1From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 3 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Every Thing has happened, as I could wish Since I left you, excepting the delay of making Provision for my Subsistance; and this has proceeded from an Uncertainty what they ought to do. I am very easy on that Point, as I am determined to live in Proportion to my allowance. I beg leave to mention one Thing, which may be of Some consequence, both to the Public and to me.— If Thomas would...
2From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 12 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
The last Evenings Post favoured me with yours of the 6 th . Many Gentlemen are in favour of a national Excise: and Some would have the nation take upon itself all the State Debts. M r Morris particularly: but I cannot say what will be done. My Burthens are not very heavy: but my health is not very good.— I have been obliged to decide many questions on the Impost Bill, the Senate being equally...
3Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 17 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
Not being able to dispose of my oxen as I expected, & to have taken half the money for them, I do not find myself able to pay French without taking less than 50 Dollors with me, 46 of which it will take for my conveyence to Providence & passage on Board the packet. I must therefore request the favour of you sir to pay him for seven months wages at 50 dollers pr year. you will see by the papers...
4From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 28 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 22.— M rs Adams, M r Charles and Miss Louisa, arrived on Wednesday the 24 th. after a tedious Passage of five days from Newport. We are all very happy. M r Samuel Tufts needs no other merit but that of being your Brother, to convince me that he has a great deal: but if he is a Candidate for any Employment he must apply directly to the first Magistrate. The...
5Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 1 September 1789 (Adams Papers)
with regard to politicks the debates of the House will give you an Idea of them, as yet there has been but little Heat upon any Subject, but there is a questions comeing on with regard to the permanant Residence of congress which I fear will create parties, & much vexation. I should think that in the present state of their treasury, an expence so unnecessary ought to be avoided as even...
6From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 16 September 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d all your Letters, and the Post Office is very faithful. The Heat has been excessive and my daily Toil Somewhat exhausting besides a very extensive Correspondence, without a Clerk. Pray let M r Cranch if he will be so good look over the Account, as he did formerly. Have you read Ned Church’s fragment.? What Passion, or what Principle, could put it into that fellows head? I never...
7Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 5 October 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 15 sep br I have not yet replied to. with regard to the House, I wish it was as moveable an article as a Carriage I would then get you to send it by Barnard to Newyork where I should meet with no difficulty in getting four hundred Dollors rent. now I should be glad to get as much for the 5 Houses we own in Braintree together with the Farms belonging to them. the expence of...
8Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 22 November 1789 (Adams Papers)
I congratulate you and the Lady to whom you are united upon your Nuptials, and most sincerely wish you a renewall of all your former happiness, with corresponding dispositions, and inclinations. the domestick circle is alone capable of yealding satisfactions, which an intercourse with the word and all its amusements never can afford. in Buisness or in pleasure the participation of a dear...
9Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, after 8 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge two kind Letters from you which I should sooner have replied to, but the post office would make me pay more than I thought my Letters would be worth. the Members of both Houses have been more punctual in meeting this year than they were the last, & the third day they made a House. you will see, & I doubt not be pleased with the Presidents Speach. great National objects...
10Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 17 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
I think our dear state makes full use of the liberty of the press, but they who write for the benefit of mankind whether learned or unlearned will always find more utility in reasoning than writing; I am led to these observations by several pieces, some in Edes paper, that fountain of Sedition, and a piece in Adams paper signed “a New England man.” This same writer and many others will find...