12 foot Square so as to communicate with the Room. the Chimny I would build without the House so as to make as much Room as possible. I would have an oven built in it. from the wash House a communication can be made through the closet under the stairs, so that two windows in front may be made, if (as I hope we shall), some alteration should be made in the House, so as to take the Books into the House there will then be a good Bed room for a Family, and my own people when at home may occupy the Chambers and the wash House without much interference I wish you would consult deacon Perce of Dochester, whether an addition might not be made to the House in front of 8 or 10 feet, and by that means enable us to raise the Roof on that part so as to make us some good upper Chambers, or in what way a comfortable addition might be made. as to taking down chimnies, I could not think of it to such a House as that is. I know by adding to the front it will bring the Chimnies wrong, but that I should not regard since it would tend to accommodate us, and I believe in the least expensive mode.
          we are yet here, that is I am here, for you will learn by the publick papers, that the President went yesterday into N york, and that on Wedensday a splendid dinner is to be given to which there are 300 subscribers— N york is determined to vie with Boston on this occasion— the people will have it so, it must be submitted to— a light Horseman had been sent out to this place 20 miles from the city 5 days before we came with orders to stay untill we arrived, that the military might not be again dissapointed.
          I know not when we shall be able to go into the city of Philadelphia it is however said that it will be safe by Nov’br the fever is chiefly confined to Southark. it will be deplorable to that city to convene Congress any where else. so many are dependant upon them for their Daily Bread, and I doubt very much whether any congress will be made untill December. the Members must be very reluctant to trust themselves in Boarding Houses—and I do not yet learn that the inhabitants have returnd. the weekly Bills of Mortality are near the same for these 3 or four weeks past.
          before I came from Home I had taken from mrs French & Burrel part of my Cheese. some I had left with mrs Porter, some I sent to

my Children I should like to have a Barrel of mrs Burrels sent me to Philadelphia, as soon as I can give you notice that any person is there to receive it. when we past through Conneticut we found in most parts great quantities of cider—no doubt much of it, will be sent to Boston. I could wish sir that as much as half a dozen Barrels of the best of cider under your particuliar care might be Secured for us against an other summer. if we should live, I presume we shall wish to return as early in the spring as publick Buisness will permitt, and Congress I fancy will not risk sitting in that city late.
          My best regards to all Friends— / Your affectionate / Neice

            A Adams—

          Mrs smith desires to be kindly rememberd


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 23 October 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, William

          Dear sir
          East Chester october 23. 1797

        As you was absent when I left home I was unable to pay you for some articles which you had purchased for me, as well as some which mrs smith had procured for me. if you will be so good as to forward me the amount, I will transmit it to you—
        When I pay’d mr Fothingham for the Carriage, there were the quarter Lights and some other matters which made the carriage amount to more than our first agreement. I gave him a Note for the remainder for either 83 or 85 dollors. I have not the account here and cannot exactly determine. I inclose to you 90. you will be so good as to pay him, & the overpluss credit me for upon your account.
        I have been in this Solitude ever since I came; compared with

Quincy, it is indeed a solitude but lonely as it, is I should consider it preferable to the city if on looking round, any agreable prospects arose in my mind but all is dark and Gloomy. We have no intelligence of the col since June, nor has mrs smith received a line since— here we found her quite alone. she had been so for near a Month, and at times Melancholy enough, tho she says nothing unless drawn from her. we are however determined not to leave her here, if we go ourselves to Philadelphia. she seems loth to go with us— she cannot go from painfull scenes recollections and mortifications. I hope however she will be able to conquer them so as to go with us— I have assured her that she shall not be obliged to see any more company than she chuses—but to leave here here alone a prey to Grief and misfortune I cannot.
        N york you will see by the publick papers, have manifested their attachment to the Goverment & their Satisfaction with the administration of the Executive by a splendid and magnificent Dinner to the President, and every other mark of Personal respect and Satisfaction which could have been hoped for or desired—
        We see but a little way into futurity, and we know not what is before us— So we will hope for the Blessings of Peace & Plenty, and thankfull Hearts to enjoy them—
        My kind regards to Mrs smith and Family to Dr and Mrs Welch, from your Friend,

          Abigail Adams.


Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Abigail

          My Dearest Friend
          Oct. 25. [1797]

        I send you the Letters— I could not keep my hands off of Nabby’s. I beg her Pardon. They write me flattering Accounts from Phila. Mr Anthony writes most confidently. No danger. No fever—alls well.—
        When Brisler goes he should throw Lime into the Cellar Vault &c.
        I think We ought to have been together to day. But tomorrow will do.

        I am glad Malcom came out. We must prepare to go to Phila. the first Week in Novr. if no bad news.
        Caroline & all are well


Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

          East Chester, 20 miles from N. York October 25. 1797
          My Dear son

        The Newspapers had informed Us of your Marriage, but the first Evidence of it from yourself, was in your Letter to your Mother of the 29. July.— I congratulate you and your Lady on this Event, which I hope will be for your mutual Happiness and the Comfort of all the Friends of both Parties, for a long Course of years, dedicated to the Public— And may the Blessing of God Almighty be bestowed on this Marriage and all its Connections and Effects.
        By Some Intimations in your Letter I understand that your Appointment to Berlin is not perfectly pleasing to you. I am a little Surprized at this. 1. Because your amiable Companion will I presume accompany you, and to her as well as to you I should Suppose Berlin would be preferable to Lisbon. 2. Berlin is Said to be the Athens of Germany, both in Learning and Taste abounding in Men of Science and Letters. 3. I should Suppose you will be more in the Way of Information and Intelligence, there than you would have been at Lisbon. 4. I think your health will be less exposed to danger, in Prussia than in Portugal. There are other reasons which I must leave to your Sagacity, to discover. There is one however, that I may mention. The great Characters and political Systems in the North of Europe, are not so well understood in your own Country as they ought to be.
        Your Delicacy about holding a Commission from your Father, Seems to me, too refined. you are under no greater Obligation to me,

than if you had gone to Lisbon. You are as independent now as ever, and will continue independent in your Sentiments I hope as long as you live, even though your father should remove you hereafter to another Court, or call you home and make you one thing or another.
        I have not laid it down to myself as a Law never to appoint any of my Relations to office, as my Predecessor did, and I never will impose upon myself any Such Shackle. I shall be cautious and delicate, in Such Cases: but merit in my Family deserves as well of its Country as in another.
        My greatest fear is, that you will find it difficult to maintain the Punctuality of your Correspondence with me and the secretary of State. But as the Inconvenience is well known, Allowance will be made for it.
        I have concluded from your Letter that your Brother will go with you. However mortifying it is to me to be deprived of the Society of all my Children, I can neither blame you nor him. I think however it will not be for his Interest to remain long in Europe. It would give great offence here, if I should advance him in Europe while you are there and a Young Man Should be employed in laying his foundations at home, among his own Countrymen, if he cannot have adequate Employments abroad.
        That the most high may bless you and yours / shall be the concluding Prayer of your affectionate / Father

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 25 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

          My Dear Thomas
          East Chester Octr. 25. 1797

        I have recd your charming narration of your Tour to Paris, both to me and your mother, and am happy to find you were so civilly treated and so well pleased. I shall never forget the kindness of my Friend Arnoux to myself or to you.
        I congratulate you, on your new Acquisition of a Sister. I Suppose this match grew out of a Spark that was kindled at Nantes in 1779

when your Brother was with me frequently in the Family of Mr Johnson. But through whatever course it came down from Heaven, I pray for its Blessings on it. If you go to Berlin as I Suppose you will, from your Brothers Letter to his mother, this kind and accomplished Sister will contribute much to your, Amusement, Improvement and Comfort.
        A session of Congress approaches, and the Epidemic or Endemic is not yet perfectly quelled in Philadelphia, tho they Say it is almost gone.
        I am very glad Mr Murray arrived before your Departure from the Hague. This Interview must have been, of Service to him, and to the Public. He earnestly wished for it, before he Sailed. I hope, your Brother and you will maintain a constant Correspondence with him, and the Envoys at Paris, particularly my ancient and never failing Friend Mr Gerry.
        I am much pleased with the affection expressed both by your Brother and yourself for the Dutch. I felt the same Attachment and feel it at this hour. We must preserve the Friendship of that Nation: and of all others if We can. Such however is the combustible State of Europe, that We must look out for our own security and Stand upon our defence. We know not what Power may Attack Us: but We have great Reason to fear, that some one or other will before many Years, and We ought to be better prepared for Defence. A Navigation and Commerce as extensive as ours is a temptation to Ambition and Avarice as well as hunger. and Experience has shewn that Justice & Law & Compact are not impregnable Bulwarks.
        With your Knowledge of the German Language, the Tour to Berlin will be agreable and instructive. I am under great Obligations to your Brother and you for the Books Pamphlets and Newspapers you have sent me. I fear this Resource will fail in some degree, but I hope not altogether.
        I have heard of a misterious Phenomenon in Germany by the Name of Kant. Pray give me a little Idea of his History and Philosophy: as also of the Misticism which is Said to prevail in the North.
        If Belgium is ceded to France, will Antwerp revive and Amsterdam decline? Will it drain off the Waters of Opulence from London?
        Is the Prince of orange to be provided for in Germany?
        Is Poland null? Are the Jealousies of the Nobility, and the Principles of Democracy Spread in Germany?

        What turn will these Commotions take? Democracy has been so bloody in France, that it Seems to have run its Career there, and the nation Seems to be sensible of the necessity of something more wise steady consistent just & humane?
        I have asked too many questions for one I pray God to bless and direct you in all / Things. / Your Affectionate Father

          John Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 31 October 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

          my dear sister
          East Chester october 31 1797

        I have received but one Letter from you Since I left Quincy now near a Month; I have been here three weeks, except 3 days which I past at my sons in N york— next Monday I leave here for Philadelphia where it is thought we may now go with safety—
        I was in hopes to have taken Mrs smith with me, but her situation is difficult not having received any advise what to do, and She is

loth to go for the present. I cannot say so much as is in my mind the subject being a very delicate one, and wishing to have her do no one thing but what may prove benificial to the whole—
        Sister Peabody has not yet written to Mrs smith, which she regreets. I know how much she has been engaged, and fear the concequences upon her Health. she feels most keenly, and you know by experience what it is to pass through such a Heart rending trial. I wish these repeated Summonses to the surviving Brothers might have a serious influence. the sisters are not unmindfull, but William has to, me, the air of a too free thinker.
        Since I wrote you last I have Letters from my sons abroad. Thomas’s late as 17 August. he has consented to go to Berlin with his Brother, Who writes that he cannot by any means part with him, especially upon being sent into the center of Germany where [“]I shall scarcly meet a Countryman twice a year,” he says. “and Thomas writes me, I intreet you to negotiate a successor to me for I plainly see untill some such arrangement is made I shall not be released. He says since I wrote you last, my Brother has been married and given me an amiable and accomplishd sister. he is very happy and I doubt not will remain so, for the Young Lady has much Sweetness of Temper and seems to Love as she ought.[”] Thomas speaks highly of the Family and of their kindness and attention to him—says they are about to embark for America & settle in the city of Washington, where mr Johnson has property— they will be an agreable acquisition to the city at which I rejoice for the sake of my Nephew and Neice—
        I have nothing of concequence to communicate. this place is as retired as you can imagine we however keep up a communication with N york and Philadelphia. I had a Letter from Brisler, who was well with the rest of the Family Yesterday
        I write merely to keep up our communication, and to tell you that we are all well. I will thank you to go to our House and see that particuliar attention is paid to the Carpets—I fear they will suffer
        adieu yours / affectionatly

          A Adams—


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 2 November 1797
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

            Dear Sister
            Quincy November 2d 1797.

          I last monday receiv’d your Letter of the 22d of october it was a long time coming. I wrote to you as soon as I thought you had arriv’d at your Daughters you have receiv’d a Letter from me & sister Peabody too I hope. I shall write, always about mrs Smiths little Boys when I can get any news from them. Willm Shaw did not go home this vacation but stay’d at cambridge to study I have not heard a word since Sisters Letter to you I had one at the Same time. I Should have heard if they had not been well. they could not have better care taken of them if they were with their mother & for her I really feel distress’d. tis dreadful to be left in such a state of suspence but it may be necessuty that obliges the Colln. to do it & it may be as distressing to him as to her I am glad you are with her she never felt the want of you So much. would She not suffer less to come here & go into your House than to go on with you to Philadelphia. tis true she needs the Soothings of her good mama, but the reterment she would find here would be more agreable to her feelings than the publick appearence She will be oblig’d to make with you. I would be every thing to her that a kind aunt coud be & She would have charming neighbours & be among those Friends who know that She had no hand in producing the difficulties She suffers—but you can judge better than I
          I have had a Letter from washington which has given me great trouble mrs Cranch & her willm. have both been very sick She has not been well since miss Elliot left her. a slow fever with great relaxation of Body. She has griev’d herself almost to death. the troubles of her Family & the confinement of her Brother has sunk her spirits & injur’d her health to a great degree their own perplexities the return of her neice & the absence of her Husband joind to her fears that her Parents would Suffer real want had So taken hold of her mind that when my Son return’d from Philadelphia he found her very ill. I am very much alarm’d about her. She has lost her appetite her flesh & her Spirits & is very weak & has a great fat baby to nurse & tend— will is cutting his teeth & is cross & sick too— tis dreadful to have our children so far from us when they are sick that we cannot afford them any assistance. I write to her every week & comfort her all I can. I hope I have remov’d Some of her fears & aprehensions her Parents have broke up housekeeping & are gone

to spend the winter with Coll. Pope at Bedford he is going to put mr Greenleaf into some business which will make him easy & mrs Bell has taken a house at charlestown & is going to open a Schoole & keep Boarders. what will be the event of all these things I know not— but tis a Sober reverse of fortune— they bear it with great chearfulness & pious resignation— I was at Boston on Saturday mrs Greenleaf & her baby were well it grows finely & is very quiet mrs welsh had a bad sore throat & was very Sick I thought
          yesterday there was a Splendid ordination at Milton mr & mrs Smith & Cousen Betsy were there & half Boston besides. We were invited but did not go. I do not love Such a croud— mr & mrs Norton were there— I wish we may ever be as united here— we have given mr whitman a Call & made him a very handsome offer one which he would willingly accept—if there were not so many oppos’d to his Settling. I will not say who dislikes him for I do not believe they do: mr Black & wife really do—& Stand at the head of the opposition—but at the Same time Say they will always be Friendly to him—but that is not enough for mr whitman. he is fully sensible of mr Blacks worth & very highly esteems him & has been treatdd so handsomly by him that he should feel mesirable unless he can render himself acceptable to him as a preacher mrs whitman has been with us almost a week. She is a charming woman She is every thing we could wish for a minister. She is a Spritily Sensible affable industerous little woman. you would love her very much. She has been with him part of her time at Boston, since Saturday with mrs Beal & me. we all drank Tea & spent the evening of monday with mr & mrs Black mr Cranch too for a wonder we were there till half after ten & a very pleasent evening we had Capn. Beal’s Family & your Brother Adams were of the Party— Cousen Betsy is goi[ng] to spend a week with mrs whitman a week or two hence when we voted to give mr w a call he had the votes of all present 52 but mr Black & mr Seth Spear. but we hear many grumble. those who were warm for mr Flint have not got over their disappointment & feel cross would not attend the meeting they had no objection to mr w. but would have nothing to do with the business. they do not consider what a disagreable Situation it places a candidate. his Happiness & his usefulness depends upon his being their choice, so far at least as to be willing to treat him in a Friendly manner I veryly think if m w accepts we Shall be very peacable with him & that he will be more like’d as he is more known— he improves upon acquaintance & then his wife!— every Body will love her—

          my paper is full before I have had half my chat out but the hour as well as paper reminds me that tis time to assure you of the unalterable affection of your Sister

            M Cranch

          Love where due. the coat is come


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

          East Chester 20 miles from N york Novbr 3d 1797
          my Dear son

        Since my residence at this place, now a Month, occasiond by the prevalence of the yellow fever in Philadelphia, I have had the pleasure to receive two Letters from you; one from the Hague june 26th, the other from London july 29th. the joint Letter you mention as having written, is not yet come to Hand.
        The Newspapers before I left Quincy, which was on the 2d of the last Month, had informd us of the Marriage of Mr J Q Adams to

Miss Louissa Johnson, upon which the Chronical made as usual, an ill Natured reflection. this induced some friendly Correspondent to place the subject in its true Light in the Centinal; from whence it made its way into the Albany Gazette, and from that into Porcupines paper, from which, as it become a subject of so much importance, I culld it and inclose it to you. For myself I sincerely congratulate you upon the Event, and I hope I may add, my dear Louissa too. I want not the Authority of Milton to pronounce the state, a perpetual fountain of Domestic Bliss “to those who like yourself, seek for happiness and pleasure in the Bosom of virtuous Friendship, endeard by those engageing ties, of delicate sensibility, and sweetness of disposition, beauty will forever remain attractive, and knowledge delightfull.[”]
        It has given me real pain to find that the Change in your Embassy does not meet your ready assent; or that it should be personally so inconvenient to you, as you represent.
        I cannot but flatter myself you will find it more agreable than you anticipate; your Father has written you so fully upon the Subject, and in my mind, obviated every objection, that I think you will feel more satisfied, that you would not have been sent to Berlin at this Time; if mr Washington had continued in office, I fully believe, but I can tell you where you would have been employ’d, as one of the Envoys to France. this was the desire and opinion of all the Ministers, and nothing but your near connextion with the Chief Majestrate, prevented your being nominated. he had a delicacy upon the Subject, and declined it. I have one criterion to judge of the utility of the present mission it is the allarm the Jacobins took at it, but this did not lessen the confidence of the people who value and esteem you for what they know you are, and here I may mention an honour paid you by our Academy of Arts, who at their last meeting unanimously voted you a member. you was nominated at a previous meeting by the Rev’d Dr Belknap as I was inform’d.
        The spirit of union and Federalism pervades every part of New England, with very few exceptions. I have been assured from all quarters, that there is but one mind and that mind, is in support of our constitution and Government. they know no distinction between the People and the Government, on every occasion and opportunity they have shewn their attachment to the Government, by personal respect to the Chief Majestrate, both by civil and military exhibitions, which however contrary to the taste and inclination, of one, who through Life, has avoided every kind of show and parade;

is now obliged to submit to the Will of the people Some specimins are inclosed. N york has endeavourd to Rival Boston. in my journey from Philadelphia in the summer I was a feeling witness to some of these scenes—where the sincerity of the Actors renderd it peculiarly interesting, and proved to me that the people will Love & respect their Chief Majestrate, if his administration is that of Wisdom and justice.
        The unjust and piratical plunder upon our unarmed Commerce, has wrought conviction upon the minds of many of the former Idolaters of our Gallic Allies, even in the southern states. that Nation will find itself grosely deceived if they consider the nearly equal divission of votes at the Election of Chief Majestrate, as a criterion of the Voice of the people the people wish for Peace. they wish the happiness of all Nations and if no undue Methods had been practised, they would have generally given their suffrages to that person whom they supposed best qualified to promote and ensure the honour and dignity of the Government, without any respect to English or French partizens. The Letter writer is now more generally known, and the hollowness of his Principles better understood. there is an other tale of a more recent date, yet to be unfolded. you can Witness for me, how loth I have been to give him up. it is with much reluctance that I am obliged to look upon him as a Man whose Mind is so warped by prejudice, and so Blinded by Ignorance as to be unfit for the office he holds, however wise and scientific as a Phylosopher as a politician, he is a Child, and the dupe of party.
        on the 13 of this Month Congress are to meet, but I have not any expectation that they will make a Congress untill December. The yellow fever has been again Raviging that poor Devoted City. the mortality has not been so great as in the year 1793, but the city has been deserted 30 thousand inhabitants fled from it, very soon after it appeard. 5 Physicians have fallen sacrifices to it. it has so far abated as to be thought safe to return to it. I hope it is, as next week we go on—
        You will see I date from hence, a Farm purchased by col S——h. prudence requires me to be silent. you will however understand me, when I tell you that I took William and John when I went on to Quincy in july, that I have placed them at an Academy in Atkinson and in the Family of your Worthy Aunt Peabody, whose kindness and benevolence are well known to you— Your sister is going with her little Daughter to pass the Winter with us.—

        In one of my Letters I acknowledgd the receipt of the Watch, but unaccompanied by any Bill of the cost. I requested some sattin, and mentiond sending Bills, but I found you had given orders to your Brother to draw for some money to be laid out for your use. I therefore thought it might be more Eligible to pay the sum to him as your Agent, or to any other person so employ’d I now request you to send me the amount, as your Brother writes me you have orderd the silk. I accepted formerly a cloak as a testimony of your filial regard, but I have no design to tax you with my commissions, nor can I send any more untill you comply with my request. without any disparagement to your Brother Whom I doubt not, will do the best he can with your property I would advise you to employ our old tried and Faithfull Friend Dr Tufts whose experience and judgment, will not permit him to run any risks. as I know what money you have must be saved by a rigid oeconomy, I wish you might have it placed in safe and productive funds. I have only room left to say to you & yours accept my Maternal / Blessing.

          A A—


Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 3 November 1797
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sr.
          Weymouth Novr. 3. 1797—

        I received Yours of Octobr. 14h. and have attended to the several Matters mentiond therein. The Wall at the Foot of Pens Hill is nearly compleated, one or two Days Work will finish it as far as you directed the Workmen to proceed— there will then be Stones sufficient to rebuild the Wall between you & Hardwick and a large Number besides for any other Purpose it therefore appears to me,

that it would be best to rebuild that Wall with those Stones when the Hands have leisure, as Hardwick agrees to dispence with your offer of blowing stones in his Land for that purpose— There has been no Rain with us for some Time past. we have therefore seized upon this Opportunity to plough the Meadow on the back of the House, which will probably be finishd to Day or to Morrow, this being done, as the Harvesting is finishd and the Corn in the Crib— We shall next plough the Hill & brake up the Ground proposed, that which is design’d for Barley the coming Year, it is proposed to carry the Manure upon it and plough it in—as it will be much easier to get the Manure upon it before Winter than in the Spring when the Ground will probably be very spungy.— As you concluded to let the Farms on which Burrell & French lives as heretofore, I think it would be best to agree with them as soon as may be, that they may have an Opportunity to enter upon the preparatory Work for another year (Guarding against some of the inconveniences of the former mode of leasing it) I have hinted it to them and shall proceed upon the Business if you do not disapprove of it— Your Directions upon the Subject I wish to have by the first Oppy—
        I am happy to hear that the Sickness at Philadelphia is much abaited & hope you will meet Congress without any Danger of receiving the Infection and find that Body discharged of all its morbid Humors and purged from all its Corruptions— With mine & Mrs. Tufts’s affectionate Regards to Mrs. Adams / I am Your Affectionate friend & H Servt

          Cotton Tufts—


Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 7 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

          my Dear Thomas
          East Chester Novbr 7th 1797

        Your Letters have become Such a model of elegant composition, that I cannot but think you must discover So many dificencies in my untoutord stile, that I feel a little anxious in Exposing it to your Eye. your desire however to obtain intelligence from your Native Land, and from the Friends, and Relatives you have Left there, will induce

you to pass over with a less scrutinizing Eye the affectionate sentiments of the Heart, tho unadorned by the elegance of Language.
        Since I have been at this place, a Village 20 miles from N york, I have had the pleasure of receiving two Letters from you dated in London, one of July 24th and the other August 17th. Your Letters are the reviveing cordials of my spirits. they administer consolation for your absence, which I fondly hoped, would not have been protracted an other year. yet I cannot but approve your resolution to accompany your Brother to Berlin, especially as he appears so Chagrined at the alteration in his Mission. His scruples are too nice. the Appointment being of the same grade as his former, I see no objection at his holding it from his Father. the successor in Lisbon is a very honorable Man. Mr smith having Served his Country 8 Years in the Legislature, was entitled to an advancement, and he wished it abroad. I do not know where his place can be supplied take him in all respects. His state have chosen mr Pinckney late Minister in London, whose qualifications are better known to Your Brother than to me, never having had the pleasure of seeing him.
        I am glad your Brother married before he went to Berlin as I have not a doubt it will contribute to his happiness, and domestic comfort. “celibacy is existance thrown away, and every unmarried day is a blank in Life” said a great advocate for Matrimony. these expressions must be received with allowence, not implicitly follow’d. yet the Man who voluntarily lives a Bachelor deprives himself of one great end of his Being, social happiness. I do not however recommend very early Marriages. I am not displeased to find you disposed to return single to America—
        The account given by you, to your Father, and to me, of your Parissian tour entertaind and pleased us, as well as your reception by our old Friend and acquaintance the benevolent Abbe Arnoux, whom I remember with affection— Your introduction to a distinguishd Member of the directory, the notice you received from him, and the distinction paid you, by no means agrees with, the obliging information communicated by a mr Putman to his Friends in Boston, “that you had been orderd to quit Paris.” this I never believed, but the Jacobin Printers Seazd it with the eagerness of sharks, and circulated it, with the greediness of vultars.
        Mr Twist arrived last week, and deliverd your Letter at our House to mr Brisler who transmitted it to me. he had just returnd to Philadelphia with his Family; having been obliged to leave the House

alone, and escape for his Life to Trenton during the Fever. when I go to Philadelphia, as I expect to in a few Days, I shall seek out this Gentleman and pay him all the attention a recommendation from my dear son intitles him to.
        I fear I have not acknowledgd Some Letters which I received from your Brother and you whilst at Quincy. my time which I intended to have past in retirement there, was so constantly occupied by company, that I found less leisure than at Philadelphia. it is only Since I have been here at this Village that I can say, I have been retired.
        your sister is well, and I believe will pass the Winter with us. she has a fine little Girl near three years old—
        Agreable to your Brothers & your request I am endeavouring to find a successor to you. The young Gentleman your Brother named to me, is living with a Merchant in Boston, a Buisness he prefered to the study of the Law, which Would have been his Fathers choice.— I presume as his mind is bent upon that, he would not wish a different occupation. I have with your Fathers Consent, proposed to mr Malcom to take the place. Mr Malcom, is the Son of the late Gen’ll Malcom of N york. he studied Law with your Brother Charles, and by him was recommended to your Father as a private Secretary, as such he has served. he has a pretty property of his own left him by an uncle. he is a Discreet young Gentleman of amiable Manners and obliging disposition— he cannot however be Spaired untill next fall, when William shaw will be at liberty to take his place— I shall be able when I write you again to be more decicive, as he has requested time for consideration.
        we have again been call’d to mourn the Death of a young Relative, Charles smith, tho in the Bloom of Health and Vigor 5 months ago. survived his sister only three Months. he dyed of a consumption at Haverhill where he lived beloved, and dyed lamented.

          “Lifes little stage, is a small eminence
          Inch high above the Grave, the home of Man
          Where dwell the Multitude”

        four or five years absence will make many Chasms amongst your acquaintance. it will give vigor to youth, but wrinkles to Age, and you will find Time has shed his hoary Honours upon the Heads of your Parents. if he spairs their Lives to you, perhaps he will have so changed them, as to make the alteration painfull to you, but tho

he may waist and decay these earthly Fabricks, whilst the Heart Beats, it will Beat for the Welfare and happiness of those who are deservedly Dear to their ever affectionate / Mother

          Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

          my dear sister
          Philadelphia Novbr 15 1797

        I yesterday about 11 oclock went into the Presidents Room to see if John had returnd from the post office. my good Gentleman was soberly Standing at the fire with your Letter open and very gravely reading it. I scolded and very soon carried it of. I thank you for all your communications. the P. says one of sister Cranchs Letters is worth half a dozen others. she allways tells us so much about home, and if he does not get them clandestinely he does not often see

them. I wrote you a few lines the day before I left East Chester. on that day mrs smith got Letters from her Brother Justice by a private hand, informing her that both he & the col had written frequently by the post, and were astonishd that she had not received any Letters, that by a private hand he had written and sent her some money, in october. the col was not then at shenang the Name of the place which Justice owns, but was expected in a few days— these Letters communicated some comfort. she came to N york with me in search of the Man by whom the money and Letter was sent since I have been here, I have had a Letter from her informing—that he had been sought where he formerly lived, but had removed from thence. I have contemplated the plan you mention. it may be put into effect if future circumstances require it. at present, it would be expensive and lonely, and not less subject to unpleasent feelings than being here on a visit, which is all that at present is expected, nor will she be obliged to appear on my publick Evenings, unless it is her choice
        I found mr and Mrs Brisler and the Children very well and much the better for their country excursion. the Girls Becky and Nabby were very well, and both mr and mrs Brisler say, behaved with great prudence and discretion, quite to their satisfaction. I found every thing in the House in perfect good order, and all my old Hands escaped through the Pestilence. one only, of them had the fever. the others returnd as soon as Brisler got home, those whom he had dismisst when he went out, and those he retaind in pay— so that at present I could not wish to be better off than I am with respect to domesticks, which greatly enhances the comfort of Life.
        I regreet that there should be an opposition to mr Whitman, and that it should principly arise from mr & Mrs Black whom I very sincerely regard, tho I cannot say I respect their judgment in this case. I have not a doubt but mr and Mrs Black will be reconciled in time. reasoning and not railing will have the effect. mr Flint was opposed by the latter— present my compliment to mr Whitman, & tell him if our state constitution had been equally liberal with that of New jersey and admitted the females to a Vote, I should certainly have exercised it in his behalf. as it is, he may be sure both of the Presidents and my good wishes for him, with a sincere desire for his settlement.
        I have received one Letter from sister Peabody written just after the Death of Charles— but mrs smith has not had a line from her since her Children have been with her. sister Peabody has so many

cares that she has not much time to write, but I wish she would to mrs smith. in her lonely hours she thinks much of her Children, and wishes to have from her Aunts hand some account of them. I have written her twice since I came from home, beside, one or two Letters just before I left home. I know not if she has received them. I am sorry to learn that mrs Cranch is unwell. I have just been writing to him, and I have recommended to her to keep good spirits, and that it is a long lane which has no turn ask Cousin Betsy when I am to speak for the weding cap? no congress yet. a House but no senate. Ben Bache is as usual abusing the President for forceing the respect from the people, degradeing this city by representing the Military parade here as all forced. that it is a corrupt mass of Jacobinism Quakerism and abominationism, I will most readily admit, but at the same time there are many worthy and respectable people here. inclosd is a speimin of Bache Gall, but all will not do. I can see where the respect and attention is sincere, many affecting proofs I have witnessd in this tour. one in particular of a private nature, at Brunswick— a White headed venerable Man desired to be admitted to the President. when he came in, he bowd respectfully and said he was happy to see him inquired if that was his Lady? I came said he many miles this morning on purpose. I told my wife this morning that I would come, and she said why aint you affraid. no said I, why do you think I should be affraid to go and see my Father? this was said with so much hearty sincerity, that to me it was of more value, than the whole Military calvalcade of Pensilvannia
        write me often, and / remember me affectionatly to all Friends— / Yours as ever

          Abigail Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 15 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, William

          my Dear sir
          November 15th 1797 Philadelphia

        After an absence of near four Months I returned, to this City the last week. I am disposed to renew my correspondence with you, if you can find leisure to attend it.
        The fraternal regard and affection which for many years subsisted between you and my sons is not lessned by time, or diminished by absence, but I trust has grown ripened, and matured by age, and like the Affection of your parents for each other, will burn with undiminished brightness untill the Lamp of Life is extinguishd; for never were sisters more tenderly united or more strongly attached to each other than your Dear Mother, and your affectionate Aunt, and the strong union between our Children has ever been a source of pleasure to me.
        upon this principle I communicate to you the inclosed Letters, with a confidence that I trust them to safe and honorable Hands— there are some parts of them, you are at Liberty to publish; and I am confident you will not permit them to appear before the publick in so incorrect a manner, as mr Webster has some times done, by those which have been Committed to him. yet he has been frequently indebted to those very Letters for the Summary he has often given of French affairs to the publick. Those parts which I have

thought might be communicated are Ist a Letter from JQA, dated Hague June 26th, beginning Top of the last page, “The negotiations for Peace” one from JQA, to me dated Maasluys, July 6th, 1797 beginning with “our Situation with that Country” say France, in lieu of that country say Gen’ll P——y, one from JQA, to me, dated London july 29th, beginning “my Means of communication, are very much reduced since I left blank[”] one from TBA to me dated London August 17th beginning with, “The Debates in Congress.”
        From those Letters inclosed which are written to the President, you may make such a selection by way of communication as you conceive may tend to Englighten our Countrymen in the views and intrigues of France as they respect America. I have thought the Character of Pastoret as drawn in the Letter dated July 2d might be usefull, and the whole of the last page of the Letter dated sepbr 11th mentioning the publication of Burks and the reflections which follow.
        I have sent you the Letters intire that you might have the whole before you at once, as they contain an accurate view of the gathering storm, which has since the dates of all, but the last, burst forth with a voilence which has rent assunder the Constitution of France, thrown down the pillars, and prostrated the whole fabrick, so that the pained imagination looks forward to a renewall of a Reign of Terror, and Scenes of horrour and Blood, which will cover that Devoted Nation, with “a Darkness visible”
        I have not seen a Washington paper untill my return here for several Months. I find a writer under the Signature of Aristidas, but by no means answering to the Character of the just, endeavouring to sow the seeds of Jealousy and distrust against the measures of Government and excite an oblique against the stamp Act. such disorganizing spirits ought to be consignd to the Regions of Darkness from whence they spring— Mr Burk in describing the progress of the French spirit, “observes, that the seeds are sown almost every where, chiefly by News paper circulations infinately more efficacious and extensive than ever they were, and they are a more important instrument than generally is imagined. They are a part of the reading of all, they are the whole of the reading of the far greater Number the writers of them, (speaking of French papers) for the greater part, are either unknown, or in contempt, but they are like a battery, in which the stroke of any one Ball, produces no great effect, but the amount of continual repetition is decisive. Let

us suffer any person to tell us his Story, morning and Evening but for one twelvemonth, and he will become our Master.” I think with few variations these observations will apply to our Jacobin papers, every good Man should as far as his influence extends, aid, in counteracting these incendaries
        I am daily in hopes of hearing of the arrival of mr Johnson & Family in Maryland. I begin to feel anxious for them, knowing that they saild early in sep’br. will you be so kind as to give me early information. they mean to setle in washingtown, and will be a valuable acquisition to it. I hope you will visit them and Mrs Cranch. they are a very domestic Family, as such you will be pleased with them. I was sorry to learn as I did to day by a Letter from your Mother, that Mrs Cranch had been unwell. tell her she must keep up her spirits. it is a long lane which has no turn. who of us is exempt from trouble, and sorrow of some kind? my daughter in Law has like her, forsaken Father & Mother and sisters, and gone into a foreign Land without one natural connection. it is a hard trial, I know by experience what it is, to be seperated from all those Dear Relatives. few persons have so often been exercised as I have, but we live not for ourselves—
        When you have perused the inclosed Letters you will be So good as to return them to Your affectionate / Aunt

          Abigail Adams—


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 16 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, William

            my dear sir
            Philadelphia Novbr 16 1797

          I wrote you from East Chester and inclosed you 90 dollors to pay a Note in mr Frothinghams hands. I have not received a line in acknowledgment of the letter, which makes me a little anxious for its fate. you was so good as to Say you would send me Some salt fish. I should like a couple of kental to treat our good Massachusetts Friends. I will thank you to send it by one of the first vessels, and 6 Gallons of neats foot oil from Hughs—Brislr says he used to buy it there at half a dollor pr Gallon—
          we reachd here on the tenth, and found our Family all well. from the Mobility who appeard in the Streets on the Day of our arrival, no one could have imagined that there had been either sickness or deaths in this place. in short it is like the wave of the sea, when it is past no vestage remains, I am affraid not even in their Hearts. You cannot affront a Philadelphian more than by intimating that the fever originated with them.
          No congress yet a House was made yesterday but no senate, nor are they like to make one this week the Vice President is detaind by a Law suit, which is still on trial, and will not be here this fortnight. mr Tazewell is sick. no loss neither— no certain accounts of the arrival of our Envoys, and poor souls what can they do when they get there. what but voilence is to be seen in that devoted Nation, honour & justice, Religion & virtue are fled from the land, or so abashed that their voice is not heard. I have not the smallest hope remaining that any thing durable can be effected with a people or Government, which to day is and tomorrow is not.
          I hope Mrs smith and your little flock are well. give my Love to them. Mrs Cranch wrote me that mrs Welch was unwell. I hope she is better pray let me know, and acquaint me if mrs Gill is like to recover—
          I am dear sir affectionatly / Your

            A Adams

          your sister otis and Family are well Love to cousin Betsy


Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 18 November 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

          Dear sir
          Philadelphia Nov. 18. 1797

        I have received your favour of the 3d and am much obliged to you for it and equally pleased with its Contents.
        I agree with you in opinion that it will be well to rebuild the Wall against Hardwick: to renew the Leases as soon as possible with French and Burrill, if they choose to do so, and to plough and cart manure as you propose.
        I am very glad the Meadow is ploughed. This is a great Point gained.
        I shall Send a quantity of Clover seed for all the Places and some extraordinary Yellow Corn for Seed next Year— Barley for Seed must be purchased. This is not the Place for that kind of small Grain.
        We dont hear half so much Said here about the Yellow fever as you do in Weymouth— It is wholly gone as all Men agree. Yesterday We had a snow and to day a clear cold Northwester a State of the Air which would have killed the Miasmata, if there were as many of them as ever.
        The senate have not formed a quorum however, not so much from fear of the disease as from the real sickness at home of several

of the members, and the Obligations several others are under of Attending as Judges or Council upon their Judicial Courts—at home. a Circumstance which with many others shews the Impropriety of adjourning to so early a day.
        Another Paroxism at Paris and a renewal of the War.! Have a Care!
        What are We to expect from our Negotiation? Europe seems to be one burning mountain, whose Bowells are full of Materials for Combustion. though they lie inactive for a time you can never know when you are safe, for the next hour or Moment may produce an Explosion.
        My Respects to Mrs Tufts and all / the Family— I am your sincere and / affectionate friend

          John Adams


Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 19 November 1797
From: Cranch, Mary Smith
To: Adams, Abigail

            Dear Sister
            Quincy November 19th 1797

          That you have reciev’d but one Letter from me my dear Sister is not because I have not written I cannot think where they are detain’d— they were address’d to the President & to the care of charles Adams Counsellor at Law—as the President directed. I have sent three. I have not written So often as I would have done if I had not been much taken up with Company & Family cares.— I have been oblg’d to write much to Washington— mrs Cranch & the children have been very ill dangerously So— She has been So distress’d about her Parents & Friends that She made herself quite Sick. she had been a Bed but three weeks when miss Elliot left her—that almost broke her heart. She was weak— my Son went to Philadelphia with Eliz So that she was quite alone— She had just heard of her Brother Jame’s confinement also, & mr webster wrote them that her Parents had not a dollar to procure them a loaf of bread. he had been in Boston & left them in this state— he was not pleas’d that my Son did not comply with his proposal I suppose but how evvil! to distress nancy in this manner if they were So destitute why did he not releave them he kept at their house while in town & might have done something for them or his sister Bell?.— When my Son return’d he

found his wife a prey to melancholy She had lost her appetete, her Bowels had got into a relax’d state, & attended with a Slow fever. willm. was very sick also, & with the Same complaint— She at last utter’d all her troubles to me. her dissorder remain’d four months & my Son wrote me She & willm. both were reduc’d to Skin & bones—that her milk was almost gone & her Baby Suffering for want of its food.— I have been Seriously alarm’d for her.— I set myself to endeavour to heal both Body & mind. they thought willm. was occation’d by breeding Teeth & did not attempt to check his till the child was almost gone— I have written her a Letter a week every Since you left me & I hope I have done her some good. She writes me—she & the children are much better. I set her mind at rest about her Parents they have never wanted the comforts of Life to be Sure the Family have been distress’d by the misfortunes of mr J Greenleaf—but confin’d as he is, he has not let his Parents want. they are gone to spend the winter with Colln. Pope at Bedford. the Colln. Says he will put mr G in a way to support himself— mrs Bell has taken a House at charlestown & will open a School or take Boarders If her Father succeeds he will send for her unless She should be doing better they mean to take a Small house at Bedford in the spring.—
          The Humour Lucy had in her mouth when you went away has fallen into her Breast— I went to Boston & found her so unwell that I brought her here the week before last She has been confin’d ever since her Breast broke last week & she is better but her mouth is now sore again She will return as soon as she is able—but I think her Blood must be mended She & mrs Norton (who is very well) send their Duty to the President & you—
          I Shall be glad if mr Johnson Should Settle in washington Such Families will make the city respectable I do not wonder that mr Adams wishes to retain his Brother— I suppose you in Philadelphia I hope the Sickness has left it. but I think it must be a melancholy place
          What work again in France— will they ever be a Settled people can any thing be more tyranical than their late conduct mr Tudor is return’d a flaming Jackn. I hear—
          I have not been unmindful of your carpets & have had them taken care of. your Butter cheese & pork would you not have part sent to you? the Doctor has talk’d with me about it. do write us. your Legs Shoulders &c I Shall take & Bacon for you & send you as much as you wish for if you will give direction Some I hope you will want

here. If there is any thing I can do for you pray write me— did you take mrs Smith with you. has She not heard from the Colln yet? I am full of concern for her my Love to her wherever she is. her children were well a week or two Since— I have not had a line from sister Since one which accompany’d yours which I sent on to you.— I think you had not receiv’d it when you wrote to me & yet Where can it be tis three weeks or a month since we sent it
          I can tell you a great peice of news— Thomson Baxter is Publish’d to a miss Ann Whitman of Bridgwater!!! I very believe the forlorn Situation of mr Wibird has frighten’d him—& that he had rather be married than be ——— I think to congratulate mr wibird—but what a dreadful alternative for poor Baxter—
          remember me most affectionately to the President & pray tell Louissa I love her dearly— I have had a Letter from her Brother William in a more “Smart full thinking” way than what he wrote his sister it troubles us all I hope Isaac will send a proper [one?] Cousen Betsy has written to him— She is greiv’d that her sister has not receiv’d her letters— She has written frequently.— I did so little work last winter that I have never got it before hand since & Polly chandlers absence has thrown a great deal of care & labour upon me which I have not had for many years—not since my daughters were grown up. I find less time to write for that
          most affectionately adieu

            M Cranch

          this is long [mater?]. Short was receiv’d yesterday


Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 21 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Smith, William

            Dear sir
            Philadelphia Novbr 21. 1797

          I received your obliging favour of Novbr 8th the day after I last wrote you. I inclose the amount of your account with many thanks for your kindness—
          The Betsy is arrived with the fish, and if my cook can be taught to dress it, some of our Nothern Friends shall Toast your Health.
          The state of N Jersey as you observe, most certainly manifested a very marked respect and approbation of the Government by the unfeigned, and affectionate reception which they gave to the President, some personal instances could not fail of impressing the Heart.
          It was oweing to a mistake in the post office, that the invitation to dine at Trentown on the 9th was not received, and accepted. I was sorry for the dissapointment, as the Legislature were sitting, and the Dinner prepared. The Govenour of the state with a numerous concourse of Persons, and a Troop of Light Horse met us 6 miles from Trentown, to accompany us into Town— The President stoped and deliverd his answer to the address— I past on and crossd the Ferry, in about half an hour. the whole procession came to the Ferry, and waited on the opposite side untill the President reachd the Pensilvanna side accompanied by the Govenour the Marshal and several officers, where they took an affectionate Leave of us— if the publick were to judge of our reception here by Ben Baches account of it, they might suppose that we were deliverd over to satan to be buffetted by his imps so far as it respects that contemptable Hireling. it is true, but Pensilvanna at no time, can bear a comparison with N England in their Militia, clogd as they are by the spirit of Quakerism and cursd as they are by the spirit of Jacobinism. they are a House divided against itself. the greater Number of their officers, I have the Authority of their Marshal for it, are taken from the lowest grade of Society. few of them can read or write, and are Popular demagogues who can procure votes for a Govenour, by mixing with the Herd. to do them all the justice they deserve, on this occasion, they made as good an appearence as they could. they were well clad and mounted. there is a Triumvirate of Printers in Boston N york and Philadelphia who richly deserve that French Freedom and Liberty which has been excercised against 18 or 20 Printers in France—

          since I wrote you last we have reason to think that both mr Marshal & Gerry are arrived. no offical account of mr Gerry, yet report thus states it— no senate yet formed. our Weather is very cold for November. if there should be any quantity of good oats to be sold this fall as low as 2 shillings or two and 4 pence, will you be so good as to take a Hundred Bushels and send our people word to come for them. in the spring they are scarce—
          my best Regards to all Friends / affectionatly yours,

            A Adams—

          inclosed is 60 dollors please to pay the overpluss to mrs smith for sundries she has against me


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

          my Dear Son
          Philadelphia Novbr 23d 1797

        I am under obligations to you my dear son, for keeping up so regularly, and so constantly your correspondence with me; notwithstanding your various publick employments and private engagements, and I consider myself as very fortunate in receiving your Letters, tho frequently of an old date, owing to the circuitous route they have to make.
        By mr Fisher of this city I received a few Days Since the joint Letter written by you and your amiable partner; accompanied by the Sattin, which is very excellent. I did not receive with it any Bill of it, nor have I received any account of the cost of my watch. I cannot by any means assent to this. I had no intention to lay a Tax upon you. I therefore request you to send me an order to pay the amount to Dr Welch, or your Brother Charles who I know have your pecuniary affairs in their hands. I have written to you already upon this Subject.
        I had hoped I should have been able by this Time, to have congratulated you and my Dear Daughter upon the arrival of her Parents in America. I shall not fail of giving the earliest intelligence to you. Your Friend mr otis has spent the Evening here, and says young mr Johnson is very well. he will come on as soon as his Parents arrive.
        I will send you by this opportunity Some Newspapers. the reason why I have not been more attentive on this subject, is that I knew

the secretary of state was to send you regularly the papers from hence. I supposed the postage must be a heavy Charge. at present the papers contain little besides the affairs of Europe Which you have much nearer to you, than we have, or desire to have
        your Father and I left Philadelphia as soon after the rising of Congress in july last, as we could, and we have been absent near four Months. we were detaind a Month longer than we intended by the breaking out of that deadly disease, the yellow fever in this city, which but for the fleeing of the inhabitants to the number of thirty Thousand, would have made as great ravage as in the year 1793 the Frost only puts a stop to it. we returnd here on the 11th, Congress were adjournd to the 13th, but oweing to the dread of that Disease they have not been able to make a Congress untill this day.
        Mr Hall arrived in N York on the 7th. I saw him a few moments only. he brought your Letters of August 10 & 31, and sep’br 11th which is the latest date received from you. the papers and Books he also deliverd, but fears he has lost a Ring which he says he had for me. I fancy it was a lock of my New Daughters Hair I the more regreet it, as I suppose it came from her.
        I have received a Letter from you july 6th dated Maasluys one of july 28 and one of july 29th. tho I have before acknowledgd the receipt of all these Letters, yet I repeat it, as this may possibly reach you before those; I have inclosed to you a duplicate of a Letter from your Father, in hopes that the reasons alledged in it for a change of your mission, will satisfy Your scruples. I am also desired to forward to you a Letter from the President of Harvered Colledge. in a former Letter I informd you that you were unanimously Elected a Member of the Academy of Arts and Sciencies, at their last meeting.
        The affairs of Europe are so Surrounded with clouds, and enveloped in darkness, that the wisest Politicien with the most Scientific Eye cannot penetrate their mazes, nor trace the regular Confusion. The raging of the Sea, and the Tumult of the people have been aptly compared; who can say to either, thus far shalt thou go, and no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed; or peace be Still. None but He who rides in the Whirlwind, and directs the storm, can calm the contending Nations. unto him I commit “the hour the Day, the Year,” and view with Awe this astonishing Revolution. happy indeed if we may be permitted to escape the calamities of War, tho cruelly Buffeted and Maltreated. the opening Session of

Congress will soon develope the sentiments of the people, who have heitherto been disposed to bless them, who have cursed them, and do good to those who have despightfully used them; you will find the sentiments of the President unchanged, as his Speech will shew you. he therefore in few words rcommends to the two Houses the former system. I can write to you only in general terms without that freedom of communication which is desirable, but which might expose more than myself.
        Your old school mate Bache goes on in his old way loosing altogether the Character of Gentleman, by a low malicious kind of abuse and scurility. if he ever had any of the milk of Humane kindness, it is all turnd to vinigar, and I believe he is a very misirable Being, for he cannot but feel, that all good Men despise him, and who is hardy enough to brave contempt?
        I fear your Father will not get time to write at all by this opportunity, as he is overwhelmd with Buisness at this Time—
        This Day we have the first official account of the arrival of Gen’ll Marshall and mr Gerry and of their proceeding to France, but from whence are we to look for justice?
        I will write to mrs Adams and to Thomas if I can by this opportunity. our Friends are all well. my own Health has been much mended by my frequent journeys and your Father supports the fatigues of his office much better than I expected; The vice President has not yet arrived. he is detained by a suit at Law in which he is much interested. Mr Read of Carolina is President pro Tem. I am my Dear Son with the sincerest wishes for your Health and prosperity your ever affectionate / Mother

          A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to Louisa Catherine Adams, 24 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine

          my Dear Daughter
          Philadelphia November 24 1797

        Thus has my son given me a legal right to address you. I feel also, that I have an affectionate right devolved to me from him, to stile you thus. it would have given me great pleasure to have embraced you as Such in America, but as it has been otherways ordered, I must submit to that destiny which has through the greater part of my Life seperated me from my dearest connections.
        I feel a tender sympathy for you that at this early period of your days, you are Seperated from all your Natural connections, and introduced into a new and untried scene of Life. I should feel still more solisitude, if I had not been assured of your attachment to Domestic Life, and of your possessing those mental accomplishments, which need not seek abroad for entertainment, and those qualities of the Heart which assimulate you by the strongest bonds of affection, to the well Chosen partner of your Heart. long may you live, mutual blessings to each other ameliorating the Rugged path of Life

          with “Every Matron grace combin’d
          Chast deportment, artless Mien
          Converse sweet, and Heart serene”

        Strengthen the bond of union between us my Dear Louissa by a frequent communication by Letters your observations and remarks upon the new scenes before you and the Manners and customs of Foreign Nations, will both amuse and entertain me, always however keeping in mind, your own public Character, and the Critical Times in which we Live. I recommend to your sisterly kindness my Dear Thomas. I have received from under his Hand a gratefull acknowledgment of the Hospitality of your whole Family towards him— I hope e’er long to welcome them all to America.
        your Father directs me to Say for him, that he is already prepared to Love you, from the amiable Character he has received of you from all who know you—
        accept my dear Daughter, the sincere / Regard of your / affectionate Mother

          Abigail Adams


Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 24 November 1797
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, Abigail

          Dear Madm.
          Weymouth Novr. 24. 1797—

        I received Your Favour of Octobr. 17. last, and have agreably to your Request consulted Deacn Pierce, respecting an Addition to your Dwelling House, He is of opinion that if an Addition be made in Front, (which He supposes to be practicable) it will be necessary to take the east Chimney down; the Floors below & in the Chambers must be taken up as well as some other Parts of the Rooms— upon the whole he does not advise to that Addition, but think thinks that adding 25 or 30 Feet on to that Part of the West End of the House which makes the Kitchen or otherwise extending it into the Garden, beginning at the End of the Brickwork as it joins on to your large Closet and running Northward to the End of that side of the House, would be most likely to compass Your Wants— I desird the Deacon to give me a Plan of it, it has been made some Days, but have not had an Opportunity to send for it— The Stones for the Woodhouse Cellar are collecting, To accomplish your Wishes with

respect to this Building, It appears to me to be necessary to add 12 Feet on the Back of the woodhouse or if you thought best you might carry it the whole length of the Library office— perhaps it may be best to placce the Chimney on the Side of the Room adjoyning the office rather than at the End, I doubt whether it will answer to build the Chimney on the outside as you proposed— A Fire Place & oven will be wanting, this must rest on Stone or Brick at least 6 by 9 Feet— However I propose to consult Mr. Newcomb and will write you further upon this as well as upon the Addition above mentiond with the Plan— As you left no Directions what You would have done with the Legs & Shoulders of Pork, I mentiond it to Mrs. Cranch and she consented to take them & prepare them for smoking, and have told Porter to deliver them to her for that Purpose
        as soon as I have an opportunity shall put up a Barrell of Burrells Cheese and forward to you— The St. Germain Pears I found to be so knotted & few in Quantity, that I thought You would not wish to have them sent, nor will they answer for the Market, and shall take the Liberty to distribute them among your Friends— I have wrote in great Haste & with a Head confused, have not Time to copy—
        Your Affectionate Friend & Kinsman

          Cotton Tufts


Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 27 November 1797
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sr.
          Weymouth Novr. 27. 1797

        Since my last to you, Porter has finishd ploughing the Meadow on the back of your House, the lucky Moment was embraced for the purpose, no Time before or since would have answer’d. the Land by Bass is also broke up— The Manure in the Dung yard has been ploughd several Times and a considerable part of it carried upon the Clover Field on the Hill and on the Land designd for Barley, the latter would have been ploughd before this, had not the severe cold Weather prevented The Manure that would be wanted on the Hill, it was thought best to get there before the Spring, as the Hill at that Time of the Year is very spongy— There has been a great Scarcity of Sea Weed this fall, but little could be collected— The cold Weather sits in with Violence, that I fear they will not be able to get

much, although some late Storms have thrown considerable on the Shores—
        As there will be some Fire Wood to be collected this Winter, Would it not be best to take a Piece and cut it smooth, rather than to ramble about the Lots for it— Mr. Porter observed, that He thought the Growth of Wood in your Lots had been injurd by consulting the Ease & Convenience of cutting & getting it, rather the Benefit of the Woodlot—
        For a fortnight past, the Weather has been cold, the Thermomr. for several Days stood from 20 to 25— this Morning it stands at 19°.
        With fervent Wishes for your Peace Comfort & Happiness / I am Your Affectionate Friend & H Servt.

          Cotton Tufts—


Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 28 November 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

            my dear sister
            Philadelphia Novbr. 28th 1797

          I received your kind Letter of Nov’br. 19th by this days post. I had previously received two others both of which I had replied to, but I do not know how to pass a week without hearing from you. at the same time I received your Letter, I also had one from mrs smith informing me that She had received Letters from the col of 2d of Nov’br and that he had written her word that he Should be home soon. she accordingly gave up the thoughts of comeing to Philadelphia, which is a very great dissapointment to me. I fear she will be waiting & expecting, expecting & waiting, the rest of the Winter, but I cannot advise her not to stay a reasonable time. she writes me in anxiety at not hearing a word from her Aunt. sister Peabody did not use to be inattentive to her Friends— She knows the Boys are well and happy, but She should know that there Mother is not so, and for that reason is the more anxious for her Children, and wishes to have it to say that she hears often from them; for she may be blamed for placing them at such a distance from her, without considering the utility it is of to the Children— I have written repeatedly so has mrs smith, both to sister and the Children— before I left home I wrote & inclosed in one Letter a ten Dollor Bill. I never received any acknowledgment of it. Betsy should write if her Mamma cannot. pray do You represent the matter to her. I have

requested that all Letters may be sent on under cover to the President at Philadelphia, and I will see them forwarded.
          The city of Philadelphia is very Healthy at this time. I have had my Health much better than for several years past. I have not had a single days confinement since I left Quincy. the President took a bad cold by riding with the carriage windows down a very raw day in complasance to the Military, and was confined ten days after we came here, but good Nursing got the better of it. The senate and House have dispatchd their answers already to the speech. I believe they were asshamd of their delay the last session. What said the Duke de Liancourt to the President, soon after the late constitution was adopted in France, do you think of our Constitution? I think replied the President, who was then vice President I think that the directory are Daniel in the Lions Den. the Directory however, saw their Fate, and having an Army at their beck, banishd the Lions, before they devoured them but still the Den ya   for them and will sooner or later have them.
          the measure of their iniquity is not yet full, they are instruments in the hands of Providence to scourge the nations of the Earth.

            29th

          Mr Bartlet from Haverhill attended the Levee. I requested the President to ask him to take a Family dinner with us, which he did, and I was happy to learn by him that he brought Letters to Mrs smith, so that I hope her mind is more at ease. I did now however get any, but that as I hear they are well I do not So much care for— I will thank you to make my Bacon for me, and when it is fit to smoak let mr Belcher carry it to the same place he got the other smoakd at but I do not want it here. God Willing I will eat it at Home, & stay not an hour here longer than Duty requires— I should like to have a Barrel of cheese sent if can come immediatly otherways I fear we shall be frozen up— as to Butter I do not know as I am not there to work it myself I fear it will not be put up so as to keep. I hope mrs Pope will not forget me. pork I should like to have a plenty of that.
          I inclose you a 5 dollor Bill I forgot amongst my Pensioners old Mrs Hayden. pray send her two, and get some salt peter & Molasses with the other to do my Bacon. Will you be so good as to see that Pheby does not suffer for wood or any necessary.—
          I this moment have received a Letter from your son of 21 Nov’br a

very excellent Letter. he writes me that Mrs Cranch was better, that Richard had been sick with the Quincy but was better William had a bad cold. he is doing well I hope. he writes in pretty good spirits. no News of mr Johnsons Family tho they saild the 10 of sepbr. I am under great fears for them
          I think Baxters resolution a good one. the next News I expect the parson will be courting— I am sorry to hear Mrs Greenleaf has been so unwell. my Love to her and mrs Norten a kind remembrance to all Friends / affectionatly your / sister

            A Adams


Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 December 1797
From: Adams, Abigail
To: Adams, John Quincy

          my Dear son
          Philadelphia December 2 1797

        I have the pleasure of informing you and Mrs Adams of the safe arrival of mr Johnson and Family in George Town on the 25 of November, after a passage of 60 Days. I heard from mr Cranch that the Family were all well. I had written to him previous to their arrival to give me immediate notice of it, and I yesterday had the Satisfaction of writing to mrs Johnson to congratulate her upon her arrival in America, as I now do both you and my dear Daughter, for when I wrote last to you both; I was under very serious concern for their safety tho I dared not to express it to you.

        I wrote to you last week by way of Hamburgh, and inclosed to you the speech at the opening of the Present Session of Congress. I now send you the answer of the senate and House. heitherto there has appeard a disposition to moderation Cander and uninimity. I sincerely hope they will have but one object before them, the ultimate Good of the Country. I sent you last week by way of Hamburgh a mess medly of News papers, from different parts of the union, that you might see the politicks of them collectively there were two or three Virgina papers which containd a Series of Numbers under the signature of Aristidas. these have been published in the Washington Gazzet. I have learnt from a correspondent there, that the supposed Author, is a Doctor Brown, Brother of the senator of that name from Kentucky. he has lately returnd from Edinburgh where he received a medical Education. he establishd himself in the city of Washington, and became the founder of a Jacobinical club, at the Head of which was placed, a dr Cuningham by Birth an Irishman and a Roman Catholic, but excommunicated for infidelity, and now openly atheestical but a Justice of Peace, and a Distiller of Whisky—a man possesst of some talents with a smattering of learning. the rest of the club were composed Chiefly of Foreigeners of no Education. in this hopefull Society, publick measures were discusst and from this fountain, and Similar ones, have issued most of the foul streams which have polluted our Country, from Men of no Principles, no Religion, and no Country. Brown finding his sentiments not Congenial to the taste of the inhabitants of Washington, removed to Kentucky as a Soil more congenial to them. the design of these publications is to decry the Government of the united states, and to recommend one similar to the French constitution, with a directory. fortunately for America, the French are not Stationary enough in their Political career, for to recommend their Government to Americans. The Age of frenzy I hope is passed, and giving place to the Age of Reason, and cool reflection. I have been thus minute in this History that you might know who are made use of, to spread the Principles of anarchy and confusion amongst us. this city abounds in such Characters. here is the focus, yet with all their exertions, there cause grows into disrepute, and is daily weakning. should we be forced into a war, which God forbid, parties would again assume a face of voilence
        My Love to Thomas. I do not forget him tho I have not written to him by these two last conveyences— I am most sincerely and / affectionatly yours &c.