Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 June 1795
Abigail Adams to John Adams
N York June 15 1795
my Dearest Friend
I have regularly received Your Letters and thank you for them. I have read the pamphlets.1 the Bone has much good natured Witt, contains many painfull facts, & Shows in a strong light what manner of Spirit actuates the pretended Patriots. the writer has in some places taken, a poetical Licence I have not offerd it where I am. Society and Interest and dissapointed ambition will have their influence upon most minds— be assured I am remarkably cautious upon the Subject of Politicks. I am satisfied mine would essentially clash with any one, who could call the Peace System, a milk & water System.
I hope and trust the decision upon the Treaty will be a wise and candid one. that it should not be Suddenly rejected or accepted will I believe be more acceptable to the people than if it was otherways. I hope however a fortnight at furthest will be found Sufficient. My Health has been much mended by my Journey. Johns Ague after 3 fits of it, terminated by falling into his face.
you mention having read a part of the Dispatches from the Hague. are they made publick to the Senate?
My best respects to the President & mrs Washington. Love to mrs otis Betsy smith &c
most affectionatly / yours
A Adams
have you read G. Adams Speach to the assembly it is Seasoned a little.2
RC (Adams Papers); addressed by CA: “The Vice President of the United States / Philadelphia”; endorsed: “Mrs A. June 15 / Ansd 17. 1795.”
1. In addition to his letters of 9 and 11 (2) June, all above, JA wrote AA a second letter on 9 June in which he reported that the reading of the treaty and the record of negotiations had begun the previous day and also enclosed for AA a “misterious Poem for your Amusement,” which has not been found (Adams Papers).
2. On 3 June Gov. Samuel Adams addressed both houses of the Mass. General Court in a speech that extolled the virtues of American democracy and advocated for public schooling and increased judicial salaries. The speech was first printed in the Boston press on 6 June and in New York and Philadelphia on 11 June ( 1794–1795, p. 609–613; Boston Columbian Centinel, 6 June; New York Argus, 11 June; Philadelphia Aurora General Advertiser, 11 June).