51John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I Send you, at present the Negotiations with M r Hammond as I sent you before those with M r Genet. I wish I could send you “The Example of France a Warning to Britain” a Pamphlet of Arthur Young the Secretary of Sir John Sinclairs Agricultural Society: but it is borrowed and must be returned. He is more Burkish than Burke I think. Congress will do little this session I believe and perhaps the...
52John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Presidents Speech is so important to the Public that I know you will be anxious to See it as early as possible. When the Answers of the two Houses come to be debated We shall See whether there are any Apologists for Rebellion, in these Sanctuaries. As M r Edwards of Kentucky appeared in Senate to Day, We can do Business if one Member should be Sick, but it will be very inconvenient to have...
53John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
Our Coach is Still immoveable. The Anarchical Warriours are beat out of all their Entrechments by the Arguments of the Friends of Peace and order. But Party Spirit is blind and deaf. totally destitute of Candour—unfeeling to every candid sentiment. The People are alarmed and Petitions are coming from all Quarters, mostly in favour of the Treaty. The Business will not be finished, if the first...
54John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
I Spent a pleasant Day before Yesterday with M rs Smith and her Children at East Chester where they now live. At night the Col & his two Brothers came home from hunting Patridges and Quails an Amusement which had engaged them two Days. Halcyon Days are over, at that house but Horses are still very plenty. Yesterday I came to Town and have been happy with My son and Daughter here. The Baby is...
55John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
Through the finest Fields of Wheat Rye, Barley Oats and Clover, but very indifferent Roads We arrived on Saturday all well The Senators to the Number of five or six and twenty are in Town and will meet in this Chamber at Eleven O Clock. I can form no Judgment how long We shall sitt. I congratulate you and all good People on the favourable decision of the Elections in New York which indicates a...
56John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 10 th and a Cordial it was, for I began to be fearful for your health. Louisa is a good Girl for writing Such comfortable Accounts from home— I believe the Farm looks well.— I am grieved for my Dear Johnny. He must go home with Us for northern Air. My Love to all. When I shall get away from this City is uncertain: but I have no hopes of being excused before the End of...
57John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 4 th. arrived by Yesterdays post. The Votes on the important day you mention, are now known to have been unanimous as far as Cheasapeak Bay, excepting one in Pensilvania and all in New York. The whole Flock in Virginia as well as in N.Y. run for M r Clinton. They tell me it is a compleat Tryumph of Fœderalism over Antifœderalism: but I own I can See no Tryumph in obtaining...
58John Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 8. March is just put into my hand.— My beloved Mother is very near my heart and has Spread a gloom over my Days from the first of her Illness. I must resign her to the Disposition of the supreme Ruler and prepare to follow her Example if I can in Life and in Death. My Love to my Brother and his Family who will be sincere Mourners with me and you upon this occasion. It grieves me...
59John Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
just rc d yr s of 8. 9. 13 th. return sister Peabodys lovely Letter. John’s is gone to the P.— I could not withhold it. All thoughts of building a Barn or Coach house I must lay aside for this Year— I cant bear the thought of it.— My head and hands are so full—and Expences so great. in March I will send Provision for Taxes, Haydens Note &c French may break up the 4 Acres if he will. Brisler...
60John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have taken an House, and now wish you to come on, as soon as possible.— It will be necessary to send by Water all the Carpets that are not in Use, and several Beds, Bedsteads, Bedding Bed and Table Linnen,—Plate, China &c if you can convey it to Providence would come better that Way. The House is on the North River about a mile out of the City, in a fine situation, a good Stable, Coach...
61John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
This being one of the pleasant Days of the Week, Thursday the Post brought me your kind Letter of the 16 th. — The News of The Alfred was written me the Day or next Morning of its Arrival in Boston by our ever kind and attentive friends D r Welch and Mr Smith, and I should have instantly written it to you, with great Joy if I had not known, that you must have had it, much sooner than I from...
62John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Indisposition of my ever honoured and beloved Mother gives me a very tender Anxiety— I hope she may yet get the better of her Disorder and enjoy a good share of Health— remember me to her in the most affectionate and dutiful manner You ask me if I wish to give any Directions. I pray you not to let the good old Lady know that you have asked or I answered such a Question. But if the...
63John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Presbyterian Congregation have voted me the front Pew in their Church for my Family. It is an elegant new Building and the Pew is large I have bought me a Pair of Young Horses for a Carriage and a saddle horse. The Birthday was affecting and the Night Splendid but tedious to those who were too old to dance. I have now Settled all My Accounts with the senate as you will see by the inclosed...
64John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 16 th .— I have taken a large and handsome house, in a beautiful Situation, about two miles out of the City, upon the North River. The Rent is less, than I must have given for a much meaner house in Town, without any such accommodations of Stable Garden, Pasture &c I now desire you to come on, as soon as possible, and to Send by Tirrell, or some other Vessel,...
65John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 January 1795 (Adams Papers)
I wish you a happy New Year, and a Repetition of happy New Years as long as Time shall endure: not here below, because I shall want you in another Country, better than this. What do you say? shall I keep a national Thanksgiving with you? I hope before that Day We shall have good News from all our Family, tho We cannot be all together. Compliments of the Season to Louisa & all my good friends....
66John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Slip from Benjamins Paper of this Morning will Shew you that the Electioneering Campaign is opened already. The “good Patriot, Statesman and Philosopher” is held up as the Successor. I am determined to be a Silent Spectator of the silly and the wicked Game and to enjoy it as a Comedy a Farce or a Gymnastic Exhibition at Sadlers Wells or Astleys Amphitheatre. I will laugh let them...
67John Adams to Abigail Adams, 31 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have scarcely a moment to acknowledge the Rec t of your favour of 22 this instant put into my hand. I rejoice in the Recovery of my dear Mother and hope to see her, but I cannot say how soon. We the old Sachems have enough to do to restrain the Ardour of our young Warriors.— We shall Succeed however, I still hope, in preventing any very rash steps from being taken. There is a dishonourable...
68John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
Your Friends who are numerous enquire continually after your health and my answer is that you have not informed me that it is worse, from which my conclusion is that I hope it is better. The Noise of Election is over, and I have the Consolation to find that all the States which are fœderal have been unanimous for me, and all those in which the Antifœderalists were the predominant Party,...
69John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Sun is so bright and augurs Such heat that I am doubtful whether I shall go out to Landsdowne to dinner. I dined Yesterday at M r Wolcotts the Secretary of The Treasury with King Elsworth Cabot and a few others. The Conversation turn’d upon old times. One of the Company expressed such Inveteracy against my old Friend Gerry that I could not help taking up his Vindication. The future...
70John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
I returned, this Day the Visit of the ci-devant Duke De Liancourt. He is a Sensible Man. He is a Cousin German of the late Duke de la Rochefaucault, and inherited his Estate and for what I know his Titles: but neither the Estate nor Titles are of any Use at present.— What will be, the future destiny of these high Personages is a curious Problem. I endeavoured to impress upon him as I have upon...
71John Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Weather is here very hot and dry, which renders our daily Service in Congress more irksome and occasions Some Anxiety for the health of the People and more for the growth of the fruits. I hope you have more rain and less warmth. The House of R. have a Committee out, to prepare a Bill for the Ways and means: how Soon they will report I know not: how long it will take the Members after the...
72John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Post of the day brought me, your kind Letter of 26. Ult. The more I am charmed with your Bravery and Activity in farming the more I am mortified that my Letters in Answer to yours are so insignificant and insipid. I must leave all your Agriculture to your Judgment and the Advice of your Assitants. I sent you more Grass seeds with the Furniture, which I hope has arrived before now. M r...
73John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
Last Night the Consul General De la Tombe made me a Visit with your kind Letter of the 18 th. He looks older than When I last saw him and he is indeed a fortunate Man: He gave me many details of affairs in France: a gloomy Picture of the Reign of Terror and a Smiling one of the present Reign of Moderation: but he is not without Inquietude on the subject of a Constitution. By the Turn which the...
74John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
Some Senators are confident We shall rise tomorrow or next day. if so, I shall be with you on Sunday— But these Conjectures are always uncertain. I shall write you every day so that you will be apprized of the time when you may expect me. Both the public Dispatches and private Letters of our dear Boys are the delight of all who read them— No public Minister has ever given greater Satisfaction,...
75John Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your old Acquaintance M r Harrison of Cadiz will deliver you this, if you should not, as I hope you will, be Sett off for this place before he can reach Braintree.— I expect you, here indeed in a Week or ten days at farthest, from this date. M rs Washington is arrived. My House and Garden want us very much. We Shall be obliged to bring all our Furniture and most of our Books, except the Law...
76John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
It is a fortnight to day Since I had a Letter from you but it Seems to me a month— I cannot blame you for one of yours is worth four of mine. Three Bills, for laying Taxes are yet unfinished and there is little Reason to hope that they can be finished this Week, perhaps not before the End of the next. I cannot see much room to hope to get away before the first of June. a tedious Seven Months...
77John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Congress have passed the Law allowing 14,000 d to purchase furniture. The State Legislature have done nothing about their new House: so that I shall take the House the President is in, at a 1000 £ or 2700 dollars rent, nothing better can be done. M r Jefferson arrived Yesterday and came to visit me in the Evening. Tomorrow will be a worse day than the 8th. of Feb. was. We are to take the...
78John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Weather is cooler And the Minds of Men are calmed by the inclosed Communication. But A Sourd Party will plunge Us if possible. The most uncandid; the most hypocritical Part is acted to take Us in.— Protestations against War by those who are pushing every Thing that can force War, are not the Worst. The southern Men have Art enough to dupe northern ones to bring forwards measures, that the...
79John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 January 1795 (Adams Papers)
I dined yesterday with M r Hammond the British Minister who told me that M r Dunlap had just received a Dublin Paper of the 25 th of October, which he had Seen and read, in which was a Paragraph to this Effect, “M r Adams appointed Minister Resident from the United States of America to the states General had arrived in London and contradicted the Report of a Battle between General Wayne and...
80John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Birthday was celebrated Yesterday with as much Joy affection and Festivity as ever, and as it happened the New French Minister was then presented. Poor Genet I fear is undone— Bad as his Conduct has been I cannot but pity him. What will become of him I know not. The Name of his Successor is Fauchet. Gloomy as I was in expectation daily of afflicting News from home, I contented myself with...
81John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of Nov. 30, I received this morning. As every Thing conspires to keep me poor, I may as well give Way as not: so I will even agree to purchase Pratts Pew: But when I can send you Money to pay for it I know not— The Appropriation Bill is not passed and when it will be brought forward is uncertain, I will Send to the Treasury however and see if I can get a quarter without it. If I...
82John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 28 th. Ult. arrived this morning. before this time I hope you have received your furniture. We are Still endeavouring to preserve Peace. But one moves a Series of commercial Regulations, another a Sequestration of Debts, a third to prohibit all Intercourse with Britain, a fourth to issue Letters of Mark against Algerines, all tending to excite suspicions in Britain that We...
83John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 November 1789 (Adams Papers)
I am impatient to return but partly on Account of my Son who wishes to Stay at Colledge as long as he can, and partly, on Account of my Books and other Things which I wish to get ready before I go, to be sent to N. Y. I fear I shall not see you these three Weeks. I should however break away if I were not necessitated to wait for my horse, whose Lameness is not wholly cured. Excepting the...
84John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
I was not a little Surprized, a few days ago at receiving a Letter from D r Hutchinson as Secretary to the Philosophical society in this City certifying my Election as a Member of that Body. This Gentleman you know has been celebrated for his opposition to my Election as V.P. one of the Society since told me, that when I was nominated they all rose up and cryed out that I had been a Member...
85John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 November 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Weather has been so disagreable and the Roads so bad, that I have not been able to advance farther on my Journey than to Bulls Tavern in this Town where I arrived last night after an unpleasant ride in the snow from Springfield. It Snowed all last night and has blocked up the roads so that I cannot move onwards till monday. I have fallen into Several curious Conversations, on the road,...
86John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
We have floods of rain but no frost nor Snow and very little news. The Democrats continue to pelt as you will See by the inclosed Political Chess. We go on as We always have done, for the three first months of the Session, distributing Business into the hands of Committees, meeting and adjourning. The Gallery finds little Entertainment in our Debates. We have Seldom more than 30 or 40 in it...
87John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I believe I have not directly & expressly Answered your Letter, inclosing the Memorandum from M r Smith of the Price of a Chariot at Boston. I had before bespoke a new Chariot here, and it is or will be ready: so that there is an End of all further Enquiries about Carriages.— I hope as soon as the Point is legally settled you will have your Coach new Painted and all the Arms totally...
88John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I rec d Yesterday together your Letters of the 28. 29. and 30 th of January. It is impossible for me to give any Directions about our affairs at Quincy. I shall be hurried here with Business and Ceremony. I like your Plan to get Mears but fear he will not agree to it. When you come here I hope you will bring all the Women you want. I would not have any other than N. England Women in the House...
89John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
At Hartford, finding the Roads obstructed with Such Banks of Snow, as were impassable with Wheels I left my Chaise with M r Frederick Bull of that town to be sent to Boston, and my Horses to be sent after me, and took to the Mail Stage. We happened to have agreable Passengers, and arrived here on Wednesday night. as I had little sleep for several nights, I found myself fatigued, a little...
90John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
It is proper that I should apprize you, that the President has it in contemplation to Send your son to Holland, that you may recollect yourself and prepare for the Event. I make this Communication to you, in Confidence, at the desire of the President communicated to me Yesterday by the Secretary of State. You must keep it an entire Secret, untill it shall be announced to the Public in the...
91John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 November 1793 (Adams Papers)
We have had an agreable Journey to this Town, have been to Meeting all Day and heard two excellent Discourses from M r Strong: We are to drink Tea at Col Wadsworths. Trumbul and his Lady are at New Haven. At four or five O Clock in the Morning We proceed. The Weather to day is Soft and fine, tho We had last night a violent Wind & Rain. Accounts from Philadelphia are unanimous in favour of the...
92John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
This Day seven Years I first took my seat in Senate and I hope I shall not sit there seven Years longer. The H. continues constant—some Conjecture that by one means or another they will comply after sometime: but I see no present appearance of it. I pray with you for the Prosperity of Zion but that is all I can do. The Town of Boston is under a bad Influence in the Hands of unwise and I fear...
93John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
last night I arrived at Philadelphia in tolerable Health and found our Friends all well. I have concluded to accept of the kind offer of Mr and M rs Otis and taken a bed in their House. Thomas is charmingly accommodated and is very well. This Day decides whether I shall be a Farmer or a Statesman after next March. They have been flickering in the Newspapers and caballing in Parties: but how...
94John Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your favours of 18 th. and 19 th instant are so full of your Plans and Labours in Agriculture, that I begin to be jealous you will acquire a Reputation as a Farmer that will quite eclypse my own. I rejoice at length that all Tenants are dispossessed and that Land stock and Utensils are now at our own Disposal.— I am glad you have bought a Yoke of oxen and hope you will buy a farm horse. Our...
95John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
We go Slowly forward: So Slowly as to produce no Results, which is a better course than to run rapidly in a Career of Mischief. I go to Senate every day, read the News papers before I go and the Public Papers afterwards, see a few Friends once a Week, go to Church on Sundays; write now and then a Line to you and to Nabby: and oftener to Charles than to his Brothers to See if I can fix his...
96John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I rec d Yesterday your favour of 23. of Dec r. from Boston. The old Patrioch, has got a Name of Old Scrathum, or old Scratch or Some Such Oddity that will amuse the Blackguards for a time. M rs Storers Verses are very shrewd The Story of my Muteness, or Incapacity to talk, I almost wish were true.— On Some Occasions. D r Walters Politeness to be Sure is conspicuous. It is enough at present to...
97John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I had just Sent off to the Poet office, my Letter in which I requested a Diary of Husbandry when I went to The Senate Chamber where I found your Letter of the 10 th , which contained the very Thing I had asked for, very accurate & pleasing. I hope for a continuance of it, for nothing refreshes me like it, in the dull Solitude to which I am destined for four months. A Senate was made to Day, by...
98John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 November 1793 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here Yesterday, and had the Pleasure to dine with our Children and The Baron: All are very well and send their Duty. Charles is well, fat and handsome, and persists in the Line of Conduct which We so much approved. His Business increases & he will do well. Accounts from Philadelphia continue to be favourable. M r Otis has written for his Family to come on, as M rs Smith informs me....
99John Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
I dined Yesterday with M r Burr, who lives here in Style. A Number of Members of the House The Speaker M r Dayton among the Rest. It Seems to be the general Opinion that the House will express some Opinions unfavourable to the Treaty: but finally carry it into Effect. There is a good deal of Apprehension expressed for the Union, in Conversation. Some think and Say it cannot last. Such is the...
100John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I must finally conclude to request of you to come on to New York as soon as possible and bring Charles and Thomas both with you if you can— if they cannot come at present let them follow as soon as they can be permitted.— I design they shall both Spend the Vacation here at least.— I want your Advice about furniture and House. bring Polly Taylor with you.— You had better land on Long Island and...