Adams Papers

To John Adams from Joseph Priestley, January 1795

[Jan. 1795]

Dear Sir

I take the opportunity of my son’s going to Philadelphia <to> once more to beg your concurrence in the attempts we are making to remove several disadvantages we at present labour under in this place. A petition to incorporate the town is now I understand before Congress, or perhaps the state of Pennsylvania. This I suppose will pass without difficulty. But what I particuly wish your kind assistance in, is the extension of the post from Reading to this place, with the reduction of the present high price of postage. We have a scheme of sending a post coach to Reading, and by the same means the letters, and small parcells may be brought.

Several inconveniences arise from the want of a better communication with Philadelphia, especially with respect to my philosophical pursuits. But then I have more leisure here, and live at much less expence. My sons are settling as farmers in this neighbourhood; so that I have a prospect of being as happily situated here as I can expect to be anywhere; and truly thankful I am to have found such an asylum, after being harrassed as I have been in England. As, however, I have no wish to have any privilege of voting & [Law], I have no thoughts of being naturalized, but propose to live as a peacable stranger.

I am / Dear Sir Yours sincerely

J Priestley—

MHi: Adams Papers.

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