John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 February 1777
John Adams to Abigail Adams
Baltimore Feb. 18. 1777
I shall inclose with this a Newspaper or two.
I am as yet in tollerable Health. My Eyes are somewhat troublesome. I believe I must assume the Appearance of Wisdom, Age and Gravity and put on Spectacles to walk in, about the Streets.
I hear nothing from you, nor from any Part of New England, but I am endeavouring to devise some better Regulations of the Post Office, so that I hope that Channell of Communication will be opened.1
We are told that the Air of Baltimore is unhealthy, and I confess I should dread it, if I were to stay here long. But We shall soon remove.
You may write now by the Post. I am very anxious to hear from you, and to know the State of public Affairs, in your Part of the World.
I have written by Mr. Hall a Resignation of an Office. I suppose it will make a Noise. But I hope not much. I cant help it. But should be glad to hear from you, how it is received. I hope they will fill it up soon, that the Talk may be soon over.
I could not be, at the same Time in Maryland and Massachusetts Bay, which was Reason enough for the Measure, if I had no other, but I have many more, and much stronger.
I have not Health enough, and never shall have to discharge such a Trust. I can but just keep myself alive, and in tollerable Spirits when I am master of my own Time and Course of Life. But this is not all.
I am not formal and ceremonious enough for such a stiff Situation.—But you know I have many Reasons more.
RC (Adams Papers); docketed in pencil by AA. Enclosed newspapers not found or identified.
1. On 17 Feb. JA was named one of five members of a committee “to revise the regulations of the post office, and report a plan of carrying it on, so as to render the conveyance of intelligence more expeditious and certain” (, 7:127). The committee brought in a report on the 25th, which was read and tabled; the MS is in the hand of the chairman, Thomas Heyward; text printed in same, p. 153–154. For subsequent efforts toward the same end in April and October, see same, p. 258, and vol. 9:816–817.