Title: Familiar Letters of John Adams and His Wife Abigail Adams During the Revolution - with a Memoir of Mrs. Adams
Author: Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848, Adams, Charles Francis, 1835-1915, Adams, Abigail
Language: English
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[Illustration: Painted by Blythe Engraved by O. Pelton

From a Portrait taken at the age of 21]



   FAMILIAR LETTERS OF JOHN ADAMS
   AND HIS WIFE ABIGAIL ADAMS,
   DURING THE REVOLUTION.

   WITH A

   MEMOIR OF MRS. ADAMS.

   BY
   CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.



   NEW YORK:
   PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON.
   CAMBRIDGE: THE RIVERSIDE PRESS.
   1876.



   Copyright, 1875,
   BY CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.


   RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE:
   STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY
   H. O. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY.



PREFACE.


Thirty-five years ago a collection of letters written during the period
of the Revolution and later, by John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams,
came into my hands. They interested me so much that I thought they might
possibly interest others also, especially the growing generations not
familiar with the history of the persons and events connected with the
great struggle. The result was an experiment in publication, first, of a
selection from the letters of Mrs. Adams addressed to her husband; and,
at a later moment, of a selection from his replies. The first series
proved so acceptable to the public that it ran through four large
editions in eight years. The second, though slower of sale, has likewise
been long since exhausted. Applications have been made to me from time
to time for information where copies of either might be had, to which I
could give no satisfactory answer. I purchased one copy, whilst residing
in London several years ago, which I found by chance advertised in a
sale catalogue of old books in that city. I know not now where I could
get another.

Reflecting on these circumstances, in connection with the approaching
celebration of the Centenary year of the national existence, it
occurred to me that a reproduction of some portion of the papers, with
such additions as could be made from letters not then included, might
not prove unacceptable now. To that end I have ventured to embrace, in a
single volume, so much of the correspondence that took place between
these persons as was written during the period of the Revolutionary
struggle, and terminating with the signature of the preliminary articles
of the great Treaty which insured pacification and independence to the
people of the United States.

The chief alteration made in the mode of publication will be perceived
at once. Instead of printing the letters of the respective parties in
separate volumes, it has now been deemed more judicious to collect them
together and arrange them in the precise order of their respective
dates, to the end that the references to events or sentiments constantly
made on the one side or the other may be more readily gathered and
understood. This will show more distinctly the true shape of familiar
letters which properly belongs to them. It is not likely that either
correspondent, in writing them, ever dreamed that they might ultimately
be shown to the world, and perhaps transmitted to the latest posterity.
May I be permitted to add an humble opinion that it is this feature in
them which constitutes their chief attraction?

                                           CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.



MEMOIR.


The memorials of that generation by whose efforts the independence of
the United States was achieved are in great abundance. There is hardly
an event of importance, from the year 1765 to the date of the definitive
treaty of peace with Great Britain, in September, 1783, which has not
been recorded, either by the industry of actors upon the scene or by the
indefatigable labors of a succeeding class of students. These persons
have devoted themselves, with a highly commendable zeal, to the
investigation of all particulars, even the most minute, that relate to
this interesting period. The individuals called to appear most
conspicuously in the Revolution have many of them left voluminous
collections of papers, which, as time passes, find their way to the
light by publication, and furnish important illustrations of the
feelings and motives under which the contest was carried on. The actors
are thus made to stand in bold relief before us. We not only see the
public record, but the private commentary also; and these, taken in
connection with the contemporaneous histories, all of which, however
defective in philosophical analysis, are invaluable depositories of
facts related by living witnesses, will serve to transmit to posterity
the details for a narration in as complete a form as will in all
probability ever be attained by the imperfect faculties of man.

Admitting these observations to be true, there is, nevertheless, a
distinction to be drawn between the materials for a history of action
and those for one of feeling; between the labors of men aiming at
distinction among their fellow-beings, and the private, familiar
sentiments that run into the texture of the social system, without
remark or the hope of observation. Here it is that something like a void
in our annals appears still to exist. Our history is for the most part
wrapped up in the forms of office. The great men of the Revolution, in
the eyes of posterity, are many of them like heroes of a mythological
age. They are seen, chiefly, when conscious that they are upon a
theatre, where individual sentiment must be sometimes disguised, and
often sacrificed, for the public good. Statesmen and Generals rarely say
all they think or feel. The consequence is that, in the papers which
come from them, they are made to assume a uniform of grave hue, which,
though it doubtless exalts the opinion entertained of their perfections,
somewhat diminishes the interest with which later generations scan their
character. Students of human nature seek for examples of man under
circumstances of difficulty and trial; man as he is, not as he would
appear; but there are many reasons why they may be often baffled in the
search. We look for the workings of the heart, when those of the head
alone are presented to us. We watch the emotions of the spirit, and yet
find clear traces only of the working of the intellect. The solitary
meditation, the confidential whisper to a friend, never meant to reach
the ear of the multitude, the secret wishes, not blazoned forth to catch
applause, the fluctuations between fear and hope that most betray the
springs of action,--these are the guides to character, which most
frequently vanish with the moment that called them forth, and leave
nothing to posterity but those coarser elements for judgment that are
found in elaborated results.

There is, however, still another element which is not infrequently lost
sight of. It is of great importance, not only to understand the nature
of the superiority of the individuals who have made themselves a name
above their fellow-beings, but to estimate the degree in which the
excellence for which they were distinguished was shared by those among
whom they lived. Inattention to this duty might present Patrick Henry
and James Otis, Washington, Jefferson, and Samuel Adams, as the causes
of the American Revolution, which they were not. There was a moral
principle in the field, to the power of which a great majority of the
whole population of the colonies, whether male or female, old or young,
had been long and habitually trained to do homage. The individuals
named, with the rest of their celebrated associates, who best
represented that moral principle before the world, were not the
originators, but the spokesmen, of the general opinion, and instruments
for its adaptation to existing events. Whether fighting in the field or
deliberating in the Senate, their strength as against Great Britain was
not that of numbers, nor of wealth, nor of genius; but it drew its
nourishment from the sentiment that pervaded the dwellings of the entire
population.

How much this home sentiment did then, and does ever, depend upon the
character of the female portion of the people, will be too readily
understood by all to require explanation. The domestic hearth is the
first of schools, and the best of lecture-rooms; for there the heart
will coöperate with the mind, the affections with the reasoning power.
And this is the scene for the almost exclusive sway of the weaker sex.
Yet, great as the influence thus exercised undoubtedly is, it escapes
observation in such a manner that history rarely takes much account of
it. The maxims of religion, faith, hope, and charity, are not passed
through the alembic of logical proof before they are admitted into the
daily practice of women. They go at once into the teachings of infancy,
and thus form the only high and pure motives of which matured manhood
can, in its subsequent action, ever boast. Neither, when the stamp of
duty is to be struck in the young mind, is there commonly so much of
alloy in the female heart as with men, with which the genuine metal may
be fused, and the face of the coin made dim. There is not so much room
for the doctrines of expediency, and the promptings of private interest,
to compromise the force of public example. In every instance of domestic
convulsions, and when the pruning-hook is deserted for the sword and
musket, the sacrifice of feelings made by the female sex is unmixed with
a hope of worldly compensation. With them there is no ambition to
gratify, no fame to be gained by the simply negative virtue of
privations suffered in silence. There is no action to drown in its noise
and bustle a full sense of the pain that must inevitably attend it. The
lot of woman, in times of trouble, is to be a passive spectator of
events which she can scarcely hope to make subservient to her own fame,
or indeed to control in any way.

If it were possible to get at the expression of feelings by women in the
heart of a community, at a moment of extraordinary trial, recorded in a
shape evidently designed to be secret and confidential, this would seem
to present the surest and most unfailing index to its general character.
Hitherto we have not gathered much of this material in the United
States. The dispersion of families, so common in America, the consequent
destruction of private papers, the defective nature of female education
before the Revolution, the difficulty and danger of free communication,
and the engrossing character, to the men, of public, and to the women,
of domestic cares, have all contributed to cut short, if not completely
to destroy, the sources of information. It has been truly remarked that
"instances of patience, perseverance, fortitude, magnanimity, courage,
humanity, and tenderness, which would have graced the Roman character,
were known only to those who were themselves the actors, and whose
modesty could not suffer them to blazon abroad their own fame." The
heroism of the females of the Revolution has gone from memory with the
generation that witnessed it, and nothing, absolutely nothing, remains
upon the ear of the young of the present day but the faint echo of an
expiring general tradition. There is, moreover, very little knowledge
remaining to us of the domestic manners of the last century, when, with
more of admitted distinctions than at present, there was more of general
equality; very little of the state of social feeling, or of that
simplicity of intercourse, which, in colonial times, constituted in New
England as near an approach to the successful exemplification of the
democratic theory as the irregularity in the natural gifts of men will,
in all probability, ever practically allow.

It is the purpose of the present volume to contribute something to the
supply of this deficiency, by giving to tradition a form partially
palpable. The present is believed to be the first attempt, in the United
States, to lay before the public a series of private letters, written
without the remotest idea of publication, by a woman, to her husband.
Their greatest value consists in the fact, susceptible of no
misconception, that they furnish an exact transcript of the feelings of
the writer, in times of no ordinary trial. Independently of this, the
variety of scenes in which she wrote, and the opportunities furnished
for observation in the situations in which she was placed by the
elevation of her husband to high official positions in the country, may
contribute to sustain the interest with which they will be read. The
undertaking is, nevertheless, too novel not to inspire the editor with
some doubt of its success, particularly as it brings forward to public
notice a person who has now been long removed from the scene of action,
and of whom, it is not unreasonable to suppose, the present generation
of readers have neither personal knowledge nor recollection. For the
sake of facilitating their progress, and explaining the allusions to
persons and objects very frequently occurring, it may not be deemed
improper here to premise some account of her life.

There were few persons of her day and generation who derived their
origin, or imbibed their character, more exclusively from the genuine
stock of the Massachusetts Puritan settlers than Abigail Smith. Her
father, the Reverend William Smith, was the settled minister of the
Congregational Church at Weymouth, for more than forty years, and until
his death. Her mother, Elizabeth Quincy, was the granddaughter of the
Reverend John Norton, long the pastor of a church of the same
denomination in the neighboring town of Hingham, and the nephew of John
Norton, well known in the annals of the colony.[1] Her maternal
grandfather, John Quincy, was the grandson of Thomas Shepard, minister
of Charlestown, distinguished in his day, and the son of the more
distinguished Thomas Shepard of Cambridge, whose name still lives in one
of the Churches of that town. These are persons whose merits may be
found fully recorded in the pages of Mather and of Neal. They were among
the most noted of the most reputed class of their day. In a colony
founded so exclusively upon motives of religious zeal as Massachusetts
was, it necessarily followed that the ordinary distinctions of society
were in a great degree subverted, and that the leaders of the church,
though without worldly possessions to boast of, were the most in honor
everywhere. Education was promoted only as it was subsidiary to the
great end of studying or expounding the Scriptures; and whatever of
advance made in the intellectual pursuits of society, was rather the
incidental than the direct result of studies necessary to fit men for a
holy calling. Hence it was that the higher departments of knowledge were
entered almost exclusively by the clergy. Classical learning was a
natural though indirect consequence of the acquisition of those
languages in which the New Testament and the Fathers were to be studied;
and dialectics formed the armor of which men were compelled to learn the
use, as a preparation for the wars of religious controversy. The mastery
of these gave power and authority to their possessors. They, by a very
natural transition, passed from being the guides of religious faith to
their fellow-men, to be guardians of education. To them, as the
fountains of knowledge, and possessing the gifts most prized in the
community, all other ranks in society cheerfully gave place. If a
festive entertainment was meditated, the minister was sure to be first
on the list of those to be invited, and to be placed at table. If any
assembly of citizens was held, he must be there to open the business
with prayer. If a political measure was in agitation, he was among the
first whose opinion was to be consulted. Even the civil rights of the
other citizens for a long time depended, in some degree, upon his good
word; and after this rigid rule was laid aside, he yet continued, in the
absence of technical law and lawyers, to be the arbiter and the judge in
the differences between his fellow-men. He was not infrequently the
family physician. The great object of instruction being religious, the
care of the young was also in his hands. The records of Harvard
University, the child and darling of Puritan affections, show that of
all the presiding officers, during the century and a half of colonial
days, but two were laymen, and not ministers of the prevailing
denomination; and that of all who in the early times availed themselves
of such advantages as this institution could then offer, nearly half the
number did so for the sake of devoting themselves to the service of the
gospel.

But the prevailing notion of the purpose of education was attended with
one remarkable consequence. The cultivation of the female mind was
regarded with utter indifference. It is not impossible that the early
example of Mrs. Hutchinson, and the difficulties in which the public
exercise of her gifts involved the colony, had established in the public
mind a conviction of the danger that may attend the meddling of women
with abstruse points of doctrine; and these, however they might confound
the strongest intellect, were nevertheless the favorite topics of
thought and discussion in that generation. Waiving a decision upon this,
it may very safely be assumed, not only that there was very little
attention given to the education of women, but that, as Mrs. Adams, in
one of her letters, says, "it was fashionable to ridicule female
learning." The only chance for much intellectual improvement in the
female sex was to be found in the families of that which was the
educated class, and in occasional intercourse with the learned of their
day. Whatever of useful instruction was received in the practical
conduct of life came from maternal lips; and what of further mental
development, depended more upon the eagerness with which the casual
teachings of daily conversation were treasured up, than upon any labor
expended purposely to promote it.

Abigail Smith was the second of three daughters. Her father, as has been
already mentioned, was the minister of a small Congregational Church in
the town of Weymouth, during the middle of the last century. She was
born in that town, on the 11th of November, 1744, O. S. In her
neighborhood there were not many advantages of instruction to be found;
and even in Boston, the small metropolis nearest at hand, for reasons
already stated, the list of accomplishments within the reach of females
was probably very short. She did not enjoy an opportunity to acquire
even such as there might have been, for the delicate state of her health
forbade the idea of sending her away from home to obtain them. In a
letter written in 1817, the year before her death, speaking of her own
deficiencies, she says, "My early education did not partake of the
abundant opportunities which the present days offer, and which even our
common country schools now afford. _I never was sent to any school._ I
was always sick. Female education, in the best families, went no further
than writing and arithmetic; in some few and rare instances, music and
dancing." Hence it is not unreasonable to suppose that the knowledge
gained by her was rather the result of the society into which she was
thrown, than of any elaborate instruction.

This fact, that the author of the letters in the present volume never
went to any school, is a very important one to a proper estimate of her
character. For, whatever may be the decision of the long-vexed question
between the advantages of public and those of private education, few
persons will deny that they produce marked differences in the formation
of character. Seclusion from companions of the same age, at any time of
life, is calculated to develop the imaginative faculty at the expense of
the judgment; but especially in youth, when the most durable impressions
are making. The ordinary consequence, in females of a meditative turn of
mind, is the indulgence of romantic and exaggerated sentiments drawn
from books, which, if subjected to the ordinary routine of schools, are
worn out by the attrition of social intercourse. These ideas, formed in
solitude, in early life, often, though not always, remain in the mind,
even after the realities of the world surround those who hold them, and
counteract the tendency of their conclusions. They are constantly
visible in the letters of this volume, even in the midst of the severest
trials. They form what may be considered the romantic turn of the
author's mind; but in her case they were so far modified by a great
admixture of religious principle and by natural good sense, as to be of
eminent service in sustaining her through the painful situations in
which she was placed, instead of nursing that species of sickly
sensibility which too frequently, in similar circumstances, impairs, if
it does not destroy, the power of practical usefulness.

At Mount Wollaston, a part of Braintree, the town next adjoining
Weymouth, lived Colonel John Quincy, her grandfather on her mother's
side, and a gentleman who for very many years enjoyed, in various
official situations, much of the confidence of the Province. At his
house, and under the instruction of his wife, her grandmother, she
appears to have imbibed most of the lessons which made the deepest
impression upon her mind. Of this lady, the daughter of the Reverend
John Norton, nothing is now known but what the frequent and cheerful
acknowledgment of her merit, by her disciple, tells us. "I have not
forgotten," says the latter to her own daughter, in the year 1795, "the
excellent lessons which I received from my grandmother, at a very early
period of life. I frequently think they made a more durable impression
upon my mind than those which I received from my own parents. Whether it
was owing to the happy method of mixing instruction and amusement
together, or from an inflexible adherence to certain principles, the
utility of which I could not but see and approve when a child, I know
not; but maturer years have rendered them oracles of wisdom to me. I
love and revere her memory; her lively, cheerful disposition animated
all around her, whilst she edified all by her unaffected piety. This
tribute is due to the memory of those virtues the sweet remembrance of
which will flourish, though she has long slept with her ancestors."
Again, in another letter to the same person, in 1808, she says, "I
cherish her memory with holy veneration, whose maxims I have treasured
up, whose virtues live in my remembrance; happy if I could say they have
been transplanted into my life."

But though her early years were spent in a spot of so great seclusion as
her grandfather's house must then have been, it does not appear that she
remained wholly unacquainted with young persons of her own sex and age.
She had relations and connections, both on the father's and the mother's
side; and with these she was upon as intimate terms as circumstances
would allow. The distance between the homes of the young people was,
however, too great, and the means of their parents too narrow, to admit
of very frequent personal intercourse; the substitute for which was a
rapid interchange of written communications. The letter-writing
propensity manifested itself early in this youthful circle. A
considerable number of the epistles of her correspondents have been
preserved among the papers of Mrs. Adams. They are deserving of notice
only as they furnish a general idea of the tastes and pursuits of the
young women of that day. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about them is
the evident influence upon the writers which the study of "The
Spectator" and of the poets appears to have had. This is perceptible in
the more important train of thought and structure of language, as well
as in the lesser trifles of the taste for quotation and for fictitious
signatures. Calliope and Myra, Aspasia and Aurelia, have effectually
succeeded in disguising their true names from the eyes of younger
generations. The signature of Miss Smith appears to have been _Diana_, a
name which she dropped after her marriage, without losing the fancy that
prompted its selection. Her letters during the Revolution show clearly
enough the tendency of her own thoughts and feelings, in the substitute
she then adopted, of _Portia_. Her fondness for quotations, the fashion
of that day, it will be seen, was maintained through life.

Perhaps there is no species of exercise, in early life, more productive
of results useful to the mind, than that of writing letters. Over and
above the mechanical facility of constructing sentences, which no
teaching will afford so well, the interest with which the object is
commonly pursued gives an extraordinary impulse to the intellect. This
is promoted in a degree proportionate to the scarcity of temporary and
local subjects for discussion. Where there is little gossip, the want of
it must be supplied from books. The love of literature springs up where
the weeds of scandal take no root. The young ladies of Massachusetts, in
the last century, were certainly readers, even though only self-taught;
and their taste was not for the feeble and nerveless sentiment, or the
frantic passion, which comes from the novels and romances in the
circulating library of our day, but was derived from the deepest wells
of English literature. The poets and moralists of the mother country
furnished to these inquiring minds their ample stores, and they were
used to an extent which it is at least doubtful if the more pretending
and elaborate instruction of the present generation would equal.

The father of Mrs. Adams was a pious man, with something of that vein of
humor not uncommon among the clergy of New England, which ordinarily
found such a field for exercise as is displayed in the pages of Cotton
Mather. He was the father of three daughters, all of them women of
uncommon force of intellect, though the fortunes of two of them confined
its influence to a sphere much more limited than that which fell to the
lot of Mrs. Adams. Mary, the eldest, was married in 1792 to Richard
Cranch, an English emigrant, who had settled at Germantown, a part of
Braintree, and who subsequently became a Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas in Massachusetts, and died, highly respected, in the early part of
the present century. The late William Cranch, of Washington, who
presided so long, and with so much dignity and fidelity, over the
Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, was the son of this marriage.
Elizabeth, the youngest, was twice married; first to the Reverend John
Shaw, minister of Haverhill, in Massachusetts, and, after his death, to
the Reverend Mr. Peabody, of Atkinson, New Hampshire. Thus much is
necessary to be stated in order to explain the relations, which the
parties mentioned in many of the letters bore to each other. It is an
anecdote told of Mr. Smith, that upon the marriage of his eldest
daughter he preached to his people from the text in the forty-second
verse of the tenth chapter of Luke, "And Mary hath chosen that good
part, which shall not be taken away from her." Two years elapsed, and
his second daughter, the subject of this notice, was about to marry John
Adams, then a lawyer in good practice, when some disapprobation of the
match appears to have manifested itself among a portion of his
parishioners. The profession of law was, for a long period in the
colonial history of Massachusetts, unknown; and after circumstances
called it forth, the prejudices of the inhabitants, who thought it a
calling hardly honest, were arrayed against those who adopted it. There
are many still living who can remember how strong they remained, even
down to the time of the adoption of the present Federal Constitution;
and the records of the General Court will show that they had not quite
disappeared even much later. Besides this, the family of Mr. Adams, the
son of a small farmer of the middle class in Braintree, was thought
scarcely good enough to match with the minister's daughter, descended
from so many of the shining lights of the Colony. It is probable that
Mr. Smith was made aware of the opinions expressed among his people,
for he is said, immediately after the marriage took place, to have
replied to them by a sermon, the text of which, in evident allusion to
the objection against lawyers, was drawn from Luke vii. 33: "For John
came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and ye say, _He hath a
devil_."[2]

Mrs. Adams was married on the 25th of October, 1764, having then nearly
completed her twentieth year. The ten years immediately following
present little that is worthy of recording. She appears to have passed a
quiet, and very happy life, having her residence in Braintree or in
Boston, according as the state of her husband's health, then rather
impaired, or that of his professional practice, made the change
advisable. Within this period she became the mother of a daughter and of
three sons, whose names will frequently appear in her letters; and her
domestic cares were relieved by the presence of her husband, absent from
home only upon those occasions when he, with the other lawyers of his
time, was compelled to follow the circuits. During these times he used
regularly to write to his wife, giving her an account of his adventures
and of his professional success. These letters remain, and furnish a
somewhat curious record of the manners and customs of the provincial
times. Several of them will be found in this collection. She does not
appear to have often replied.

It is said by Governor Hutchinson, in the third volume of his History,
that neither the health of Mr. Adams, nor his business, admitted of his
constant application to public affairs in the manner that distinguished
his kinsman, Samuel Adams, during the years preceding the breaking out
of the Revolution. If the sum of that application is to be measured by
the frequency of his appearance before the public as an actor in an
official character upon the scene, the remark is true; for up to the
year 1774 he had served but once or twice as a representative in the
General Court, and in no other situation. But this would furnish a very
unfair standard by which to try the extent of his labors for the public.
Very often, as much is done by beforehand preparing the public mind for
action, as by the conduct of that action after it has been commenced;
although the visible amount of exertion, by which alone the world forms
its judgments, is in the two cases widely different. From the time of
his marriage, in 1764, perhaps still earlier, when he, as a young
lawyer, in 1761, took notes of the argument in the celebrated cause of
the Writs of Assistants, there is evidence constantly presented of his
active interest in the Revolutionary struggle. There is hardly a year in
the interval between the earliest of these dates and 1774, that the
traces of his hand are not visible in the newspapers of Boston,
elaborately discussing the momentous questions which preceded the
crisis. It was during this period that the "Essay on Canon and Feudal
Law" was written. A long controversy with Major Brattle, upon the
payment of the Judges, and the papers of "Novanglus," were other, though
by no means all, the results of his labors. He drafted several of the
papers of Instructions to the Representatives to the General Court, both
in Boston and in his native town, and also some of the most elaborate
legal portions of the celebrated controversy between that body and
Governor Hutchinson. The tendency, which all these papers show, to seek
for political truth in its fundamental principles and most abstract
forms, whilst it takes off much from the interest with which the merely
general reader would now consider them, is yet of historical importance,
as establishing the fact, how little of mere impulse there was in his
mode of action against the mother country. They also show the extent of
the studies to which his mind applied itself, and the depth of the
foundation laid by him for his subsequent career. Yet, during all this
time, his professional labors were never intermitted, and ceased only
with the catastrophe which shut up the courts of justice and rendered
exertion upon a different theatre absolutely necessary to the
maintenance of the fabric of society.

Perhaps the preceding detail belongs more properly to a memoir of Mr.
Adams than that of his wife. Yet it would be impossible to furnish any
accurate idea of her character without explaining the precise nature of
the influences acting upon her, whilst still young, and when that
character was taking its permanent form. There was no one who witnessed
his studies with greater interest, or who sympathized with him in the
conclusions to which his mind was forcing him, more deeply, than Mrs.
Adams. And hence it was, that, as the day of trial came, and the hour
for action drew near, she was found not unprepared to submit to the lot
appointed her. Mr. Adams was elected one of the delegates on the part of
Massachusetts, instructed to meet persons chosen in the same manner from
the other colonies, for the purpose of consulting in common upon the
course most advisable to be adopted by them. In the month of August,
1774, he left home, in company with Samuel Adams, Thomas Cushing, and
Robert Treat Paine, to go to Philadelphia, at which place the proposed
assembly was to be held. It is from this period that the correspondence
between these parties, now submitted, becomes interesting. The letter of
the 19th of August of this year[3] portrays her own feelings upon this,
the first separation of importance from her husband, and the anxiety
with which she was watching the course of events. Yet there is in it not
a syllable of regret for the past or of fear for the future; but, on the
contrary, an acute perception of the obstacles in the way of an
immediate return to peaceful times, and a deliberate preparation, by
reading and reflection, for the worst. The Congress confined itself, in
its first sessions, to consultation and remonstrance. It therefore
adjourned after the lapse of only two months. It is during this time
that the letters in the present volume which bear date in 1774 were
written. They furnish a lively exhibition of the state of public feeling
in Massachusetts. That dated on the 14th of September is particularly
interesting, as it gives an account of the securing the gunpowder from
the British, in her own town of Braintree, as well as a highly
characteristic trait of New England, in the refusal to cheer on a
Sunday. The last of this series, dated on the 16th of October, shows
that all remaining hopes of peace and reconciliation were fast vanishing
from her mind; and in an affecting manner she "bids adieu to domestic
felicity perhaps until the meeting with her husband in another world,
since she looks forward to nothing further in this than sacrifices, as
the result of the impending contest."[4]

The second meeting of the Congress, which took place in May, 1775, was
marked by events which wholly changed the nature of its deliberations.
Up to that period, the struggle had been only a dispute. It then took
the more fearful shape of a war. Mr. Adams left his house and family at
Braintree on the 14th of April, only five days before the memorable
incident at Lexington, which was a signal for the final appeal to arms.
The news of the affair reached him at Hartford, on his way to
Philadelphia. General Gage had planned his attack upon Lexington with
the knowledge that John Hancock and Samuel Adams, two of the delegates
to the general Congress, were in that place at the time; and it was
probably one of his objects to seize them, if they could be found.
Gordon, the historian, attributes their escape only to a friendly
warning given them by a woman residing in Boston, but "unequally yoked
in politics." There was nearly the same reason for apprehension on the
part of John Adams. His house was situated still nearer to Boston, could
be more easily approached by water, and his family, if not he himself,
was known to be residing there. Under these circumstances, what the
feelings of Mrs. Adams, left with the care of four small children, the
eldest not ten years of age, must have been, may readily be conceived.
But the letters in which she describes them bring the idea home to the
mind with still greater force. She tells us that upon the separation
from her husband "her heart had felt like a heart of lead," and that
"she never trusts herself long with the terrors that sometimes intrude
themselves upon her;" that "since the never-to-be-forgotten day of his
departure, the 14th of April, nothing had agitated her so much as the
news of the arrival of recruits;" and that "she lives in continual
expectation of alarms." Neither were these apprehensions altogether
groundless. The letter of the 4th of May mentions that Colonel Quincy's
family, whose residence was nearer to the water-side than hers, had
taken refuge for one night with her. That of the 24th gives a highly
vivid picture of the consternation into which the whole town was thrown
by a party of British, foraging upon an island in the harbor, close upon
the town. Then follows the account of the battle on Bunker's Hill and
the burning of Charlestown, dreadful events to those in the immediate
vicinity of Boston and to herself; yet, in the midst of them, the writer
adds that she is "distressed, but not dismayed," and that "she has been
able to maintain a calmness and presence of mind, and hopes she shall,
let the exigency of the time be what it will."[5]

But it is superfluous to endeavor to heighten the picture given in the
letters with so much distinctness. Mr. Adams seems to have been startled
on the arrival of the intelligence at Hartford. Conscious, however, that
his return would rather tend to add to, than diminish, the hazard to
which his family was exposed, he contented himself with writing
encouragement, and, at the same time, his directions in case of
positive danger. "In a cause which interests the whole globe," he says,
"at a time when my friends and country are in such keen distress, I am
scarcely ever interrupted in the least degree by apprehensions for my
personal safety. I am often concerned for you and our dear babes,
surrounded as you are by people who are too timorous and too much
susceptible of alarms. Many fears and jealousies and imaginary evils
will be suggested to you, but I hope you will not be impressed by them.
In case of real danger, of which you cannot fail to have previous
intimations, fly to the woods with our children."

Mr. Adams very well knew to whom he was recommending such an appalling
alternative, the very idea of which would have been intolerable to many
women. The trial Mrs. Adams was called to undergo from the fears of
those immediately around her was one in addition to that caused by her
own apprehensions; a trial, it may be remarked, of no ordinary nature,
since it demands the exercise of a presence of mind and accuracy of
judgment in distinguishing the false from the true, that falls to the
lot of few even of the stronger sex. It is the tendency of women in
general to suffer quite as much from anxiety occasioned by the activity
of the imagination, as if it was, in every instance, founded upon
reasonable cause.

But the sufferings of this remarkable year were not limited to the mind
alone. The terrors of war were accompanied with the ravages of
pestilence. Mr. Adams was at home during the period of adjournment of
the Congress, which was only for the month of August; but scarcely had
he crossed his threshold, when the dysentery, a disease which had
already signified its approach in scattering instances about the
neighborhood of the besieged town of Boston, where it had commenced,
assumed a highly epidemic character, and marked its victims in every
family. A younger brother of Mr. Adams had fallen among the earliest in
the town; but it was not till his departure for Philadelphia that almost
every member of his own household was seized. The letters written during
the month of September, 1775, of which only extracts were printed in the
early editions of these papers, for reasons then thought satisfactory,
it is now deemed not unsuitable to produce in full. They tell their own
tale much more forcibly than any abridgment could do. They present
distinctly to the imagination the acuteness of trials of which female
history seldom takes much note, and yet in which female fortitude gains
its most heroic triumphs.

Without designing to detract from the unquestioned merit of that
instrument, it must nevertheless be admitted that the Declaration of
Independence, called by the celebrated John Randolph "a fanfaronade of
abstractions," might very naturally be expected to reward the efforts of
its signers with a crown of immortality; whilst the very large share of
the cost of maintaining it, wrung from the bleeding hearts of the women
of the Revolution, was paid without any hope or expectation of a similar
compensation.

Mr. Adams was again at home in the month of December, during the
sessions of the Congress, which were now continued without intermission.
It was upon his departure for the third time that the long and very
remarkable letter bearing date March 2d, 1776,[6] and continued through
several days, was written; a letter composed in the midst of the din of
war, and describing hopes and fears in a manner deeply interesting. With
this the description of active scenes in the war terminates. The British
force soon afterwards evacuated Boston and Massachusetts, which did not
again become the field of military action. The correspondence now
changes its character. From containing accounts of stirring events
directly under the writer's eye, Mrs. Adams's letters assume a more
private form, and principally relate to the management of the farm and
the household. Few of these would be likely to amuse the general reader,
yet some are necessary to show a portion of her character. Mr. Adams was
never a man of large fortune. His profession, which had been a source of
emolument, was now entirely taken away from him; and his only dependence
for the support of his family was in the careful husbanding of the means
in actual possession. It is not giving to his wife too much credit to
affirm that by her prudence through the years of the Revolution, and
indeed during the whole period when the attention of her husband was
engrossed by public affairs, she saved him from the mortification in his
last days, which some of those who have been, like him, elevated to the
highest posts in the country, have, for want of such care, not
altogether escaped.

In the month of November, 1777, Mr. Adams again visited his home, and
never afterwards rejoined Congress; for that body in his absence had
elected him to perform a duty in a distant land. This was destined to
furnish a severe trial to the fortitude of Mrs. Adams. On the 25th of
October, she had written a letter to him, it being the anniversary of
their wedding-day, in which she notices the fact that "out of thirteen
years of their married life, three had been passed in a state of
separation." Yet in these years the distance between them had never been
very great, and the means of communication almost always reasonably
speedy and certain. She appears little to have anticipated that in a few
short weeks she was to be deprived of even these compensations, and to
send her husband to a foreign country, over seas covered with the
enemy's ships. "I very well remember," she says, in an earlier letter,
"when the eastern circuits of the courts, which lasted a month, were
thought an age, and an absence of three months, intolerable; but we are
carried from step to step, and from one degree to another, to endure
that which first we think insupportable." It was in exact accordance
with this process, that the separations of half a year or more were to
be followed by those which lasted many years, and the distance from
Boston to Philadelphia or Baltimore was extended to Paris and a
different quarter of the globe. Upon the reception of the news of his
appointment as Joint Commissioner at the Court of France, in the place
of Silas Deane, Mr. Adams lost no time in making his arrangements for
the voyage. But it was impossible for him to think of risking his wife
and children all at once with him in so perilous an enterprise. The
frigate _Boston_, a small and not very good vessel, mounting
twenty-eight guns, had been ordered to transport him to his destination.
The British fleet, stationed at Newport, perfectly well knew the
circumstances under which she was going, and was on the watch to favor
the new Commissioner with a fate similar to that afterwards experienced
by Mr. Laurens. The political attitude of France still remained
equivocal. Hence, on every account it seemed advisable that Mr. Adams
should go upon his mission alone. He left the shores of his native town
to embark in the frigate in February, 1778, accompanied only by his
eldest son, John Quincy Adams, then a boy not quite eleven years of age.

It is not often that even upon that boisterous ocean a voyage combines
greater perils of war and of the elements than did this of the _Boston_.
Yet it is by no means unlikely that the lightning which struck the
frigate, and the winds that nearly sent it to the bottom, were effective
instruments to deter the enemy from a pursuit which threatened to end in
capture. This is not, however, the place to enlarge upon this story. It
is alluded to only as connected with the uneasiness experienced by Mrs.
Adams, who was left alone to meditate upon the hazard to which her
husband was exposed. Her letter written not long after the sailing of
the frigate distinctly shows her feelings.[7] But we find by it that to
all the causes for anxiety which would naturally have occurred to her
mind, there was superadded one growing out of a rumor then in
circulation, that some British emissary had made an attempt upon the
life of Dr. Franklin whilst acting at Paris in the very Commission of
which her husband had been made a part. This was a kind of apprehension
as new as it was distressing; one too, the vague nature of which tended
indefinitely to multiply those terrors that had a better foundation in
reality.

The news of the surrender of General Burgoyne had done more to hasten
the desired acknowledgment, by France, of the independence of the United
States, than all the efforts which Commissioners could have made. Upon
his arrival in that country, Mr. Adams found the great object of his
mission accomplished, and himself, consequently, left with little or no
occupation. He did not wait in Europe to know the further wishes of
Congress, but returned home in August, 1779. Only a brief enjoyment of
his society by his family was the result, inasmuch as in October he was
again ordered by Congress to go to Europe, and there to wait until Great
Britain should manifest an inclination to treat with him, and terminate
the war. In obedience to these directions, he sailed in November, on
board of the French frigate _Sensible_, taking with him upon this
occasion his two eldest sons. The day of his embarkation is marked by a
letter in the present collection, quite touching in its character.[8]

The ordinary occupations of the female sex are necessarily of a kind
which must ever prevent it from partaking largely of the action of life.
However keenly women may think or feel, there is seldom an occasion when
the sphere of their exertions can with propriety be extended much beyond
the domestic hearth or the social circle. Exactly here are they to be
seen most in their glory. Three or four years passed whilst Mrs. Adams
was living in the utmost seclusion of country life, during which, on
account of the increasing vigilance of British cruisers, she very seldom
heard from her husband. The material for interesting letters was
proportionately small, and yet there was no time when she was more
usefully occupied. It is impossible to omit all notice of this period,
however deficient it may prove in variety. The depreciation of the
Continental paper money, the difficulties in the way of managing the
property of her husband, her own isolation, and the course of public
events in distant parts of the country, form her constant topics. Only a
small number of the letters which discuss them, yet enough to show her
situation at this period, have been admitted into this volume. They are
remarkable, because they display the readiness with which she could
devote herself to the most opposite duties, and the cheerful manner in
which she could accommodate herself to the difficulties of the times.
She is a farmer cultivating the land, and discussing the weather and the
crops; a merchant reporting prices-current and the rates of exchange,
and directing the making up of invoices; a politician speculating upon
the probabilities of peace or war; and a mother writing the most exalted
sentiments to her son. All of these pursuits she adopts together; some
from choice, the rest from the necessity of the case; and in all she
appears equally well. Yet, among the letters of this period there will
be found two or three which rise in their tone very far above the rest,
and which can scarcely fail to awaken the sympathy of the coldest
reader.[9]

The signature of the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, which fully
established the independence of the United States, did not terminate the
residence of Mr. Adams in Europe. He was ordered by Congress to remain
there, and, in conjunction with Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson, to
establish by treaty commercial relations with foreign powers. And not
long afterwards a new commission was sent him as the first
representative of the nation to him who had been their King. The duties
prescribed seemed likely to require a residence sufficiently long to
authorize him in a request that Mrs. Adams should join him in Europe.
After some hesitation, she finally consented; and, in June, 1784, she
sailed from Boston in a merchant vessel bound to London. Mrs. Adams
found herself, at the age of forty, suddenly transplanted into a scene
wholly new. From a life of the utmost retirement, in a small and quiet
country town of New England, she was at once transferred to the busy and
bustling scenes of the populous and wealthy cities of Europe. Not only
was her position novel to herself, but there had been nothing like it
among her countrywomen. She was the first representative of her sex from
the United States at the Court of Great Britain. The impressions made
upon her mind were therefore received when it was uncommonly open, and
free from the ordinary restraints which an established routine of
precedents is apt to create. Her residence in France during the first
year of her European experience appears to have been much enjoyed,
notwithstanding the embarrassment felt by her from not speaking the
language. That in England, which lasted three years, was somewhat
affected by the temper of the sovereign. George and his Queen could not
get over the mortification attending the loss of the American Colonies,
nor at all times suppress the manifestation of it, when the presence of
their Minister forced the subject on their recollection. Mrs. Adams went
through the ordinary form of presentation at Court. She was not more
than civilly met on the part of the Queen, whose subsequent conduct was
hardly so good as on that occasion. Mrs. Adams appears never to have
forgotten it; for at a much later period, when, in consequence of the
French Revolution, the throne of England was thought to be in danger,
she writes to her daughter with regret at the prospect for the country,
but without sympathy for the Queen. "Humiliation for Charlotte," she
says, "is no sorrow for me. She richly deserves her full portion for the
contempt and scorn which she took pains to discover." Of course the
courtiers followed the lead thus given to them, and the impression made
against America at the very outset of its national career has hardly
been effaced down to this day. It is to be observed, however, that one
circumstance contributed to operate against the situation of the first
American Minister to Great Britain, which has affected none of his
successors. This was the conduct of the States whilst yet under the
Confederation, justifying the general impression that they were
incapable of the self-government the right to which they had so
zealously fought to obtain.

Yet, notwithstanding these drawbacks, she seems to have enjoyed much her
residence in the mother country. The period was not without its peculiar
character to Americans. Their country, exhausted by her efforts in the
war of Independence, had not yet put herself in the way of restoration
by adopting a good form of government. It was even a matter of doubt
whether her liberty was likely to prove a blessing, or to degenerate
into a curse. On the other hand, France, Holland, and Great Britain
respectively presented an outward spectacle of wealth and prosperity not
perceptibly impaired by the violent struggle between them, that had
just terminated. This contrast is frequently marked in the letters of
Mrs. Adams; but the perception of it does not appear to have in any
degree qualified the earnestness of her attachment to her own very
modest home. "Whatever is to be the fate of our country," she wrote to
her sister at home, "we have determined to come home and share it with
you." She had very little of that susceptibility of transfer which is a
characteristic, not less of the cultivated and wealthy class of our
countrymen, who cling to the luxury of the Old World, than of the
adventurous and hardy sons of labor, who carve out for themselves a new
home in the forests of the West.

The return of Mr. Adams, with his family, to the United States, the
liberty for which was granted by Congress at his own request, was
simultaneous with the adoption of the present Constitution by the
decision of the ratifying Conventions. Upon the organization of the
government under the new form, he was elected to fill the office of
Vice-President, that of President being, by a more general consent,
awarded to General Washington. By this arrangement, a residence at the
seat of government during the sessions of the Senate was made necessary;
and, as that was fixed first at New York and then at Philadelphia, Mrs.
Adams enjoyed an opportunity to mix freely with the society of both
places.

The voluntary retirement of General Washington, at the end of eight
years, from the Presidency, was the signal for the great struggle
between the two political parties which had been rapidly maturing their
organization during his term of administration. Mr. Adams was elected as
his successor by a bare majority of the electoral colleges, and against
the inclinations of one section even of that party which supported him.
The open defection of that section, at the following election, turned
the scale against him, and brought Mr. Jefferson into his place. From
early life she had learnt to take a deep interest in the course of
political affairs, and it is not to be supposed that this would decline
whilst her husband was a chief actor in the scene and a butt for the
most malignant shafts which party animosity could throw. Her letters of
that period, of course, cannot be comprised within the period embraced
in this volume. A single exception may, perhaps, be permitted to be
introduced here. It is the letter of the 8th of February, 1797, the day
upon which the votes for President were counted, and Mr. Adams, as
Vice-President, was required by law to announce himself the President
elect for the ensuing term. This, though extremely short, appears to the
Editor to be the gem of the collection; for the exalted feeling of the
moment shines out with all the lustre of ancient patriotism. Perhaps
there is not, among the whole number, one which, in its spirit, brings
so strongly to mind, as this does, the celebrated Roman lady whose
signature she at one time assumed; whilst it is chastened by a sentiment
of Christian humility of which ancient history furnishes no example.

   "Quincy, 8 February, 1797.

   "'The sun is dressed in brightest beams,
   To give thy honors to the day.'

"And may it prove an auspicious prelude to each ensuing season. You have
this day to declare yourself head of a nation. 'And now, O Lord, my God,
Thou hast made thy servant ruler over the people. Give unto him an
understanding heart, that he may know how to go out and come in before
this great people; that he may discern between good and bad. For who is
able to judge this thy so great a people?' were the words of a royal
Sovereign; and not less applicable to him who is invested with the Chief
Magistracy of a nation, though he wear not a crown, nor the robes of
royalty.

"My thoughts and my meditations are with you, though personally absent;
and my petitions to Heaven are that 'the things which make for peace may
not be hidden from your eyes.' My feelings are not those of pride or
ostentation upon the occasion. They are solemnized by a sense of the
obligations, the important trusts, and numerous duties connected with
it. That you may be enabled to discharge them with honor to yourself,
with justice and impartiality to your country, and with satisfaction to
this great people, shall be the daily prayer of your

   A. A."

At this time the health of Mrs. Adams, which had never been very firm,
began decidedly to fail. Her residence at Philadelphia had not been
favorable, as it had subjected her to the attack of an intermittent
fever, from the effects of which she was never afterwards perfectly
free. The desire to enjoy the bracing air of her native climate, as well
as to keep together the private property of her husband, upon which she
early foresaw that he would be obliged to rely for their support in
their last years, prompted her to reside, much of the time, at Quincy.
Such was the name now given to that part of the ancient town of
Braintree in which she had always lived. Yet when at the seat of
government, whether in Philadelphia or Washington, the influence of her
kindly feelings and cheerful temper did much to soften the asperities of
the time. Of her early sentiments of Mr. Jefferson she has given many
proofs in her later correspondence; sentiments which she did everything
in her power to maintain up to the last minute of their intercourse, and
which she qualified only for reasons given very frankly to himself at a
later period, when he requested to know them. In the midst of public or
private troubles, the buoyant spirit of Mrs. Adams never forsook her. "I
am a mortal enemy," she writes upon one occasion to her husband, "to
anything but a cheerful countenance and a merry heart, which, Solomon
tells us, does good like a medicine." This spirit contributed greatly to
lift up his heart, when surrounded by difficulties and danger, exposed
to open hostility and secret detraction, and resisting a torrent of
invective such as it may well be doubted whether any other individual in
public station in the United States has ever tried to stem. It was this
spirit which soothed his wounded feelings, when the country which he had
served in the full consciousness of the perfect honesty of his motives
threw him off, and signified its preference for other statesmen. There
often are, even in this life, more compensations for the severest of the
troubles that afflict mankind, than we are apt to think. It may be
questioned whether Mr. Adams's more successful rival, who, in the day of
his power, wielded popular masses with far greater skill and success
than he, ever realized, in the hours of his subsequent retirement, any
consolation for his pecuniary embarrassments like that which Mr. Adams
enjoyed from the faithful devotedness of his wife, and, it may be added,
the successful labors of his son.

There were many persons, in the lifetime of the parties, who ascribed to
Mrs. Adams a degree of influence over the public conduct of her husband,
far greater than there was any foundation for in truth. Perhaps it is
giving more than its due importance to this idea to take any notice at
all of it in this place. But the design of this Memoir is to set forth,
in as clear a light as possible, the character of its subject; and this
cannot well be done without a full explanation of her personal relations
to those about her. That her opinions, even upon public affairs, had at
all times great weight with her husband, is unquestionably true, for he
frequently marked upon her letters his testimony to their solidity; but
there is no evidence that they either originated or materially altered
any part of the course he had laid out for himself. Whenever she
differed in sentiment from him, which was sometimes the case, she
perfectly well understood her own position, and that the best way of
recommending her views was by entire concession. The character of Mr.
Adams is clearly visible in his own papers. Ardent, vehement in support
of what he believed to be right, easily roused to anger by opposition,
but sincere, placable, and generous, when made conscious of having
committed the slightest wrong, there is no individual of his time about
whom there are so few concealments of either faults or virtues. She was
certain that a word said, not at the moment of irritation, but
immediately after it had passed, would receive great consideration from
him. She therefore waited the favorable time, and thus, by the calmness
of her judgment, exercised a species of negative influence, which often
prevented evil consequences from momentary indiscretion. But her power
extended no further, nor did she seek to make it do so, and in this
consisted her principal merit. Perhaps it may be added, that to men of
ardent and excitable temperament no virtue is more necessary in a wife,
and none more essential to the happiness and prosperity of both the
parties, than that which has been now described.

From the year 1801 down to the day of her death, which happened on the
28th of October, 1818, she remained uninterruptedly at home in Quincy.
This period furnishes abundance of familiar letters. Her interest in
public affairs did not cease with the retirement of her husband. She
continued to write to her friends her free opinions, both of men and
measures, perhaps with a more sustained hand on account of the share her
son was then taking in politics. But these letters bring us down to
times so recent that they carry us beyond the limits contemplated in the
present publication. On some accounts, this is perhaps to be regretted.
None of her letters present a more agreeable picture of life, or a more
characteristic idea of their author, than these. The old age of Mrs.
Adams was not one of grief and repining, of clouds and darkness. Her
cheerfulness continued, with the full possession of her faculties, to
the last; and her sunny spirit enlivened the small social circle around
her, brightened the solitary hours of her husband, and spread the
influence of its example over the town where she lived. "Yesterday," she
writes to a granddaughter on the 26th of October, 1814, "yesterday
completes half a century since I entered the married state, then just
your age. I have great cause of thankfulness, that I have lived so long
and enjoyed so large a portion of happiness as has been my lot. The
greatest source of unhappiness I have known in that period has arisen
from the long and cruel separations which I was called, in a time of war
and with a young family around me, to submit to." Yet she had not been
without her domestic afflictions. A daughter lost in infancy; a son,
grown up to manhood, who died in 1800; and, thirteen years afterwards,
the death of her only remaining daughter, the wife of Colonel W. S.
Smith, furnished causes of deep and severe grief, which threw a shadow
of sadness over the evening of her life. But they produced no permanent
gloom, nor did they prevent her from enjoying the consolations to be
found in gratitude to the Divine Being for the blessings that still
remained to her. She was rewarded for the painful separation from her
eldest son, when he went abroad in the public service under
circumstances which threatened a long absence, by surviving the whole
period of eight years that it lasted, and witnessing his return to
receive from the Chief Magistrate elect, Mr. Monroe, the highest
testimony he could give him of his confidence. This was the fulfillment
of the wish nearest to her heart. His nomination as Secretary of State
was the crowning mercy of her life. Had she survived the attack of the
fever which proved fatal, it is true that she might have seen him
exalted still higher, to that station which her husband and his father
had held before him; but it is very doubtful whether her satisfaction
would have been at all enhanced. The commencement of Mr. Monroe's
administration was marked by a unanimity of the popular voice, the more
gratifying to her because it was something so new. Later times have only
carried us back to party divisions, of the bitterness of which she had
during her lifetime tasted too largely to relish even the little of
sweet which they might have to give.

The obsequies of Mrs. Adams were attended by a great concourse of
people, who voluntarily came to pay this last tribute to her memory.
Several brief but beautiful notices of her appeared in the newspapers of
the day, and a sermon was preached by the late Reverend Dr. Kirkland,
then President of Harvard University, which closed with a delicate and
affecting testimony to her worth. "Ye will seek to mourn, bereaved
friends," it says, "as becomes Christians, in a manner worthy of the
person you lament. You do, then, bless the Giver of life, that the
course of your endeared and honored friend was so long and so bright;
that she entered so fully into the spirit of those injunctions which we
have explained, and was a minister of blessings to all within her
influence. You are soothed to reflect that she was sensible of the many
tokens of divine goodness which marked her lot; that she received the
good of her existence with a cheerful and grateful heart; that, when
called to weep, she bore adversity with an equal mind; that she used the
world as not abusing it to excess, improving well her time, talents, and
opportunities, and, though desired longer in this world, was fitted for
a better happiness than this world can give."

It often happens that when the life of a woman is the topic of
discussion, men think it necessary either to fall into a tone of
affected gallantry and unmeaning compliment or to assume the extreme of
unnatural and extravagant eulogy. Yet there seems no reason, in the
nature of things, why the same laws of composition should not be made to
apply to the one sex as to the other. It has been the wish of the Editor
to avoid whatever might be considered as mere empty praise of his
subject, in which, if he has not altogether succeeded, some allowance
may, it is hoped, be made for the natural bias under which he writes. It
has been his purpose to keep far within the line marked out by the great
master of composition, who, in allusion to the first instance in Rome
when a woman, Popilia, was publicly praised by her son Catulus, defines
the topics which may be treated with propriety upon any similar
occasion.[10] He does not claim for the letters now published to the
world that they are models of style, though in behalf of some of them
such a claim might, perhaps, be reasonably urged; nor yet that they
contain much novel or important historical information. What merit they
may have will be found in the pictures of social life which they
present, during a period daily becoming more interesting as it recedes
from us, and in the high moral and religious tone which uniformly
pervades them. They are here given to the public exactly as they were
written, with only those corrections or omissions which were absolutely
necessary either to perfect the sense or to avoid subjects exclusively
personal. It was the habit of the writer to make first a rough draft of
what she intended to say, and from this to form a fair copy for her
correspondent; but in the process she altered so much of the original
that, in every instance where the two have been compared, they are by no
means the same thing. Only in one or two cases, and for particular
reasons, has the loss of the real letter been supplied by the first
draft. The principal difference between them ordinarily is that the
former is much the most full. Frequently, it will be seen that she did
not copy, the task being, as she testifies in the postscript, extremely
irksome to her.

The value attached to her letters by some of her correspondents, even
during her lifetime, was so considerable that it produced from one of
them, the late Judge Vanderkemp, of New York, a request that a
collection should then be made for publication. In allusion to this,
Mrs. Adams writes in a note to a female friend,--

"The President has a letter from Vanderkemp, in which he proposes to
have him send a collection of my letters to publish! A pretty figure I
should make. No. No. I have not any ambition to appear in print.
Heedless and inaccurate as I am, I have too much vanity to risk my
reputation before the public."

And on the same day she replies to Judge Vanderkemp as follows:--

   "Quincy, 24 January, 1818.

"My dear sir,--When President Monroe was in Boston, upon his late tour,
encompassed by citizens, surrounded by the military, harassed by
invitations to parties and applications innumerable for office, some
gentleman asked him if he was not completely worn out? To which he
replied, 'Oh no. A little flattery will support a man through great
fatigue.' I may apply the observation to myself, and say that the
flattery in your letter leads me to break through the aversion, which is
daily increasing upon me, to writing.

"You terrify me, my dear sir, when you ask for letters of mine to
publish. It is true that Dr. Disney, to whom the late Mr. Hollis
bequeathed his property, found amongst his papers some letters from the
President and from me, which he asked permission to publish. We had both
forgotten the contents of them, but left them to his judgment to do with
them as he pleased, and accordingly he published some of them. One other
letter to my son, when he first went to France in the year 1778, by some
means or other was published in an English magazine; and those, I
believe, are all the mighty works of mine which ever have, or will, by
my consent, appear before the public. _Style_ I never studied. My
language is

   "'Warm from the _heart_ and faithful to its fires,'

the spontaneous effusions of friendship. As such I tender them to Mr.
Vanderkemp, sure of his indulgence, since I make no pretensions to the
character which he professes to fear, that of a learned lady."

       *       *       *       *       *

These observations are strictly true. To learning, in the ordinary sense
of that term, Mrs. Adams could make no claim. Her reading had been
extensive in the lighter departments of literature, and she was well
acquainted with the poets in her own language; but it went no further.
It is the soul, shining through the words, that gives to them their
great attraction; the spirit, ever equal to the occasion, whether a
great or a small one,--a spirit inquisitive and earnest in the little
details of life, as when she was in France and England, playful when she
describes daily duties,[11] but rising to the call when the roar of
cannon is in her ears,[12] or when she reproves her husband for not
knowing her better than to think her a coward, and to fear telling her
bad news,[13] or when she warns her son that she "would rather he had
found his grave in the ocean, or that any untimely death should crop him
in his infant years, than see him an immoral, profligate, or graceless
child."[14]

It was the fortune of the Editor to know the subject of his Memoir only
during the last year of her life, and when he was too young fully to
comprehend the beauty of her character; but it will be a source of
unceasing gratification to him, as long as he may live, that he has been
permitted to pay this tribute, however inadequate, to her memory.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: Hutchinson, Vol. I. pp. 220 _et seq._]

[Footnote 2: As this anecdote rests entirely upon tradition, it has been
differently told; and it is here admitted in this form, rather as a
characteristic feature of the age, and of the individual, than from any
positive reliance upon its authenticity. There are yet transmitted,
among the inhabitants of Weymouth and Hingham, many stories of Mr.
Smith's application of texts, in a similar manner, to the events of the
Revolution, which render the truth of this far from improbable.]

[Footnote 3: Page 25.]

[Footnote 4: Page 47.]

[Footnote 5: Pages 52-74.]

[Footnote 6: Page 136.]

[Footnote 7: Page 327.]

[Footnote 8: Page 368.]

[Footnote 9: Pages 163, 172, 175.]

[Footnote 10: "Ex his enim fontibus, unde omnia ornate dicendi præcepta
sumuntur, licebit etiam laudationem ornare, neque illa elementa
desiderare; quæ ut nemo tradat, quis est, qui nesciat, quæ sint in
homine laudanda? Positis enim iis rebus, quas Crassus in illius
orationis suæ, quam contra collegam censor habuit, principio dixit: 'Quæ
naturâ, aut fortunâ darentur hominibus, _in iis rebus vinci posse animo
æquo pati: quæ ipsi sibi homines parare possent, in iis rebus se pati
vinci non posse_;' qui laudabit quempiam, intelliget, exponenda sibi
esse fortunæ bona. Ea sunt, generis, pecuniæ, propinquorum, amicorum,
opum, valetudinis, formæ, virium, ingenii, cæterarumque rerum, quæ sunt
aut corporis; aut extraneæ: si habuerit, bene his usum: si non habuerit,
sapienter caruisse: si amiserit, moderate tulisse. Deinde, quid
sapienter is, quem laudet, quid liberaliter, quid fortiter, quid juste,
quid magnifice, quid pie, quid grate, quid humaniter, quid denique cum
aliquâ virtute, aut fecerit _aut tulerit_."--_Cicero_, _de Oratore_, II.
11.]

[Footnote 11: Page 57.]

[Footnote 12: Pages 136-141.]

[Footnote 13: Page 309.]

[Footnote 14: Page 335.]



FAMILIAR LETTERS

OF

JOHN ADAMS AND HIS WIFE.



1. JOHN ADAMS.


   Boston, 12 May, 1774.

I am extremely afflicted with the relation your father gave me of the
return of your disorder. I fear you have taken some cold. We have had a
most pernicious air a great part of this spring. I am sure I have reason
to remember it. My cold is the most obstinate and threatening one I ever
had in my life. However, I am unwearied in my endeavors to subdue it,
and have the pleasure to think I have had some success. I rise at five,
walk three miles, keep the air all day, and walk again in the afternoon.
These walks have done me more good than anything. My own infirmities,
the account of the return of yours, and the public news[15] coming
altogether have put my utmost philosophy to the trial.

We live, my dear soul, in an age of trial. What will be the consequence,
I know not. The town of Boston, for aught I can see, must suffer
martyrdom. It must expire. And our principal consolation is, that it
dies in a noble cause--the cause of truth, of virtue, of liberty, and of
humanity, and that it will probably have a glorious resurrection to
greater wealth, splendor, and power, than ever.

Let me know what is best for us to do. It is expensive keeping a family
here, and there is no prospect of any business in my way in this town
this whole summer. I don't receive a shilling a week. We must contrive
as many ways as we can to save expenses; for we may have calls to
contribute very largely, in proportion to our circumstances, to prevent
other very honest worthy people from suffering for want, besides our own
loss in point of business and profit.

Don't imagine from all this that I am in the dumps. Far otherwise. I can
truly say that I have felt more spirits and activity since the arrival
of this news than I had done before for years. I look upon this as the
last effort of Lord North's despair, and he will as surely be defeated
in it, as he was in the project of the tea.

   I am, with great anxiety for your health,

   Your

   JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 15: Four of the spring fleet of merchant ships, designated in
the newspapers according to custom, only by the names of their
respective commanders, Shayler, Lyde, Maratt, and Scott, had just
arrived. They brought accounts of the effect upon the mother country of
the destruction of the tea. The ministry had carried through Parliament
their system of repressive measures: the Boston Port Bill, the revision
of the charts, materially impairing its popular features, and the act to
authorize the removal of trials in certain cases to Great Britain.
General Gage, the commander-in-chief of his Majesty's forces in America,
appointed Governor to execute the new policy,--in the place of
Hutchinson, who had asked leave of absence,--was on his way, and arrived
in his Majesty's ship _Lively_, Captain Bishop, in twenty-six days from
London, on the 13th, the day after the date of this letter.]



2. JOHN ADAMS.


   York,[16] 29 June, 1774.

I have a great deal of leisure, which I chiefly employ in scribbling,
that my mind may not stand still or run back, like my fortune. There is
very little business here, and David Sewall, David Wyer, John Sullivan
and James Sullivan, and Theophilus Bradbury, are the lawyers who attend
the inferior courts, and consequently, conduct the causes at the
superior.

I find that the country is the situation to make estates by the law.
John Sullivan, who is placed at Durham in New Hampshire, is younger both
in years and practice than I am. He began with nothing, but is now said
to be worth ten thousand pounds lawful money, his brother James allows
five or six or perhaps seven thousand pounds, consisting in houses and
lands, notes, bonds, and mortgages. He has a fine stream of water, with
an excellent corn mill, saw mill, fulling mill, scythe mill, and others,
in all six mills, which are both his delight and his profit. As he has
earned cash in his business at the bar, he has taken opportunities to
purchase farms of his neighbors, who wanted to sell and move out farther
into the woods, at an advantageous rate, and in this way has been
growing rich; under the smiles and auspices of Governor Wentworth, he
has been promoted in the civil and military way, so that he is treated
with great respect in this neighborhood.[17]

James Sullivan, brother of the other, who studied law under him, without
any academical education (and John was in the same case), is fixed at
Saco, alias Biddeford, in our province. He began with neither learning,
books, estate, nor anything but his head and hands, and is now a very
popular lawyer and growing rich very fast, purchasing great farms, etc.,
and a justice of the peace and a member of the General Court.

David Sewall, of this town, never practices out of this county; has no
children; has no ambition nor avarice, they say (however, _quære_). His
business in this county maintains him very handsomely, and he gets
beforehand.

Bradbury, at Falmouth, they say, grows rich very fast.

I was first sworn in 1758. My life has been a continual scene of
fatigue, vexation, labor, and anxiety. I have four children. I had a
pretty estate from my father; I have been assisted by your father; I
have done the greatest business in the province; I have had the very
richest clients in the province. Yet I am poor, in comparison with
others.

This, I confess, is grievous and discouraging. I ought, however, to be
candid enough to acknowledge that I have been imprudent. I have spent an
estate in books. I have spent a sum of money indiscreetly in a lighter,
another in a pew, and a much greater in a house in Boston. These would
have been indiscretions, if the impeachment of the Judges, the Boston
Port Bill, etc., etc., had never happened; but by the unfortunate
interruption of my business from these causes, those indiscretions
became almost fatal to me; to be sure, much more detrimental.

John Lowell, at Newburyport, has built himself a house like the palace
of a nobleman, and lives in great splendor. His business is very
profitable. In short, every lawyer who has the least appearance of
abilities makes it do in the country. In town, nobody does, or ever can,
who either is not obstinately determined never to have any connection
with politics, or does not engage on the side of the Government, the
Administration, and the Court.[18]

Let us, therefore, my dear partner, from that affection which we feel
for our lovely babes, apply ourselves, by every way we can, to the
cultivation of our farm. Let frugality and industry be our virtues, if
they are not of any others. And above all cares of this life, let our
ardent anxiety be to mould the minds and manners of our children. Let us
teach them not only to do virtuously, but to excel. To excel, they must
be taught to be steady, active, and industrious.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 16: In Maine, at this time and long afterwards a part of
Massachusetts. Lawyers were in the habit of following the circuit in
those days.]

[Footnote 17: All the persons named in this letter reached eminence,
both professional and political, in Massachusetts.

Of John and James Sullivan much information has been furnished in the
memoir of the latter by Mr. T. C. Amory.

David Sewall, a classmate of John Adams at Harvard College, was made a
Judge of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, and afterwards transferred
to the District Court of the United States for Maine. He died in 1825 at
a very advanced age.

Theophilus Bradbury graduated at Harvard College in the year 1757. He
served as a representative in the Congress of the United States in the
fifth Congress, and afterwards as one of the Judges of the Supreme Court
of Massachusetts. He died in 1803.]

[Footnote 18: Mr. Lowell signed the address to Governor Hutchinson, in
common with most of the members of the bar. But he had studied his
profession in the office of Oxenbridge Thacher, and did not forget his
master's principles. In the Revolutionary struggle he took his side with
his countrymen, and labored faithfully for the cause. He was a delegate
to the Congress of the Confederation, during the war, was most efficient
in the convention which matured the Constitution of Massachusetts, and
finally served with great credit as Judge of Appeals in admiralty causes
before, and as the first judge of the District Court of the United
States for Massachusetts, after the adoption of the Federal
Constitution.]



3. JOHN ADAMS.


   York, June 30, 1774.

I have nothing to do here but to take the air, inquire for news, talk
politics, and write letters.

I regret that I cannot have the pleasure of enjoying this fine weather
with my family, and upon my farm. Oh, how often am I there! I have but a
dull prospect before me. I have no hope of reaching Braintree under a
fortnight from this day, if I should in twenty days.

I regret my absence from the county of Suffolk this week on another
account. If I was there, I could converse with the gentlemen[19] who are
bound with me to Philadelphia; I could turn the course of my reading and
studies to such subjects of Law, and Politics, and Commerce, as may come
in play at the Congress. I might be furbishing up my old reading in Law
and History, that I might appear with less indecency before a variety of
gentlemen, whose educations, travels, experience, family, fortune, and
everything will give them a vast superiority to me, and I fear even to
some of my companions.

This town of York is a curiosity, in several views. The people here are
great idolaters of the memory of their former minister, Mr. Moody. Dr.
Sayward says, and the rest of them generally think, that Mr. Moody was
one of the greatest men and best saints who have lived since the days of
the Apostles. He had an ascendency and authority over the people here,
as absolute as that of any prince in Europe, not excepting his
Holiness.[20]

This he acquired by a variety of means. In the first place, he settled
in the place without any contract. His professed principle was that no
man should be hired to preach the gospel, but that the minister should
depend upon the charity, generosity, and benevolence of the people.
This was very flattering to their pride, and left room for their
ambition to display itself in an emulation among them which should be
most bountiful and ministerial.

In the next place, he acquired the character of firm trust in
Providence. A number of gentlemen came in one day, when they had nothing
in the house. His wife was very anxious, they say, and asked him what
they should do. "Oh, never fear; trust Providence, make a fire in the
oven, and you will have something." Very soon a variety of everything
that was good was sent in, and by one o'clock they had a splendid
dinner.

He had also the reputation of enjoying intimate communication with the
Deity, and of having a great interest in the Court of Heaven by his
prayers.

He always kept his musket in order, and was fond of hunting. On a time,
they say, he was out of provisions. There came along two wild geese. He
takes gun and cries, "If it please God I kill both, I will send the
fattest to the poorest person in this pariah." He shot, and killed both;
ordered them plucked, and then sent the fattest to a poor widow, leaving
the other, which was a very poor one, at home,--to the great
mortification of his lady. But his maxim was, Perform unto the Lord thy
vow.

But the best story I have heard yet was his doctrine in a sermon from
this text: "Lord, what shall we do?" The doctrine was that when a person
or people are in a state of perplexity, and know not what to do, they
ought never to do they know not what. This is applicable to the times.

He brought his people into a remarkable submission and subjection to
their spiritual rulers, which continues to this day. Their present
parson does and says what he pleases, is a great Tory, and as odd as
Moody.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 19: Thirteen days before, the writer had been chosen with four
others, J. Bowdoin, W. Cushing, Samuel Adams, and R. T. Paine, to go to
Philadelphia, for the purpose of meeting delegates of other colonies for
consultation.]

[Footnote 20: Samuel Moody, born in 1675, graduated at Cambridge in
1697, and died in 1747; one of a class peculiar to colonial times, the
like of whom are no longer to be found in the rural districts.]



4. JOHN ADAMS.


   York, 1 July, 1774.

I am so idle that I have not an easy moment without my pen in my hand.
My time might have been improved to some purpose in mowing grass,
raking hay, or hoeing corn, weeding carrots, picking or shelling pease.
Much better should I have been employed in schooling my children, in
teaching them to write, cipher, Latin, French, English, and Greek.

I sometimes think I must come to this--to be the foreman upon my own
farm and the schoolmaster to my own children. I confess myself to be
full of fears that the ministry and their friends and instruments will
prevail, and crush the cause and friends of liberty. The minds of that
party are so filled with prejudices against me that they will take all
advantages, and do me all the damage they can. These thoughts have their
turns in my mind, but in general my hopes are predominant.

Dr. Gardiner, arrived here to-day from Boston, brings us news of a
battle at the town meeting, between Whigs and Tories, in which the
Whigs, after a day and a half's obstinate engagement, were finally
victorious by two to one. He says the Tories are preparing a flaming
protest.

I am determined to be cool, if I can. I have suffered such torments in
my mind heretofore as have almost overpowered my constitution, without
any advantage. And now I will laugh and be easy if I can, let the
contest of parties terminate as it will, let my own estate and interest
suffer what it will, nay, whether I stand high or low in the estimation
of the world, so long as I keep a conscience void of offense towards God
and man. And this I am determined by the will of God to do, let what
will become of me or mine, my country or the world.

I shall arouse myself erelong, I believe, and exert an industry, a
frugality, a hard labor, that will serve my family, if I can't serve my
country. I will not lie down in despair. If I cannot serve my children
by the law, I will serve them by agriculture, by trade, by some way or
other. I thank God I have a head, and heart, and hands, which, if once
fully exerted altogether, will succeed in the world as well as those of
the mean-spirited, low-minded, fawning, obsequious scoundrels who have
long hoped that my integrity would be an obstacle in my way, and enable
them to outstrip me in the race.

But what I want in comparison of them of villainy and servility, I will
make up in industry and capacity. If I don't, they shall laugh and
triumph. I will not willingly see blockheads, whom I have a right to
despise, elevated above me and insolently triumphing over me. Nor shall
knavery, through any negligence of mine, get the better of honesty, nor
ignorance of knowledge, nor folly of wisdom, nor vice of virtue.

I must entreat you, my dear partner in all the joys and sorrows,
prosperity and adversity of my life, to take a part with me in the
struggle. I pray God for your health--entreat you to rouse your whole
attention to the family, the stock, the farm, the dairy. Let every
article of expense which can possibly be spared be retrenched; keep the
hands attentive to their business, and the most prudent measures of
every kind be adopted and pursued with alacrity and spirit.



5. JOHN ADAMS.


   York, 2 July, 1774.

I have concluded to mount my horse to-morrow morning at four, and ride
to Wells to hear my old worthy, learned, ingenious friend Hemmenway,
whom I never was yet so happy as to hear. Mr. Winthrop agrees to be my
company. Wells is about fifteen miles from this place; from thence we
propose to ride after the evening service is over to Saco, _i. e._,
Biddeford, which is about thirty miles from here, which will leave us an
easy journey to Falmouth for Monday.

Mr. Winthrop tells me that he has heard the late Governor Hutchinson,
while he was Chief Justice, frequently say for seven years together,
that Salem was the most proper, convenient, and suitable place in the
province for the seat of government; that he frequently complimented the
gentlemen of Salem with the happiness and convenience of their situation
for the seat of government, and with his prophecies that it would
certainly be made such in a course of years. I mentioned this to Judge
Trowbridge, and he told me that he himself remembered to have heard him
say the same thing. I am very much mistaken if I have not heard him say
so too. And I remember I happened to be with Kent when he carried to
Judge Lynde his commission as Chief Justice, and Judge Lynde entertained
me for some time with conversation about making Salem the seat of
government, and with the probable effects of such a measure; one of
which he said would be a translation of a great part of the trade from
Boston to Salem. But he said he did not want to have troops in Salem.

Now let any one who knows these anecdotes judge who was the suggester,
planner, and promoter of this wrongheaded and iniquitous measure.

I write you this tittle-tattle, my dear, in confidence. You must keep
these letters to yourself, and communicate them with great caution and
reserve. I should advise you to put them up safe and preserve them. They
may exhibit to our posterity a kind of picture of the manners, opinions,
and principles of these times of perplexity, danger, and distress.

Deacon Sayward said at table this week in my hearing that there was but
one point in which he differed in opinion from the late Governor
Hutchinson, and that was with regard to the reality of witchcraft and
the existence of witches. The Governor, he said, would not allow there
was any such thing. The Deacon said he was loath to differ from him in
anything; he had so great a regard for him and his opinions, that he was
willing to give up almost everything rather than differ with him. But in
this he could not see with him.

Such is the cant of this artful, selfish, hypocritical man.

Pray remember me to my dear little babes, whom I long to see running to
meet me and climb up upon me under the smiles of their mother.



6. JOHN ADAMS.


   Littlefield's, at Wells, 3 July, 1774.

Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Quincy, and I came this morning from York before
breakfast, fifteen miles, in order to hear my learned friend Hemmenway.
Mr. Quincy brought me a letter from Williams, in which he lets me know
that you and the family were well. This is very refreshing news.


   Patten's, at Arundel, 4 July.

We went to meeting at Wells and had the pleasure of hearing my friend
upon "Be not partakers in other men's sins. Keep yourselves pure." Mr.
Hemmenway came and kindly invited us to dine, but we had engaged a
dinner at Littlefield's, so we returned there, dined, and took our
horses to meeting in the afternoon and heard the minister again upon
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these
things shall be added unto you." There is a great pleasure in hearing
sermons so serious, so clear, so sensible and instructive as these.[21]

We went to Mr. Hemmenway's, and as it rained a little he put out our
horses, and we took a bed with him, _i. e._ Mr. Winthrop and I.

You know I never get or save anything by cozening or classmating. So I
gave pistareens enough among the children and servants to have paid
twice for my entertainment.

Josiah Quincy, always impetuous and vehement, would not stop, but drove
forward; I suppose, that he might get upon the fishing ground before his
brother Sam and me. I find that the divines and lawyers this way are all
Tories. Brother Hemmenway is as impartial as any I have seen or heard
of. James Sullivan seems half inclined to be a Whig.

Mr. Winthrop has been just making some observations which I think worth
sending to you. Upon reading an observation in the Farmer's fourth
letter,[22] that some of our (the Massachusetts) resolves and
publications had better have been suppressed, Mr. Winthrop said that
many things in our newspapers ought to have been suppressed, for
example, whenever there was the least popular commotion or
_disturbance_, it was instantly put in all the newspapers in this
province. But in all the other provinces they took care to conceal and
suppress every such thing.

Another thing, he says we ought to avoid all paragraphs in our papers
about our own manufactures, especially all vaporing puffing
advertisements about them, because such paragraphs only tend to provoke
the ministers, merchants, and manufacturers in England to confine and
restrain or prohibit our manufactures. But our presses in Boston, Salem,
and Newburyport are under no regulation, nor any judicious, prudent
care. Therefore it seems impracticable to keep out such imprudences. The
printers are hot, indiscreet men, and they are under the influence of
others as hot, rash, and injudicious as themselves, very often.

For my own part, it has long been my resolution to avoid being concerned
in counseling, or aiding, or abetting tumult or disorder; to avoid all
exceptionable scribbling in the newspaper of every kind; to avoid all
passion and personal altercation or reflections. I have found it
difficult to keep these resolutions exactly; all but the last, however,
I have religiously and punctiliously observed these six years.


   5 July, Tuesday Morning.

Arrived last evening at Falmouth, and procured a new place to lodge at,
Mrs. Euston's. Quincy and I have taken a bed together. My brother Neg
Freeman came to pay his respects to me and to invite me to a bed in his
house; but I was fixed before, and therefore thanked him and excused
myself. It is a very neat house where we sleep. The desk and table shine
like mirrors. The floors are clean and white and nicely sanded, etc.

But when shall I get home? This tedious journey will produce me very
little profit. I never saw Falmouth before with such lean expectations
and empty pockets. I am much concerned for my family. These Acts of
Parliament and ministerial manoeuvres will injure me both in my
property and business as much as any person whatever in proportion.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 21: Thirty-six years afterwards Mr. Adams wrote of the same
person, "My affection for him, which began when we first entered
college, has continued and increased till it has become veneration."]

[Footnote 22: The letters of John Dickinson, printed under that name.]



7. JOHN ADAMS.


   Falmouth, 5 July, 1774.

I can't be easy without my pen in my hand, yet I know not what to write.

I have this morning heard a dialogue between Will Gardiner and a Captain
Pote, of Falmouth. Gardiner says he can't subscribe the non-consumption
agreement because he has a hundred men coming from England to settle
upon Kennebeck River, and he must supply them, which he can't do without
English goods. That agreement he says may do at Boston, but not in the
Eastern country. Pote said he never would sign it, and railed away at
Boston mobs, drowning tea, and tarring Malcom.

James Sullivan at dinner told us a story or two. One member of the
General Court, he said, as they came down stairs after their dissolution
at Salem said to him, "Though we are killed, we died scrabbling, did not
we?"

This is not very witty, I think.

Another story was of a piece of wit of brother Porter, of Salem. He came
upon the floor and asked a member, "What state are you in now?" The
member answered, "In a state of nature." "Aye," says Porter, "and you
will be damned before you will get into a state of grace."


   6 July.

I spent an hour last evening at Mr. Wyer's, with Judge Cushing. Wyer's
father, who has a little place in the customs, came in. He began upon
politics, and told us that Mr. Smith had a fast last week which he
attended. Mr. Gilman preached, he said, part of the day, and told them
that the judgments of God upon the land were in consequence of the mobs
and riots which had prevailed in the country; and then turning to me old
Wyer said, "What do you think of that, Mr. Adams?"

I answered, "I can't say but mobs and violence may have been one cause
of our calamities. I am inclined to think that they do come in for a
share; but there are many other causes. Did not Mr. Gilman mention
bribery and corruption as another cause? He ought to have been
impartial, and pointed out the venality which prevails in the land as a
cause, as well as tumults." "I think he did," says Wyer. I might have
pursued my inquiry, whether he did not mention universal pilfering,
robbery, and picking of pockets which prevails in the land,--as every
man's pocket upon the continent is picked every day by taking from him
duties without his consent. I might have inquired whether he mentioned
the universal spirit of debauchery, dissipation, luxury, effeminacy, and
gaming, which the late ministerial measures are introducing, etc., etc.,
etc., but I forbore.

How much profaneness, lewdness, intemperance, etc., have been introduced
by the army and navy and revenue; how much servility, venality,
artifice, and hypocrisy have been introduced among the ambitious and
avaricious by the British politics of the last ten years. In short the
original faulty causes of all the vices which have been introduced are
the political innovations of the last ten years. This is no
justification and a poor excuse for the girls who have been debauched,
and for the injustice which has been committed in some riots; but surely
the soldiers, sailors, and excisemen who have occasioned these vices
ought not to reproach those they have corrupted. These Tories act the
part of the devil. They tempt the women into sin and then reproach them
for it, and become soon their tormentors for it. A tempter and tormentor
is the character of the devil. Hutchinson, Oliver, and others of their
circle, who for their own ends of ambition and avarice have pursued,
promoted, encouraged, counseled, aided, and abetted the taxation of
America, have been the real tempters of their countrymen and women into
all the vices, sins, crimes, and follies which that taxation has
occasioned. And now by themselves and their friends, dependents, and
votaries, they are reproaching those very men and women with those vices
and follies, sins and crimes.

There is not a sin which prevails more universally and has prevailed
longer than prodigality in furniture, equipage, apparel, and diet. And I
believe that this vice, this sin, has as large a share in drawing down
the judgments of Heaven as any. And perhaps the punishment that is
inflicted may work medicinally and cure the disease.



8. JOHN ADAMS.


   Falmouth,[23] 6 July, 1774.

Mobs are the trite topic of declamation and invective among all the
ministerial people far and near. They are grown universally learned in
the nature, tendency, and consequences of them, and very elegant and
pathetic in descanting upon them. They are sources of all kinds of
evils, vices, and crimes, they say. They give rise to profaneness,
intemperance, thefts, robberies, murders, and treason. Cursing,
swearing, drunkenness, gluttony, lewdness, trespasses, maims, are
necessarily involved in them and occasioned by them. Besides, they
render the populace, the rabble, the scum of the earth, insolent and
disorderly, impudent and abusive. They give rise to lying, hypocrisy,
chicanery, and even perjury among the people, who are driven to such
artifice and crimes to conceal themselves and their companions from
prosecutions in consequence of them.

This is the picture drawn by the Tory pencil; and it must be granted to
be a likeness. But this is declamation. What consequence is to be drawn
from this description? Shall we submit to Parliamentary taxation to
avoid mobs? Will not Parliamentary taxation, if established, occasion
vices, crimes, and follies infinitely more numerous, dangerous, and
fatal to the community? Will not Parliamentary taxation, if established,
raise a revenue unjustly and wrongfully? If this revenue is scattered by
the hand of corruption among the public officers and magistrates and
rulers in the community, will it not propagate vices more numerous, more
malignant and pestilential among them? Will it not render magistrates
servile and fawning to their vicious superiors, and insolent and
tyrannical to their inferiors?

Are insolence, abuse, and impudence more tolerable in a magistrate than
in a subject? Are they not more constantly and extensively pernicious?
And does not the example of vice and folly in magistrates descend and
spread downwards among the people?

Besides, is not the insolence of officers and soldiers and seamen, in
the army and navy, as mischievous as that of porters, or of sailors in
the merchant service? Are not riots raised and made by armed men as bad
as those by unarmed? Is not an assault upon a civil officer, and a
rescue of a prisoner from lawful authority, made by soldiers with swords
or bayonets, as bad as if made by tradesmen with staves?

Are not the killing of a child by R.,[24] and the slaughter of half a
dozen citizens by a party of soldiers, as bad as pulling down a house or
drowning a cargo of tea, even if both should be allowed to be unlawful?
Parties may go on declaiming, but it is not easy to say which party has
excited most riots, which has published most libels, which has
propagated most slander and defamation? Verbal scandal has been
propagated in great abundance by both parties; but there is this
difference, that one party have enjoyed almost all public offices, and
therefore their defamation has been spread among the people more
secretly, more maliciously, and more effectually. It has gone with
greater authority, and been scattered by instruments more industrious.
The ministerial newspapers have swarmed with as numerous and as
malicious libels as the antiministerial ones. Fleet's paper, "Mein's
Chronicle," etc., etc., have been as virulent as any that was ever in
the province. These bickerings of opposite parties, and their mutual
reproaches, their declamations, their sing-song, their triumphs and
defiances, their dismals and prophecies, are all delusion.

We very seldom hear any solid reasoning. I wish always to discuss the
question without all painting, pathos, rhetoric, or flourish of every
kind. And the question seems to me to be, whether the American colonies
are to be considered as a distinct community so far as to have a right
to judge for themselves when the fundamentals of their government are
destroyed or invaded, or whether they are to be considered as a part of
the whole British empire, the whole English nation, so far as to be
bound in honor, conscience, or interest by the general sense of the
whole nation. However, if this was the rule, I believe it is very far
from the general sense of the whole nation, that America should be taxed
by the British parliament. If the sense of the whole of the empire could
be fairly and truly collected, it would appear, I believe, that a great
majority would be against taxing us against or without our consent. It
is very certain that the sense of parliament is not the sense of the
empire, nor a sure indication of it.

But, if all other parts of the empire were agreed unanimously in the
propriety and rectitude of taxing us, this would not bind us. It is a
fundamental, inherent, and unalienable right of the people, that they
have some check, influence, or control in their supreme legislature. If
the right of taxation is conceded to Parliament, the Americans have no
check or influence at all left.

This reasoning never was nor can be answered.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 23: The ancient name of Portland, in Maine, at this period a
part of the province of Massachusetts Bay.]

[Footnote 24: Ebenezer Richardson. The affair happened on the 22d
February, 1770, a few days before the other and more serious disturbance
here alluded to, commonly known as the Boston massacre. A man of the
government side, by the name of Lillie, who kept a shop in Hanover
Street, finding the non-importation agreement not universally observed,
ventured to offer his stock of goods for sale. As a consequence, his
shop was at once marked out in the street as infringing the agreement,
and a board set up on which a hand was drawn for the purpose of
arresting attention and deterring all persons from purchasing.
Richardson, well known as an informer attached to the custom house, who
lived close by, came out and attempted to get rid of the board. A
struggle took place. The mob drove him back to his house, and attacked
it with stones. He then fired a musket twice, killing a German boy
eleven years old, by the name of Christopher Snyder, and wounding
another very severely.]



9. JOHN ADAMS.


   Falmouth, 6 July, 1774.

Our Justice Hutchinson is eternally giving his political hints. In a
cause this morning, somebody named Captain Mackay as a referee. I said,
"An honest man?" "Yes," says Hutchinson, "he's an honest man, only
_misled_"--"he, he, he!"--blinking and grinning. At dinner to-day
somebody mentioned determinations in the Lord's House (the Court sits in
the meeting-house). "I've known many very bad determinations in the
Lord's house of late," says he, meaning a fling upon the clergy. He is
perpetually flinging about the Fasts, and ironically talking about
getting home to the Fast. A gentleman told me that he had heard him say
frequently that the Fast was perfect blasphemy. "Why don't you pay for
the tea? Refuse to pay for the tea! and go to fasting and praying for
direction! Perfect blasphemy!"[25]

This is the moderation, candor, impartiality, prudence, patience,
forbearance, and condescension of our Judge.

Samuel Quincy said yesterday, as Josiah told me, he was for staying at
home and not going to meeting as they, _i. e._, the meetings, are so
managed.

Such is the bitterness and rancor, the malice and revenge, the pride and
vanity, which prevail in these men. And such minds are possessed of all
the power of the province.

Samuel makes no fortune this court. There is very little business here,
it is true, but S. gets but very little of that little--less than
anybody.

Wyer[26] retains his old good nature and good humor, his wit, such as it
is, and his fancy, with its mildness. Bradbury retains his anxiety, and
his plaintive, angry manner; David Sewall his softness and conceited
modesty.

Bradbury and Sewall always roast Dr. Gardiner at these courts, but they
have done it more now than usual, as Gardiner had not me to protect him.
See how I think of myself!

I believe it is time to think a little about my family and farm. The
fine weather we have had for eight or ten days past I hope has been
carefully improved to get in my hay. It is a great mortification to me
that I could not attend every step of their progress in mowing, making,
and carting. I long to see what burden. But I long more still to see to
the procuring more sea-weed, and muscle mud, and sand, etc.

However, my prospect is interrupted again. I shall have no time. I must
prepare for a journey to Philadelphia, a long journey indeed! But if the
length of the journey were all, it would be no burden. But the
consideration of what is to be done is of great weight. Great things are
wanted to be done, and little things only I fear can be done. I dread
the thought of the Congress' falling short of the expectations of the
continent, but especially of the people of this province.

Vapors avaunt! I will do my duty, and leave the event. If I have the
approbation of my own mind, whether applauded or censured, blessed or
cursed, by the world, I will not be unhappy.

Certainly I shall enjoy good company, good conversation, and shall have
a fine ride and see a little more of the world than I have seen before.

The letters I have written, or may write, my dear, must be kept secret,
or at least shown with great caution.

I believe I forgot to tell you one anecdote. When I first came to this
house it was late in the afternoon, and I had ridden thirty-five miles
at least. "Madam," said I to Mrs. Huston, "is it lawful for a weary
traveller to refresh himself with a dish of tea, provided it has been
honestly smuggled, or paid no duties?" "No, sir," said she, "we have
renounced all tea in this place, but I'll make you coffee." Accordingly
I have drank coffee every afternoon since, and have borne it very well.
Tea must be universally renounced, and I must be weaned, and the sooner
the better.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 25: Foster Hutchinson, one of the Associate Justices of the
Superior Court, and brother of the Governor. He was proscribed and his
property confiscated. He removed to Nova Scotia in 1776, where he died
in 1799.]

[Footnote 26: David Wyer, a graduate of Harvard College in 1758, entered
on the practice of his profession at Falmouth, but died before he was
forty, in October, 1775.]



10. JOHN ADAMS.


   Falmouth, 7 July, 1774.

Have you seen a list of the addressers of the late Governor?[27] There
is one abroad, with the character, profession, or occupation of each
person against his name. I have never seen it, but Judge Brown says
against the name of Andrew Faneuil Phillips is "Nothing." And that
Andrew, when he first heard of it, said, "Better be nothing with one
side than everything with the other."

This was witty and smart, whether Andrew said it or what is more likely,
it was made for him. A notion prevails among all parties that it is
politest and genteelest to be on the side of administration; that the
better sort, the wiser few, are on one side, and that the multitude, the
vulgar, the herd, the rabble, the mob only, are on the other. So
difficult is it for the frail, feeble mind of man to shake itself loose
from all prejudice and habits. However, Andrew or his prompter is
perfectly right in his judgment, and will finally be proved to be, so
that the lowest on the Tory scale will make it more for his interest
than the highest on the Whiggish. And as long as a man adheres immovably
to his own interest and has understanding or luck enough to secure and
promote it, he will have the character of a man of sense, and will be
respected by a selfish world. I know of no better reason for it than
this, that most men are conscious that they aim at their own interest
only, and that if they fail it is owing to short sight or ill luck, and
therefore they can't blame, but secretly applaud, admire, and sometimes
envy those whose capacities have proved greater and fortunes more
prosperous.

I am engaged in a famous cause,--the cause of King, of Scarborough,
_versus_ a mob that broke into his house and rifled his papers and
terrified him, his wife, children and servants in the night. The terror
and distress, the distraction and horror of his family cannot be
described by words or painted upon canvas. It is enough to move a
statue, to melt a heart of stone, to read the story. A mind susceptible
of the feelings of humanity, a heart which can be touched with
sensibility for human misery and wretchedness, must reluct, must burn
with resentment and indignation at such outrageous injuries. These
private mobs I do and will detest.[28] If popular commotions can be
justified in opposition to attacks upon the Constitution, it can be only
when fundamentals are invaded, nor then unless for absolute necessity,
and with great caution. But these tarrings and featherings, this
breaking open houses by rude and insolent rabble in resentment for
private wrongs, or in pursuance of private prejudices and passions, must
be discountenanced. It cannot be even excused upon any principle which
can be entertained by a good citizen, a worthy member of society.

Dined with Mr. Collector Francis Waldo,[29] Esquire, in company with Mr.
Winthrop, the two Quincys, and the two Sullivans, all very social and
cheerful--full of politics. S. Quincy's tongue ran as fast as anybody's.
He was clear in it, that the House of Commons had no right to take
money out of our pockets more than any foreign state; repeated large
paragraphs from a publication of Mr. Burke's in 1766, and large
paragraphs from Junius Americanus, etc. This is to talk and to shine
before persons who have no capacity of judging, and who do not know that
he is ignorant of every rope in the ship.[30]

I shan't be able to get away till next week. I am concerned only in two
or three cases, and none of them are come on yet. Such an Eastern
circuit I never made. I shall bring home as much as I brought from home,
I hope, and not much more, I fear. I go mourning in my heart all the day
long, though I say nothing. I am melancholy for the public and anxious
for my family. As for myself, a frock and trousers, a hoe and a spade
would do for my remaining days.

For God's sake make your children _hardy_, _active_, and _industrious_;
for strength, activity and industry will be their only resource and
dependence.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 27: There were addresses presented to the new Governor, Gage,
on his arrival, which was noticed with much pomp. He landed at the end
of Long Wharf, and was escorted by the Council and Magistracy, the
troops, and the Cadets, to the State House, where a public dinner was
given to him.

But the addresses referred to here were made to the out-going Governor,
Hutchinson, who was about to embark on that expedition to the mother
country intended only as a visit, but which proved a final exile. One
hundred and twenty-three of the merchants and traders, twenty-four
members of the bar, and all of the Episcopal ministers and wardens in
Boston signed these papers. These lists embraced a considerable part of
the gentlemen of property and standing, who give the tone to society,
even when they fail to affect popular opinion.]

[Footnote 28: Richard King was a successful merchant at Scarborough,
with leaning towards the Government, to whom many people had become
indebted beyond their ability to pay. Taking advantage of the disorders
occasioned by the passage of the Stamp Act, a party, disguised as
Indians, on the night of the 16th of March, 1766, broke into his store
and his dwelling-house also, and destroyed all his books and papers
containing evidence of debts. Not content with this, they laid waste his
property and threatened his life if he should venture to seek any legal
mode of redress. Many of the perpetrators were, however, detected and
brought to justice. This suit seems to have been one of the
consequences.

The popular bitterness thus engendered had not, however, subsided, at
the date of this letter, and a slight incident occurred which soon
caused it once more to break out. A vessel of Mr. King's was found to
have delivered a load of lumber in Boston by special license, after the
port had been closed, and the materials had been purchased for the use
of the troops. On this occasion forty men from the neighboring town of
Gorham came over and compelled Mr. King in fear of his life to make a
disavowal of his opinions.

These repeated shocks seem to have been too much for Mr. King's
constitution. He became distempered in mind, and died in the following
March.]

[Footnote 29: Mr. Waldo had ceased to be Collector at the date of this
letter. But he adhered to the royal cause, and as a consequence became
an exile the next year. His estate was confiscated, and he died in
London in 1782.]

[Footnote 30: This judgment appears from subsequent events to have been
well founded. For Mr. Quincy when put to the test showed no confidence
in the correctness of his reasoning. He took office under the crown, and
in less than two years after the date of this letter left the country as
an exile. He died in the island of Antigua in 1789.]



11. JOHN ADAMS.


   9 July, 1774.

I never enjoyed better health in any of my journeys, but this has been
the most irksome, the most gloomy and melancholy I ever made. I cannot
with all my philosophy and Christian resignation keep up my spirits. The
dismal prospect before me, my family, and my country, is too much for my
fortitude.

   "Bear me, some god! Oh quickly bear me hence,
   To wholesome solitude, the nurse of sense;
   Where Contemplation prunes her ruffled wings,
   And the free soul looks down to pity kings."

The day before yesterday a gentleman came and spoke to me, asked me to
dine with him on Saturday; said he was very sorry I had not better
lodgings in town; desired, if I came to town again, I would take a bed
at his house and make his house my home; I should always be very
welcome. I told him I had not the pleasure of knowing him. He said his
name was Codman. I said I was very much obliged to him, but I was very
well accommodated where I lodged. I had a clean bed and a very neat
house, a chamber to myself, and everything I wanted.

Saturday, I dined with him, in company with Brigadier Preble, Major
Freeman and his son, etc., and a very genteel dinner we had. Salt fish
and all its apparatus, roast chickens, bacon, pease, as fine a salad as
ever was made, and a rich meat pie. Tarts and custards, etc., good wine,
and as good punch as ever you made. A large, spacious, elegant house,
yard, and garden; I thought I had got into the palace of a nobleman.
After dinner, when I was obliged to come away, he renewed his invitation
to me to make his house my home whenever I shall come to town again.

Friday I dined with Colonel, Sheriff, alias Bill Tyng.[31] Mrs. Ross and
her daughter Mrs. Tyng dined with us, and the court and clerk, and some
of the bar. At table we were speaking about Captain MacCarty, which led
to the African trade. Judge Trowbridge said, "That was a very humane and
Christian trade, to be sure, that of making slaves." "Aye," says I, "it
makes no great odds; it is a trade that almost all mankind have been
concerned in, all over the globe, since Adam, more or less, in one way
and another." This occasioned a laugh.

At another time Judge Trowbridge said, "It seems, by Colonel Barre's
speeches, that Mr. Otis has acquired honor by releasing his damages to
Robinson." "Yes," says I, "he has acquired honor with all generations."
Trowbridge; "He did not make much profit, I think."[32] Adams: "True,
but the less profit, the more honor. He was a man of honor and
generosity, and those who think he was mistaken will pity him."

Thus you see how foolish I am. I cannot avoid exposing myself before
these high folks; my feelings will at times overcome my modesty and
reserve, my prudence, policy, and discretion. I have a zeal at my heart
for my country and her friends, which I cannot smother or conceal; it
will burn out at times and in companies where it ought to be latent in
my breast. This zeal will prove fatal to the fortune and felicity of my
family, if it is not regulated by a cooler judgment than mine has
hitherto been. Colonel Otis's phrase is, "The zeal-pot boils over."

I am to wait upon brother Bradbury to meeting to-day, and to dine with
brother Wyer. When I shall get home, I know not, but if possible, it
shall be before next Saturday night. I long for that time to come, when
my dear wife and my charming little prattlers will embrace me.

   Your

   JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 31: William Tyng had just accepted a colonel's commission from
General Gage. He was proscribed and banished the next year. But he
returned to Maine in 1793, where he died in 1807. A brief but
interesting notice of him is to be found in the tenth volume of the
collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, pp. 183-185.]

[Footnote 32: Judge Trowbridge continued a moderate adherent of the
Government, without losing the regard of the patriot leaders. His
reputation as a lawyer was great, and when the writer of this letter
proposed the extreme measure of an impeachment of the Chief Justice,
Oliver, the admissions of Judge Trowbridge, when consulted, largely
contributed to a confirmation of his policy. The Judge lost his place on
the bench, but he remained otherwise unharmed, and died at Cambridge in
1793.]



12. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 15 August, 1774.

I know not where this will find you,[33] whether upon the road or at
Philadelphia, but wherever it is, I hope it will find you in good health
and spirits. Your journey, I imagine, must have been very tedious from
the extreme heat of the weather and the dustiness of the roads. We are
burnt up with the drought, having had no rain since you left us, nor is
there the least appearance of any.

I was much gratified upon the return of some of your friends from
Watertown, who gave me an account of your social dinner and friendly
parting. May your return merit and meet with the grateful
acknowledgments of every well-wisher to their country. Your task is
difficult and important. Heaven direct and prosper you. I find from Mr.
A----r, of B----r,[34] that the Chief Justice is determined to take his
seat and that the court shall proceed to business if possible; even
though the sheriff should be obliged to return no other but the late
addressers. He talks as he always used to; sometimes one thing,
sometimes another; pretends the money would not be collected in that
town for the Congress if he had not exerted himself, though it seems he
stayed till the eleventh hour, and it did not get to town before you
left it. I found by a hint he dropped that he used all his influence to
suppress the non-consumption agreement which some of them had drawn up
to sign, and that he has enlisted himself entirely under the influence
of the Chief Justice. He also expresses great bitterness against G----l
W----n, of P----h,[35] for encouraging young Morton to settle there;
seems gratified with the thought of his losing his place, etc.

So much for politics. Now for our own domestic affairs. Mr. Rice came
this afternoon. He and Mr. Thaxter are settled over at the office.
Crosby has given up the school, and as it is to move to the other parish
Mr. Rice cannot have it. I must therefore agree with them to take the
care of John and school him with them, which will perhaps be better for
him than going to the town school.

I shall reckon over every week as they pass, and rejoice at every
Saturday evening. I hope to hear from you by Mr. Cunningham when he
returns, though I know not when that will be; but he was so kind as to
send the word that he was going and would take a letter for me.

Our little ones send their duty to their papa, and that which at all
times and in all places evermore attends you is the most affectionate
regard of your

   ABIGAIL ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 33: On the 10th of this month Mr. Adams had started in company
with the other delegates, and a great popular escort, from Boston for
Philadelphia.]

[Footnote 34: Probably Oakes Angier, of Bridgewater.]

[Footnote 35: Probably General James Warren, of Plymouth.]



13. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 19 August, 1774.

The great distance between us makes the time appear very long to me. It
seems already a month since you left me. The great anxiety I feel for my
country, for you, and for our family renders the day tedious and the
night unpleasant. The rocks and quicksands appear upon every side. What
course you can or will take is all wrapped in the bosom of futurity.
Uncertainty and expectation leave the mind great scope. Did ever any
kingdom or state regain its liberty, when once it was invaded, without
bloodshed? I cannot think of it without horror. Yet we are told that all
the misfortunes of Sparta were occasioned by their too great solicitude
for present tranquillity, and, from an excessive love of peace, they
neglected the means of making it sure and lasting. They ought to have
reflected, says Polybius, that, "as there is nothing more desirable or
advantageous than peace, when founded in justice and honor, so there is
nothing more shameful, and at the same time more pernicious, when
attained by bad measures and purchased at the price of liberty." I have
received a most charming letter from our friend Mrs. Warren.[36] She
desires me to tell you that her best wishes attend you through your
journey, both as a friend and a patriot,--hopes you will have no
uncommon difficulties to surmount, or hostile movements to impede you,
but, if the Locrians should interrupt you, she hopes that you will
beware, that no future annals may say you chose an ambitious Philip for
your leader, who subverted the noble order of the American Amphictyons,
and built up a monarchy on the ruins of the happy institution.

I have taken a very great fondness for reading Rollin's Ancient History
since you left me. I am determined to go through with it, if possible,
in these my days of solitude.

I find great pleasure and entertainment from it, and I have persuaded
Johnny to read me a page or two every day, and hope he will, from his
desire to oblige me, entertain a fondness for it. We have had a charming
rain, which lasted twelve hours and has greatly revived the dying fruits
of the earth.

I want much to hear from you. I long impatiently to have you upon the
stage of action. The first of September, or the month of September,
perhaps, may be of as much importance to Great Britain as the Ides of
March were to Cæsar. I wish you every public as well as private
blessing, and that wisdom which is profitable both for instruction and
edification, to conduct you in this difficult day. The little flock
remember papa, and kindly wish to see him; so does your most
affectionate

   ABIGAIL ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 36: Mercy Warren, the sister of James Otis, and the wife of
James Warren, of Plymouth; the author of the little satire called _The
Group_, and of a _History of the Revolutionary War_. Few of her sex took
a more active interest in the struggle of the Revolution.]



14. JOHN ADAMS.


   Princeton, New Jersey, 28 August, 1774.

I received your kind letter at New York, and it is not easy for you to
imagine the pleasure it has given me. I have not found a single
opportunity to write since I left Boston, excepting by the post, and I
don't choose to write by that conveyance, for fear of foul play. But as
we are now within forty-two miles of Philadelphia, I hope there to find
some private hand by which I can convey this.

The particulars of our journey I must reserve, to be communicated after
my return. It would take a volume to describe the whole. It has been
upon the whole an agreeable jaunt. We have had opportunities to see the
world and to form acquaintances with the most eminent and famous men in
the several colonies we have passed through. We have been treated with
unbounded civility, complaisance, and respect. We yesterday visited
Nassau Hall College, and were politely treated by the scholars, tutors,
professors, and president, whom we are this day to hear preach.
To-morrow we reach the theatre of action. God Almighty grant us wisdom
and virtue sufficient for the high trust that is devolved upon us. The
spirit of the people, wherever we have been, seems to be very
favorable. They universally consider our cause as their own, and express
the firmest resolution to abide by the determination of the Congress.

I am anxious for our perplexed, distressed province; hope they will be
directed into the right path. Let me entreat you, my dear, to make
yourself as easy and quiet as possible. Resignation to the will of
Heaven is our only resource in such dangerous times. Prudence and
caution should be our guides. I have the strongest hopes that we shall
yet see a clearer sky and better times.

Remember my tender love to little Abby; tell her she must write me a
letter and inclose it in the next you send. I am charmed with your
amusement with our little Johnny. Tell him I am glad to hear he is so
good a boy as to read to his mamma for her entertainment, and to keep
himself out of the company of rude children. Tell him I hope to hear a
good account of his accidence and nomenclature when I return. Remember
me to all inquiring friends, particularly to uncle Quincy,[37] your papa
and family, and Dr. Tufts and family. Mr. Thaxter,[38] I hope, is a good
companion in your solitude. Tell him, if he devotes his soul and body to
his books, I hope, notwithstanding the darkness of these days, he will
not find them unprofitable sacrifices in future. I have received three
very obliging letters from Tudor, Trumbull, and Hill.[39] They have
cheered us in our wanderings and done us much service.

Your account of the rain refreshed me. I hope our husbandry is
prudently and industriously managed. Frugality must be our support. Our
expenses in this journey will be very great. Our only [recompense
will[40]] be the consolatory reflection that we toil, spend our time,
and [encounter] dangers for the public good--happy indeed if we do any
good.

The education of our children is never out of my mind. Train them to
virtue. Habituate them to industry, activity, and spirit. Make them
consider every vice as shameful and unmanly. Fire them with ambition to
be useful. Make them disdain to be destitute of any useful or ornamental
knowledge or accomplishment. Fix their ambition upon great and solid
objects, and their contempt upon little, frivolous, and useless ones. It
is time, my dear, for you to begin to teach them French. Every decency,
grace, and honesty should be inculcated upon them.

I have kept a few minutes by way of journal, which shall be your
entertainment when I come home; but we have had so many persons and so
various characters to converse with, and so many objects to view, that I
have not been able to be so particular as I could wish. I am, with the
tenderest affection and concern,

   Your wandering

   JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 37: Norton Quincy, a graduate of Harvard College in 1736, and
the only brother of Mrs. Adams's mother. Sympathizing with the patriotic
movement he was placed on the first committee of safety organized by the
Provincial Assembly. But no inducements could prevail to draw him from
his seclusion at Mount Wollaston, where he lived, and died in 1801.]

[Footnote 38: John Thaxter, Jr., who with the three others here named
and two more were clerks with Mr. Adams at the breaking out of the
Revolution. Mr. Thaxter afterwards acted as private secretary to Mr.
Adams during his second residence in Europe, down to the date of the
treaty of peace, of which he was made the bearer to the United States.]

[Footnote 39: William Tudor, John Trumbull, and Jeremiah Hill. Some of
these letters remain, and are not without interest as contemporaneous
accounts of Revolutionary events.]

[Footnote 40: The words in brackets supplied, as the manuscript is
defective.]



15. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 2 September, 1774.

I am very impatient to receive a letter from you. You indulged me so
much in that way in your last absence, that I now think I have a right
to hear as often from you as you have leisure and opportunity to write.
I hear that Mr. Adams[41] wrote to his son, and the Speaker[41] to his
lady; but perhaps you did not know of the opportunity. I suppose you
have before this time received two letters from me, and will write me by
the same conveyance. I judge you reached Philadelphia last Saturday
night. I cannot but felicitate you upon your absence a little while
from this scene of perturbation, anxiety, and distress. I own I feel
not a little agitated with the accounts I have this day received from
town; great commotions have arisen in consequence of a discovery of a
traitorous plot of Colonel Brattle's,--his advice to Gage to break every
commissioned officer and to seize the province's and town's stock of
gunpowder.[42] This has so enraged and exasperated the people that there
is great apprehension of an immediate rupture. They have been all in
flames ever since the new-fangled counselors have taken their oaths. The
importance, of which they consider the meeting of the Congress, and the
result thereof to the community withholds the arm of vengeance already
lifted, which would most certainly fall with accumulated wrath upon
Brattle, were it possible to come at him; but no sooner did he discover
that his treachery had taken air than he fled, not only to Boston, but
into the camp, for safety. You will, by Mr. Tudor, no doubt have a much
more accurate account than I am able to give you; but one thing I can
inform you of which perhaps you may not have heard, namely, Mr. Vinton,
our sheriff, it seems, received one of those twenty warrants[43] which
were issued by Messrs. Goldthwait and Price, which has cost them such
bitter repentance and humble acknowledgments, and which has revealed the
great secret of their attachment to the liberties of their country, and
their veneration and regard for the good-will of their countrymen. See
their address to Hutchinson and Gage. This warrant, which was for
Stoughtonham,[44]

Vinton carried and delivered to a constable there; but before he had
got six miles he was overtaken by sixty men on horseback, who surrounded
him and told him unless he returned with them and demanded back that
warrant and committed it to the flames before their faces, he must take
the consequences of a refusal; and he, not thinking it best to endure
their vengeance, returned with them, made his demand of the warrant, and
consumed it, upon which they dispersed and left him to his own
reflections. Since the news of the Quebec bill arrived, all the Church
people here have hung their heads and will not converse upon politics,
though ever so much provoked by the opposite party. Before that, parties
ran very high, and very hard words and threats of blows upon both sides
were given out. They have had their town-meeting here, which was full as
usual, chose their committee for the county meeting, and did business
without once regarding or fearing for the consequences.[45]

I should be glad to know how you found the people as you travelled from
town to town. I hear you met with great hospitality and kindness in
Connecticut. Pray let me know how your health is, and whether you have
not had exceeding hot weather. The drought has been very severe. My poor
cows will certainly prefer a petition to you, setting forth their
grievances and informing you that they have been deprived of their
ancient privileges, whereby they are become great sufferers, and
desiring that they may be restored to them. More especially as their
living, by reason of the drought, is all taken from them, and their
property which they hold elsewhere is decaying, they humbly pray that
you would consider them, lest hunger should break through stone walls.

The tenderest regard evermore awaits you from your most affectionate

   ABIGAIL ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 41: Samuel Adams and Thomas Cushing, both of them delegates.]

[Footnote 42: "Mr. Brattle begs leave to quere whether it would not be
best that there should not be one commissioned officer of the militia in
the province." (Brattle to General Gage, 26 August.)

The other rumor is not sustained by this letter, as General Brattle
there announces that all the town's stock of powder had been
surrendered, and none was left but the king's, meaning thereby what
belonged to the province. But whether he advised it or not, it is
certain that a detachment of the regular troops was sent out of Boston
on the 1st of September to secure all the powder left at Charlestown,
and to bring it away, which was done.]

[Footnote 43: Writs to summon juries. The administration of justice had
been stopped by the impeachment of Chief Justice Oliver, and the refusal
of the juries to act under him. The present attempt was intended to
deter all others from becoming jurors.]

[Footnote 44: The old name of the town of Sharon.]

[Footnote 45: The most clear and decisive account of the general rising
that took place at this time in the province is given in the official
letter of General Gage to Lord Dartmouth, of the same date with this
letter. _Am. Archives_ for 1774, p. 767.]



16. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 8 September, 1774.

When or where this letter will find you I know not. In what scenes of
distress and terror I cannot foresee. We have received a confused
account from Boston of a dreadful catastrophe. The particulars we have
not heard. We are waiting with the utmost anxiety and impatience for
further intelligence. The effect of the news we have, both upon the
Congress and the inhabitants of this city, was very great. Great indeed!
Every gentleman seems to consider the bombardment[46] of Boston as the
bombardment of the capital of his own province. Our deliberations are
grave and serious indeed.

It is a great affliction to me that I cannot write to you oftener than I
do. But there are so many hindrances that I cannot. It would fill
volumes to give you an idea of the scenes I behold, and the characters I
converse with. We have so much business, so much ceremony, so much
company, so many visits to receive and return, that I have not time to
write. And the times are such as to make it imprudent to write freely.

We cannot depart from this place until the business of the Congress is
completed, and it is the general disposition to proceed slowly. When I
shall be at home I can't say. If there is distress and danger in Boston,
pray invite our friends, as many as possible, to take an asylum with
you,--Mrs. Cushing and Mrs. Adams, if you can. There is in the Congress
a collection of the greatest men upon this continent in point of
abilities, virtues, and fortunes. The magnanimity and public spirit
which I see here make me blush for the sordid, venal herd which I have
seen in my own province. The addressers, and the new councillors[47] are
held in universal contempt and abhorrence from one end of the continent
to the other.

Be not under any concern for me. There is little danger from anything we
shall do at the Congress. There is such a spirit through the colonies,
and the members of the Congress are such characters, that no danger can
happen to us which will not involve the whole continent in universal
desolation; and in that case, who would wish to live? Adieu.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 46: Dr. Gordon says that the rumors spread of the seizure of
the gunpowder, and of General Gage's measures to fortify himself against
surprise, rapidly swelled into a story that the fleet and the army were
firing into the town. As a consequence, in less than twenty-four hours a
multitude had collected from thirty miles around, of not less than
thirty or forty thousand people. Nothing could be more absurd in itself,
considering that Boston was the only place Gage could hope to hold as a
refuge for the royalists flying from all the other towns, yet the alarm
had a very decided effect in hastening the action of the collected
delegates at Philadelphia, and in uniting the sentiments of the people
in the other colonies.]

[Footnote 47: These were the persons nominated as councillors by
mandamus, under the new act for the regulation of the province charter.
Most of them were compelled by the people to resign their places, and
some were driven from home never to return.]



17. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 14 September, 1774.

I have written but once to you since I left you. This is to be imputed
to a variety of causes, which I cannot explain for want of time. It
would fill volumes to give you an exact idea of the whole tour. My time
is totally filled from the moment I get out of bed until I return to it.
Visits, ceremonies, company, business, newspapers, pamphlets, etc.,
etc., etc.

The Congress will, to all present appearance, be well united, and in
such measures as, I hope, will give satisfaction to the friends of our
country. A Tory here is the most despicable animal in the creation.
Spiders, toads, snakes are their only proper emblems. The Massachusetts
councillors and addressers are held in curious esteem here, as you will
see. The spirit, the firmness, the prudence of our province are vastly
applauded, and we are universally acknowledged the saviours and
defenders of American liberty. The designs and plans of the Congress
must not be communicated until completed, and we shall move with great
deliberation.

When I shall come home I know not, but at present I do not expect to
take my leave of this city these four weeks.

My compliments, love, service, where they are due. My babes are never
out of my mind, nor absent from my heart. Adieu.



18. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 14 September, 1774.

Five weeks have passed and not one line have I received. I would rather
give a dollar for a letter by the post, though the consequence should be
that I ate but one meal a day these three weeks to come. Every one I see
is inquiring after you, when did I hear. All my intelligence is
collected from the newspaper, and I can only reply that I saw by that,
you arrived such a day. I know your fondness for writing, and your
inclination to let me hear from you by the first safe conveyance, which
makes me suspect that some letter or other has miscarried; but I hope,
now you have arrived at Philadelphia, you will find means to convey me
some intelligence.

We are all well here. I think I enjoy better health than I have done
these two years. I have not been to town since I parted with you there.
The Governor is making all kinds of warlike preparations, such as
mounting cannon upon Beacon Hill, digging intrenchments upon the Neck,
placing cannon there, encamping a regiment there, throwing up
breast-works, etc. The people are much alarmed, and the selectmen have
waited upon him in consequence of it. The County Congress[48] have also
sent a committee; all which proceedings you will have a more particular
account of than I am able to give you, from the public papers. But as to
the movements of this town, perhaps you may not hear them from any other
person.

In consequence of the powder being taken from Charlestown, a general
alarm spread through many towns and was caught pretty soon here. The
report took here on Friday, and on Sunday a soldier was seen lurking
about the Common, supposed to be a spy, but most likely a deserter.

However, intelligence of it was communicated to the other parishes, and
about eight o'clock Sunday evening there passed by here about two
hundred men, preceded by a horsecart, and marched down to the
powder-house, from whence they took the powder, and carried it into the
other parish and there secreted it. I opened the window upon their
return. They passed without any noise, not a word among them till they
came against this house, when some of them, perceiving me, asked me if I
wanted any powder. I replied, No, since it was in so good hands. The
reason they gave for taking it was that we had so many Tories here, they
dared not trust us with it; they had taken Vinton in their train, and
upon their return they stopped between Cleverly's and Etter's, and
called upon him to deliver two warrants. Upon his producing them, they
put it to vote whether they should burn them, and it passed in the
affirmative. They then made a circle and burnt them. They then called a
vote whether they should huzza, but, it being Sunday evening, it passed
in the negative. They called upon Vinton to swear that he would never be
instrumental in carrying into execution any of these new acts. They were
not satisfied with his answers; however, they let him rest. A few days
afterwards, upon his making some foolish speeches, they assembled to the
amount of two or three hundred, and swore vengeance upon him unless he
took a solemn oath. Accordingly, they chose a committee and sent it with
him to Major Miller's to see that he complied; and they waited his
return, which proving satisfactory, they dispersed. This town appears as
high as you can well imagine, and, if necessary, would soon be in arms.
Not a Tory but hides his head. The church parson thought they were
coming after him, and ran up garret; they say another jumped out of his
window and hid among the corn, whilst a third crept under his board
fence and told his beads.


   16 September, 1774.

I dined to-day at Colonel Quincy's.[49] They were so kind as to send me
and Abby and Betsey an invitation to spend the day with them; and, as
I had not been to see them since I removed to Braintree, I accepted the
invitation. After I got there came Mr. Samuel Quincy's wife and Mr.
Sumner, Mr. Josiah and wife. A little clashing of parties, you may be
sure. Mr. Sam's wife said she thought it high time for her husband to
turn about; he had not done half so cleverly since he left her advice;
said they both greatly admired the most excellent speech of the Bishop
of St. Asaph, which I suppose you have seen. It meets, and most
certainly merits, the greatest encomiums.[50]

Upon my return at night, Mr. Thaxter met me at the door with your
letter, dated at Princeton, New Jersey. It really gave me such a flow of
spirits that I was not composed enough to sleep until one o'clock. You
make no mention of one I wrote you previous to that you received by Mr.
Breck, and sent by Mr. Cunningham. I am rejoiced to hear you are well. I
want to know many more particulars than you write me, and hope soon to
hear from you again. I dare not trust myself with the thought how long
you may perhaps be absent. I only count the weeks already past, and they
amount to five. I am not so lonely as I should have been without my two
neighbors;[51] we make a table-full at meal times. All the rest of their
time they spend in the office. Never were two persons who gave a family
less trouble than they do. It is at last determined that Mr. Rice keep
the school here. Indeed, he has kept ever since he has been here, but
not with any expectation that he should be continued; but the people,
finding no small difference between him and his predecessor, chose he
should be continued. I have not sent Johnny.[52] He goes very steadily
to Mr. Thaxter, who I believe takes very good care of him; and as they
seem to have a liking to each other, I believe it will be best to
continue him with him. However, when you return, we can consult what
will be best. I am certain that, if he does not get so much good, he
gets less harm; and I have always thought it of very great importance
that children should, in the early part of life, be unaccustomed to such
examples as would tend to corrupt the purity of their words and actions,
that they may chill with horror at the sound of an oath, and blush with
indignation at an obscene expression. These first principles, which grow
with their growth, and strengthen with their strength, neither time nor
custom can totally eradicate.

You will perhaps be tired. No. Let it serve by way of relaxation from
the more important concerns of the day, and be such an amusement as your
little hermitage used to afford you here. You have before you, to
express myself in the words of the bishop, the greatest national
concerns that ever came before any people; and if the prayers and
petitions ascend unto heaven which are daily offered for you, wisdom
will flow down as a stream, and righteousness as the mighty waters, and
your deliberations will make glad the cities of our God.

I was very sorry I did not know of Mr. Cary's going; it would have been
so good an opportunity to have sent this, as I lament the loss of. You
have heard, no doubt, of the people's preventing the court from sitting
in various counties; and last week, in Taunton, Angier urged the court's
opening and calling out the actions, but could not effect it. I saw a
letter from Miss Eunice,[53] wherein she gives an account of it, and
says there were two thousand men assembled round the court-house, and,
by a committee of nine, presented a petition requesting that they would
not sit, and with the utmost order waited two hours for their answer,
when they dispersed.

You will burn all these letters, lest they should fall from your
pocket, and thus expose your most affectionate friend.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 48: This was the great meeting of delegates from all parts of
Suffolk County which passed the resolves commonly known as the Suffolk
Resolves.]

[Footnote 49: Josiah Quincy, a graduate of Harvard College in 1728, and
the father of the two others here named.]

[Footnote 50: Dr. Jonathan Shipley, Bishop of St. Asaph, had
distinguished himself by his opposition to the policy of the Government
upon two occasions. The first in a sermon preached in February, 1773,
before the society for the Propagation of the Gospel, which received the
warm approbation of Lord Chatham. The second by a speech in the House of
Lords. It is to the latter that the reference is made.]

[Footnote 51: John Thaxter, already mentioned, and Nathan Rice, who
graduated at Harvard College in 1773, and entered immediately as a clerk
in Mr. Adams's office. The latter took a commission in the army, and
served with credit through the war. He survived until 1834.]

[Footnote 52: John Quincy Adams, at this time seven years old.]

[Footnote 53: Miss Eunice Paine, a sister of Robert Treat Paine, and for
many years an intimate friend of the writer.]



19. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 16 September, 1774.

Having a leisure moment, while the Congress is assembling, I gladly
embrace it to write you a line.

When the Congress first met, Mr. Cushing made a motion that it should be
opened with prayer. It was opposed by Mr. Jay, of New York, and Mr.
Rutledge, of South Carolina, because we were so divided in religious
sentiments, some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists, some
Presbyterians, and some Congregationalists, that we could not join in
the same act of worship. Mr. Samuel Adams arose and said he was no
bigot, and could hear a prayer from a gentleman of piety and virtue, who
was at the same time a friend to his country. He was a stranger in
Philadelphia, but had heard that Mr. Duché (Dushay they pronounce it)
deserved that character, and therefore he moved that Mr. Duché, an
Episcopal clergyman, might be desired to read prayers to the Congress,
to-morrow morning. The motion was seconded and passed in the
affirmative. Mr. Randolph, our president, waited on Mr. Duché, and
received for answer that if his health would permit he certainly would.
Accordingly, next morning he appeared with his clerk and in his
pontificals, and read several prayers in the established form; and then
read the Collect for the seventh day of September, which was the
thirty-fifth Psalm. You must remember this was the next morning after we
heard the horrible rumor of the cannonade of Boston. I never saw a
greater effect upon an audience. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained
that Psalm to be read on that morning.

After this, Mr. Duché, unexpected to everybody, struck out into an
extemporary prayer, which filled the bosom of every man present. I must
confess I never beard a better prayer, or one so well pronounced.
Episcopalian as he is, Dr. Cooper himself[54] never prayed with such
fervor, such ardor, such earnestness and pathos, and in language so
elegant and sublime--for America, for the Congress, for the Province of
Massachusetts Bay, and especially the town of Boston. It has had an
excellent effect upon everybody here. I must beg you to read that Psalm.
If there was any faith in the Sortes Biblicæ, it would be thought
providential.

It will amuse your friends to read this letter and the thirty-fifth
Psalm to them. Read it to your father and Mr. Wibird. I wonder what our
Braintree Churchmen will think of this! Mr. Duché is one of the most
ingenious men, and best characters, and greatest orators in the
Episcopal order, upon this continent. Yet a zealous friend of Liberty
and his country.[55]

I long to see my dear family. God bless, preserve, and prosper it.
Adieu.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 54: Dr. Samuel Cooper, well known as a zealous patriot and
pastor of the church in Brattle Square. The edifice, at that time
esteemed the finest interior in Boston, and yet much admired, had been
completed about a year. It has now gone the way of all old structures in
Boston. Mr. Adams had become a proprietor and a worshipper at this
church.]

[Footnote 55: He held out tolerably well for two years. But the apparent
preponderance of British power on the one side, and his sectarian
prejudices against the Independents of New England on the other, finally
got the better of him, so far as to dictate the appeal to General
Washington, in the gloomiest period of the war, which forever forfeited
for him all claim to the commendation above bestowed.]



20. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 18 September, 1774.

In your last you inquire tenderly after my health, and how we found the
people upon our journey, and how we were treated.

I have enjoyed as good health as usual, and much more than I know how to
account for, when I consider the extreme heat of the weather and the
incessant feasting I have endured ever since I left Boston.

The people in Connecticut, New York, the Jerseys, and Pennsylvania we
have found extremely well principled and very well inclined, although
some persons in New York and Philadelphia wanted a little animation.
Their zeal however, has increased wonderfully since we began our
journey.

When the horrid news was brought here of the bombardment of Boston,
which made us completely miserable for two days, we saw proofs both of
the sympathy and the resolution of the continent.

War! war! war! was the cry, and it was pronounced in a tone which would
have done honor to the oratory of a Briton or a Roman.

If it had proved true, you would have heard the thunder of an American
Congress.

I have not time nor language to express the hospitality and civility,
the studied and expensive respect, with which we have been treated in
every step of our progress. If Camden, Chatham, Richmond, and St. Asaph
had travelled through the country, they could not have been entertained
with greater demonstrations of respect than Cushing, Paine, and the
brace of Adamses have been.

The particulars will amuse you when we return.

I confess, the kindness, the affection, the applause, which have been
given to me, and especially to our province, have many a time filled my
bosom and streamed from my eyes.

My best respects to Colonel Warren and his lady when you write to them.
I wish to write to them. Adieu.



21. JOHN ADAMS.


   18 September, 1774.

I received your very agreeable letter by Mr. Marston, and have received
two others, which gave me much pleasure. I have wrote several letters,
but whether they have reached you I know not. There is so much rascality
in the management of letters now come in fashion, that I am determined
to write nothing of consequence, not even to the friend of my bosom, but
by conveyances which I can be sure of. The proceedings of the Congress
are all a profound secret as yet, except two votes which were passed
yesterday, and ordered to be printed. You will see them from every
quarter. These votes were passed in full Congress with perfect
unanimity. The esteem, the affection, the admiration for the people of
Boston and the Massachusetts which were expressed yesterday, and the
fixed determination that they should be supported, were enough to melt a
heart of stone. I saw the tears gush into the eyes of the old grave
pacific Quakers of Pennsylvania. You cannot conceive, my dear, the hurry
of business, visits, ceremonies, which we are obliged to go through.

We have a delicate course to steer between too much activity and too
much insensibility in our critical, interested situation. I flatter
myself, however, that we shall conduct ourselves in such a manner as to
merit the approbation of our country. It has taken us much time to get
acquainted with the tempers, views, characters, and designs of persons,
and to let them into the circumstances of our province. My dear, do
entreat every friend I have to write me. Every line which comes from our
friends is greedily inquired after, and our letters have done us vast
service. Middlesex and Suffolk have acquired unbounded honor here.

There is no idea of submission here in anybody's head.

Thank my dear Nabby[56] for her letter. Tell her it has given me great
spirit. Kiss all my sweet ones for me.

Adieu.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 56: His only daughter.]



22. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 20 September, 1774.

I am very well yet. Write to me as often as you can, and send your
letters to the office in Boston, or to Mr. Cranch's, whence they will be
sent by the first conveyance.

I am anxious to know how you can live without Government. But the
experiment must be tried. The evils will not be found so dreadful as you
apprehend them. Frugality, my dear, frugality, economy, parsimony, must
be our refuge. I hope the ladies are every day diminishing their
ornaments, and the gentlemen, too. Let us eat potatoes and drink water;
let us wear canvas, and undressed sheepskins, rather than submit to the
unrighteous and ignominious domination that is prepared for us.

Tell Brackett I shall make him leave off drinking rum. We can't let him
fight yet. My love to my dear ones.

   Adieu.



23. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Boston Garrison, 24 September, 1774.

I have just returned from a visit to my brother, with my father, who
carried me there the day before yesterday, and called here in my return,
to see this much injured town. I view it with much the same sensations
that I should the body of a departed friend--having only put off its
present glory for to rise finally to a more happy state. I will not
despair, but will believe that, our cause being good, we shall finally
prevail. The maxim "In time of peace prepare for war" (if this may be
called a time of peace) resounds throughout the country. Next Tuesday
they are warned at Braintree, all above fifteen and under sixty, to
attend with their arms; and to train once a fortnight from that time is
a scheme which lies much at heart with many.

Scott has arrived, and brings news that he expected to find all peace
and quietness here, as he left them at home. You will have more
particulars than I am able to send you, from much better hands.

There has been in town a conspiracy of the negroes. At present it is
kept pretty private. It was discovered by one who endeavored to dissuade
them from it. He, being threatened with his life, applied to Justice
Quincy for protection. They conducted in this way: got an Irishman to
draw up a petition to the Governor, telling him they would fight for
him, provided he would arm them and engage to liberate them if he
conquered. And it is said that he attended so much to it as to consult
Percy upon it; and one Lieutenant Small has been very busy and active.
There is but little said, and what steps they will take in consequence
of it, I know not. I wish most sincerely there was not a slave in the
province. It always appeared a most iniquitous scheme to me--to fight
ourselves for what we are daily robbing and plundering from those who
have as good a right to freedom as we have. You know my mind upon this
subject.

I left all our little ones well, and shall return to them to-night. I
hope to hear from you by the return of the bearer of this, and by
Revere. I long for the day of your return, yet look upon you as much
safer where you are--but I know it will not do for you. Not one action
has been brought to this court; no business of any sort in your way. All
law ceases and the gospel will soon follow, for they are supporters of
each other. Adieu. My father hurries me. Yours most sincerely.



24. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 25 September, 1774.

I would not lose the opportunity of writing to you, though I must be
short. Tedious indeed is our business--slow as snails. I have not been
used to such ways. We sit only before dinner. We dine at four o'clock.
We are crowded with a levee in the evening.

Fifty gentlemen meeting together, all strangers, are not acquainted with
each other's language, ideas, views, designs. They are, therefore,
jealous of each other--fearful, timid, skittish.



25. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 29 September, 1774.

Sitting down to write you is a scene almost too tender for the state of
my nerves.

It calls up to my view the anxious, distressed state you must be in,
amidst the confusion and dangers which surround you. I long to return
and administer all the consolation in my power, but when I shall have
accomplished all the business I have to do here, I know not, and if it
should be necessary to stay here till Christmas, or longer, in order to
effect our purposes, I am determined patiently to wait.

Patience, forbearance, long-suffering, are the lessons taught here for
our province, and, at the same time, absolute and open resistance to
the new Government. I wish I could convince gentlemen of the danger or
impracticability, of this as fully as I believe it myself. The art and
address of ambassadors from a dozen belligerent powers of Europe; nay,
of a conclave of cardinals at the election of a Pope; or of the princes
in Germany at the choice of an Emperor, would not exceed the specimens
we have seen; yet the Congress all profess the same political
principles. They all profess to consider our province as suffering in
the common cause, and indeed they seem to feel for us as if for
themselves. We have had as great questions to discuss as ever engaged
the attention of men, and an infinite multitude of them.

I received a very kind letter from Deacon Palmer,[57] acquainting me
with Mr. Cranch's designs of removing to Braintree, which I approve very
much, and wish I had a house for every family in Boston, and abilities
to provide for them in the country. I submit it to you, my dear, whether
it would not be best to remove all the books and papers and furniture in
the office at Boston up to Braintree. There will be no business there
nor anywhere, I suppose, and my young friends can study there better
than in Boston, at present.

I shall be killed with kindness in this place. We go to Congress at
nine, and there we stay, most earnestly engaged in debates upon the most
abstruse mysteries of state, until three in the afternoon; then we
adjourn, and go to dine with some of the nobles of Pennsylvania at four
o'clock, and feast upon ten thousand delicacies, and sit drinking
Madeira, Claret, and Burgundy, till six or seven, and then go home
fatigued to death with business, company, and care. Yet I hold out
surprisingly.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 57: Joseph Palmer, a gentleman of some fortune who had
emigrated from Great Britain in 1746. He had married the sister of Mr.
Cranch, who came too, and had settled upon a beautiful spot in
Braintree, then and still known as Germantown. A brief account of his
services during the Revolution is to be found in the _New Englander_,
for January, 1845.]



26. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 7 October, 1774.

I thank you for all your kind favors. I wish I could write to you much
oftener than I do. I wish I could write to you a dozen letters every
day. But the business before me is so arduous, and takes up my time so
entirely, that I cannot write oftener. I had the characters and tempers,
the principles and views, of fifty gentlemen, total strangers to me, to
study, and the trade, policy, and whole interest of a dozen provinces to
learn, when I came here. I have multitudes of pamphlets, newspapers, and
private letters to read. I have numberless plans of policy and many
arguments to consider. I have many visits to make and receive, much
ceremony to endure, which cannot be avoided, which, you know, I hate.

There is a great spirit in the Congress. But our people must be
peaceable. Let them exercise every day in the week if they will, the
more the better. Let them furnish themselves with artillery, arms, and
ammunition. Let them follow the maxim which you say they have adopted,
"In times of peace prepare for war." But let them avoid war _if
possible_--_if possible_, I say.

Mr. Revere will bring you the doings of the Congress, who are now all
around me, debating what advice to give to Boston and the Massachusetts
Bay.

We are all well; hope our family is so. Remember me to them all. I have
advised you before to remove my office from Boston to Braintree. It is
now, I think, absolutely necessary. Let the best care be taken of all
books and papers. Tell all my clerks to mind their books and study hard,
for their country will stand in need of able counselors. I must give you
a general license to make my compliments to all my friends and
acquaintances. I have not time to name them particularly. I wish they
would all write to me. If they leave letters at Edes and Gill's, they
will soon be sent to me.

I long to be at home, but I cannot say when. I will never leave the
Congress until it rises, and when it will rise, I cannot say. And
indeed I cannot say but we are better here than anywhere. We have fine
opportunities to serve Boston and Massachusetts, by acquainting the
whole continent with the true state of them. Our residence here greatly
serves the cause. The spirit and principles of liberty here are greatly
cherished by our presence and conversation. The elections of last week
prove this. Mr. Dickinson was chosen, almost unanimously, a
representative of the county. The broad-brims began an opposition to
your friend, Mr. Mifflin, because he was too warm in the cause. This
instantly alarmed the friends of liberty, and ended in the election of
Mr. Mifflin by eleven hundred votes out of thirteen, and in the election
of our secretary, Mr. Charles Thomson, to be a burgess with him. This is
considered here as a most complete and decisive victory in favor of the
American cause. And it is said it will change the balance in the
legislature against Mr. Galloway, who has been supposed to sit on the
skirts of the American advocates.

Mrs. Mifflin, who is a charming Quaker girl, often inquires kindly after
your health.

Adieu, my dear wife. God bless you and yours; so wishes and prays,
without ceasing,

   JOHN ADAMS.



27. JOHN ADAMS.


   9 October, 1774.

I am wearied to death with the life I lead. The business of the Congress
is tedious beyond expression. This assembly is like no other that ever
existed. Every man in it is a great man, an orator, a critic, a
statesman; and therefore every man upon every question must show his
oratory, his criticism, and his political abilities. The consequence of
this is that business is drawn and spun out to an immeasurable length. I
believe if it was moved and seconded that we should come to a resolution
that three and two make five, we should be entertained with logic and
rhetoric, law, history, politics, and mathematics, and then--we should
pass the resolution unanimously in the affirmative. The perpetual round
of feasting, too, which we are obliged to submit to, makes the
pilgrimage more tedious to me.

This day I went to Dr. Allison's meeting in the forenoon, and heard the
Dr.;[58] a good discourse upon the Lord's supper. This is a Presbyterian
meeting. I confess I am not fond of the Presbyterian meetings in this
town. I had rather go to Church. We have better sermons, better prayers,
better speakers, softer, sweeter music, and genteeler company. And I
must confess that the Episcopal church is quite as agreeable to my taste
as the Presbyterian. They are both slaves to the domination of the
priesthood. I like the Congregational way best, next to that the
Independent.

This afternoon, led by curiosity and good company, I strolled away to
mother church, or rather to grandmother church. I mean the Romish
chapel. I heard a good, short moral essay upon the duty of parents to
their children, founded in justice and charity, to take care of their
interests, temporal and spiritual. This afternoon's entertainment was to
me most awful and affecting; the poor wretches fingering their beads,
chanting Latin not a word of which they understood; their pater nosters
and ave Marias; their holy water; their crossing themselves perpetually;
their bowing to the name of Jesus, whenever they hear it; their bowings
and kneelings and genuflections before the altar. The dress of the
priest was rich with lace. His pulpit was velvet and gold. The
altar-piece was very rich; little images and crucifixes about; wax
candles lighted up. But how shall I describe the picture of our Saviour
in a frame of marble over the altar, at full length, upon the cross in
the agonies, and the blood dropping and streaming from his wounds! The
music, consisting of an organ and a choir of singers, went all the
afternoon except sermon time. And the assembly chanted most sweetly and
exquisitely.

Here is everything which can lay hold of the eye, ear, and
imagination--everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and
ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell. Adieu.[59]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 58: Francis Allison, D. D., was pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, as well as Vice Provost and
Professor of Moral Philosophy in the college then recently established
in that city. He came from Ireland in 1735, and died highly respected on
the 28th of November, 1777.]

[Footnote 59: This is the last of Mr. Adams's letters during his first
visit to Philadelphia. On the 28th he left that city. The Congress had
adjourned on the 21st.]



28. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 16 October, 1774.

My much loved friend,--I dare not express to you, at three hundred
miles' distance, how ardently I long for your return. I have some very
miserly wishes, and cannot consent to your spending one hour in town,
till, at least, I have had you twelve. The idea plays about my heart,
unnerves my hand, whilst I write; awakens all the tender sentiments that
years have increased and matured, and which, when with me, every day was
dispensing to you. The whole collected stock of ten weeks' absence knows
not how to brook any longer restraint, but will break forth and flow
through my pen. May the like sensations enter thy breast, and (spite of
all the weighty cares of state) mingle themselves with those I wish to
communicate; for, in giving them utterance, I have felt more sincere
pleasure than I have known since the 10th of August.[60] Many have been
the anxious hours I have spent since that day; the threatening aspect of
our public affairs, the complicated distress of this province, the
arduous and perplexed business in which you are engaged, have all
conspired to agitate my bosom with fears and apprehensions to which I
have heretofore been a stranger; and, far from thinking the scene
closed, it looks as though the curtain was but just drawn, and only the
first scene of the infernal plot disclosed. And whether the end will be
tragical, Heaven alone knows. You cannot be, I know, nor do I wish to
see you, an inactive spectator; but if the sword be drawn, I bid adieu
to all domestic felicity, and look forward to that country where there
are neither wars nor rumors of war, in a firm belief, that through the
mercy of its King we shall both rejoice there together.

I greatly fear that the arm of treachery and violence is lifted over
us, as a scourge and heavy punishment from Heaven for our numerous
offenses, and for the misimprovement of our great advantages. If we
expect to inherit the blessings of our fathers, we should return a
little more to their primitive simplicity of manners, and not sink into
inglorious ease. We have too many high-sounding words, and too few
actions that correspond with them. I have spent one Sabbath in town
since you left. I saw no difference in respect to ornament, etc.; but in
the country you must look for that virtue, of which you find but small
glimmerings in the metropolis. Indeed, they have not the advantages, nor
the resolution, to encourage our own manufactories, which people in the
country have. To the mercantile part, it is considered as throwing away
their own bread; but they must retrench their expenses, and be content
with a small share of gain, for they will find but few who will wear
their livery. As for me, I will seek wool and flax, and work willingly
with my hands; and indeed there is occasion for all our industry and
economy. You mention the removal of our books, etc., from Boston;[61] I
believe they are safe there, and it would incommode the gentlemen to
remove them, as they would not then have a place to repair to for study.
I suppose they would not choose to be at the expense of boarding out.
Mr. Williams, I believe, keeps pretty much with his mother. Mr. Hill's
father had some thoughts of removing up to Braintree, provided he could
be accommodated with a house, which he finds very difficult.

Mr. Cranch's last determination was to tarry in town unless anything new
takes place. His friends in town oppose his removal so much that he is
determined to stay. The opinion you have entertained of General Gage is,
I believe, just. Indeed, he professes to act only upon the defensive.
The people in the country begin to be very anxious for the Congress to
rise; they have no idea of the weighty business you have to transact,
and their blood boils with indignation at the hostile preparations they
are constant witnesses of. Mr. Quincy's so secret departure is matter
of various speculation; some say he is deputed by the Congress, others
that he is gone to Holland, and the Tories say he is gone to be
hanged.[62]

I rejoice at the favorable account you give me of your health. May it be
continued to you. My health is much better than it was last fall; some
folks say I grow very fat. I venture to write almost anything in this
letter, because I know the care of the bearer. He will be most sadly
disappointed if you should be broken up before he arrives, as he is very
desirous of being introduced by you to a number of gentlemen of
respectable character. I almost envy him, that he should see you before
I can. Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Rice present their regards to you. Uncle
Quincy, too, sends his love to you. He is very good to call and see me,
and so have many other of my friends been. Colonel Warren[63] and lady
were here on Monday, and send their love to you. The Colonel promised to
write. Mrs. Warren will spend a day or two, on her return, with me.

Your mother sends her love to you; and all your family, too numerous to
name, desire to be remembered. You will receive letters from two who are
as earnest to write to papa as if the welfare of a kingdom depended upon
it.[64] If you can give any guess, within a month, let me know when you
think of returning.

Your most affectionate

   ABIGAIL ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 60: The date of Mr. Adams's departure.]

[Footnote 61: Letter of Mr. Adams, 29 September, 1774.]

[Footnote 62: See the _Memoir of the Life of Josiah Quincy, Jr._, by his
son, Josiah Quincy, p. 182.]

[Footnote 63: James Warren, of Plymouth.]

[Footnote 64: One of these letters has been preserved. The writer was at
this time seven years old. His subsequent career may make it interesting
enough to print. It is written in a tolerably good, boy's hand, as
follows:--

     October 13, 1774.

     Sir,--I have been trying ever since you went away to learn to write
     you a letter. I shall make poor work of it; but, sir, mamma says
     you will accept my endeavors, and that my duty to you may be
     expressed in poor writing as well as good. I hope I grow a better
     boy, and that you will have no occasion to be ashamed of me when
     you return. Mr. Thaxter says I learn my books well. He is a very
     good master. I read my books to mamma. We all long to see you. I
     am, sir, your dutiful son,

   JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.]



29. JOHN ADAMS.


   Hartford,[65] 30 April, 1775.

New York has appointed an ample representation in our Congress, and has
appointed a Provincial Congress. The people of the city have seized the
city arms and ammunition out of the hands of the mayor, who is a
creature of the Governor. Lord North will certainly be disappointed in
his expectation of seducing New York. The Tories there durst not show
their heads. The Jerseys are aroused, and greatly assist the friends of
liberty in New York. North Carolina has done bravely; chosen the old
delegates in Provincial Congress, and then confirmed the choice in
General Assembly, in opposition to all that Governor Martin could do.
The Assembly of this colony is now sitting at Hartford. We are treated
with great tenderness, sympathy, friendship, and respect. Everything is
doing by this colony that can be done by men, both for New York and
Boston. Keep your spirits composed and calm, and don't suffer yourself
to be disturbed by idle reports and frivolous alarms. We shall see
better times yet. Lord North is insuring us success. I am wounded to the
heart with the news, this moment told me, of Josiah Quincy's death.[66]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 65: Mr. Adams left home on the 14th, on his second mission as
a delegate of Massachusetts.]

[Footnote 66: Mr. Quincy died before the vessel which bore him home
could reach its destination.]



30. JOHN ADAMS.


   Hartford, 2 May, 1775.

Our hearts are bleeding for the poor people of Boston. What will or can
be done for them I can't conceive. God preserve them.

I take this opportunity to write, by our committee who were sent to this
colony,[67] just to let you know that I am comfortable, and shall
proceed this afternoon. Pray write to me, and get all my friends to
write, and let me be informed of everything that occurs. Send your
letters to Colonel Palmer or Dr. Warren, who will convey them. They
will reach me sooner or later. This colony is raising six thousand men.
Rhode Island, fifteen hundred. New York has shut up their port, seized
the custom house, arms, ammunition, etc., called a Provincial Congress,
and entered into an association to stand by whatever shall be ordered by
the Continental and their Provincial Congress. Dr. Cooper[68] fled on
board a man of war, and the Tories are humbled in the dust.

Tell my brothers I have bought some military books, and intend to buy
more, so that I shall come back qualified to make them complete
officers. Write me whether either of them intends to take a command in
the army. I won't advise them, but leave them to their own inclinations
and discretion. But, if they should incline, they should apply to
Colonel Palmer and Dr. Warren soon.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 67: This committee had been sent to Connecticut under an alarm
of a separate negotiation, which is explained by Dr. Gordon, Vol. II.,
p. 19.]

[Footnote 68: Dr. Myles Cooper, an Englishman, graduated at Oxford, and
sent out by Archbishop Seeker to be president of King's College. He was
an old school High Church and State man, and proved one of the most
active opponents of the Revolutionary movement. The rumor here mentioned
was not true at this time. But eight days later the Dr. narrowly escaped
rough treatment by a mob, from whom he fled, and found his way on board
the _Kingfisher_, which took him to England. He died at Edinburgh in
1785.]



31. JOHN ADAMS.


Mr. Eliot, of Fairfield, is this moment arrived, on his way to Boston.
He read us a letter from the Dr., his father, dated yesterday sennight,
being Sunday. The Dr.'s description of the melancholy of the town is
enough to melt a stone. The trials of that unhappy and devoted people
are likely to be severe indeed. God grant that the furnace of affliction
may refine them. God grant that they may be relieved from their present
distress.

It is arrogance and presumption, in human sagacity, to pretend to
penetrate far into the designs of Heaven. The most perfect reverence and
resignation becomes us, but I cannot help depending upon this, that the
present dreadful calamity of that beloved town is intended to bind the
colonies together in more indissoluble bonds, and to animate their
exertions at this great crisis in the affairs of mankind. It has this
effect in a most remarkable degree, as far as I have yet seen or heard.
It will plead with all America with more irresistible persuasion than
angels trumpet-tongued.

In a cause which interests the whole globe, at a time when my friends
and country are in such keen distress, I am scarcely ever interrupted in
the least degree by apprehensions for my personal safety. I am often
concerned for you and our dear babes, surrounded, as you are, by people
who are too timorous and too much susceptible of alarms. Many fears and
jealousies and imaginary dangers will be suggested to you, but I hope
you will not be impressed by them. In case of real danger, of which you
cannot fail to have previous intimations, fly to the woods with our
children. Give my tenderest love to them, and to all.



32. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 4 May, 1775.

I have but little news to write you. Everything of that kind you will
learn by a more accurate hand than mine. Things remain in much the same
situation here that they were when you went away. There has been no
descent upon the seacoast. Guards are regularly kept, and people seem
more settled and are returning to their husbandry. I feel somewhat
lonely. Mr. Thaxter is gone home. Mr. Rice is going into the army, as
captain of a company. We have no school. I know not what to do with
John. As government is assumed, I suppose courts of justice will be
established, and in that case there may be business to do. If so, would
it not be best for Mr. Thaxter to return? They seem to be discouraged in
the study of law, and think there never will be any business for them. I
could have wished they had consulted you upon the subject, before you
went away.

I suppose you will receive two or three volumes of that forlorn wretch
Hutchinson's letters.[69] Among many other things, I hear he wrote in
1772, that Deacon Phillips and you had like to have been chosen into the
Council, but, if you had, you should have shared the same fate with
Bowers.[70] May the fate of Mordecai be his. There is nobody admitted
into town yet. I have made two or three attempts to get somebody in, but
cannot succeed; so have not been able to do the business you left in
charge with me. I want very much to hear from you, how you stood your
journey, and in what state you find yourself now. I felt very anxious
about you; though I endeavored to be very insensible and heroic, yet my
heart felt like a heart of lead. The same night you left me, I heard of
Mr. Quincy's death, which, at this time, was a most melancholy event;
especially as he wrote in minutes, which he left behind, that he had
matters of consequence intrusted with him, which, for want of a
confidant, must die with him.[71] I went to see his distressed widow
last Saturday, at the Colonel's; and in the afternoon, from an alarm
they had, she and her sister, with three others of the family, took
refuge with me and tarried all night. She desired me to present her
regards to you, and let you know she wished you every blessing,--should
always esteem you as a sincere friend of her deceased husband. Poor,
afflicted woman; my heart was wounded for her. I must quit the subject,
and entreat you to write me by every opportunity.

   Yours,

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 69: Accidentally discovered by Mr. Samuel Henshaw in the
garret of Hutchinson's house at Milton. See Gordon's History, Vol. II.,
p 29.]

[Footnote 70: That is, would have received the Governor's negative.]

[Footnote 71: Memoir of Josiah Quincy, Jr., p. 345.]



33. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   7 May, 1775.

I received by the Deacon two letters[72] from you, this day, from
Hartford. I feel a recruit of spirits upon the reception of them, and
the comfortable news which they contain. We had not heard anything from
North Carolina before, and could not help feeling anxious lest we should
find a defection there, arising more from their ancient feuds and
animosities than from any settled ill-will in the present contest; but
the confirmation of the choice of their delegates by their Assembly
leaves not a doubt of their firmness. Nor doth the eye say unto the
hand, "I have no need of thee." The Lord will not cast off his people,
neither will He forsake his inheritance. Great events are most certainly
in the womb of futurity; and, if the present chastisements which we
experience have a proper influence upon our conduct, the event will
certainly be in our favor. The distresses of the inhabitants of Boston
are beyond the power of language to describe; there are but very few who
are permitted to come out in a day; they delay giving passes, make them
wait from hour to hour, and their counsels are not two hours together
alike. One day, they shall come out with their effects; the next day,
merchandise is not effects. One day, their household furniture is to
come out; the next, only wearing apparel; the next, Pharaoh's heart is
hardened, and he refuseth to hearken to them, and will not let the
people go. May their deliverance be wrought out for them, as it was for
the children of Israel. I do not mean by miracles, but by the
interposition of Heaven in their favor. They have taken a list of all
those who they suppose were concerned in watching the tea, and every
other person whom they call obnoxious, and they and their effects are to
suffer destruction.

   Yours,

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 72: Nos. 29, 30, page 50.]



34. JOHN ADAMS.


   New York, May 8, 1775.

I have an opportunity by Captain Beale to write you a line. We all
arrived last night in this city. It would take many sheets of paper to
give you a description of the reception we found here. The militia were
all in arms, and almost the whole city out to meet us. The Tories are
put to flight here as effectually as the Mandamus Council at Boston.
They have associated to stand by Continental and Provincial Congresses,
etc., etc., etc. Such a spirit was never seen in New York.

Jose Bass met with a misfortune in the midst of some of the unnecessary
parade that was made about us. My mare, being galled with an ugly
buckle in the tackling, suddenly flinched and started in turning short
round a rock, in a shocking bad road, overset the sulky, which
frightened her still more. She ran and dashed the body of the sulky all
to pieces. I was obliged to leave my sulky, slip my baggage on board Mr.
Cushing's carriage, buy me a saddle, and mount on horseback. I am
thankful that Bass was not killed. He was in the utmost danger, but not
materially hurt.

I am sorry for this accident, both on account of the trouble and expense
occasioned by it. But in times like these such little accidents should
not afflict us.

Let me caution you, my dear, to be upon your guard against the multitude
of affrights and alarms which, I fear, will surround you. Yet I hope the
people with you will grow more composed than they were.

Our prospect of a union of the colonies is promising indeed. Never was
there such a spirit. Yet I feel anxious, because there is always more
smoke than fire--more noise than music.

Our province is nowhere blamed. The accounts of the battle are
exaggerated in our favor. My love to all. I pray for you all, and hope
to be prayed for. Certainly there is a Providence; certainly we must
depend upon Providence, or we fail; certainly the sincere prayers of
good men avail much. But resignation is our duty in all events. I have
this day heard Mr. Livingston in the morning, and Mr. Rogers this
afternoon--excellent men, and excellent prayers and sermons.



35. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 24 May, 1775.

I suppose you have had a formidable account of the alarm we had last
Sunday morning. When I rose, about six o'clock, I was told that the
drums had been some time beating, and that three alarm guns were fired;
that Weymouth bell had been ringing, and Mr. Weld's was then ringing. I
immediately sent off an express to know the occasion, and found the
whole town in confusion.[73] Three sloops and one cutter had come out
and dropped anchor just below Great Hill. It was difficult to tell their
designs; some supposed they were coming to Germantown, others to
Weymouth; people, women, children, from the iron-works, came flocking
down this way; every woman and child driven off from below my father's;
my father's family flying. The Dr.[74] is in great distress, as you may
well imagine, for my aunt had her bed thrown into a cart, into which she
got herself, and ordered the boy to drive her to Bridgewater, which he
did. The report was to them that three hundred had landed, and were upon
their march up into town. The alarm flew like lightning, and men from
all parts came flocking down, till two thousand were collected. But it
seems their expedition was to Grape Island for Levett's hay. There it
was impossible to reach them, for want of boats; but the sight of so
many persons, and the firing at them, prevented their getting more than
three tons of hay, though they had carted much more down to the water.
At last a lighter was mustered, and a sloop from Hingham, which had six
port-holes. Our men eagerly jumped on board, and put off for the island.
As soon as they perceived it, they decamped. Our people landed upon the
island, and in an instant set fire to the hay, which, with the barn, was
soon consumed,--about eighty tons, it is said. We expect soon to be in
continual alarms, till something decisive takes place.

We wait, with longing expectation, in hopes to hear the best accounts
from you, with regard to union and harmony, etc. We rejoice greatly on
the arrival of Dr. Franklin, as he must certainly be able to inform you
very particularly of the situation of affairs in England. I wish you
would, if you can get time, be as particular as you _may_, when you
write. Every one hereabouts comes to me, to hear what accounts I have. I
was so unlucky as not to get the letter you wrote at New York. Captain
Beale forgot it, and left it behind. We have a flying report here, with
regard to New York, but cannot give any credit to it, as yet, that they
had been engaged with the ships, which Gage sent there, and had taken
them, with great loss upon both sides.

Yesterday we had an account of three ships coming into Boston. I believe
it is true, as there was a salute from the other ships, though I have
not been able to learn from whence they come. I suppose you have had an
account of the fire, which did much damage to the warehouses, and added
greatly to the distresses of the inhabitants, whilst it continued. The
bad conduct of General Gage[75] was the means of its doing so much
damage.

Our house has been, upon this alarm, in the same scene of confusion that
it was upon the former. Soldiers coming in for a lodging, for breakfast,
for supper, for drink, etc. Sometimes refugees from Boston, tired and
fatigued, seek an asylum for a day, a night, a week. You can hardly
imagine how we live; yet,--

   "To the houseless child of want,
     Our doors are open still;
   And though our portions are but scant,
     We give them with good will."

My best wishes attend you, both for your health and happiness, and that
you may be directed into the wisest and best measures for our safety and
the security of our posterity. I wish you were nearer to us; we know not
what a day will bring forth, nor what distress one hour may throw us
into. Hitherto I have been able to maintain a calmness and presence of
mind, and hope I shall, let the exigency of the time be what it will.
Adieu, breakfast calls.

   Your affectionate,

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 73: This alarm came from the part of the town farthest removed
from Boston. Mr. Weld's meeting-house was in the south precinct, and
immediately to the west of Weymouth. It was accessible by the river
Monatiquot, which was the cause of the apprehension.]

[Footnote 74: Dr. Cotton Tufts, a resident of Weymouth, the neighboring
town. He had married one of the daughters of John Quincy, a sister of
the writer's mother.]

[Footnote 75: He had taken the engine under guard, in consequence of a
report that the liberty party intended to fire the town. See _The
Remembrancer_ for 1775, pp. 95, 98.]



36. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 26 May, 1775.

I embrace an opportunity by two young gentlemen from Maryland to write
you a line, on friend Mifflin's table. The names of these gentlemen are
Hall. They are of one of the best families in Maryland, and have
independent fortunes--one a lawyer, the other a physician. If you have
an opportunity, I beg you would show to these gentlemen all the
civilities possible. Get them introduced to your uncle Quincy, and to
your father and Dr. Tufts, and let everything be done to show them
respect. They come five hundred miles to fight for you. They are
volunteers to our camp, where they intend to spend the season.

My love and duty where they should be. I have not so good health as I
had before, and I have harder service. Our business is more extensive
and complicated, more affecting and hazardous. But our unanimity will
not be less. We have a number of new and very ingenious members.



37. JOHN ADAMS.


   29 May, 1775.

Our amiable friend Hancock, who, by the way, is our president, is to
send his servant to-morrow for Cambridge. I am to send a few lines by
him. If his man should come to you to deliver this letter, treat him
very kindly, because he is a kind, humane, clever fellow.

We are distressed here for want of intelligence and information from you
and from Boston, Cambridge, etc., etc., etc. We have no regular advices.
I received one kind letter from you in one from Colonel Warren. An
excellent letter I had from him. It has done him great honor and me much
good.

My duty and love to all. I have had miserable health and blind eyes ever
since I left you. But I found Dr. Young here, who, after scolding at me
quantum sufficit for not taking his advice, has pilled and electuaried
me into pretty good order. My eyes are better, my head is better, and so
are my spirits.

This Congress will support the Massachusetts. But we have an amazing
field of business before us. When I shall have the joy of meeting you
and our little ones I know not.

The military spirit which runs through the continent is truly amazing.
This city turns out two thousand men every day. Mr. Dickinson is a
colonel, Mr. Reed a lieutenant-colonel, Mr. Mifflin a major. He ought to
have been a general, for he has been the animating soul of the whole.

Colonel Washington appears at Congress in his uniform, and, by his great
experience and abilities in military matters, is of much service to us.

Oh that I were a soldier! I will be. I am reading military books.
Everybody must, and will, and shall be a soldier.



38. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 2 June, 1775.

I had yesterday the pleasure of two letters from you, by Dr. Church. We
had been so long without any intelligence from our country, that the
sight of the Dr. gave us great joy. I have received no letters from
England, until the Doctor brought me one from Mr. Dilly.[76]

Mr. Henly goes, to-morrow, to the camp at Cambridge. I am not so ill as
I was when I left you, though not well.

Our debates and deliberations are tedious; from nine to four, five, and
once near six--our determinations very slow--I hope sure. The Congress
will support us, but in their own way. Not precisely in that way which I
could wish, but in a better way than we could well expect, considering
what a heterogeneous body it is.

The prospect of crops in all the Southern colonies never was exceeded.
What will become of the immense quantities of provisions, when the
non-exportation takes place, I can't conceive. Surely we shall not
starve.

Poor Bostonians! My heart bleeds for them day and night. God preserve
and bless them!

Was you frightened when the sheep-stealers got a drubbing at Grape
Island? Father Smith prayed for our scow crew, I doubt not; but how did
my dear friend Dr. Tufts sustain the shock? My duty and love to them and
all others who justly claim them.

Dr. Warren writes me about my brother. My love to both my brothers, my
duty to my mother and your uncle Quincy. Tell him I hope our company
continue their exercises. He would burst to see whole companies of armed
Quakers in this city, in uniforms, going through the manual and
manoeuvres like regular troops.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 76: Edward Dilly, the publisher in London, who seems to have
sympathized with the patriotic party here, and with whom Mr. Adams
carried on a correspondence.]



39. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 6 June, 1775.

I have received yours of 24 May, and a copy of your letter to Mr. Dilly,
and one letter from him. Your letter to him is a very agreeable one. I
hope you will continue to write him, whenever you have opportunity.

I am afraid you will have more alarms than are necessary, in consequence
of the brush at Grape Island. But I hope you will maintain your
philosophical composure.

Saturday last I took a little excursion, with Colonel Dyer and Mr.
Deane, down to Wilmington, a pretty village about thirty miles below
this city, upon Delaware River, and kept Sabbath there. I find myself
better for the ride.

We have a charming prospect here of a plentiful summer; hope it is so
with you.

With yours, I had the pleasure of a letter from your uncle Smith. I was
rejoiced to find him and his family escaped from prison.

Pray let me know whether your brother is in the army, and in what
command. Let me know, too, about my brothers. My love to them.



40. JOHN ADAMS.


   10 June, 1775.

Dr. Church returns to-day, and, with smarting eyes, I must write a few
lines to you. I never had in my life such severe duty to do, and was
never worse qualified to do it. My eyes depress my spirits, and my
health is quite infirm. Yet I keep about, and attend Congress very
constantly.

I wish I could write freely to you, my dear, but I cannot. The scene
before me is complicated enough. It requires better eyes and better
nerves than mine; yet I will not despond. I will lay all difficulties
prostrate at my feet. My health and life ought to be hazarded in the
cause of my country, as well as yours, and all my friends.

It is impossible to convey to you any adequate idea of the
embarrassments I am under. I wish that you and our friends may not be in
greater distress than I am. I fear you are. Pray let me know as often as
possible. Our friends write to Mr. ----, not to me, this time. They
don't let us know the state of Boston people, nor the state of the army
in Boston, so exactly as I could wish.

Two days ago we saw a very wonderful phenomenon in this city: a
field-day, on which three battalions of soldiers were reviewed, making
full two thousand men, battalion men, light infantry, grenadiers,
riflemen, light horse, artillery men with a fine train, all in uniforms,
going through the manual exercise and the manoeuvres with remarkable
dexterity. All this has been accomplished in this city since the 19th of
April; so sudden a formation of an army never took place anywhere.

In Congress we are bound to secrecy. But, under the rose, I believe that
ten thousand men will be maintained in the Massachusetts, and five
thousand in New York, at the Continental expense.

We have a Major Skene, just arrived from London with a commission to be
governor of Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and surveyor of the woods,
etc., a close prisoner. He must dispute for his government with Arnold
and Allen. My love and duty where due.



41. JOHN ADAMS.


   Same date.

Dr. Church has given me a lotion which has helped my eyes so much that I
hope you will hear from me oftener than you have done. Pray write me as
often and particularly as possible. Send your letters to the care of the
Committee of Safety, who will forward them. I long to know how you fare,
and whether you are often discomposed with alarms. Guard yourself
against them, my dear. I think you are in no danger. Don't let the
groundless fears and fruitful imaginations of others affect you. Let me
know what guards are kept, and who were principally concerned in the
battle at Grape Island, as well as that at Chelsea. The reputation of
our countrymen for valor is very high. I hope they will maintain it, as
well as that for prudence, caution, and conduct.

When I shall come home I know not. We have business enough before us, to
detain us until the 31st of next December. No assembly ever had a
greater number of great objects before them. Provinces, nations, empires
are small things before us. I wish we were good architects.



42. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Weymouth,[77] 15 June, 1775.

I sat down to write to you on Monday, but really could not compose
myself sufficiently; the anxiety I suffered from not hearing one
syllable from you for more than five weeks, and the new distress arising
from the arrival of recruits, agitated me more than I have been since
the never-to-be-forgotten 14th of April. I have been much revived by
receiving two letters from you last night; one by the servant of your
friend, and the other by the gentlemen you mention, though they both
went to Cambridge, and I have not seen them. I hope to send this as a
return to you.

I feared much for your health, when you went away. I must entreat you to
be as careful as you can consistently with the duty you owe your
country. That consideration, alone, prevailed with me to consent to your
departure in a time so perilous and so hazardous to your family, and
with a body so infirm as to require the tenderest care and nursing. I
wish you may be supported and divinely assisted in this most important
crisis, when the fate of empire depends upon your wisdom and conduct. I
greatly rejoice to hear of your union and determination to stand by us.

We cannot but consider the great distance you are from us as a very
great misfortune, when our critical situation renders it necessary to
hear from you every week, and will be more and more so, as difficulties
arise. We now expect our seacoast ravaged; perhaps the very next letter
I write will inform you that I am driven away from our yet quiet
cottage. Necessity will oblige Gage to take some desperate steps. We are
told for truth that he is now eight thousand strong. We live in
continual expectation of alarms. Courage I know we have in abundance;
conduct I hope we shall not want; but powder,--where shall we get a
sufficient supply? I wish we may not fail there. Every town is filled
with the distressed inhabitants of Boston. Our house[78] among others is
deserted, and by this time, like enough, made use of as a barrack. Mr.
Bowdoin and his lady are at present in the house of Mrs. Borland, and
are going to Middleborough, to the house of Judge Oliver. He, poor
gentleman, is so low that I apprehend he is hastening to a house not
made with hands; he looks like a mere skeleton, speaks faint and low, is
racked with a violent cough, and, I think, far advanced in a
consumption. I went to see him last Saturday. He is very inquisitive of
every person with regard to the times; begged I would let him know of
the first intelligence I had from you; is very unable to converse by
reason of his cough. He rides every pleasant day, and has been kind
enough to call at the door (though unable to get out) several times. He
says the very name of Hutchinson distresses him. Speaking of him, the
other day, he broke out, "Religious rascal! how I abhor his name!"

Pray be as particular as possible when you write. Everybody wants to
hear and to know what is doing, and what may be communicated do not
fail to inform me of. All our friends desire to be kindly remembered to
you. Gage's proclamation you will receive by this conveyance. All the
records of time cannot produce a blacker page. Satan, when driven from
the regions of bliss, exhibited not more malice. Surely the father of
lies is superseded. Yet we think it the best proclamation he could have
issued.

I shall, whenever I can, receive and entertain, in the best manner I am
capable, the gentlemen who have so generously proffered their services
in our army. Government is wanted in the army and elsewhere. We see the
want of it more from so large a body being together, than when each
individual was employed in his own domestic circle. My best regards
attend every man you esteem. You will make my compliments to Mr. Mifflin
and lady. I do not now wonder at the regard the ladies express for a
soldier. Every man who wears a cockade appears of double the importance
he used to do, and I feel a respect for the lowest subaltern in the
army. You tell me you know not when you shall see me. I never trust
myself long with the terrors which sometimes intrude themselves upon me.

I hope we shall see each other again, and rejoice together in happier
days; the little ones are well, and send duty to papa. Don't fail of
letting me hear from you by every opportunity. Every line is like a
precious relic of the saints.

I have a request to make of you; something like the barrel of sand, I
suppose you will think it, but really of much more importance to me. It
is, that you would send out Mr. Bass, and purchase me a bundle of pins
and put them in your trunk for me. The cry for pins is so great that
what I used to buy for seven shillings and sixpence are now twenty
shillings, and not to be had for that. A bundle contains six thousand,
for which I used to give a dollar; but if you can procure them for fifty
shillings, or three pounds,[79] pray let me have them.

I am, with the tenderest regard,

   Your

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 77: This is dated from her father's house.]

[Footnote 78: In Boston.]

[Footnote 79: Ten dollars.]



43. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 11 June, 1775.

I have been this morning to hear Mr. Duffield, a preacher in this city,
whose principles, prayers, and sermons more nearly resemble those of our
New England clergy than any that I have heard. His discourse was a kind
of exposition on the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. America was the
wilderness, and the solitary place, and he said it would be glad,
"rejoice and blossom as the rose." He labored "to strengthen the weak
hands and confirm the feeble knees." He "said to them that were of a
fearful heart, Be strong, fear not. Behold, your God will come with
vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you," "No
lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, but the
redeemed shall walk there," etc. He applied the whole prophecy to this
country, and gave us as animating an entertainment as I ever heard. He
filled and swelled the bosom of every hearer. I hope you have received a
letter, in which I inclosed you a pastoral letter from the synod of New
York and Philadelphia; by this you will see, that the clergy this way
are but now beginning to engage in politics, and they engage with a
fervor that will produce wonderful effects.


   17 June.

I can now inform you that the Congress have made choice of the modest
and virtuous, the amiable, generous, and brave George Washington,
Esquire, to be General of the American army, and that he is to repair,
as soon as possible, to the camp before Boston. This appointment will
have a great effect in cementing and securing the union of these
colonies. The continent is really in earnest, in defending the country.
They have voted ten companies of riflemen to be sent from Pennsylvania,
Maryland, and Virginia, to join the army before Boston. These are an
excellent species of light infantry. They use a peculiar kind of musket,
called a rifle. It has circular or ----[80] grooves within the barrel,
and carries a ball with great exactness to great distances. They are
the most accurate marksmen in the world.

I begin to hope we shall not sit all summer. I hope the people of our
province will treat the General with all that confidence and affection,
that politeness and respect, which is due to one of the most important
characters in the world. The liberties of America depend upon him, in a
great degree. I have never been able to obtain from our province any
regular and particular intelligence, since I left it. Kent, Swift,
Tudor, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Winthrop, and others wrote me often last fall;
not a line from them this time.

I have found this Congress like the last. When we first came together, I
found a strong jealousy of us from New England, and the Massachusetts in
particular; suspicions entertained of designs of independency; an
American republic; Presbyterian principles, and twenty other things. Our
sentiments were heard in Congress with great caution, and seemed to make
but little impression; but the longer we sat, the more clearly they saw
the necessity of pushing vigorous measures. It has been so now. Every
day we sit, the more we are convinced that the designs against us are
hostile and sanguinary, and that nothing but fortitude, vigor, and
perseverance can save us.

But America is a great, unwieldy body. Its progress must be slow. It is
like a large fleet sailing under convoy. The fleetest sailers must wait
for the dullest and slowest. Like a coach and six, the swiftest horses
must be slackened, and the slowest quickened, that all may keep an even
pace.

It is long since I heard from you. I fear you have been kept in
continual alarms. My duty and love to all. My dear children, come here
and kiss me. We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon
their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring his
forgiveness and blessing; his smiles on American councils and arms.

My duty to your uncle Quincy; your papa, mamma, and mine; my brothers
and sisters, and yours. Adieu.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 80: The word effaced in the manuscript.]



44. JOHN ADAMS.


   18 June, 1775.

This letter, I presume, will go by the brave and amiable General
Washington. Our army will have a group of officers equal to any service.
Washington, Ward, Lee, Gates, Gridley, together with all the other New
England officers, will make a glorious council of war.

This Congress are all as deep as the delegates from the Massachusetts,
and the whole continent as forward as Boston. We shall have a redress of
grievances or an assumption of all the powers of government,
legislative, executive, and judicial, throughout the whole continent,
very soon. Georgia is bestirring itself; I mean the whole of it. The
parish of St. John's, which is one third of it, was with us before.



45. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Sunday, 18 June.

The day--perhaps the decisive day--is come, on which the fate of America
depends. My bursting heart must find vent at my pen. I have just heard
that our dear friend, Dr. Warren, is no more, but fell gloriously
fighting for his country; saying, Better to die honorably in the field,
than ignominiously hang upon the gallows. Great is our loss. He has
distinguished himself in every engagement, by his courage and fortitude,
by animating the soldiers, and leading them on by his own example. A
particular account of these dreadful, but I hope glorious days, will be
transmitted you, no doubt, in the exactest manner.

"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but the God
of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto his people. Trust in
him at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before him; God is a
refuge for us." Charlestown is laid in ashes. The battle began upon our
intrenchments upon Bunker's Hill, Saturday morning about three o'clock,
and has not ceased yet, and it is now three o'clock Sabbath afternoon.

It is expected they will come out over the Neck to-night, and a dreadful
battle must ensue. Almighty God, cover the heads of our countrymen, and
be a shield to our dear friends! How many have fallen, we know not. The
constant roar of the cannon is so distressing that we cannot eat, drink,
or sleep. May we be supported and sustained in the dreadful conflict. I
shall tarry here till it is thought unsafe by my friends, and then I
have secured myself a retreat at your brother's, who has kindly offered
me part of his house. I cannot compose myself to write any further at
present. I will add more as I hear further.


   Tuesday Afternoon.

I have been so much agitated, that I have not been able to write since
Sabbath day. When I say that ten thousand reports are passing, vague and
uncertain as the wind, I believe I speak the truth. I am not able to
give you any authentic account of last Saturday, but you will not be
destitute of intelligence. Colonel Palmer has just sent me word that he
has an opportunity of conveyance. Incorrect as this scrawl will be, it
shall go. I ardently pray that you may be supported through the arduous
task you have before you. I wish I could contradict the report of the
Dr.'s death; but it is a lamentable truth, and the tears of multitudes
pay tribute to his memory; those favorite lines of Collins continually
sound in my ears:--

   "How sleep the brave," etc.

I must close, as the Deacon waits. I have not pretended to be particular
with regard to what I have heard, because I know you will collect better
intelligence. The spirits of the people are very good; the loss of
Charlestown affects them no more than a drop in the bucket.

   I am, most sincerely, yours,

   PORTIA.



46. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   22 June, 1775.

I received yours of June 10th,[81] for which I thank you. I want you to
be more particular. Does every member feel for us? Can they realize what
we suffer? And can they believe with what patience and fortitude we
endure the conflict? Nor do we even tremble at the frowns of power.

You inquire of me who were at the engagement at Grape Island. I may say,
with truth, all of Weymouth, Braintree, Hingham, who were able to bear
arms, and hundreds from other towns within twenty, thirty, and forty
miles of Weymouth. Our good friend, the Dr.,[82] is in a miserable state
of health, and hardly able to go from his own house to my father's.
Danger, you know, sometimes makes timid men bold. He stood that day very
well, and generously attended, with drink, biscuit, flints, etc., five
hundred men, without taking any pay. He has since been chosen one of the
committee of correspondence for that town, and has done much service by
establishing a regular method of alarm from town to town. Both your
brothers were there; your younger brother, with his company, who gained
honor by their good order that day. He was one of the first to venture
on board a schooner to land upon the island. As to Chelsea, I cannot be
so particular, as I know only in general that Colonel Putnam commanded
there, and had many gentlemen volunteers. We have two companies
stationed in this town: at Germantown, Captain Turner; at Squantum,
Captain Vinton; in Weymouth, one; in Hingham, two, etc. I believe I
shall remove your books this week to your brother's. We think it
advisable. Colonel Quincy has procured his family a retreat at Deacon
Holbrook's. Mr. Cranch has one at Major Bass's, in case of necessity, to
which we hope not to be driven. We hear that the troops destined for New
York are all expected here; but we have got to that pass that a whole
legion of them would not intimidate us. I think I am very brave, upon
the whole. If danger comes near my dwelling, I suppose I shall shudder.
We want powder, but, with the blessing of Heaven, we fear them not.
Write every opportunity you can. I am, yours,

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 81: See Mr. Adams's letter, No. 40, p. 60.]

[Footnote 82: Dr. Tufts.]



47. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 23 June.

I have this morning been out of town to accompany our generals,
Washington, Lee, and Schuyler, a little way on their journey to the
American camp before Boston. The three generals were all mounted on
horse-back, accompanied by Major Mifflin, who is gone in the character
of aid-de-camp. All the delegates from the Massachusetts, with their
servants and carriages, attended; many others of the delegates from the
Congress; a large troop of light horse in their uniforms; many officers
of militia besides, in theirs; music playing, etc., etc. Such is the
pride and pomp of war. I, poor creature, worn out with scribbling for my
bread and my liberty, low in spirits and weak in health, must leave
others to wear the laurels which I have sown; others to eat the bread
which I have earned; a common case.

We had, yesterday, by the way of New York and New London, a report which
distresses us almost as much as that we had last fall of the cannonade
of Boston. A battle at Bunker's Hill and Dorchester Point. Three
colonels wounded, Gardner mortally. We wait to hear more particulars.
Our hopes and fears are alternately very strong. If there is any truth
in this account, you must be in great confusion. God Almighty's
providence preserve, sustain, and comfort you.


   27 June.

This moment received two letters from you. Courage, my dear. We shall be
supported in life or comforted in death. I rejoice that my countrymen
behaved so bravely, though not so skillfully conducted as I could wish.
I hope this defect will be remedied by the new modeling of the army.

My love everywhere.



48. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 25 June, 1775.

My father has been more afflicted by the destruction of Charlestown than
by anything which has heretofore taken place. Why should not his
countenance be sad, when the city, the place of his father's sepulchre,
lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Scarcely one
stone remaineth upon another; but in the midst of sorrow we have
abundant cause of thankfulness, that so few of our brethren are numbered
with the slain, whilst our enemies were cut down like the grass before
the scythe. But one officer of all the Welsh fusileers remains to tell
his story. Many poor wretches die for want of proper assistance and care
of their wounds.

Every account agrees in fourteen or fifteen hundred slain and wounded
upon their side, nor can I learn that they dissemble the number
themselves. We had some heroes that day, who fought with amazing
intrepidity and courage.

   "Extremity is the trier of spirits;
   --common chances common men can bear."
   And, "When the sea is calm, all boats alike
   Show mastership in floating: fortune's blows
   When most struck home, being _bravely_ warded, crave
   A noble cunning."

I hear that General Howe said that the battle upon the Plains of Abram
was but a bauble to this. When we consider all the circumstances
attending this action, we stand astonished that our people were not all
cut off. They had but one hundred feet intrenched, the number who were
engaged did not exceed eight hundred, and they with not half ammunition
enough; the reinforcement not able to get to them seasonably. The tide
was up, and high, so that their floating batteries came upon each side
of the causeway, and their row-galleys kept a continual fire. Added to
this, the fire from Copp's Hill, and from the ships; the town in flames,
all around them, and the heat from the flames so intense as scarcely to
be borne; the day one of the hottest we have had this season, and the
wind blowing the smoke in their faces,--only figure to yourself all
these circumstances, and then consider that we do not count sixty men
lost.[83] My heart overflows at the recollection.

We live in continual expectation of hostilities. Scarcely a day that
does not produce some; but, like good Nehemiah, having made our prayer
unto God, and set the people with their swords, their spears, and their
bows, we will say unto them, "Be not ye afraid of them; remember the
Lord, who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons,
and your daughters, your wives and your houses."

I have just received yours of the 17th of June, in seven days only;
every line from that far[84] country is precious; you do not tell me how
you do, but I will hope better. Alas, you little thought what distress
we were in the day you wrote. They delight in molesting us upon the
Sabbath. Two Sabbaths we have been in such alarm that we have had no
meeting; this day we have sat under our own vine in quietness; have
heard Mr. Taft, from Psalms, "The Lord is good to all, and his tender
mercies are over all his works." The good man was earnest and pathetic;
I could forgive his weakness for the sake of his sincerity, but I long
for a Cooper and an Eliot. I want a person who has feeling and
sensibility, who can take one up with him,--

   And "in his duty prompt, at every call,"
   Can "watch, and weep, and pray, and feel for all."

Mr. Rice joins General Heath's regiment to-morrow, as adjutant. Your
brother is very desirous of being in the army, but your good mother is
really violent against it. I cannot persuade nor reason her into a
consent. Neither he nor I dare let her know that he is trying for a
place. My brother has a captain's commission, and is stationed at
Cambridge. I thought you had the best of intelligence, or I should have
taken pains to be more particular. As to Boston, there are many persons
yet there who would be glad to get out if they could. Mr. Boylston, and
Mr. Gill, the printer, with his family, are held upon the black list, it
is said. 'T is certain they watch them so narrowly that they cannot
escape. Mr. Mather got out a day or two before Charlestown was
destroyed, and had lodged his papers and what else he got out at Mr.
Carey's, but they were all consumed; so were many other people's, who
thought they might trust their little there till teams could be
procured to remove them. The people from the almshouse and workhouse
were sent to the lines, last week, to make room for their wounded, they
say. Medford people are all removed. Every seaport seems in motion. O
North, may the groans and cries of the injured and oppressed harrow up
thy soul. We have a prodigious army, but we lack many accommodations
which we need. I hope the appointment of these new Generals will give
satisfaction; they must be proof against calumny. In a contest like
this, continual reports are circulated by our enemies, and they catch
with the unwary and the gaping crowd, who are ready to listen to the
marvelous without considering of consequences, even though their best
friends are injured.

I have not ventured to inquire one word of you about your return. I do
not know whether I ought to wish for it; it seems as if your sitting
together was absolutely necessary, whilst every day is big with events.

Mr. Bowdoin called Friday and took his leave of me, desiring I would
present his affectionate regards to you. I have hopes that he will
recover; he has mended a good deal. He wished he could have stayed in
Braintree, but his lady was fearful.

   Yours evermore,

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 83: Of course the statements in this letter, gathered from the
rumors of the moment, are not to be relied on as precisely accurate.]

[Footnote 84: The "far country" was Philadelphia.]



49. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   5 July, 1775.

I have received a good deal of paper from you. I wish it had been more
covered; the writing is very scant, yet I must not grumble. I know your
time is not yours nor mine. Your labors must be great and your mouth
closed; but all you may communicate, I beg you would. There is a
pleasure, I know not whence it arises, nor can I stop now to find it
out, but I say there is a degree of pleasure in being able to tell news,
especially any that so nearly concerns us, as all your proceedings do.

I should have been more particular, but I thought you knew everything
that passed here. The present state of the inhabitants of Boston is that
of the most abject slaves, under the most cruel and despotic of tyrants.
Among many instances I could mention, let me relate one. Upon the 17th
of June, printed handbills were posted up at the corners of the streets,
and upon houses, forbidding any inhabitants to go upon their houses, or
upon any eminence, on pain of death; the inhabitants dared not to look
out of their houses, nor to be heard or seen to ask a question. Our
prisoners were brought over to the Long Wharf, and there lay all night,
without any care of their wounds, or any resting-place but the
pavements, until the next day, when they exchanged it for the jail,
since which we hear they are civilly treated. Their living cannot be
good, as they can have no fresh provisions; their beef, we hear, is all
gone, and their wounded men die very fast, so that they have a report
that the bullets were poisoned. Fish they cannot have, they have
rendered it so difficult to procure; and the admiral is such a villain
as to oblige every fishing schooner to pay a dollar every time it goes
out. The money that has been paid for passes is incredible. Some have
given ten, twenty, thirty, and forty dollars, to get out with a small
proportion of their things. It is reported and believed that they have
taken up a number of persons and committed them to jail, we know not for
what in particular. Master Lovell is confined in the dungeon; a son of
Mr. Edes is in jail, and one Wiburt, a ship-carpenter, is now upon trial
for his life. God alone knows to what length these wretches will go, and
will, I hope, restrain their malice.

I would not have you be distressed about me. Danger, they say, makes
people valiant. Hitherto I have been distressed, but not dismayed. I
have felt for my country and her sons. I have bled with them and for
them. Not all the havoc and devastation they have made has wounded me
like the death of Warren. We want him in the Senate; we want him in his
profession; we want him in the field. We mourn for the citizen, the
senator, the physician, and the warrior. May we have others raised up in
his room.

I have had a very kind and friendly visit from our dear friends Colonel
Warren, lady, and son. Mrs. Warren spent almost a week with me, and he
came and met her here, and kept Sabbath with me. I suppose she will
write to you, though she says you are in her debt.

You scarcely make mention of Dr. Franklin. Surely he must be a valuable
member. Pray what is become of your Judas? I see he is not with you upon
the list of delegates. I wish I could come and see you. I never suffer
myself to think you are about returning soon. Can it, will it be? May I
ask, may I wish for it? When once I expect you, the time will crawl till
I see you. But hush! Do you know it is eleven o'clock at night? We have
had some very fine rains since I wrote you last. I hope we shall not now
have famine added to war. Grain, grain is what we want here. Meat we
have enough, and to spare. Pray don't let Bass forget my pins. Hardwick
has applied to me for Mr. Bass to get him a hundred of needles, number
six, to carry on his stocking weaving. We shall very soon have no
coffee, nor sugar, nor pepper, here; but whortleberries and milk we are
not obliged to commerce for. I saw a letter of yours to Colonel Palmer,
by General Washington. I hope I have one too. Good night. With thoughts
of thee do I close my eyes. Angels guard and protect thee; and may a
safe return erelong bless thy

   PORTIA.



50. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 7 July, 1775.

I have received your very agreeable favors of June 22 and 25. They
contain more particulars than any letters I had before received from
anybody.

It is not at all surprising to me, that the wanton, cruel, and infamous
conflagration of Charlestown, the place of your father's nativity,
should afflict him. Let him know that I sincerely condole with him on
that melancholy event. It is a method of conducting war long since
become disreputable among civilized nations. But every year brings us
fresh evidence that we have nothing to hope for from our loving mother
country, but cruelties more abominable than those which are practiced by
the savage Indians.

The account you give me of the numbers slain on the side of our enemies
is afflicting to humanity, although it is a glorious proof of the
bravery of our worthy countrymen. Considering all the disadvantages
under which they fought, they really exhibited prodigies of valor. Your
description of the distresses of the worthy inhabitants of Boston and
the other seaport towns is enough to melt a heart of stone. Our
consolation must be this, my dear, that cities may be rebuilt, and a
people reduced to poverty may acquire fresh property. But a constitution
of government, once changed from freedom, can never be restored.
Liberty, once lost, is lost forever. When the people once surrender
their share in the legislature, and their right of defending the
limitations upon the Government, and of resisting every encroachment
upon them, they can never regain it.

The loss of Mr. Mather's library, which was a collection of books and
manuscripts made by himself, his father, his grandfather, and
great-grandfather, and was really very curious and valuable, is
irreparable. The family picture you draw is charming indeed. My dear
Abby, Johnny, Charley, and Tommy, I long to see you, and to share with
your mamma the pleasures of your conversation. I feel myself much
obliged to Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. Wibird, and the two families you mention,
for their civilities to you. My compliments to them. Does Mr. Wibird
preach against oppression and the other cardinal vices of the times?
Tell him the clergy here of every denomination, not excepting the
Episcopalian, thunder and lighten every Sabbath. They pray for Boston
and the Massachusetts. They thank God most explicitly and fervently for
our remarkable successes. They pray for the American army. They seem to
feel as if they were among you.

You ask if every member feels for us? Every member says he does, and
most of them really do. But most of them feel more for themselves. In
every society of men, in every club I ever yet saw, you find some who
are timid, their fears hurry them away upon every alarm; some who are
selfish and avaricious, on whose callous hearts nothing but interest and
money can make impression. There are some persons in New York and
Philadelphia to whom a ship is dearer than a city, and a few barrels of
flour than a thousand lives--other men's lives, I mean.

You ask, Can they realize what we suffer? I answer, No. They can't. They
don't. And, to excuse them as well as I can, I must confess, I should
not be able to do it myself, if I was not more acquainted with it by
experience than they are.

I am grieved for Dr. Tufts's[85] ill-health, but rejoiced exceedingly at
his virtuous exertions in the cause of his country. I am happy to hear
that my brothers were at Grape Island, and behaved well. My love to
them, and duty to my mother.

It gives me more pleasure than I can express, to learn that you sustain
with so much fortitude the shocks and terrors of the times. You are
really brave, my dear. You are a heroine, and you have reason to be. For
the worst that can happen can do you no harm. A soul as pure, as
benevolent, as virtuous and pious as yours, has nothing to fear, but
everything to hope and expect from the last of human evils. I am glad
you have secured an asylum, though I hope you will not have occasion for
it.

There is an amiable, ingenious hussy, named Betsey Smith, for whom I
have a very great regard. Be pleased to make my love acceptable to her,
and let her know that her elegant pen cannot be more usefully employed
than in writing letters to her brother at Philadelphia, though it may be
more agreeably, in writing to young gentlemen.

The other day, after I had received a letter of yours, with one or two
others, Mr. William Barrell desired to read them. I put them into his
hand, and the next morning had them returned in a large bundle packed up
with two great heaps of pins, with a very polite card requesting
Portia's acceptance of them. I shall bring them with me when I return.
But when that will be is uncertain. I hope not more than a month hence.

I have really had a very disagreeable time of it. My health, and
especially my eyes, have been so very bad that I have not been so fit
for business as I ought; and if I had been in perfect health, I should
have had, in the present condition of my country and my friends, no
taste for pleasure. But Dr. Young has made a kind of cure of my health,
and Dr. Church of my eyes.

I have received two kind letters from your uncle Smith. Do thank him for
them. I shall forever love him for them. I love everybody that writes to
me.

   I am forever yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 85: Dr. Tufts lived at Weymouth.]



51. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 16 July, 1775.

I have seen your letters to Colonels Palmer and Warren. I pity your
embarrassments. How difficult the task to quench the fire and the pride
of private ambition, and to sacrifice ourselves and all our hopes and
expectations to the public weal! How few have souls capable of so noble
an undertaking! How often are the laurels worn by those who have had no
share in earning them! But there is a future recompense of reward, to
which the upright man looks, and which he will most assuredly obtain,
provided he perseveres unto the end.

The appointment of the generals Washington and Lee gives universal
satisfaction. The people have the highest opinion of Lee's abilities,
but you know the continuation of the popular breath depends much upon
favorable events. I had the pleasure of seeing both the generals and
their aids-de-camp soon after their arrival, and of being personally
made known to them. They very politely express their regard for you.
Major Mifflin said he had orders from you to visit me at Braintree. I
told him I should be very happy to see him there, and accordingly sent
Mr. Thaxter to Cambridge with a card, to him and Mr. Reed, to dine with
me. Mrs. Warren and her son were to be with me. They very politely
received the message, and lamented that they were not able to come, upon
account of expresses which they were on that day to get in readiness to
send off.

I was struck with General Washington. You had prepared me to entertain a
favorable opinion of him, but I thought the half was not told me.
Dignity with ease and complacency, the gentleman and soldier, look
agreeably blended in him. Modesty marks every line and feature of his
face. Those lines of Dryden instantly occurred to me:--

   "Mark his majestic fabric; he's a temple
   Sacred by birth, and built by hands divine;
   His soul's the deity that lodges there;
   Nor is the pile unworthy of the god."

General Lee looks like a careless, hardy veteran, and by his appearance
brought to my mind his namesake, Charles the Twelfth, of Sweden. The
elegance of his pen far exceeds that of his person.

You have made frequent complaints that your friends do not write to you.
I have stirred up some of them. May not I in my turn make complaints?
All the letters I receive from you seem to be written in so much haste
that they scarcely leave room for a social feeling. They let me know
that you exist, but some of them contain scarcely six lines. I want some
sentimental effusions of the heart. I am sure you are not destitute of
them. Or are they all absorbed in the great public? Much is due to that,
I know, but, being part of the public, I lay claim to a larger share
than I have had. You used to be more communicative on Sundays. I always
loved a Sabbath day's letter, for then you had a greater command of your
time; but hush to all complaints.

I am much surprised that you have not been more accurately informed of
what passes in the camps. As to intelligence from Boston, it is but very
seldom we are able to collect anything that may be relied on; and to
report the vague flying rumors would be endless. I heard yesterday, by
one Mr. Roulstone, a goldsmith, who got out in a fishing schooner, that
their distress increased upon them fast. Their beef is all spent; their
malt and cider all gone. All the fresh provisions they can procure they
are obliged to give to the sick and wounded. Thirteen of our men who
were in jail, and were wounded at the battle of Charlestown, were dead.
No man dared now to be seen talking to his friend in the street. They
were obliged to be within, every evening, at ten o'clock, according to
martial law; nor could any inhabitant walk any street in town after that
time, without a pass from Gage. He has ordered all the molasses to be
distilled into rum for the soldiers; taken away all licenses, and given
out others, obliging to a forfeiture of ten pounds, if any rum is sold
without written orders from the General. He gives much the same account
of the killed and wounded we have from others. The spirit, he says,
which prevails among the soldiers, is a spirit of malice and revenge;
there is no true courage and bravery to be observed among them. Their
duty is hard; always mounting guard with their packs at their backs,
ready for an alarm, which they live in continual hazard of. Dr. Eliot is
not on board a man-of-war, as has been reported, but perhaps was left in
town, as the comfort and support of those who cannot escape. He was
constantly with our prisoners. Messrs. Lovell and Leach, with others,
are certainly in jail. A poor milch cow was last week killed in town,
and sold for a shilling sterling per pound. The transports arrived last
week from York, but every additional man adds to their distress. There
has been a little expedition this week to Long Island. There have been,
before, several attempts to go on, but three men-of-war lay near, and
cutters all round the island, so that they could not succeed. A number
of whaleboats lay at Germantown. Three hundred volunteers, commanded by
one Captain Tupper, came on Monday evening and took the boats, went on,
and brought off seventy odd sheep, fifteen head of cattle, and sixteen
prisoners, thirteen of whom were sent by (Simple Sapling)[86] to mow the
hay, which they had very badly executed. They were all asleep in the
house and barn. When they were taken, there were three women with them.
Our heroes came off in triumph, not being observed by their enemies.
This spirited up others, who could not endure the thought that the house
and barn should afford them any shelter; they did not destroy them the
night before for fear of being discovered. Captain Wild, of this town,
with about twenty-five of his company, Captain Gold, of Weymouth, with
as many of his, and some other volunteers, to the amount of a hundred,
obtained leave to go on and destroy the hay, together with the house and
barn; and in open day, in full view of the men-of-war, they set off from
the _Moon_, so called, covered by a number of men who were placed there,
went on and set fire to the buildings and hay. A number of armed cutters
immediately surrounded the island and fired upon our men. They came off
with a hot and continued fire upon them, the bullets flying in every
direction, and the men-of-war's boats plying them with small arms. Many
in this town, who were spectators, expected every moment our men would
all be sacrificed, for sometimes they were so near as to be called and
damned by their enemies, and ordered to surrender; yet they all returned
in safety, not one man even wounded. Upon the _Moon_ we lost one man,
from the cannon on board the man-of-war.[87] On the evening of the same
day, a man-of-war came and anchored near Great Hill, and two cutters
came to Pig Rocks. It occasioned an alarm in this town, and we were up
all night. They remain there yet, but have not ventured to land any men.

This town have chosen their representative. Colonel Palmer is the man.
There was a considerable muster upon Thayer's side, and Vinton's company
marched up in order to assist, but got sadly disappointed. Newcomb
insisted upon it that no man should vote who was in the army. He had no
notion of being under the military power; said we might be so situated
as to have the greater part of the people engaged in the military, and
then all power would be wrested out of the hands of the civil
magistrate.

He insisted upon its being put to vote, and carried his point
immediately. It brought Thayer to his speech, who said all he could
against it.

As to the situation of the camps, our men are in general healthy, much
more so at Roxbury than at Cambridge, and the camp is in vastly better
order. General Thomas has the character of an excellent officer. His
merit has certainly been overlooked, as modest merit generally is. I
hear General Washington is much pleased with his conduct.

Every article here in the West India way is very scarce and dear. In six
weeks we shall not be able to purchase any article of the kind. I wish
you would let Bass get me one pound of pepper and two yards of black
calamanco for shoes. I cannot wear leather, if I go barefoot. Bass may
make a fine profit if he lays in a stock for himself. You can hardly
imagine how much we want many common small articles, which are not
manufactured amongst ourselves; but we will have them in time; not one
pin to be purchased for love or money. I wish you could convey me a
thousand by any friend travelling this way. It is very provoking to have
such a plenty so near us, but, Tantalus-like, not to be able to touch. I
should have been glad to have laid in a small stock of the West India
articles, but I cannot get one copper; no person thinks of paying
anything, and I do not choose to run in debt. I endeavor to live in the
most frugal manner possible, but I am many times distressed.

We have, since I wrote you, had many fine showers, and, although the
crops of grass have been cut short, we have a fine prospect of Indian
corn and English grain. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field, for the
pastures of the wilderness do spring, the tree beareth her fruit, the
vine and the olive yield their increase. We have not yet been much
distressed for grain. Everything at present looks blooming. Oh that
peace would once more extend her olive branch!

   "This day be bread and peace my lot;
       All else beneath the sun,
   Thou knowest if best bestowed or not,
     And let thy will be done."

   "But is the almighty ever bound to please,
   Build by my wish, or studious of my ease?
   Shall I determine where his frowns shall fall,
   And fence my grotto from the lot of all?
   Prostrate, his sovereign wisdom I adore,
   Intreat his mercy, but I dare no more."

I have now written you all I can collect from every quarter. 'T is fit
for no eyes but yours, because you can make all necessary allowances. I
cannot copy.

There are yet in town three of the selectmen and some thousands of
inhabitants, 't is said. I hope to hear from you soon. Do let me know if
there is any prospect of seeing you. Next Wednesday is thirteen weeks
since you went away. I must bid you adieu.

You have many friends, though they have not noticed you by writing. I am
sorry they have been so negligent. I hope no share of that blame lies
upon

   Your most affectionate

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 86: Simple Sapling is the name given to one of the dramatis
personæ in Mrs. Warren's satirical piece called _The Group_. In one
copy, which has a written key to the characters, Nathaniel R. Thomas is
named, in another Abijah White.]

[Footnote 87: A brief account of this enterprise by an eye-witness is
given in Force's _American Archives_, Fourth Series, Vol. II., p. 165.]



52. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 23 July, 1775.

You have more than once in your letters mentioned Dr. Franklin, and in
one intimated a desire that I should write you something concerning him.

Dr. Franklin has been very constant in his attendance on Congress from
the beginning. His conduct has been composed and grave, and, in the
opinion of many gentlemen, very reserved. He has not assumed anything,
nor affected to take the lead; but has seemed to choose that the
Congress should pursue their own principles and sentiments, and adopt
their own plans. Yet he has not been backward; has been very useful on
many occasions, and discovered a disposition entirely American. He does
not hesitate at our boldest measures, but rather seems to think us too
irresolute and backward. He thinks us at present in an odd state,
neither in peace nor war, neither dependent nor independent; but he
thinks that we shall soon assume a character more decisive. He thinks
that we have the power of preserving ourselves; and that even if we
should be driven to the disagreeable necessity of assuming a total
independency, and set up a separate state, we can maintain it. The
people of England have thought that the opposition in America was wholly
owing to Dr. Franklin; and I suppose their scribblers will attribute the
temper and proceedings of Congress to him; but there cannot be a greater
mistake. He has had but little share, further than to cooperate and to
assist. He is, however, a great and good man. I wish his colleagues from
this city were all like him; particularly one,[88] whose abilities and
virtues, formerly trumpeted so much in America, have been found wanting.
There is a young gentleman from Pennsylvania, whose name is Wilson,
whose fortitude, rectitude, and abilities too, greatly outshine his
master's. Mr. Biddle, the Speaker, has been taken off by sickness, Mr.
Mifflin is gone to the camp, Mr. Morton is ill too, so that this
province has suffered by the timidity of two overgrown fortunes. The
dread of confiscation or caprice, I know not what, has influenced them
too much; yet they were for taking arms, and pretended to be very
valiant.

This letter must be secret, my dear; at least communicated with great
discretion.

   Yours,

   JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 88: John Dickinson.]



53. JOHN ADAMS.


   Same date.

Have only time to send by this opportunity a token of remembrance.

The fast was observed here with a decorum and solemnity never before
seen on a Sabbath. The clergy of all denominations here preached upon
politics and war in a manner that I never heard in New England. They are
a flame of fire. It is astonishing to me that the people are so cool
here. Such sermons in our country would have a much greater effect.

I hope to see you erelong. You have stirred up my friends to write to
me. Austin, Tudor, Rice, have wrote.

Dr. Tufts wrote me an excellent letter, and very particular
intelligence.

My love to all the children.



54. JOHN ADAMS.


   24 July, 1775.

It is now almost three months since I left you, in every part of which,
my anxiety about you and the children, as well as our country, has been
extreme. The business I have had upon my mind has been as great and
important as can be entrusted to man, and the difficulty and intricacy
of it prodigious. When fifty or sixty men have a Constitution to form
for a great empire, at the same time that they have a country of fifteen
hundred miles in extent to fortify, millions to arm and train, a naval
power to begin, an extensive commerce to regulate, numerous tribes of
Indians to negotiate with, a standing army of twenty-seven thousand men
to raise, pay, victual, and officer, I really shall pity those fifty or
sixty men. I must see you erelong. Rice has written me a very good
letter. So has Thaxter, for which I thank them both. Love to the
children.

   J. A.

P. S.--I wish I had given you a complete history, from the beginning to
the end of the journey, of the behavior of my compatriots. No mortal
tale can equal it. I will tell you in future, but you shall keep it
secret. The fidgets, the whims, the caprice, the vanity, the
superstition, the inability of some of us is enough to[89]----

   Yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 89: This letter, with one of the same date to James Warren,
was intercepted and published by the British. Of its effect on the
position of the writer, some account has been given elsewhere. _Works of
John Adams_, Vol. I. pp. 180, 181.]



55. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 25 July, 1775.

Dearest Friend,--I received yours of July 7th, for which I heartily
thank you. It was the longest and best letter I have had; the most
leisurely, and therefore the most sentimental. Previous to your last, I
had written you, and made some complaints of you, but I will take them
all back again. Only continue your obliging favors, whenever your time
will allow you to devote one moment to your absent Portia.

This is the 25th of July. Gage has not made any attempts to march out
since the battle at Charlestown. Our army is restless, and wish to be
doing something to rid themselves and the land of the vermin and locusts
which infest it. Since I wrote you last, the companies stationed upon
the coast, both in this town, Weymouth, and Hingham, were ordered to
Nantasket, to reap and bring off the grain, which they accomplished, all
except a field or two which was not ripe; and having whaleboats, they
undertook to go to the Lighthouse and set fire to it, which they
effected in open day, and in fair sight of several men-of-war. Upon
their return came down upon them eight barges, one cutter, and one
schooner, all in battle-array, and poured whole broadsides upon them;
but our men all reached the shore, and not one life lost, two only
slightly wounded in their legs. They marched up a hill, and drew into
order in hopes the marines would land; but they chose rather to return
without a land engagement, though 't is thought they will burn the town
down as soon as our forces leave it. I had this account from Captain
Vinton, who with his company were there. These little skirmishes seem
trifling, but they serve to inure our men, and harden them to danger. I
hear the rebels are very wroth at the destruction of the Lighthouse.

There has been an offer from Gage to send the poor of Boston to Salem,
by water, but not complied with on our part; they returned for answer,
they would receive them upon the lines. Dr. Tufts saw a letter from
Deacon Newall, in which he mentions the death of John Cotton; he says it
is very sickly in town. Every fishing vessel is now obliged to enter and
clear out, as though she was going a foreign voyage. No inhabitant is
suffered to partake, but obliged to wait till the army is supplied, and
then, if one [fish] remains, they are allowed to purchase it. An order
has been given out in town that no person shall be seen to wipe his face
with a white handkerchief. The reason I hear is, that it is a signal of
mutiny. General Burgoyne lives in Mr. Sam Quincy's house. A lady, who
lived opposite, says she saw raw meat cut and hacked upon her mahogany
tables, and her superb damask curtain and cushions exposed to the rain,
as if they were of no value. How much better do the Tories fare than the
Whigs? I suppose this worthy, good man was put in with all confidence
that nothing should be hurt.

I was very much pleased with General Lee's letter,[90] and really
entertained a more favorable opinion of Burgoyne than I before had
imbibed from his speech; but a late letter from London, written to Mr.
Josiah Quincy, and, in case of his absence, to be opened either by you
or Mr. Samuel Adams, or either of the Warrens, has left me no room to
think that he is possessed either of generosity, virtue, or humanity.
His character runs thus:--

"As to Burgoyne, I am not master of language sufficient to give you a
true idea of the horrible wickedness of the man. His designs are dark;
his dissimulation of the deepest dye; for, not content with deceiving
mankind, he practices deceit on God himself, by assuming the appearance
(like Hutchinson) of great attention to religious worship, when every
action of his life is totally abhorrent to all ideas of true religion,
virtue, or common honesty. An abandoned, infamous gambler, of broken
fortune, and the worst and most detestable of the Bedford gang, who are
wholly bent on blood, tyranny, and spoil, and therefore the darling
favorite of our unrivaled ruler, Lord Bute."[91]

The character of Howe is not drawn much more favorably, but Clinton's
general character very good, and 't is said he does not relish the
service he is sent upon. I am ready to believe this of Clinton, as I
have never heard of any speeches of his since his arrival, nor scarcely
any mention of him. That such characters as Burgoyne and Howe should
engage in such a cause is not to be wondered at; but it is really to be
lamented, when a man possessed of one spark of virtue should be drawn
aside, and disgrace himself and posterity by adding one more to the
already infamous list. I suppose you have heard of Derby's arrival,[92]
and the intelligence he brings. I could not refrain wishing them
everlasting fetters; "the news received with some symptoms of pleasure,"
and "our friends increased," and a few more such sugar plums. Were they
suffering as we are, could Americans sit thus coldly whilst Britons were
bleeding? How is it possible that the love of gain and the lust of
domination should render the human mind so callous to every principle of
honor, generosity, and benevolence?

May that day be far distant from America, when "trade's unfeeling train"
shall "usurp this land, and dispossess the swain."

   "Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
   Where wealth accumulates, and men decay;
   Princes and lords may flourish, or may fade;
   A breath can make them, as a breath has made;
   But a bold peasantry, their country's pride,
   When once destroyed, can never be supplied."

Your address meets with general approbation here; your petitioning the
King again pleases (forgive me if I say the timid and the weak) those
persons who were esteemed the lukewarm, and who think no works of
supererogation can be performed to Great Britain; whilst others say you
heap coals of fire upon the heads of your enemies. You know you are
considered here as a most perfect body; if one member is by any means
rendered incapable of acting, 't is supposed the deficiency will be made
up. The query is, why your President left the Congress so long as to
make it necessary to choose another member,[93]--whether he declined
returning to you again.

I suppose you have a list of our Council. It was generally thought that
Gage would make an attempt to come out either Election day or upon the
Fast; but I could not believe we should be disturbed upon that day. Even
"the devils believe and tremble," and I really believe they are more
afraid of the Americans' prayers than of their swords. I could not bear
to hear our inanimate old bachelor.[94] Mrs. Cranch and I took our
chaise and went to hear Mr. Haven, of Dedham, and we had no occasion to
repent eleven miles' ride; especially as I had the pleasure of spending
the day with my namesake and sister delegate.[95] Why should we not
assume your titles when we give you up our names? I found her
comfortably situated in a little country cottage, with patience,
perseverance, and fortitude for her companions, and in better health
than she has enjoyed for many months past.

I fear General Thomas being overlooked, and Heath placed over him, will
create much uneasiness. I know not who was to blame, but it is likely to
make a great and fatal gap in the army. If Thomas resigns, all his
officers resign; and Mr. Thomas cannot with honor hold under Heath. The
camp will evince to every eye how good an officer he has been; but this
is out of my sphere. I only say what others say, and what the general
disposition of the people is.

I believe you will not complain that I do not write often enough, and at
length enough. When you are tired, tell me. Pray make my compliments to
Mr. Barrell for his great civility to Portia. I really feel very anxious
at being exposed to any eyes but yours, whose partiality I have so often
experienced to cover a multitude of faults, that I rely upon it with the
utmost security. You will not fail letting me hear from you by every
opportunity.

I need not say how much I want to see you, but no one will credit my
story of your returning in a month. I hope to have the best of proofs to
convince them.

It cannot need any to convince you how sincerely

   I am your affectionate

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 90: See _Memoirs of the Life of the late Charles Lee, Esq._,
published in London in 1793, p. 323.]

[Footnote 91: It is scarcely necessary to point out the extravagance of
this invective. It sounds very like Arthur Lee.]

[Footnote 92: Captain John Derby had just returned from his trip to
Great Britain with the first news of the affair at Concord.]

[Footnote 93: This alludes to Peyton Randolph, who was suddenly called
home to Virginia, on the 24th of May, leaving his place vacant. John
Hancock was chosen to fill it. Mr. Randolph did return soon after, and
died at Philadelphia in October.]

[Footnote 94: Anthony Wibird, the pastor of the parish of which Mr.
Adams was a member.]

[Footnote 95: Mrs. Samuel Adams.]



56. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 30 July, 1775.

This letter is intended to go by my friend Mr. William Barrell, whom I
believe you have seen in Boston. If he calls at our house you will
please to receive him complaisantly and thank him for your present of
pins. I have been treated by him with great civility both at this and
the former Congress.

This day I have heard my parish priest, Mr. Duffield, from 2 Chronicles
xv. 1, 2. This gentleman never fails to adapt his discourse to the
times. He pressed upon his audience the necessity of piety and virtue,
in the present times of adversity, and held up to their view the army
before Boston as an example. He understood, he said, that the voice of
the swearer was scarcely heard; that the Sabbath was well observed, and
all immoralities discountenanced. No doubt there were vicious
individuals, but the general character was good. I hope this good man's
information is true, and that this will become more and more the true
character of that camp. You may well suppose that this language was
exceedingly pleasing to me.

We have nothing new but the arrival of some powder. Three little vessels
have certainly arrived, making about ten tons in the whole, and four or
five tons have arrived from South Carolina. A supply I think now we
shall certainly obtain. Congress have taken measures for this end which
I hope to have the pleasure of explaining to you in person within a few
days, as Congress has determined to adjourn to some time in September. I
could not vote for this myself, because I thought it might be necessary
to keep together, but I could not blame those who did; for really we
have been all so assiduous in business in this exhausting, debilitating
climate, that our lives are more exposed than they would be in camp.

Love to the children.



57. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 31 July, 1775.

I do not feel easy more than two days together without writing to you.
If you abound, you must lay some of the fault upon yourself, who have
made such sad complaints for letters, but I really believe I have
written more than all my sister delegates. There is nothing new
transpired since I wrote you last, but the sailing of some transports,
and five deserters having come into our camp. One of them is gone, I
hear, to Philadelphia. I think I should be cautious of him. No one can
tell the secret designs of such fellows, whom no oath binds. He may be
sent with assassinating designs. I can credit any villainy that a Cæsar
Borgia would have been guilty of, or Satan himself would rejoice in.
Those who do not scruple to bring poverty, misery, slavery, and death
upon thousands will not hesitate at the most diabolical crimes; and this
is Britain! Blush, O Americans, that ever you derived your origin from
such a race.

We learn from one of these deserters that our ever-valued friend Warren,
dear to us even in death, was not treated with any more respect than a
common soldier; but the savage wretches, called officers, consulted
together, and agreed to sever his head from his body and carry it in
triumph to Gage, who no doubt would have "grinned horribly a ghastly
smile," instead of imitating Cæsar, who, far from being gratified with
so horrid a spectacle as the head even of his enemy, turned away from
Pompey's with disgust, and gave vent to his pity in a flood of tears.
How much does Pagan tenderness put Christian benevolence to shame! What
humanity could not obtain, the rites and ceremonies of a Mason demanded.
An officer, who it seems was one of the brotherhood, requested that as a
Mason he might have the body unmangled, and find a decent interment for
it. He obtained his request, but upon returning to secure it, he found
it already thrown into the earth, only with the ceremony of being first
placed there with many bodies over it.

   "Nor writ his name, whose tomb should pierce the skies."

   "Glows my resentment into guilt? What guilt
   Can equal violations of the dead?
   The dead how sacred! Sacred is the dust
   Of this heaven-labored form, erect, divine!
   This heaven-assumed, majestic robe of earth."


   2 August.

Thus far I wrote, and broke off; hearing there was a probability of your
return I thought not to send it; but the reception of yours this
morning, of July 23d, makes me think the day further off than I hoped. I
therefore will add a few lines, though very unfit. I went out yesterday
to attend the funeral of the poor fellow who, the night before, fell in
battle, as they were returning from the Lighthouse. I caught some cold.
Sabbath evening there was a warm fire from Prospect Hill and Bunker's
Hill, begun first by the riflemen taking off their guard. Two men upon
our side were killed; five of their guards were killed, two taken. I
believe my account will be very confused, but I will relate it as well
as I am able.[96] Sabbath evening a number of men, in whaleboats, went
off from Squantum and Dorchester to the Lighthouse, where the General,
Gage, had again fixed up a lamp, and sent twelve carpenters to repair
it. Our people went on amidst a hot fire from thirty marines, who were
placed there as a guard to the Tory carpenters, burnt the
dwelling-house, took the Tories and twenty-eight marines, killed the
lieutenant and one man, brought off all the oil and stores which were
sent, without the loss of a man, until they were upon their return, when
they were so closely pursued that they were obliged to run one whaleboat
ashore, and leave her to them; the rest arrived safe, except the unhappy
youth whose funeral I yesterday attended, who received a ball through
the temple as he was rowing the boat. He belonged to Rhode Island. His
name was Griffin. He, with four wounded marines, was brought by Captain
Turner to Germantown, and buried from there with the honors of war. Mr.
Wibird, upon the occasion, made the best oration (he never prays, you
know) I ever heard from him. The poor wounded fellows (who were all
wounded in their arms) desired they might attend. They did, and he very
pathetically addressed them, with which they appeared affected. I spoke
with them,--I told them it was very unhappy that they should be obliged
to fight their best friends. They said they were sorry; they hoped in
God an end would be speedily put to the unhappy contest; when they came,
they came in the way of their duty, to relieve Admiral Montague, with no
thought of fighting, but their situation was such as obliged them to
obey orders; but they wished, with all their souls, that they that sent
them here had been in the heat of the battle; expressed gratitude at the
kindness they received; and said, in that they had been deceived, for
they were told, if they were taken alive they would be sacrificed by us.
Dr. Tufts dressed their wounds.

I had a design to write something about a talked-of appointment of a
friend of mine to a judicial department,[97] but hope soon to see that
friend before his acceptance may be necessary. I inclose a compliment,
copied by a gentleman from a piece in the Worcester paper, signed
"Lycurgus."

I can add no more, as the good Colonel Palmer waits. Only my compliments
to Mrs. Mifflin, and tell her I do not know whether her husband is safe
here. Bellona and Cupid have a contest about him. You hear nothing from
the ladies but about Major Mifflin's easy address, politeness,
complaisance, etc. 'T is well he has so agreeable a lady at
Philadelphia. They know nothing about forts, intrenchments, etc., when
they return; or, if they do, they are all forgotten and swallowed up in
his accomplishments.

Adieu, my dearest friend, and always believe me

   Unalterably yours,

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 96: These events are briefly noticed in _Almons's
Remembrancer_ for 1775, pp. 269, 270.]

[Footnote 97: Mr. Adams had been appointed Chief Justice of the new
Superior Court.]



58. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 10 August, 1775.

Dearest Friend,--'T is with a sad heart I take my pen to write to you,
because I must be the bearer of what will greatly afflict and distress
you. Yet I wish you to be prepared for the event. Your brother Elihu
lies very dangerously sick with a dysentery.[98] He has been very bad
for more than a week. His life is despaired of. Ere I close this letter,
I fear I shall write you that he is no more.

We are all in great distress. Your father is with him in great anguish.
I hear this morning that he is sensible of his danger, and calmly
resigned to the will of Heaven, which is a great satisfaction to his
mourning friends. I cannot write more at present than to assure you of
the health of your own family. Mr. Elisha Niles was very bad with the
same disorder.


   11 August.

I have this morning occasion to sing of mercies and judgments. May I
properly notice each. A mixture of joy and grief agitates my bosom. The
return of thee, my dear partner, after a four months' absence, is a
pleasure I cannot express; but the joy is overclouded, and the day is
darkened, by the mixture of grief,--the sympathy I feel for the loss of
your brother, cut off in the pride of life and the bloom of manhood, in
the midst of his usefulness. Heaven sanctify this affliction to us, and
make me properly thankful that it is not my sad lot to mourn the loss of
a husband in the room of a brother.

May thy life be spared and thy health confirmed for the benefit of thy
country and the happiness of thy family, is the constant supplication of
thy friend.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 98: Elihu, the youngest of three brothers, born 7 May, 1741.
He had taken a commission as an officer, and he fell a victim to this
disease, which became endemic, and carried off numbers in this region of
Massachusetts.]



59. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 8 September.

Since you left me I have passed through great distress both of body and
mind, and whether greater is to be my portion, Heaven only knows.

You may remember Isaac was unwell when you went from home. His disorder
increased, till a violent dysentery was the consequence of his
complaints. There was no resting-place in the house, for his terrible
groans. He continued in this state near a week, when his disorder
abated, and we have now hopes of his recovery. Two days after he was
sick, I was seized with the same disorder in a violent manner. Had I
known you were at Watertown, I should have sent Bracket for you. I
suffered greatly between my inclination to have you return and my fear
of sending lest you should be a partaker of the common calamity. After
three days an abatement of my disease relieved me from anxiety. The next
person in the same week was Susy; her we carried home,--hope she will
not be very bad. Our little Tommy was the next, and he lies very ill
now. There is no abatement at present of his disorder. I hope he is not
dangerous. Yesterday Patty was seized, and took a puke. Our house is a
hospital in every part; and what with my own weakness and distress of
mind for my family, I have been unhappy enough.

And such is the distress of the neighborhood, that I can scarcely find a
well person to assist in looking after the sick. Mrs. Randall has one
child that is not expected to live out the night. Mrs. Belcher has
another; Joseph Bracket, another; Deacon Adams has lost one, but is on
the recovery himself, and so are the rest of his family. Mr. Wibird lies
bad; Major Miller is dangerous, and Mr. Gay is not expected to live.

So sickly and so mortal a time the oldest man does not remember. I am
anxious for you. Pray let me hear from you soon. I thought you would
have left me a letter at Watertown, as you stayed so long there. I was
disappointed that you did not. As to politics, I know nothing about
them. The distresses of my own family are so great that I have not
thought of them. I have written as much as I am able to, being very
weak. I hope to add a more pleasing account ere I close.


   Sunday, 10 September.

'Tis now two days since I wrote. As to my own health, I mend but very
slowly; have been fearful of a return of my disorder to-day, but feel
rather better now; hope it is only owing to my having been fatigued
with looking after Tommy, as he is unwilling any one but mamma should do
for him; and, if he was, I could not find anybody that is worth having,
but what is taken up already for the sick. Tommy, I hope, is mending.
His fever has abated; but were you to look in upon him, you would not
know him. From a hearty, hale, corn-fed boy, he has become pale, lean,
and wan. Isaac is getting better, but very slowly. Patty is very bad,
her situation very dangerous. Mr. R. and one of his children are taken
with the disorder. I shall write every day if I am able.

Pray let me hear from you often. Heaven preserve both your life and
health, and all my suffering will be but small. By the first safe
conveyance be kind enough to send me one ounce of Turkey rhubarb, the
root, and to procure me one quarter of a pound of nutmegs, for which
here I have to give 2_s._ 8_d._ lawful; one ounce of cloves, two of
cinnamon. I should be glad of one ounce of Indian root. So much sickness
has occasioned a scarcity of medicine.

Destroy this. Such a doleful tale it contains can give no pleasure to
any one. Our other children are well, and send duty to papa. Bracket has
been complaining, but has got better. The small-pox in the natural way
was not more mortal than this distemper has proved in this and many
neighboring towns. Eighteen have been buried since you left us, in Mr.
Weld's parish. Four, three, and two funerals in a day, for many days.
Hitherto our family has been greatly favored. Heaven still preserve us.
'Tis a melancholy time with us. I hope you will not think me in the
dismals; but public and private judgments ought to be noticed by every
one.

   I am, most affectionately, yours,

   PORTIA.



60. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, Sunday, 16 September, 1775.

I set myself down to write with a heart depressed with the melancholy
scenes around me. My letter will be only a bill of mortality; though
thanks be to that Being who restraineth the pestilence, that it has not
yet proved mortal to any of our family, though we live in daily
expectation that Patty will not continue many hours. I had no idea of
the distemper producing such a state as hers, till now. Two of the
children, John and Charles, I have sent out of the house, finding it
difficult to keep them out of the chamber. Nabby continues well. Tommy
is better, but entirely stripped of the hardy, robust countenance, as
well as of all the flesh he had, save what remains for to keep his bones
together. Jonathan is the only one who remains in the family who has not
had a turn of the disorder. Mrs. Randall has lost her daughter. Mrs.
Bracket, hers. Mr. Thomas Thayer, his wife. Two persons belonging to
Boston have died this week in this parish. I know of eight this week who
have been buried in this town.

In Weymouth, it is very sickly, but not mortal. Dr. Tufts tells me he
has between sixty and seventy patients now sick with this disorder. Mr.
Thaxter has been obliged to go home, as it was not possible for me to
accommodate him. Mr. Mason came this week, but if he had been inclined,
I could not have taken him now. But the general sickness in the towns
determined him to return home for the present. The dread upon the minds
of people of catching the distemper is almost as great as if it was the
small-pox. I have been disturbed more than ever I was in my life to
procure watchers and to get assistance.

I hear Mr. Tudor has been dangerously sick, but is now upon the
recovery. Mr. Wibird is very low indeed, scarcely able to walk a step.
We have been four Sundays without any meeting. Thus does pestilence
travel in the rear of war, to remind us of our entire dependence upon
that Being who not only directeth the arrow by day, but has also at his
command that which flieth in darkness. So uncertain and so transitory
are all the enjoyments of life, that were it not for the tender
connections which bind us, would it not be folly to wish for continuance
here? I think I shall never be wedded to the world, and were I to lose
about a dozen of my dearest connections, I should have no further relish
for life.

But perhaps I deceive myself and know little but little, of my own
heart.

   "To bear and suffer is our portion here."

And unto Him who mounts the whirlwind and directs the storm I will
cheerfully leave the ordering of my lot, and whether adverse or
prosperous days should be my future portion, I will trust in his right
hand to lead me safely through, and, after a short rotation of events,
fix me in a state immutable and happy.

You will think me melancholy. 'Tis true, I am much affected by the
distressed scenes around me, but I have some anxieties in my mind which
I do not think it prudent to mention at present to any one. Perhaps when
I hear from you, I may in my next letter tell you.

In the mean time I wish you would tell me whether the intercepted
letters[99] have reached Philadelphia, and what effect they have there.
There is a most infamous versification of them, I hear, sent out. I have
not been able to get it.

As to politics, there seems to be a dead calm upon all sides. Some of
the Tories have been sending out their children. Colonel Chandler has
sent out his, and Mr. Winslow has sent out his daughter. People appear
to be gratified with the Remonstrance, Address, and Petition, and most
earnestly long for further intelligence.

God helps them that help themselves, as King Richard says; and if we can
obtain the Divine aid by our own virtue, fortitude, and perseverance, we
may be sure of relief.

To-morrow will be three weeks since you left home; in all which time I
have not heard one word from you. Patience is a lesson I have not to
learn, so I can wait your own time, but hope it will not be long ere my
anxious heart is relieved.

Adieu! I need not say how sincerely I am

   Your affectionate

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 99: See Letter No. 54, p. 85, note.]



61. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 17 September, 1775.

This is the first time that I have attempted to write since I left you.
I arrived here in good health, after an agreeable journey, last
Wednesday. There had not been members enough to make a House, several
colonies being absent, so that I was just in time. The next day an
adequate number appeared, and Congress has sat ever since. Georgia is
now fully represented, and united to the other twelve. Their delegates
are Doctor Zubly, a clergyman of the Independent persuasion, who has a
parish in that colony, and a good deal of property. He is a native of
Switzerland; is a man of learning and ingenuity. It is said he is master
of several languages--Greek, Latin, French, Dutch, and English; in the
latter it is said he writes tolerably. He is a man of zeal and spirit,
as we have already seen upon several occasions. However, as he is the
first gentleman of the cloth who has appeared in Congress, I cannot but
wish he may be the last. Mixing the sacred character with that of the
statesman, as it is quite unnecessary at this time of day, in these
colonies, is not attended with any good effects. The clergy are
universally too little acquainted with the world and the modes of
business, to engage in civil affairs with any advantage. Besides, those
of them who are really men of learning, have conversed with books so
much more than men as to be too much loaded with vanity to be good
politicians. Mr. Bullock is another of the Georgia delegates--a sensible
man--a planter, I suppose. Mr. Houston is the third, a young lawyer, of
modesty as well as sense and spirit, which you will say is uncommon.

Mr. Jones and Doctor Hall are not yet arrived.

Mr. Henry is made a General in Virginia, and therefore could not come.
Mr. Pendleton and Colonel Bland excused themselves on account of age and
ill-health. Messrs. Nelson, Wythe, and Lee are chosen, and are here in
the stead of the other three. Wythe and Lee are inoculated. You shall
hear more about them. Although they come in the room of very good men,
we have lost nothing by the change, I believe. Remember me in the
tenderest language to all our little folks. I am yours.



62. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 1 October, 1775.

This morning I received your two letters, of 8 September and 16
September. What shall I say? The intelligence they contain came upon me
by surprise, as I never had the least intimation before that any of my
family was ill, excepting in a card from Mrs. Warren, received a few
days ago, in which she informed me that "Mrs. Adams had been unwell, but
was better."

You may easily conceive the state of mind in which I am at present.
Uncertain and apprehensive at first, I suddenly thought of setting off
immediately for Braintree, and I have not yet determined otherwise. Yet
the state of public affairs is so critical that I am half afraid to
leave my station, although my presence here is of no great consequence.

I feel, I tremble for you. Poor Tommy! I hope, by this time, however, he
has recovered his plump cheeks and his fine bloom. By your account of
Patty I fear, but still I will hope she has been supported, and is upon
the recovery. I rejoice to learn that Abby and her brothers have
hitherto escaped, and pray God that His goodness may be still continued
to them. Your description of the distressed state of the neighborhood is
affecting indeed. It is not uncommon for a train of calamities to come
together. Fire, sword, pestilence, famine, often keep company and visit
a country in a flock.

At this distance I can do no good to you or yours. I pray God to support
you. I hope our friends and neighbors are kind as usual. I feel for them
in the general calamity. I am so far from thinking you melancholy, that
I am charmed with that admirable fortitude and that divine spirit of
resignation which appear in your letters. I cannot express the
satisfaction it gives me, nor how much it contributes to support me.

You have alarmed me, however, by mentioning anxieties which you do not
think it proper to mention to any one. I am wholly at a loss to
conjecture what they can be. If they arise from the letters, be assured
that you may banish them forever. These letters[100] have reached
Philadelphia, but have produced effects very different from those which
were expected from the publication of them. These effects I will explain
to you sometime or other. As to the versification of them, if there is
wit or humor in it, laugh; if ill-nature, sneer; if mere dullness, why,
you may even yawn or nod. I have no anger at it, nay even scarcely
contempt. It is impotent.

As to politics, we have nothing to expect but the whole wrath and force
of Great Britain. But your words are as true as an oracle, "God helps
them who help themselves, and if we obtain the divine aid by our own
virtue, fortitude, and perseverance, we may be sure of relief." It may
amuse you to hear a story. A few days ago, in company with Dr. Zubly,
somebody said there was nobody on our side but the Almighty. The
Doctor,[101] who is a native of Switzerland, and speaks but broken
English, quickly replied, "Dat is enough! Dat is enough!" And turning to
me, says he, "It puts me in mind of a fellow who once said, The
Catholics have on their side the Pope, and the King of France, and the
King of Spain, and the King of Sardinia, and the King of Poland, and the
Emperor of Germany, etc., etc., etc.; but as to those poor devils, the
Protestants, they have nothing on their side but God Almighty."

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 100: The intercepted letters already referred to.]

[Footnote 101: The reverend Dr. Zubly was one of the delegates to the
Congress from Georgia, which Province did not appoint any until July,
1775. He, however, was among the few who stopped by the wayside. So far
from retaining the confidence here expressed in the American cause, he
entered into secret correspondence with the British authorities in
Georgia, and being detected, he fled the country.]



63. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Weymouth,[102] 1 October, 1775.

Have pity upon me. Have pity upon me, O thou my beloved, for the hand of
God presseth me sore.

Yet will I be dumb and silent, and not open my mouth, because Thou, O
Lord, hast done it.

How can I tell you (O my bursting heart!) that my dear mother has left
me? This day, about five o'clock, she left this world for an infinitely
better.

After sustaining sixteen days' severe conflict, nature fainted, and she
fell asleep. Blessed spirit! where art thou? At times I am almost ready
to faint under this severe and heavy stroke, separated from _thee_, who
used to be a comforter to me in affliction; but, blessed be God, his ear
is not heavy that He cannot hear, but He has bid us call upon Him in
time of trouble.

I know you are a sincere and hearty mourner with me, and will pray for
me in my affliction. My poor father, like a firm believer and a good
Christian, sets before his children the best of examples of patience and
submission. My sisters send their love to you and are greatly afflicted.
You often expressed your anxiety for me when you left me before,
surrounded with terrors; but my trouble then was as the small dust in
the balance, compared to what I have since endured. I hope to be
properly mindful of the correcting hand, that I may not be rebuked in
anger.

You will pardon and forgive all my wanderings of mind; I cannot be
correct.

'T is a dreadful time with the whole province. Sickness and death are in
almost every family. I have no more shocking and terrible idea of any
distemper, except the plague, than this.

Almighty God! restrain the pestilence which walketh in darkness and
wasteth at noonday, and which has laid in the dust one of the dearest of
parents. May the life of the other be lengthened out to his afflicted
children.

   From your distressed

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 102: This was written from the house of her father.]



64. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 2 October, 1775.

Everything here is in as good a way as I could wish, considering the
temper and designs of Administration. I assure you the letters have had
no such bad effects as the Tories intended, and as some of our
short-sighted Whigs apprehended; so far otherwise, that I see and hear
every day fresh proofs that everybody is coming fast into every
political sentiment contained in them. I assure you I could mention
compliments passed upon them, and if a serious decision could be had
upon them, the public voice would be found in their favor.

But I am distressed with cares of another kind. Your two letters are
never out of my thoughts. I should have mounted my horse this day for
Braintree if I had not hopes of hearing further from you in a day or
two. However, I will hope that your prospects are more agreeable than
they were, and that the children are all better, as well as the rest of
the family, and the neighbors. If I should hear more disagreeable
advices from you, I shall certainly come home, for I cannot leave you in
such affliction without endeavoring to lessen it, unless there was an
absolute necessity of my staying here to do a duty to the public, which
I think there is not.

I must beg to be excused, my dear, from hinting at anything for the
future, of public persons or things. Secrecy is so much exacted. But
thus much I may say, that I never saw so serious and determined a
spirit. I must also beseech you to be cautious what you write to me and
by whom you send. Letters sent to the care of Colonel Warren will come
safe. My regards, with all proper distinctions, to my relations and
yours, my friends and yours, my acquaintances and yours.

This will go by Major Bayard, a gentleman of the Presbyterian persuasion
in this city, of excellent character, to whom I am indebted for a great
many civilities.



65. JOHN ADAMS.


   7 October, 1775.

Yesterday, by the post, I received yours of 25 September. And it renewed
a grief and anxiety that were before almost removed from my mind. Two
days before, I had the pleasure of a very valuable letter from Colonel
Quincy, in which he kindly informed me that you and our family were so
much better that you and my dear Abby had made a visit at his house; and
Mr. Williams, who brought the letter, acquainted me that he had been to
Braintree after the date of it, that you was in good spirits, that Tommy
was so much better as to be playing abroad, and that he hoped Patty was
not in danger. You will easily believe that this information gave me
great pleasure and fine spirits. It really relieved me from a heavy
load. But your last letter has revived my concern. I will still hope,
however, that your excellent mother will yet be spared for a blessing to
her family, and an example to the world. I build my hopes of her
recovery upon the advantage of a constitution which has hitherto
sustained so many attacks, and upon a long course of exact temperance,
which, I hope, has deprived the distemper of its most dangerous food and
fuel. However, our lives are not in our own power. It is our duty to
submit. "The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate," its designs are
often inscrutable, but are always wise and just and good.

It was long before I had the least intimation of the distress of the
family, and I fear that your not receiving so many letters from me as
usual may have been one cause of infelicity to you. Really, my dear, I
have been more cautious than I used to be. It is not easy to know whom
to trust in these times; and if a letter from any person in the
situation I am in can be laid hold of, there are so many lies made and
told about it, so many false copies taken and dispersed, and so many
false constructions put, that one ought to be cautions.

The situation of things is so alarming, that it is our duty to prepare
our minds and hearts for every event, even the worst. From my earliest
entrance into life, I have been engaged in the public cause of America;
and from first to last I have had upon my mind a strong impression that
things would be wrought up to their present crisis. I saw from the
beginning that the controversy was of such a nature that it never would
be settled, and every day convinces me more and more. This has been the
source of all the disquietude of my life. It has lain down and risen up
with me these twelve years. The thought that we might be driven to the
sad necessity of breaking our connection with Great Britain, exclusive
of the carnage and destruction, which it was easy to see must attend the
separation, always gave me a great deal of grief. And even now I would
cheerfully retire from public life forever, renounce all chance for
profits or honors from the public, nay, I would cheerfully contribute my
little property, to obtain peace and liberty. But all these must go, and
my life too, before I can surrender the right of my country to a free
Constitution. I dare not consent to it. I should be the most miserable
of mortals ever after, whatever honors or emoluments might surround me.



66. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 9 October, 1775.

I have not been composed enough to write you since last Sabbath, when in
the bitterness of my soul I wrote a few confused lines, since which it
has pleased the great disposer of all events to add breach to breach.

   "Rare are solitary woes, they leave a train
   And tread each other's heel."

The day week that I was called to attend a dying parent's bed I was
again called to mourn the loss of one of my own family. I have just
returned from attending Patty to the grave. No doubt, long before this
will reach you, you have received a melancholy train of letters, in some
of which I mention her as dangerously sick. She has lain five weeks,
wanting a few days, so bad that we had little hope of her recovery. We
have yet great sickness in the town. She made the fourth corpse that was
this day committed to the ground. We have many others now so bad as to
despair of their lives.

But blessed be the Father of mercies, all our family are now well,
though I have my apprehension lest the malignity of the air in the house
may have infected some of them. We have fevers of various kinds, the
throat distemper as well as the dysentery prevailing in this and the
neighboring towns.

How long, O Lord, shall the whole land say, I am sick! Oh, show us
wherefore it is that Thou art thus contending with us! In a very
particular manner I have occasion to make this inquiry, who have had
breach upon breach--nor has one wound been permitted to be healed ere it
is made to bleed afresh. In six weeks I count five of my near
connections laid in the grave. Your aunt Simpson died at Milton about
ten days ago, with the dysentery.

But the heavy stroke which most of all disturbs me is my dear mother. I
cannot overcome my too selfish sorrow. All her tenderness towards me,
her care and anxiety for my welfare at all times; her watchfulness over
my infant years, her advice and instruction in maturer age,--all, all
endear her memory to me and heighten my sorrow for her loss. At the same
time, I know a patient submission is my duty. I will strive to obtain
it, but the lenient hand of time alone can blunt the keen edge of
sorrow. He who deigned to weep over a departed friend will surely
forgive a sorrow which at all times desires to be bounded and restrained
by a firm belief that a Being of infinite wisdom and unbounded goodness
will carve out my portion in tender mercy to me. Yea, though He slay me,
I will trust in Him, said holy Job. What though His corrective hand hath
been stretched against me; I will not murmur. Though earthly comforts
are taken away, I will not repine. He who gave them has surely a right
to limit their duration, and He has continued them to me much longer
than I deserve. I might have been stripped of my children, as many
others have been. I might,--oh, forbid it Heaven,--I might have been
left a solitary widow!

Still I have many blessings left, many comforts to be thankful for and
rejoice in. I am not left to mourn as one without hope.

Forgive me for thus dwelling upon a subject sweet to me, but I fear
painful to you. Oh, how I have longed for your bosom, to pour forth my
sorrows there and find a healing balm; but perhaps that has been denied
me that I might be led to a higher and a more permanent consolator who
has bid us all call upon Him in the day of trouble.

As this is the first day since your absence that I could write you that
we were all well, I desire to mark it with particular gratitude and
humbly hope that all my warnings and corrections are not in vain.

I most thankfully received your kind favor of the 26th, yesterday. It
gives me much pleasure to hear of your health. I pray Heaven for the
continuance of it. I hope for the future to be able to give you more
intelligence with regard to what passes out of my own little circle, but
such has been my distress that I know nothing of the political world.

You have doubtless heard of the villainy of one who has professed
himself a patriot.[103] But let not that man be trusted who can violate
private faith and cancel solemn covenants, who can leap over moral law
and laugh at Christianity. How is he to be bound whom neither honor nor
conscience holds? We have here a rumor that Rhode Island has shared the
fate of Charlestown. Is this the day we read of, when Satan was to be
loosed?

I do not hear of any inhabitants getting out of town. 'T is said Gage is
superseded and Howe in his place, and that Howe released the prisoners
from jail. 'T is also said, though not much credited, that Burgoyne is
gone to Philadelphia.

I hope to hear from you soon. Adieu, 't is almost twelve o'clock at
night. I have had so little sleep lately that I must bid you good-night.

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 103: Dr. Church.]



67. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 10 October, 1775.

I am much concerned lest you should feel an addition to your anxieties,
from your having so seldom heard from me. But I pray you to dismiss all
concern about me. I am happier far than I was before the adjournment. My
health is better, and business and conversation are much more to my
taste.

The surprising intelligence we have in private letters concerning the
Director of the Hospital,[104] has made me more cautious of writing than
ever. I must be excused from writing a syllable of anything of any
moment. My letters have been and will be nothing but trifles. I don't
choose to trust the post. I am afraid to trust private travellers. They
may peep. Accidents may happen. And I would avoid, if I could, even
ridicule, but especially mischief.

Pray, bundle up every paper, not already hid, and conceal them in
impenetrable darkness. Nobody knows what may occur.

My love to those who are dearest to us both. Send yours to the care of
the gentleman whose care has hitherto been successful. Date them in time
but not place, and assume a new fictitious name.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 104: Dr. Church.]



68. JOHN ADAMS.


   13 October, 1775.

I this day received yours of the 29th of September and the 1st of
October. Amidst all your afflictions, I am rejoiced to find that you all
along preserve so proper and so happy a temper; that you are sensible
"the consolations of religion are the only sure comforters." It is the
constitution under which we are born, that if we live long ourselves, we
must bury our parents and all our elder relations, and many of those who
are younger. I have lost a parent, a child, and a brother, and each of
them left a lasting impression on my mind. But you and I have many more
relations and very good friends to follow to the house appointed for all
flesh, or else we must be followed by them. I bewail, more than I can
express, the loss of your excellent mother. I mourn the loss of so much
purity, and unaffected piety and virtue, to the world. I know of no
better character left in it. I grieve for you, and your brother and
sisters. I grieve for your father, whose age will need the succor of so
excellent a companion. But I grieve for nobody more than my children.
Her most amiable and discreet example, as well as her kind skill and
care, I have ever relied upon, in my own mind, for the education of
these little swarms. Not that I have not a proper esteem for the
capacity and disposition of the mother, but I know that the efforts of
the grandmother are of great importance, when they second those of the
parent. And I am sure that my children are the better for the forming
hand of their grandmother. It gives me great joy to learn that ours are
well. Let us be thankful for this, and many other blessings yet granted
us. Pray, my dear, cherish in their minds the remembrance of their
grandmamma, and remind them of her precepts and example. God Almighty
grant to you and to every branch of the family all the support that you
want.

You and I, my dear, have reason, if ever mortals had, to be thoughtful;
to look forward beyond the transitory scene. Whatever is preparing for
us, let us be prepared to receive. It is time for us to subdue our
passions of every kind. The prospect before us is an ocean of
uncertainties, in which no pleasing objects appear. We have few hopes,
excepting that of preserving our honor and our consciences untainted,
and a free Constitution to our country. Let me be sure of these, and,
amidst all my weaknesses, I cannot be overcome. With these, I can be
happy in extreme poverty, in humble insignificance, may I hope and
believe, in death. Without them, I should be miserable with a crown upon
my head, millions in my coffers, and a gaping, idolizing multitude at my
feet.

My heart is too full of grief for you and our friends, to whom I wish
you to present my regards, to say anything of news or politics. Yet the
affair of the Surgeon-general is so strange and important an event that
I cannot close this gloomy letter without adding a sigh for this
imprudent, unfortunate man. I know not whether the evidence will support
the word treachery, but what may we not expect after treachery to
himself, his wife and children?



69. JOHN ADAMS.


   19 October, 1775.

It is some time since I wrote you, and I have nothing now to write but
repetitions of respect and affection. I am anxious to hear from you. I
hope the family is better; that your grief for the great loss we have
all sustained is somewhat abated. I hope your father and sister Betsey
are well, though they must be greatly afflicted. Give my love to Betsey,
and let her know that I feel most intimately for her, as well as for
myself and the rest. I consider the stroke must fall heavier upon her,
as it was nearer to her. Her prosperity is near my heart. I wish her
every blessing which she can possibly wish for herself.

Really, it is very painful to be four hundred miles from one's family
and friends, when we know they are in affliction. It seems as if it
would be a joy to me to fly home, even to share with you your burdens
and misfortunes. Surely, if I were with you, it would be my study to
allay your griefs, to mitigate your pains, and to divert your melancholy
thoughts. When I shall come home, I know not. We have so much to do, and
it is so difficult to do it right, that we must learn patience. Upon my
word, I think, if ever I were to come here again, I must bring you with
me. I could live here pleasantly, if I had you with me. Will you come
and have the small-pox[105] here? I wish I could remove all the family,
our little daughter and sons, and all go through the distemper here.
What if we should? Let me please myself with the thought, however.

Congress has appointed Mr. Wythe, Mr. Deane, and me a committee to
collect an account of the hostilities committed by the troops and ships,
with proper evidence of the number and value of the houses and other
buildings destroyed or damaged, the vessels captivated, and the cattle,
sheep, hogs, etc., taken. We are about writing to all the General
Assemblies of New England, and to many private gentlemen in each colony,
to assist us in making the collections. The gentlemen with me are able
men. Deane's character you know. He is a very ingenious man and an able
politician. Wythe is a new member from Virginia, a lawyer of the highest
eminence in that province, a learned and very laborious man; so that we
may hope this commission will be well executed. A tale of woe it will
be! Such a scene of distress and destruction, and so patiently and
magnanimously borne! Such a scene of cruelty and barbarity, so
unfeelingly committed! I mention this to you, my dear, that you may look
up, and transmit to me, a paper which Colonel Palmer lent me, containing
a relation of the Charlestown battle, which was transmitted to England
by the Committee of Safety. This paper I must have, or a copy of it.

I wish I could collect, from the people of Boston or others, a proper
set of paintings of the scenes of distress and misery brought upon that
town from the commencement of the Port Bill. Posterity must hear a story
that shall make their ears to tingle.

   Yours, yours, yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 105: By inoculation, which was then the practice.]



70. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 21 October, 1775.

The sickness has abated here and in the neighboring towns. In Boston, I
am told, it is very sickly among the inhabitants and the soldiery. By a
man, one Haskins, who came out the day before yesterday, I learn that
there are but about twenty-five hundred soldiers in town. How many there
are at Charlestown, he could not tell. He had been in irons three weeks,
some malicious fellow having said that he saw him at the battle of
Lexington; but he proved that he was not out of Boston that day, upon
which he was released, and went with two other men out in a small boat,
under their eye, to fish. They played about near the shore, while
catching small fish, till they thought they could possibly reach
Dorchester Neck; no sooner were they perceived attempting to escape,
than they had twenty cannons discharged at them, but they all happily
reached the shore. He says no language can paint the distress of the
inhabitants; most of them destitute of wood and of provisions of every
kind. The bakers say, unless they have a new supply of wood they cannot
bake above one fortnight longer; their biscuit are not above one half
the former size; the soldiers are obliged to do very hard duty, and are
uneasy to a great degree, many of them declaring they will not continue
much longer in such a state, but at all hazards will escape. The
inhabitants are desperate, and contriving means of escape. A floating
battery of ours went out two nights ago, and rowed near the town, and
then discharged their guns. Some of the balls went into the workhouse,
some through the tents in the Common, and one through the sign of the
Lamb Tavern. He says it drove them all out of the Common, men, women,
and children screaming, and threw them into the utmost distress; but,
very unhappily for us, in the discharge of one of the cannon, the ball
not being properly rammed down, it split and killed two men, and wounded
seven more, upon which they were obliged to return. He also says that
the Tories are much distressed about the fate of Dr. Church, and very
anxious to obtain him, and would exchange Lovell for him.

This man is so exasperated at the ill usage he has received from them,
that he is determined to enlist immediately. They almost starved him
whilst he was in irons. He says he hopes it will be in his power to send
some of them to heaven for mercy. They are building a fort by the
hay-market,[106] and rending down houses for timber to do it with. In
the course of the last week, several persons have found means to escape.
One of them says it is talked in town that Howe will issue a
proclamation, giving liberty to all who will not take up arms, to depart
the town, and making it death to have any intercourse with the country
afterwards.

At present it looks as if there was no likelihood of peace; the ministry
are determined to proceed at all events; the people are already slaves,
and have neither virtue nor spirit to help themselves nor us. The time
is hastening when George, like Richard, may cry, "My kingdom for a
horse!" and want even that wealth to make the purchase. I hope by
degrees we shall be inured to hardships, and become a virtuous, valiant
people, forgetting our former luxury, and each one apply with industry
and frugality to manufactures and husbandry, till we rival all other
nations by our virtues.

I thank you for your amusing account of the Quakers; their great stress
with regard to color in their dress, etc., is not the only ridiculous
part of their sentiments with regard to religious matters.

   "There's not a day but to the man of thought
   Betrays some secret, that throws new reproach
   On life, and makes him sick of seeing more."

What are your thoughts with regard to Dr. Church? Had you much knowledge
of him? I think you had no intimate acquaintance with him.

   "A foe to God was ne'er true friend to man;
   Some sinister intent taints all he does."

It is matter of great speculation what will be his punishment; the
people are much enraged against him; if he is set at liberty, even after
he has received a severe punishment, I do not think he will be safe. He
will be despised and detested by every one, and many suspicions will
remain in the minds of people in regard to our rulers; they are for
supposing _this_ person is not sincere, and _that_ one they have
jealousy of.

Have you any prospect of returning? I hoped to have heard from you by
the gentlemen who came as a committee here;[107] but they have been here
a week, and I have not any letters.

My father and sister Betsey desire to be remembered to you. He is very
disconsolate. It makes my heart ache to see him, and I know not how to
go to the house. He said to me the other day, "Child, I see your mother,
go to what part of the house I will." I think he has lost almost as much
flesh as if he had been sick; and Betsey, poor girl, looks broken and
worn with grief. These near connections, how they twist and cling about
the heart, and, when torn off, draw the best blood from it.

   "Each friend by fate snatched from us is a plume
   Plucked from the wing of human vanity."

Be so good as to present my regards to Mrs. Hancock. I hope she is very
happy. Mrs. Warren called upon me on her way to Watertown. I wish I
could as easily come to you as she can go to Watertown. But it is my
lot. In the twelve years we have been married, I believe we have not
lived together more than six.

If you could, with any conveniency, procure me the articles I wrote for,
I should be very glad, more especially the needles and cloth; they are
in such demand that we are really distressed for want of them.

Adieu. I think of nothing further to add, but that I am, with the
tenderest regard, your

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 106: Somewhere about the southeasterly corner of the Common.]

[Footnote 107: Dr. Franklin, Mr. Lynch, and Colonel Harrison, who came
from the Continental Congress to mature the plans for continuing the
army.]



71. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 22 October, 1775.

Mr. Lothrop called here this evening, and brought me yours of the 1st of
October,--a day which will ever be remembered by me, for it was the most
distressing one I ever experienced. That morning I rose, and went into
my mother's room, not apprehending her so near her exit; went to her bed
with a cup of tea in my hand, and raised her head to give it to her. She
swallowed a few drops, gasped, and fell back upon her pillow, opening
her eyes with a look that pierced my heart, and which I shall never
forget; it was the eagerness of a last look;

   "And oh, the last sad silence of a friend!"

Yet she lived till five o'clock that day, but I could not be with her.
My dear father prayed twice beside her bed that day. God Almighty was
with him and supported him that day, and enabled him to go through the
services of it. It was his communion day; he had there a tender scene to
pass through--a young granddaughter, Betsey Cranch, joining herself to
the church, and a beloved wife dying, to pray for. Weeping children,
weeping and mourning parishioners all round him, for every eye streamed,
his own heart almost bursting as he spoke. How painful is the
recollection, and yet how pleasing!

I know I wound your heart. Why should I? Ought I to give relief to my
own by paining yours? Yet

         "the grief, that cannot speak,
   Whispers the o'erfraught heart, and bids it break."

My pen is always freer than my tongue. I have written many things to you
that I suppose I never could have talked. My heart is made tender by
repeated affliction; it never was a hard heart. The death of Patty came
very near me, having lived four years with me under my care. I hope it
will make me more continually mindful and watchful of all those who are
still committed to my charge. 'T is a great trust; I daily feel more and
more of the weight and importance of it, and of my own inability. I wish
I could have more of the assistance of my dearest friend, but these
perilous times swallow him up.

Mr. Lothrop has given me this account of the demand upon Falmouth. A
man-of-war and two tenders went down, and sent to the inhabitants to
demand their arms and require them to stand neuter. They required time
to consider; they had until nine o'clock the next day, which time they
employed in removing the women, children, and _the rest of their most
valuable effects_, out of danger, when they sent their answer in the
negative. Upon this, the enemy began a cannonade, and were continuing it
when the express came away. Hichborne[108] and another gentleman got out
of town in a small boat, one of the foggy nights we have had this week.
I have not heard what intelligence he brings. Another person says that
Howe enlarged all the prisoners but Lovell, and he would not come out.

I have since seen the Paraphrase,[109] as it is called; but 't is as low
as the mock oration, though no reflection upon your private character,
further than immoderately whipping your scholars when you kept school, a
crime any one will acquit you of who knows you. As a specimen of the wit
and humor it contained I will give you the title: "A Paraphrase upon the
Second Epistle of John the Roundhead, to James, the Prolocutor of the
Rump Parliament. Dear Devil," etc. I had it, but it was when I was in so
much distress that I cared nothing about it. I will mention, when I see
you, the foolish conjectures of some who want always to be finding out
something extraordinary in whatever happens.

I hope to hear often from you, which is all the alleviation I have in
your absence, and is, next to seeing you, the greatest comfort of your

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 108: This was the person in whose possession the letters were
found, when taken prisoner on his way from Philadelphia to Boston.]

[Footnote 109: The British officers and the loyal Americans shut up in
Boston seem to have amused their hours of idleness with such pastime as
they could make out of ridicule of the language and action of the
patriots. The productions alluded to in the text were leveled at Mr.
Adams, on account of the intercepted letters. No copy of them seems to
have been preserved.]



72. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 23 October, 1775.

Yesterday yours of October 9th came to hand. Your letters never failed
to give me pleasure. The greatest pleasure that I take is in receiving
them. And although every one which has yet come to hand is replete with
melancholy tidings, yet I can truly say I never was so earnest to
receive them. I rejoice in the happy principles and the happy temper
which apparently dictated them all.

I feel myself much affected with the breach upon the family. But we can
count a mother, a brother, an aunt, and a brother's child among the
slain by this cruel pestilence. May God Almighty put a stop to its rage,
and humble us under the ravages already made by it. The sorrows of all
our friends, on the loss of your mother, are never out of my mind. I
pray God to spare my parent, whose life has been prolonged by his
goodness hitherto, as well as yours that survives. The tremendous
calamities already felt, of fire, sword, and pestilence, may be only
harbingers of greater still. We have no security against calamity here.
This planet is its region. The only principle is to be prepared for the
worst events.

If I could write as well as you, my sorrow would be as eloquent as
yours, but, upon my word, I cannot.

The unaccountable event which you allude to has reached this place and
occasioned a fall. I would be glad, however, that the worst construction
might not be put. Let him[110] have fair play; though I doubt.

The man who violates private faith, cancels solemn obligations, whom
neither honor nor conscience holds, shall never be knowingly trusted by
me. Had I known, when I first voted for a Director of an Hospital, what
I heard afterwards, when I was down, I would not have voted as I did.
Open, barefaced immorality ought not to be so countenanced. Though I
think a fatality attends us in some instances, yet a divine protection
and favor is visible in others; and let us be cheerful, whatever
happens. Cheerfulness is not a sin in any times.

I am afraid to hear again, almost, lest some other should be sick in the
house. Yet I hope better, and that you will reassume your wonted
cheerfulness and write again upon news and politics. Send your letters
to Warren for conveyance. I won't trust any other.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 110: Dr. Church's treachery, which incidentally exposed some
vices of his private life.]



73. JOHN ADAMS.


   29 October.

I cannot exclude from my mind your melancholy situation. The griefs of
your father and sisters, your uncles and aunts, as well as the remoter
connections, often crowd in upon me, when my whole attention ought to be
directed to other subjects. Your uncle Quincy,[111] my friend as well as
uncle, must regret the loss of a beloved sister. Dr. Tufts, my other
friend, I know bewails the loss of a friend, as well as an aunt and a
sister. Mr. Cranch, the friend of my youth as well as of my riper years,
whose tender heart sympathizes with his fellow-creatures in every
affliction and distress, in this case feels the loss of a friend, a
fellow-Christian, and a mother. But, alas! what avail these mournful
reflections? The best thing we can do, the greatest respect we can show
to the memory of our departed friend, is to copy into our own lives
those virtues which, in her lifetime, rendered her the object of our
esteem, love, and admiration. I must confess I ever felt a veneration
for her, which seems increased by the news of her translation.

Above all things, my dear, let us inculcate these great virtues and
bright excellences upon our children.

Your mother had a clear and penetrating understanding, and a profound
judgment, as well as an honest, and a friendly, and a charitable heart.
There is one thing, however, which you will forgive me if I hint to you.
Let me ask you, rather, if you are not of my opinion? Were not her
talents and virtues too much confined to private, social, and domestic
life? My opinion of the duties of religion and morality comprehends a
very extensive connection with society at large and the great interests
of the public. Does not natural morality and much more Christian
benevolence make it our indispensable duty to lay ourselves out to serve
our fellow-creatures, to the utmost of our power, in promoting and
supporting those great political systems and general regulations upon
which the happiness of multitudes depends? The benevolence, charity,
capacity, and industry which, exerted in private life, would make a
family, a parish, or a town happy, employed upon a larger scale, in
support of the great principles of virtue and freedom of political
regulations, might secure whole nations and generations from misery,
want, and contempt. Public virtues and political qualities, therefore,
should be incessantly cherished in our children.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 111: Norton Quincy, the only brother of Mrs. Adams's mother.
Mr. Cranch had married the elder sister of Mrs. Adams.]



74. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 29 October, 1775.

Human nature, with all its infirmities and deprivation, is still capable
of great things. It is capable of attaining to degrees of wisdom and of
goodness which, we have reason to believe, appear respectable in the
estimation of superior intelligences. Education makes a greater
difference between man and man, than nature has made between man and
brute. The virtues and powers to which men may be trained, by early
education and constant discipline, are truly sublime and astonishing.
Newton and Locke are examples of the deep sagacity which may be acquired
by long habits of thinking and study. Nay, your common mechanics and
artisans are proofs of the wonderful dexterity acquired by use; a
watchmaker, in finishing his wheels and springs; a pin or needle-maker,
etc. I think there is a particular occupation in Europe, which is called
a paper-stainer or linen-stainer. A man who has been long habituated to
it shall sit for a whole day, and draw upon paper fresh figures to be
imprinted upon the papers for rooms, as fast as his eye can roll and his
fingers move, and no two of his draughts shall be alike. The Saracens,
the Knights of Malta, the army and navy in the service of the English
republic, among many others, are instances to show to what an exalted
height valor, or bravery, or courage may be raised by artificial means.

It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our
children and exalt their courage; to accelerate and animate their
industry and activity; to excite in them an habitual contempt of
meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to
excel in every capacity, faculty, and virtue. If we suffer their minds
to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives.

But their bodies must be hardened, as well as their souls exalted.
Without strength and activity and vigor of body, the brightest mental
excellences will be eclipsed and obscured.



75. JOHN ADAMS.


   Same date.

There is in the human breast a social affection which extends to our
whole species, faintly indeed, but in some degree. The nation, kingdom,
or community to which we belong is embraced by it more vigorously. It is
stronger still towards the province to which we belong, and in which we
had our birth. It is stronger and stronger as we descend to the county,
town, parish, neighborhood, and family, which we call our own. And here
we find it often so powerful as to become partial, to blind our eyes, to
darken our understandings, and pervert our wills.

It is to this infirmity in my own heart that I must perhaps attribute
that local attachment, that partial fondness, that overweening prejudice
in favor of New England, which I feel very often, and which, I fear,
sometimes leads me to expose myself to just ridicule.

New England has, in many respects, the advantage of every other colony
in America, and, indeed, of every other part of the world that I know
anything of.

1. The people are purer English blood; less mixed with Scotch, Irish,
Dutch, French, Danish, Swedish, etc., than any other; and descended from
Englishmen, too, who left Europe in purer times than the present, and
less tainted with corruption than those they left behind them.

2. The institutions in New England for the support of religion, morals,
and decency exceed any other; obliging every parish to have a minister,
and every person to go to meeting, etc.

3. The public institutions in New England for the education of youth,
supporting colleges at the public expense, and obliging towns to
maintain grammar schools, are not equaled, and never were, in any part
of the world.

4. The division of our territory, that is, our counties, into townships;
empowering towns to assemble, choose officers, make laws, mend roads,
and twenty other things, gives every man an opportunity of showing and
improving that education which he received at college or at school, and
makes knowledge and dexterity at public business common.

5. Our law for the distribution of intestate estates occasions a
frequent division of landed property, and prevents monopolies of land.

But in opposition to these we have labored under many disadvantages. The
exorbitant prerogative of our Governors, etc., which would have
overborne our liberties if it had not been opposed by the five preceding
particulars.



76.  JOHN ADAMS.


   4 November, 1775.

I have but yesterday received yours of October 21. Your letters of the
following dates I have received: 8 and 10, 16, 29 September; 1, 9, 21,
and 22 October.[112] These letters, and indeed every line from you, give
me inexpressible pleasure, notwithstanding the melancholy scenes
described in most of them of late. I am happy to learn that the family
is in health once more, and hope it will continue. My duty to my mother.
I wish she would not be concerned about me. She ought to consider that a
dysentery can kill as surely as a cannon. This town is as secure from
the cannon and men-of-war as the moon is. I wish she had a little of
your fortitude. I had rather be killed by a ball than live in such
continual fears as she does.

I can't write as often as I wish. I am engaged from seven in the morning
till eleven at night.

Two pair of colors, belonging to the Seventh Regiment, were brought here
last night from Chambly, and hung up in Mrs. Hancock's chamber with
great splendor and elegance. That lady sends her compliments and good
wishes. Among a hundred men, almost, at this house, she lives and
behaves with modesty, decency, dignity, and discretion, I assure you.
Her behavior is easy and genteel. She avoids talking upon politics. In
large and mixed companies she is totally silent, as a lady ought to be.
But whether her eyes are so penetrating, and her attention so quick to
the words, looks, gestures, sentiments, etc., of the company, as yours
would be, saucy as you are this way, I won't say.

But to resume a more serious subject. You ask me to write to your father
and sister, and my heart wishes and longs to do it, but you can have no
conception what there is to prevent me. I really fear I shall ruin
myself for want of exercise.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 112: Letters No. 64, 66, 70, 71, pp. 103, 105, 111, 114.]



77. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   5 November, 1775.

I hope you have received several letters from me in this fortnight past.
I wrote by Mr. Lynch and by Dr. Franklin, the latter of whom I had the
pleasure of dining with, and of admiring him, whose character from my
infancy I had been taught to venerate. I found him social, but not
talkative, and when he spoke, something useful dropped from his tongue.
He was grave, yet pleasant and affable. You know I make some pretensions
to physiognomy, and I thought I could read in his countenance the
virtues of his heart, among which patriotism shone in its full lustre,
and with that is blended every virtue of a Christian: for a true patriot
must be a religious man. I have been led to think from a late
defection,[113] that he who neglects his duty to his Maker may well be
expected to be deficient and insincere in his duty towards the public.
Even suppose him to possess a large share of what is called honor and
public spirit, yet do not these men, by their bad example, by a loose,
immoral conduct, corrupt the minds of youth and vitiate the morals of
the age, and thus injure the public more than they can compensate by
intrepidity, generosity, and honor? Let revenge or ambition, pride,
lust, or profit, tempt these men to a base and vile action, you may as
well hope to bind up a hungry tiger with a cobweb, as to hold such
debauched patriots in the visionary chains of decency, or to charm them
with the intellectual beauty of truth and reason.

But where am I running? I mean to thank you for all your obliging favors
lately received; and, though some of them are very laconic, yet, were
they to contain only two lines to tell me that you were well, they would
be acceptable to me. I think, however, you are more apprehensive than
you need be; the gentleman to whose care they have always been directed
has been very kind in his conveyance, and very careful. I hope that it
will not now be long before we shall have nearer interviews. You must
tell me that you will return next month; a late appointment[114] will
make it inconvenient (provided you accept) for you to go again to
Congress.

It seems human nature is the same in all ages and countries. Ambition
and avarice reign everywhere, and where they predominate, there will be
bickerings after places of honor and profit. There is an old adage,
"Kissing goes by favor," that is daily verified. I inclose to you the
paper you sent for. Your business in collecting facts will be very
difficult, and the sufferings of this people cannot be described with
pen, ink, and paper. Besides, these ministers of Satan are rendering it
every day more and more difficult, by their ravages and devastation, to
tell a tale which will freeze the young blood of succeeding generations,
as well as harrow up the souls of the present.

Nothing new has transpired since I wrote you last. I have not heard of
one person's escape out of town, nor of any manoeuvre of any kind.

I will only ask you to measure by your own the affectionate regard of
your nearest friend.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 113: Of Dr. Church.]

[Footnote 114: Of Chief Justice.]



78. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 12 November, 1775.

I received yours of 23d October. I want to hear from you every day, and
I always feel sorry when I come to the close of a letter. Your time must
be greatly engrossed--but little of it to spare to the calls of private
friendship, and I have reason to think I have the largest share of it.
Winter makes its approaches fast. I hope I shall not be obliged to spend
it without my dearest friend. I know not how to think of it.

The intelligence[115] you will receive before this reaches you will, I
should think, make a plain path, though a dangerous one, for you. I
could not join to-day in the petitions of our worthy pastor, for a
reconciliation between our no longer parent state, but tyrant state, and
these colonies. Let us separate; they are unworthy to be our brethren.
Let us renounce them; and instead of supplications, as formerly, for
their prosperity and happiness, let us beseech the Almighty to blast
their counsels and bring to nought all their devices.

I have nothing remarkable to write you. A little skirmish happened last
week. The particulars I have endeavored to collect, but whether I have
the facts right, I am not certain. A number of cattle were kept at
Lechmere's Point, where two sentinels were placed. In a high tide it is
an island. The regulars had observed this, and a scheme was laid to send
a number of them over and take off the stock. Accordingly, a number of
boats and about four hundred men were sent. They landed, it seems,
unperceived by the sentinels, who were asleep; one of whom they killed,
and took the other prisoner. As soon as they were perceived, they fired
the cannon from Prospect Hill upon them, which sunk one of their boats;
but, as the tide was very high, it was difficult getting over, and some
time before any alarm was given. A Colonel Thompson, of the riflemen,
marched instantly with his men; and, though a very stormy day, they
regarded not the tide nor waited for boats, but marched over neck-high
in water, and discharged their pieces, when the regulars ran, without
waiting to get off their stock, and made the best of their way to the
opposite shore.[116] The General sent his thanks in a public manner to
the brave officer and his men. Major Mifflin, I hear, was there, and
flew about as though he would have raised the whole army. May they never
find us deficient in courage and spirit.

Dr. Franklin invited me to spend the winter in Philadelphia. I shall
wish to be there unless you return. I have been like a nun in a
cloister, ever since you went away, and have not been into any other
house than my father's and sister's, except once to Colonel Quincy's.
Indeed, I have no inclination for company. My evenings are lonesome and
melancholy. In the daytime family affairs take off my attention, but the
evenings are spent with my departed parent. I then ruminate upon all her
care and tenderness, and am sometimes lost and absorbed in a flood of
tenderness ere I am aware of it, or can call to my aid my only prop and
support. I must bid you adieu; 't is late at night.

   Most affectionately yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 115: This may refer to the act of the Provincial Congress
authorizing privateering, passed a day or two before.]

[Footnote 116: Some account of this affair is given in the
_Remembrancer_ for 1776, Vol. I. p. 229; Sparks's _Writings of
Washington_, Vol. III. p. 157.]



79. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   27 November, 1775.

Colonel Warren returned last week to Plymouth, so that I shall not hear
anything from you until he goes back again, which will not be till the
last of this month. He damped my spirits greatly by telling me that the
Court[117] had prolonged your stay another month. I was pleasing myself
with the thought that you would soon be upon your return. It is in vain
to repine. I hope the public will reap what I sacrifice.

I wish I knew what mighty things were fabricating. If a form of
government is to be established here, what one will be assumed? Will it
be left to our Assemblies to choose one? And will not many men have many
minds? And shall we not run into dissensions among ourselves?

I am more and more convinced that man is a dangerous creature; and that
power, whether vested in many or a few, is ever grasping, and, like the
grave, cries, "Give, give!" The great fish swallow up the small; and he
who is most strenuous for the rights of the people, when vested with
power, is as eager after the prerogatives of government. You tell me of
degrees of perfection to which human nature is capable of arriving, and
I believe it, but at the same time lament that our admiration should
arise from the scarcity of the instances.

The building up a great empire, which was only hinted at by my
correspondent, may now, I suppose, be realized even by the unbelievers.
Yet, will not ten thousand difficulties arise in the formation of it?
The reins of government have been so long slackened, that I fear the
people will not quietly submit to those restraints which are necessary
for the peace and security of the community. If we separate from
Britain, what code of laws will be established? How shall we be governed
so as to retain our liberties? Can any government be free which is not
administered by general stated laws? Who shall frame these laws? Who
will give them force and energy? It is true, your resolutions, as a
body, have hitherto had the force of laws; but will they continue to
have?

When I consider these things, and the prejudices of people in favor of
ancient customs and regulations, I feel anxious for the fate of our
monarchy, or democracy, or whatever is to take place. I soon get lost in
a labyrinth of perplexities; but, whatever occurs, may justice and
righteousness be the stability of our times, and order arise out of
confusion. Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and
perseverance.

I believe I have tired you with politics. As to news, we have not any at
all. I shudder at the approach of winter, when I think I am to remain
desolate.

I must bid you good night; 't is late for me, who am much of an invalid.
I was disappointed last week in receiving a packet by the post, and,
upon unsealing it, finding only four newspapers. I think you are more
cautious than you need be. All letters, I believe, have come safe to
hand. I have sixteen from you, and wish I had as many more. Adieu.

   Yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 117: The legislative government.]



80. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 3 December, 1775.

My best Friend,--Yours of November 12th[118] is before me. I wish I
could write you every day, more than once, for although I have a number
of friends and many relations who are very dear to me, yet all the
friendship I have for others is far unequal to that which warms my heart
for you. The most agreeable time that I spend here is in writing to you,
and conversing with you, when I am alone. But the call of friendship and
of private affection must give place to that of duty and honor. Even
private friendship and affections require it.

I am obliged, by the nature of the service I am in, to correspond with
many gentlemen, both of the army and of the two houses of Assembly,
which takes up much of my time. How I find time to write half the
letters I do, I know not, for my whole time seems engrossed with
business. The whole Congress is taken up, almost, in different
committees, from seven to ten in the morning. From ten to four or
sometimes five, we are in Congress, and from six to ten in committees
again. I don't mention this to make you think me a man of importance,
because it is not I alone,[119] but the whole Congress is thus employed,
but to apologize for not writing to you oftener.

Indeed, I know not what to write that is worth your reading. I send you
the papers, which inform you of what is public. As to what passes in
Congress, I am tied fast by my honor to communicate nothing. I hope the
Journal of the Session will be published soon, and then you will see
what we have been about in one view, excepting what ought to be
excepted. If I could visit the coffee-houses in the evening, and the
coffee-tables of the ladies in the afternoon, I could entertain you with
many smart remarks upon dress and air, etc., and give you many sprightly
conversations, but my fate, you know, is to be moping over books and
papers all the leisure time I have, when I have any.

I hope I shall be excused from coming to Philadelphia again, at least
until other gentlemen have taken their turns. But I never will come here
again without you, if I can persuade you to come with me. Whom God has
joined together ought not to be put asunder so long, with their own
consent. We will bring master Johnny with us; you and he shall have the
small-pox here, and we will be as happy as Mr. Hancock and his lady.
Thank Abby and John for their letters, and kiss Charles and Tom for me.
John writes like a hero, glowing with ardor for his country and burning
with indignation against her enemies.

As to coming home, I have no thoughts of it; shall stay here till the
year is out, for what I know. Affairs are in a critical state, and
important steps are now taking every day, so that I could not reconcile
it to my own mind to be absent from this place at present. Nothing is
expected from the Commissioners, yet we are waiting for them in some
respects. The Tories and timids pretend to expect great things from
them. But the generality expect nothing but more insults and affronts.
Privateering is licensed, and the ports are wide open. As soon as the
resolves are printed, which will be to-morrow, I will send them.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 118: No. 78, p. 123.]

[Footnote 119: During his term of service in Congress, he was a member
of ninety, and chairman of twenty-five committees.]



81. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 10 December, 1775.

I received your obliging favor by Mrs. Morgan, with the papers and the
other articles you sent, which were very acceptable to me, as they are
not to be purchased here. I shall be very choice of them.

I have, according to your desire, been upon a visit to Mrs. Morgan, who
keeps at Major Mifflin's. I had received a message from Mrs. Mifflin
some time ago, desiring I would visit her. My father, who, you know, is
very obliging in this way, accompanied me, and I had the pleasure of
drinking coffee with the Doctor and his lady, the Major and his lady,
and a Mr. and Mrs. Smith from New York, a daughter of the famous son of
liberty, Captain Sears; Generals Gates and Lee; a Dr. M'Henry and a Mr.
Elwyn, with many others who were strangers to me. I was very politely
entertained, and noticed by the generals; more especially General Lee,
who was very urgent with me to tarry in town, and dine with him and the
ladies present, at Hobgoblin Hall, but I excused myself. The General
was determined that I should not only be acquainted with him, but with
his companions too, and therefore placed a chair before me, into which
he ordered Mr. Spada to mount and present his paw to me for a better
acquaintance. I could not do otherwise than accept it. "That, Madam,"
says he, "is the dog which Mr. ---- has rendered famous."

I was so little while in company with these persons, and the company so
mixed, that it was almost impossible to form any judgment of them. The
Doctor appeared modest, and his lady affable and agreeable. Major
Mifflin, you know, I was always an admirer of, as well as of his
delicate lady. I believe Philadelphia must be an unfertile soil, or it
would not produce so many unfruitful women. I always conceive of these
persons as wanting one addition to their happiness; but in these
perilous times, I know not whether it ought to be considered as an
infelicity, since they are certainly freed from the anxiety every parent
must feel for their rising offspring.

I drank coffee one day with General Sullivan upon Winter Hill. He
appears to be a man of sense and spirit. His countenance denotes him of
a warm constitution, not to be very suddenly moved, but, when once
roused, not very easily lulled,--easy and social,--well calculated for
a military station, as he seems to be possessed of those popular
qualities necessary to attach men to him.

By the way, I congratulate you upon our late noble acquisition of
military stores.[120] It is a most grand mortar, I assure you. Surely
Heaven smiles upon us, in many respects, and we have continually to
speak of mercies, as well as of judgments. I wish our gratitude may be
anywise proportionate to our benefits. I suppose, in Congress, you think
of everything relative to trade and commerce, as well as other things;
but, as I have been desired to mention to you some things, I shall not
omit them. One is, that there may be something done, in a Continental
way, with regard to excise upon spirituous liquors, that each of the New
England colonies may be upon the same footing; whereas we formerly used
to pay an excise, and the other colonies none, or very little, by which
means they drew away our trade. An excise is necessary, though it may be
objected to by the mercantile interest, as a too frequent use of spirits
endangers the well-being of society. Another article is, that some
method may be devised to keep among us our gold and silver, which are
now every day shipped off to the West Indies for molasses, coffee, and
sugar; and this I can say of my own knowledge, that a dollar in silver
is now become a great rarity, and our traders will give you a hundred
pounds of paper for ninety of silver, or nearly that proportion. If any
trade is allowed to the West Indies, would it not be better to carry
some commodity of our own produce in exchange? Medicines, cotton-wool,
and some other articles, we are in great want of. Formerly we used to
purchase cotton-wool at one shilling, lawful money, per bag; now it is
three, and the scarcity of that article distresses us, as it was wrought
up with less trouble than any other article of clothing. Flax is now
from a shilling to one and sixpence per pound, sheep's wool
eighteenpence, and linens not to be had at any price. I cannot mention
the article in the English goods way which is not double; and in the
West India molasses by retail I used formerly to purchase at one and
eightpence, now it is two and eightpence; rum, three shillings; coffee,
one and threepence, and all other things in proportion. Corn is four
shillings per bushel; rye, five; oats, three and eightpence; hay, five
and six shillings per hundred; wood, twenty shillings per cord; but meat
of all kinds cheap.

My uncle Quincy desires to be remembered to you; he inquired when you
talked of coming home. I told him you had not fixed any time. He says,
if you don't come soon, he would advise me to procure another husband.
He,[121] of all persons, ought not to give me such advice, I told him,
unless he set a better example himself.

Be kind enough to burn this letter. It is written in great haste, and a
most incorrect scrawl it is. But I cannot conclude without telling you
we are all very angry with your House of Assembly for their
instructions.[122] They raise prejudices in the minds of people, and
serve to create in their minds a terror at a separation from a people
wholly unworthy of us. We are a little of the spaniel kind; though so
often spurned, still to fawn argues a meanness of spirit, that, as an
individual, I disclaim, and would rather endure any hardship than submit
to it.

   Yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 120: The capture of the brig _Nancy_, by Captain Manly.]

[Footnote 121: Norton Quincy lost his wife soon after marriage, and
remained a widower the rest of his life.]

[Footnote 122: In answer to the applications of New Hampshire for advice
as to instituting a government.]



82. JOHN ADAMS.


   Watertown,[123] 24 January, 1776.

My Dear,--I am determined not to commit a fault which escaped me the
last time I set out for the southward. I waited on General Thomas at
Roxbury, this morning, and then went to Cambridge, where I dined at
Colonel Mifflin's with the General and lady, and a vast collection of
other company, among whom were six or seven sachems and warriors of the
French Caghnawaga Indians with several of their wives and children. A
savage feast they made of it, yet were very polite in the Indian style.
One of these sachems is an Englishman, a native of this colony, whose
name was Williams, captivated in infancy with his mother, and adopted by
some kind squaw; another, I think, is half French blood.

I was introduced to them by the General, as one of the grand council
fire at Philadelphia, which made them prick up their ears. They came and
shook hands with me, and made me low bows and scrapes, etc. In short, I
was much pleased with this day's entertainment.

The General is to make them presents in clothes and trinkets. They have
visited the lines at Cambridge, and are going to see those at Roxbury.

To-morrow we mount for the grand council fire, where

I shall think often of my little brood at the foot of Penn's Hill.
Remember me particularly to each of the children. Tell them I charge
them to be good, honest, active, and industrious, for their own sakes as
well as ours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 123: This was upon Mr. Adams's departure from home to join the
Congress for the third time.]



83. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 11 February, 1776.

Here I am again. Arrived last Thursday, in good health, although I had a
cold journey. The weather, a great part of the way, was very severe,
which prevented our making very quick progress. My companion[124] Was
agreeable and made the journey much less tedious than it would have
been.

I can form no judgment of the state of public opinions and principles
here, as yet, nor any conjectures of what an hour may bring forth.

Have been to meeting, and heard Mr. Duffield from Jeremiah ii. 17: "Hast
thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord
thy God, when He led thee by the way?" He prayed very earnestly for
Boston and New York, supposing the latter to be in danger of
destruction. I, however, am not convinced that Vandeput will fire upon
that town. It has too much Tory property to be destroyed by Tories. I
hope it will be fortified and saved. If not, the question may be asked,
"Hast thou not procured this?" etc.

To-morrow Dr. Smith is to deliver an oration in honor of the brave
Montgomery. I will send it, as soon as it is out, to you. There is a
deep anxiety, a kind of thoughtful melancholy, and in some, a lowness of
spirits approaching to despondency, prevailing through the southern
colonies, at present, very similar to what I have often observed in
Boston, particularly on the first news of the Port Bill, and last year
about this time, or a little later, when the bad news arrived which
dashed their fond hopes, with which they had deluded themselves through
the winter. In this or a similar condition we shall remain, I think,
until late in the spring, when some critical event will take place,
perhaps sooner. But the arbiter of events, the sovereign of the world,
only knows which way the torrent will be turned. Judging by experience,
by probabilities, and by all appearances, I conclude it will roll on to
dominion and glory, though the circumstances and consequences may be
bloody.

In such great changes and commotion, individuals are but atoms. It is
scarcely worth while to consider what the consequences will be to us.
What will be the effects upon present and future millions, and millions
of millions, is a question very interesting to benevolence, natural and
Christian. God grant they may, and I firmly believe they will, be happy.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 124: Elbridge Gerry, who had been chosen a delegate in the
place of Thomas Cushing, who had retired.]



84. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, February, 1776.

Lee is at York, and we have requested a battalion of Philadelphia
associators, together with a regiment of Jersey minute-men, to march to
his assistance. Lord Stirling was there before with his regiment, so
that there will be about a thousand men with Lee from Connecticut, about
six hundred with Lord Stirling from the Jerseys, one battalion of about
seven hundred and twenty minute-men from Jersey, and one of the same
number from Philadelphia. We shall soon have four battalions more,
raised in Pennsylvania, to march to the same place, and one more in the
Jerseys. Mr. Dickinson, being the first Colonel and commander of the
first battalion too, claimed it as his right to march upon this
occasion. Mr. Reed, formerly General Washington's secretary, goes his
lieutenant-colonel. Mr. Dickinson's alacrity and spirit upon this
occasion, which certainly becomes his character and sets a fine example,
is much talked of and applauded. This afternoon, the four battalions of
the militia were together, and Mr. Dickinson mounted the rostrum to
harangue them, which he did with great vehemence and pathos, as it is
reported.

I suppose, if I could have made interest enough to have been chosen more
than a lieutenant, I should march too, upon some such emergency; and
possibly a contingency may happen when it will be proper for me to do
it still, in rank and file. I will not fail to march, if it should. In
the beginning of a war, in colonies like this and Virginia, where the
martial spirit is but just awakened and the people are unaccustomed to
arms, it may be proper and necessary for such popular orators as Henry
and Dickinson to assume a military character. But I really think them
both better statesmen than soldiers,[125] though I cannot say they are
not very good in the latter character. Henry's principles and systems
are much more conformable to mine than the other's, however.

I feel, upon some of these occasions, a flow of spirits and an effort of
imagination, very like an ambition to be engaged in the more active,
gay, and dangerous scenes; (dangerous, I say, but recall that word, for
there is no course more dangerous than that which I am in.) I have felt
such passions all my lifetime, particularly in the year 1757, when I
longed more ardently to be a soldier than I ever did to be a lawyer. But
I am too old, and too much worn with fatigues of study in my youth, and
there is too little need, in my province, of such assistance, for me to
assume a uniform.

   "Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis
   Tempus eget."

I believe I must write you soon Lord Stirling's character, because I was
vastly pleased with him. For the future I shall draw no characters but
such as I like. Pimps destroy all freedom of correspondence.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 125: Washington passed the same judgment on Henry, in a letter
to Joseph Reed, of nearly the same date.]



85. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 18 February.

I sent you from New York a pamphlet intituled "Common Sense," written in
vindication of doctrines which there is reason to expect that the
further encroachments of tyranny and depredations of oppression will
soon make the common faith; unless the cunning ministry, by proposing
negotiations and terms of reconciliation, should divert the present
current from its channel.

Reconciliation if practicable, and peace if attainable, you very well
know, would be as agreeable to my inclinations, and as advantageous to
my interest, as to any man's. But I see no prospect, no probability, no
possibility. And I cannot but despise the understanding which sincerely
expects an honorable peace, for its credulity, and detest the
hypocritical heart which pretends to expect it, when in truth it does
not. The newspapers here are full of free speculations, the tendency of
which you will easily discover. The writers reason from topics which
have been long in contemplation and fully understood by the people at
large in New England, but have been attended to in the southern colonies
only by gentlemen of free spirits and liberal minds, who are very few. I
shall endeavor to inclose to you as many of the papers and pamphlets as
I can, as long as I stay here. Some will go by this conveyance.

Dr. Franklin, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, in
Maryland, are chosen a committee to go into Canada. The characters of
the two first you know. The last is not a member of Congress, but a
gentleman of independent fortune, perhaps the largest in America, a
hundred and fifty or two hundred thousand pounds sterling; educated in
some university in France, though a native of America, of great
abilities and learning, complete master of the French language, and a
professor of the Roman Catholic religion, yet a warm, a firm, a zealous
supporter of the rights of America, in whose cause he has hazarded his
all. Mr. John Carroll, of Maryland, a Roman Catholic priest and a
Jesuit, is to go with the committee, the priests in Canada having
refused baptism and absolution to our friends there. General Lee is to
command in that country, whose address, experience, and abilities, added
to his fluency in the French language, will give him great advantages.

The events of war are uncertain. We cannot insure success, but we can
deserve it. I am happy in this provision for that important department,
because I think it the best that could be made in our circumstances.
Your prudence will direct you to communicate the circumstances of the
priest, the Jesuit, and the Romish religion, only to such persons as can
judge of the measure upon large and generous principles, and will not
indiscreetly divulge it. The step was necessary, for the anathemas of
the Church are very terrible to our friends in Canada.

I wish I understood French as well as you. I would have gone to Canada,
if I had. I feel the want of education every day, particularly of that
language. I pray, my dear, that you would not suffer your sons or your
daughter ever to feel a similar pain. It is in your power to teach them
French, and I every day see more and more that it will become a
necessary accomplishment of an American gentleman or lady. Pray write me
in your next the name of the author of your thin French grammar, which
gives you the pronunciation of the French words in English letters, that
is, which shows you how the same sounds would be signified by English
vowels and consonants.

Write me as often as you can. Tell me all the news. Desire the children
to write to me, and believe me to be theirs and yours.



86. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Saturday Evening, 2 March, 1776.

I was greatly rejoiced at the return of your servant, to find you had
safely arrived, and that you were well. I had never heard a word from
you after you had left New York, and a most ridiculous story had been
industriously propagated in this and the neighboring towns to injure the
cause and blast your reputation; namely, that you and your
President[126] had gone on board of a man-of-war from New York, and
sailed for England. I should not mention so idle a report, but that it
had given uneasiness to some of your friends; not that they in the least
credited the report, but because the gaping vulgar swallowed the story.
One man had deserted them and proved a traitor, another might, etc. I
assure you, such high disputes took place in the public-house of this
parish, that some men were collared and dragged out of the shop with
great threats, for reporting such scandalous lies, and an uncle of ours
offered his life as a forfeit for you, if the report proved true.
However, it has been a nine days' marvel, and will now cease. I heartily
wish every Tory was extirpated from America; they are continually, by
secret means, undermining and injuring our cause.

I am charmed with the sentiments of "Common Sense," and wonder how an
honest heart, one who wishes the welfare of his country and the
happiness of posterity, can hesitate one moment at adopting them. I want
to know how these sentiments are received in Congress. I dare say there
would be no difficulty in procuring a vote and instructions from all the
Assemblies in New England for Independency. I most sincerely wish that
now, in the lucky moment, it might be done.

I have been kept in a continual state of anxiety and expectation ever
since you left me. It has been said "to-morrow" and "to-morrow," for
this month, but when the dreadful to-morrow will be, I know not. But
hark! The house this instant shakes with the roar of cannon. I have been
to the door, and find it is a cannonade from our army.[127] Orders, I
find, are come for all the remaining militia to repair to the lines
Monday night by twelve o'clock. No sleep for me to-night. And if I
cannot, who have no guilt upon my soul with regard to this cause, how
shall the miserable wretches who have been the procurers of this
dreadful scene, and those who are to be the actors, lie down with the
load of guilt upon their souls?


   Sunday Evening, 3 March.

I went to bed after twelve, but got no rest; the cannon continued
firing, and my heart beat pace with them all night. We have had a pretty
quiet day, but what to-morrow will bring forth, God only knows.


   Monday Evening.

Tolerably quiet. To-day the militia have all mustered, with three days'
provision, and are all marched by three o'clock this afternoon, though
their notice was no longer ago than eight o'clock, Saturday. And now we
have scarcely a man, but our regular guards, either in Weymouth,
Hingham, Braintree, or Milton, and the militia from the more remote
towns are called in as seacoast guards. Can you form to yourself an idea
of our sensations?

I have just returned from Penn's hill, where I have been sitting to hear
the amazing roar of cannon, and from whence I could see every shell
which was thrown. The sound, I think, is one of the grandest in nature,
and is of the true species of the sublime. 'T is now an incessant roar;
but oh! the fatal ideas which are connected with the sound! How many of
our dear countrymen must fall!


   Tuesday Morning.

I went to bed about twelve, and rose again a little after one. I could
no more sleep than if I had been in the engagement; the rattling of the
windows, the jar of the house, the continual roar of twenty-four
pounders, and the bursting of shells, give us such ideas, and realize a
scene to us of which we could form scarcely any conception. About six,
this morning, there was quiet. I rejoiced in a few hours' calm. I hear
we got possession of Dorchester Hill last night; four thousand men upon
it to-day; lost but one man. The ships are all drawn round the town.
To-night we shall realize a more terrible scene still. I sometimes think
I cannot stand it. I wish myself with you, out of hearing, as I cannot
assist them. I hope to give you joy of Boston, even if it is in ruins,
before I send this away. I am too much agitated to write as I ought, and
languid for want of rest.


   Thursday, Fast-day.

All my anxiety and distress is at present at an end. I feel
disappointed. This day our militia are all returning, without effecting
anything more than taking possession of Dorchester Hill. I hope it is
wise and just, but, from all the muster and stir, I hoped and expected
more important and decisive scenes. I would not have suffered all I have
for two such hills. Ever since the taking of that, we have had a perfect
calm; nor can I learn yet what effect it has had in Boston. I do not
hear of one person's escaping since.

I was very much pleased with your choice of a committee for Canada. All
those to whom I have ventured to show that part of your letter, approve
the scheme of the priest as a master-stroke of policy. I feel sorry that
General Lee has left us, but his presence at New York was no doubt of
great importance, as we have reason to think it prevented Clinton from
landing and gathering together such a nest of vermin as would at least
have distressed us greatly. But how can you spare him from here? Can you
make his place good? Can you supply it with a man equally qualified to
save us? How do the Virginians relish the troops said to be destined for
them? Are they putting themselves into a state of defense? I inclose to
you a copy of a letter sent by Captain Furnance, who is in Mr. Ned
Church's employ, and who came into the Cape about ten days ago. You will
learn the sentiments of our cousin by it. Some of which may be true, but
I hope he is a much better divine than politician. I hear that in one of
his letters he mentions certain intercepted letters which he says have
made much noise in England, and laments that you ever wrote them. I
cannot bear to think of your continuing in a state of supineness this
winter.

   "There is a tide in the affairs of men,
   Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
   Omitted, all the voyage of their life
   Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
   On such a full sea are we now afloat;
   And we must take the current when it serves,
   Or lose our ventures."


   Sunday Evening, 10 March.

I had scarcely finished these lines when my ears were again assaulted by
the roar of cannon. I could not write any further. My hand and heart
will tremble at this "domestic fury and fierce civil strife," which
"cumber all" our "parts;" though "blood and destruction" are "so much in
use," "and dreadful objects so familiar," yet is not "pity choked," nor
my heart grown callous. I feel for the unhappy wretches who know not
where to fly for safety. I feel still more for my bleeding countrymen,
who are hazarding their lives and their limbs. A most terrible and
incessant cannonade from half after eight till six this morning. I hear
we lost four men killed, and some wounded, in attempting to take the
hill nearest the town, called Nook's Hill. We did some work, but the
fire from the ships beat off our men, so that they did not secure it,
but retired to the fort upon the other hill.

I have not got all the particulars; I wish I had; but, as I have an
opportunity of sending this, I shall endeavor to be more particular in
my next.

If there are reinforcements here, I believe we shall be driven from the
seacoast; but, in whatever state I am, I will endeavor to be therewith
content.

   "Man wants but little here below,
   Nor wants that little long."

You will excuse this very incorrect letter. You see in what perturbation
it has been written, and how many times I have left off. Adieu.

   Yours.

P. S. Took's grammar is the one you mention.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 126: Hancock. I find no traces of this report, which was
probably set in motion by the loyalists, after the exposure of Dr.
Church.]

[Footnote 127: "In order to divert the enemy's attention, we began on
Saturday night a cannonade and bombardment, which with intervals was
continued through the night; the same on Sunday, and on Monday a
continued roar from seven o'clock till daylight was kept up between the
enemy and us." (Washington to Reed, 7th of March.)]



87. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   B----e, 16 March, 1776.

I last evening received yours of March 8.[128] I was in continual
expectation that some important event would take place to give me a
subject worth writing upon. Before this reaches you, I imagine you will
have received two letters from me; the last I closed this day week.
Since that time there have been some movements amongst the ministerial
troops, as if they meant to evacuate the town of Boston. Between seventy
and eighty vessels of various sizes are gone down, and lie in a row in
fair sight of this place, all of which appear to be loaded; and by what
can be collected from our own observations, and from deserters, they
have been plundering the town. I have been very faithless with regard to
their quitting Boston, and know not how to account for it; nor am I yet
satisfied that they will leave it, though it seems to be the prevailing
opinion of most people.

We are obliged to place the militia upon guard every night upon the
shores, through fear of an invasion. There has been no firing since last
Tuesday till about twelve o'clock last night, when I was waked out of my
sleep with a smart cannonade, which continued till nine o'clock this
morning, and prevented any further repose for me. The occasion I have
not yet heard; but before I close this letter I may be able to give you
some account of it.

By the accounts in the public papers, the plot thickens, and some very
important crisis seems near at hand. Perhaps Providence sees it
necessary, in order to answer important ends and designs, that the seat
of war should be changed from this to the southern colonies, that each
may have a proper sympathy with the other, and unite in a separation.
The refuge of the believer, amidst all the afflictive dispensations of
Providence, is that the Lord reigneth, and that He can restrain the arm
of man.

Orders are given to our army to hold themselves in readiness to march at
a moment's warning. "I'll meet you at Philippi," said the ghost of Cæsar
to Brutus.


   Sunday Noon.

Being quite sick with a violent cold, I have tarried at home to-day. I
find the firing was occasioned by our people's taking possession of
Nook's Hill, which they kept in spite of the cannonade, and which has
really obliged our enemy to decamp this morning on board the transports,
as I hear by a messenger just come from headquarters. Some of the
selectmen have been to the lines, and inform that they have carried away
everything they could possibly take; and what they could not, they have
burnt, broke, or hove into the water. This is, I believe, fact; many
articles of good household furniture having in the course of the week
come on shore at Great Hill, both upon this and Weymouth side,--lids of
desks, mahogany chairs, tables, etc. Our people, I hear, will have
liberty to enter Boston,--those who have had the small-pox.

The enemy have not yet come under sail. I cannot help suspecting some
design, which we do not yet comprehend. To what quarter of the world
they are bound is wholly unknown; but 't is generally thought to New
York. Many people are elated with their quitting Boston. I confess I do
not feel so. 'T is only lifting the burden from one shoulder to the
other, which is perhaps less able or less willing to support it. To what
a contemptible situation are the troops of Britain reduced! I feel glad,
however, that Boston is not destroyed. I hope it will be so secured and
guarded as to baffle all future attempts against it. I hear that General
Howe said, upon going on some eminence in town to view our troops, who
had taken Dorchester Hill, unperceived by them till sunrise, "My God!
these fellows have done more work in one night than I could make my army
do in three months." And he might well say so; for in one night two
forts and long breast-works were sprung up, besides several barracks.
Three hundred and seventy teams were employed, most of which went three
loads in the night, besides four thousand men, who worked with good
hearts.

From Penn's Hill we have a view of the largest fleet ever seen in
America. You may count upwards of a hundred and seventy sail. They look
like a forest. It was very lucky for us that we got possession of Nook's
Hill. They had placed their cannon so as to fire upon the top of the
hill, where they had observed our people marking out the ground; but it
was only to elude them; for they began lower upon the hill and nearer
the town. It was a very dark, foggy evening, and they had possession of
the hill six hours before a gun was fired; and when they did fire, they
overshot our people, so that they were covered before morning, and not
one man lost, which the enemy no sooner discovered, than Bunker Hill was
abandoned, and every man decamped as soon as he could. They found they
should not be able to get away if we once got our cannon mounted. Our
General may say with Cæsar, "_Veni, vidi, vici_."

What effect does the expectation of Commissioners have with you? Are
they held in disdain as they are here? It is come to that pass now, that
the longest sword must decide the contest; and the sword is less dreaded
here than the Commissioners.

You mention threats upon B----d. I know of none, nor ever heard of any
till you mentioned them. The Tories look a little crestfallen. As for
Cleverly, he looks like the knight of the woful countenance. I hear all
the mongrel breed are left in Boston, and our people who were prisoners
are put in irons and carried off.

I made a mistake in the name of the grammar. It is Jaudon's instead of
Took's. I wish you could purchase Lord Chesterfield's Letters. I have
lately heard them very highly spoken of. I smiled at your couplet of
Latin. Your daughter may be able in time to construe it, as she has
already made some considerable proficiency in her accidence; but her
mamma was obliged to get it translated. Pray write Lord Stirling's
character.

I want to know whether you live in any harmony with ----, and how you
settled matters. I think he seems in better humor.[129]

I think I do not admire the speech from the rostrum.[129] 'T is a heavy,
inelegant, verbose performance, and did not strike my fancy at all. I am
very saucy, I suppose you will say. 'T is a liberty I take with you.
Indulgence is apt to spoil one. Adieu.

P. S. Pray convey me a little paper. I have but enough for one letter
more.


   Monday Morning.

A fine, quiet night. No alarms--no cannon. The more I think of our
enemies quitting Boston, the more amazed I am that they should leave
such a harbor, such fortifications, such intrenchments, and that we
should be in peaceable possession of a town which we expected would cost
us a river of blood, without one drop shed. Surely it is the Lord's
doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Every foot of ground which they
obtain now they must fight for, and may they purchase it at a Bunker
Hill price.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 128: This letter has not been preserved.]

[Footnote 129: It is difficult to understand these allusions. Probably
the first refers to R. T. Paine, who bore no good-will to Mr. Adams; the
second, to a funeral oration on the death of General Montgomery, just
delivered before the Congress by Dr. Smith, Provost of the college at
Philadelphia.]



88. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 17 March, 1776.

Our worthy friend, Frank Dana, arrived here last evening from New York,
to which place he came lately from England in the packet. In company
with him is a gentleman by the name of Wrixon, who has been a
field-officer in the British army, served all the last war in Germany,
and has seen service in every part of Europe. He left the army some time
ago, and studied law in the Temple, in which science he made a great
proficiency. He wrote, lately, a pamphlet under the title of "The Rights
of Britons," which he has brought over with him. He is a friend of
liberty, and thinks justly of the American question. He has great
abilities, as well as experience in the military science, and is an able
engineer. I hope we shall employ him.

The Baron de Woedtke we have made a Brigadier-general, and ordered him
to Canada. The testimonials in his favor I shall inclose to you.[130]
Mr. Dana's account, with which Mr. Wrixon's agrees, ought to extinguish,
in every mind, all hopes of reconciliation with Great Britain. This
delusive hope has done us great injuries, and, if ever we are ruined,
will be the cause of our fall. A hankering after the leeks of Egypt
makes us forget the cruelty of her task-masters.

I shall suffer many severe pains on your account for some days. By a
vessel from Salem a cannonade was heard from dark till nine o'clock,
last night was a week ago. Your vicinity to such scenes of carnage and
desolation as, I fear, are now to be seen in Boston and its environs,
will throw you into much distress, but I believe in my conscience, I
feel more here than you do. The sound of cannon was not so terrible when
I was at Braintree as it is here, though I hear it at four hundred miles
distance.

You can't imagine what a mortification I sustain in not having received
a single line from you since we parted. I suspect some villainy in
conveyance. By the relation of Mr. Dana, Mr. Wrixon, and Mr. Temple, Mr.
Hutchinson, Mr. Sewall, and their associates are in great disgrace in
England. Persons are ashamed to be seen to speak to them. They look
despised and sunk.

I shall inclose an extract of a letter from Mons. Dubourg in Paris, and
a testimonial in favor of our Prussian General. Adieu.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 130: Neither Major Wrixon nor the Baron de Woedtke fulfilled
the hopes formed of them. The former declined his appointment, the rank
of colonel not being equal to his expectations. The latter proved
intemperate and was soon afterwards drowned at Lake George.]



89. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 19 March.

Yesterday I had the long expected and much wished pleasure of a letter
from you, of various dates from the 2d to the 10th March. This is the
first line I have received since I left you. I wrote you from Watertown,
I believe, relating my feast at the Quartermaster-general's with the
Caghnawaga Indians, and from Framingham an account of the ordnance
there, and from New York I sent you a pamphlet. Hope you received these.
Since I arrived here I have written to you as often as I could.

I am much pleased with your caution in your letter, in avoiding names
both of persons and places, or any other circumstances which might
designate to strangers the writer, or the person written to, or the
persons mentioned. Characters and description will do as well.

The lie which you say occasioned such disputes at the tavern was curious
enough. Who could make and spread it? I am much obliged to an uncle for
his friendship. My worthy fellow-citizens may be easy about me. I never
can forsake what I take to be their interests. My own have never been
considered by me in competition with theirs. My ease, my domestic
happiness, my rural pleasures, my little property, my personal liberty,
my reputation, my life, have little weight and ever had in my own
estimation, in comparison with the great object of my country. I can say
of it with sincerity, as Horace says of virtue, "To America only and her
friends a friend."

You ask what is thought of "Common Sense." Sensible men think there are
some whims, some sophisms, some artful addresses to superstitious
notions, some keen attempts upon the passions, in this pamphlet. But all
agree there is a great deal of good sense delivered in clear, simple,
concise, and nervous style. His sentiments of the abilities of America,
and of the difficulty of a reconciliation with Great Britain, are
generally approved. But his notions and plans of continental government
are not much applauded. Indeed, this writer has a better hand in pulling
down than building. It has been very generally propagated through the
continent that I wrote this pamphlet. But although I could not have
written anything in so manly and striking a style, I flatter myself I
should have made a more respectable figure as an architect, if I had
undertaken such a work. This writer seems to have very inadequate ideas
of what is proper and necessary to be done in order to form
constitutions for single colonies, as well as a great model of union for
the whole.

Your distresses, which you have painted in such lively colors, I feel in
every line as I read. I dare not write all that I think upon this
occasion. I wish our people had taken possession of Nook's Hill at the
same time when they got the other heights, and before the militia was
dismissed.

Poor cousin! I pity him. How much soever he may lament certain
letters,[131] I don't lament. I never repent of what was no sin.
Misfortunes may be borne without whining. But if I can believe Mr.
Dana, those letters were much admired in England. I can't help laughing
when I write it, because they were really such hasty, crude scraps. If I
could have foreseen their fate, they should have been fit to be seen,
and worth all the noise they have made. Mr. Dana says they were
considered in England as containing a comprehensive idea of what was
necessary to be done, and as showing resolution enough to do it.
Wretched stuff as they really were, according to him they have
contributed somewhat towards making certain persons to be thought the
greatest statesmen in the world. So much for vanity.

My love, duty, respects, and compliments wherever they belong. Virginia
will be well defended. So will New York. So will South Carolina. America
will erelong raise her voice aloud and assume a bolder air.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 131: The intercepted letters. Mrs. Adams's cousin, who
lamented them, had caught the feelings of those about him. The spirit of
independence which the letters showed was disapproved by many in England
who sympathized with America, and still wished to keep open the avenues
to reconciliation.]



90. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 29 March, 1776.

I give you joy of Boston and Charlestown, once more the habitation of
Americans. I am waiting with great impatience for letters from you,
which I know will contain many particulars. We are taking precautions to
defend every place that is in danger, the Carolinas, Virginia, New York,
Canada. I can think of nothing but fortifying Boston harbor. I want more
cannon than are to be had. I want a fortification upon Point Alderton,
one upon Lovell's Island, one upon George's Island, several upon Long
Island, one upon the Moon, one upon Squantum. I want to hear of half a
dozen fire-ships, and two or three hundred fire-rafts prepared. I want
to hear of row-galleys, floating batteries built, and booms laid across
the channel in the narrows, and _Vaisseaux de Frise_ sunk in it. I wish
to hear that you are translating Braintree commons into the channel. No
efforts, no expense are too extravagant for me to wish for, to fortify
that harbor so as to make it impregnable. I hope everybody will join and
work until it is done.

We have this week lost a very valuable friend of the colonies in
Governor Ward, of Rhode Island, by the small-pox in the natural way. He
never would hearken to his friends, who have been constantly advising
him to be inoculated, ever since the first Congress began. But he would
not be persuaded. Numbers, who have been inoculated, have gone through
this distemper without any danger, or even confinement, but nothing
would do. He must take it in the natural way and die. He was an amiable
and a sensible man, a steadfast friend to his country upon very pure
principles. His funeral was attended with the same solemnities as Mr.
Randolph's. Mr. Stillman being the Anabaptist minister here, of which
persuasion was the Governor, was desired by Congress to preach a sermon,
which he did with great applause.

Remember me as you ought.



91. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 31 March, 1776.

I wish you would ever write me a letter half as long as I write you, and
tell me, if you may, where your fleet are gone; what sort of defense
Virginia can make against our common enemy; whether it is so situated as
to make an able defense. Are not the gentry lords, and the common people
vassals? Are they not like the uncivilized vassals Britain represents us
to be? I hope their riflemen, who have shown themselves very savage and
even blood-thirsty, are not a specimen of the generality of the people.
I am willing to allow the colony great merit for having produced a
Washington; but they have been shamefully duped by a Dunmore.

I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for liberty cannot
be equally strong in the breasts of those who have been accustomed to
deprive their fellow-creatures of theirs. Of this I am certain, that it
is not founded upon that generous and Christian principle of doing to
others as we would that others should do unto us.

Do not you want to see Boston? I am fearful of the small-pox, or I
should have been in before this time. I got Mr. Crane to go to our house
and see what state it was in. I find it has been occupied by one of
the doctors of a regiment; very dirty, but no other damage has been done
to it. The few things which were left in it are all gone. I look upon it
as a new acquisition of property--a property which one month ago I did
not value at a single shilling, and would with pleasure have seen it in
flames.

The town in general is left in a better state than we expected; more
owing to a precipitate flight than any regard to the inhabitants; though
some individuals discovered a sense of honor and justice, and have left
the rent of the houses in which they were, for the owners, and the
furniture unhurt, or, if damaged, sufficient to make it good. Others
have committed abominable ravages. The mansion-house of your President
is safe, and the furniture unhurt; while the house and furniture of the
Solicitor General have fallen a prey to their own merciless party.
Surely the very fiends feel a reverential awe for virtue and patriotism,
whilst they detest the parricide and traitor.

I feel very differently at the approach of spring from what I did a
month ago. We knew not then whether we could plant or sow with safety,
whether where we had tilled we could reap the fruits of our own
industry, whether we could rest in our own cottages or whether we should
be driven from the seacoast to seek shelter in the wilderness; but now
we feel a temporary peace, and the poor fugitives are returning to their
deserted habitations.

Though we felicitate ourselves, we sympathize with those who are
trembling lest the lot of Boston should be theirs. But they cannot be in
similar circumstances unless pusillanimity and cowardice should take
possession of them. They have time and warning given them to see the
evil and shun it.

I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way,
in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to
make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and
favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power
into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if
they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the
ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold
ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.

That your sex are naturally tyrannical is a truth so thoroughly
established as to admit of no dispute; but such of you as wish to be
happy willingly give up the harsh title of master for the more tender
and endearing one of friend. Why, then, not put it out of the power of
the vicious and the lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with
impunity? Men of sense in all ages abhor those customs which treat us
only as the vassals of your sex; regard us then as beings placed by
Providence under your protection, and in imitation of the Supreme Being
make use of that power only for our happiness.


   April 5.

I want to hear much oftener from you than I do. March 8th was the last
date of any that I have yet had. You inquire of me whether I am making
saltpetre. I have not yet attempted it, but after soap-making believe I
shall make the experiment. I find as much as I can do to manufacture
clothing for my family, which would else be naked. I know of but one
person in this part of the town who has made any. That is Mr. Tertius
Bass, as he is called, who has got very near a hundred-weight which has
been found to be very good. I have heard of some others in the other
parishes. Mr. Reed, of Weymouth, has been applied to, to go to Andover
to the mills which are now at work, and he has gone.

I have lately seen a small manuscript describing the proportions of the
various sorts of powder fit for cannon, small-arms, and pistols. If it
would be of any service your way I will get it transcribed and send it
to you. Every one of your friends sends regards, and all the little
ones. Adieu.



92. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 7 April, 1776.

I have received two letters from you this week. One of the 17th and the
other the 19th of March. I believe I have received all your letters
except one you mention writing from Framingham, which I never heard of
before. I have received all the papers you have sent, the oration, and
the magazines. In the small papers. I sometimes find pieces begun and
continued (for instance, Johnston's speech), but am so unlucky as not to
get the papers in order, and miss of seeing the whole.

The removal of the army seems to have stopped the current of news. I
want to know to what part of America they are now wandering. It is
reported and credited that Manly has taken a schooner belonging to the
fleet, richly laden with money, plate, and English goods, with a number
of Tories. The particulars I have not yet learned. Yesterday the remains
of our worthy General Warren were dug up upon Bunker's Hill, and carried
into town, and on Monday are to be interred with all the honors of war.


   10 April.

The Dr. was buried on Monday; the Masons walking in procession from the
State House, with the military in uniforms, and a large concourse of
people attending. He was carried into the Chapel, and there a funeral
dirge was played, an excellent prayer by Dr. Cooper, and an oration by
Mr. Morton, which I hope will be printed. I think the subject must have
inspired him. A young fellow could not have wished a finer opportunity
to display his talents. The amiable and heroic virtues of the deceased,
recent in the minds of the audience; the noble cause to which he fell a
martyr; their own sufferings and unparalleled injuries, all fresh in
their minds, must have given weight and energy to whatever could be
delivered upon the occasion. The dead body, like that of Cæsar, before
their eyes, whilst each wound,--

     "Like dumb mouths, did ope their ruby lips,
   To beg the voice and utterance of a tongue.
   Woe to the hands that shed this costly blood!
   A curse shall light" upon their line.


   11 April.

I take my pen and write just as I can get time; my letters will be a
strange mixture. I really am "cumbered about many things," and scarcely
know which way to turn myself. I miss my partner, and find myself
unequal to the cares which fall upon me. I find it necessary to be the
directress of our husbandry. I hope in time to have the reputation of
being as a good a _farmeress_ as my partner has of being a good
statesman. To ask you anything about your return would, I suppose, be
asking a question which you cannot answer.

Retirement, rural quiet domestic pleasures, all, all must give place to
the weighty cares of state. It would be--

       "Meanly poor in solitude to hide
   An honest zeal, unwarped by party rage."

   "Though certain pains attend the cares of state,
   A good man owes his country to be great,
   Should act abroad the high distinguished part,
   And show, at least, the purpose of his heart."

I hope your Prussian General[132] will answer the high character which
is given of him. But we, who have been bred in a land of liberty,
scarcely know how to give credit to so unjust and arbitrary a mandate of
a despot. To cast off a faithful servant, only for being the unhappy
bearer of ill news, degrades the man and dishonors the prince. The
Congress, by employing him, have shown a liberality of sentiment not
confined to colonies or continents, but, to use the words of "Common
Sense," have "carried their friendship on a larger scale, by claiming
brotherhood with every European Christian, and may justly triumph in the
generosity of the sentiment."

Yesterday, was taken and carried into Cohasset, by three whaleboats,
which went from the shore on purpose, a snow from the Grenadas, laden
with three hundred and fifty-four puncheons of West India rum,
forty-three barrels of sugar, twelve thousand and five hundred-weight of
coffee; a valuable prize. A number of Eastern sloops have brought wood
into town since the fleet sailed. We have a rumor of Admiral Hopkins
being engaged with a number of ships and tenders off Rhode Island, and
are anxious to know the event.

Be so good as to send me a list of the vessels which sail with Hopkins,
their names, weight of metal, and number of men; all the news you know,
etc.

I hear our jurors refuse to serve, because the writs are issued in the
King's name. Surely they are for independence.

Write me how you do this winter. I want to say many things I must omit.
It is not fit "to wake the soul by tender strokes of art," or to
ruminate upon happiness we might enjoy, lest absence become intolerable.
Adieu.

   Yours.

I wish you would burn all my letters.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 132: Baron de Woedtke, appointed by Congress a
Brigadier-general and ordered to Canada. He died soon afterwards at Lake
George.]



93. JOHN ADAMS.


   12 April, 1776.

I inclose a few sheets of paper,[133] and will send more as fast as
opportunities present.

Chesterfield's letters[134] are a chequered set. You would not choose to
have them in your library. They are like Congreve's plays, stained with
libertine morals and base principles.

You will see by the papers the news, the speculations, and the political
plans of the day. The ports are opened wide enough at last, and
privateers are allowed to prey upon British trade. This is not
independency, you know. What is? Why, government in every colony, a
confederation among them all, and treaties with foreign nations to
acknowledge us a sovereign state, and all that. When these things will
be done, or any of them, time must discover. Perhaps the time is near,
perhaps a great way off.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 133: Writing-paper was scarce and very indifferent, owing to
the interruption of all business during the occupation of Boston.]

[Footnote 134: Mrs. Adams had expressed a wish to read this book, then
lately published.]



94. JOHN ADAMS.


   14 April.

You justly complain of my short letters, but the critical state of
things and the multiplicity of avocations must plead my excuse. You ask
where the fleet is? The inclosed papers will inform you. You ask what
sort of defense Virginia can make? I believe they will make an able
defense. Their militia and minute-men have been some time employed in
training themselves, and they have nine battalions of regulars, as they
call them, maintained among them, under good officers, at the
Continental expense. They have set up a number of manufactories of
firearms, which are busily employed. They are tolerably supplied with
powder, and are successful and assiduous in making saltpetre. Their
neighboring sister, or rather daughter colony of North Carolina, which
is a warlike colony, and has several battalions at the Continental
expense, as well as a pretty good militia, are ready to assist them, and
they are in very good spirits and seem determined to make a brave
resistance. The gentry are very rich, and the common people very poor.
This inequality of property gives an aristocratical turn to all their
proceedings, and occasions a strong aversion in their patricians to
"Common Sense."[135] But the spirit of these Barons is coming down, and
it must submit. It is very true, as you observe, they have been duped by
Dunmore. But this is a common case. All the colonies are duped, more or
less, at one time and another. A more egregious bubble was never blown
up than the story of Commissioners coming to treat with the Congress,
yet it has gained credit like a charm, not only with, but against the
clearest evidence. I never shall forget the delusion which seized our
best and most sagacious friends, the dear inhabitants of Boston, the
winter before last. Credulity and the want of foresight are
imperfections in the human character, that no politician can
sufficiently guard against.

You give me some pleasure by your account of a certain house in Queen
Street. I had burned it long ago in imagination. It rises now to my view
like a phoenix. What shall I say of the Solicitor General?[136] I pity
his pretty children. I pity his father and his sisters. I wish I could
be clear that it is no moral evil to pity him and his lady. Upon
repentance, they will certainly have a large share in the compassions
of many. But let us take warning, and give it to our children. Whenever
vanity and gayety, a love of pomp and dress, furniture, equipage,
buildings, great company, expensive diversions, and elegant
entertainments get the better of the principles and judgments of men or
women, there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what evils,
natural, moral, or political, they will lead us.

Your description of your own _gaieté de coeur_ charms me. Thanks be to
God, you have just cause to rejoice, and may the bright prospect be
obscured by no cloud. As to declarations of independency, be patient.
Read our privateering laws and our commercial laws. What signifies a
word?

As to your extraordinary code of laws, I cannot but laugh. We have been
told that our struggle has loosened the bonds of government everywhere;
that children and apprentices were disobedient; that schools and
colleges were grown turbulent; that Indians slighted their guardians,
and negroes grew insolent to their masters. But your letter was the
first intimation that another tribe, more numerous and powerful than all
the rest, were grown discontented. This is rather too coarse a
compliment, but you are so saucy, I won't blot it out. Depend upon it,
we know better than to repeal our masculine systems. Although they are
in full force, you know they are little more than theory. We dare not
exert our power in its full latitude. We are obliged to go fair and
softly, and, in practice, you know we are the subjects. We have only the
name of masters, and rather than give up this, which would completely
subject us to the despotism of the petticoat, I hope General Washington
and all our brave heroes would fight; I am sure every good politician
would plot, as long as he would against despotism, empire, monarchy,
aristocracy, oligarchy, or ochlocracy. A fine story, indeed! I begin to
think the ministry as deep as they are wicked. After stirring up Tories,
land-jobbers, trimmers, bigots, Canadians, Indians, negroes,
Hanoverians, Hessians, Russians, Irish Roman Catholics, Scotch
renegadoes, at last they have stimulated the ---- to demand new
privileges and threaten to rebel.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 135: Paine's pamphlet.]

[Footnote 136: Samuel Quincy.]



95. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 14 April, 1776.

I have missed my good friend Colonel Warren from Watertown in the
conveyance of my letters. You make no mention of more than one. Write me
how many you have had and what the dates were.

I wrote you, upon the 17th of March. Particulars it was not then
possible to obtain; and after that, I thought every pen would be
employed in writing to you a much more accurate account than I could
give you.

The fleet lay in the road almost a fortnight after the town was
evacuated. In that time Major Tupper came with a body of men to
Germantown, and procured two lighters, and fitted them with every sort
of combustible matter, hand grenades, etc., in order to set fire to the
fleet. But the very day he was ready, they sailed. And it was said that
they had intelligence from Boston of the design. However, he carried the
lighters up to town for the next fleet that appears.

Fort Hill is a-fortifying, I suppose, in the best manner. Committees
have been appointed to survey the islands, etc., but we are scanty of
men. It is said we have not more than two thousand effective men left,
and the General thought it necessary to take the heavy cannon with him.
We have many pieces spiked up, which they are employed in clearing.
About a hundred pieces, I have heard, were left at the castle with their
trunnels broken, or spiked. The castle, you have no doubt heard, was
burnt by the troops before they sailed, and an attempt was made to blow
up the walls, in which, however, they did not succeed any further than
to shatter them. There are so many things necessary to be done, that I
suppose business moves slowly. At present we all seem to be so happy and
so tranquil, that I sometimes think we want another fleet to give some
energy and spirit to our motions. But there has been so great an
overturn that people seem to be hardly recovered from their amazement.
Many buildings in town sustained great damages, more particularly at the
south end. The furniture of many houses was carried off or broken in
pieces. Dr. Gardiner left all his furniture and medicine, valued, it is
said, at four hundred sterling. Dr. L. is still in town; Dr. Whitworth
too. Both ought to be transported. Mr. Goldthwait is in town. All the
records of which he had the care safe, though it seems part of them were
carried into Boston. All the papers relating to the Probate Courts are
missing. Mr. Lovell, and all the prisoners taken at the Charlestown
battle, are carried off. The bells are all in town; never were taken
down. The officers and Tories have lived a life of dissipation. Inclosed
is a prologue of Burgoyne's, with a parody written in Boston, soon after
it was acted. Burgoyne is a better poet than soldier.

As to goods of any kind, we cannot tell what quantity there is. Only two
or three shops open. Goods at most extravagant prices. All the better to
promote manufactures. There is talk of raising another regiment. If they
should, I fear we shall suffer in our husbandry. Labor is very high. I
cannot hire a man for six months under twenty pounds lawful money. The
works upon the Neck are leveling. We keep guards upon the shores yet.
Manly has taken a vessel-load of Tories. Among them is Black, the
Scotchman, and Brazen-head Jackson, Hill, the baker, etc. What can be
done with them? I think they ought to be transported to England. I would
advertise for Tory transports.

Hanover has made large quantities of saltpetre. This week we are to hold
court here, but I do not imagine anything will be done. I have a letter
from you the 29th of March. It is said there is one from Mr. Gerry the
3d of April, acquainting us with your opening trade. Who is the writer
of "Common Sense"? of "Cato"? of "Cassandra"? I wish you would,
according to promise, write me an account of Lord Stirling. We know
nothing about him here.

All the Tories look crest-fallen. Several deserters from on board the
commodore's ship say that it is very sickly on board. We have only that
and two or three cutters besides. We fear that a brig, laden with
seventy tons of powder, which sailed from Newburyport, has fallen into
the enemy's hands upon her return.

I rejoice in the Southern victories. The oration was a very elegant
performance, but not without much art,--a few strokes which to me injure
it.



96. JOHN ADAMS.


   15 April.

I send you every newspaper that comes out, and I send you, now and then,
a few sheets of paper, but this article is as scarce here as with you. I
would send a quire, if I could get a conveyance.

I write you now and then a line, as often as I can, but I can tell you
no news but what I send in the public papers.

We are waiting, it is said, for Commissioners; a messiah that will never
come. This story of Commissioners is as arrant an illusion as ever was
hatched in the brain of an enthusiast, a politician, or a maniac. I have
laughed at it, scolded at it, grieved at it, and I don't know but I may,
at an unguarded moment, have rip'd at it. But it is vain to reason
against such delusions. I was very sorry to see, in a letter from the
General, that he had been bubbled with it; and still more, to see, in a
letter from my sagacious friend W.,[137] at Plymouth, that he was taken
in too.

My opinion is that the Commissioners and the commission have been here
(I mean in America), these two months. The Governors, Mandamus
Councillors, Collectors and Comptrollers, and Commanders of the army and
navy, I conjecture, compose the list, and their power is to receive
submissions. But we are not in a very submissive mood. They will get no
advantage of us. We shall go on to perfection, I believe. I have been
very busy for some time; have written about ten sheets of paper, with my
own hand, about some trifling affairs,[138] which I may mention some
time or other--not now, for fear of accidents.

What will come of this labor, time will discover. I shall get nothing
by it, I believe, because I never get anything by anything that I do. I
am sure the public or posterity ought to get something. I believe my
children will think I might as well have thought and labored a little,
night and day, for their benefit. But I will not bear the reproaches of
my children. I will tell them that I studied and labored to procure a
free constitution of government for them to solace themselves under, and
if they do not prefer this to ample fortune, to ease and elegance, they
are not my children, and I care not what becomes of them. They shall
live upon thin diet, wear mean clothes, and work hard with cheerful
hearts and free spirits, or they may be the children of the earth, or of
no one, for me.

John has genius, and so has Charles. Take care that they don't go
astray. Cultivate their minds, inspire their little hearts, raise their
wishes. Fix their attention upon great and glorious objects. Root out
every little thing. Weed out every meanness. Make them great and manly.
Teach them to scorn injustice, ingratitude, cowardice, and falsehood.
Let them revere nothing but religion, morality, and liberty.

Abby and Tommy are not forgotten by me, although I did not mention them
before. The first, by reason of her sex, requires a different education
from the two I have mentioned. Of this, you are the only judge. I want
to send each of my little pretty flock some present or other. I have
walked over this city twenty times, and gaped at every shop, like a
countryman, to find something, but could not. Ask every one of them what
they would choose to have, and write it to me in your next letter. From
this I shall judge of their taste and fancy and discretion.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 137: James Warren.]

[Footnote 138: Afterwards published under the title of _Thoughts on
Government_.]



97. JOHN ADAMS TO JOHN Q. ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 18 April, 1776.

I thank you for your agreeable letter of the 24th of March. I rejoice
with you that our friends are once more in possession of the town of
Boston; am glad to hear that so little damage is done to our house.

I hope you and your sister and brothers will take proper notice of these
great events, and remember under whose wise and kind Providence they are
all conducted. Not a sparrow falls, nor a hair is lost, but by the
direction of infinite wisdom. Much less are cities conquered and
evacuated. I hope that you will all remember how many losses, dangers,
and inconveniences have been borne by your parents, and the inhabitants
of Boston in general, for the sake of preserving freedom for you and
yours, and I hope you will all follow the virtuous example, if, in any
future time, your country's liberties shall be in danger, and suffer
every human evil rather than give them up. My love to your mamma, your
sister and brothers, and all the family. I am your affectionate father.



98. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   18 April, 1776.

I cannot omit so good an opportunity as offers by Mr. Church of telling
you that we are all well. I wrote you two letters last week, which I
sent to Watertown. In those I said everything that occurred to my mind.
Nothing since of any importance has taken place. The 19th of April, ever
memorable for America as the Ides of March to Rome and to Cæsar, is
fixed upon for the examination of the Tories by a committee from the
General Court. I could have wished that some other persons in the room
of one or two might have been chosen. It is so dangerous mentioning
names that I refer you to Mr. Church for the names of the committee, and
then you will easily guess who I mean.

I wish I could tell you that business in the fortification way went on
briskly; but a western member of the General Court, who has great
influence there, has got it into his head that Fort Hill and Noddle's
Island are sufficient, and though a man possessed of a very good heart,
is sometimes obstinately wrong.

The Court of Sessions sat yesterday, and went on with business very
smoothly.

We hear that Congress has declared a free trade; and I give you joy of
the success of Admiral Hopkins, not only in his expedition, but in his
success upon his return. Great Britain, I think, is not quite omnipotent
at sea any more than upon the land.

You promised to come and see me in May or June. Shall I expect you, or
do you determine to stay out the year? I very well remember when the
eastern circuits of the courts, which lasted a month, were thought an
age, and an absence of three months intolerable. But we are carried from
step to step, and from one degree to another, to endure that which at
first we think impossible.

But I assure you I am obliged to make use of reason and philosophy in
addition to custom, to feel patient. Be assured I always remember you as
I ought, that is, with the kindest affection.

   PORTIA.



99. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   21 April, 1776.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of a very few lines dated the 12th of
April. You make no mention of the whole sheets I have wrote to you, by
which I judge you either never received them, or that they were so
lengthy as to be troublesome; and in return you have set me an example
of being very concise. I believe I shall not take the hint, but give as
I love to receive. Mr. Church talked a week ago of setting off for
Philadelphia. I wrote by him, but suppose it has not yet gone. You have
perhaps heard that the bench is filled by Messrs. Foster and Sullivan,
so that a certain person is now excluded. I own I am not of so forgiving
a disposition as to wish to see him holding a place which he refused
merely from a spirit of envy.

I give up my request for Chesterfield's "Letters," submitting entirely
to your judgment, as I have ever found you ready to oblige me in this
way whenever you thought it would contribute either to my entertainment
or improvement. I was led to the request from reading the following
character of him in my favorite Thomson, from some spirited and
patriotic speeches of his in the reign of George II.:--

   "O thou whose wisdom, solid yet refined,
   Whose patient-virtues and consummate skill
   To touch the finer springs that move the world,
   Joined to whate'er the Graces can bestow,
   And all Apollo's animating fire,
   Give thee with pleasing dignity to shine
   At once the guardian, ornament, and joy
   Of polished life. Permit the rural muse,
   O Chesterfield! to grace thee with her song,
   Ere to the shades again she humbly flies;
   Indulge her fond ambition, in thy train
   (For every muse has in thy train a place)
   To mark thy various, full accomplished mind,--
   To mark that spirit which, with British scorn,
   Rejects th' allurements of corrupted power;
   That elegant politeness which excels,
   Even in the judgment of presumptuous France,
   The boasted manner of her shining court;
   That wit, the vivid energy of sense,
   The truth of nature, which, with Attic point,
   And kind, well-tempered satire, smoothly keen,
   Steals through the soul, and, without pain, corrects."

I think the speculations you inclose prove that there is full liberty of
the press. Cato shows he has a bad cause to defend; whilst the Forester
writes with a spirit peculiar to himself, and leads me to think that he
has an intimate acquaintance with "Common Sense."

We have intelligence of the arrival of some of the Tory fleet at
Halifax; that they are much distressed for want of houses,--obliged to
give six dollars per month for one room; provisions scarce and dear.
Some of them with six or eight children around them, sitting upon the
rocks, crying, not knowing where to lay their heads.

Just Heaven has given them to taste of the same cup of affliction which
they one year ago administered with such callous hearts to thousands of
their fellow-citizens; but with this difference, that they fly from the
injured and enraged country, whilst pity and commiseration received the
sufferers whom they inhumanly drove from their dwellings.

I would fain hope that the time may not be far distant when those things
you hint at may be carried into execution.

   "Oh! are ye not those patriots in whose power
   That best, that godlike luxury is placed
   Of blessing thousands, thousands yet unborn
   Thro' late posterity? Ye large of soul,
   Cheer up dejected industry, and give
   A double harvest to the pining swain.
   Teach thou, the laboring herd the sweets of toil;
   How, by the finest art, the native robe
   To weave; how, white as Hyperborean snow,
   To form the lucid lawn; with venturous oar
   How to dash wide the billow; nor look on,
   Shamefully passive, while Britannia's fleets
   Defraud us of the glittering finny swarms
   That hem our firths and swarm upon our shores;
   How all-enlivening trade to rouse, and wing
   The prosperous sail from every growing port
   Uninjured round the semicircled globe."

It is rumored here that Admiral Hopkins is blocked up in Newport harbor
by a number of men-of-war. If so, 't is a very unlucky circumstance. As
to fortifications, those who preside in the Assembly can give you a much
better account than I.

I heard yesterday that a number of gentlemen who were together at
Cambridge thought it highly proper that a committee of ladies should be
chosen to examine the Tory ladies, and proceeded to the choice of
three--Mrs. Winthrop, Mrs. Warren, and your humble servant.

I could go on and give you a long list of domestic affairs, but they
would only serve to embarrass you and noways relieve me. I hope it will
not be long before things will be brought into such a train as that you
may be spared to your family.

Your brother has lost his youngest child with convulsion fits. Your
mother is well and always desires to be remembered to you. Nabby is sick
with the mumps,--a very disagreeable disorder. You have not once told me
how you do. I judge you are well, as you seem to be in good spirits. I
bid you good night. All the little flock send duty, and want to see
p--a.

Adieu. Shall I say, remember me as you ought?



100. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 23 April, 1776.

This is St. George's day, a festival celebrated by the English, as St.
Patrick's is by the Irish, St. David's by the Welsh, and St. Andrew's
by the Scotch. The natives of Old England in this city heretofore formed
a society, which they called St. George's Club or St. George's Society.
Upon the 23d of April, annually, they had a great feast. But the Tories
and politics have made a schism in the society, so that one part of them
are to meet and dine at the City Tavern, and the other at the Bunch of
Grapes, Israel Jacobs's, and a third party go out of town. One set are
stanch Americans, another stanch Britons, and a third, half-way men,
neutral beings, moderate men, prudent folks; for such is the division
among men upon all occasions and every question. This is the account
which I have from my barber, who is one of the society, and zealous on
the side of America, and one of the Philadelphia Associators.

This curious character of a barber I have a great inclination to draw,
for your amusement. He is a little, dapper fellow, short and small, but
active and lively. A tongue as fluent and voluble as you please, wit at
will, and a memory or an invention which never leaves him at a loss for
a story to tell you for your entertainment. He has seen great company.
He has dressed hair and shaved faces at Bath, and at Court. He is
acquainted with several of the nobility and gentry, particularly Sir
William Meredith. He married a girl, the daughter of a Quaker in this
place, of whom he tells many droll stories. He is a serjeant in one of
the companies of some battalion or other here. He frequents, of
evenings, a beer house kept by one Weaver, in the city, where he has
many curious disputes and adventures, and meets many odd characters.

I believe you will think me very idle to write you so trifling a letter,
upon so uninteresting a subject, at a time when my country is fighting
_pro aris et focis_. But I assure you I am glad to chat with this
barber, while he is shaving and combing me, to divert myself from less
agreeable thoughts. He is so sprightly and good-humored that he
contributes, more than I could have imagined, to my comfort in this
life. Burne has prepared a string of toasts for the club to drink to-day
at Israel's.

The thirteen united colonies.

The free and independent States of America.

The Congress for the time being.

The American army and navy.

The Governor and Council of South Carolina, etc., etc., etc.

A happy election for the Whigs on the first of May, etc.



101. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 28 April, 1776.

Yesterday I received two letters from you from the 7th to the 14th of
April. It gives me concern to think of the many cares you must have upon
your mind. Your reputation as a farmer, or anything else you undertake,
I dare answer for. Your partner's character as a statesman is much more
problematical.

As to my return, I have not a thought of it. Journeys of such a length
are tedious, and expensive both of time and money, neither of which is
my own. I hope to spend the next Christmas where I did the last, and
after that I hope to be relieved; for by that time, I shall have taken a
pretty good trick at helm, whether the vessel has been well steered or
not. But if my countrymen should insist upon my serving them another
year, they must let me bring my whole family with me. Indeed, I could
keep house here, with my partner, four children, and two servants, as
cheap as I maintain myself here with two horses and a servant at
lodgings.

Instead of domestic felicity, I am destined to public contentions.
Instead of rural felicity, I must reconcile myself to the smoke and
noise of a city. In the place of private peace, I must be distracted
with the vexation of developing the deep intrigues of politicians, and
must assist in conducting the arduous operations of war, and think
myself well rewarded if my private pleasure and interests are
sacrificed, as they ever have been and will be, to the happiness of
others.

You tell me our jurors refuse to serve, because the writs are issued in
the King's name. I am very glad to hear that they discover so much sense
and spirit. I learn, from another letter, that the General Court have
left out of their bills the year of his reign, and that they are making
a law that the same name shall be left out of all writs, commissions,
and all law processes. This is good news too. The same will be the case
in all the colonies, very soon.

You ask me, how I have done, the winter past. I have not enjoyed so good
health as last fall. But I have done complaining of anything. Of
ill-health I have no right to complain, because it is given me by
Heaven. Of meanness, of envy, of littleness, of ----, of ----, of ----, I
have reason and right to complain, but I have too much contempt to use
that right. There is such a mixture of folly, littleness, and knavery in
this world, that I am weary of it, and although I behold it with
unutterable contempt and indignation, yet the public good requires that
I should take no notice of it by word or by letter. And to this public
good I will conform.

You will see an account of the fleet in some of the papers I have sent
you. I give you joy of the Admiral's success. I have vanity enough to
take to myself a share in the merit of the American navy. It was always
a measure that my heart was much engaged in, and I pursued it for a long
time against the wind and tide, but at last obtained it.

Is there no way for two friendly souls to converse together although the
bodies are four hundred miles off? Yes, by letter. But I want a better
communication. I want to hear you think or to see your thoughts. The
conclusion of your letter makes my heart throb more than a cannonade
would. You bid me burn your letters. But I must forget you first. In
yours of April 14 you say you miss our friend in the conveyance of your
letters. Don't hesitate to write by the post. Seal well. Don't miss a
single post. You take it for granted that I have particular intelligence
of everything from others, but I have not. If any one wants a vote for a
commission he vouchsafes me a letter, but tells me very little news. I
have more particulars from you than any one else. Pray keep me
constantly informed what ships are in the harbor and what fortifications
are going on. I am quite impatient to hear of more vigorous measures for
fortifying Boston harbor: Not a moment should be neglected. Every man
ought to go down, as they did after the battle of Lexington, and work
until it is done. I would willingly pay half a dozen hands myself, and
subsist them, rather than it should not be done immediately. It is of
more importance than to raise corn. You say "inclosed is a prologue and
a parody," but neither was inclosed. If you did not forget it, the
letter has been opened, and the inclosures taken out. If the small-pox
spreads, run me in debt. I received, a post or two past, a letter from
your uncle at Salem, containing a most friendly and obliging invitation
to you and yours to go and have the distemper at his house if it should
spread. He has one or two in his family to have it.

The writer of "Common Sense" and "The Forester" is the same person. His
name is Paine, a gentleman about two years ago from England, a man who,
General Lee says, has genius in his eyes. The writer of "Cassandra" is
said to be Mr. James Cannon, a tutor in the Philadelphia College. "Cato"
is reported here to be Doctor Smith--a match for Brattle. The oration
was an insolent performance. A motion was made to thank the orator, and
ask a copy, but opposed with great spirit and vivacity from every part
of the room, and at last withdrawn, lest it should be rejected, as it
certainly would have been, with indignation. The orator then printed it
himself, after leaving out or altering some offensive passages. This is
one of the many irregular and extravagant characters of the age. I never
heard one single person speak well of anything about him but his
abilities, which are generally allowed to be good. The appointment of
him to make the oration was a great oversight and mistake.

The last act of Parliament has made so deep an impression upon people's
minds throughout the colonies, it is looked upon as the last stretch of
oppression, that we are hastening rapidly to great events. Governments
will be up everywhere before midsummer, and an end to royal style,
titles, and authority. Such mighty revolutions make a deep impression on
the minds of men, and set many violent passions at work. Hope, fear,
joy, sorrow, love, hatred, malice, envy, revenge, jealousy, ambition,
avarice, resentment, gratitude, and every other passion, feeling,
sentiment, principle, and imagination were never in more lively exercise
than they are now from Florida to Canada inclusively. May God in his
providence overrule the whole for the good of mankind. It requires more
serenity of temper, a deeper understanding, and more courage than fell
to the lot of Marlborough to ride in this whirlwind.



102. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 7 May, 1776.

How many are the solitary hours I spend ruminating upon the past and
anticipating the future, whilst you, overwhelmed with the cares of
state, have but a few moments you can devote to any individual. All
domestic pleasures and enjoyments are absorbed in the great and
important duty you owe your country, "for our country is, as it were, a
secondary god, and the first and greatest parent. It is to be preferred
to parents, wives, children, friends, and all things,--the gods only
excepted; for, if our country perishes, it is as impossible to save an
individual as to preserve one of the fingers of a mortified hand." Thus
do I suppress every wish, and silence every murmur, acquiescing in a
painful separation from the companion of my youth and the friend of my
heart.

I believe 't is near ten days since I wrote you a line. I have not felt
in a humor to entertain you. If I had taken up my pen perhaps some
unbecoming invective might have fallen from it. The eyes of our rulers
have been closed, and a lethargy has seized almost every member. I fear
a fatal security has taken possession of them. Whilst the building is in
flames, they tremble at the expense of water to quench it. In short, two
months have elapsed since the evacuation of Boston, and very little has
been done in that time to secure it, or the harbor, from future
invasion. The people are all in a flame, and no one among us, that I
have heard of, even mentions expense. They think, universally, that
there has been an amazing neglect somewhere. Many have turned out as
volunteers to work upon Noddle's Island, and many more would go upon
Nantasket, if the business was once set on foot. "'T is a maxim of
state, that power and liberty are like heat and moisture. Where they are
well mixed, everything prospers; where they are single, they are
destructive."

A government of more stability is much wanted in this colony, and they
are ready to receive it from the hands of the Congress. And since I have
begun with maxims of state, I will add another, namely, that a people
may let a king fall, yet still remain a people; but, if a king let his
people slip from him, he is no longer a king. And as this is most
certainly our case, why not proclaim to the world, in decisive terms,
your own importance?

Shall we not be despised by foreign powers, for hesitating so long at a
word?

I cannot say that I think you are very generous to the ladies; for,
whilst you are proclaiming peace and good-will to men, emancipating all
nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over wives. But you
must remember that arbitrary power is like most other things which are
very hard, very liable to be broken; and, notwithstanding all your wise
laws and maxims, we have it in our power, not only to free ourselves,
but to subdue our masters, and, without violence, throw both your
natural and legal authority at our feet;--

   "Charm by accepting, by submitting sway,
   Yet have our humor most when we obey."

I thank you for several letters which I have received since I wrote
last; they alleviate a tedious absence, and I long earnestly for a
Saturday evening, and experience a similar pleasure to that which I used
to find in the return of my friend upon that day after a week's absence.
The idea of a year dissolves all my philosophy.

Our little ones, whom you so often recommend to my care and
instruction, shall not be deficient in virtue or probity, if the
precepts of a mother have their desired effect; but they would be doubly
enforced, could they be indulged with the example of a father
alternately before them. I often point them to their sire,--

             "engaged in a corrupted state,
   Wrestling with vice and faction."


   9 May.

I designed to have finished the sheet, but, an opportunity offering, I
close, only just informing you that, May the 7th, our privateers took
two prizes in the bay, in fair sight of the man-of-war; one, a brig from
Ireland; the other from Fayal, loaded with wine, brandy, etc.; the other
with beef, etc. The wind was east, and a flood tide, so that the tenders
could not get out, though they tried several times; the lighthouse fired
signal guns, but all would not do. They took them in triumph, and
carried them into Lynn.

Pray be kind enough to remember me at all times, and write, as often as
you possibly can, to your

   PORTIA.



103. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   9 May, 1776.

I this day received yours of the 20th of April, accompanied with a
letter upon government. Upon reading it I somehow or other felt an
uncommon affection for it. I could not help thinking it was a near
relation of a very intimate friend of mine. If I am mistaken in its
descent, I know it has a near affinity to the sentiments of that person.
And though I cannot pretend to be an adept in the art of government, yet
it looks rational that a government of good laws well administered
should carry with them the fairest prospect of happiness to a community,
as well as to individuals. But as this is a prerogative to which your
sex lay an almost exclusive claim, I shall quit the subject after having
quoted a passage in favor of a republic, from an anonymous author
entitled "Essays on the Genius and Writings of Pope."

"The fine arts in short, are naturally attendant upon power and luxury.
But the sciences require unlimited freedom to raise them to their full
vigor and growth. In a monarchy there may be poets, painters, and
musicians, but orators, historians, and philosophers can exist in a
republic alone. The Roman nation, by their unjust attempt upon the
liberty of the world, justly lost their own, and with their liberty they
lost not only their force of eloquence, but even their style and
language itself."

This province is not in the most agreeable situation at present. It
wants a poise, a stability, which it does not possess. The Council have
recommended it to the Superior Court to sit at Ipswich next term. Judge
Cushing called upon me yesterday with his lady, and made me a very
friendly visit; said he wished earnestly for the presence of the Chief
Justice. He had many things he wished to say to him. I requested him to
write, and he has promised to.

The spirit of fortification has just waked, and we are now pursuing with
vigor what ought before this time to have been completed. Fort Hill, the
Castle, Dorchester Points, Noddle's Island are almost completed. A
committee are sent down to Nantasket, and orders are given to fortify
the Moon, George's Island, etc. I believe Noddle's Island has been done
by subscription. Six hundred inhabitants of the town meet every morning
in the town house, from whence they march with fife and drum, with Mr.
Gordon, Mr. Skilman, and Mr. Lothrop at their head, to the Long Wharf,
where they embark for the island; and it comes to the subscribers' turn
to work two days in a week.

You have no doubt heard of the appointment of your friend as judge. He
seems loath to accept, and his lady I think loath that he should. Surely
it does not look well to have those offices bandied about from hand to
hand; if they could not obtain one from the bar, that gentleman will
fill the place with honor to himself and his brethren. But Mr. Lowell
ought to have come in, instead of some others; but there are some in
Council who require more than Heaven: that demands only repentance and
amendment.

Let me hear from you often.



104. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 12 May, 1776.

Yours of 21 April came to hand yesterday. I send you regularly every
newspaper, and write as often as I can; but I feel more skittish about
writing than I did, because, since the removal of headquarters to New
York, we have no express, and very few individual travellers; and the
post I am not quite confident in; however, I shall write as I can.

What shall I do with my office?[139] I want to resign it for a thousand
reasons. Would you advise me?

There has been a gallant battle in Delaware River between the galleys
and two men-of-war, the _Roebuck_ and _Liverpool_, in which the
men-of-war came off second best; which has diminished, in the minds of
the people on both sides of the river, the terror of a man-of-war.

I long to hear a little of my private affairs; yet I dread it, too,
because I know you must be perplexed and distressed. I wish it was in my
power to relieve you. It gives me great pleasure to learn that our
rulers are, at last, doing something towards the fortification of
Boston. But I am inexpressibly chagrined to find that the enemy is
fortifying on George's Island. I never shall be easy until they are
completely driven out of that harbor, and effectually prevented from
ever getting in again. As you are a politician and now elected into an
important office, that of judgess of the Tory ladies, which will give
you, naturally, an influence with your sex, I hope you will be instant,
in season and out of season, in exhorting them to use their influence
with the gentlemen, to fortify upon George's Island, Lovell's,
Pettick's, Long, or wherever else it is proper. Send down fire ships and
rafts, and burn to ashes those pirates. I am out of patience with the
languid, lethargic councils of the province, at such a critical,
important moment, puzzling their heads about twopenny fees, and
confession bills, and what not, when the harbor of Boston is
defenseless. If I was there, I should storm and thunder like
Demosthenes, or scold like a tooth-drawer. Do ask Mr. Wibird and Mr.

Weld and Mr. Taft to preach about it. I am ashamed, vexed, angry to the
last degree. Our people, by their torpitude, have invited the enemy to
come to Boston again, and I fear they will have the civility and
politeness to accept the invitation.

Your uncle has never answered my letter. Thank the Dr.; he has written
me a most charming letter, full of intelligence and very sensible and
useful remarks. I will pay the debt, as far as my circumstances will
admit, and as soon. But I hope my friends will not wait for regular
returns from me. I have not yet left off pitying "the fifty or sixty
men;" and if my friends knew all that I do, they would pity too.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 139: That of Chief Justice.]



105. JOHN ADAMS.


   17 May, 1776.

I have this morning heard Mr. Duffield, upon the signs of the times. He
ran a parallel between the case of Israel and that of America; and
between the conduct of Pharaoh and that of George. Jealousy that the
Israelites would throw off the government of Egypt made him issue his
edict that the midwives should cast the children into the river, and the
other edict, that the men should make a large revenue of bricks without
straw. He concluded, that the course of events indicated strongly the
design of Providence that we should be separated from Great Britain,
etc.

Is it not a saying of Moses, "Who am I, that I should go in and out
before this great people"? When I consider the great events which are
passed, and those greater which are rapidly advancing, and that I may
have been instrumental in touching some springs and turning some small
wheels, which have had and will have such effects, I feel an awe upon my
mind which is not easily described. Great Britain has at last driven
America to the last step, a complete separation from her; a total,
absolute independence, not only of her Parliament, but of her crown, for
such is the amount of the resolve of the 15th.[140] Confederation among
ourselves, or alliances with foreign nations, are not necessary to a
perfect separation from Britain. That is effected by extinguishing all
authority under the crown, Parliament, and nation, as the resolution for
instituting governments has done, to all intents and purposes.
Confederation will be necessary for our internal concord, and alliances
may be so for our external defense.

I have reasons to believe that no colony, which shall assume a
government under the people, will give it up. There is something very
unnatural and odious in a government a thousand leagues off. A whole
government of our own choice, managed by persons whom we love, revere,
and can confide in, has charms in it for which men will fight. Two young
gentlemen from South Carolina in this city, who were in Charlestown when
their new constitution was promulgated, and when their new Governor and
Council and Assembly walked out in procession, attended by the guards,
company of cadets, light horse, etc., told me that they were beheld by
the people with transports and tears of joy. The people gazed at them
with a kind of rapture. They both told me that the reflection that these
were gentlemen whom they all loved, esteemed, and revered, gentlemen of
their own choice, whom they could trust, and whom they could displace,
if any of them should behave amiss, affected them so that they could not
help crying. They say their people will never give up this government.
One of these gentlemen is a relation of yours, a Mr. Smith, son of Mr.
Thomas Smith. I shall give him this letter or another to you.

A privateer fitted out here by Colonel Roberdeau and Major Bayard since
our resolves for privateering, I am this moment informed, has taken a
valuable prize. This is encouragement at the beginning.

In one or two of your letters, you remind me to think of you as I ought.
Be assured, there is not an hour of the day in which I don't think of
you as I ought, that is, with every sentiment of tenderness, esteem, and
admiration.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 140: Or rather of the preamble, which was adopted on that day,
as an amendment to the resolution passed on the 10th. On the 6th, Mr.
Adams had offered, in committee of the whole, a resolve that the
colonies should form governments independent of the crown. The shape in
which this proposition was adopted on the 10th was a recommendation to
the respective assemblies and conventions of the united colonies, where
no government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs had been yet
established, to adopt such government as might in their opinion best
conduce to the safety and happiness of their constituents in particular,
and America in general. This resolution was passed on the 10th of May,
accompanied by another appointing Mr. Adams, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. R. H.
Lee a committee to prepare a preamble. This committee accordingly
reported the draught of a preamble, which was agreed to on the 15th, the
date named in this letter.]



106. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 22 May, 1776.

When a man is seated in the midst of forty people, some of whom are
talking, and others whispering, it is not easy to think what is proper
to write. I shall send you the newspapers, which will inform you of
public affairs, and the particular flickerings of parties in this
colony. I am happy to learn from your letter that a flame is at last
raised among the people, for the fortification of the harbor. Whether
Nantasket or Point Alderton would be proper posts to be taken, I can't
say. But I would fortify every place which is proper, and which cannon
could be obtained for. Generals Gates and Mifflin are now here. General
Washington will be here to-morrow, when we shall consult and deliberate
concerning the operations of the ensuing campaign.

We have dismal accounts from Europe of the preparations against us. This
summer will be very important to us. We shall have a severe trial of our
patience, fortitude, and perseverance. But I hope we shall do valiantly,
and tread down our enemies.

I have some thoughts of petitioning the General Court for leave to bring
my family here. I am a lonely, forlorn creature here. It used to be some
comfort to me that I had a servant and some horses. They composed a sort
of family for me. But now, there is not one creature here that I seem to
have any kind of relation to. It is a cruel reflection, which very often
comes across me, that I should be separated so far from those babes
whose education and welfare lie so near my heart. But greater
misfortunes than these must not divert us from superior duties.

Your sentiments of the duties we owe to our country are such as become
the best of women and the best of men. Among all the disappointments and
perplexities which have fallen to my share in life, nothing has
contributed so much to support my mind as the choice blessing of a wife
whose capacity enabled her to comprehend, and whose pure virtue obliged
her to approve, the views of her husband. This has been the cheering
consolation of my heart in my most solitary, gloomy, and disconsolate
hours. In this remote situation, I am deprived in a great measure of
this comfort. Yet I read and read again your charming letters, and they
serve me, in some faint degree, as a substitute for the company and
conversation of the writer. I want to take a walk with you in the
garden, to go over to the common, the plain, the meadow. I want to take
Charles in one hand and Tom in the other, and walk with you, Abby on
your right hand and John upon my left, to view the corn fields, the
orchards, etc.

Alas, poor imagination! how faintly and imperfectly do you supply the
want of originality and reality. But instead of these pleasing scenes of
domestic life, I hope you will not be disturbed with the alarms of war.
I hope, yet I fear.



107. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 27 May, 1776.

I have three of your favors before me. The last has given me relief from
many anxieties. It relates wholly to private affairs, and contains such
an account of wise and prudent management as makes me very happy. I
begin to be jealous that our neighbors will think affairs more
discreetly conducted in my absence than at any other time. Whether your
suspicions concerning a letter under a marble cover are just or not, it
is best to say little about it. It is a hasty,[141] hurried thing, and
of no great consequence, calculated for a meridian at a great distance
from New England. If it has done no good, it will do no harm. It has
contributed to set people thinking upon the subject, and in this
respect has answered its end. The manufacture of governments having,
since the publication of that letter, been as much talked of as that of
saltpetre was before.

I rejoice at your account of the spirit of fortification, and the good
effects of it. I hope by this time you are in a tolerable posture of
defense. The inhabitants of Boston have done themselves great honor by
their laudable zeal, the clergymen, especially.

I think you shine as a stateswoman of late, as well as a farmeress. Pray
where do you get your maxims of state? They are very apropos. I am much
obliged to Judge Cushing and his lady for their polite visit to you. I
should be very happy to see him, and converse with him about many
things, but cannot hope for that pleasure very soon. The affairs of
America are in so critical a state, such great events are struggling
into birth, that I must not quit this station at this time. Yet I dread
the melting heats of a Philadelphia summer, and know not how my frail
constitution will endure it. Such constant care, such incessant
application of mind, drinking up and exhausting the finer spirits, upon
which life and health so essentially depend, will wear away a stronger
man than I am. Yet I will not shrink from this danger or this toil.
While my health shall be such that I can discharge, in any tolerable
manner, the duties of this important post, I will not desert it.

I am pleased to hear that the Superior Court is to sit at Ipswich in
June. This will contribute to give stability to the government, I hope,
in all its branches. But I presume other steps will be taken for this
purpose. A Governor and Lieutenant-governor, I hope, will be chosen, and
the Constitution a little more fixed. I hope too, that the Council will,
this year, be more full, and augmented by the addition of good men. I
hope Mr. Bowdoin will be Governor, if his health will permit, and Dr.
Winthrop Lieutenant-governor. These are wise, learned, and prudent men.
The first has a great fortune and wealthy connections. The other has the
advantage of a name and family which is much reverenced, besides his
personal abilities and virtues, which are very great.

Our friend,[142] I sincerely hope, will not refuse his appointment. For
although I have ever thought that the bench should be filled from the
bar, and once labored successfully to effect it, yet as the gentlemen
have seen fit to decline, I know of no one who would do more honor to
the station than my friend. None would be so agreeable to me, whether I
am to sit by him or before him. I suppose it must be disagreeable to him
and his lady, because he loves to be upon his farm, and they both love
to be together. But you must tell them of a couple of their friends, who
are as fond of living together, who are obliged to sacrifice their rural
amusements and domestic happiness to the requisitions of the public.

The Generals, Washington, Gates, and Mifflin, are all here, and we shall
derive spirit, unanimity, and vigor from their presence and advice. I
hope you will have some general officers at Boston soon. I am, with
constant wishes and prayers for your health and prosperity, forever
yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 141: _Thoughts on Government._]

[Footnote 142: James Warren.]



108. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


What can be the reason I have not heard from you since the 20th of
April, and now 't is the 27th of May. My anxious, foreboding heart fears
every evil, and my nightly slumbers are tortured. I have sent and sent
again to the post-office, which is now kept in Boston at the office of
the former Solicitor General. Not one line for me, though your
handwriting is to be seen to several others. Not a scrip have I had
since the General Assembly rose, and the very idea casts such a gloom
upon my spirits that I cannot recover them for hours, nor reason myself
out of my fears. Surely if letters are delivered to any other hand than
those to whose care they are directed, 't is cruel to detain them. I
believe for the future you had better direct them to be left in the
post-office, from whence I shall be sure of obtaining them.

I wrote you two letters about a fortnight ago which were both covered
together. Hope you have received them. We have no news here but what you
will be informed of long before this reaches you, unless it is the
politics of the town. At our May meeting Mr. Wibird was desired to
preach a sermon previous to the choice, which he did to great
acceptation. The debates were not who, but how many should be sent. They
agreed upon three: Mr. Bass for the upper precinct, Colonel Thayer for
the middle, and an uncle of ours[143] for this; but he begged to be
excused as his state of health was so infirm, and so subject to a
nervous headache that he was sure he could not stand it to sit in so
numerous an assembly. The next vote was for your brother, and a tie took
place between him and Colonel Palmer; but the latter declaring that he
would tarry in the House if chosen there, the vote fell upon him.

The disagreeable news we have from Quebec is a great damper to our
spirits, but shall we receive good and not evil? Upon this occasion you
will recollect the sentiments of your favorite, Sully: "Without
attempting to judge of the future, which depends upon too many
accidents, much less to subject it to our precipitation in bold and
difficult enterprises, we should endeavor to subdue one obstacle at a
time, nor suffer ourselves to be depressed by their greatness and their
number. We ought never to despair at _what has once been accomplished_.
How many things have had the idea of impossible annexed to them, that
have become easy to those who knew how to take advantage of time,
opportunity, lucky moments, the faults of others, different dispositions
and an infinite number of other circumstances."

These are sentiments worthy of the man who could execute what he
planned. I sincerely wish we had the spirit of Sully animating our
counsels.


   27 May.

My heart is as light as a feather and my spirits are dancing. I received
this afternoon a fine parcel of letters and papers by Colonel Thayer. It
was a feast to me. I shall rest in quiet, I hope, this night. The
papers I have not read, but sit down to write you, for Mr. Bass has just
been here to let me know that Harry will call upon him to-morrow and
take this letter for me. I would not have you anxious about me. I make
out better than I did.

I took a ride last week, and ventured just as far as the stump of
Liberty Tree. Roxbury looks more injured than Boston. That is, the
houses look more torn to pieces. I was astonished at the extent of our
lines and their strength.

We have taken a most noble prize, the inventory of which you will have
in the paper. The poor Captain[144] has since lost his life in a
desperate engagement with thirteen boats from the men of war, which
attacked and attempted to board him; but by a most brave resistance they
sunk four of the boats and fought so warmly with their spears and small
arms as to oblige them to quit him, though he had but twenty-seven men
and they five times his number. He unhappily fell, and was the only one
who did. Many dead bodies have since been taken up, among whom is an
officer.

We have now in fair sight of my uncle's the _Commodore_, a thirty-six
gun frigate, another large vessel, and six small craft. I hope after
election we shall have ways and means devised to drive off these
torments. Providence seems to have delivered into our hands the very
articles most needed, and at a time when we were weak and not so well
provided for as we could wish. We have two row-galleys building, and men
of spirit to use them I dare say will be found. One engagement only
whets their appetite for another.

I heard last night that we had three regiments coming back to us, with
General Gates to head them; at which I most sincerely rejoiced. I think
he is the man we want.

You ask my advice with regard to your office. If I was to consult only
my own private satisfaction and pleasure, I should request you to resign
it; but alas, that is of small moment when compared to the whole, and I
think you qualified and know you disposed to serve your country. I must
advise you to hold it, at least for the present year. And in saying this
I make a sacrifice which those only can judge of whose hearts are one.

I was much affected, the other day, by a letter which I saw from the
lady of the late worthy General Montgomery. Speaking of him, she says,
"Suffer me to repeat his last words to me: 'You shall never blush for
your Montgomery.' Nobly has he kept his word. As a wife I must ever
mourn the husband, friend, and lover of a thousand virtues, of all
domestic bliss, the idol of my warmest affections, and, in one word, my
every dream of happiness. Methinks I am like the poor widow in the
Gospel; having given my mite, I sit down disconsolate."

These are only detached parts of the letter, to which I fear I have not
done justice, as I have only my memory to serve me; but it was a very
fine letter. Oh that I could annihilate space.

   Yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 143: Norton Quincy.]

[Footnote 144: Mugford. Gordon's _History_, Vol. II. p. 263, Bradford,
Vol. II. p. 109.]



109. JOHN ADAMS.


   2 June, 1776.

Yesterday I dined with Captain Richards, the gentleman who made me the
present of the brass pistols. We had cherries, strawberries, and green
peas in plenty. The fruits are three weeks earlier here than with you.
Indeed, they are a fortnight earlier on the east than on the west side
of Delaware River. We have had green peas this week past, but they were
brought over the river, from New Jersey, to this market. There are none
grown in the city or on the west side of the river yet. The reason is,
the soil of New Jersey is a warm sand; that of Pennsylvania a cold clay.
So much for peas and berries.

Now for something of more importance. In all the correspondence I have
maintained, during a course of twenty years, at least, that I have been
a writer of letters, I never kept a single copy. This negligence and
inaccuracy has been a great misfortune to me on many occasions. I have
now purchased a folio book, in the first page of which, excepting one
blank leaf, I am writing this letter, and intend to write all my
letters to you in it, from this time forward. This will be an advantage
to me in several respects. In the first place, I shall write more
deliberately. In the second place, I shall be able, at all times, to
review what I have written. Third, I shall know how often I write.
Fourth, I shall discover by this means whether any of my letters to you
miscarry. If it were possible for me to find a conveyance, I would send
you such another blank book as a present, that you might begin the
practice at the same time, for I really think that your letters are much
better worth preserving than mine. Your daughter and sons will very soon
write so good hands that they will copy the letters for you from your
book, which will improve them, at the same time that it relieves you.



110. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   3 June, 1776.

I received by Mr. Church a few lines from you. I wish to hear from you
every opportunity, though you say no more than that you are well. I feel
concerned lest your clothes should go to rags, having nobody to take any
care of you in your long absence; and then, you have not with you a
proper change for the seasons. However, you must do the best you can. I
have a suit of homespun for you whenever you return. I cannot avoid
sometimes repining that the gifts of fortune were not bestowed upon us,
that I might have enjoyed the happiness of spending my days with my
partner, but as it is, I think it my duty to attend with frugality and
economy to our own private affairs; and if I cannot add to our little
substance, yet see it that it is not diminished. I should enjoy but
little comfort in a state of idleness and uselessness. Here I can serve
my partner, my family, and myself, and enjoy the satisfaction of your
serving your country.

I wish you would write me what I had best do with our house at Boston. I
would advertise it if you think best. There are so many houses torn to
pieces and so many others abused, that I might stand a chance of letting
it, perhaps, as it is in so good repair.

My brother is desirous of joining the army again, but would choose to be
a field-officer. I have mentioned him to some of the House, and suppose
he will be recommended to Congress for a commission. I hardly know where
you will find men to form the regiments required. I begin to think
population a very important branch in the American manufactories.

I inclose a list of the Council. The House consists of more than two
hundred and fifty members. Your former pupil Angier comes from
Bridgewater, and five others. I hope they will proceed in business with
a little more spirit than heretofore. They are procuring two
row-galleys, but when they will be finished I know not. I thought they
were near done, but find to-day they are not yet contracted for. All our
gentry are gone from Nantasket Road except the _Commodore_ and one or
two small craft.

Everything bears a very great price. The merchant complains of the
farmer and the farmer of the merchant--both are extravagant. Living is
double what it was one year ago.

I find you have licensed tea, but I am determined not to be a purchaser
unless I can have it at Congress price, and in that article the venders
pay no regard to Congress, asking ten, eight, and the lowest is seven
and sixpence per pound. I should like a little green, but they say there
is none to be had here. I only wish it for a medicine, as a relief to a
nervous pain in my head to which I am sometimes subject. Were it as
plenty as ever, I would not practice the use of it.

Our family are all well. It has been reported here that Congress were
going to remove forty miles beyond Philadelphia. I gave no credit to the
report. I heard no reason assigned for it. I had much rather they would
come a hundred miles nearer here. Adieu. Yours.



111. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 16 June, 1776.

Yesterday was to me a lucky day, as it brought me two letters from you.
One dated May 27, and the other June 3d. Don't be concerned about me,
if it happens now and then that you don't hear from me for some weeks
together. If anything should injure my health materially, you will soon
hear of it. But I thank God I am in much better health than I expected
to be. But this cannot last long under the load that I carry. When it
becomes too great for my strength, I shall ask leave to lay it down, and
come home. But I will hold it out a good while yet, if I can.

I wish our uncle[145] had as much ambition as he has virtue and ability.
A deficiency of ambition is as criminal and injurious as an excess of
it. Tell him I say so. How shall we contrive to make so wise and good a
man ambitious? Is it not a sin to be so modest? Ask him how he can
answer it? Thanks for your quotation from Sully. It is extremely
apropos. I am very glad you are so well provided with help. Give my
respects to Mr. Belcher and his family. Tell him I am obliged to him for
his kind care of the farm. I wish I could go out with him and see the
business go on, but I can't. Thank your father and my mother for their
kind remembrance of me. Return my duty to both. Charles's young heroism
charms me. Kiss him. Poor Mugford, yet glorious Mugford! How beautiful
and sublime it is to die for one's country! What a fragrant memory
remains.

The rumor you heard of General Gates will prove premature. I endeavored
both here and with the General to have it so, and should have succeeded,
if it had not been for the loss of General Thomas. Cruel small-pox!
worse than the sword! But now, I fear we must part with Gates for the
sake of Canada. Mrs. Montgomery is a lady, like all the family, of
refined sentiments and elegant accomplishments. Her letter, as you quote
it, is very pathetic. I rejoice to hear that the enemy have not
fortified, and hope they will not be suffered to attempt it.

Don't think about my clothes. I do well enough in that respect. As to
your house at Boston, do with it as you please. Sell it, if you will,
but not for a farthing less than it cost me. Let it, if you please, but
take care who your tenant is, both of his prudence to preserve the house
and his ability to pay the rent.

I send you all the news in the papers. Great things are on the tapis.
These throes will usher in the birth of a fine boy. We have no thoughts
of removing from hence. There is no occasion for it.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 145: Norton Quincy was solicited to fill responsible stations
at the outset of the Revolution, but he preferred to live a recluse all
his life, which terminated in 1801 in his paternal mansion at Mount
Wollaston.]



112. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Plymouth, 17 June, 1776, a remarkable day.

I this day received by the hands of our worthy friend a large packet,
which has refreshed and comforted me. Your own sensations have ever been
similar to mine. I need not then tell you how gratified I am at the
frequent tokens of remembrance with which you favor me, nor how they
rouse every tender sensation of my soul, which sometimes will find vent
at my eyes. Nor dare I describe how earnestly I long to fold to my
fluttering heart the object of my warmest affections; the idea soothes
me. I feast upon it with a pleasure known only to those whose hearts and
hopes are one.

The approbation you give to my conduct in the management of our private
affairs is very grateful to me, and sufficiently compensates for all my
anxieties and endeavors to discharge the many duties devolved upon me in
consequence of the absence of my dearest friend. Were they discharged
according to my wishes, I should merit the praises you bestow.

You see I date from Plymouth. I came upon a visit to our amiable
friends, accompanied by my sister Betsey, a day or two ago. It is the
first night I have been absent since you left me. Having determined upon
this visit for some time, I put my family in order and prepared for it,
thinking I might leave it with safety. Yet, the day I set out I was
under many apprehensions, by the coming in of ten transports, which were
seen to have many soldiers on board, and the determination of the people
to go and fortify upon Long Island, Pettick's Island, Nantasket, and
Great Hill. It was apprehended they would attempt to land somewhere, but
the next morning I had the pleasure to hear they were all driven out,
_Commodore_ and all; not a transport, a ship, or a tender to be seen.
This shows what might have been long ago done. Had this been done in
season, the ten transports, with many others, in all probability would
have fallen into our hands; but the progress of wisdom is slow.

Since I arrived here I have really had a scene quite novel to me. The
brig _Defence_, from Connecticut, put in here for ballast. The officers,
who are all from thence, and who are intimately acquainted at Dr.
Lathrop's, invited his lady to come on board, and bring with her as many
of her friends as she could collect. She sent an invitation to our
friend, Mrs. Warren, and to us. The brig lay about a mile and a half
from town. The officers sent their barge, and we went. Every mark of
respect and attention which was in their power, they showed us. She is a
fine brig, mounts sixteen guns, twelve swivels, and carries one hundred
and twenty men. A hundred and seventeen were on board, and no private
family ever appeared under better regulation than the crew. It was as
still as though there had been only half a dozen; not a profane word
among any of them. The captain himself is an exemplary man (Harden his
name); has been in nine sea engagements; says if he gets a man who
swears, and finds he cannot reform him, he turns him on shore, yet is
free to confess that it was the sin of his youth. He has one lieutenant,
a very fine fellow, Smelden by name. We spent a very agreeable
afternoon, and drank tea on board. They showed us their arms, which were
sent by Queen Anne, and everything on board was a curiosity to me. They
gave us a mock engagement with an enemy, and the manner of taking a
ship. The young folks went upon the quarter-deck and danced. Some of
their Jacks played very well upon the violin and German flute. The brig
bears the Continental colors, and was fitted out by the Colony of
Connecticut. As we set off from the brig, they fired their guns in
honor of us, a ceremony I would very readily have dispensed with.

I pity you, and feel for you under all the difficulties you have to
encounter. My daily petitions to Heaven for you are that you may have
health, wisdom, and fortitude sufficient to carry you through the great
and arduous business in which you are engaged, and that your endeavors
may be crowned with success. Canada seems a dangerous and ill-fated
place. It is reported here that General Thomas is no more, that he took
the small-pox, and died with it. Every day some circumstance arises
which shows me the importance of having the distemper in youth. Dr.
Bulfinch has petitioned the General Court for leave to open a hospital
somewhere, and it will be granted him. I shall, with all the children,
be one of the first class, you may depend upon it.

I have just this moment heard that the brig which I was on board of on
Saturday, and which sailed yesterday morning from this place, fell in
with two transports, having each of them a hundred and fifty men on
board, and took them, and has brought them into Nantasket Roads, under
cover of the guns which are mounted there. I will add further
particulars as soon as I am informed.

I am now better informed, and will give you the truth. The brig
_Defence_, accompanied by a small privateer, sailed in concert Sunday
morning. About twelve o'clock they discovered two transports, and made
for them. Two privateers, which were small, had been in chase of them,
but finding the enemy was of much larger force, had run under Cohasset
rocks. The _Defence_ gave a signal gun to bring them out. Captain Burk,
who accompanied the _Defence_, being a prime sailor, he came up first,
and poured a broadside on board a sixteen gun brig. The _Defence_ soon
attacked her upon her bows. An obstinate engagement ensued. There was a
continual blaze upon all sides for many hours, and it was near midnight
before they struck. In the engagement, the _Defence_ lost one man, and
five wounded. With Burk, not one man received any damage; on board the
enemy, fourteen killed, among whom was a major, and sixty wounded. They
are part of the Highland soldiers. The other transport mounted six guns.
When the fleet sailed out of this harbor last week, they blew up the
lighthouse. They met six transports coming in, which they carried off
with them. I hope we shall soon be in such a posture of defense as to
bid them defiance.

I feel no great anxiety at the large armament designed against us. The
remarkable interpositions of Heaven in our favor cannot be too
gratefully acknowledged. He who fed the Israelites in the wilderness,
"who clothes the lilies of the field, and feeds the young ravens when
they cry," will not forsake a people engaged in so righteous a cause, if
we remember his loving-kindness. We wanted powder,--we have a supply. We
wanted arms,--we have been favored in that respect. We wanted hard
money,--twenty-two thousand dollars, and an equal value in plate, are
delivered into our hands.

You mention your peas, your cherries, and your strawberries, etc. Ours
are but just in blossom. We have had the coldest spring I ever knew.
Things are three weeks behind what they generally used to be. The corn
looks poor. The season now is rather dry. I believe I did not understand
you, when in a former letter you said, "I want to resign my office, for
a thousand reasons." If you mean that of judge, I know not what to say.
I know it will be a difficult and arduous station; but, divesting myself
of private interest, which would lead me to be against your holding that
office, I know of no person who is so well calculated to discharge the
trust, or who I think would act a more conscientious part.



113. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 26 June, 1776.

I have written so seldom to you, that I am really grieved at the
recollection. I wrote you a few lines June 2, and a few more June 16.
These are all that I have written to you since this month began. It has
been the busiest month that ever I saw. I have found time to inclose
all the newspapers, which I hope you will receive in due time.

Our misfortunes in Canada are enough to melt a heart of stone. The
small-pox is ten times more terrible than Britons, Canadians, and
Indians, together. This was the cause of our precipitate retreat from
Quebec. This the cause of our disgraces at the Cedars. I don't mean that
this was all. There has been want approaching to famine, as well as
pestilence. And these discouragements have so disheartened our officers
that none of them seem to act with prudence and firmness. But these
reverses of fortune don't discourage me. It was natural to expect them,
and we ought to be prepared in our minds for greater changes and more
melancholy scenes still. It is an animating cause, and brave spirits are
not subdued with difficulties.

Amidst all our gloomy prospects in Canada, we receive some pleasure from
Boston. I congratulate you on your victory over your enemies in the
harbor. This has long lain near my heart, and it gives me great pleasure
to think that what was so much wished is accomplished. I hope our people
will now make the lower harbor impregnable, and never again suffer the
flag of a tyrant to fly within any part of it.

The Congress have been pleased to give me more business than I am
qualified for, and more than, I fear, I can go through, with safety to
my health. They have established a board of war and ordnance and made me
President of it, an honor to which I never aspired, a trust to which I
feel myself vastly unequal. But I am determined to do as well as I can,
and make industry supply, in some degree, the place of abilities and
experience. The Board sits every morning and every evening. This with
constant attendance in Congress will so entirely engross my time, that I
fear I shall not be able to write you so often as I have. But I will
steal time to write to you.

The small-pox! the small-pox! what shall we do with it? I could almost
wish that an inoculating hospital was opened in every town in New
England. It is some small consolation that the scoundrel savages have
taken a large dose of it. They plundered the baggage and stripped off
the clothes of our men who had the small-pox out full upon them at the
Cedars.



114. JOHN ADAMS.


   3 July, 1776.

Your favor of 17 June, dated at Plymouth, was handed me by yesterday's
post. I was much pleased to find that you had taken a journey to
Plymouth, to see your friends, in the long absence of one whom you may
wish to see. The excursion will be an amusement, and will serve your
health. How happy would it have made me to have taken this journey with
you!

I was informed, a day or two before the receipt of your letter, that you
was gone to Plymouth, by Mrs. Polly Palmer, who was obliging enough, in
your absence, to send me the particulars of the expedition to the lower
harbor against the men-of-war. Her narration is executed with a
precision and perspicuity, which would have become the pen of an
accomplished historian.

I am very glad you had so good an opportunity of seeing one of our
little American men-of-war. Many ideas new to you must have presented
themselves in such a scene; and you will, in future, better understand
the relations of sea engagements.

I rejoice extremely at Dr. Bulfinch's petition to open a hospital. But I
hope the business will be done upon a larger scale. I hope that one
hospital will be licensed in every county, if not in every town. I am
happy to find you resolved to be with the children in the first class.
Mr. Whitney and Mrs. Katy Quincy are cleverly through inoculation in
this city.

The information you give me of our friend's refusing his appointment has
given me much pain, grief, and anxiety. I believe I shall be obliged to
follow his example. I have not fortune enough to support my family, and,
what is of more importance, to support the dignity of that exalted
station. It is too high and lifted up for me, who delight in nothing so
much as retreat, solitude, silence, and obscurity. In private life, no
one has a right to censure me for following my own inclinations in
retirement, simplicity, and frugality. In public life, every man has a
right to remark as he pleases. At least he thinks so.

Yesterday, the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in
America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among
men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony "that these
United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent
States, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to
make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all other acts
and things which other States may rightfully do." You will see, in a few
days, a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to
this mighty revolution, and the reasons which will justify it in the
sight of God and man. A plan of confederation will be taken up in a few
days.

When I look back to the year 1761, and recollect the argument concerning
writs of assistance in the superior court, which I have hitherto
considered as the commencement of this controversy between Great Britain
and America, and run through the whole period from that time to this,
and recollect the series of political events, the chain of causes and
effects, I am surprised at the suddenness as well as greatness of this
revolution. Britain has been filled with folly, and America with wisdom;
at least, this is my judgment. Time must determine. It is the will of
Heaven that the two countries should be sundered forever. It may be the
will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting,
and distresses yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will
have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues
which we have not, and correct many errors, follies, and vices which
threaten to disturb, dishonor, and destroy us. The furnace of affliction
produces refinement in states as well as individuals. And the new
Governments we are assuming in every part will require a purification
from our vices, and an augmentation of our virtues, or they will be no
blessings. The people will have unbounded power, and the people are
extremely addicted to corruption and venality, as well as the great. But
I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in
which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.



115. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 3 July, 1776.

Had a Declaration of Independency been made seven months ago, it would
have been attended with many great and glorious effects. We might,
before this hour, have formed alliances with foreign states. We should
have mastered Quebec, and been in possession of Canada. You will perhaps
wonder how such a declaration would have influenced our affairs in
Canada, but if I could write with freedom, I could easily convince you
that it would, and explain to you the manner how. Many gentlemen in high
stations, and of great influence, have been duped by the ministerial
bubble of Commissioners to treat. And in real, sincere expectation of
this event, which they so fondly wished, they have been slow and languid
in promoting measures for the reduction of that province. Others there
are in the Colonies who really wished that our enterprise in Canada
would be defeated, that the Colonies might be brought into danger and
distress between two fires, and be thus induced to submit. Others really
wished to defeat the expedition to Canada, lest the conquest of it
should elevate the minds of the people too much to hearken to those
terms of reconciliation which, they believed, would be offered us. These
jarring views, wishes, and designs occasioned an opposition to many
salutary measures which were proposed for the support of that
expedition, and caused obstructions, embarrassments, and studied delays,
which have finally lost us the province.

All these causes, however, in conjunction would not have disappointed
us, if it had not been for a misfortune which could not be foreseen, and
perhaps could not have been prevented; I mean the prevalence of the
small-pox among our troops. This fatal pestilence completed our
destruction. It is a frown of Providence upon us, which we ought to lay
to heart.

But, on the other hand, the delay of this Declaration to this time has
many great advantages attending it. The hopes of reconciliation which
were fondly entertained by multitudes of honest and well-meaning, though
weak and mistaken people, have been gradually, and at last totally
extinguished. Time has been given for the whole people maturely to
consider the great question of independence, and to ripen their
judgment, dissipate their fears, and allure their hopes, by discussing
it in newspapers and pamphlets, by debating it in assemblies,
conventions, committees of safety and inspection, in town and county
meetings, as well as in private conversations, so that the whole people,
in every colony of the thirteen, have now adopted it as their own act.
This will cement the union, and avoid those heats, and perhaps
convulsions, which might have been occasioned by such a Declaration six
months ago.

But the day is past. The second[146] day of July, 1776, will be the most
memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary
festival.

It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of
devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and
parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and
illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this
time forward forevermore.

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well
aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to
maintain this Declaration and support and defend these States. Yet,
through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory.
I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that
posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even although we
should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 146: The practice has been to celebrate the 4th of July, the
day upon which the form of the Declaration of Independence was agreed
to, rather than the 2d, the day upon which the resolution making that
declaration was determined upon by the Congress. A friend of Mr. Adams,
who had during his lifetime an opportunity to read the two letters dated
on the 3d, was so much struck with them, that he procured the liberty to
publish them. But thinking, probably, that a slight alteration would
better fit them for the taste of the day, and gain for them a higher
character for prophecy, than if printed as they were, he obtained leave
to put together only the most remarkable paragraphs, and make one letter
out of the two. He then changed the date from the 3d to the 5th, and the
word second to fourth, and published it, the public being made aware of
these alterations. In this form, and as connected with the anniversary
of our National Independence, these letters have ever since enjoyed
great popularity. The editor at first entertained some doubt of the
expediency of making a variation by printing them in their original
shape. But upon considering the matter maturely, his determination to
adhere, in all cases, to the text prevailed. If any injury to the
reputation of Mr. Adams for prophecy should ensue, it will be more in
form than in substance, and will not be, perhaps, without compensation
in the restoration of the unpublished portion. This friend was a nephew,
William S. Shaw. But the letters had been correctly and fully printed
before. See Niles's _Principles and Acts of the Revolution_, p. 330.]



116. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 7 July, 1776.

I have this moment folded up a magazine and an Evening Post, and sent
them off by an express who could not wait for me to write a single line.
It always goes to my heart to send off a packet of pamphlets and
newspapers without a letter, but it sometimes unavoidably happens, and I
suppose you had rather receive a pamphlet or newspaper than nothing.

The design of our enemy now seems to be a powerful invasion of New York
and New Jersey. The Halifax fleet and army is arrived, and another fleet
and army under Lord Howe is expected to join them. We are making great
preparations to meet them by marching the militia of Maryland,
Pennsylvania, and New Jersey down to the scene of action, and have made
large requisitions upon New England. I hope, for the honor of New
England and the salvation of America, our people will not be backward in
marching to New York. We must maintain and defend that important post,
at all events. If the enemy get possession there, it will cost New
England very dear. There is no danger of the small-pox at New York. It
is carefully kept out of the city and the army. I hope that your brother
and mine too will go into the service of their country at this critical
period of its distress.

Our army at Crown Point is an object of wretchedness enough to fill a
humane mind with horror; disgraced, defeated, discontented, dispirited,
diseased, naked, undisciplined, eaten up with vermin, no clothes, beds,
blankets, no medicines, no victuals but salt pork and flour. A chaplain
from that army preached a sermon here the other day from "Cursed is he
that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully." I knew, better than he
did, who the persons were who deserved these curses. But I could not
help myself, nor my poor country, any more than he. I hope that measures
will be taken to cleanse the army at Crown Point from the small-pox, and
that other measures will be taken in New England, by tolerating and
encouraging inoculation, to render that distemper less terrible.

I am solicitous to hear what figure our new Superior Court made in their
eastern circuit; what business they did; whether the grand juries and
petit juries were sworn; whether they tried any criminals, or any civil
actions; how the people were affected at the appearance of Courts again;
how the judges were treated; whether with respect or cold neglect, etc.
Every colony upon the continent will soon be in the same situation. They
are erecting governments as fast as children build cob-houses; but, I
conjecture, they will hardly throw them down again so soon.

The practice we have hitherto been in, of ditching round about our
enemies, will not always do. We must learn to use other weapons than the
pick and the spade. Our armies must be disciplined, and learn to fight.
I have the satisfaction to reflect that our Massachusetts people, when
they have been left to themselves, have been constantly fighting and
skirmishing, and always with success. I wish the same valor, prudence,
and spirit had been discovered everywhere.



117. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 7 July, 1776.

It is worth the while of a person, obliged to write as much as I do, to
consider the varieties of style. The epistolary is essentially different
from the oratorical and the historical style. Oratory abounds with
figures. History is simple, but grave, majestic, and formal. Letters,
like conversation, should be free, easy, and familiar. Simplicity and
familiarity are the characteristics of this kind of writing. Affectation
is as disagreeable in a letter as in conversation, and therefore studied
language, premeditated method, and sublime sentiments are not expected
in a letter. Notwithstanding which, the sublime, as well as the
beautiful and the novel, may naturally enough appear in familiar letters
among friends. Among the ancients there are two illustrious examples of
the epistolary style, Cicero and Pliny, whose letters present you with
models of fine writing, which have borne the criticism of almost two
thousand years. In these you see the sublime, the beautiful, the novel,
and the pathetic, conveyed in as much simplicity, ease, freedom, and
familiarity as language is capable of.

Let me request you to turn over the leaves of "The Preceptor" to a
letter of Pliny the Younger, in which he has transmitted to these days
the history of his uncle's philosophical curiosity, his heroic courage,
and his melancholy catastrophe. Read it, and say whether it is possible
to write a narrative of facts in a better manner. It is copious and
particular in selecting the circumstances most natural, remarkable, and
affecting. There is not an incident omitted which ought to have been
remembered, nor one inserted that is not worth remembrance. It gives you
an idea of the scene, as distinct and perfect as if a painter had drawn
it to the life before your eyes. It interests your passions as much as
if you had been an eye-witness of the whole transaction. Yet there are
no figures or art used. All is as simple, natural, easy, and familiar as
if the story had been told in conversation, without a moment's
premeditation.

Pope and Swift have given the world a collection of their letters; but I
think in general they fall short, in the epistolary way, of their own
eminence in poetry and other branches of literature. Very few of their
letters have ever engaged much of my attention. Gay's letter concerning
the pair of lovers killed by lightning is worth more than the whole
collection, in point of simplicity and elegance of composition, and as a
genuine model of the epistolary style. There is a book, which I wish you
owned,--I mean Rollin's "Belles Lettres,"--in which the variations of
style are explained.

Early youth is the time to learn the arts and sciences, and especially
to correct the ear and the imagination, by forming a style. I wish you
would think of forming the taste and judgment of your children now,
before any unchaste sounds have fastened on their ears, and before any
affectation or vanity is settled on their minds, upon the pure
principles of nature. Music is a great advantage; for style depends, in
part, upon a delicate ear. The faculty of writing is attainable by art,
practice, and habit only. The sooner, therefore, the practice begins,
the more likely it will be to succeed. Have no mercy upon an affected
phrase, any more than an affected air, gait, dress, or manners.

Your children have capacities equal to anything. There is a vigor in the
understanding and a spirit and fire in the temper of every one of them,
which is capable of ascending the heights of art, science, trade, war,
or politics. They should be set to compose descriptions of scenes and
objects, and narrations of facts and events. Declamations upon topics
and other exercises of various sorts should be prescribed to them. Set a
child to form a description of a battle, a storm, a siege, a cloud, a
mountain, a lake, a city, a harbor, a country seat, a meadow, a forest,
or almost anything that may occur to your thoughts. Set him to compose a
narration of all the little incidents and events of a day, a journey, a
ride, or a walk. In this way a taste will be formed, and a facility of
writing acquired.

For myself, as I never had a regular tutor, I never studied anything
methodically, and consequently never was completely accomplished in
anything. But, as I am conscious of my own deficiency in these respects,
I should be the less pardonable if I neglected the education of my
children. In grammar, rhetoric, logic, my education was imperfect,
because immethodical. Yet I have perhaps read more upon these arts, and
considered them in a more extensive view, than some others.



118. JOHN ADAMS.


   10 July.

You will see, by the newspapers which I from time to time inclose, with
what rapidity the colonies proceed in their political manoeuvres. How
many calamities might have been avoided if these measures had been taken
twelve months ago, or even no longer ago than last December?

The colonies to the south are pursuing the same maxims which have
heretofore governed those to the north. In constituting their new
governments, their plans are remarkably popular, more so than I could
ever have imagined; even more popular than the "Thoughts on Government;"
and in the choice of their rulers, capacity, spirit, and zeal in the
cause supply the place of fortune, family, and every other consideration
which used to have weight with mankind. My friend Archibald Bullock,
Esquire, is Governor of Georgia. John Rutledge, Esquire, is Governor of
South Carolina. Patrick Henry, Esquire, is Governor of Virginia, etc.
Dr. Franklin will be Governor of Pennsylvania. The new members of this
city are all in this taste, chosen because of their inflexible zeal for
independence. All the old members left out because they opposed
independence, or at least were lukewarm about it. Dickinson, Morris,
Allen, all fallen, like grass before the scythe, notwithstanding all
their vast advantages in point of fortune, family, and abilities. I am
inclined to think, however, and to wish, that these gentlemen may be
restored at a fresh election, because, although mistaken in some points,
they are good characters, and their great wealth and numerous
connections will contribute to strengthen America and cement her union.

I wish I were at perfect liberty to portray before you all these
characters in their genuine lights, and to explain to you the course of
political changes in this province. It would give you a great idea of
the spirit and resolution of the people, and show you, in a striking
point of view, the deep roots of American independence in all the
colonies. But it is not prudent to commit to writing such free
speculations in the present state of things. Time, which takes away the
veil, may lay open the secret springs of this surprising revolution. But
I find, although the colonies have differed in religion, laws, customs,
and manners, yet in the great essentials of society and government they
are all alike.



119. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 11 July, 1776.

You seem to be situated in the place of greatest tranquillity and
security of any upon the continent. I may be mistaken in this
particular, and an armament may have invaded your neighborhood, before
now. But we have no intelligence of any such design, and all that we now
know of the motions, plans, operations, and designs of the enemy
indicates the contrary. It is but just that you should have a little
rest, and take a little breath.

I wish I knew whether your brother and mine have enlisted in the army,
and what spirit is manifested by our militia for marching to New York
and Crown Point. The militia of Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and
the lower counties are marching with much alacrity, and a laudable zeal
to take care of Howe and his army at Staten Island. The army in New York
is in high spirits, and seems determined to give the enemy a serious
reception. The unprincipled and unfeeling and unnatural inhabitants of
Staten Island are cordially receiving the enemy, and, deserters say,
have engaged to take arms. They are an ignorant, cowardly pack of
scoundrels. Their numbers are small, and their spirit less.

It is some time since I received any letter from you. The Plymouth one
was the last. You must write me every week, by the post, if it is but a
few lines. It gives me many spirits. I design to write to the General
Court requesting a dismission, or at least a furlough. I think to
propose that they choose four more members, or at least three more, that
so we may attend here in rotation. Two or three or four may be at home
at a time, and the Colony properly represented notwithstanding. Indeed,
while the Congress were employed in political regulations, forming the
sentiments of the people of the Colonies into some consistent system,
extinguishing the remainders of authority under the crown, and gradually
erecting and strengthening governments under the authority of the
people, turning their thoughts upon the principles of polity and the
forms of government, framing constitutions for the Colonies separately,
and a limited and a defined Confederacy for the United Colonies, and in
some other measures, which I do not choose to mention particularly, but
which are now determined, or near the point of determination,[147] I
flattered myself that I might have been of some little use here. But
now, these matters will be soon completed, and very little business will
be to be done here but what will be either military or commercial;
branches of knowledge and business for which hundreds of others in our
province are much better qualified than I am. I shall therefore request
my masters to relieve me.

I am not a little concerned about my health, which seems to have been
providentially preserved to me, much beyond my expectations. But I begin
to feel the disagreeable effects of unremitting attention to business
for so long a time, and a want of exercise, and the bracing quality of
my native air; so that I have the utmost reason to fear an irreparable
injury to my constitution, if I do not obtain a little relaxation. The
fatigues of war are much less destructive to health than the painful,
laborious attention to debates and to writing, which drinks up the
spirits and consumes the strength.

   I am, etc.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 147: This probably has reference to the project of opening
relations with France, at this time entertained by a committee of which
the writer was a member.]



120. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Boston, 13 July, 1776.

I must begin with apologizing to you for not writing since the 17th of
June. I have really had so many cares upon my hands and mind, with a bad
inflammation in my eyes, that I have not been able to write. I now date
from Boston, where I yesterday arrived and was with all of our little
ones inoculated for the small-pox....

As to news, we have taken several prizes since I wrote you, as you will
see by the newspapers. The present report is of Lord Howe's coming with
unlimited powers. However, suppose it is so, I believe he little thinks
of treating with us as Independent States. How can any person yet dream
of a settlement, accommodations, etc.? They have neither the spirit nor
the feeling of men. Yet I see some who never were called Tories
gratified with the idea of Lord Howe's being upon his passage with such
powers!


   Sunday, 14 July.

By yesterday's post I received two letters dated 3d and 4th of July, and
though your letters never fail to give me pleasure, be the subject what
it will, yet it was greatly heightened by the prospect of the future
happiness and glory of our country. Nor am I a little gratified when I
reflect that a person so nearly connected with me has had the honor of
being a principal actor in laying a foundation for its future greatness.

May the foundation of our new Constitution be Justice, Truth,
Righteousness! Like the wise man's house, may it be founded upon these
rocks, and then neither storms nor tempests will overthrow it!

I cannot but be sorry that some of the most manly sentiments in the
Declaration are expunged from the printed copy. Perhaps wise reasons
induced it.

I shall write you now very often. Pray inform me constantly of every
important action. Every expression of tenderness is a cordial to my
heart. Important as they are to the rest of the world, to me they are
_everything_.

I suppose you have heard of a fleet which came up pretty near the Light
and kept us all with our mouths open, ready to catch them, but after
staying near a week, and making what observations they could, set sail
and went off, to our great mortification, who were[148] ---- for them in
every respect. If our ship of thirty-two guns which was built at
Portsmouth, and waiting only for guns, and another at Plymouth in the
same state, had been in readiness, we should in all probability have
been masters of them. Where the blame lies in that respect, I know not.
'T is laid upon Congress, and Congress is also blamed for not appointing
us a General. But Rome was not built in a day.

All our friends desire to be remembered to you, and foremost in that
number stands your

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 148: One word torn off under the seal.]



121. JOHN ADAMS.


   15 July.

My very deserving friend, Mr. Gerry, sets off to-morrow for Boston, worn
out of health by the fatigues of this station. He is an excellent man,
and an active, able statesman. I hope he will soon return hither. I am
sure I should be glad to return with him, but I cannot. I must wait to
have the guard relieved.

There is a most amiable, laudable, and gallant spirit prevailing in
these middle colonies. The militia turn out in great numbers and in high
spirits, in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, so that we
hope to resist Howe and his myrmidons.

Independence is, at last, unanimously agreed to in the New York
Convention. You will see, by the newspapers inclosed, what is going
forward in Virginia and Maryland and New Jersey. Farewell! farewell!
infatuated, besotted step-dame. I have not time to add more than that I
receive letters from you but seldom of late. To-morrow's post, I hope,
will bring me some. So I hoped of last Saturday's and last Tuesday's.



122. JOHN ADAMS.


   20 July.

I cannot omit the opportunity of writing you a line by this post. This
letter will, I suppose, find you, in some degree or other, under the
influence of the small-pox. The air is of very great importance. I don't
know your physician, but I hope he won't deprive you of air more than is
necessary.

We had yesterday an express from General Lee in Charleston, South
Carolina, with an account of a brilliant little action between the
armament under Clinton and Cornwallis, and a battery on Sullivan's
Island, which terminated very fortunately for America. I will endeavor
to inclose with this a printed account of it. It has given us good
spirits here, and will have a happy effect upon our armies at New York
and Ticonderoga. Surely our northern soldiers will not suffer themselves
to be outdone by their brethren so nearly under the sun. I don't yet
hear of any Massachusetts men at New York. Our people must not flinch at
this critical moment, when their country is in more danger than it ever
will be again, perhaps. What will they say if the Howes should prevail
against our forces at so important a post as New York, for want of a few
thousand men from the Massachusetts? I will likewise send you by this
post Lord Howe's letter and proclamation, which has let the cat out of
the bag. These tricks deceive no longer. Gentlemen here, who either were
or pretended to be deceived heretofore, now see or pretend to see
through such artifices. I apprehend his Lordship is afraid of being
attacked upon Staten Island, and is throwing out his barrels to amuse
Leviathan until his reinforcements shall arrive.


   20 July.

This has been a dull day to me. I waited the arrival of the post with
much solicitude and impatience, but his arrival made me more solicitous
still. "To be left at the Post Office," in your handwriting on the back
of a few lines from the Dr. was all that I could learn of you and my
little folks. If you were too busy to write, I hoped that some kind hand
would have been found to let me know something about you. Do my friends
think that I have been a politician so long as to have lost all feeling?
Do they suppose I have forgotten my wife and children? Or are they so
panic-struck with the loss of Canada as to be afraid to correspond with
me? Or have they forgotten that you have a husband, and your children a
father? What have I done, or omitted to do, that I should be thus
forgotten and neglected in the most tender and affecting scene of my
life? Don't mistake me. I don't blame you. Your time and thoughts must
have been wholly taken up with your own and your family's situation and
necessities; but twenty other persons might have informed me.

I suspect that you intended to have run slyly through the small-pox with
the family, without letting me know it, and then have sent me an account
that you were all well. This might be a kind intention, and if the
design had succeeded, would have made me very joyous. But the secret is
out, and I am left to conjecture. But as the faculty have this distemper
so much under command, I will flatter myself with the hope and
expectation of soon hearing of your recovery.



123. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Boston, 21 July, 1776.

Last Thursday, after hearing a very good sermon, I went with the
multitude into King Street to hear the Proclamation for Independence
read and proclaimed. Some field-pieces with the train were brought
there. The troops appeared under arms, and all the inhabitants assembled
there (the small-pox prevented many thousands from the country), when
Colonel Crafts read from the balcony of the State House the
proclamation. Great attention was given to every word. As soon as he
ended, the cry from the balcony was, "God save our American States," and
then three cheers which rent the air. The bells rang, the privateers
fired, the forts and batteries, the cannon were discharged, the platoons
followed, and every face appeared joyful. Mr. Bowdoin then gave a
sentiment, "Stability and perpetuity to American independence." After
dinner, the King's Arms were taken down from the State House, and every
vestige of him from every place in which it appeared, and burnt in King
Street. Thus ends royal authority in this State. And all the people
shall say Amen.

I have been a little surprised that we collect no better accounts with
regard to the horrid conspiracy at New York; and that so little mention
has been made of it here. It made a talk for a few days, but now seems
all hushed in silence. The Tories say that it was not a conspiracy, but
an association. And pretend that there was no plot to assassinate the
General.[149] Even their hardened hearts feel----the discovery----we
have in George a match for "a Borgia or a Catiline"--a wretch callous to
every humane feeling. Our worthy preacher told us that he believed one
of our great sins, for which a righteous God has come out in judgment
against us, was our bigoted attachment to so wicked a man. May our
repentance be sincere.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 149: See Irving's _Life of Washington_, Vol. II. p. 240.]



124. JOHN ADAMS.


   29 July.

How are you all this morning? Sick, weak, faint, in pain, or pretty well
recovered? By this time, you are well acquainted with the small-pox.
Pray, how do you like it?

We have no news. It is very hard that half a dozen or half a score
armies can't supply us with news. We have a famine, a perfect dearth of
this necessary article. I am, at this present writing, perplexed and
plagued with two knotty problems in politics. You love to pick a
political bone. So I will even throw it to you.

If a confederation should take place, one great question is, how we
shall vote. Whether each colony shall count one; or whether each shall
have a weight in proportion to its number, or wealth, or exports and
imports, or a compound ratio of all. Another is, whether Congress shall
have authority to limit the dimensions of each colony, to prevent those,
which claim by charter, or proclamation, or commission to the south sea,
from growing too great and powerful, so as to be dangerous to the rest?

Shall I write you a sheet upon each of these questions? When you are
well enough to read, and I can find leisure enough to write, perhaps I
may.

Gerry carried with him a canister for you. But he is an old bachelor,
and what is worse, a politician, and what is worse still, a kind of
soldier; so that I suppose he will have so much curiosity to see armies
and fortifications, and assemblies, that you will lose many a fine
breakfast at a time when you want them most.

Tell Betsey that this same Gerry is such another as herself, sex
excepted. How is my brother and friend Cranch? How is his other self and
their little selves, and ours? Don't be in the dumps, above all things.
I am hard put to it to keep out of them, when I look at home. But I will
be gay if I can. Adieu.



125. JOHN ADAMS.


   3 August, 1776.

The post was later than usual to-day, so that I had not yours of July 24
till this evening. You have made me very happy by the particular and
favorable account you give me of all the family. But I don't understand
how there are so many who have no eruptions and no symptoms. The
inflammation in the arm might do, but without these there is no
small-pox. I will lay a wager, that your whole hospital has not had so
much small-pox as Mrs. Katy Quincy. Upon my word, she has had an
abundance of it, but is finally recovered, looks as fresh as a rose, but
pitted all over as thick as ever you saw any one. I this evening
presented your compliments and thanks to Mr. Hancock for his polite
offer of his house, and likewise your compliments to his lady and Mrs.
Katy.


   4 August.

Went this morning to the Baptist meeting, in hopes of hearing Mr.
Stillman, but was disappointed. He was there, but another gentleman
preached. His action was violent to a degree bordering on fury; his
gestures unnatural and distorted. Not the least idea of grace in his
motions, or elegance in his style. His voice was vociferous and
boisterous, and his composition almost wholly destitute of ingenuity. I
wonder extremely at the fondness of our people for scholars educated at
the southward, and for southern preachers. There is no one thing in
which we excel them more than in our University, our scholars and
preachers. Particular gentlemen here, who have improved upon their
education by travel, shine; but in general, old Massachusetts outshines
her younger sisters. Still in several particulars they have more wit
than we. They have societies, the Philosophical Society particularly,
which excites a scientific emulation, and propagates their fame. If ever
I get through this scene of politics and war, I will spend the remainder
of my days in endeavoring to instruct my countrymen in the art of making
the most of their abilities and virtues; an art which they have hitherto
too much neglected. A philosophical society shall be established at
Boston, if I have wit and address enough to accomplish it, sometime or
other. Pray set brother Cranch's philosophical head to plodding upon
this project. Many of his lucubrations would have been published and
preserved, for the benefit of mankind and for his honor, if such a club
had existed.

My countrymen want art and address. They want knowledge of the world.
They want the exterior and superficial accomplishment of gentlemen, upon
which the world has set so high a value. In solid abilities and real
virtues they vastly excel, in general, any people upon this continent.
Our New England people are awkward and bashful, yet they are pert,
ostentatious, and vain; a mixture which excites ridicule and gives
disgust. They have not the faculty of showing themselves to the best
advantage, nor the art of concealing this faculty; an art and faculty
which some people possess in the highest degree. Our deficiencies in
these respects are owing wholly to the little intercourse we have with
strangers, and to our inexperience in the world. These imperfections
must be remedied, for New England must produce the heroes, the
statesmen, the philosophers, or America will make no great figure for
some time.

Our army is rather sickly at New York, and we live in daily expectation
of hearing of some great event. May God Almighty grant it may be
prosperous for America. Hope is an anchor and a cordial. Disappointment,
however, will not disconcert us.

If you will come to Philadelphia in September, I will stay as long as
you please. I should be as proud and happy as a bridegroom.

   Yours.



126. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 12 August, 1776.

Mr. A.[150] sets off to-day, if the rain should not prevent him, with
Colonel Whipple, of Portsmouth, a brother of the celebrated Miss Hannah
Whipple, a sensible and worthy man. By him I have sent you two bundles
of letters, which I hope you will be careful of. I thought I should not
be likely to find a safer opportunity. By them you will see that my
private correspondence alone is business enough for a lazy man. I think
I have answered all but a few of those large bundles.

A French vessel, a pretty large brigantine, deeply laden, arrived here
yesterday from Martinique. She had fifty barrels of limes, which are all
sold already, at such prices that the amount of them will be sufficient
to load the brig with flour. The trade, we see, even now, in the midst
of summer, is not totally interrupted by all the efforts of our enemies.
Prizes are taken in no small numbers. A gentleman told me, a few days
ago, that he had summed up the sugar which has been taken, and it
amounted to three thousand hogsheads, since which two other ships have
been taken and carried into Maryland. Thousands of schemes for
privateering are afloat in American imaginations. Some are for taking
the Hull ships, with woolens, for Amsterdam and Rotterdam; some are for
the tin ships; some for the Irish linen ships; some for outward bound,
and others for inward bound Indiamen; some for the Hudson's Bay ships,
and many for West India sugar ships. Out of these speculations, many
fruitless and some profitable projects will grow.

We have no news from New York. All is quiet as yet. Our expectations are
raised. The eyes of the world are upon Washington and Howe, and their
armies. The wishes and prayers of the virtuous part of it, I hope, will
be answered. If not, yet virtues grow out of affliction.

I repeat my request that you would ask some of the members of the
General Court if they can send me horses; and if they cannot, that you
would send them. I can live no longer without a servant and a horse.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 150: Samuel Adams.]



127. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 12 August, 1776.

Mr. A. and Colonel Whipple are at length gone. Colonel Tudor went off
with them. They went away about three o'clock this afternoon. I wrote by
A., and Colonel Whipple too; by the latter I sent two large bundles,
which he promised to deliver to you. These middle States begin to taste
the sweets of war. Ten thousand difficulties and wants occur, which they
had no conception of before. Their militia are as clamorous, and
impatient of discipline, and mutinous as ours, and more so. There has
been seldom less than four thousand men in this city at a time, for a
fortnight past, on their march to New Jersey. Here they wait, until we
grow very angry about them, for canteens, camp kettles, blankets, tents,
shoes, hose, arms, flints, and other dittoes, while we are under a very
critical solicitude for our army at New York, on account of the
insufficiency of men.

I want to be informed of the state of things with you; whether there is
a scarcity of provisions of any kind, of West India articles, of
clothing. Whether any trade is carried on, any fishery. Whether any
vessels arrive from abroad, or whether any go to sea upon foreign
voyages. I wish to know, likewise, what posture of defense you are in.
What fortifications are at Nantasket, at Long Island, Pettick's Island,
etc., and what men and officers there are to garrison them. We hear
nothing from the Massachusetts, lately, in comparison of what we did
when the army was before Boston.

I must not conclude without repeating my request that you would ask some
of the members of the General Court to send me horses, and if they
cannot, to send them yourself.



128. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 14 August, 1776.

This is the anniversary of a memorable day in the history of America. A
day when the principle of American resistance and independence was first
asserted and carried into action. The stamp office fell before the
rising spirit of our countrymen.[151] It is not impossible that the two
grateful brothers may make their grand attack this very day. If they
should, it is possible it may be more glorious for this country than
ever; it is certain it will become more memorable.

I am put upon a committee to prepare a device for a golden medal, to
commemorate the surrender of Boston to the American arms, and upon
another to prepare devices for a great seal for the confederated States.
There is a gentleman here of French extraction, whose name is Du
Simitiere, a painter by profession, whose designs are very ingenious,
and his drawings well executed. He has been applied to for his advice. I
waited on him yesterday, and saw his sketches. For the medal he
proposes, Liberty, with her spear and pileus, leaning on General
Washington. The British fleet in Boston harbor with all their sterns
towards the town, the American troops marching in. For the seal, he
proposes the arms of the several nations from whence America has been
peopled, as English, Scotch, Irish, Dutch, German, etc., each in a
shield. On one side of them, Liberty with her pileus, on the other, a
rifler in his uniform, with his rifle-gun in one hand and his tomahawk
in the other; this dress and these troops, with this kind of armor,
being peculiar to America, unless the dress was known to the Romans. Dr.
Franklin showed me yesterday a book containing an account of the dresses
of all the Roman soldiers, one of which appeared exactly like it. This
M. du Simitiere is a very curious man. He has begun a collection of
materials for a history of this revolution. He begins with the first
advices of the tea ships. He cuts out of the newspapers every scrap of
intelligence and every piece of speculation, and pastes it upon clean
paper, arranging them under the head of that State to which they
belong, and intends to bind them up in volumes. He has a list of every
speculation and pamphlet concerning independence, and another of those
concerning forms of government.

Dr. F. proposes a device for a seal: Moses lifting up his wand and
dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the
waters. This motto, "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."

Mr. Jefferson proposed the children of Israel in the wilderness, led by
a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night; and on the other side,
Hengist and Horsa, the Saxon chiefs from whom we claim the honor of
being descended, and whose political principles and form of government
we have assumed.

I proposed the choice of Hercules, as engraved by Gribelin, in some
editions of Lord Shaftesbury's works. The hero resting on his club.
Virtue pointing to her rugged mountain on one hand, and persuading him
to ascend. Sloth, glancing at her flowery paths of pleasure, wantonly
reclining on the ground, displaying the charms both of her eloquence and
person, to seduce him into vice. But this is too complicated a group for
a seal or medal, and it is not original.

I shall conclude by repeating my request for horses and a servant. Let
the horses be good ones. I can't ride a bad horse so many hundred miles.
If our affairs had not been in so critical a state at New York, I should
have run away before now. But I am determined now to stay until some
gentleman is sent here in my room, and until my horses come. But the
time will be very tedious.

The whole force is arrived at Staten Island.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 151: Hutchinson, Vol. III. p. 120; Gordon, Vol. I. p. 175.]



129. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Boston, 14 August, 1776.

Mr. Smith[152] called upon me to-day and told me he should set out
to-morrow for Philadelphia; desired I would write by him. I have shown
him all the civility in my power, since he has been here, though not all
I have wished to. I was much pleased with the account he gave us of the
universal joy of his province upon the establishment of their new
government, and the harmony subsisting between every branch of it. This
State seems to be behind-hand of their neighbors. We want some master
workman here. Those who are capable seem backward in this work, and some
who are so tenacious of their own particular plan as to be loath to give
it up. Some who are for abolishing both House and Council, affirming
business was never so well done as in the provincial Congress, and they
perhaps never so important.

Last Sunday, after service, the Declaration of Independence was read
from the pulpit by order of Council. The Dr. concluded with asking a
blessing "upon the United States of America even until the final
restitution of all things."

Dr. Chauncy's address pleased me. The good man after having read it,
lifted his eyes and hands to heaven. "God bless the United States of
America, and let all the people say Amen."

One of his audience told me it universally struck them.

I have no news to write you. I am sure it will be none to tell you I am
ever

   Yours

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 152: Mr. B. Smith, from South Carolina, who had paid a visit
to Boston at this time.]



130. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   14 August, 1776.

Your letter of August 3 came by this day's post. I find it very
convenient to be so handy. I can receive a letter at night, sit down and
reply to it, and send it off in the morning.

You remark upon the deficiency of education in your countrymen. It
never, I believe, was in a worse state, at least for many years. The
college is not in the state one could wish. The scholars complain that
their professor in philosophy is taken off by public business, to their
great detriment. In this town I never saw so great a neglect of
education. The poorer sort of children are wholly neglected, and left
to range the streets, without schools, without business, given up to all
evil. The town is not, as formerly, divided into wards. There is either
too much business left upon the hands of a few, or too little care to do
it. We daily see the necessity of a regular government.

You speak of our worthy brother. I often lament it, that a man so
peculiarly formed for the education of youth, and so well qualified as
he is in many branches of literature, excelling in philosophy and the
mathematics, should not be employed in some public station. I know not
the person who would make half so good a successor to Dr. Winthrop. He
has a peculiar, easy manner of communicating his ideas to youth; and the
goodness of his heart and the purity of his morals, without an affected
austerity, must have a happy effect upon the minds of pupils.[153]

If you complain of neglect of education in sons, what shall I say with
regard to daughters, who every day experience the want of it? With
regard to the education of my own children, I find myself soon out of my
depth, destitute and deficient in every part of education.

I most sincerely wish that some more liberal plan might be laid and
executed for the benefit of the rising generation, and that our new
Constitution may be distinguished for encouraging learning and virtue.
If we mean to have heroes, statesmen, and philosophers, we should have
learned women. The world perhaps would laugh at me and accuse me of
vanity, but you, I know, have a mind too enlarged and liberal to
disregard the sentiment. If much depends, as is allowed, upon the early
education of youth, and the first principles which are instilled take
the deepest root, great benefit must arise from literary accomplishments
in women.

Excuse me. My pen has run away with me. I have no thoughts of coming to
Philadelphia. The length of time I have and shall be detained here would
have prevented me, even if you had no thoughts of returning till
December; but I live in daily expectation of seeing you here. Your
health, I think, requires your immediate return. I expected Mr. G----
would have set off before now, but he perhaps finds it very hard to
leave his mistress. I won't say harder than some do to leave their
wives. Mr. Gerry stood very high in my esteem. What is meat for one is
not for another. No accounting for fancy. She is a queer dame and leads
people wild dances.

But hush! Post, don't betray your trust and lose my letter.

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 153: This probably refers to Richard Cranch, some mention of
whom is found in the preliminary memoir.]



131. JOHN ADAMS.


   18 August, 1776.

My letters to you are an odd mixture. They would appear to a stranger
like the dish which is sometimes called _omnium gatherum_. This is the
first time, I believe, that these two words were ever put together in
writing. The literal interpretation I take to be "a collection of all
things." But, as I said before, the words having never before been
written, it is not possible to be very learned in telling you what the
Arabic, Syriac, Chaldaic, Greek, and Roman commentators say upon the
subject. Amidst all the rubbish that constitutes the heap, you will see
a proportion of affection for my friends, my family, and country, that
gives a complexion to the whole. I have a very tender, feeling heart.
This country knows not, and never can know, the torments I have endured
for its sake. I am glad it never can know, for it would give more pain
to the benevolent and humane than I could wish even the wicked and
malicious to feel.

I have seen in this world but a little of that pure flame of patriotism
which certainly burns in some breasts. There is much of the ostentation
and affectation of it. I have known a few who could not bear to
entertain a selfish design, nor to be suspected by others of such a
meanness; but these are not the most respected by the world. A man must
be selfish, even to acquire great popularity. He must grasp for himself,
under specious pretenses for the public good, and he must attach himself
to his relations, connections, and friends, by becoming a champion for
their interests, in order to form a phalanx about him for his own
defense, to make them trumpeters of his praise, and sticklers for his
fame, fortune, and honor.

My friend Warren, the late Governor Ward, and Mr. Gadsden are three
characters in which I have seen the most generous disdain of every spice
and species of such meanness. The two last had not great abilities; but
they had pure hearts. Yet they had less influence than many others, who
had neither so considerable parts nor any share at all of their purity
of intention. Warren has both talents and virtues beyond most men in
this world, yet his character has never been in proportion. Thus it
always is and has been and will be. Nothing has ever given me more
mortification than a suspicion that has been propagated of me, that I am
actuated by private views and have been aiming at high places. The
office of Chief Justice has occasioned this jealousy, and it never will
be allayed until I resign it. Let me have my farm, family, and
goosequill, and all the honors and offices this world has to bestow may
go to those who deserve them better and desire them more. I court them
not. There are very few people in this world with whom I can bear to
converse. I can treat all with decency and civility, and converse with
them, when it is necessary, on points of business. But I am never happy
in their company. This has made me a recluse and will one day make me a
hermit. I had rather build stone wall upon Penn's hill, than to be the
first Prince in Europe, or the first General or first Senator in
America.

Our expectations are very high of some great affair at New York.



132. JOHN ADAMS.


   21 August, 1776.

Yesterday morning I took a walk into Arch Street to see Mr. Peale's
painter's room. Peale is from Maryland, a tender, soft, affectionate
creature. He showed me a large picture containing a group of figures,
which, upon inquiry, I found were his family: his mother and his wife's
mother, himself and his wife, his brothers and sisters, and his
children, sons and daughters, all young. There was a pleasant, a happy
cheerfulness in their countenances, and a familiarity in their air
towards each other.

He showed me one moving picture. His wife, all bathed in tears, with a
child about six months old laid out upon her lap. This picture struck me
prodigiously. He has a variety of portraits, very well done, but not so
well as Copley's portraits. Copley is the greatest master that ever was
in America. His portraits far exceed West's. Peale has taken General
Washington, Dr. Franklin, Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Rush, Mrs. Hopkinson,
Mr. Blair McClenachan and his little daughter in one picture, his lady
and her little son in another. Peale showed me some books upon the art
of painting. Among the rest one by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the President of
the English Academy of Painters, by whom the pictures of General Conway
and Colonel Barré, in Faneuil Hall, were taken. He showed me, too, a
great number of miniature pictures. Among the rest, Mr. Hancock and his
lady, Mr. Smith, of South Carolina, whom you saw the other day in
Boston, Mr. Custis, and many others.

He showed me, likewise, draughts, or rather sketches, of gentlemen's
seats in Virginia, where he had been, Mr. Corbin's, Mr. Page's, General
Washington's, etc. Also a variety of rough drawings made by great
masters in Italy, which he keeps as models. He showed me several
imitations of heads, which he had made in clay, as large as the life,
with his hands only. Among the rest, one of his own head and face, which
was a great likeness. He is ingenious. He has vanity, loves finery,
wears a sword, gold lace, speaks French, is capable of friendship, and
strong family attachments and natural affections.

At this shop I met Mr. Francis Hopkinson, late a Mandamus Counsellor of
New Jersey, now a member of the Continental Congress, who, it seems, is
a native of Philadelphia, a son of a prothonotary of this county, who
was a person much respected. The son was liberally educated, and is a
painter and a poet. I have a curiosity to penetrate a little deeper
into the bosom of this curious gentleman, and may possibly give you some
more particulars concerning him. He is one of your pretty, little,
curious, ingenious men. His head is not bigger than a large apple, less
than our friend Pemberton, or Dr. Simon Tufts. I have not met with
anything in natural history more amusing and entertaining than his
personal appearance; yet he is genteel and well bred, and is very
social.

I wish I had leisure and tranquillity of mind to amuse myself with those
elegant and ingenious arts of painting, sculpture, statuary,
architecture, and music. But I have not. A taste in all of them is an
agreeable accomplishment. Mr. Hopkinson has taken in crayons with his
own hand a picture of Miss Keys, a famous New Jersey beauty. He talks of
bringing it to town, and in that case, I shall see it, I hope.



133. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 25 August, 1776.

The day before yesterday, and yesterday, we expected letters and papers
by the post, but by some accident or mismanagement of the riders no post
is arrived yet which has been a great disappointment to me. I watch with
longing eyes for the post, because you have been very good, of late, in
writing by every one. I long to hear that Charles is in as fair a way
through the distemper as the rest of you.

Poor Barrell is violently ill, in the next chamber to mine, of an
inflammatory fever. I hear every cough, sigh, and groan. His fate hangs
in a critical suspense. The least thing may turn the scale against him.
Miss Quincy is here, very humanely employed in nursing him. This
goodness does her honor. Mr. Paine has recovered of his illness, and, by
present appearances, is in better health than before. I hope it will not
be my fate to be sick here. Indeed, I am not much afraid of these acute
disorders; mine are more chronical, nervous, and slow. I must have a
ride. I cannot make it do without it.

We are now approaching rapidly to the autumnal equinox, and no great
blow has yet been struck, in the martial way, by our enemies, nor by us.
If we should be blessed, this year, with a few storms as happy as those
which fell out last year in the beginning of September, they will do
much for us. The British fleet, where they now lie, have not a harbor so
convenient or safe as they had last year. Another winter will do much
for us too. We shall have more and better soldiers. We shall be better
armed. We shall have a greater force at sea. We shall have more trade.
Our artillery will be greatly increased, our officers will have more
experience and our soldiers more discipline, our politicians more
courage and confidence, and our enemies less hope. Our American
commonwealths will be all completely formed and organized, and
everything, I hope, will go on with greater vigor.

After I had written thus far, the post came in and brought me your favor
of the 14th of August. Abby by this time, I conclude, is well, and
Charles, I hope, is broken out. Don't you recollect, upon this occasion,
Dr. Byles's benediction to me when I was inoculated? As you will see the
piquancy of it now, more than ever you could before, I will tell the
story.

After having been ten or eleven days inoculated, I lay lolling on my bed
in Major Cunningham's chamber, under the tree of liberty, with half a
dozen young fellows as lazy as myself, all waiting and wishing for
symptoms and eruptions; all of a sudden appeared at the chamber door the
reverend Doctor with his rosy face, many-curled wig, and pontifical air
and gait. "I have been thinking," says he, "that the clergy of this town
ought, upon this occasion, to adopt the benediction of the Romish
clergy, and, when we enter the apartment of the sick, to say in the
foreign pronunciation, '_Pax tecum_.'" These words are spoken by
foreigners, as the Dr. pronounced them, _Pox take 'em_. One would think
Sir Isaac Newton's discovery of the system of gravitation did not
require a deeper reach of thought than this frivolous pun.

Your sentiments of the importance of education in women are exactly
agreeable to my own. Yet the _femmes savantes_ are contemptible
characters. So is that of a pedant universally, how muchsoever of a male
he may be. In reading history, you will generally observe, when you
light upon a great character, whether a general, a statesman, or
philosopher, some female about him, either in the character of a mother,
wife, or sister, who has knowledge and ambition above the ordinary level
of women, and that much of his eminence is owing to her precepts,
example, or instigation, in some shape or other. Let me mention an
example or two. Sempronius Gracchus and Caius Gracchus, two great though
unfortunate men, are said to have been instigated to their great actions
by their mother, who, in order to stimulate their ambition, told them
that she was known in Rome by the title of the mother-in-law of Scipio,
not the mother of the Gracchi. Thus she excited their emulation and put
them upon reviving the old project of an equal division of the conquered
lands (a genuine republican measure, though it had been too long
neglected to be then practicable), in order to make their names as
illustrious as Scipio's.

The great Duke who first excited the Portuguese to revolt from the
Spanish monarchy was spurred on to his great enterprise by a most artful
and ambitious wife, and thus indeed you will find it very generally.



134. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Boston, 25 August, 1776.

I sent Johnny[154] last evening to the post-office for letters. He soon
returned, and pulling one from under his gown gave it me. The young
rogue, smiling and watching mamma's countenance, draws out another and
then another, highly gratified to think he had so many presents to
bestow.

I took the liberty of sending my compliments to General Lincoln, and
asking him some questions which you proposed to me, but which I was
totally unable to answer,[155] and he has promised a particular reply to
them.

As to provisions, there is no scarcity. 'Tis true they are high, but
that is more owing to the advanced price of labor than the scarcity.
English goods of every kind are not purchasable, at least by me. They
are extravagantly high. West India goods articles are very high, all
except sugars, which have fallen half since I came into town. Our New
England rum is four shillings per gallon; molasses the same price; loaf
sugar two and fourpence; cotton-wool four shillings per pound; sheep's
wool two shillings; flax one and sixpence. In short, one hundred pounds
two years ago would purchase more than two will now.

House rent in this town is very low. Some of the best and genteelest
houses rent for twenty pounds a year. Ben Hallowell's has been offered
for ten, and Mr. Chardon's for thirteen pounds six shillings and eight
pence.

The privateer _Independence_, which sailed from Plymouth about three
weeks ago, has taken a Jamaica man laden with sugars, and sent her into
Marblehead last Saturday. I hear the _Defence_ has taken another. I
think we make a fine haul of prizes.

Colonel Quincy desires me to ask you whether you have received a letter
from him; he wrote you some time ago.

I like Dr. Franklin's device for a seal. It is such a one as will please
most; at least it will be most agreeable to the spirit of New
England.[156]

We have not any news here--anxiously waiting the event, and in daily
expectation of hearing tidings from New York. Heaven grant they may be
glorious for our country and countrymen. Then will I glory in being an
American. Ever, Ever yours,

   PORTIA.

P. S. We are in such want of lead as to be obliged to take down the
leads from the windows in this town.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 154: John Quincy Adams, at this time nine years old.]

[Footnote 155: See the letter of the 12th of August, p. 209.]

[Footnote 156: See Letter No. 128, p. 211.]



135. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Boston, 29 August, 1776.

I have spent the three days past almost entirely with you. The weather
has been stormy. I have had little company, and I have amused myself in
my closet, reading over the letters I have received from you since I
have been here.

I have possession of my aunt's chamber, in which, you know, is a very
convenient, pretty closet, with a window which looks into her flower
garden. In this closet are a number of bookshelves, which are but poorly
furnished. However I have a pretty little desk or cabinet here, where I
write all my letters and keep my papers, unmolested by any one. I do not
covet my neighbor's goods, but I should like to be the owner of such
conveniences. I always had a fancy for a closet with a window, which I
could more particularly call my own.

I feel anxious for a post day, and am full as solicitous for two letters
a week, and as uneasy if I do not get them, as I used to be when I got
but one in a month or five weeks. Thus do I presume upon indulgence, and
this is human nature. It brings to my mind a sentiment of one of your
correspondents, to wit, that "man is the only animal who is hungry with
his belly full."

Last evening Dr. Cooper came in and brought me your favor, from the
post-office, of August 16, and Colonel Whipple arrived yesterday morning
and delivered to me the two bundles you sent and a letter of the 12th of
August. They have already afforded me much amusement, and I expect much
more from them.

I am sorry to find from your last, as well as from some others of your
letters, that you feel so dissatisfied with the office to which you are
chosen. Though in your acceptance of it I know you were actuated by the
purest motives, and I know of no person here so well qualified to
discharge the important duties of it, yet I will not urge you to it. In
accepting of it you must be excluded from all other employments. There
never will be a salary adequate to the importance of the office or to
support you and your family from penury. If you possessed a fortune I
would urge you to it, in spite of all the fleers and gibes of minds
which themselves are incapable of acting a disinterested part, and have
no conception that others can. I have never heard any one speak about
it, nor did I know that such insinuations had been thrown out.

Pure and disinterested virtue must ever be its own reward. Mankind are
too selfish and too depraved to discern the pure gold from the baser
metal.

I wish for peace and tranquillity. All my desire and all my ambition is
to be esteemed and loved by my partner, to join with him in the
education and instruction of our little ones, to sit under our own vines
in peace, liberty, and safety.

Adieu, my dearest friend! Soon, soon return to your most affectionate

   PORTIA.

P. S. A very odd report has been propagated in Braintree, namely, that
you were poisoned upon your return, at New York.



136. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 5 September, 1776.

Mr. Bass arrived this day with the joyful news that you were all well.
By this opportunity I shall send you a canister of green tea by Mr.
Hare. Before Mr. Gerry went away from hence, I asked Mrs. Yard to send a
pound of green tea to you. She readily agreed. When I came home at night
I was told Mr. G. was gone. I asked Mrs. Y. if she had sent the
canister. She said, yes, and that Mr. G. undertook to deliver it with a
great deal of pleasure. From that time I flattered myself you would have
the poor relief of a dish of good tea, under all your fatigues with the
children, and under all the disagreeable circumstances attending the
small-pox, and I never conceived a single doubt that you had received
it, until Mr. Gerry's return. I asked him, accidentally, whether he
delivered it, and he said, "Yes, to Mr. Samuel Adams's lady."[157] I was
astonished. He misunderstood Mrs. Yard entirely; for upon inquiry she
affirms she told him it was for Mrs. J. A. I was so vexed at this that I
have ordered another canister, and Mr. Hare has been kind enough to
undertake to deliver it. How the dispute will be settled I don't know.
You must send a card to Mrs. S. A., and let her know that the canister
was intended for you, and she may send it you, if she chooses, as it was
charged to me. It is amazingly dear; nothing less than forty shillings,
lawful money, a pound.

I am rejoiced that my horses are come. I shall now be able to take a
ride. But it is uncertain when I shall set off for home. I will not go
at present. Affairs are too delicate and critical. The panic may
seize[158] whom it will. It shall not seize me. I will stay here until
the public countenance is better, or much worse. It must and will be
better. I think it is not now bad. Lies by the million will be told you.
Don't believe any of them. There is no danger of the communication being
cut off between the northern and southern colonies. I can go home when I
please, in spite of all the fleet and army of Great Britain.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 157: This mistake in the delivery of the tea is frequently
alluded to in the letters of the period, and caused much amusement.]

[Footnote 158: On account of the defeat on Long Island.]



137. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Friday, 6 September, 1776.

This day, I think, has been the most remarkable of all. Sullivan came
here from Lord Howe, five days ago, with a message that his lordship
desired a half an hour's conversation with some of the members of
Congress in their private capacities. We have spent three or four days
in debating whether we should take any notice of it. I have, to the
utmost of my abilities, during the whole time, opposed our taking any
notice of it. But at last it was determined by a majority, "that the
Congress being the representatives of the free and independent States of
America, it was improper to appoint any of their members to confer in
their private characters with his lordship. But they would appoint a
committee of their body to wait on him, to know whether he had power to
treat with Congress upon terms of peace, and to hear any propositions
that his lordship may think proper to make."

When the committee came to be balloted for, Dr. Franklin and your humble
servant were unanimously chosen. Colonel R. H. Lee and Mr. Rutledge had
an equal number; but, upon a second vote, Mr. Rutledge was chosen. I
requested to be excused, but was desired to consider of it until
to-morrow. My friends here advise me to go. All the stanch and intrepid
are very earnest with me to go, and the timid and wavering, if any such
there are, agree in the request. So I believe I shall undertake the
journey. I doubt whether his lordship will see us, but the same
committee will be directed to inquire into the state of the army at New
York, so that there will be business enough, if his lordship makes none.
It would fill this letter-book to give you all the arguments for and
against this measure, if I had liberty to attempt it. His lordship seems
to have been playing off a number of Machiavelian manoeuvres, in order
to throw upon us the odium of continuing this war. Those who have been
advocates for the appointment of this committee are for opposing
manoeuvre to manoeuvre, and are confident that the consequence will
be that the odium will fall upon him. However this may be, my lesson is
plain, to ask a few questions and take his answers.

I can think of but one reason for their putting me upon this embassy,
and that is this. An idea has crept into many minds here that his
lordship is such another as Mr. Hutchinson, and they may possibly think
that a man who has been accustomed to penetrate into the mazy windings
of Hutchinson's heart, and the serpentine wiles of his head, may be
tolerably qualified to converse with his lordship.


   Sunday, 8 September.

Yesterday's post brought me yours of August 29. The report you mention,
"that I was poisoned upon my return home, at New York," I suppose will
be thought to be a prophecy delivered by the oracle, in mystic language,
and meant that I should be politically or morally poisoned by Lord Howe.
But the prophecy shall be false.



138. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 9 September, 1776.

This night our good uncle came from town and brought me yours of August
20, 21, 25, 27, and 28, for all of which I most sincerely thank you. I
have felt uneasy to hear from you. The report of your being dead has no
doubt reached you by Bass, who heard enough of it before he came away.
It took its rise among the Tories, who, as Swift said of himself, "By
their fears betray their hopes." How they should ever take it into their
heads that you was poisoned at New York, a fortnight before that we
heard anything of that villain Zedwitz's plan of poisoning the waters of
the city, I cannot tell.[159] I am sometimes ready to suspect that there
is a communication between the Tories of every State; for they seem to
know all news that is passing before it is known by the Whigs.

We have had many stories concerning engagements upon Long Island this
week; of our lines being forced and of our troops returning to New York.
Particulars we have not yet obtained. All we can learn is that we have
been unsuccessful there; having lost many men as prisoners, among whom
are Lord Stirling and General Sullivan.

But if we should be defeated, I think we shall not be conquered. A
people fired like the Romans with love of their country and of liberty,
a zeal for the public good, and a noble emulation of glory, will not be
disheartened or dispirited by a succession of unfortunate events. But
like them may we learn by defeat the power of becoming invincible!

I hope to hear from you by every post till you return. The herbs[160]
you mention I never received. I was upon a visit to Mrs. S. Adams about
a week after Mr. Gerry returned, when she entertained me with a very
fine dish of green tea. The scarcity of the article made me ask her
where she got it. She replied that her _sweetheart_ sent it to her by
Mr. Gerry. I said nothing, but thought my sweetheart might have been
equally kind, considering the disease I was visited with, and that was
recommended a bracer. A little after, you mentioned a couple of bundles
sent. I supposed one of them might contain the article, but found they
were letters. How Mr. Gerry should make such a mistake I know not. I
shall take the liberty of sending for what is left of it, though I
suppose it is half gone, as it was very freely used. If you had
mentioned a single word of it in your letter, I should have immediately
found out the mistake.

It is said that the efforts of our enemies will be to stop the
communication between the Colonies by taking possession of Hudson's Bay.
Can it be effected? The _Milford_ frigate rides triumphant in our bay,
taking vessels every day, and no colony or Continental vessel has yet
attempted to hinder her. She mounts but twenty-eight guns, but is one of
the finest sailers in the British navy. They complain we have not
weighty metal enough, and I suppose truly. The rage for privateering is
as great here as anywhere, and I believe the success has been as great.

[Footnote 159: Herman Zedwitz, a German who had received a
lieutenant-colonel's commission in the Continental army, appears to have
conceived a clumsy scheme of treachery, by communicating to Governor
Tryon, among other things, a supposed plot to poison the waters of the
city of New York. He was tried by wart martial and cashiered.]

[Footnote 160: Tea.]



139. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Saturday, 14 September, 1776.

Yesterday morning I returned with Dr. Franklin and Mr. Rutledge from
Staten Island, where we met Lord Howe and had about three hours'
conversation with him. The result of this interview will do no
disservice to us. It is now plain that his lordship has no power but
what is given him in the act of Parliament. His commission authorizes
him to grant pardons upon submission, and to converse, confer, consult,
and advise with such persons as he may think proper, upon American
grievances, upon the instructions to Governors and the acts of
Parliament, and if any errors should be found to have crept in, his
Majesty and the ministry were willing they should be rectified.

I found yours of 31st of August and 2d of September. I now congratulate
you on your return home with the children. I am sorry to find you
anxious on account of idle reports. Don't regard them. I think our
friends are to blame to mention such silly stories. What good do they
expect to do by it?

My ride has been of service to me. We were absent but four days. It was
an agreeable excursion. His lordship is about fifty years of age. He is
a well-bred man, but his address is not so irresistible as it has been
represented. I could name you many Americans, in your own neighborhood,
whose art, address, and abilities are greatly superior. His head is
rather confused, I think.

When I shall return I can't say. I expect now every day fresh hands from
Watertown.



140. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   15 September, 1776.

I have been so much engaged with company this week, that though I never
cease to think of you I have not had leisure to write. It has been High
Court week with us. Judge Cushing and lady kept here. The judges all
dined with me one day and the bar another day. The Court sit till
Saturday night and then are obliged to continue many causes. The people
seem to be pleased and gratified at seeing justice returning into its
old regular channel again.

I this week received two letters, one dated 27th and one 29th July.
Where they have been these two months I cannot conceive. I hear of
another by the express, but have not yet been able to find it. I write
now not knowing where to direct to you; whether you are in the American
Senate or on board the British fleet, is a matter of uncertainty. I hear
to-day that you are one of a committee sent by Congress to hold a
conference with Lord Howe. Some say to negotiate an exchange of General
Sullivan. Others say you are charged with other matters.

May you be as wise as serpents. I wish to hear from you. The 28th of
August was the last date. I may have letters at the post-office. The
town is not yet clear of the small-pox, which makes it difficult for me
to get a conveyance from there unless I send on purpose.

I only write now to let you know we are all well, anxiously longing for
your return.

As this is a child of chance I do not choose to say anything more than
that I am

   Sincerely Yours.



141. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 22 September, 1776.

We have at last agreed upon a plan for forming a regular army. We have
offered twenty dollars and a hundred acres of land to every man who will
enlist during the war. And a new set of articles of war are agreed on. I
will send you, if I can, a copy of these resolutions and regulations.

I am at a loss what to write. News we have not. Congress seems to be
forgotten by the armies. We are most unfaithfully served in the
post-office, as well as many other offices, civil and military.
Unfaithfulness in public stations is deeply criminal. But there is no
encouragement to be faithful. Neither profit, nor honor, nor applause is
acquired by faithfulness. But I know by what. There is too much
corruption even in this infant age of our republic. Virtue is not in
fashion. Vice is not infamous.


   1 October, 1776.

Since I wrote the foregoing, I have not been able to find time to write
you a line. Although I cannot write you so often as I wish, you are
never out of my thoughts. I am repining at my hard lot in being torn
from you much oftener than I ought. I have often mentioned to you the
multiplicity of my engagements, and have been once exposed to the
ridicule and censure of the world for mentioning the great importance of
the business which lay upon me; and if this letter should ever see the
light, it would be again imputed to vanity that I mention to you how
busy I am. But I must repeat it by way of apology for not writing you
oftener. From four o'clock in the morning until ten at night, I have not
a single moment which I can call my own. I will not say that I expect to
run distracted, to grow melancholy, to drop in an apoplexy, or fall into
a consumption; but I do say, it is little less than a miracle that one
or other of these misfortunes has not befallen me before now.

Your favors of 15th, 20th, and 23d September are now before me. Every
line from you gives me inexpressible pleasure, but it is a great grief
to me that I can write no oftener to you. There is one thing which
excites my utmost indignation and contempt. I mean the brutality with
which people talk to you of my death. I beg you would openly affront
every man, woman, or child, for the future, who mentions any such thing
to you, except your relations and friends, whose affections you cannot
doubt. I expect it of all my friends, that they resent, as affronts to
me, every repetition of such reports.

I shall inclose to you Governor Livingston's speech; the most elegant
and masterly ever made in America. Depend upon it, the enemy cannot cut
off the communication. I can come home when I will. They have New York,
and this is their _ne plus ultra_.



142. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   29 September, 1776.

Not since the 6th of September have I had one line from you, which makes
me very uneasy. Are you all this time conferring with his Lordship? Is
there no communication? or are the post-riders all dismissed? Let the
cause be what it will, not hearing from you has given me much
uneasiness.

We seem to be kept in total ignorance of affairs at York. I hope you at
Congress are more enlightened. Who fell, who are wounded, who prisoners,
or their number, is as undetermined as it was the day after the
battle.[161] If our army is in ever so critical a state I wish to know
it, and the worst of it. If all America is to be ruined and undone by a
pack of cowards and knaves, I wish to know it. Pitiable is the lot of
their commander. Cæsar's tenth legion never was forgiven. We are told
for truth that a regiment of Yorkers refused to quit the city, and that
another regiment behaved like a pack of cowardly villains by quitting
their posts. If they are unjustly censured, it is for want of proper
intelligence.

I am sorry to see a spirit so venal prevailing everywhere. When our men
were drawn out for Canada, a very large bounty was given them; and now
another call is made upon us; no one will go without a large bounty,
though only for two months, and each town seems to think its honor
engaged in outbidding the others. The province pay is forty shillings.
In addition to that, this town voted to make it up six pounds. They then
drew out the persons most unlikely to go, and they are obliged to give
three pounds to hire a man. Some pay the whole fine, ten pounds. Forty
men are now drafted from this town. More than one half, from sixteen to
fifty, are now in the service. This method of conducting will create a
general uneasiness in the Continental army. I hardly think you can be
sensible how much we are thinned in this province.

The rage for privateering is as great here as anywhere. Vast numbers are
employed in that way. If it is necessary to make any more drafts upon
us, the women must reap the harvests. I am willing to do my part. I
believe I could gather corn, and husk it; but I should make a poor
figure at digging potatoes.

There has been a report that a fleet was seen in our bay yesterday. I
cannot conceive from whence, nor do I believe the story.

'T is said you have been upon Staten Island to hold your conference. 'T
is a little odd that I have never received the least intimation of it
from you. Did you think I should be alarmed? Don't you know me better
than to think me a coward? I hope you will write me everything
concerning this affair. I have a great curiosity to know the result.

As to government, nothing is yet done about it. The Church is opened
here every Sunday, and the King prayed for, as usual, in open defiance
of Congress.

If the next post does not bring me a letter, I think I will leave off
writing, for I shall not believe you get mine.

   Adieu.

   Yours,

P. S. Master John has become post-rider from Boston to Braintree.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 161: The battle on Long Island.]



143. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 4 October, 1776.

I am seated in a large library room with eight gentlemen round about me,
all engaged in conversation. Amidst these interruptions, how shall I
make it out to write a letter?

The first day of October, the day appointed by the charter of
Pennsylvania for the annual election of Representatives, has passed
away, and two counties only have chosen members, Bucks and Chester. The
Assembly is therefore dead and the Convention is dissolved. A new
Convention is to be chosen the beginning of November. The proceedings of
the late Convention are not well liked by the best of the Whigs. Their
Constitution is reprobated, and the oath with which they have endeavored
to prop it, by obliging every man to swear that he will not add to, or
diminish from, or any way alter that Constitution, before he can vote,
is execrated.

We live in the age of political experiments. Among many that will fail,
some, I hope, will succeed. But Pennsylvania will be divided and
weakened, and rendered much less vigorous in the cause by the wretched
ideas of government which prevail in the minds of many people in it.



144. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 8 October, 1776.

I ought to acknowledge with gratitude your constant kindness in writing
to me by every post. Your favor of 29 September came by the last. I wish
it had been in my power to have returned your civilities with the same
punctuality, but it has not. Long before this, you have received letters
from me, and newspapers containing a full account of the negotiation.
The communication is still open, and the post-riders now do their duty,
and will continue to do so.

I assure you, we are as much at a loss about affairs at New York as you
are. In general, our Generals were outgeneraled on Long Island, and
Sullivan and Stirling with a thousand men were made prisoners, in
consequence of which and several other unfortunate circumstances a
council of war thought it prudent to retreat from that island and
Governor's Island, and then from New York. They are now posted at
Haerlem, about ten or eleven miles from the city. They left behind them
some provisions, some cannon, and some baggage. Wherever the men of war
have approached, our militia have most manfully turned their backs and
run away, officers and men, like sturdy fellows; and their panics have
sometimes seized the regular regiments. One little skirmish on
Montresor's Island ended with the loss of the brave Major Henley and the
disgrace of the rest of the party. Another skirmish, which might indeed
be called an action, ended in the defeat and shameful flight of the
enemy, with the loss of the brave Colonel Knowlton on our part. The
enemy have possession of Paulus Hook and Bergen Point, places on the
Jersey side of North River. By this time their force is so divided
between Staten Island, Long Island, New York, Paulus Hook, and Bergen
Point, that I think they will do no great matter more this fall, unless
the expiration of the term of enlistment of our army should disband it.
If our new enlistment fill up for soldiers during the war, we shall do
well enough. Everybody must encourage this.

You are told that a regiment of Yorkers behaved ill, and it may be true;
but I can tell you that several regiments of Massachusetts men behaved
ill too. The spirit of venality you mention is the most dreadful and
alarming enemy America has to oppose. It is as rapacious and insatiable
as the grave. We are in the _fæce Romuli non republica Platonis_. This
predominant avarice will ruin America, if she is ever ruined. If God
Almighty does not interfere by his grace to control this universal
idolatry to the mammon of unrighteousness, we shall be given up to the
chastisements of his judgments. I am ashamed of the age I live in.

You surprise me with your account of the prayers in public for an
abdicated king, a pretender to the crown. Nothing of that kind is heard
in this place, or any other part of the continent but New York and the
place you mention. This practice is treason against the State, and
cannot be long tolerated.

Don't leave off writing to me. I write as often as I can. I am glad
master John has an office so useful to his mamma and papa as that of
post-rider.[162]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 162: The writer returned home on the 13th of October, where he
remained three months.]



145. JOHN ADAMS.


   Dedham, 9 January, 1777.

The irresistible hospitality of Dr. Sprague and his lady has prevailed
upon me and my worthy fellow-traveller to put up at his happy seat. We
had an agreeable ride to this place, and to-morrow morning we set off
for Providence, or some other route.

Present my affection in the tenderest manner to my little deserving
daughter and my amiable sons. It was cruel parting this morning. My
heart was most deeply affected, although I had the presence of mind to
appear composed. May God Almighty's providence protect you, my dear, and
all our little ones. My good genius, my guardian angel, whispers me that
we shall see happier days, and that I shall live to enjoy the felicities
of domestic life with her whom my heart esteems above all earthly
blessings.



146. JOHN ADAMS.

   Hartford, 13 January, 1777.


The riding has been so hard and rough, and the weather so cold, that we
have not been able to push farther than this place. My little colt has
performed very well hitherto, and I think will carry me through this
journey very pleasantly.

Our spirits have been cheered by two or three pieces of good news, which
Commissary Trumbull, who is now with me, tells us he saw yesterday in a
letter from General Washington, who has gained another considerable
advantage of the enemy at Stony Brook, in the Jerseys, as General Putnam
has gained another at Burlington, and the Jersey militia a third. The
particulars you will have, before this reaches you, in the public
prints. The communication of intelligence begins to be more open, and we
have no apprehensions of danger in the route we shall take. Howe has
reason to repent of his rashness, and will have more.

My love to my dear little ones. They are all very good children, and I
have no doubt will continue so. I will drop a line as often as I can.
Adieu.



147. JOHN ADAMS.


   Hartford, 14 January, 1777.

It is now generally believed that General Washington has killed and
taken at least two thousand of Mr. Howe's army since Christmas. Indeed,
the evidence of it is from the General's own letters. You know I ever
thought Mr. Howe's march through the Jerseys a rash step. It has proved
so. But how much more so would it have been thought if the Americans
could all have viewed it in that light and exerted themselves as they
might and ought! The whole flock would infallibly have been taken in the
net.

The little nest of hornets in Rhode Island! Is it to remain unmolested
this winter? The honor of New England is concerned. If they are not
ousted, I will never again glory in being a New England man. There are
now New England Generals, officers, and soldiers, and if something is
not done, any man may, after that, call New England men poltroons, with
all my heart.



148. JOHN ADAMS.


   Fishkill, 1777.

After a march like that of Hannibal over the Alps, we arrived last night
at this place, where we found the utmost difficulty to get forage for
our horses and lodgings for ourselves, and at last were indebted to the
hospitality of a private gentleman, Colonel Brinkhoff, who very kindly
cared for us.

We came from Hartford through Farmington, Southington, Waterbury,
Woodbury, New Milford, New Fairfield, the oblong, etc., to Fishkill. Of
all the mountains I ever passed these are the worst. We found one
advantage, however, in the cheapness of travelling. I don't find one
half of the discontent nor of the terror here that I left in the
Massachusetts. People seem sanguine that they shall do something grand
this winter.

I am well and in good spirits. My horse performs extremely well. He
clambers over mountains that my old mare would have stumbled on. The
weather has been dreadfully severe.



149. JOHN ADAMS.


   Poughkeepsie, 19 January, 1777.

There is too much ice in Hudson's River to cross it in ferry-boats, and
too little to cross it without, in most places, which has given us the
trouble of riding up the Albany road as far as this place, where we
expect to go over on the ice; but if we should be disappointed here, we
must go up as far as Esopus, about fifteen miles farther.

This, as well as Fishkill, is a pretty village. We are almost wholly
among the Dutch, zealous against the Tories, who have not half the
tranquillity here that they have in the town of Boston, after all the
noise that has been made about New York Tories. We are treated with the
utmost respect wherever we go, and have met with nothing like an insult
from any person whatever. I heard ten reflections and twenty sighs and
groans among my constituents to one here.

I shall never have done hoping that my countrymen will contrive some
_coup de main_ for the wretches at Newport. The winter is the time. Our
enemies have divided their force. Let us take advantage of it.



150. JOHN ADAMS.


   Bethlehem, Orange County,
   State of New York, 20 January, 1777.

This morning we crossed the North River, at Poughkeepsie, on the ice,
after having ridden many miles on the east side of it, to find a proper
place. We landed in New Marlborough, and passed through that and
Newborough, to New Windsor, where we dined. This place is nearly
opposite to Fishkill, and but little above the Highlands, where Fort
Constitution and Fort Montgomery stand. The Highlands are a grand sight,
a range of vast mountains which seem to be rolling like a tumbling sea.
From New Windsor we came to this place, where we put up, and now we have
a free and uninterrupted passage in a good road to Pennsylvania.

General Washington, with his little army, is at Morristown. Cornwallis,
with his larger one, at Brunswick. Oh, that the Continental army was
full! Now is the time!

My little horse holds out finely, although we have lost much time, and
travelled a great deal of unnecessary way, to get over the North River.
We have reports of our people's taking Fort Washington again, and taking
four hundred more prisoners and six more pieces of cannon. But as I know
not the persons who bring these accounts, I pay no attention to them.



151. JOHN ADAMS.


   Easton, at the Forks of Delaware River, in the
     State of Pennsylvania, 24 January, 1777.

We have at last crossed the Delaware and are agreeably lodged at Easton,
a little town situated on a point of land formed by the Delaware on one
side, and the river Lehigh on the other. There is an elegant stone
Church here, built by the Dutch people, by whom the town is chiefly
inhabited, and what is remarkable, because uncommon, the Lutherans and
Calvinists united to build this Church, and the Lutheran and Calvinist
ministers alternately officiate in it. There is also a handsome Court
House. The buildings, public and private, are all of limestone. Here are
some Dutch Jews.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of seeing the Moravian mills in New
Jersey. These mills belong to the society of Moravians in Bethlehem in
Pennsylvania. They are a great curiosity. The building is of limestone,
four stories high. It is not in my power to give a particular
description of this piece of mechanism. A vast quantity of grain of all
sorts is collected here.

We have passed through the famous county of Sussex in New Jersey, where
the Sussex Court House stands, and where, we have so often been told,
the Tories are so numerous and dangerous. We met with no molestation nor
insult. We stopped at some of the most noted Tory houses, and were
treated everywhere with the utmost respect. Upon the strictest inquiry I
could make, I was assured that a great majority of the inhabitants are
stanch Whigs. Sussex, they say, can take care of Sussex. And yet all
agree that there are more Tories in that county than in any other. If
the British army should get into that county in sufficient numbers to
protect the Tories, there is no doubt to be made, they would be insolent
enough, and malicious and revengeful. But there is no danger, at
present, and will be none until that event takes place. The weather has
been sometimes bitterly cold, sometimes warm, sometimes rainy, and
sometimes snowy, and the roads abominably hard and rough, so that this
journey has been the most tedious I ever attempted. Our accommodations
have been often very bad, but much better and cheaper than they would
have been if we had taken the road from Peekskill to Morristown, where
the army lies.



152. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 2 February, 1777.

Last evening we arrived safe in this town, after the longest journey and
through the worst roads and the worst weather that I have ever
experienced. My horses performed extremely well.

Baltimore is a very pretty town, situated on Patapsco River, which
empties itself into the great bay of Chesapeake. The inhabitants are all
good Whigs, having some time ago banished all the Tories from among
them. The streets are very dirty and miry, but everything else is
agreeable, except the monstrous prices of things. We cannot get a horse
kept under a guinea a week. Our friends are well.

The Continental army is filling up fast, here and in Virginia. I pray
that the Massachusetts may not fail of its quota in season. In this
journey we have crossed four mighty rivers: Connecticut, Hudson,
Delaware, and Susquehannah. The two first we crossed upon the ice, the
two last in boats; the last we crossed a little above the place where it
empties into Chesapeake Bay.

I think I have never been better pleased with any of our American States
than with Maryland. We saw most excellent farms all along the road, and
what was more striking to me, I saw more sheep and flax in Maryland than
I ever saw in riding a like distance in any other State. We scarce
passed a farm without seeing a fine flock of sheep, and scarce a house
without seeing men or women dressing flax. Several times we saw women
breaking and swingling this necessary article.

I have been to meeting and heard my old acquaintance, Mr. Allison, a
worthy clergyman of this town, whom I have often seen in Philadelphia.



153. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 8 February, 1777.

This day has been observed in this place with exemplary decency and
solemnity, in consequence of an appointment of the government, in
observance of a recommendation of Congress, as a day of fasting. I went
to the Presbyterian meeting, and heard Mr. Allison deliver a most
pathetic and animating as well as pious, patriotic, and elegant
discourse. I have seldom been better pleased or more affected with a
sermon. The Presbyterian meeting-house in Baltimore stands upon a hill
just at the back of the town, from whence we have a very fair prospect
of the town and of the water upon which it stands, and of the country
round it. Behind this eminence, which is the Beacon Hill of Baltimore,
lies a beautiful meadow, which is entirely encircled by a stream of
water. This most beautiful scene must be partly natural and partly
artificial. Beyond the meadow and canal, you have a charming view of
the country. Besides the meeting-house, there is upon this height a
large and elegant Court House, as yet unfinished within, and a small
church of England, in which an old clergyman officiates, Mr. Chase,
father of Mr. Chase one of the delegates of Maryland, who, they say, is
not so zealous a Whig as his son.

I shall take opportunities to describe this town and State more
particularly to you hereafter. I shall inquire into their religion,
their laws, their customs, their manners, their descent and education,
their learning, their schools and colleges, and their morals. It was
said of Ulysses, I think, that he saw the manners of many men and many
cities; which is like to be my case, as far as American men and cities
extend, provided Congress should continue in the rolling humor, which I
hope they will not. I wish, however, that my mind was more at rest than
it is, that I might be able to make more exact observation of men and
things, as far as I go.

When I reflect upon the prospect before me, of so long an absence from
all that I hold dear in this world, I mean, all that contributes to my
private personal happiness, it makes me melancholy. God Almighty's
providence protect and bless you, and yours and mine.



154. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 7 February, 1777.

I am at last, after a great deal of difficulty, settled in comfortable
quarters, but at an infinite expense. The price I pay for my board is
more moderate than any other gentlemen give, excepting my colleagues,
who are all in the same quarters and at the same rates, except Mr.
Hancock, who keeps a house by himself. The prices of things here are
much more intolerable than at Boston. The attempt of New England to
regulate prices is extremely popular in Congress, who will recommend an
imitation of it to the other States. For my own part I expect only a
partial and a temporary relief from it, and I fear that after a time the
evils will break out with greater violence. The water will flow with
greater rapidity for having been dammed up for a time. The only radical
cure will be to stop the emission of more paper, and to draw in some
that is already out and devise means effectually to support the credit
of the rest. To this end we must begin forthwith to tax the people as
largely as the distressed circumstances of the country will bear. We
must raise the interest from four to six per cent. We must, if possible,
borrow silver and gold from abroad. We must, above all things, endeavor
this winter to gain further advantages of the enemy, that our power may
be in somewhat higher reputation than it is, or rather than it has been.



155. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 7 February, 1777.

I think in some letter I sent you since I left Bethlehem I promised you
a more particular account of that curious and remarkable town. When we
first came in sight of the town we found a country better cultivated and
more agreeably diversified with prospects of orchards and fields, groves
and meadows, hills and valleys, than any we had seen. When we came into
the town, we were directed to a public-house kept by a Mr. Johnson,
which I think was the best inn I ever saw. It belongs, it seems, to the
society, is furnished at their expense, and is kept for their profit or
at their loss. Here you might find every accommodation that you could
wish for yourself, your servants, and horses, and at no extravagant
rates neither.

The town is regularly laid out, the streets straight and at right
angles, like those in Philadelphia. It stands upon an eminence, and has
a fine large brook flowing on one end of it, and the Lehigh, a branch of
the Delaware, on the other. Between the town and the Lehigh are
beautiful public gardens. They have carried the mechanical arts to
greater perfection here than in any place which I have seen. They have a
set of pumps which go by water, which force the water up through leaden
pipes from the river to the top of the hill, near a hundred feet, and to
the top of a little building in the shape of a pyramid or obelisk,
which stands upon the top of the hill, and is twenty or thirty feet
high. From this fountain water is conveyed in pipes to every part of the
town. Upon the river they have a fine set of mills; the best grist mills
and bolting mills that are anywhere to be found; the best fulling mills,
an oil mill, a mill to grind bark for the tanyard, a dyeing house where
all colors are dyed, machines for shearing cloth, etc.

There are three public institutions here of a very remarkable nature.
One a society of the young men, another of the young women, and a third
of the widows. There is a large building divided into many apartments,
where the young men reside by themselves and carry on their several
trades. They pay a rent to the society for their rooms and they pay for
their board, and what they earn is their own. There is another large
building appropriated in the same manner to the young women. There is a
governess, a little like the lady abbess in some other institutions, who
has the superintendence of the whole, and they have Elders. Each
apartment has a number of young women who are vastly industrious, some
spinning, some weaving, others employed in all the most curious works in
linen, wool, cotton, silver and gold, silk and velvet. This institution
displeased me much. Their dress was uniform and clean, but very
inelegant. Their rooms were kept extremely warm with Dutch stoves, and
the heat, the want of fresh air and exercise, relaxed the poor girls in
such a manner as must, I think, destroy their health. Their countenances
were languid and pale.

The society of widows is very similar. Industry and economy are
remarkable in all these institutions. They showed us their Church, which
is hung with pictures of our Saviour from his birth to his death,
resurrection, and ascension. It is done with very strong colors and very
violent passions, but not in a very elegant taste. The painter, who is
still living in Bethlehem, but very old, has formerly been in Italy, the
school of painting. They have a very good organ in their Church, of
their own make. They have a public building on purpose for the
reception of the dead, to which the corpse is carried as soon as it
expires, where it lies until the time of sepulture.

Christian love is their professed object, but it is said they love money
and make their public institutions subservient to the gratification of
that passion. They suffer no lawsuits with one another, and as few as
possible with other men. It is said that they now profess to be against
war. They have a custom peculiar respecting courtship and marriage. The
elders pick out pairs to be coupled together, who have no opportunity of
conversing together more than once or twice before the knot is tied. The
youth of the two sexes have very little conversation with one another
before marriage.

Mr. Hassey, a very agreeable, sensible gentleman, who showed us the
curiosities of the place, told me, upon inquiry, that they profess the
Augsburg confession of faith, are Lutherans rather than Calvinists,
distinguish between Bishops and Presbyters, but have no idea of the
necessity of the uninterrupted succession, are very liberal and candid
in their notions in opposition to bigotry, and live in charity with all
denominations.



156. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   8 February, 1777.

Before this time I fancy you at your journey's end. I have pitied you.
The season has been a continued cold. I have heard oftener from you than
I ever did in any of your former journeys. It has greatly relieved my
mind under its anxiety. I have received six letters from you, and have
the double pleasure of hearing you are well and that your thoughts are
often turned this way.

I have wrote once, by Major Rice. Two gentlemen set off for Baltimore
Monday or Tuesday, and have engaged to take this letter. I feel under so
many restraints when I sit down to write, that I scarcely know what to
say to you. The conveyance of letters is so precarious that I shall not
trust anything of consequence to them, until we have more regular
passes.

Indeed, very little of any consequence has taken place since you left
us. We seem to be in a state of tranquillity--rather too much so. I
wish there was a little more zeal shown to join the army.

Nothing new, but the regulating bill engrosses their attention. The
merchant scolds, the farmer growls, and every one seems wroth that he
cannot grind his neighbor.

We have a report here, said to come in two private letters, that a
considerable battle has taken place in Brunswick, in which we have taken
fifteen thousand prisoners. I cannot credit so good news. The letters
are said to be without date.

I beg you would write by every opportunity, and if you cannot send so
often as you used to, write and let them lie by till you make a packet.

What has become of the Farmer. Many reports are abroad to his
disadvantage.

I feel as if you were in a foreign country. Philadelphia seemed close
by; but now I hardly know how to reconcile myself to the thought that
you are five hundred miles distant; but though distant, you are always
near to

   PORTIA.



157. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 10 February, 1777.

Fell's Point, which I mentioned in a letter this morning, has a
considerable number of houses upon it. The shipping all lies now at this
point. You have from it on one side a complete view of the harbor, and
on the other a fine prospect of the town of Baltimore. You see the hill
in full view, and the Court-house, the Church, and Meeting-house upon
it. The Court-house makes a haughty appearance from this point. There is
a fortification erected on this point, with a number of embrasures for
cannon facing the Narrows which make the entrance into the harbor. At
the Narrows they have a fort with a garrison in it.

It is now a month and a few days since I left you. I have heard nothing
from you nor received a letter from the Massachusetts. I hope the
post-office will perform better than it has done. I am anxious to hear
how you do. My duty to your papa and my mother. Love to brothers and
sisters. Tell Betsey I hope she is married, though I want to throw the
stocking. My respects to Mr. Shaw. Tell him he may be a Calvinist if he
will, provided always that he preserves his candor, charity, and
moderation. What shall I say of or to my children? What will they say to
me for leaving them, their education, and fortune so much to the
disposal of chance? May Almighty and all gracious Providence protect and
bless them!

I have this day sent my resignation of a certain mighty office.[163] It
has relieved me from a burden which has a long time oppressed me. But I
am determined that while I am ruining my constitution of mind and body,
and running daily risks of my life and fortune, in defense of the
independence of my country, I will not knowingly resign my own.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 163: The office of Chief Justice of Massachusetts.]



158. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   12 February, 1777.

Mr. Bromfield was so obliging as to write me word that he designed a
journey to the Southern States and would take particular care of a
letter to you. I rejoice in so good an opportunity of letting you know
that I am well as usual, but that I have not yet got reconciled to the
great distance between us. I have many melancholy hours, when the best
company is tiresome to me and solitude the greatest happiness I can
enjoy.

I wait most earnestly for a letter to bring me the welcome tidings of
your safe arrival. I hope you will be very particular and let me know
how you are, after your fatiguing journey; how you are accommodated; how
you like Maryland; what state of mind you find the Congress in. You know
how little intelligence we received during your stay here with regard to
what was passing there or in the army. We know no better now. All
communication seems to be embarrassed. I got more knowledge from a
letter written to you from your namesake, which I received since you
left me, than I had before obtained since you left Philadelphia. I find
by that letter that six Hessian officers, together with Colonel
Campbell, had been offered in exchange for General Lee. I fear he
receives very ill treatment. The terms were not complied with, as poor
Campbell finds. He was much surprised when the officers went to take him
and begged to know what he had been guilty of. They told him it was no
crime of his own, but they were obliged, though reluctantly, to commit
him to Concord Jail, in consequence of the ill treatment of General Lee.
He then begged to know how long his confinement was to last. They told
him that was impossible for them to say, since it laid wholly in the
power of General Howe to determine it.

By a vessel from Bilbao, we have accounts of the safe arrival of Dr.
Franklin in France, ten days before she sailed. A French gentleman who
came passenger says we may rely upon it that two hundred thousand
Russians will be here in the spring.

A lethargy seems to have seized our countrymen. I hear no more of
molesting Great Britain. We just begin to talk of raising men for the
standing army. I wish to know whether the reports may be credited of the
Southern regiments being full.

You will write me by the bearer of this letter, to whose care you may
venture to commit anything you have liberty to communicate. I have wrote
to you twice before this; hope you have received them.

The children all desire to be remembered. So does your

   PORTIA.



159. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 15 February, 1777.

Mr. Hall, by whom this letter will be sent, will carry several letters
to you, which have been written and delivered to him several days. He
has settled his business agreeably. I have not received a line from the
Massachusetts since I left it. Whether we shall return to Philadelphia
soon or not, I cannot say. I rather conjecture it will not be long. You
may write to me in Congress, and the letter will be brought me wherever
I shall be.

I am settled now, agreeably enough, in my lodgings. There is nothing in
this respect that lies uneasily upon my mind, except the most
extravagant price which I am obliged to give for everything. My
constituents will think me extravagant, but I am not. I wish I could
sell or send home my horses, but I cannot. I must have horses and a
servant, for Congress will be likely to remove several times, in the
course of the ensuing year. I am impatient to hear from you, and most
tenderly anxious for your health and happiness. I am also most
affectionately solicitous for my dear children, to whom remember

   Yours.

We long to hear of the formation of a new army. We shall lose the most
happy opportunity of destroying the enemy this spring if we do not exert
ourselves instantly. We have from New Hampshire a Colonel Thornton, a
physician by profession, a man of humor. He has a large budget of droll
stories with which he entertains company perpetually. I heard, about
twenty or five-and-twenty years ago, a story of a physician in
Londonderry, who accidentally met with one of our New England
enthusiasts, called exhorters. The fanatic soon began to examine the Dr.
concerning the articles of his faith and what he thought of original
sin. "Why," says the Dr., "I satisfy myself about it in this manner.
Either original sin is divisible or indivisible. If it is divisible,
every descendant of Adam and Eve must have a part, and the share which
falls to each individual at this day is so small a particle that I think
it is not worth considering. If indivisible, then the whole quantity
must have descended in a right line, and must now be possessed by one
person only; and the chances are millions and millions and millions to
one that that person is now in Asia or Africa, and that I have nothing
to do with it." I told Thornton the story, and that I suspected him to
be the man. He said he was. He belongs to Londonderry.



160. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 17 February, 1777.

It was this day determined to adjourn, to-morrow week, to Philadelphia.

Howe, as you know my opinion always was, will repent his mad march
through the Jerseys. The people of that Commonwealth begin to raise
their spirits exceedingly and to be firmer than ever. They are actuated
by resentment now, and resentment, coinciding with principle, is a very
powerful motive.

I have got into the old routine of war office and Congress, which takes
up my time in such a manner that I can scarce write a line. I have not
time to think nor to speak. There is a United States Lottery abroad. I
believe you had better buy a ticket and make a present of it to our four
sweet ones. Let us try their luck. I hope they will be more lucky than
their papa has ever been, or ever will be. I am as well as can be
expected. How it happens I don't know, nor how long it will last. My
disposition was naturally gay and cheerful, but the prospects I have
ever had before me and these cruel times will make me melancholy. I, who
would not hurt the hair of the head of any animal, I, who am always made
miserable by the misery of every susceptible being that comes to my
knowledge, am obliged to hear continual accounts of the barbarities, the
cruel murders in cold blood even by the most tormenting ways of starving
and freezing, committed by our enemies, and continued accounts of the
deaths and diseases contracted by their own imprudence. These accounts
harrow me beyond description. These incarnate demons say in great
composure, that "humanity is a Yankee virtue, but that they are governed
by policy." Is there any policy on this side of hell that is
inconsistent with humanity? I have no idea of it. I know of no policy,
God is my witness, but this, piety, humanity, and honesty are the best
policy. Blasphemy, cruelty, and villainy have prevailed and may again.
But they won't prevail against America in this contest, because I find
the more of them are employed the less they succeed.



161. JOHN ADAMS.


   Baltimore, 21 February, 1777.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of dining with Mr. Purviance. There are two
gentlemen of this name in Baltimore, Samuel and Robert, eminent
merchants and in partnership. We had a brilliant company, the two Mrs.
Purviances, the two Lees, the ladies of the two Colonels, R. H. and F.,
Mrs. Hancock and Miss Katy, and a young lady that belongs to the family.
If this letter, like some other wise ones, should be intercepted, I
suppose I shall be called to account for not adjusting the rank of these
ladies a little better. Mr. Hancock, the two Colonels Lee, Colonel
Whipple, Colonel Page, Colonel Ewing, the two Mr. Purviances, and a
young gentleman. I fancy I have named all the company. How happy would
this entertainment have been to me if I could, by a single volition,
have transported one lady about five hundred miles. But alas! this is a
greater felicity than falls to my share. We have voted to go to
Philadelphia next week.

We have made General Lincoln a Continental Major-general. We shall make
Colonel Glover a Brigadier. I sincerely wish we could hear more from
General Heath. Many persons are extremely dissatisfied with numbers of
the General officers of the highest rank. I don't mean the
Commander-in-chief, his character is justly very high, but Schuyler,
Putnam, Spencer, Heath, are thought by very few to be capable of the
great commands they hold. We hear of none of their heroic deeds of arms.
I wish they would all resign. For my part, I will vote upon the genuine
principles of a republic for a new election of General officers
annually, and every man shall have my consent to be left out who does
not give sufficient proof of his qualifications.

I wish my lads were old enough. I would send every one of them into the
army in some capacity or other. Military abilities and experience are a
great advantage to any character.



162. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 7 March, 1777.

The President, who is just arrived from Baltimore, came in a few minutes
ago and delivered me yours of February 8, which he found at Susquehanna
River, on its way to Baltimore. It gives me great pleasure to find that
you have received so many letters from me, although I knew they
contained nothing of importance. I feel a restraint in writing, like
that which you complain of, and am determined to go on trifling.
However, the post now comes regularly, and I believe you may trust it. I
am anxious and impatient to hear of the march of the Massachusetts
soldiers for the new army. They are much wanted.

This city is a dull place in comparison of what it was. More than one
half the inhabitants have removed into the country, as it was their
wisdom to do. The remainder are chiefly Quakers, as dull as beetles.
From these neither good is to be expected nor evil to be apprehended.
They are a kind of neutral tribe, or the race of the insipids. Howe may
possibly attempt this town, and a pack of sordid scoundrels, male and
female, seem to have prepared their minds and bodies, houses and
cellars, for his reception; but these are few, and more despicable in
character than number. America will lose nothing by Howe's gaining this
town. No such panic will be spread by it now as was spread by the
expectation of it in December. However, if we can get together twenty
thousand men by the first of April Mr. Howe will scarcely cross Delaware
River this year. New Jersey may yet be his tomb, where he will have a
monument very different from his brother's[164] in Westminster Abbey.

I am very uneasy that no attempt is made at Rhode Island. There is but a
handful left there, who might be made an easy prey. The few invalids who
are left there are scattered over the whole island, which is eleven
miles in length, and three or four wide. Are New England men such sons
of sloth and fear as to lose this opportunity? We may possibly remove
again from hence, perhaps to Lancaster or Reading. It is good to change
place; it promotes health and spirits; it does good many ways; it does
good to the place we remove from, as well as to that we remove to, and
it does good to those who move. I long to be at home at the opening
spring, but this is not my felicity. I am tenderly anxious for your
health and for the welfare of the whole house.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 164: Erected at the expense of Massachusetts Bay, pursuant to
a vote of the General Court in 1758.]



163. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 16 March, 1777.

The spring advances very rapidly, and all nature will soon be clothed in
her gayest robes. The green grass which begins to show itself here and
there revives in my longing imagination my little farm and its dear
inhabitants. What pleasure has not this vile war deprived me of? I want
to wander in my meadows, to ramble over my mountains, and to sit, in
solitude or with her who has all my heart, by the side of the brooks.
These beautiful scenes would contribute more to my happiness than the
sublime ones which surround me. I begin to suspect that I have not much
of the grand in my composition. The pride and pomp of war, the continual
sound of drums and fifes as well played as any in the world, the
prancings and tramplings of the Light Horse, numbers of whom are paraded
in the streets every day, have no charms for me. I long for rural and
domestic scenes, for the warbling of birds and prattle of my children.
Don't you think I am somewhat poetical this morning, for one of my
years, and considering the gravity and insipidity of my employment? As
much as I converse with sages and heroes, they have very little of my
love or admiration. I should prefer the delights of a garden to the
dominion of a world. I have nothing of Cæsar's greatness in my soul.
Power has not my wishes in her train. The Gods, by granting me health
and peace and competence, the society of my family and friends, the
perusal of my books, and the enjoyment of my farm and garden, would make
me as happy as my nature and state will bear. Of that ambition which
has power for its object, I don't believe I have a spark in my heart.
There are other kinds of ambition of which I have a great deal.[165]

I am now situated in a pleasant part of the town, in Walnut Street, on
the south side of it, between Second and Third Streets, at the house of
Mr. Duncan, a gentleman from Boston, who has a wife and three children.
General Wolcott, of Connecticut, and Colonel Whipple, of Portsmouth, are
with me in the same house. Mr. Adams has removed to Mrs. Cheesman's, in
Fourth Street, near the corner of Market Street, where he has a curious
group of company, consisting of characters as opposite as north and
south. Ingersoll, the stamp man and Judge of Admiralty; Sherman, an old
Puritan, as honest as an angel and as firm in the cause of American
independence as Mount Atlas; and Colonel Thornton, as droll and funny as
Tristram Shandy. Between the fun of Thornton, the gravity of Sherman,
and the formal Toryism of Ingersoll, Adams will have a curious life of
it. The landlady, too, who has buried four husbands, one tailor, two
shoemakers, and Gilbert Tenant, and still is ready for a fifth, and well
deserves him too, will add to the entertainment. Gerry and Lovell are
yet at Miss Leonard's, under the auspices of Mrs. Yard. Mr. Hancock has
taken a house in Chestnut Street, near the corner of Fourth Street, near
the State House.


   17 March.

We this day received letters from Dr. Franklin and Mr. Deane. I am not
at liberty to mention particulars, but in general, the intelligence is
very agreeable. I am now convinced there will be a general war.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 165: This letter is taken from the copy book, in which is
added, at this place, the following: "Note, 9 April. Literary and
professional, I suppose. But is not the heart deceitful above all
things?"]



164. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 28 March, 1777.

"A plot, a plot! a horrid plot! Mr. A.," says my barber, this morning.
"It must be a plot, first, because there is British gold in it; second,
because there is a woman in it; third, because there is a Jew in it;
fourth, because I don't know what to make of it."

The barber means that a villain was taken up and examined yesterday, who
appears, by his own confession, to have been employed, by Lord Howe and
Jo. Galloway, to procure pilots to conduct the fleet up Delaware River
and through the Chevaux de Frise. His confidant was a woman, who is said
to be kept by a Jew. The fellow and the woman will suffer for their
wickedness.



165. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 31 March, 1777.

I know not the time when I have omitted to write you so long. I have
received but three letters from you since we parted, and these were
short ones. Do you write by the post? If you do, there must be some
legerdemain. The post comes now constantly, once a week, and brings me
newspapers, but no letters. I have ventured to write by the post, but
whether my letters are received or not, I don't know. If you distrust
the post, the Speaker or your uncle Smith will find frequent
opportunities of conveying letters.

I never was more desirous of hearing from home, and never before heard
so seldom. We have reports here not very favorable to the town of
Boston. It is said that dissipation prevails, and that Toryism abounds
and is openly avowed at the coffee-houses. I hope the reports are false.
Apostasies in Boston are more abominable than in any other place.
Toryism finds worse quarter here. A poor fellow detected here as a spy,
employed, as he confesses, by Lord Howe and Mr. Galloway, to procure
pilots for Delaware River and for other purposes, was this day at noon
executed on the gallows, in the presence of an immense crowd of
spectators. His name was James Molesworth. He has been Mayor's Clerk to
three or four Mayors.

I believe you will think my letters very trifling; indeed, they are. I
write in trammels. Accidents have thrown so many letters into the hands
of the enemy, and they take such a malicious pleasure in exposing them,
that I choose they should have nothing but trifles from me to expose.
For this reason I never write anything of consequence from Europe, from
Philadelphia, from camp, or anywhere else. If I could write freely, I
would lay open to you the whole system of politics and war, and would
delineate all the characters in either drama, as minutely, although I
could not do it so elegantly, as Tully did in his letters to Atticus.

We have letters, however, from France by a vessel in at Portsmouth.[166]
Of her important cargo you have heard. There is news of very great
importance in the letters, but I am not at liberty. The news, however,
is very agreeable.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 166: The ship _Mercury_, from Nantes, with military stores
obtained by Mr. Deane in France.]



166. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   2 April, 1777.

I sit down to write, though I feel very languid. The approach of spring
unstrings my nerves, and the south winds have the same effect upon me
which Brydone says the sirocco winds have upon the inhabitants of
Sicily. It gives the vapors--blows away all their gayety and spirits,
and gives a degree of lassitude both to the body and mind which renders
them absolutely incapable of performing their usual functions.

He adds that "it is not surprising that it should produce these effects
upon a phlegmatic English constitution; but that he had just had an
instance that all the mercury of France must sink under the weight of
this horrid leaden atmosphere. A smart Parisian Marquis came to Naples
about ten days ago. He was so full of animal spirits that the people
thought him mad. He never remained a moment in the same place, but at
their grave conversations used to skip from room to room with such
amazing elasticity that the Italians swore he had got springs in his
shoes. I met him this morning walking with the step of a philosopher, a
smelling bottle in his hand and all his vivacity extinguished. I asked
what was the matter. 'Ah, mon ami,' said he, 'je m'ennuie á la
mort-moi, qui n'ai jamais sçu l'ennui. Mais cet exécrable vent
m'accable; et deux jours de plus, et je me pend.'"

I think the author of "Common Sense" somewhere says that no persons make
use of quotations but those who are destitute of ideas of their own.
Though this may not at all times be true, yet I am willing to
acknowledge it at present.

Yours of the 9th of March received by the post. 'T is said here that
Howe is meditating another visit to Philadelphia. If so, I would advise
him to taking down all the doors, that the panels may not suffer for the
future.

'T is said here that General Washington has but eight thousand troops
with him. Can it be true? That we have but twelve hundred at
Ticonderoga? I know not who has the care of raising them here, but this
I know, we are very dilatory about it. All the troops which were
stationed upon Nantasket and at Boston are dismissed this week, so that
we are now very fit to receive an enemy. I have heard some talk of
routing the enemy at Newport; but if anything was designed against them,
believe me 't is wholly laid aside. Nobody seems to consider them as
dangerous, or indeed to care anything about them. Where is General
Gates? We hear nothing of him.

The Church doors were shut up last Sunday in consequence of a
presentiment; a farewell sermon preached and much weeping and wailing;
persecuted, be sure, but not for righteousness' sake. The conscientious
parson had taken an oath upon the Holy Evangelists to pray for his most
gracious Majesty as his sovereign lord, and having no father confessor
to absolve him, he could not omit it without breaking his oath.

Who is to have the command at Ticonderoga? Where is General Lee? How is
he treated? Is there a scarcity of grain in Philadelphia? How is flour
sold there by the hundred?

We are just beginning farming business. I wish most sincerely you were
here to amuse yourself with it and to unbend your mind from the cares of
State. I hope your associates are more to your mind than they have
been in times past. Suppose you will be joined this month by two from
this State. Adieu.

   Yours.



167. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 6 April, 1777.

You have had many rumors propagated among you which I suppose you know
not how to account for. One was that Congress, the last summer, had tied
the hands of General Washington, and would not let him fight,
particularly on the White Plains. This report was totally groundless.
Another was that at last Congress untied the General, and then he
instantly fought and conquered at Trenton. This also was without
foundation, for as his hands were never tied, so they were not untied.
Indeed, within a few days past a question has been asked Congress, to
the surprise, I believe, of every member there, whether the General was
bound by the advice of a council of war? No member of Congress, that I
know of, ever harbored or conceived such a thought. "Taking the advice
of a council of war" are the words of the General's instructions, but
this meant only that councils of war should be called and their opinions
and reasons demanded, but the General, like all other commanders of
armies, was to pursue his own judgment after all.

Another report, which has been industriously circulated, is that the
General has been made by Congress dictator. But this is as false as the
other stories. Congress, it is true, upon removing to Baltimore, gave
the General power to raise fifteen battalions, in addition to those
which were ordered to be raised before, and to appoint the officers, and
also to raise three thousand horse, and to appoint their officers, and
also to take necessaries for his army, at an appraised value. But no
more. Congress never thought of making him dictator or of giving him a
sovereignty. I wish I could find a correspondent who was idle enough to
attend to every report, and write it to me. Such false news,
uncontradicted, does more or less harm. Such a collection of lies would
be a curiosity for posterity.

The report you mention in your last, that the British administration had
proposed to Congress a Treaty and terms, is false, and without a color.
On the contrary, it is now more than ever past a doubt that their fixed
determination is conquest and unconditional subjugation. But there will
be many words and blows too, before they will accomplish their wishes.
Poor, abandoned, infatuated nation! Infatuation is one of the causes to
which great historians ascribe many events, and if it ever produced any
effect, it has produced this war against America.

Arnold, who carries this, was taken in his passage from Baltimore. He
sailed with Harden for Boston. They took fifteen vessels while he was on
board the man-of-war. Your flour was highly favored with good luck.



168. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 8 April, 1777.

Yours of 26th March came by this day's post. I am happy to hear you have
received so many letters from me. You need not fear writing in your
cautious way, by the post, which is now well regulated. But if your
letters should be intercepted, they would do no harm. The F.[167] turns
out to be the man that I have seen him to be these two years. He is in
total neglect and disgrace here. I am sorry for it, because of the
forward part he took in the beginning of the controversy. But there is
certainly such a thing as falling away in politics, if there is none in
grace.

Lee fares as well as a man in close prison can fare, I suppose,
constantly guarded and watched. I fancy Howe will engage that he shall
be treated as a prisoner of war, and in that case we shall all be easy.
For my own part I don't think the cause depends upon him. I am sorry to
see such wild panegyrics in your newspapers. I wish they would consider
the wars against idolatry.


   11 April.

Congress is now full. Every one of the thirteen States has a
representation in it, which has not happened before, a long time.
Maryland has taken a step which will soon complete their quota. They
have made it lawful for their officers to enlist servants and
apprentices.

The fine new frigate, called the _Delaware_, Captain Alexander, has
sailed down the river. I stood upon the wharf to see the fine figure and
show she made. They are fitting away the _Washington_, Captain Reed,
with all imaginable dispatch. We have at last finished the system of
officers for the hospitals, which will be printed to-morrow. As soon as
it is done, I will inclose it to you. A most ample, generous, liberal
provision it is. The expense will be great, but humanity overcame
avarice.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 167: The farmer, John Dickinson.]



169. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Sunday, 13 April, 1777.

Inclosed with this you have a correspondence[168] between the two
Generals concerning the cartel for the exchange of prisoners. Washington
is in the right, and has maintained his argument with a delicacy and
dignity which do him much honor. He has hinted at the flagitious conduct
of the two Howes towards their prisoners in so plain and clear a manner
that he cannot be misunderstood, but yet a decency and a delicacy are
preserved, which is the more to be applauded because the natural
resentment of such atrocious cruelties renders it very difficult to
avoid a more pointed language in describing them. They might indeed,
without much impropriety, have been painted in crimson colors of a
deeper die. If Mr. Howe's heart is not callous, what must be his
feelings when he recollects the starvings, the freezings, the
pestilential diseases, with which he coolly and deliberately destroyed
the lives of so many unhappy men! If his conscience is not seared, how
will he bear its lashes when he remembers his breach of honor, his
breach of faith, his offense against humanity and divinity, his
neighbor, and his God (if he thinks there is any such Supreme Being), in
impairing health that he ought to have cherished, and in putting an end
to lives that he ought to have preserved, and in choosing the most slow,
lingering, and torturing death that he could have devised. I charitably
suppose, however, that he would have chosen the shortest course and
would have put every man to the sword or bayonet, and thereby have put
an end to their sufferings at once, if he could have done it without
detection. But this would have been easily proved upon him, both by
friends and enemies, whereas, by hunger, frost, and disease he might
commit the murders with equal certainty, and yet be able to deny that he
had done it. He might lay it to hurry, to confusion, to the fault of
commissaries and other officers; nay, might deny that they were starved,
frozen, and infected. He was determined to put them out of the way and
yet to deny it; to get rid of his enemies and yet save his reputation.
But his reputation is ruined forever.

The two brothers will be ranked by posterity with Pizarro, with Borgia,
with Alva, and with others in the annals of infamy, whose memories are
entitled to the hisses and execrations of all virtuous men. These two
unprincipled men are the more detestable because they were in the
opposition at home, their connections, friendships, and interest lay
with the opposition; to the opposition they owed their rise, promotion,
and importance. Yet they have basely deserted their friends and party,
and have made themselves the senile tools of the worst of men in the
worst of causes. But what will not desperate circumstances tempt men to
do, who are without principle and who have a strong, aspiring ambition,
a towering pride, and a tormenting avarice? These two Howes were very
poor, and they have spent the little fortunes they had in bribery at
elections, and having obtained seats in Parliament, and having some
reputation as brave men, they had nothing to do but to carry their votes
and their valor to market, and, it is very true, they have sold them at
a high price.

Are titles of honor the reward of infamy? Is gold a compensation for
vice? Can the one or the other give that pleasure to the heart, that
comfort to the mind, which it derives from doing good? from a
consciousness of acting upon upright and generous principles, of
promoting the cause of right, freedom, and the happiness of men? Can
wealth or titles soften the pains of the mind upon reflecting that a man
has done evil and endeavored to do evil to millions, that he has
destroyed free governments and established tyrannies? I would not be a
Howe for all the empires of the earth and all the riches and glories
thereof. Who would not rather be brave even though unfortunate in the
cause of liberty? Who would not rather be Sidney than Monk?

However, if I am not deceived, misfortune as well as infamy awaits these
men. They are doomed to defeat and destruction. It may take time to
effect it, but it will certainly come. America is universally convinced
of the necessity of meeting them in the field in firm battalion, and
American fire is terrible.[169]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 168: Sparks's edition of _Washington's Writings_, Vol. IV. pp.
380-386.]

[Footnote 169: This description of the Howes may be set down to the
account of the irritation of the conflict. They proved in reality as
liberal opponents as the nature of the war would permit.]



170. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 13 April, 1777.

I have spent an hour this morning in the congregation of the dead. I
took a walk into the Potter's Field, a burying ground between the new
stone prison and the hospital, and I never in my whole life was affected
with so much melancholy. The graves of the soldiers who have been buried
in this ground from the hospital and bettering house during the course
of the last summer, fall, and winter, dead of the small-pox and camp
diseases, are enough to make the heart of stone to melt away. The sexton
told me that upwards of two thousand soldiers had been buried there, and
by the appearance of the graves and trenches it is most probable to me
he speaks within bounds. To what causes this plague is to be attributed
I don't know. It seems to me that the want of tents, clothes, soap,
vegetables, vinegar, vaults, etc., cannot account for it all. Oatmeal
and peas are a great preservative of our enemies. Our frying-pans and
gridirons slay more than the sword. Discipline, discipline is the great
thing wanted. There can be no order nor cleanliness in an army without
discipline.

We have at last determined on a plan for the sick, and have called into
the service the best abilities in physic and chirurgery that the
continent affords. I pray God it may have its desired effect, and that
the lives and health of the soldiers may be saved by it. Disease has
destroyed ten men for us where the sword of the enemy has killed one.

Upon my return from my pensive, melancholy walk, I heard a piece of
disagreeable news; that the ship _Morris_, Captain Anderson, from
Nantes, with cannon, arms, gun-locks, powder, etc., was chased into
Delaware Bay by two or three men-of-war; that she defended herself
manfully against their boats and barges, but finding no possibility of
getting clear, she ran aground. The crew and two French gentlemen
passengers got on shore, but the captain, determined to disappoint his
enemy in part, laid a train and blew up the ship, and lost his own life,
unfortunately, in the explosion. I regret the loss of so brave a man
much more than that of the ship and cargo. The people are fishing in
order to save what they can, and I hope they will save the cannon. The
French gentlemen, it is said, have brought dispatches from France to the
Congress. I hope this is true. If it is, I will let you know the
substance of it if I may be permitted to disclose it.



171. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 19 April, 1777.

We have now an ample representation from New York. It consists of six
delegates, and they are to all appearance as high, as decisive, and as
determined as any men ever were or can be. There is a new hand, a Mr.
Duer, who is a very fine fellow, a man of sense, spirit, and activity,
and is exceeded by no man in zeal. Mr. Duane and Mr. Philip Livingston
are apparently as determined as any men in Congress. You will see, by
the inclosed newspapers, that Duane and Jay have arrived at the honor of
being ranked with the two Adamses. I hope they will be duly sensible of
the illustrious distinction, and be sure to behave in a manner becoming
it.

This is the anniversary of the ever memorable 19th April, 1775. Two
complete years we have maintained open war with Great Britain and her
allies, and, after all our difficulties and misfortunes, are much abler
to cope with them now than we were at the beginning.



172. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   20 April, 1777.

The post is very regular, and faithfully brings me all your letters, I
believe. If I do not write so often as you do, be assured that 't is
because I have nothing worth your acceptance to write. Whilst the army
lay this way I had constantly something by way of intelligence to write.
Of late there has been a general state of tranquillity, as if we had no
contending armies.

There seems to be something preparing against Newport at last. If we are
not wise too late, it will be well. Two thousand militia are ordered to
be drafted for that place, and last week the independent company marched
very generally; expect to tarry six weeks, till the militia are
collected.

Your obliging favors of various dates came safe to hand last week, and
contain a fine parcel of agreeable intelligence, for which I am much
obliged, and I feel very important to have such a budget to communicate.

As to the town of Boston, I cannot give you any very agreeable account
of it. It seems to be really destitute of the choice spirits which once
inhabited it, though I have not heard any particular charges of Toryism
against it. No doubt you had your intelligence from better authority
than I can name. I have not been into town since your absence, nor do I
desire to go till a better spirit prevails. If 't is not Toryism it is a
spirit of avarice and contempt of authority, an inordinate love of gain,
that prevails not only in town but everywhere I look or hear from. As to
dissipation, there was always enough of it in the town, but I believe
not more now than when you left us.

There is a general cry against the merchants, against monopolizers,
etc., who, 't is said, have created a partial scarcity. That a scarcity
prevails of every article, not only of luxury but even the necessaries
of life, is a certain fact. Everything bears an exorbitant price. The
Act, which was in some measure regarded and stemmed the torrent of
oppression, is now no more heeded than if it had never been made. Indian
corn at five shillings; rye, eleven and twelve shillings, but scarcely
any to be had even at that price; beef, eightpence; veal, sixpence and
eightpence; butter, one and sixpence; mutton, none; lamb, none; pork,
none; mean sugar, four pounds per hundred; molasses, none; cotton-wool,
none; New England rum, eight shillings per gallon; coffee, two and
sixpence per pound; chocolate, three shillings.

What can be done? Will gold and silver remedy this evil? By your
accounts of board, horsekeeping, etc., I fancy you are not better off
than we are here. I live in hopes that we see the most difficult time we
have to experience. Why is Carolina so much better furnished than any
other State, and at so reasonable prices?

I hate to tell a story unless I am fully informed of every particular.
As it happened yesterday, and to-day is Sunday, I have not been so fully
informed as I could wish. About eleven o'clock yesterday William
Jackson, Dick Green, Harry Perkins, and Sargent, of Cape Ann, and A.
Carry, of Charlestown, were carted out of Boston under the direction of
Joice[170] junior, who was mounted on horseback, with a red coat, a
white wig, and a drawn sword, with drum and fife following. A concourse
of people to the amount of five hundred followed. They proceeded as far
as Roxbury, when he ordered the cart to be tipped up, then told them if
they were ever caught in town again it should be at the expense of their
lives. He then ordered his gang to return, which they did immediately
without any disturbance.

Whether they had been guilty of any new offense I cannot learn. 'T is
said that a week or two ago there was a public auction at Salem, when
these five Tories went down and bid up the articles to an enormous
price, in consequence of which they were complained of by the Salem
Committee. Two of them, I hear, took refuge in this town last night.

I believe we shall be the last State to assume government. Whilst we
harbor such a number of designing Tories amongst us, we shall find
government disregarded and every measure brought into contempt by
secretly undermining and openly contemning them. We abound with
designing Tories and ignorant, avaricious Whigs.


   Monday, 21st.

Have now learned the crime of the carted Tories. It seems they have
refused to take paper money, and offered their goods lower for silver
than for paper; bought up articles at a dear rate, and then would not
part with them for paper.

Yesterday arrived two French vessels--one a twenty, some say thirty-six
gun frigate; dry goods, and four hundred stand of arms, 't is said they
contain. I believe I wrote you that Manly had sailed, but it was only as
far as Cape Ann. He and MacNeal both lie at anchor in the harbor.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 170: A man used to ride on an ass, with immense jack boots and
his face covered with a horrible mask, and was called Joice junior. His
office was to assemble men and boys in mob style, and ride, in
the middle of them, to terrify the adherents to the royal
government.--_Niles's Principles and Acts of the Revolution_, p. 490.]



173. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 23 April, 1777.

My barber has just left the chamber. The following curious dialogue was
the amusement during the gay moments of shaving.

"Well, Burne, what is the lie of the day?"

"Sir, Mr. ---- told me that a privateer from Baltimore has taken two
valuable prizes with sixteen guns each. I can scarcely believe it."

"Have you heard of the success of the _Rattlesnake_, of Philadelphia,
and the _Sturdy Beggar_, of Maryland, Mr. Burne? These two privateers
have taken eleven prizes, and sent them into the West India Islands;
nine transports and two Guinea-men."

"Confound the ill luck, sir; I was going to sea myself on board the
_Rattlesnake_, and my wife fell a-yelping. These wives are queer things.
I told her I wondered she had no more ambition. 'Now,' says I, 'when you
walk the streets and anybody asks who that is, the answer is, "_Burne
the barber's wife_." Should you not be better pleased to hear it said,
"_That is Captain Burne's lady_, the captain of marines on board the
Rattlesnake"?' 'Oh,' says she, 'I would rather be called Burne the
barber's wife, than Captain Burne's widow. I don't desire to live better
than you maintain me, my dear.' So it is, sir, by this sweet, honey
language, I am choused out of my prizes, and must go on with my soap and
razors and pincers and combs. I with she had my ambition."

If this letter should be intercepted by the Tories, they will get a
booty. Let them enjoy it. If some of their wives had been as tender and
discreet as the barber's, their husbands' ambition would not have led
them into so many salt ponds. What an _ignis fatuus_ this ambition is?
How few of either sex have arrived at Mrs. Burne's pitch of moderation,
and are able to say, "I don't desire to live better, and had rather be
the Barber's wife than the Captain's widow!" Quite smart, I think, as
well as philosophical.



174. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Saturday Evening, 26 April, 1777.

I have been lately more remiss than usual in writing to you. There has
been a great dearth of news. Nothing from England, nothing from France,
Spain, or any other part of Europe, nothing from the West Indies,
nothing from Howe and his banditti, nothing from General Washington.
There are various conjectures that Lord Howe is dead, sick, or gone to
England, as the proclamations run in the name of Will. Howe only, and
nobody from New York can tell anything of his lordship.

I am wearied out with expectations that the Massachusetts troops would
have arrived, ere now, at Head-quarters. Do our people intend to leave
the continent in the lurch? Do they mean to submit? or what fatality
attends them? With the noblest prize in view that ever mortals contended
for, and with the fairest prospect of obtaining it upon easy terms, the
people of the Massachusetts Bay are dead. Does our State intend to send
only half or a third of their quota? Do they wish to see another
crippled, disastrous, and disgraceful campaign, for want of an army? I
am more sick and more ashamed of my own countrymen than ever I was
before. The spleen, the vapors, the dismals, the horrors seem to have
seized our whole State. More wrath than terror has seized me. I am very
mad. The gloomy cowardice of the times is intolerable in New England.
Indeed, I feel not a little out of humor from indisposition of body. You
know I cannot pass a spring or fall without an ill turn, and I have had
one these four or five weeks; a cold, as usual. Warm weather and a
little exercise, with a little medicine, I suppose, will cure me, as
usual. I am not confined, but mope about and drudge, as usual, like a
galley-slave. I am a fool, if ever there was one, to be such a slave. I
won't be much longer. I will be more free in some world or other. Is it
not intolerable, that the opening spring, which I should enjoy with my
wife and children, upon my little farm, should pass away, and laugh at
me for laboring, day after day and month after month, in a conclave
where neither taste, nor fancy, nor reason, nor passion, nor appetite
can be gratified?

Posterity! you will never know how much it cost the present generation
to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you
do not, I shall repent it in heaven that I ever took half the pains to
preserve it.



175. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 27 April, 1777.

Your favors of April 2d and 7th I have received. The inclosed "Evening
Post" will give you some idea of the humanity of the present race of
Britons. My barber, whom I quote as often as ever I did any authority,
says "he has read histories of cruelty and he has read romances of
cruelty, but the cruelty of the British exceeds all that he ever read."
For my own part I think we cannot dwell too much on this part of their
character and conduct. It is full of important lessons. If the facts
only were known, in the utmost simplicity of narration, they would
strike every pious and humane bosom in Great Britain with horror. Every
conscience in that country is not callous, nor every heart hardened. The
plainest relation of facts would interest the sympathy and compassion of
all Europe in our favor. And it would convince every American that a
nation, so great a part of which is thus deeply depraved, can never be
again trusted with power over us. I think that not only history should
perform her office, but painting, sculpture, statuary, and poetry ought
to assist, in publishing to the world and perpetuating to posterity the
horrid deeds of our enemies. It will show the persecution we suffer in
defense of our rights; it will show the fortitude, patience,
perseverance, and magnanimity of Americans, in as strong a light as the
barbarity and impiety of Britons, in this persecuting war. Surely
impiety consists in destroying with such hellish barbarity the rational
works of the Deity, as much as in blaspheming and defying his majesty.

If there is a moral law, if there is a divine law,--and that there is,
every intelligent creature is conscious,--to trample on these laws, to
hold them in contempt and defiance, is the highest exertion of
wickedness and impiety that mortals can be guilty of. The author of
human nature, who can give it its rights, will not see it ruined, and
suffer its destroyers to escape with impunity. Divine vengeance will,
some time or other, overtake the Alberts, the Philips and Georges, the
Alvas, the Geslers, and Howes, and vindicate the wrongs of oppressed
human nature. I think that medals in gold, silver, and copper ought to
be struck in commemoration of the shocking cruelties, the brutal
barbarities, and the diabolical impieties of this war; and these should
be contrasted with the kindness, tenderness, humanity, and philanthropy
which have marked the conduct of Americans towards their prisoners. It
is remarkable that the officers and soldiers of our enemies are so
totally depraved, so completely destitute of the sentiments of
philanthropy in their own hearts, that they cannot believe that such
delicate feelings can exist in any other, and therefore have constantly
ascribed that milk and honey with which we have treated them, to fear,
cowardice, and conscious weakness. But in this they are mistaken, and
will discover their mistake too late to answer any good purpose for
them.



176. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 28 April, 1777.

There is a clock calm at this time in the political and military
hemispheres. The surface is smooth and the air serene. Not a breath nor
a wave, no news nor noise.

Nothing would promote our cause more than Howe's march to this town.
Nothing quickens and determines people so much as a little smart. The
Germans, who are numerous and wealthy in this State, and who have very
imperfect ideas of freedom, have a violent attachment to property. They
are passionate and vindictive, in a degree that is scarcely credible to
persons who are unacquainted with them, and the least injury to their
property excites a resentment beyond description. A few houses and
plantations plundered (as many would be if Howe should come here) would
set them all on fire. Nothing would unite and determine Pennsylvania so
effectually. The passions of men must coöperate with their reason in the
prosecution of a war. The public may be clearly convinced that a war is
just, and yet, until their passions are excited, will carry it languidly
on. The prejudices, the anger, the hatred of the English against the
French contributes greatly to their valor and success. The British Court
and their officers have studied to excite the same passions in the
breasts of their soldiers against the Americans, well knowing their
powerful effects. We, on the contrary, have treated their characters
with too much tenderness. The Howes, their officers, and soldiers too,
ought to be held up to the contempt, derision, hatred, and abhorrence
of the populace in every State, and of the common soldiers in every
army. It would give me no pain to see them burned or hanged in effigy in
every town and village.



177. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 4 May, 1777.

Inclosed with this you will have an "Evening Post" containing some of
the tender mercies of the barbarians to their prisoners. If there is a
man, woman, or child in America who can read these depositions without
resentment and horror, that person has no soul, or a very wicked one.
Their treatment of prisoners last year, added to an act of Parliament
which they have made, to enable them to send prisoners to England, to be
there murdered with still more relentless cruelty in prisons, will bring
our officers and soldiers to the universal resolution to _conquer or
die_. This maxim, "CONQUER OR DIE," never failed to raise a people who
adopted it to the head of mankind. An express from Portsmouth, last
night, brought us news of the arrival of arms and ordnance enough to
enable us to take vengeance of these foes of human nature.



178. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   6 May, 1777.

'T is ten days, I believe, since I wrote you a line, yet not ten minutes
pass without thinking of you. 'T is four months wanting three days since
we parted. Every day of the time I have mourned the absence of my
friend, and felt a vacancy in my heart which nothing, nothing can
supply. In vain the spring blooms or the birds sing. Their music has not
its former melody, nor the spring its usual pleasures. I look around
with a melancholy delight and sigh for my absent partner. I fancy I see
you worn down with cares, fatigued with business, and solitary amidst a
multitude.

And I think it probable before this reaches you that you may be driven
from the city by our barbarous and hostile foes, and the city sharing
the fate of Charlestown and Falmouth, Norfolk and Danbury. So vague and
uncertain are the accounts with regard to the latter, that I shall not
pretend to mention them. 'T is more than a week since the event, yet we
have no accounts which can be depended upon. I wish it may serve the
valuable purpose of arousing our degenerated countrymen from that state
of security and torpitude into which they seem to be sunk.


   9 May.

I have been prevented writing for several days by company from town.
Since I wrote you I have received several letters; two of the 13th of
April, one of the 19th, and one of the 22d. Though some of them were
very short, I will not complain. I rejoice to hear from you though you
write but a line.

Since the above we have some account of the affair at Danbury, and of
the loss of General Wooster.[171] That they had no more assistance, 't
is said, was owing to six expresses being stopped by the Tories. We
shall never prosper till we fall upon some method to extirpate that
blood-thirsty set of men. Too much lenity will prove our ruin. We have
rumors too of an action at Brunswick much to our advantage, but little
credit is yet given to the report. I wish we may be able to meet them in
the field, to encounter and conquer so vile an enemy.

The two Continental frigates lie windbound, with three brigs of twenty
guns and some others, which are all going out in company. The wind has
been a long time at east and prevented the vessels from going out.

I was mistaken in my brother's going with MacNeal. He is going in the
_Darter_, a vessel which mounts twenty-four guns, is private property,
but sails with the fleet.

I cannot write you half so much as I would. I have left company because
I would not lose an opportunity of sending this. Believe me, etc.

I must add a little more. A most horrid plot has been discovered of a
band of villains counterfeiting the Hampshire currency to a great
amount. No person scarcely but what has more or less of these bills. I
am unlucky enough to have about five pounds L. M. of it, but this is not
the worst of it. One Colonel Farrington, who has been concerned in the
plot, was taken sick, and has confessed not only the counterfeiting, but
says they had engaged and enlisted near two thousand men, who, upon the
troops' coming to Boston, were to fall upon the people and make a
general havoc.

How much more merciful God is than man, in thus providentially bringing
to light these horrid plots and schemes. I doubt not Heaven will still
continue to favor us unless our iniquities prevent. The Hampshire people
have been stupid enough to let one of the principal plotters, Colonel
Holland, out upon bail, and he has made his escape.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 171: Inclosed with the letter appears an official copy of a
report of the loss of men and stores at Danbury.]



179. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 7 May, 1777.

We have no news here except what we get from your country. The
privateers act with great spirit, and are blessed with remarkable
success. Some merchant ships are arrived this week from Maryland. They
were first chased by men-of-war in attempting to get into Chesapeake
Bay. They ran from them and attempted Delaware Bay. There they were
chased again, whereupon they again shifted their course for Chesapeake,
and got in safe, in spite of all the men-of-war could do. Thus, you see,
we can and will have trade in spite of them, and this trade will
probably increase fast. It requires time for the stream of commerce to
alter its channel. Time is necessary for our merchants and foreign
merchants to think, plan, and correspond with each other. Time, also, is
necessary for our masters of vessels and mariners to become familiar
with the coasts, forts, and harbors of foreign countries, and a longer
time still is needful for French, Spanish, and Dutch masters and
mariners to learn our coasts and harbors.

   Yours ever, ever yours.



180. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 10 May, 1777.

The day before yesterday I took a walk with my friend Whipple to Mrs.
Wells's, the sister of the famous Mrs. Wright,[172] to see her wax-work.
She has two chambers filled with it. In one, the parable of the prodigal
son is represented. The prodigal is prostrate on his knees before his
father, whose joy and grief and compassion all appear in his eyes and
face, struggling with each other. A servant-maid, at the father's
command, is puffing down from a closet shelf the choicest robes to
clothe the prodigal, who is all in rags. At an outward door in a corner
of the room stands the brother, chagrined at this festivity, a servant
coaxing him to come in. A large number of guests are placed round the
room. In another chamber are the figures of Chatham, Franklin,
Sawbridge, Mrs. Macaulay, and several others. At a corner is a miser,
sitting at his table weighing his gold, his bag upon one side of the
table and a thief behind him endeavoring to pilfer the bag.

There is genius as well as taste and art discovered in this exhibition.
But I must confess the whole scene was disagreeable to me. The imitation
of life was too faint, and I seemed to be walking among a group of
corpses, standing, sitting, and walking, laughing, singing, crying, and
weeping. This art, I think, will make but little progress in the world.

Another historical piece I forgot, which is Elisha restoring to life the
Shunamite's son. The joy of the mother upon discovering the first
symptoms of life in the child is pretty strongly expressed. Dr. Chovet's
wax-work, in which all the various parts of the human body are
represented for the benefit of young students in anatomy, and of which I
gave you a particular description a year or two ago, was much more
pleasing to me. Wax is much fitter to represent dead bodies than living
ones.

Upon a hint from one of our Commissioners abroad, we are looking about
for American curiosities to send across the Atlantic as presents to the
ladies. Mr. Rittenhouse's planetarium, Mr. Arnold's collection of
varieties in the virtuoso way, which I once saw at Norwalk in
Connecticut, Narraganset pacing mares, mooses, wood-ducks, flying
squirrels, red-winged blackbirds, cranberries, and rattlesnakes have all
been thought of. Is not this a pretty employment for great statesmen as
we think ourselves to be? Frivolous as it seems, it may be of some
consequence. Little attentions have great influence. I think, however,
we ought to consult the ladies upon this point. Pray what is your
opinion?

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 172: Mrs. Wright was the niece of John Wesley. Soon after this
she went to England, where she made herself quite useful to the American
cause. Mrs. Adams gives some account of her in one of her letters
written from London in 1784.]



181. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 15 May, 1777.

General Warren writes me that my farm never looked better than when he
last saw it, and that Mrs. ---- was likely to outshine all the farmers.
I wish I could see it. But I can make allowances. He knows the weakness
of his friend's heart, and that nothing flatters it more than praises
bestowed upon a certain lady. I am suffering every day for want of my
farm to ramble in. I have been now for near ten weeks in a drooping,
disagreeable way, constantly loaded with a cold. In the midst of
infinite noise, hurry, and bustle, I lead a lonely, melancholy life,
mourning the loss of all the charms of life, which are my family, and
all the amusements that I ever had in life, which is my farm. If the
warm weather, which is now coming on, should not cure my cold and make
me better, I must come home. If it should, and I should get tolerably
comfortable, I shall stay, and reconcile myself to the misery I here
suffer as well as I can. I expect that I shall be chained to this oar
until my constitution both of mind and body are totally destroyed and
rendered wholly useless to myself and family for the remainder of my
days.

However, now we have got over the dreary, dismal, torpid winter, when we
had no army, not even three thousand men, to protect us against all our
enemies, foreign and domestic, and now we have got together a pretty
respectable army, which renders us tolerably secure against both, I
doubt not we shall be able to persuade some gentleman or other in the
Massachusetts to vouchsafe to undertake the dangerous office of delegate
to Congress. However, I will neither whine nor croak. The moment our
affairs are in a prosperous way and a little more out of doubt, that
moment I become a private gentleman, the respectful husband of the
amiable Mrs. A., of B., and the affectionate father of her children, two
characters which I have scarcely supported for these three years past,
having done the duties of neither.



182. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 17 May, 1777.

I never fail to inclose to you the newspapers, which contain the most
intelligence that comes to my knowledge. I am obliged to slacken my
attention to business a little, and ride and walk for the sake of my
health, which is but infirm. Oh, that I could wander upon Penn's hill
and in the meadows and mountains in its neighborhood, free from care!
But this is a felicity too great for me.

Mr. Gorham and Mr. Russell are here with a petition from Charlestown. It
grieves me that they are to return without success. I feel, most
exquisitely, for the unhappy people of that town. Their agents have done
everything in their power or in the power of men to do, and the
Massachusetts delegates have seconded their efforts to the utmost of
their power, but all in vain. The distress of the States, arising from
the quantity of money abroad, and the monstrous demands that would be
made from Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and elsewhere, if a precedent
should be once set, has determined the Congress, almost with tears in
their eyes, to withstand this application at present. Every man
expressed the utmost tenderness and humanity upon the occasion; but at
the same time every man, except the Massachusetts delegates, expressed
his full conviction of the ill policy of granting anything at present.



183. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Sunday, 18 May, 1777.

I think myself very happy that not a week passes but what I receive a
letter or two, sometimes more, from you; and though they are longer in
coming than formerly, owing, I suppose, to the post being obliged to
travel farther round, yet I believe they all faithfully reach me; even
the curious conversation between Mr. Burne and your honor arrived safe,
and made me laugh very heartily.

I think before this time many of our troops must have arrived at
headquarters, for though we have been dilatory in this and the
neighboring towns, others, I hear, have done their duty better. Not an
hour in the day but what we see soldiers marching. The sure way to
prevent their distressing us here would be to have a strong army with
the General. There are a number, not more than half, I believe though,
of this town's proportion, enlisted. The rest were to be drawn at our
May meeting, but as nothing was done in that way, they concluded to try
a little longer to enlist them. The town send but one representative
this year, and that is Mr. N----s, of the middle parish. Give him his
pipe and let him laugh, he will not trouble anybody.

Phileleutheros I suppose will be chosen into the Council, since he finds
that the plan for making them lackeys and tools to the House was not so
acceptable as he expected.

   "Then let me have the highest post,
   Suppose it but an inch at most."

I should feel more unhappy and anxious than ever if I realized our being
again invaded by the wickedness and cruelty of our enemies. The recital
of the inhuman and brutal treatment of those poor creatures who have
fallen into their hands freezes me with horror.

'T is an observation of Bishop Butler's that they who have lost all
tenderness and fellow-feeling for others have withal contracted a
certain callousness of heart which renders them insensible to all other
satisfactions but those of the grossest kind. Our enemies have found the
truth of the observation in every instance of their conduct. Is it not
astonishing what men may at last bring themselves to by suppressing
passions and affections of the best kind, and suffering the worst to
rule over them in their full strength?

Infidelity has been a growing part of the British character for many
years. It is not so much to be wondered at that those who pay no regard
to a Supreme Being should throw off all regard to their fellow-creatures
and to those precepts and doctrines which require peace and good will to
men, and in a particular manner distinguish the followers of Him who
hath said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye
have love one towards another."

Let them reproach us ever so much for our kindness and tenderness to
those who have fallen into our hands, I hope it will never provoke us to
retaliate their cruelties. Let us put it as much as possible out of
their power to injure us, but let us keep in mind the precepts of Him
who hath commanded us to love our enemies and to exercise towards them
acts of humanity, benevolence, and kindness, even when they despitefully
use us.

And here suffer me to quote an authority which you greatly esteem, Dr.
Tillotson:--

"It is commonly said that revenge is sweet, but to a calm and
considerate mind patience and forgiveness are sweeter, and do afford a
much more rational and solid and durable pleasure than revenge. The
monuments of our mercy and goodness are a far more pleasing and
delightful spectacle than of our rage and cruelty, and no sort of
thought does usually haunt men with more terror than the reflection upon
what they have done in the way of revenge."

If our cause is just, it will be best supported by justice and
righteousness. Though we have many other crimes to answer for, that of
cruelty to our enemies is not chargeable upon Americans, and I hope
never will be. If we have erred it is upon the side of mercy; and we
have exercised so much lenity to our enemies as to endanger our friends.
But their malice and wicked designs against us have and will oblige
every State to proceed against them with more rigor. Justice and
self-preservation are duties as much incumbent upon Christians as
forgiveness and love of enemies.

Adieu. I have devoted an hour this day to you. I dare say you are not in
debt.

Ever remember with the tenderest affection one whose greatest felicity
consists in the belief of a love unabated either by years or absence.

   PORTIA.



184. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 22 May, 4 o'clock in the morning.

After a series of the severest and harshest weather that ever I felt in
this climate, we are at last blessed with a bright sun and a soft air.
The weather here has been like our old easterly winds to me and
southerly winds to you. The charms of the morning at this hour are
irresistible. The streaks of glory dawning in the east, the freshness
and purity in the air, the bright blue of the sky, the sweet warblings
of a great variety of birds intermingling with the martial clarions of a
hundred cocks now within my hearing, all conspire to cheer the spirits.

This kind of puerile description is a very pretty employment for an old
fellow whose brow is furrowed with the cares of politics and war. I
shall be on horseback in a few minutes, and then I shall enjoy the
morning in more perfection. I spent last evening at the war office with
General Arnold. He has been basely slandered and libeled. The regulars
say "he fought like Julius Cæsar."[173] I am wearied to death with the
wrangles between military officers, high and low. They quarrel like cats
and dogs. They worry one another like mastiffs, scrambling for rank and
pay like apes for nuts. I believe there is no one principle which
predominates in human nature so much, in every stage of life from the
cradle to the grave, in males and females, old and young, black and
white, rich and poor, high and low, as this passion for superiority.
Every human being compares itself in its imagination with every other
round about it, and will find some superiority over every other, real or
imaginary, or it will die of grief and vexation. I have seen it among
boys and girls at school, among lads at college, among practitioners at
the bar, among the clergy in their associations, among clubs of friends,
among the people in town-meetings, among the members of a House of
Representatives, among the grave councillors on the more solemn bench of
justice, and in that awfully august body, the Congress, and on many of
its committees, and among ladies everywhere; but I never saw it operate
with such keenness, ferocity, and fury as among military officers. They
will go terrible lengths in their emulation, their envy, and revenge in
consequence of it.

So much for philosophy. I hope my five or six babes are all well. My
duty to my mother and your father, and love to sisters and brothers,
aunts and uncles. Pray how does your asparagus perform? etc. I would
give three guineas for a barrel of your cider. Not one drop is to be had
here for gold, and wine is not to be had under six or eight dollars a
gallon, and that very bad. I would give a guinea for a barrel of your
beer. The small beer here is wretchedly bad. In short, I can get nothing
that I can drink, and I believe I shall be sick from this cause alone.
Rum, at forty shillings a gallon, and bad water will never do in this
hot climate in summer, when acid liquors are necessary against
putrefaction.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 173: At Danbury. This caused a temporary reaction in Congress
in his favor.]



185. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 25 May, 1777.

At half past four this morning I mounted my horse and took a ride in a
road that was new to me. I went to Kensington and then to
"Point-no-point" by land, the place where I went once before with a
large company in the row-galleys by water. That frolic was almost two
years ago. I gave you a relation of it in the time, I suppose. The road
to Point-no-point lies along the river Delaware, in fair sight of it and
its opposite shore. For near four miles the road is as straight as the
streets of Philadelphia. On each side are beautiful rows of trees,
buttonwoods, oaks, walnuts, cherries, and willows, especially down
towards the banks of the river. The meadows, pastures, and grass-plats
are as green as leeks. There are many fruit trees and fine orchards set
with the nicest regularity. But the fields of grain, the rye and wheat,
exceed all description. These fields are all sown in ridges, and the
furrow between each couple of ridges is as plainly to be seen as if a
swath had been mown along. Yet it is no wider than a plough-share, and
it is as straight as an arrow. It looks as if the sower had gone along
the furrow with his spectacles, to pick up every grain that should
accidentally fall into it. The corn is just coming out of the ground.
The furrows struck out for the hills to be planted in are each way as
straight as mathematical right lines; and the squares between every four
hills as exact as they could be done by plumb and line, or scale and
compass.

I am ashamed of our farmers. They are a lazy, ignorant set; in
husbandry, I mean; for they know infinitely more of everything else than
these. But after all, the native face of our country, diversified as it
is with hill and dale, sea and land, is to me more agreeable than this
enchanting artificial scene.


   27 May.

The post brought me yours of May 6th and 9th. You express apprehensions
that we may be driven from this city. We have no such apprehensions
here. Howe is unable to do anything but by stealth. Washington is strong
enough to keep Howe where he is.

How could it happen that you should have £5 counterfeit New Hampshire
money? Can't you recollect who you had it of? Let me entreat you not to
take a shilling of any but Continental money or Massachusetts, and be
very careful of that. There is a counterfeit Continental bill abroad,
sent out of New York, but it will deceive none but fools, for it is
copper-plate, easily detected, miserably done.



186. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Monday, 2 June, 1777.

Artillery Election! I wish I was at it or near it. Yours of the 18th
reached me this morning. The cause that letters are so long in
travelling is that there is but one post in a week, who goes from hence
to Peekskill, although there are two that go from thence to Boston.
Riding every day has made me better than I was, although I am not yet
quite well. I am determined to continue this practice, which is very
necessary for me.

I rejoice to find that the town have had the wisdom to send but one
Representative. The House last year was too numerous and unwieldy. The
expense was too great. I suppose you will have a Constitution formed
this year. Who will be the Moses, the Lycurgus, the Solon? or have you a
score or two of such? Whoever they may be, and whatever form may be
adopted, I am persuaded there is among the mass of our people a fund of
wisdom, integrity, and humanity which will preserve their happiness in a
tolerable measure.

If the enemy comes to Boston again, fly with your little ones, all of
them, to Philadelphia. But they will scarcely get to Boston this
campaign. I admire your sentiments concerning revenge. Revenge in
ancient days (you will see it through the whole Roman history) was
esteemed a generous and an heroic passion. Nothing was too good for a
friend, or too bad for an enemy. Hatred and malice without limits
against an enemy were indulged, were justified, and no cruelty was
thought unwarrantable. Our Saviour taught the immorality of revenge, and
the moral duty of forgiving injuries, and even the duty of loving
enemies. Nothing can show the amiable, the moral, the divine excellency
of these Christian doctrines in a stronger point of light than the
characters and conduct of Marius and Sylla, Cæsar, Pompey, Antony, and
Augustus, among innumerable others. Retaliation we must practice in some
instances, in order to make our barbarous foes respect, in some degree,
the rights of humanity. But this will never be done without the most
palpable necessity. The apprehension of retaliation alone will restrain
them from cruelties which would disgrace savages. To omit it then would
be cruelty to ourselves, our officers and men.

We are amused here with reports of troops removing from Rhode Island,
New York, Staten Island, etc.; wagons, boats, bridges, etc., prepared;
two old Indiamen cut down into floating batteries, mounting thirty-two
guns, sent round into Delaware river, etc., etc.; but I heed it no more
than the whistling of the zephyrs. In short, I had rather they should
come to Philadelphia than not. It would purify this city of its dross.
Either the furnace of affliction would refine it of its impurities, or
it would be purged yet so as by fire. This town has been a dead weight
upon us. It would be a dead weight upon the enemy. The mules here would
plague them more than all their money.



187. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 4 June, 1777.

I wish I could know whether your season is cold or warm, wet or dry,
fruitful or barren whether you had late frosts, whether those frosts
have hurt the fruit, the flax, the corn or vines, etc. We have a fine
season here and a bright prospect of abundance.

You will see, by the inclosed papers in a letter from my friend Parsons,
a very handsome narration of one of the prettiest exploits of this war,
a fine retaliation of the Danbury mischief. Meigs, who was before
esteemed a good officer, has acquired by this expedition a splendid
reputation. You will see by the same papers, too, that the writers here
in opposition to the Constitution of Pennsylvania are making factious
use of my name and lucubration; much against my will, I assure you, for
although I am no admirer of the form of this government, yet I think it
is agreeable to the body of the people, and if they please themselves
they will please me. And I would not choose to be impressed into the
service of one party or the other, and I am determined I will not
enlist. Besides, it is not very genteel in these writers to put my name
to a letter[174] from which I cautiously withheld it myself. However,
let them take their own way; I shall not trouble myself about it.

I am growing better by exercise and air.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 174: This was addressed to George Wythe and printed under the
title _Thoughts on Government_. _Works of John Adams_, Vol. I., p. 208.]



188. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 8 July, 1777.

Yours of 23d June I have received. I believe there is no danger of an
invasion your way, but the designs of the enemy are uncertain, and their
motions a little mysterious. Before this letter is sealed, which will
not be till Sunday next, I hope I shall be able to inform you better.

I rejoice at your fine season and at my brother Cranch's attention to
husbandry. I am very glad he bought the farm and that he likes it so
well. I pant for domestic life and rural felicity like his. I am better
than I have been. But I dread the heats which are coming on. This day
completes six months since I left you. I am wasted and exhausted in mind
and body, with incessant application to business, but, if I can possibly
endure it, will hold out the year. It is nonsense to dance backwards and
forwards. After this year, I shall take my leave.

Our affairs are in a fine, prosperous train, and if they continue so, I
can leave this station with honor. Next month completes three years that
I have been devoted to the service of liberty. A slavery it has been to
me, whatever the world may think of it. To a man whose attachments to
his family are as strong as mine, absence alone from such a wife and
such children would be a great sacrifice. But in addition to this
separation what have I not done? What have I not suffered? What have I
not hazarded? These are questions that I may ask you, but I will ask
such questions of none else. Let the cymbals of popularity tinkle still.
Let the butterflies of fame glitter with their wings. I shall envy
neither their music nor their colors. The loss of property affects me
little. All other hard things I despise, but the loss of your company
and that of my dear babes, for so long a time, I consider as a loss of
so much solid happiness. The tender social feelings of my heart, which
have distressed me beyond all utterance in my most busy, active scenes,
as well as in the numerous hours of melancholy solitude, are known only
to God and my own soul.

How often have I seen my dearest friend a widow, and her charming
prattlers orphans exposed to all the insolence of unfeeling, impious
tyrants! Yet I can appeal to my final Judge, the horrid vision has never
for one moment shaken the resolution of my heart.



189. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 11 July, 1777.

This letter will go by the hand of the Honorable Joseph Hewes, Esquire,
one of the delegates in Congress from North Carolina from the month of
September, 1774, until 1777. I had the honor to serve with him upon the
naval committee who laid the first foundations, the corner-stone, of an
American navy, by fitting to sea the _Alfred_, _Columbus_, _Cabot_,
_Andrew Doria_, _Providence_, and several others; an honor that I make
it a rule to boast of upon all occasions and I hope my posterity will
have reason to boast. Hewes has a sharp eye and keen, penetrating sense,
but, what is of much more value, is a man of honor and integrity. If he
should call upon you, and you should be about, I hope you will treat him
with all the complaisance that is due to his character. I almost envy
him his journey, although he travels for his health, which at present is
infirm.

I am, yours, yours, yours,

   JOHN ADAMS.


My dearest Friend,--We have had no news from camp for three or four
days. Mr. Howe, by the last advices, was manoeuvering his fleet and
army in such a manner as to give us expectations of an expedition
somewhere; but whether to Rhode Island, Halifax, up the North River, or
the Delaware, is left to conjecture. I am much in doubt whether he knows
his own intentions. A faculty of penetrating into the designs of an
enemy is said to be the first quality of a General, but it is impossible
to discover the designs of an enemy who has no design at all. An
intention that has no existence, a plan that is not laid, cannot be
divined. Be his intentions what they may, you have nothing to fear from
him. He has not force to penetrate the country anywhere.



190. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 13 July, 1777.

My dearest Friend,--We have a confused account from the northward of
something unlucky at Ticonderoga, but cannot certainly tell what it is.
I am much afraid we shall lose that post, as we did Forts Washington and
Lee; and indeed, I believe we shall if the enemy surround it. But it
will prove no benefit to him. I begin to wish there was not a fort upon
the continent. Discipline and disposition are our resources. It is our
policy to draw the enemy into the country, where we can avail ourselves
of hills, woods, rivers, defiles, etc., until our soldiers are more
inured to war. Howe and Burgoyne will not be able to meet this year, and
if they were met, it would only be better for us, for we should draw all
our forces to a point too. If they were met, they could not cut off the
communication between the northern and southern States. But if the
communication was cut off for a time, it would be no misfortune, for New
England would defend itself, and the southern States would defend
themselves.

Colonel Miles is come out of New York on his parole. His account is, as
I am informed, that Mr. Howe's projects are all deranged. His army has
gone round the circle, and is now encamped in the very spot where he was
a year ago. The spirits of the Tories are sunk to a great degree, and
those of the army too. The Tories have been elated with prospects of
coming to this city and triumphing, but are miserably disappointed. The
Hessians are disgusted, and their General De Heister gone home in a
miff.



191. JOHN ADAMS TO JOHN Q. ADAMS.[175]


   Philadelphia, 27 July, 1777.

If it should be the design of Providence that you should live to grow
up, you will naturally feel a curiosity to learn the history of the
causes which have produced the late Revolution of our Government. No
study in which you can engage will be more worthy of you.

It will become you to make yourself master of all the considerable
characters which have figured upon the stage of civil, political, or
military life. This you ought to do with utmost candor, benevolence, and
impartiality; and if you should now and then meet with an incident which
shall throw some light upon your father's character, I charge you to
consider it with an attention only to truth.

It will also be an entertaining and instructive amusement to compare our
American Revolution with others that resemble it. The whole period of
English history, from the accession of James the First to the accession
of William the Third will deserve your most critical attention.

The History of the Revolutions in Portugal, Sweden, and Rome, by the
Abbot de Vertot, is well worth your reading.

The separation of the Helvetic Confederacy from the dominion of the
House of Austria is also an illustrious event, that particularly
resembles our American struggle with Great Britain.

But above all others I would recommend to your study the history of the
Flemish Confederacy, by which the seven United Provinces of the
Netherlands emancipated themselves from the domination of Spain.

There are several good histories of this great revolution. Sir William
Temple's is short but elegant and entertaining. Another account of this
period was written by Puffendorf, and another by Grotius.

But the most full and complete history that I have seen is one that I am
now engaged in reading. It is entitled "The History of the Wars of
Flanders," written in Italian by that learned and famous Cardinal
Bentivoglio, Englished by the Right Honorable Henry, Earl of Monmouth.
The whole work illustrated with a map of the seventeen Provinces and
above twenty figures of the chief personages mentioned in the history.

Bentivoglio, like Clarendon, was a courtier, and on the side of monarchy
and the hierarchy. But allowances must be made for that.

There are three most memorable sieges described in this history, those
of Haerlem, Leyden, and Antwerp.

You will wonder, my dear son, at my writing to you at your tender age
such dry things as these; but if you keep this letter, you will in some
future period thank your father for writing it.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 175: At this time just ten years old.]



192. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   30 July, 1777.

I dare say, before this time you have interpreted the Northern Storm. If
the presages chilled your blood, how must you be frozen and stiffened at
the disgrace brought upon our arms! unless some warmer passion seize
you, and anger and resentment fire your breast. How are all our vast
magazines of cannon, powder, arms, clothing, provision, medicine, etc.,
to be restored to us?[176] But, what is vastly more, how shall the
disgrace be wiped away? How shall our lost honor be retrieved? The
reports with regard to that fortress are very vague and uncertain. Some
write from thence that there was not force sufficient to defend it.
Others say it might have stood a long siege. Some there are who ought to
know why and wherefore we have given away a place of such importance.

That the inquiry will be made, I make no doubt; and if cowardice, guilt,
deceit, are found upon any one, howsoever high or exalted his station,
may shame, reproach, infamy, hatred, and the execrations of the public
be his portion.

I would not be so narrow-minded as to suppose that there are not many
men of all nations, possessed of honor, virtue, and integrity; yet it is
to be lamented that we have not men among ourselves sufficiently
qualified for war to take upon them the most important command.

It was customary among the Carthaginians to have a military school, in
which the flower of their nobility, and those whose talents and ambition
prompted them to aspire to the first dignities, learned the art of war.
From among these they selected all their general officers; for, though
they employed mercenary soldiers, they were too jealous and suspicious
to employ foreign generals. Will a foreigner, whose interest is not
naturally connected with ours (any otherwise than as the cause of
liberty is the cause of all mankind), will he act with the same zeal, or
expose himself to equal dangers with the same resolution, for a republic
of which he is not a member, as he would have done for his own native
country? And can the people repose an equal confidence in them, even
supposing them men of integrity and abilities, and that they meet with
success equal to their abilities? How much envy and malice are employed
against them! And how galling to pride, how mortifying to human nature,
to see itself excelled.


   31 July.

I have nothing new to entertain you with, unless it be an account of a
new set of mobility, which has lately taken the lead in Boston. You must
know that there is a great scarcity of sugar and coffee, articles which
the female part of the State is very loath to give up, especially whilst
they consider the scarcity occasioned by the merchants having secreted a
large quantity. There had been much rout and noise in the town for
several weeks. Some stores had been opened by a number of people, and
the coffee and sugar carried into the market and dealt out by pounds. It
was rumored that an eminent, wealthy, stingy merchant[177] (who is a
bachelor) had a hogshead of coffee in his store, which he refused to
sell to the committee under six shillings per pound. A number of
females, some say a hundred, some say more, assembled with a cart and
trucks, marched down to the warehouse, and demanded the keys, which he
refused to deliver. Upon which one of them seized him by his neck, and
tossed him into the cart. Upon his finding no quarter, he delivered the
keys, when they tipped up the cart and discharged him; then opened the
warehouse, hoisted out the coffee themselves, put it into the trucks,
and drove off.

It was reported that he had personal chastisement among them; but this,
I believe, was not true. A large concourse of men stood amazed, silent
spectators of the whole transaction.

Adieu. Your good mother is just come; she desires to be remembered to
you; so do my father and sister, who have just left me, and so does she
whose greatest happiness consists in being tenderly beloved by her
absent friend, and who subscribes herself ever his

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 176: The loss of Ticonderoga.]

[Footnote 177: Thomas Boylston.]



193. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   5 August, 1777.

If alarming half a dozen places at the same time is an act of
generalship, Howe may boast of his late conduct. We have never, since
the evacuation of Boston, been under apprehensions of an invasion equal
to what we suffered last week. All Boston was in confusion packing up
and carting out of town household furniture, military stores, goods,
etc. Not less than a thousand teams were employed on Friday and
Saturday; and, to their shame be it told, not a small trunk would they
carry under eight dollars, and many of them, I am told, asked a hundred
dollars a load; for carting a hogshead of molasses eight miles, thirty
dollars. O human nature! or rather, O inhuman nature! what art thou? The
report of the fleet's being seen off Cape Ann Friday night gave me the
alarm, and, though pretty weak, I set about packing up my things, and on
Saturday removed a load.

When I looked around me and beheld the bounties of Heaven so liberally
bestowed, in fine fields of corn, grass, flax, and English grain, and
thought it might soon become a prey to these merciless ravagers, our
habitations laid waste, and if our flight preserved our lives, we must
return to barren fields, empty barns, and desolate habitations, if any
we find (perhaps not where to lay our heads), my heart was too full to
bear the weight of affliction which I thought just ready to overtake us,
and my body too weak almost to bear the shock, unsupported by my better
half.

But, thanks be to Heaven, we are at present relieved from our fears
respecting ourselves. I now feel anxious for your safety, but hope
prudence will direct to a proper care and attention to yourselves. May
this second attempt of Howe's prove his utter ruin. May destruction
overtake him as a whirlwind.

We have a report of an engagement at the northward, in which our troops
behaved well, drove the enemy into their lines, killed and took three
hundred and fifty prisoners. The account came in last night. I have not
particulars. We are under apprehensions that the _Hancock_ is taken.

Your obliging letters of the 8th, 10th, and 13th came to hand last week.
I hope before this time you are relieved from the anxiety you express
for your bosom friend. I feel my sufferings amply rewarded, in the
tenderness you express for me. But in one of your letters you have drawn
a picture which drew a flood of tears from my eyes, and wrung my heart
with anguish inexpressible. I pray Heaven I may not live to realize it.

It is almost thirteen years since we were united, but not more than half
that time have we had the happiness of living together. The unfeeling
world may consider it in what light they please. I consider it as a
sacrifice to my country, and one of my greatest misfortunes, for you to
be separated from my children, at a time of life when the joint
instructions and admonition of parents sink deeper than in maturer
years.

The hope of the smiles and approbation of my friend sweetens all my
toils and labors.

   "Ye Powers, whom men and birds obey,
   Great rulers of your creatures, say
   Why mourning comes, by bliss conveyed,
   And even the sweets of love allayed.
   Where grows enjoyment tall and fair,
   Around it twines entangling care;
   While fear for what our sons possess
   Enervates every power to bless.
   Yet friendship forms the bliss above,
   And, life! what art thou without love!"



194. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 11 August, 1777.

Your kind favor of July 30th and 31st was handed me just now from the
post-office. I have regularly received a letter from you every week,
excepting one, for a long time past, and as regularly send a line to
you, inclosing papers. My letters are scarcely worth sending. Indeed, I
don't choose to indulge much speculation, lest a letter should miscarry,
and free sentiments upon public affairs intercepted from me might do
much hurt.

Where the scourge of God and the plague of mankind is gone, no one can
guess. An express from Sinnepuxent, a place between the Capes of
Delaware and the Capes of Chesapeake, informs that a fleet of one
hundred sail was seen off that place last Thursday. But whether this is
fishermen's news, like that from Cape Ann, I know not. The time spends
and the campaign wears away, and Howe makes no great figure yet. How
many men and horses will he cripple by this strange coasting voyage of
five weeks?

We have given New England men what they will think a complete triumph in
the removal of Generals from the northward and sending Gates there. I
hope every part of New England will now exert itself to its utmost
efforts. Never was a more glorious opportunity than Burgoyne has given
us of destroying him by marching down so far towards Albany. Let New
England turn out and cut off his retreat. Pray, continue to write me
every week. You have made me merry with the female frolic with the
miser. But I hope the females will leave off their attachment to coffee.
I assure you the best families in this place have left off, in a great
measure, the use of West India goods. We must bring ourselves to live
upon the produce of our own country. What would I give for some of your
cider? Milk has become the breakfast of many of the wealthiest and
genteelest families here.

Fenno put me into a kind of frenzy to go home, by the description he
gave me, last night, of the fertility of the season, the plenty of fish,
etc., etc., etc., in Boston and about it. I am condemned to this place,
a miserable exile from everything that is agreeable to me. God will my
banishment shall not last long.



195. JOHN ADAMS.


   Same date.

I think I have sometimes observed to you in conversation, that upon
examining the biography of illustrious men, you will generally find some
female about them, in the relation of mother or wife or sister, to whose
instigation a great part of their merit is to be ascribed. You will find
a curious example of this in the case of Aspasia, the wife of Pericles.
She was a woman of the greatest beauty and the first genius. She taught
him, it is said, his refined maxims of policy, his lofty imperial
eloquence, nay, even composed the speeches on which so great a share of
his reputation was founded. The best men in Athens frequented her house
and brought their wives to receive lessons from her of economy and right
deportment. Socrates himself was her pupil in eloquence, and gives her
the honor of that funeral oration which he delivers in the "Menexenus"
of Plato. Aristophanes, indeed, abuses this famous lady, but Socrates
does her honor.

I wish some of our great men had such wives. By the account in your last
letter, it seems the women in Boston begin to think themselves able to
serve their country. What a pity it is that our Generals in the northern
districts had not Aspasias to their wives!

I believe the two Howes have not very great women for wives. If they
had, we should suffer more from their exertions than we do. This is our
good fortune. A woman of good sense would not let her husband spend five
weeks at sea in such a season of the year. A smart wife would have put
Howe in possession of Philadelphia a long time ago.



196. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Tuesday, 19 August, 1777.

Your obliging favor of the 5th[178] came by yesterday's post, and I
intended to have answered it by this morning's post, but was delayed by
many matters, until he gave me the slip.

I am sorry that you and the people of Boston were put to so much
trouble, but glad to hear that such numbers determined to fly. The
prices for carting which were demanded were detestable. I wish your
fatigue and anxiety may not have injured your health. Don't be anxious
for my safety. If Howe comes here, I shall run away, I suppose, with the
rest. We are too brittle ware, you know, to stand the dashing of balls
and bombs. I wonder upon what principle the Roman senators refused to
fly from the Gauls, and determined to sit with their ivory staves and
hoary beards in the porticoes of their houses, until the enemy entered
the city and, although they confessed they resembled the gods, put them
to the sword. I should not choose to indulge this sort of dignity; but I
confess I feel myself so much injured by these barbarian Britons that I
have a strong inclination to meet them in the field. This is not
revenge, I believe, but there is something sweet and delicious in the
contemplation of it. There is in our hearts an indignation against wrong
that is righteous and benevolent; and he who is destitute of it is
defective in the balance of his affections and in his moral character.

As long as there is conscience in our breasts, a moral sense which
distinguishes between right and wrong, approving, esteeming, loving the
former, and undermining and detesting the other, we must feel a pleasure
in the punishment of so eminent a contemner of all that is right and
good and just, as Howe is. They are virtuous and pious passions that
prompt us to desire his destruction, and to lament and deplore his
success and prosperity. The desire of assisting towards his disgrace is
an honest wish.

It is too late in life, my constitution is too much debilitated by
speculation, and indeed it is too late a period in the war, for me to
think of girding on a sword. But if I had the last four years to run
over again, I certainly would.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 178: No. 193, page 287.]



197. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Tuesday, 19 August, 1777.

The weather still continues cloudy and cool, and the wind easterly.
Howe's fleet and army is still incognito. The gentlemen from South
Carolina begin to tremble for Charleston. If Howe is under a judicial
blindness, he may be gone there. But what will be the fate of a
scorbutic army, cooped up in a fleet for six, seven, or eight weeks, in
such intemperate weather as we have had? What will be their condition,
landing on a burning shore abounding with agues and mosquitoes, in the
most unwholesome season of the whole year? If he should get Charleston,
or indeed the whole State, what progress will this make towards the
conquest of America? He will stop the trade of rice and indigo, but what
then? Besides, he will get some ugly knocks. They are honest, sincere,
and brave, and will make his life uncomfortable.

I feel a strong affection for South Carolina for several reasons. 1. I
think them as stanch patriots as any in America. 2. I think them as
brave. 3. They are the only people in America who have maintained a post
and defended a fort. 4. They have sent us a new delegate whom I greatly
admire, Mr. Laurens, their Lieutenant-governor, a gentleman of great
fortune, great abilities, modesty and integrity, and great experience
too. If all the States would send us such men, it would be a pleasure to
be here.

In the northern department they begin to fight. The family of Johnson,
the black part of it as well as the white, are pretty well thinned.
Rascals! They deserve extermination. I presume Gates will be so
supported that Burgoyne will be obliged to retreat. He will stop at
Ticonderoga, I suppose, for they can maintain posts although we cannot.
I think we shall never defend a post until we shoot a General. After
that we shall defend posts, and this event, in my opinion, is not far
off. No other fort will ever be evacuated without an inquiry, nor any
officer come off without a court martial. We must trifle no more. We
have suffered too many disgraces to pass unexpiated. Every disgrace must
be wiped off.

We have been several days hammering upon money. We are contriving every
way we can to redress the evils we feel and fear from too great a
quantity of paper. Taxation as deep as possible is the only radical
cure. I hope you will pay every tax that is brought you, if you sell my
books or clothes or oxen, or your cows, to pay it.



198. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Wednesday, 20 August, 1777.

This day completes three years since I stepped into the coach at Mr.
Cushing's door, in Boston, to go to Philadelphia in quest of adventures.
And adventures I have found. I feel an inclination sometimes to write
the history of the last three years, in imitation of Thucydides. There
is a striking resemblance in several particulars between the
Peloponnesian and the American war. The real motive to the former was a
jealousy of the growing power of Athens by sea and land. The genuine
motive to the latter was a similar jealousy of the growing power of
America. The true causes which incite to war are seldom professed or
acknowledged.

We are now upon a full sea; when we shall arrive at a safe harbor, no
mariner has skill and experience enough to foretell. But by the favor of
Heaven we shall make a prosperous voyage, after all the storms and
shoals are passed.


   5 o'clock, Afternoon.

It is now fair sunshine again, and very warm. Not a word yet from Howe's
fleet. The most general suspicion now is that it is gone to Charleston,
South Carolina. But it is a wild supposition. It may be right, however,
for he is a wild General.

We have been hammering to-day upon a mode of trial for the general
officers at Ti. Whether an inquiry will precede the court martial, and
whether the inquiry shall be made by a committee of Congress or by a
council of general officers, is not determined, but inquiry and trial
both, I conjecture, there will be.

If Howe is gone to Charleston, you will have a little quiet, and enjoy
your corn, and rye, and flax, and hay, and other good things, until
another summer. But what shall we do for sugar and wine and rum? Why,
truly, I believe we must leave them off. Loaf sugar is only four dollars
a pound here, and brown only a dollar for the meanest sort, and ten
shillings for that a little better. Everybody here is leaving off loaf
sugar, and most are laying aside brown. As to rum and wine, give me
cider and I would compound. New England rum is but forty shillings a
gallon. But if wine was ten dollars a bottle I would have one glass a
day in water while the hot weather continues, unless I could get cider.



199. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Thursday, 21 August, 1777.

This morning we have heard again from the fleet. At nine o'clock at
night on the 14th instant, upwards of a hundred sail were seen standing
in between the Capes of Chesapeake Bay. They had been seen from the
eastern shore of Virginia, standing off and on, for two days before.
This method of coasting along the shore, and standing off and on, is
very curious. First, seen off Egg Harbor, then several times off the
capes of Delaware, standing in and out, then off Sinnepuxent, then off
the eastern shore of Virginia, then standing in to Chesapeake Bay. How
many men and horses will he lose in this sea ramble in the heat of
dog-days? Whether he is going to Virginia to steal tobacco, to North
Carolina to pilfer pitch and tar, or to South Carolina to plunder rice
and indigo, who can tell? He will seduce a few negroes from their
masters, let him go to which he will. But is this conquering America?

From the northward we learn that Arnold has marched with about two
thousand men to the relief of Fort Schuyler. Our people have given Sir
John Johnson, and his regulars, Tories, and Indians, a very fine
drubbing. The Indians scarcely ever had such a mauling. The devils are
so frightened that they are all run away to howl and mourn. The papers
inclosed with this will give you more particular information. Can
nothing be done at Rhode Island at this critical time? Opprobrium
Novangliæ! What is become of all the Massachusetts Continental troops?
Every regiment and every man of them is at the northward under Gates,
and yet we are told they have not four thousand men fit for duty,
officers included. And there are three regiments there from New
Hampshire, too.


   10 o'clock at night.

Just come in from Congress. We have within this hour received letters of
General Schuyler and Lincoln, giving an account of the battle of
Bennington, wherein General Stark has acquired great glory, and so have
his militia. The particulars are to be out in a hand-bill to-morrow
morning. I will inclose you one.



200. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 23 August, 1777.

It is now no longer a secret where Mr. Howe's fleet is. We have
authentic intelligence that it is arrived at the head of Chesapeake Bay,
above the river Patapsco, upon which the town of Baltimore stands. I
wish I could describe to you the geography of this country, so as to
give you an adequate idea of the situation of the two great bays of
Chesapeake and Delaware, because it would enable you to form a
conjecture concerning the object he aims at. The distance across land
from the heads of these bays is but small, and forms an isthmus, below
which is a large peninsula, comprehending the counties of Accomac and
Northampton in Virginia, the counties of Somerset and Worcester in
Maryland, and the counties of Kent and Sussex in Delaware. His march by
land to Philadelphia may be about sixty or seventy miles. I think there
can be no doubt that he aims at this place, and he has taken this voyage
of six weeks, long enough to have gone to London, merely to avoid an
army in his rear. He found he could not march this way from Somerset
Court House without leaving General Washington in his rear. We have
called out the militia of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania
to oppose him, and General Washington is handy enough to meet him; and
as General Washington saved Philadelphia last winter by crossing the
Delaware and marching to Morristown and so getting in the rear of Howe,
so, I conjecture, he will still find means to get in his rear between
him and Chesapeake Bay. You may now sit under your own vine and have
none to make you afraid. I sent off my man and horse at an unlucky time,
but if we should be obliged to remove from hence, we shall not go far.

If Congress had deliberated and debated a month, they could not have
concerted a plan for Mr. Howe more to our advantage than that which he
has adopted. He gives us an opportunity of exerting the strength of all
the middle States against him, while New York and New England are
destroying Burgoyne. Now is the time! Never was so good an opportunity
for my countrymen to turn out and crush that vaporing, blustering bully
to atoms.



201. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Saturday, 23 August, 1777, 4 o'clock.

We have an express to-day from Governor Johnson, Captain Nicholson, and
several other gentlemen, with an account that the fleet, to the number
of two hundred and sixty-three sail, have gone up towards the head of
Chesapeake Bay. They lie over against the shore between the river
Sassafras and the river Elk. We have also a letter from General
Washington, acquainting us that to-morrow morning at seven o'clock he
shall march his army through the city of Philadelphia, along Front
Street, and then turn up Chestnut Street in his way to cross over the
bridge at Schuylkill River; so that General Howe will have a grand
Continental army to oppose him, in very good season, aided by a
formidable collection of militia. I like this movement of the General
through the city. Such a show of artillery, wagons, light horse, and
infantry, which takes up a line of nine or ten miles upon their march,
and will not be less than five or six hours passing through the town,
will make a good impression upon the minds of the timorous Whigs for
their confirmation; upon the cunning Quakers for their restraint; and
upon the rascally Tories for their confusion.

I think there is a reasonable ground for confidence, with the favor of
Heaven, that Howe will not be able to reach this city. Yet I really
doubt whether it would not be more for our interest that he should come
here, and get possession of the town.

1. Because there are impurities here which will never be so soon or so
fully purged away as by that fire of affliction which Howe enkindles
wherever he goes.

2. Because it would employ nearly the whole of his force to keep
possession of this town, and the rest of the continent would be more at
liberty.

3. We could counteract him here, better than in many other places.

4. He would leave New England and New York at leisure to kill or catch
Burgoyne.

In all events you may rejoice and sing, for the season is so far gone
that he cannot remove to you.



202. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 24 August, 1777.

My dearest Friend,--We had, last evening, a thunder-gust very sharp and
violent, attended with a plentiful rain. The lightning struck in several
places. It struck the Quaker almshouse in Walnut Street, between Third
and Fourth Streets, not far from Captain Duncan's, where I lodge. They
had been wise enough to place an iron rod upon the top of the steeple,
for a vane to turn on, and had provided no conductor to the ground. It
also struck in Fourth Street, near Mrs. Cheesman's. No person was hurt.

This morning was fair, but now it is overcast and rains very hard, which
will spoil our show and wet the army.


   12 o'clock.

The rain ceased, and the army marched through the town between seven and
ten o'clock. The wagons went another road. Four regiments of light
horse, Bland's, Baylor's, Sheldon's, and Moylan's. Four grand divisions
of the army, and the artillery with the matrosses. They marched twelve
deep, and yet took up above two hours in passing by. General Washington
and the other general officers with their aids on horseback. The
Colonels and other field-officers on horseback. We have now an army well
appointed between us and Mr. Howe, and this army will be immediately
joined by ten thousand militia, so that I feel as secure here as if I
was at Braintree, but not so happy. My happiness is nowhere to be found
but there.

After viewing this fine spectacle and firm defense, I went to Mr.
Duffield's meeting to hear him pray, as he did most fervently, and I
believe he was most sincerely joined by all present, for its success.

The army, upon an accurate inspection of it, I find to be extremely well
armed, pretty well clothed, and tolerably disciplined. Gill and Town, by
the motto to their newspapers, will bring discipline into vogue in time.
There is such a mixture of the sublime and the beautiful together with
the useful in military discipline, that I wonder every officer we have
is not charmed with it. Much remains yet to be done. Our soldiers have
not yet quite the air of soldiers. They don't step exactly in time. They
don't hold up their heads quite erect, nor turn out their toes so
exactly as they ought. They don't all of them cock their hats; and such
as do, don't all wear them the same way.

A disciplinarian has affixed to him commonly the ideas of cruelty,
severity, tyranny, etc., but if I were an officer, I am convinced I
should be the most decisive disciplinarian in the army. I am convinced
there is no other effective way of indulging benevolence, humanity, and
the tender social passions in an army. There is no other way of
preserving the health and spirits of the men. There is no other way of
making them active and skillful in war; no other way of guarding an army
against destruction by surprises; and no other method of giving them
confidence in one another, of making them stand by one another in the
hour of battle. Discipline in an army is like the laws in civil society.
There can be no liberty in a commonwealth where the laws are not revered
and most sacredly observed, nor can there be happiness or safety in an
army for a single hour where the discipline is not observed.

Obedience is the only thing wanting now for our salvation. Obedience to
the laws in the States, and obedience to officers in the army.


   12 o'clock.

No express nor accidental news from Maryland to-day, as yet.



203. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 25 August, 1777.

Yours of August 12th and 13th came by this morning's post. A letter from
Chesapeake Bay, dated yesterday morning, informs that the enemy had not
then landed. This morning, General Nash, with his brigade of North
Carolina forces, marched through the town with their band of music,
their train of artillery, and their baggage wagons, their bread wagons,
travelling forges, etc. General Washington's army encamped last night at
Derby. Sullivan's division is expected along in two days. Our
intelligence of the fleet has been as good as could be expected. They
have been six weeks at sea.

If our people do not now turn out and destroy Burgoyne's gang, root and
branch, they may justly be reproached as lost to honor and to virtue. He
is completely in our power. Gates writes to Congress that Burgoyne is
lessened twelve hundred men by the Bennington action.



204. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Tuesday, 26 August, 1777.

Howe's army, at least about five thousand of them, besides his light
horse, are landed upon the banks of the Elk River, and the disposition
he has made of his forces indicates a design to rest and refresh both
men and horses. General Washington was at Wilmington last night, and
his army is there to-day. The militia are turning out with great
alacrity both in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They are distressed for want
of arms. Many have none, others have only little fowling-pieces.
However, we shall rake and scrape enough to do Howe's business, by the
favor of Heaven.

Howe must have intended that Washington should have sent his army up to
fight Burgoyne. But he is disappointed. The kindness of Heaven towards
us has in nothing appeared more conspicuous than in this motion of Howe.
If the infatuation is not so universal as to seize Americans as well as
him, it will prove the certain destruction of Burgoyne's army. The New
England troops and New York troops are every man of them at Peekskill
and with Gates. The Massachusetts men are all with Gates. General
Washington has none but southern troops with him, and he has much the
largest army to encounter.

If my countrymen do not now turn out and do something, I shall be
disappointed indeed. One fifth part of Burgoyne's army has been totally
destroyed by Stark and Herkimer. The remainder must be shocked and
terrified at the stroke. Now is the time to strike. New England men,
strike home!



205. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Friday, 29 August, 1777.

The newspapers inclosed will give you all the intelligence of any
consequence. General Washington, with a very numerous army, is between
Wilmington and the Head of Elk. Howe will make but a pitiful figure. The
militia of four States are turning out with much alacrity and cheerful
spirits. The Continental army under Washington, Sullivan, and Nash,
besides, is in my opinion more numerous by several thousands than Howe's
whole force. I am afraid that he will be frightened, and run on board
his ships, and go away plundering to some other place. I almost wish he
had Philadelphia, for then he could not get away. I really think it
would be the best policy to retreat before him, and let him into this
snare, where his army must be ruined. However, this policy will not be
adopted.

In a letter from good authority, Mr. Paca, we are informed that many
dead horses have been driven on the eastern shore of Maryland; horses
thrown overboard from the fleet, no doubt.

Prices current. Four pounds a week for board, besides finding your own
washing, shaving, candles, liquors, pipes, tobacco, wood, etc. Thirty
shillings a week for a servant. It ought to be thirty shillings for a
gentleman and four pounds for the servant, because he generally eats
twice as much and makes twice as much trouble. Shoes, five dollars a
pair. Salt, twenty-seven dollars a bushel. Butter, ten shillings a
pound. Punch, twenty shillings a bowl. All the old women and young
children are gone down to the Jersey shore to make salt. Salt water is
boiling all round the coast, and I hope it will increase. For it is
nothing but heedlessness and shiftlessness that prevents us from making
salt enough for a supply. But necessity will bring us to it. As to
sugar, molasses, rum, etc., we must leave them off. Whiskey is used here
instead of rum, and I don't see but it is just as good. Of this the
wheat and rye countries can easily distil enough for the use of the
country. If I could get cider I would be content.

The business of the country has been in so critical and dangerous a
situation for the last twelve months that it was necessary the
Massachusetts should have a full representation, but the expenses of
living are grown so enormous that I believe it will be necessary to
reduce the number of delegates to three, after the campaign is over.



206. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Saturday, 30 August, 1777.

A letter from General Washington was received last night by the
President, which I read. It is dated the 29th, yesterday.

The enemy are in possession of the Head of Elk, a little town at the
head of the river Elk, in which they found a quantity of corn and oats
belonging to the States. Wagons were so universally taken up in
conveying away the valuable effects of the inhabitants, that none could
be procured to transport this grain. Part of their army has advanced to
Gray's Hill, about two miles from the Head of Elk, but whether to take
post there, or only to cover while they remove their plunder from the
Head of Elk, is uncertain.

Our army is at Wilmington. We have many officers out reconnoitering the
country and the enemy. Our scouting parties have taken between thirty
and forty prisoners, and twelve deserters are come in from the fleet and
eight from the army. They say the men are generally healthy, but their
horses have suffered much from the voyage. These prisoners and deserters
are unable to give any other intelligence. The enemy give out that they
are eighteen thousand strong. But these are like Burgoyne's "make
believes" and "insinuations." We know better, and that they have not ten
thousand. The militia from four States are joining General Washington in
large numbers. The plan of their military operations this campaign is
well calculated for our advantage. I hope we shall have heads and hearts
to improve it.

For my own part I feel a secret wish that they might get into this city,
because I think it more for our interest that they should be cooped up
here than that they should run away again to New York. But according to
present appearances they will not be able to get here. By going into the
Chesapeake Bay they have betrayed a dread of the fire-works in the river
Delaware, which indeed are formidable. They must make the most of their
time, for they cannot rationally depend upon so fine a season late in
the fall and early in winter as they had the last year. September,
October, and November are all that remain.

We expect, hourly, advices from Gates and Arnold. We have rumors of an
expedition to Long Island under Parsons, and another to Staten Island
under Sullivan, but no regular accounts. I suppose it certain that such
expeditions have been made, but know not the success.



207. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Monday, 1 September, 1777.

We have now run through the summer, and although the weather is still
warm, the fiercest of the heat is over. And although the extreme
intemperance of the late season has weakened and exhausted me much, yet
I think, upon the whole, I have got through it as well as upon any
former occasion.

A letter from General Washington, dated Saturday, informs that our light
parties have brought in four-and-twenty prisoners more. So that the
prisoners and deserters since Mr. Howe landed are near a hundred. The
question now is, whether there will be a general engagement. In the
first place, I think after all that has passed, it is not good policy
for us to attack them, unless we can get a favorable advantage of them
in the situation of the ground, or an opportunity to attack a detachment
of their army with superior numbers. It would be imprudent, perhaps, for
us with our whole force to attack them with all theirs.

But another question arises, whether Mr. Howe will not be able to compel
us to a general engagement. Perhaps he may; but I make a question of it.
Washington will manoeuvre it with him a good deal to avoid it. A
general engagement, in which Howe should be defeated, would be ruin to
him. If we should be defeated, his army would be crippled, and perhaps
we might suddenly reinforce our army, which he could not. However, all
that he could gain by a victory would be the possession of this town,
which would be the worst situation he could be in, because it would
employ his whole force by sea and land to keep it and the command of the
river.

Their principal dependence is not upon their arms, I believe, so much as
upon the failure of our revenue. They think they have taken such
measures, by circulating counterfeit bills, to depreciate the currency,
that it cannot hold its credit longer than this campaign. But they are
mistaken.

We, however, must disappoint them by renouncing all luxuries, and by a
severe economy. General Washington sets a fine example. He has banished
wine from his table, and entertains his friends with rum and water. This
is much to the honor of his wisdom, his policy, and his patriotism. And
the example must be followed by banishing sugar and all imported
articles from our families. If necessity should reduce us to a
simplicity of dress and diet becoming republicans, it would be a happy
and glorious necessity.

   Yours, yours, yours.



208. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Tuesday, 2 September, 1777.

I had, yesterday, the pleasure of yours of----, from Boston, and am
happy to find that you have been able to do so well amidst all your
difficulties. There is but one course for us to take, and that is to
renounce the use of all foreign commodities. For my own part, I never
lived in my whole life so meanly and poorly as I do now, and yet my
constituents will growl at my extravagance. Happy should I be indeed, if
I could share with you in the produce of your little farm. Milk, and
apples, and pork, and beef, and the fruits of the garden would be luxury
to me.

We had nothing yesterday from the General. Howe's army are in a very
unwholesome situation. Their water is very bad and brackish. There are
frequent morning and evening fogs, which produce intermittent fevers in
abundance. Washington has a great body of militia assembled and
assembling, in addition to a grand Continental army. Whether he will
strike or not, I can't say. He is very prudent, you know, and will not
unnecessarily hazard his army. By my own inward feelings, I judge, I
should put more to risk if I were in his shoes, but perhaps he is right.
Gansevoort has proved that it is possible to hold a post. Herkimer has
shown that it is possible to fight Indians, and Stark has proved that it
is practicable even to attack lines and posts with militia. I wish the
Continental army would prove that anything can be done. But this is
sedition at least. I am weary, however, I own, with so much insipidity.

St. Leger and his party have run away. So will Burgoyne. I wish Stark
had the supreme command in the northern department. I am sick of Fabian
systems in all quarters. The officers drink, A long and moderate war. My
toast is, A short and violent war. They would call me mad and rash,
etc., but I know better. I am as cool as any of them, and cooler too,
for my mind is not inflamed with fear nor anger, whereas I believe
theirs are with both. If this letter should be intercepted and
published, it would do as much good as another did two years ago.



209. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, Monday, 8 September, 1777.

There has been a very general apprehension during the last week, that a
general action would happen as on yesterday, but we hear of none. Our
army is encamped between Newport and White Clay Creek, on advantageous
ground. The General has harangued his army, and published in general
orders, in order to prepare their minds for something great, and has
held up the example of Stark, Herkimer, Gansevoort, and their troops to
animate his officers and men with emulation. Whether he expects to be
attacked, or whether he designs to offend, I can't say.

A general action which should terminate in a defeat of Howe would be
complete and final ruin to him. If it should terminate only in a drawn
battle, it would be the same thing. If he should gain a victory and
maintain possession of the field, he would lose so many men killed and
wounded that he would scarcely have enough left to march to
Philadelphia, surrounded as he would be with militia and the broken
remains of the Continental army. But if there should be no general
battle, and the two armies should lounge away the remainder of the
campaign in silent inactivity, gazing at each other, Howe's reputation
would be ruined in his own country and in all Europe, and the dread of
him would cease in all America. The American mind, which, I think, has
more firmness now than it ever had before, since this war began, would
acquire a confidence and strength that all the efforts of Great Britain
afterwards would not be able to relax.

You will see by the papers inclosed that we have been obliged to
attempt to humble the pride of some Jesuits, who call themselves
Quakers,[179] but who love money and land better than liberty and
religion. The hypocrites are endeavoring to raise the cry of
persecution, and to give this matter a religious turn, but they can't
succeed. The world knows them and their communications. Actuated by a
land-jobbing spirit like that of William Penn, they have been soliciting
grants of immense regions of land on the Ohio. American independence has
disappointed them, which makes them hate it. Yet the dastards dare not
avow their hatred to it, it seems.

The moments are critical here. We know not but the next will bring us an
account of a general engagement begun, and when once begun, we know not
how it will end, for the battle is not always to the strong. The events
of war are uncertain. All that we can do is to pray, as I do most
devoutly, that we may be victorious; at least, that we may not be
vanquished. But if it should be the will of Heaven that our army should
be defeated, our artillery lost, our best generals killed, and
Philadelphia fall into Mr. Howe's hands, still America is not conquered.
America would yet be possessed of great resources, and, capable of great
exertions, as mankind would see. It may for what I know, be the design
of Providence that this should be the case. Because it would only lay
the foundations of American independence deeper, and cement them
stronger. It would cure Americans of their vicious and luxurious and
effeminate appetites, passions, and habits, a more dangerous army to
American liberty than Mr. Howe's.

However, without the loss of Philadelphia we must be brought to an
entire renunciation of foreign commodities, at least of West India
produce. People are coming to this resolution very fast here. Loaf sugar
at four dollars a pound, wine at three dollars a bottle, etc., will soon
introduce economy in the use of these articles. This spirit of economy
would be more terrible to Great Britain than anything else, and it would
make us more respectable in the eyes of all Europe. Instead of
acrimonious altercations between town and country, and between farmer
and merchant, I wish that my dear countrymen would agree in this
virtuous resolution of depending on themselves alone. Let them make salt
and live without sugar and rum.

I am grieved to hear of the angry contentions among you. That
improvident act for limiting prices has done great injury, and in my
sincere opinion, if not repealed, will ruin the State and introduce a
civil war. I know not how unpopular this sentiment may be, but it is
sincerely mine. There are rascally upstarts in trade, I doubt not, who
have made great fortunes in a small period, who are monopolizing and
oppressing. But how this can be avoided entirely, I know not, but by
disusing their goods and letting them perish in their hands.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 179: General Sullivan in one of his excursions had seized some
papers which implicated many of the society of Friends in and around
Philadelphia, to such a degree as to call for severe measures of
repression on the part of Congress and the authorities in Pennsylvania.]



210. JOHN ADAMS.


   Philadelphia, 14 September, 1777.

You will learn from the newspapers, before this reaches you, the
situation of things here. Mr. Howe's army is at Chester, about fifteen
miles from this town. General Washington's is over the Schuylkill,
awaiting the flank of Mr. Howe's army.

How much longer Congress will stay is uncertain. I hope we shall not
move until the last necessity, that is, until it shall be rendered
certain that Mr. Howe will get the city. If we should move, it will be
to Reading, Lancaster, York, Easton, or Bethlehem, some town in this
State. It is the determination not to leave this State. Don't be anxious
about me, nor about our great and sacred cause. It is the cause of truth
and will prevail. If Howe gets the city, it will cost him all his force
to keep it, and so he can get nothing else.

My love to all friends.



211. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   17 September, 1777.

I have to acknowledge a feast of letters from you since I wrote last;
their dates from August 19th to September 1st. It is a very great
satisfaction to me to know from day to day the movement of Howe and his
banditti. We live in hourly expectation of important intelligence from
both armies. Heaven grant us victory and peace; two blessings, I fear,
we are very undeserving of.

Inclosed you will find a letter to Mr. Lovell, who was so obliging as to
send me a plan of that part of the country which is like to be the
present seat of war. He accompanied it with a very polite letter, and I
esteem myself much obliged to him; but there is no reward this side the
grave that would be a temptation to me to undergo the agitation and
distress I was thrown into by receiving a letter in his handwriting,
franked by him. It seems almost impossible that the human mind could
take in, in so small a space of time, so many ideas as rushed upon mine
in the space of a moment. I cannot describe to you what I felt.

The sickness or death of the dearest of friends, with ten thousand
horrors, seized my imagination. I took up the letter, then laid it down,
then gave it out of my hand unable to open it, then collected resolution
enough to unseal it but dared not read it; began at the bottom,--read a
line,--then attempted to begin it, but could not. A paper was inclosed;
I ventured upon that, and finding it a plan, recovered enough to read
the letter; but I pray Heaven I may never realize such another moment of
distress.

I designed to have written you a long letter, for really I owe you one,
but have been prevented by our worthy Plymouth friends, who are here
upon a visit, in their way home; and it is now so late at night, just
struck twelve, that I will defer anything further till the next post.
Good night, friend of my heart, companion of my youth, husband, and
lover. Angels watch thy repose!



212. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Braintree, 20 September, 1777.

I sit down this evening to write you, but I hardly know what to think
about your going to New York. The story has been told so many times, and
with circumstances so particular, that I with others have given some
heed to it, though my not hearing anything of it from you leaves me at a
loss.

Yours of September 4 came to hand last night. Our worthy uncle is a
constant attendant upon the post-office for me, and brought it me. Yours
of September 5 came to-night to Braintree, and was left as directed with
the canister. I am sorry you gave yourself so much trouble about it. I
got about half you sent me by Mr. Gerry. Am much obliged to you, and
hope to have the pleasure of making the greater part of it for you. Your
letter damped my spirits. When I had no expectation of your return till
December, I endeavored to bring my mind to acquiesce in the too painful
situation. I have reckoned the days since Bass went away a hundred times
over, and every letter expected to find the day set for your return.

But now I fear it is far distant. I have frequently been told that the
communication would be cut off, and that you would not be able ever to
return. Sometimes I have been told so by those who really wished it
might be so, with malicious pleasure. Sometimes your timid folks have
apprehended that it would be so. I wish anything would bring you nearer.
If there is really any danger I should think you would remove. It is a
plan your enemies would rejoice to see accomplished, and will effect if
it lies in their power. I am not apt to be intimidated, you know. I have
given as little heed to that, and a thousand other bugbear reports, as
possible. I have slept as soundly since my return, notwithstanding all
the ghosts and hobgoblins, as ever I did in my life. It is true I never
close my eyes at night till I have been to Philadelphia, and my first
visit in the morning is there.

How unfeeling is the world! They tell me they heard you was dead with as
little sensibility as a stock or a stone; and I have now got to be
provoked at it, and can hardly help snubbing the person who tells me so.

The story of your being upon this conference at New York came in a
letter, as I am told, from R. T. P. to his brother-in-law G----fe. Many,
very many have been the conjectures of the multitude upon it. Some have
supposed the war concluded, the nation settled. Others an exchange of
prisoners. Others, a reconciliation with Britain, etc., etc.

I cannot consent to your tarrying much longer. I know your health must
greatly suffer from so constant application to business, and so little
exercise. Besides, I shall send you word by and by, as Regulus's steward
did, that whilst you are engaged in the Senate, your own domestic
affairs require your presence at home; and that your wife and children
are in danger of wanting bread. If the Senate of America will take care
of us, as the Senate of Rome did of the family of Regulus, you may serve
them again; but unless you return, what little property you possess will
be lost....

As to what is here under my more immediate inspection, I do the best I
can with it. But it will not, at the high price labor is, pay its way. I
know the weight of public cares lie so heavy upon you that I have been
loath to mention your own private ones.

The best accounts we can collect from New York, assure us that our men
fought valiantly. We are no wise dispirited here. We possess a spirit
that will not be conquered. If our men are all drawn off and we should
be attacked, you would find a race of Amazons in America. But I trust we
shall yet tread down our enemies.

I must entreat you to remember me often. I never think your letters half
long enough. I do not complain. I have no reason to. No one can boast of
more letters than your

   PORTIA.



213. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   21 September.

I imagine before this reaches you some very important event must take
place between the two armies. Affairs on all sides seem to be worked up
to a crisis. Howe is putting his whole force in action, and seems
determined to drive or be driven.

I feel in a most painful situation between hope and fear. There must be
fighting, and very bloody battles too, I apprehend. How my heart recoils
at the idea. Why is man called _humane_, when he delights so much in
blood, slaughter, and devastation? Even those who are styled civilized
nations think this little spot worth contending for even to blood.


   23 September.

We have confused accounts of a battle at the northward,[180] last
Friday, in which the enemy were put to flight. God grant it may prove
true. Vigorous exertions now on all sides may prove of the most happy
consequence and terminate this cruel war. I long for a decisive battle
and for peace, an honorable peace. I hope the enemy are as much in our
power as you fancy them.


   24 September.

Have just read a handbill giving a particular account of the engagement
at the northward. You will have it long before this reaches you. The
loss of Ticonderoga has awakened the sleeping genius of America, and
called forth all her martial fire. May it never again be lulled to rest
till crowned with victory and peace. Good officers will make good
soldiers. Xanthippus, the Macedonian General, who had been educated in
the discipline of Sparta and had learned the art of war in that renowned
and excellent school, when he was called to assist the Carthaginians,
who had been defeated in several battles against the Romans, declared
publicly, and repeated it often in the hearing of their officers, that
the misfortunes of the Carthaginians were owing entirely to the
incapacity of their Generals; and be proved clearly to the council that
by a conduct opposite to the former, they would not only secure their
dominions, but drive the enemy out of them. Upon his accepting the
command of the Carthaginians, the gloomy consternation (says Rollin)
which had before seized the whole army was succeeded by joy and
alacrity. The soldiers were urgent to be led against the enemy, in the
firm assurance of being victorious under their new leader and of
obliterating the disgrace of former defeats. Xanthippus did not suffer
their ardor to cool, but led them on to battle, and entirely routed and
defeated the Romans, making Regulus their prisoner. That General, who a
few days before was insolent with victory, inexorable to the conquered,
and deaf to all their remonstrances, in a few days experienced by the
fate of war a sad reverse of fortune.

This is a case, I think, very similar to our own. May it prove so in the
end! "There are two ways," says Rollin, "of acquiring improvement and
instruction: first, by one's own experience, and secondly, by that of
other men. It is much more wise and useful to improve by other men's
miscarriages than by our own."

We have not yet received any intelligence from the southern army since
the account of the engagement on the 11th,[181] which must have been
very severe upon both sides. You now experience what we suffered when
the army lay this way. I feel very anxious for their success. The
suspense which the distance occasions is painful, but still I find very
different sensations between having the enemy at such a distance and
having them in my own neighborhood. I hope you will all look to your own
safety. As you are not called to action, kidnapping would be rather
disagreeable, but were you in the army I should despise myself for such
a sentiment,--as much as I did a certain gentleman who was in the
horrors a few days ago upon hearing that General Washington had
retreated to within six miles of Philadelphia. If Howe should get
possession of that city, it would immediately negotiate a peace. I could
not help warmly replying that I did not believe it, even though that
should be the case, and the General with his whole army should be cut
off. I hoped then that an army of women would oppose him. Was it not the
Saracens who turned their backs upon the enemy, and were slain by their
women, who were placed behind them for that purpose?

Your favors of the 2d and 8th reached me upon the 20th. Your
observations with regard to luxury are just, but trade and commerce will
always support it. The necessity of the time will be a temporary
restraint upon it, and put us upon seeking resources among ourselves. An
instance of that may be seen in the progress which is made in grinding
cornstalks and boiling the liquor into molasses. Scarcely a town or
parish within forty miles of us but what has several mills at work; and
had the experiment been made a month sooner, many thousand barrels would
have been made. No less than eighty have been made in the small town of
Manchester. It answers very well to distill, and may be boiled down to
sugar. There are two mills fitting up in this parish. They have three
rollers, one with cogs and two smooth. The stalks are stripped of the
leaves and tops, so that it is no robbery upon the cattle, and the juice
ground out. 'T is said four barrels of juice will make one of molasses,
but in this, people differ widely. They have a method of refining it so
that it looks as well as the best imported molasses.

Thus you see we go from step to step in our improvements. We can live
much better than we deserve within ourselves. Why should we borrow
foreign luxuries? Why should we wish to bring ruin upon ourselves? I
feel as contented when I have breakfasted upon milk as ever I did with
Hyson or Souchong. Coffee and sugar I use only as a rarity. There are
none of these things but I could totally renounce. My dear friend knows
that I could always conform to times and circumstances. As yet I know
nothing of hardships. My children have never cried for bread nor been
destitute of clothing. Nor have the poor and needy gone empty from my
door, whenever it was in my power to assist them.

Heaven grant that I may continue to receive its blessings. One of its
greatest is that I can subscribe myself wholly yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 180: The action between General Gates and Burgoyne on the 19th
of September.]

[Footnote 181: The battle of Brandywine.]



214. JOHN ADAMS.


   Yorktown, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, 30 September, 1777.

It is now a long time since I had an opportunity of writing to you, and
I fear you have suffered unnecessary anxiety on my account. In the
morning of the 19th instant, the Congress were alarmed in their beds by
a letter from Mr. Hamilton, one of General Washington's family, that the
enemy was in possession of the ford over the Schuylkill and the boats,
so that they had it in their power to be in Philadelphia before morning.
The papers of Congress belonging to the Secretary's office, the War
office, the Treasury office, etc., were before sent to Bristol. The
President and all the other gentlemen were gone that road, so I followed
with my friend Mr. Marchant, of Rhode Island, to Trenton, in the
Jerseys. We stayed at Trenton until the 21st, when we set off to Easton,
upon the forks of Delaware. From Easton we went to Bethlehem, from
thence to Reading, from thence to Lancaster, and from thence to this
town, which is about a dozen miles over the Susquehanna River. Here
Congress is to sit. In order to convey the papers with safety, which are
of more importance than all the members, we were induced to take this
circuit, which is near a hundred and eighty miles, whereas this town, by
the direct road, is not more than eighty-eight miles from Philadelphia.
This tour has given me an opportunity of seeing many parts of this
country which I never saw before.

This morning Major Troup arrived here with a large packet from General
Gates, containing very agreeable intelligence, which I need not repeat,
as you have much earlier intelligence from that part than we have. I
wish affairs here wore as pleasing an aspect. But alas, they do not.

I shall avoid everything like history, and make no reflections. However,
General Washington is in a condition tolerably respectable, and the
militia are now turning out from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania,
in small numbers. All the apology that can be made for this part of the
world is that Mr. Howe's march from Elk to Philadelphia was through the
very regions of passive obedience. The whole country through which he
passed is inhabited by Quakers. There is not such another body of
Quakers in all America, perhaps not in all the world.

I am still of opinion that Philadelphia will be no loss to us. I am very
comfortably situated here in the house of General Roberdeau, whose
hospitality has taken in Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Gerry, and me. My health is
as good as common, and I assure you my spirits not the worse for the
loss of Philadelphia. Biddle in the Continental frigate, at South
Carolina, has made a noble cruise and taken four very valuable prizes.



215. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Sunday, 6 October, 1777.

I know not where to direct to you, but hope you are secure; 't is said
in some part of the Jerseys, but I know this only from report. I sent to
town yesterday, but the post did not get in before the person whom I
sent came out of town. I could not rest, but sent again this morning.
The post came but brought no letters for me, and but two for any person
that I could learn, and no late intelligence.

To the removal of the Congress I attribute my not hearing, but I never
was more anxious to hear. I want to know every movement of the armies.
Mr. Niles, by whom I send this, sets off to-morrow and promises to find
you and deliver this into your hand. I doubt not you will let me hear
from you by the first conveyance. Tell me where you are, how you are
situated, and how you do. Whether your spirits are good, and what you
think of the present state of our arms. Will Mr. Howe get possession of
the city? 'T is a day of doubtful expectation. Heaven only knows our
destiny. I observe often in the account of actions that our men are
obliged to retreat for want of ammunition. Their cartridges are spent.
How is this? Is it good generalship? We never hear of that complaint in
the regular army.

There is a private expedition, 't is said. The troops have all marched
last Monday. I own I have no great faith in it. I wish it may succeed
better than I apprehend.

No news of any importance from the northward. I long for spirited
exertions everywhere. I want some grand, important actions to take
place. We have both armies from their shipping. 'T is what we have long
sought for. Now is the important day. Heaven seems to have granted us
our desire. May it also direct us to improve it aright.

We are all well. I write nothing of any importance till I know where you
are and how to convey to you.

Believe me at all times unalterably

   Yours, yours.



216. JOHN ADAMS.


   Yorktown, 7 October, 1777.

I have no time nor accommodation to write of late; besides, I seldom
know what to write, and when I do, I don't love to write it. One thing
is now becoming more and more certain every day, that is, that our
people will and do fight. And although they make a clumsy hand of it,
yet they do better and better.

I am lodged in the house of General Roberdeau, an Israelite indeed, I
believe, who with his sisters and children and servants does everything
to make us happy. We are highly favored. No other delegates are so well
off. I am as well as usual. Your dream will never come to pass. You
never can be coolly received by me while my heart beats and my senses
remain.

I had no letter from you by the last post.

   Yours, yours, yours,

   JOHN ADAMS.



217. JOHN ADAMS.


   Yorktown, 15 October, 1777.

I have not been able of late to keep up my correspondence with you so
constantly as my heart inclined me to do. But I hope now to write you
oftener; but I don't incline to write very particularly, lest my letters
should be intercepted. I am in tolerable health, but oppressed with a
load of public cares. I have long foreseen that we should be brought
down to a great degree of depression before the people of America would
be convinced of their real danger, of the true causes of it, and be
stimulated to take the necessary steps for a reformation. Government and
law in the States, large taxation, and strict discipline in our armies
are the only things wanting as human means. These with the blessing of
Heaven will certainly produce glory, triumph, liberty and safety, and
peace, and nothing but these will do.

I long with the utmost impatience to come home. Don't send a servant for
me. The expense is so enormous that I cannot bear the thought of it. I
will crawl home upon my little pony, and wait upon myself as well as I
can. I think you had better sell my horse.

The people are universally calling for fighting and for blood.
Washington is getting into the humor of fighting, and Howe begins to
dread it. And well he may. Fighting will certainly answer the end,
although we may be beaten every time for a great while. We have been
heretofore greatly deceived concerning the numbers of militia. But there
are numbers enough, if they knew how to fight, which as soon as their
Generals will let them, they will learn.



218. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   20 October, 1777.

'T is true, my dearest friend, that I have spent an anxious three weeks,
and the sight of a letter from you gave me joy beyond expression. I had
sent every post day, and every post was disappointed. I could not learn
one word with certainty. Nor can I now determine whether you are
eighty-eight miles nearer to me, or farther off than you were before.

I was greatly surprised when I heard that the enemy was in possession of
Philadelphia, without any engagement on our part. If men will not fight
and defend their own particular spot, if they will not drive the enemy
from their doors, they deserve the slavery and subjection which awaits
them. There is much, I think, comprised in that short sentence, "I shall
avoid all history and make no reflections." I think I can construe a
volume from it. I will follow the example, lest a miscarriage of this
should give triumph to an enemy.

Our affairs at the northward wear a more pleasing aspect. The sunshine
from the north gilds the dark clouds of the south, or the storm would
look dismal indeed.

It is a New England observation that in some late general orders, when
many motives and stimulatives were set before the men to excite them to
action, they were assured of conquest without once acknowledging the
superintendence of Divine Providence.

Our favorite Dr. Tillotson observes that "in all our concernments we
ought to have a particular regard to the Supreme Disposer of all things,
and earnestly to seek his favor and blessing upon all our undertakings,
but more especially in the affairs of war, in which the providence of
God is pleased many times in a very peculiar manner to interpose and
interest itself, because all war is as it were an appeal to God, and a
reference of those causes to the decision of His providence which
through pride and injustice and perverse passions of men can receive no
other determination."

'T is not more than three weeks since I thought our affairs looked in a
more prosperous train than they had done since the commencement of the
war. Though they have not taken the turn I hoped for, yet I doubt not
they will finally terminate in our favor. Providence for wise purpose
has oftentimes since the commencement of this war brought about our
deliverance by ways and means which have appeared to us the most
improbable and unlikely; has given into our hands those things which we
were destitute of, and in the greatest necessity for. So true it is,
Acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He shall direct thy paths.

To you, my dear friend, I need not excuse these moral reflections. I
have ever considered it as a happiness to be united to one whose
sentiments in religion were not only agreeable to my own, but to what I
have ever esteemed the truth.


   22 October.

I believe I may venture to congratulate my love upon the completion of
his wishes with regard to Burgoyne. 'T is reported to-day from many ways
that he has with his whole army fallen into our hands, and 't is said
the post brings the same intelligence. If true, as I most sincerely
hope, let us with gratitude acknowledge the interposition of Heaven in
our favor.

We have, too, accounts of an engagement at the southward. I am glad to
hear of fighting, even though we come off second-best; not because,
Heaven is my witness, I delight in the effusion of human blood, but
because I believe by delay we should lose more lives than by the sword.
It sinks our spirits, disheartens our soldiers, makes them both idle and
wicked. How great would be my joy could I see peace and quietness once
more restored to this distressed land,--

   "Peace o'er this land her olive branch extend,
   And white rob'd innocence from heaven descend."

It gave me great pleasure to hear of your health and spirits. Did you
save your clothes, or have they fallen into the hands of the enemy? We
are all very well in the family.

'T is very cold for the season. We had snow yesterday and ice in the
streets this morning. When shall I see my friend? 'T is more than nine
long months since we parted. Shall I send[182] in the beginning of
December? Heaven grant us a joyful meeting.

   Ever yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 182: Horses. There seems to have been no other mode of
transport at this time.]



219. JOHN ADAMS.


   Yorktown, 24 October, 1777.

It is with shame that I recollect that I have not written you more than
two or three letters these five weeks, and those very short. News I am
afraid to write, because I never know, until it is too late, what is
true. From last Sunday to this moment, Friday afternoon, four o'clock,
we have been in a state of tormenting uncertainty concerning our
affairs at the northward. On Sunday we had news from the committee of
Albany, through Governor Clinton and General Washington, of a
capitulation of Burgoyne and his whole army. To this moment we have no
express from Gates nor any authentic confirmation.

Howe has drawn his army into the city, and Washington is at Germantown.
Supplies will be cut off from the British army in a great measure.

   I am, etc., yours forever.

We shall finish a plan of Confederation in a few days.



220. JOHN ADAMS.


   Yorktown, 25 October, 1777.

This town is a small one, not larger than Plymouth. There are in it two
German Churches, the one Lutheran, the other Calvinistical. The
congregations are pretty numerous and their attendance upon public
worship is decent. It is remarkable that the Germans, wherever they are
found, are careful to maintain the public worship, which is more than
can be said of the other denominations of Christians, this way. There is
one Church here, erected by the joint contributions of Episcopalians and
Presbyterians, but the minister, who is a missionary, is confined for
Toryism, so that they have had for a long time no public worship.
Congress have appointed two chaplains, Mr. White and Mr. Duffield, the
former of whom, an Episcopalian, is arrived, and opens Congress with
prayers every day. The latter is expected every hour. Mr. Duché, I am
sorry to inform you, has turned out an apostate and a traitor. Poor man!
I pity his weakness and detest his wickedness.

As to news, we are yet in a painful suspense about affairs at the
northward, but from Philadelphia we have accounts that are very
pleasing. Commodore Hazelwood with his galleys and Lieutenant-colonel
Smith in the garrison of Fort Mifflin have behaved in a manner the most
gallant and glorious. They have defended the river and the fort with a
firmness and perseverance which does honor to human nature. If the news
from the northward is true, Mr. Howe will scarcely venture upon
winter-quarters in Philadelphia. We are waiting for news from Rhode
Island.

I am wearied with the life I lead, and long for the joys of my family.
God grant I may enjoy it in peace. Peace is my dear delight. War has no
charms for me. If I live much longer in banishment I shall scarcely know
my own children. Tell my little ones that if they will be very good,
papa will come home.



221. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Boston, 25 October, 1777.

The joyful news of the surrender of General Burgoyne and all his army,
to our victorious troops, prompted me to take a ride this afternoon with
my daughter to town, to join, to-morrow, with my friends in thanksgiving
and praise to the Supreme Being who hath so remarkably delivered our
enemies into our hands. And, hearing that an express is to go off
to-morrow morning, I have retired to write you a few lines. I have
received no letters from you since you left Philadelphia, by the post,
and but one by any private hand. I have written you once before this. Do
not fail of writing by the return of this express, and direct your
letters to the care of my uncle, who has been a kind and faithful hand
to me through the whole season, and a constant attendant upon the
post-office.

Burgoyne is expected in by the middle of the week. I have read many
articles of capitulation, but none which ever before contained so
generous terms. Many people find fault with them, but perhaps do not
consider sufficiently the circumstances of General Gates, who, by
delaying and exacting more, might have lost all. This must be said of
him, that he has followed the Golden Rule, and done as he would wish
himself, in like circumstances, to be dealt with. Must not the vaporing
Burgoyne, who, it is said, possesses great sensibility, be humbled to
the dust? He may now write the "Blockade of Saratoga."[183] I have
heard it proposed that he should take up his quarters in the Old South,
but believe he will not be permitted to come to this town. Heaven grant
us success at the southward. That saying of Poor Richard often occurs to
my mind, "God helps them who help themselves;" but if men turn their
backs and run from an enemy, they cannot surely expect to conquer him.

This day, dearest of friends, completes thirteen years since we were
solemnly united in wedlock. Three years of this time we have been
cruelly separated. I have, patiently as I could, endured it, with the
belief that you were serving your country and rendering your
fellow-creatures essential benefits. May future generations rise up and
call you blessed, and the present behave worthy of the blessings you are
laboring to secure to them, and I shall have less reason to regret the
deprivation of my own particular felicity. Adieu, dearest of friends,
adieu.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 183: This refers to Burgoyne's talents as a dramatist, which
were said to have been called into requisition to amuse his companions
whilst penned up within the lines in Boston.]



222. JOHN ADAMS.


   Yorktown, 26 October, 1777.

Mr. Colman goes off for Boston to-morrow. I have seized a moment to
congratulate you on the great and glorious success of our arms at the
northward and in Delaware River. The forts at Province Island and
Redbank have been defended with a magnanimity which will give our
country a reputation in Europe. Colonel Greene repulsed the enemy from
Redbank and took Count Donop and his aid prisoners. Colonel Smith
repulsed a bold attack upon Fort Mifflin, and our galleys disabled two
men-of-war, a sixty-four and a twenty gun ship, in such a manner that
the enemy blew them up. This comes confirmed this evening, in letters
from General Washington, inclosing original letters from officers in the
forts.

Congress will appoint a thanksgiving; and one cause of it ought to be
that the glory of turning the tide of arms is not immediately due to the
Commander-in-chief nor to southern troops. If it had been, idolatry and
adulation would have been unbounded; so excessive as to endanger our
liberties, for what I know. Now, we can allow a certain citizen to be
wise, virtuous, and good, without thinking him a deity or a savior.



223. JOHN ADAMS.


   Yorktown, 28 October, 1777.

We have been three days soaking and poaching in the heaviest rain that
has been known for several years, and what adds to the gloom is the
uncertainty in which we remain to this moment concerning the fate of
Gates and Burgoyne. We are out of patience. It is impossible to bear
this suspense with any temper.

I am in comfortable lodgings, which is a felicity that has fallen to the
lot of a very few of our members. Yet the house where I am is so
thronged that I cannot enjoy such accommodations as I wish. I cannot
have a room as I used, and therefore cannot find opportunities to write
as I once did.

The people of this country are chiefly Germans, who have schools in
their own language, as well as prayers, psalms, and sermons, so that
multitudes are born, grow up, and die here, without ever learning the
English. In politics they are a breed of mongrels or neutrals, and
benumbed with a general torpor. If the people in Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Delaware, and Jersey had the feelings and the spirit of some people that
I know, Howe would be soon ensnared in a trap more fatal than that in
which, as it is said, Burgoyne was taken. Howe is completely in our
power, and if he is not totally ruined it will be entirely owing to the
awkwardness and indolence of this country. Fighting, however, begins to
become fashionable. Colonel Greene has exhibited a glorious example in
the defense of Red Bank. But this must be done by a New England man at
the head of two New England regiments, Rhode Islanders. Colonel Smith,
however, is a Marylander from Baltimore. He has shown another example of
magnanimity which gives me the most agreeable hopes. Commodore
Hazelwood, too, has behaved in a manner that exceeds all praise. This
spirit will be caught by other officers, for bravery is epidemical and
contagious as the plague. This army suffers much for want of blankets
and shoes.

I celebrated the 25th of this month in my own mind and heart much more
than I shall the 30th,[184] because I think the first a more fortunate
day than the last. My duty to your father and my mother, to uncles and
aunts. Love to brothers and sisters; but above all, present all the
affection that words can express to our dear babes.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 184: The one his wedding day, the other his birthday.]



224. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   16 November, 1777.

In a letter which came to me to-night you chide yourself for neglecting
to write so frequently as you had done. 'T is true a very long space of
near a fortnight passed without hearing one word from you. I cannot help
feeling anxious when such a space elapses without receiving a line, but
I have no reason to complain. You have, considering your avocations,
been more attentive than I had reason to expect.

   "Heaven sure taught letters for some wretch's aid,
   Some banished lover or some captive maid."

I have been more fearful than formerly of writing by the post, as I have
never received a letter from you by that conveyance since you left
Philadelphia. Mr. Colman brought me yours of 25 and 26 October. You have
before this time received from me one of the same date, since which I
have not written. I have been too much mortified with a late expedition
to write you any particulars concerning it. Indeed, it was from the
beginning a subject of burlesque, owing, I believe, to the small opinion
most people had of the heroic talents of the commanders. It was called a
secret expedition to Newport. A fortnight before the troops marched,
there were by all accounts as fine a set collected as any spirited
commander could have wished for, and 't is said for twenty days the
island might have been successfully (to all appearance) attacked. The
public are very angry, as well they may be, and demand an inquiry. I
know you will be mortified, because it has been a favorite object with
you, but if you want your arms crowned with victory, you should not
appoint what General Gates calls dreaming Deacons to conduct them.

General Burgoyne and his troops arrived last week in Cambridge. All
seems to be quietness at present. From the southward we get no very
authentic accounts. To-day Howe and his whole army are captives!
To-morrow they have got possession of our forts and weighed the chevaux
de frise.


   18 November.

No news at all. Our mountebank story of captivating Howe and his army is
come to nothing. The southern troops must have some assistance from the
northern before anything very brilliant will take place. Providence
overrules things for the best, and will work out our salvation for us in
the wisest and best manner, provided we perform our duty.

Now, my dear friend, shall I ask you when you will return, a question I
have not asked for these ten months? Knowing your determination when you
left me, I have summoned patience and endeavored to submit to my
destiny. By the time this reaches you eleven months will be elapsed, and
you, I hope, preparing for your journey. It will be a tedious one, I
fear, in the depth of winter, but let the thought of the cordial
reception you will be assured of meeting warm the cold wintry blasts and
make your return joyful. Adieu.

   Yours.



225. JOHN ADAMS.


   Portsmouth (N. H.), 15 December, 1777.

I arrived here last evening, in good health. This morning General
Whipple[185] made me a visit at the tavern, Tilton's, and insisted upon
my taking a bed at his house, in so very affectionate and urgent a
manner that I believe I shall go.

The cause comes on to-morrow before my old friend Dr. Joshua Brackett,
as Judge of Admiralty. How it will go, I know not. The captors are a
numerous company, and are said to be very tenacious, and have many
connections; so that we have prejudice and influence to fear. Justice,
policy, and law are, I am sure, on our side.[186]

I have had many opportunities, in the course of this journey, to observe
how deeply rooted our righteous cause is in the minds of the people; and
could write you many anecdotes in proof of it. But I will reserve them
for private conversation.

On second thoughts, why should I? One evening, as I sat in one room, I
overheard a company of the common sort of people in another, conversing
upon serious subjects. One of them, whom I afterwards found upon inquiry
to be a reputable, religious man, was more eloquent than the rest. He
was upon the danger of despising and neglecting serious things, and said
"whatever person or people made light of them would soon find themselves
terribly mistaken." At length I heard these words: "It appears to me the
eternal Son of God is operating powerfully against the British nation
for their treating lightly serious things."

One morning I asked my landlady what I had to pay? "Nothing," she said,
"I was welcome, and she hoped I would always make her house my home. And
she should be happy to entertain all those gentlemen who had been raised
up by Providence to be the saviors of their country." This was
flattering enough to my vain heart. But it made a greater impression on
me as a proof how deeply this cause had sunk into the minds and hearts
of the people.

In short, everything I see and hear indicates the same thing.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 185: This gentleman had been in Congress, but was now in
command of a portion of the New Hampshire troops and had just returned
from the victorious campaign against General Burgoyne.]

[Footnote 186: Mr. Adams had been engaged as an advocate in this
admiralty cause.]



226. JOHN ADAMS.


   Uncle Quincy's,[187] half after 11 o'clock,
   13 February, 1778.

Dearest of Friends,--I had not been twenty minutes in this house before
I had the happiness to see Captain Tucker and a midshipman coming for
me. We shall be soon on board, and may God prosper our voyage in every
stage of it as much as at the beginning, and send to you, my dear
children, and all my friends, the choicest of blessings! So wishes and
prays, with an ardor that neither absence nor any other event can abate,
yours.

   JOHN ADAMS.

P. S. Johnny[188] sends his duty to his mamma and his love to his sister
and brothers. He behaves like a man.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 187: At Mount Wollaston, a place in Braintree, lying on the
bay, from which the writer, commissioned by Congress to go to France,
took his departure on his first voyage, in the frigate _Boston_, Captain
Samuel Tucker.]

[Footnote 188: John Quincy Adams, ten years old, who accompanied his
father.]



227. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   8 March, 1778.

'T is a little more than three weeks since the dearest of friends and
tenderest of husbands left his solitary partner, and quitted all the
fond endearments of domestic felicity for the dangers of the sea,
exposed, perhaps, to the attack of a hostile foe, and, O good Heaven!
can I add, to the dark assassin, to the secret murderer, and the bloody
emissary of as cruel a tyrant as God, in his righteous judgments, ever
suffered to disgrace the throne of Britain.

I have travelled with you over the wide Atlantic, and could have landed
you safe, with humble confidence, at your desired haven, and then have
set myself down to enjoy a negative kind of happiness in the painful
part which it has pleased Heaven to allot me; but the intelligence with
regard to that great philosopher, able statesman, and unshaken friend of
his country,[189] has planted a dagger in my breast, and I feel, with a
double edge, the weapon that pierced the bosom of a Franklin.

   "For nought avail the virtues of the heart,
   Nor towering genius claims its due reward;
   From Britain's fury, as from death's keen dart,
   No worth can save us, and no fame can guard."

The more distinguished the person, the greater the inveteracy of these
foes of human nature. The argument of my friends to alleviate my
anxiety, by persuading me that this shocking attempt will put you more
upon your guard and render your person more secure than if it had never
taken place, is kind in them, and has some weight; but my greatest
comfort and consolation arise from the belief of a superintending
Providence, to whom I can with confidence commit you, since not a
sparrow falls to the ground without his notice. Were it not for this, I
should be miserable and overwhelmed by my fears and apprehensions.

Freedom of sentiment, the life and soul of friendship, is in a great
measure cut off by the danger of miscarriage and the apprehension of
letters falling into the hands of our enemies. Should this meet with
that fate, may they blush for their connection with a nation who have
rendered themselves infamous and abhorred by a long list of crimes,
which not their high achievements, nor the lustre of former deeds, nor
the tender appellation of parent, nor the fond connection which once
subsisted, can ever blot from our remembrance, nor wipe out those
indelible stains of their cruelty and baseness. They have engraven them
with a pen of iron on a rock forever.

To my dear son remember me in the most affectionate terms. I would have
written to him, but my notice is so short that I have not time. Enjoin
it upon him never to disgrace his mother, and to behave worthily of his
father. Tender as maternal affection is, it was swallowed up in what I
found a stronger, or so intermixed that I felt it not in its full force
till after he had left me. I console myself with the hopes of his
reaping advantages, under the careful eye of a tender parent, which it
was not in my power to bestow upon him.

There has nothing material taken place in the political world since you
left us. This letter will go by a vessel for Bilbao, from whence you may
perhaps get better opportunities of conveyance than from any other
place. The letter you delivered to the pilot came safe to hand. All the
little folks are anxious for the safety of their papa and brother, to
whom they desire to be remembered; to which are added the tenderest
sentiments of affection, and the fervent prayers for your happiness and
safety, of your

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 189: A rumor was at this time current that Franklin had been
assassinated in Paris. It is this which gave rise to the vehement
emotions visible here.]



228. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, in France, 12 April, 1778.

I am so sensible of the difficulty of conveying letters safe to you,
that I am afraid to write anything more than to tell you that after all
the fatigues and dangers of my voyage and journey I am here in health.

The reception I have met in this kingdom has been as friendly, as
polite, and as respectful as was possible. It is the universal opinion
of the people here, of all ranks, that a friendship between France and
America is the interest of both countries, and the late alliance, so
happily formed, is universally popular; so much so, that I have been
told by persons of good judgment that the government here would have
been under a sort of necessity of agreeing to it, even if it had not
been agreeable to themselves. The delights of France are innumerable.
The politeness, the elegance, the softness, the delicacy, are extreme.
In short, stern and haughty republican as I am, I cannot help loving
these people for their earnest desire and assiduity to please.

It would be futile to attempt descriptions of this country, especially
of Paris and Versailles. The public buildings and gardens, the
paintings, sculpture, architecture, music, etc., of these cities have
already filled many volumes. The richness, the magnificence and splendor
are beyond all description. This magnificence is not confined to public
buildings, such as Churches, hospitals, schools, etc., but extends to
private houses, to furniture, equipage, dress, and especially to
entertainments. But what is all this to me? I receive but little
pleasure in beholding all these things, because I cannot but consider
them as bagatelles, introduced by time and luxury in exchange for the
great qualities and hardy, manly virtues of the human heart. I cannot
help suspecting that the more elegance, the less virtue, in all times
and countries. Yet I fear that even my own dear country wants the power
and opportunity more than the inclination to be elegant, soft, and
luxurious.

All the luxury I desire in this world is the company of my dearest
friend, and my children, and such friends as they delight in, which I
have sanguine hopes I shall, after a few years, enjoy in peace. I am,
with inexpressible affection

   Yours, yours,

   JOHN ADAMS.



229. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 25 April, 1778.

Monsieur Chaumont has just informed me of a vessel bound to Boston, but
I am reduced to such a moment of time that I can only inform you that I
am well, and inclose a few lines from Johnny to let you know that he is
so. I have ordered the things you desired to be sent you, but I will not
yet say by what conveyance, for fear of accidents.

If human nature could be made happy by anything that can please the eye,
the ear, the taste, or any other sense, or passion, or fancy, this
country would be the region for happiness. But if my country were at
peace, I should be happier among the rocks and shades of Penn's hill;
and would cheerfully exchange all the elegance, magnificence, and
sublimity of Europe for the simplicity of Braintree and Weymouth.

To tell you the truth, I admire the ladies here. Don't be jealous. They
are handsome and very well educated. Their accomplishments are
exceedingly brilliant, and their knowledge of letters and arts exceeds
that of the English ladies, I believe.

Tell Mrs. Warren that I shall write her a letter, as she desired, and
let her know some of my reflections in this country. My venerable
colleague[190] enjoys a privilege here that is much to be envied. Being
seventy years of age, the ladies not only allow him to embrace them as
often as he pleases, but they are perpetually embracing him. I told him
yesterday I would write this to America.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 190: Franklin.]



230. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   18 May, 1778.

I have waited with great patience, restraining, as much as possible,
every anxious idea for three months. But now every vessel which arrives
sets my expectation upon the wing, and I pray my guardian genius to waft
me the happy tidings of your safety and welfare. Hitherto my wandering
ideas have roved, like the son of Ulysses, from sea to sea, and from
shore to shore, not knowing where to find you; sometimes I fancied you
upon the mighty waters, sometimes at your desired haven, sometimes upon
the ungrateful and hostile shore of Britain, but at all times, and in
all places, under the protecting care and guardianship of that Being who
not only clothes the lilies of the field, and hears the young ravens
when they cry, but hath said, "Of how much more worth are ye than many
sparrows;" and this confidence, which the world cannot deprive me of, is
my food by day and my rest by night, and was all my consolation under
the horrid ideas of assassination,--the only event of which I had not
thought, and in some measure prepared my mind.

When my imagination sets you down upon the Gallic shore, a land to which
Americans are now bound to transfer their affections, and to eradicate
all those national prejudices which the proud and haughty nation whom we
once revered craftily instilled into us, whom they once styled their
children, I anticipate the pleasure you must feel, and, though so many
leagues distant, share in the joy of finding the great interest of our
country so generously espoused and nobly aided by so powerful a monarch.
Your prospects must be much brightened; for when you left your native
land they were rather gloomy. If an unwearied zeal and persevering
attachment to the cause of truth and justice, regardless of the
allurements of ambition on the one hand or the threats of calamity on
the other, can entitle any one to the reward of peace, liberty, and
safety, a large portion of those blessings are reserved for my friend in
his native land.

   "Oh, wouldst thou keep thy country's loud applause,
   Loved as her father, as her God adored,
   Be still the bold asserter of her cause,
   Her voice in council; (in the fight her sword;)
   In peace, in war, pursue thy country's good:
   For her, bare thy bold breast and pour thy generous blood."

Difficult as the day is, cruel as this war has been, separated as I am,
on account of it, from the dearest connection in life, I would not
exchange my country for the wealth of the Indies, or be any other than
an American, though I might be queen or empress of any nation upon the
globe. My soul is unambitious of pomp or power. Beneath my humble roof,
blessed with the society and tenderest affection of my dear partner, I
have enjoyed as much felicity and as exquisite happiness as falls to the
share of mortals. And, though I have been called to sacrifice to my
country, I can glory in my sacrifice and derive pleasure from my
intimate connection with one who is esteemed worthy of the important
trust devolved upon him.

Britain, as usual, has added insult to injustice and cruelty, by what
she calls a conciliatory plan. From my soul I despise her meanness; but
she has long ago lost that treasure which, a great authority tells us,
exalteth a nation, and is receiving the reproaches due to her crimes. I
have been much gratified with the perusal of the Duke of Richmond's
speech. Were there ten such men to be found, I should still have some
hopes that a revolution would take place in favor of the virtuous few,
"and the laws, the rights, the generous plan of power delivered down
from age to age by our renowned forefathers" be again restored to that
unhappy island.

I hope by the close of this month to receive from you a large packet. I
have written twice before this. Some opportunities I may miss by my
distance from the capital. I have enjoyed a good share of health since
you left me. I have not mentioned my dear son, though I have often
thought of him since I began this letter, because I propose writing to
him by this opportunity. I omit many domestic matters because I will not
risk their coming to the public eye. I shall have a small bill to draw
upon you in the month of June. I think to send it to Mr. McCreery, who,
by a letter received since you went away, is, I find, settled in
Bordeaux in the mercantile way, and I dare say will procure for me
anything I may have occasion for. I wish you would be so good as to
write him a line requesting the favor of him to procure me such things,
and, in addition to the bills which may be drawn, let him add ten pounds
sterling at a time, if I desire it. The bills will be at three different
times in a year. If they should arrive safe they would render me
essential service.

Our public finances are upon no better footing than they were when you
left us. Five hundred dollars is now offered by this town, per man, for
nine months, to recruit the army. Twelve pounds a month for farming
labor is the price, and it is not to be procured under. Our friends are
all well and desire to be remembered to you. So many tender sentiments
rush upon my mind, when about to close this letter to you, that I can
only ask you to measure them by those which you find in your own bosom
for

   Your affectionate

   PORTIA.



231. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 3 June, 1778.

On the 13th of February I left you. It is now the 3d of June, and I have
not received a line nor heard a word, directly nor indirectly,
concerning you, since my departure. This is a situation of mind in which
I never was before, and I assure you I feel a great deal of anxiety at
it; yet I do not wonder at it, because I suppose few vessels have sailed
from Boston since ours. I have shipped for you the articles you
requested, and the black cloth for your father, to whom present my most
affectionate and dutiful respects. Captain Tucker, if he should not be
unlucky, will give you an account of your things.

It would be endless to attempt a description of this country. It is one
great garden. Nature and art have conspired to render everything here
delightful. Religion and government, you will say, ought to be excepted.
With all my heart. But these are no afflictions to me, because I have
well fixed it in my mind as a principle, that every nation has a right
to that religion and government which it chooses, and as long as any
people please themselves in these great points, I am determined they
shall not displease me.

There is so much danger that my letter may fall into malicious hands,
that I should not choose to be too free in my observations upon the
customs and manners of this people. But thus much I may say with truth
and without offense, that there is no people in the world who take so
much pains to please, nor any whose endeavors in this way have more
success. Their arts and manners, taste and language, are more respected
in Europe than those of any other nation. Luxury, dissipation, and
effeminacy are pretty nearly of the same degree of excess here and in
every other part of Europe. The great cardinal virtue of temperance,
however, I believe flourishes here more than in any other part of
Europe.

My dear countrymen! how shall I persuade you to avoid the plague of
Europe! Luxury has as many and as bewitching charms on your side of the
ocean as on this; and luxury, wherever she goes, effaces from human
nature the image of the Divinity. If I had power I would forever banish
and exclude from America all gold, silver, precious stones, alabaster,
marble, silk, velvet, and lace.

Oh, the tyrant! the American ladies would say. What! Aye, my dear girls,
these passions of yours which are so easily alarmed, and others of my
own sex which are exactly like them, have done and will do the work of
tyrants in all ages. Tyrants different from me, whose power has
banished, not gold indeed, but other things of greater value, wisdom,
virtue, and liberty. My son and servant are well. I am, with an ardor
that words have not power to express,

   Yours.



232. ABIGAIL ADAMS TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.


   June, 1778.

My dear Son,--'T is almost four months since you left your native land,
and embarked upon the mighty waters, in quest of a foreign country.
Although I have not particularly written to you since, yet you may be
assured you have constantly been upon my heart and mind.

It is a very difficult task, my dear son, for a tender parent to bring
her mind to part with a child of your years, going to a distant land;
nor could I have acquiesced in such a separation under any other care
than that of the most excellent parent and guardian who accompanied you.
You have arrived at years capable of improving under the advantages you
will be likely to have, if you do but properly attend to them. They are
talents put into your hands, of which an account will be required of you
hereafter; and being possessed of one, two, or four, see to it that you
double your numbers.

The most amiable and most useful disposition in a young mind is
diffidence of itself; and this should lead you to seek advice and
instruction from him who is your natural guardian and will always
counsel and direct you in the best manner, both for your present and
future happiness. You are in possession of a natural good understanding,
and of spirits unbroken by adversity and untamed with care. Improve your
understanding by acquiring useful knowledge and virtue, such as will
render you an ornament to society, an honor to your country, and a
blessing to your parents. Great learning and superior abilities, should
you ever possess them, will be of little value and small estimation,
unless virtue, honor, truth, and integrity are added to them. Adhere to
those religious sentiments and principles which were early instilled
into your mind, and remember that you are accountable to your Maker for
all your words and actions.

Let me enjoin it upon you to attend constantly and steadfastly to the
precepts and instructions of your father, as you value the happiness of
your mother and your own welfare. His care and attention to you render
many things unnecessary for me to write, which I might otherwise do; but
the inadvertency and heedlessness of youth require line upon line and
precept upon precept, and, when enforced by the joint efforts of both
parents, these will, I hope, have a due influence upon your conduct;
for, dear as you are to me, I would much rather you should have found
your grave in the ocean you have crossed, or that any untimely death
should crop you in your infant years, than see you an immoral,
profligate, or graceless child.

You have entered early in life upon the great theatre of the world,
which is full of temptations and vice of every kind. You are not wholly
unacquainted with history, in which you have read of crimes which your
inexperienced mind could scarcely believe credible. You have been taught
to think of them with horror, and to view vice as

           "a monster of so frightful mien
   That, to be hated, needs but to be seen."

Yet you must keep a strict guard upon yourself, or the odious monster
will soon lose its terror by becoming familiar to you. The modern
history of our own times furnishes as black a list of crimes as can be
paralleled in ancient times, even if we go back to Nero, Caligula, or
Cæsar Borgia. Young as you are, the cruel war into which we have been
compelled by the haughty tyrant of Britain and the bloody emissaries of
his vengeance may stamp upon your mind this certain truth, that the
welfare and prosperity of all countries, communities, and, I may add,
individuals, depend upon their morals. That nation to which we were once
united, as it has departed from justice, eluded and subverted the wise
laws which formerly governed it, and suffered the worst of crimes to go
unpunished, has lost its valor, wisdom, and humanity, and, from being
the dread and terror of Europe, has sunk into derision and infamy.

But, to quit political subjects, I have been greatly anxious for your
safety, having never heard of the frigate since she sailed, till, about
a week ago, a New York paper informed that she was taken and carried
into Plymouth. I did not fully credit this report, though it gave me
much uneasiness. I yesterday heard that a French vessel was arrived at
Portsmouth, which brought news of the safe arrival of the _Boston_; but
this wants confirmation. I hope it will not be long before I shall be
assured of your safety. You must write me an account of your voyage, of
your situation, and of everything entertaining you can recollect.

Be assured I am most affectionately yours,----.



233. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 16 June, 1778.

Since my last, I have had the inexpressible pleasure of yours of the
25th of March by the way of Holland, which is the first and the last
letter as yet received from you. This will be delivered to you by a
young gentleman of the name of Archer, who is going to America to serve
in our army as a volunteer. He is a promising youth, and will tell you
all the news both in England and France. Germany seems at the eve of
war. The Emperor and King of Prussia are at the head of armies, and on
tiptoe to strike the blow. England seems to be lost in a stupor. Byron's
fleet is not yet sailed. D'Estaing's passed the straits of Gibraltar the
16th of May.

We long to hear from America the ratification of the Treaty with France,
the captivity of General Clinton's army, and of Lord Howe's fleet. John
is very well at school.

I want a few pamphlets here, "The Thoughts on Government," "The New York
Constitution," "An Essay of a Constitution of Government for
Pennsylvania," said to have been written by Mr. Dickinson. Look them up
and send them.

I cannot learn that any reinforcement is to be sent to America this
summer. They can spare none. They are in a panic from an apprehension of
an invasion. Ireland is grown tumultuous, is concerting a
non-importation agreement, and gives symptoms of an insurrection.



234. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   30 June, 1778.

Dearest of Friends,--Shall I tell my dearest that tears of joy filled my
eyes this morning at the sight of his well-known hand?--the first line
which has blessed my sight since his four months' absence, during which
time I have never been able to learn a word from him or my dear son,
till, about ten days ago, an English paper, taken in a prize and brought
into Salem, contained an account, under the Paris news, of your arrival
at the abode of Dr. Franklin; and last week a cartel from Halifax
brought Captain Welch, of the _Boston_, who informed that he left you
well the 11th of March, and that he had letters for me, but destroyed
them when he was taken; and this is all the information I have ever been
able to obtain. Our enemies have told us the vessel was taken, and named
the frigate which took her, and that she was carried into Plymouth. I
have lived a life of fear and anxiety ever since you left me. Not more
than a week after your absence the horrid story of Dr. Franklin's
assassination was received from France, and sent by Mr. Purviance, of
Baltimore, to Congress and to Boston. Near two months before that was
contradicted. Then we could not hear a word from the _Boston_, and most
people gave her up as taken or lost. Thus has my mind been agitated like
a troubled sea.

You will easily conceive how grateful your favor of April 25th, and
those of our son, were to me and mine; though I regret your short
warning, and the little time you had to write, by which means I know not
how you fared upon your voyage, what reception you have met with (not
even from the ladies, though you profess yourself an admirer of them),
and a thousand circumstances which I wish to know, and which are always
particularly interesting to near connections. I must request you always
to be minute and to write me by every conveyance. Some, perhaps, which
may appear unlikely to reach me, will be the first to arrive. I own I
was mortified at so short a letter, but I quiet my heart with thinking
there are many more upon their passage to me. I have written several
before this, and some of them very long.

Now I know you are safe, I wish myself with you. Whenever you entertain
such a wish, recollect that I would have willingly hazarded all dangers
to have been your companion; but, as that was not permitted, you must
console me in your absence by a recital of all your adventures; though,
methinks, I would not have them in all respects too similar to those
related of your venerable colleague, whose Mentor-like appearance, age,
and philosophy most certainly lead the politico-scientific ladies of
France to suppose they are embracing the god of wisdom in a human form;
but I, who own that I never yet "wished an angel, whom I loved a man,"
shall be full as content if those divine honors are omitted. The whole
heart of my friend is in the bosom of his partner. More than half a
score of years have so riveted it there that the fabric which contains
it must crumble into dust ere the particles can be separated. I can hear
of the brilliant accomplishments of any of my sex with pleasure, and
rejoice in that liberality of sentiment which acknowledges them. At the
same time, I regret the trifling, narrow, contracted education of the
females of my own country. I have entertained a superior opinion of the
accomplishments of the French ladies, ever since I read the letters of
Dr. Shebbeare, who professes that he had rather take the opinion of an
accomplished lady, in matters of polite writing, than the first wits of
Italy; and should think himself safer with her approbation than with
that of a long list of literati; and he gives this reason for it, that
women have, in general, more delicate sensations than men; what touches
them is for the most part true in nature, whereas men, warped by
education, judge amiss from previous prejudice, and, referring all
things to the mode of the ancients, condemn that by comparison, where no
true similitude ought to be expected.

But, in this country, you need not be told how much female education is
neglected, nor how fashionable it has been to ridicule female learning;
though I acknowledge it my happiness to be connected with a person of a
more generous mind and liberal sentiments. I cannot forbear transcribing
a few generous sentiments which I lately met with upon this subject.

"If women," says the writer, "are to be esteemed our enemies, methinks
it is an ignoble cowardice, thus to disarm them, and not allow them the
same weapons we use ourselves; but if they deserve the title of our
friends, 't is an inhuman tyranny to debar them of the privileges of
ingenuous education, which would also render their friendship so much
the more delightful to themselves and us. Nature is seldom observed to
be niggardly of her choicest gifts to the sex. Their senses are
generally as quick as ours, their reason as nervous, their judgment as
mature and solid. To these natural perfections add but the advantages of
acquired learning, what polite and charming creatures would they prove;
whilst their external beauty does the office of a crystal to the lamp,
not shrouding, but disclosing, their brighter intellects. Nor need we
fear to lose our empire over them by thus improving their native
abilities; since, where there is most learning, sense, and knowledge,
there is always observed to be the most modesty and rectitude of
manners."[191]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 191: This letter did not reach its destination. The rough copy
remaining terminates with this quotation.]



235. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   23 August, 1778.

I could not omit so favorable an opportunity as the present of writing
you a line by Mr. Warren, who is upon his travel and probably may take
France in his way. The welfare of your family is so essential to your
happiness that I would improve every means of assuring you of it and of
communicating to you the pleasure I have had in receiving every letter
you have written since you first left the harbor of Boston. Mine to you
have not been equally successful. Several packets have been sent to
Neptune, though improperly directed, and I query whether, having found
his mistake, he has had complaisance enough to forward them. So that you
must not charge to me any failure, in point of punctuality or attention,
but to the avidity of the watery god who I really believe has destroyed
them. But enough of romance.

You see me in good spirits. I can tell you the cause. The _Alliance_
arrived last week and brought me the feast of reason and the flow of
soul; assurances too of the health of my dear absent friends. Those only
who know what a separation is of the tenderest connections can form
adequate ideas of the happiness which even a literary communication
affords.

I have written to you and my dear son by Captain

Sampson. If Mr. Warren should be bearer of this to you, I need not ask
you to love him. His merit will insure him that, and every attention he
may stand in need of, from one who never suffers the promising youth to
pass unnoticed by. He has a double claim to your friendship, not only on
account of his own worth but the long and intimate friendship which has
ever subsisted between his worthy parents and the friend I address, who
will accept of the tenderest sentiments for his health and happiness
from his ever affectionate

   A. ADAMS.



236. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 23 September, 1778.

A very idle, vain conversation at a dinner has produced you this
letter[192] from a venerable old lady in this neighborhood, the wife of
Monsieur Grand, the banker. As the subject was introduced, and according
to the turn the conversation really took, there was not so much vanity
and ostentation on my part as you will suspect from her account of it.
But as I speak French very imperfectly, and she understands not a
syllable of English, I suppose she did not fully understand me. All that
I maintained was that it was the duty of a good citizen to sacrifice all
to his country in some circumstances. God grant I may never be called to
do this again so often as I have done already, for I have hazarded all,
very often, and done as much as sacrifice all, sometimes. You will have
a delicate task to answer her. Write to her in English. She has a son
about five-and-twenty, who is a master of English and will interpret. It
is a virtuous family, and very civil to me and my dear Johnny, of whom
the whole family is very fond.

We are in deep concern for America; the last accounts having left
D'Estaing going to Rhode Island and Lord Howe after him.

It is high time for me to write to my children, but hitherto I have not
had time. I hope you have received twenty letters from me, in which I
have desired you to draw upon me for what money you want.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 192: This letter inclosed is missing.]



237. ABIGAIL ADAMS.[193]


The morning after I received your very short letter, I determined to
devote the day to writing to my friend; but I had only just breakfasted,
when I had a visit from Monsieur Rivière, an officer on board the
_Languedoc_, who speaks English well, the captain of the _Zara_, and six
or eight other officers, from on board another ship. The first gentleman
dined with me, and spent the day, so that I had no opportunity of
writing that day. The gentlemen officers have made me several visits,
and I have dined twice on board, at very elegant entertainments. Count
d'Estaing has been exceedingly polite to me. Soon after he arrived here,
I received a message from him requesting that I would meet him at
Colonel Quincy's, as it was inconvenient leaving his ship for any long
time. I waited upon him, and was very politely received. Upon parting,
he requested that the family would accompany me on board his ship and
dine with him the next Thursday, with any friends we chose to bring; and
his barge should come for us. We went, according to the invitation, and
were sumptuously entertained, with every delicacy that this country
produces, and the addition of every foreign article that could render
our feast splendid. Music and dancing for the young folks closed the
day.

The temperance of these gentlemen, the peaceable, quiet disposition both
of officers and men, joined to many other virtues which they have
exhibited during their continuance with us, are sufficient to make
Europeans, and Americans too, blush at their own degeneracy of manners.
Not one officer has been seen the least disguised with liquor since
their arrival. Most that I have seen appear to be gentlemen of family
and education. I have been the more desirous to take notice of them, as
I cannot help saying that they have been neglected in the town of
Boston. Generals Heath and Hancock have done their part, but very few,
if any, private families have any acquaintance with them.

Perhaps I feel more anxious to have them distinguished, on account of
the near and dear connections I have among them. It would gratify me
much, if I had it in my power, to entertain every officer in the fleet.

In the very few lines I have received from you, not the least mention is
made that you have ever received a line from me. I have not been so
parsimonious as my friend,--perhaps I am not so prudent; but I cannot
take my pen, with my heart overflowing, and not give utterance to some
of the abundance which is in it. Could you, after a thousand fears and
anxieties, long expectation, and painful suspense, be satisfied with my
telling you that I was well, that I wished you were with me, that my
daughter sent her duty, that I had ordered some articles for you, which
I hoped would arrive, etc., etc.? By Heaven, if you could, you have
changed hearts with some frozen Laplander, or made a voyage to a region
that has chilled every drop of your blood; but I will restrain a pen
already, I fear, too rash, nor shall it tell you how much I have
suffered from this appearance of--inattention.

The articles sent by Captain Tucker have arrived safe, and will be of
great service to me. Our money is very little better than blank paper.
It takes forty dollars to purchase a barrel of cider; fifty pounds
lawful for a hundred of sugar, and fifty dollars for a hundred of flour;
four dollars per day for a laborer, and find him, which will amount to
four more. You will see, by bills drawn before the date of this, that I
had taken the method which I was happy in finding you had directed me
to. I shall draw for the rest as I find my situation requires. No
article that can be named, foreign or domestic, but what costs more than
double in hard money what it once sold for. In one letter I have given
you an account of our local situation, and of _everything_ I thought you
might wish to know. Four or five sheets of paper, written to you by the
last mail, were destroyed when the vessel was taken.[194] Duplicates are
my aversion, though I believe I should set a value upon them, if I were
to receive them from a certain friend; a friend who never was deficient
in testifying his regard and affection to his

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 193: This letter is also taken from a rough draught without
date. The allusions to Count d'Estaing and his fleet fix it in September
or October of 1778.]

[Footnote 194: About this time many of the letters written by both the
parties were intercepted by British cruisers.]



238. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 6 November, 1778.

We have received information that so many of our letters have been
thrown overboard that I fear you will not have heard so often from me as
both of us wish. I have written often, but my letters have not been
worth so much as other things which I have sent you. I sent you a small
present by Captain Niles, but he is taken by a Jersey privateer. I sent
you also some other things by Captain Barnes; and what affects me quite
as much, I sent the things that my dear brother Cranch requested me to
send, by these same vessels. These vessels were chosen because they were
fast sailers, and so small as to be able to see danger before they could
be seen; but all is taken and sent into Guernsey and Jersey. By Captain
Tucker I sent you the whole of the list you gave me of articles for the
family. These, I hope, have arrived safe, but I have been so unlucky
that I feel averse to meddling in this way. The whole loss is a trifle,
it is true. But to you in the convenience of the family, and to Mr.
Cranch in his business, it would have been of value. If the _Boston_
arrives, the little chest she carries to you will be of service.

My anxiety for you and for the public is not diminished by time or
distance. The great number of accidental disappointments in the course
of the last summer are afflicting. But we hope for better luck another
year. It seems to be the intention of Heaven that we should be taught
the full value of our liberty by the dearness of the purchase, and the
importance of public virtue by the necessity of it. There seems to be
also a further design, that of eradicating forever from the heart of
every American every tender sentiment towards Great Britain, that we
may, some time or other, know how to make the full advantage of our
independence by more extensive connections with other countries.
Whatever siren songs of peace may be sung in your ears, you may depend
upon it from me (who unhappily have been seldom mistaken in my guesses
of the intentions of the British government for fourteen years) that
every malevolent passion and every insidious art will predominate in the
British cabinet against us. Their threats of Russians and of great
reinforcements are false and impracticable, and they know them to be so;
but their threats of doing mischief with the forces they have will be
verified as far as their power.

It is by no means pleasant to me to be forever imputing malicious policy
to a nation that I have ever wished and still wish I could esteem. But
truth must be attended to; and almost all Europe, the Dutch especially,
are at this day talking of Great Britain in the style of American sons
of liberty. I hope the unfortunate events at Rhode Island[195] will
produce no heart-burnings between our countrymen and the Comte
d'Estaing, who is allowed by all Europe to be a great and worthy
officer, and by all who know him to be a zealous friend of America.

I have enjoyed uncommon health since my arrival in this country, and, if
it was peace, and my family here, I could be happy. But never, never
shall I enjoy happy days without either. My little son gives me great
pleasure both by his assiduity to his books and his discreet behavior.
The lessons of his mamma are a constant lesson to him, and the
reflection that they are so to his sister and brothers is a
never-failing consolation to me at times when I feel more tenderness for
them than words can express, or than I should choose to express if I had
power. Remember me in the most affectionate manner to our parents,
brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and--what shall I say--children.

My respects where they are due, which is in so many places that I cannot
name them. With regard to my connections with the public business here,
which you will be naturally inquisitive to know something of, I can only
say that we have many disagreeable circumstances here, many
difficulties to accomplish the wishes of our constituents, and to give
satisfaction to certain half-anglified Americans, and, what is more
serious and affecting, to real and deserving Americans, who are
suffering in England, and escaping from thence. But from this Court,
this city and nation, I have experienced nothing but uninterrupted
politeness. It is not possible for me to express more tenderness and
affection to you than will be suggested by the name of

   JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 195: The failure of the plan against Rhode Island did give
rise to much excitement in Boston, which was scarcely restrained when
the French vessels arrived there.]



239. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 27 November, 1778.

Mr. Brown is here, and I cannot miss the opportunity by him to write you
a line. I know not how often you receive letters from me, so many are
taken or sunk; but I write as often as I can.

I have received some letters from you, which will occasion your name to
be classed with Mrs. Macaulay and Madame Dacier, for aught I know.
Johnny is very well. Stevens had a fall yesterday, which hurt him a
little, but not very badly. He is in a good way this morning. The things
inclosed, which were a present to me, you will do as you please with.

Europe is the dullest place in the world. No news but the lies which the
emissaries of England are making and spreading in every part. We get no
news from Congress, or any part of America. By hints in some letters
which I have heard of, I expect the first vessel will bring us news of
some new regulations of Congress concerning foreign affairs. It is said
that Congress has determined to have but one commissioner at this Court.
If this is true, as I suppose it is, as it comes from Mr. Deane, I am
uncertain what is to be done with me. It is said that I am to be sent to
some other Court, and that the Dr. is to be here alone. If this should
be the case, I should be puzzled what to do. The motives of Congress are
very good to save expenses, but this motive will not have its effect if
I am to be maintained here in idleness, or sent upon my travels to other
countries, where I shall not be received, which will be the most
painful situation imaginable to me. In this case I should be at a loss
whether to return home immediately or wait until I could write to
Congress and obtain leave. Some of my friends here are of opinion that I
ought not to return without leave. I would not take any step that should
give any just cause of offense to Congress or the people. But I cannot
eat pensions and sinecures. They would stick in my throat. I wish some
honest vessel would arrive and resolve my doubts.



240. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 2 December, 1778.

My dearest Friend,--Last night an express from M. de Sartine, whose
politeness upon this occasion was very obliging, brought me your letters
of September 29th and October 10th. The joy which the receipt of these
packets afforded me was damped by the disagreeable articles of
intelligence; but still more so by the symptoms of grief and complaint
which appeared in the letters. For Heaven's sake, my dear, don't indulge
a thought that it is possible for me to neglect or forget all that is
dear to me in this world. It is impossible for me to write as I did in
America. What should I write? It is not safe to write anything that one
is not willing should go into all the newspapers of the world. I know
not by whom to write. I never know what conveyance is safe. Vessels may
have arrived without letters from me. I am five hundred miles from
Bordeaux, and not much less distant from Nantes. I know nothing of many
vessels that go from the seaports, and if I knew of all, there are some
that I should not trust. Notwithstanding this, I have written to you not
much less than fifty letters. I am astonished that you have received no
more. But almost every vessel has been taken. Two vessels by which I
sent goods to you for the use of your family, and one by which I sent
Mr. Cranch's things, we know have been taken. In every one of these I
sent large packets of letters and papers for Congress, for you, and for
many friends. God knows I don't spend my time in idleness, or in gazing
at curiosities. I never wrote more letters, however empty they may have
been. But by what I hear, they have been all, or nearly all, taken or
sunk. My friends complain that they have not received letters from me. I
may as well complain. I have received scarcely any letters from America.
I have written three where I have received one. From my friend Mr. Adams
I have received only one short card; from Mr. Gerry, not a syllable;
from Mr. Lovell, only two or three, very short. What shall I say? I
doubt not they have written oftener, but letters miscarry. Drs. Cooper
and Gordon write to Dr. Franklin, not to me. My friend Warren has been
good as usual. I have received several fine, long letters, full of sound
sense, useful intelligence, and reflections as virtuous, as wise as
usual, from him. I have answered them and written more, but whether they
arrive, I know not.

I approve very much of your draught upon me in favor of your cousin. The
moment it arrives, it shall be paid. Draw for more as you may have
occasion. But make them give you gold and silver for your bills. Your
son is the joy of my heart, without abating in the least degree of my
affection for the young rogue that did not seem as if he had a father,
or his brother or sister. Tell Abby her papa likes her the better for
what she tells her brother, viz., "that she don't talk much," because I
know she thinks and feels the more. I hope the _Boston_ has arrived. She
carried many things for you.

Last night a friend from England brought me the King's speech. Their
delirium continues, and they go on with the war, but the speech betrays
a manifest expectation that Spain will join against them, and the
debates betray a dread of Holland. They have reason for both. They have
not and cannot get an ally. They cannot send any considerable
reinforcement to America.

Your reflections upon the rewards of the virtuous friends of the public
are very just. But if virtue was to be rewarded with wealth, it would
not be virtue. If virtue was to be rewarded with fame, it would not be
virtue of the sublimest kind. Who would not rather be Fabricius than
Cæsar? Who would not rather be Aristides than even William the Third?
Who! Nobody would be of this mind but Aristides and Fabricius. These
characters are very rare, but the more precious. Nature has made more
insects than birds, more butterflies than eagles, more foxes than lions,
more pebbles than diamonds. The most excellent of her productions, both
in the physical, intellectual, and moral world, are the most rare. I
would not be a butterfly because children run after them, nor because
dull philosophers boast of them in their cabinets.

Have you ever read J. J. Rousseau? If not, read him. Your cousin Smith
has him. What a difference between him and Chesterfield and even
Voltaire. But he was too virtuous for the age and for Europe.[196] I
wish I could not say for another country.

I am much disappointed in not receiving dispatches from Congress by this
opportunity. We expect alterations in the plan here. What will be done
with me I can't conjecture. If I am recalled, I will endeavor to get a
safe opportunity home. I will watch the proper season, and look out for
a good vessel; and if I can get safe to Penn's hill, shall never repent
of my voyage to Europe, because I have gained an insight into several
things that I never should have understood without it.

I pray you to remember me with every sentiment of tenderness, duty, and
affection to your father and my mother, your and my brothers and
sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, and everybody else that you know
deserves it. What shall I say, too, of my dear young friends by your
fireside? May God Almighty bless them and make them wise!

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 196: Rousseau had not yet developed himself clearly before the
world, or before the writer.]



241. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 27 December, 1778.

Mr. Greenleaf is about to set off towards Nantes, and from thence to
Boston.

Last night I walked to Paris and saw the illumination for the birth of
the princess Maria Theresa Charlotte, Fille du Roi. Splendid indeed! My
little friend,[197] who was with me, will write you a description of
it. The military schools, the hospital of invalids, and the palace of
Bourbon were beautiful and sublime indeed; as much so as an illumination
can be. I could scarcely have conceived that an illumination could have
such an effect. I suppose the expense of this is a million of livres. As
much as I respect this country, particularly the King and royal family,
I could not help reflecting how many families in another country would
this tallow make happy for life; how many privateers would this tallow
fit out for chasing away the Jersey-men and making reprisals on
Messieurs les Anglais. But taste will have its way in this country.

The Queen and her illustrious infant are very well, and this nation is
very happy to have discovered a way by which a dauphin may come to them
next year or the year after. The King and Queen are greatly beloved
here. Every day shows fresh proofs of it. On the other side the channel
there is a King who is in a fair way to be the object of opposite
sentiments to a nation, if he is not at present. If Keppel should be
destroyed in life or reputation, I shall expect to hear that all
restraints are taken off, and passions allowed to sport themselves
without reserve. Keppel told the King he would not fight against
America; an unpardonable offense. He will be ruined if possible.
However, I think that Keppel was wrong even to accept a command against
the French. If Britain is wrong in this war against America, she is
wrong in that against the French, for France and America have the same
object in view, and no other. France is right if America is right,
because France only assisted the American cause, for which John Bull
abused and fought her. But John will come off wretchedly. He will be
beaten. He has been beaten. There have been more British men-of-war
already taken and destroyed than they lost in two former wars, and more
sailors prisoners.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 197: His son John.]



242. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Sunday Evening, 27 December, 1778.

How lonely are my days! how solitary are my nights! secluded from all
society but my two little boys and my domestics. By the mountains of
snow which surround me, I could almost fancy myself in Greenland. We
have had four of the coldest days I ever knew, and they were followed by
the severest snow-storm I ever remember. The wind, blowing like a
hurricane for fifteen or twenty hours, rendered it impossible for man or
beast to live abroad, and has blocked up the roads so that they are
impassable. A week ago I parted with my daughter, at the request of our
Plymouth friends, to spend a month with them; so that I am solitary
indeed.

Can the best of friends recollect that for fourteen years past I have
not spent a whole winter alone? Some part of the dismal season has
heretofore been mitigated and softened by the social converse and
participation of the friend of my youth.

How insupportable the idea that three thousand miles and the vast ocean
now divide us! but divide only our persons, for the heart of my friend
is in the bosom of his partner. More than half a score of years has so
riveted it there, that the fabric which contains it must crumble into
dust ere the particles can be separated; for

         "In one fate, our hearts, our fortunes,
   And our beings blend."

I cannot describe to you how much I was affected the other day with a
Scotch song, which was sung to me by a young lady in order to divert a
melancholy hour; but it had quite a different effect, and the native
simplicity of it had all the power of a well-wrought tragedy. When I
could conquer my sensibility I begged the song, and Master Charles has
learned it, and consoles his mamma by singing it to her. I will inclose
it to you. It has beauties in it to me which an indifferent person would
not feel, perhaps.

   "His very foot has music in 't,
   As he comes up the stairs."

How oft has my heart danced to the sound of that music!

   "And shall I see his face again?
   And shall I hear him speak?"

Gracious Heaven! hear and answer my daily petition, by banishing all my
grief.

I am sometimes quite discouraged from writing. So many vessels are taken
that there is little chance of a letter's reaching your hands. That I
meet with so few returns is a circumstance that lies heavy at my heart.
If this finds its way to you, it will go by the _Alliance_. By her I
have written before. She has not yet sailed, and I love to amuse myself
with my pen, and pour out some of the tender sentiments of a heart
overflowing with affection, not for the eye of a cruel enemy, who, no
doubt, would ridicule every humane and social sentiment, long ago grown
callous to the finer sensibilities, but for the sympathetic heart that
beats in unison with

   PORTIA'S.



243. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 30 December, 1778.

We wait, and wait, and wait forever, without any news from America. We
get nothing but what comes from England and to other people here, and
they make it as they please. We have had nothing from Congress an
immense while. Every merchant and every merchant's apprentice has
letters and news when I have none. In truth, I have been so long from
Boston that everybody there, almost, has forgotten me. I have expected,
every moment for almost two months, my recall.

Carlisle, Cornwallis, and Eden are arrived in England, but bring no good
news for the English, or we should have had it in the "Gazette." The two
houses of Parliament join ministry and commissioners in threatening fire
and sword. They seem to think it necessary to threaten most when they
can do least. They, however, show their disposition, which they will
indulge and gratify if they can. But be not dismayed. They can do no
great things. Patience, perseverance, and firmness will overcome all our
difficulties. Where the Comte d'Estaing is, is a great mystery. The
greater, the better. The English fancy he is returning to Europe. But we
believe he is gone where he will do something. The English reproach the
French with gasconade, but they never gasconaded as the English do now.
I suppose they will say as Burgoyne did, "Speak daggers but use none."
But I believe, however, that they and he would use them if they could.
Of all the wrong heads Johnstone is the most consummate. The Tories at
New York and Philadelphia have filled his head with a million lies. He
seems to have taken a New York newspaper for holy writ. Parliament is
adjourned to the 14th January. Of this you may be assured, that England
can get no allies. The new secretary at war makes a vast parade of the
number of men in their service by sea and land. But it is a mere
delusion. They intend to Byngify Keppel to all appearance; but killing
him will not mend rotten ships nor make sailors.

I dined to-day at the Duchess d'Enville's. When I saw the companies of
militia on their march to fight her husband,[198] I did not expect this.
Did you?


   Passy, 1 January, 1779.

I wish you a happy new year and many happy years, and all the blessings
of life. Who knows but this year may be more prosperous for our country
than any we have seen? For my own part, I have hopes that it will. Great
blessings are in store for it, and they may come this year as well as
another. You and I, however, must prepare our minds to enjoy the
prosperity of others, not our own. In poverty and simplicity we shall be
happy, whenever our country is so. Johnny sends duty. Mr. Williams
waits. I knew of his going but this moment. I think I shall see you this
year in spite of British men-of-war. If it should be otherwise ordered,
however, we must submit.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 198: The expedition fitted out by France in 1746, to go to
America, was commanded by the Duc d'Enville. The alarm which it caused
in Boston is mentioned by Hutchinson.]



244. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 9 February, 1779.

It is now a year, within a day or two, of my departure from home. It is
in vain for me to think of writing of what is passed. The character and
situation in which I am here, and the situation of public affairs,
absolutely forbid my writing freely. I must be excused. So many vessels
are taken, and there are so many persons indiscreet and so many others
inquisitive, that I may not write. God knows how much I suffer for want
of writing to you. It used to be a cordial to my spirits.

Thus much I can say with perfect sincerity, that I have found nothing to
disgust me, or in any manner disturb me, in the French nation. My evils
here arise altogether from Americans. If I would have enlisted myself
under the banner of either party,[199] I might have filled America, I
doubt not, with panegyrics of me from one party and curses and slanders
from another. I have endeavored to be hitherto impartial, to search for
nothing but the truth, and to love nobody and nothing but the public
good, at least not more than the public good. I have hoped that
animosities might be softened, and the still small voice of reason heard
more and the boisterous roar of passions and prejudices less. But the
publication of a certain address[200] to the people has destroyed all
such hopes. Nothing remains now but the fearful looking for of the fiery
indignation of the monster party, here.

My consolation is that the partisans are no more than

             "Bubbles on the sea of matter borne;
   They rise, they break, and to that sea return."

The people of America, I know, stand like Mount Atlas; but these
altercations occasion a great deal of unhappiness for the present, and
they prolong the war. Those must answer for it who are guilty. I am not.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 199: The party of Silas Deane and Dr. Franklin on the one
side, and of Arthur Lee and Ralph Izard on the other.]

[Footnote 200: By Silas Deane, who had returned to America.]



245. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 13 February, 1779.

Yours of 15th December was sent me yesterday by the Marquis, whose
praises are celebrated in all the letters from America. You must be
content to receive a short letter, because I have not time now to write
a long one. I have lost many of your letters, which are invaluable to
me, and you have lost a vast number of mine. Barnes, Niles, and many
other vessels are lost.

I have received intelligence much more agreeable than that of a removal
to Holland; I mean that of being reduced to a private citizen, which
gives me more pleasure than you can imagine. I shall therefore soon
present before you your own good man. Happy, happy indeed shall I be,
once more to see our fireside. I have written before to Mrs. Warren, and
shall write again now. Dr. J. is transcribing your Scotch song, which is
a charming one. Oh, my leaping heart!

I must not write a word to you about politics, because you are a woman.

What an offense have I committed! A woman!

I shall soon make it up. I think women better than men, in general, and
I know that you can keep a secret as well as any man whatever. But the
world don't know this. Therefore if I were to write my sentiments to
you, and the letter should be caught and hitched into a newspaper, the
world would say I was not to be trusted with a secret.

I never had so much trouble in my life as here, and yet I grow fat. The
climate and soil agree with me. So do the cookery and even the manners
of the people, of those of them at least that I converse with, churlish
republican as some of you on your side the water call me. The English
have got at me in their newspapers. They make fine work of me--fanatic,
bigot, perfect cipher, not one word of the language, awkward figure,
uncouth dress, no address, no character, cunning, hard-hearted attorney.
But the falsest of it all is, that I am disgusted with the Parisians;
whereas I admire the Parisians prodigiously. They are the happiest
people in the world, I believe, and have the best disposition to make
others so. If I had your ladyship and our little folks here, and no
politics to plague me, and a hundred thousand livres a year rent, I
should be the happiest being on earth. Nay, I believe I could make it do
with twenty thousand.

One word of politics. The English reproach the French with gasconade,
but I don't believe their whole history could produce so much of it as
the English have practiced this war. The commissioners' proclamation,
with its sanction from the ministry and ratification by both houses, I
suppose is hereafter to be interpreted like Burgoyne's "Speaking daggers
but using none." They cannot send any considerable reinforcement, nor
get an ally in Europe. This I think you may depend upon. Their artifice
in throwing out such extravagant threats was so gross that I presume it
has not imposed on any. Yet a nation that regarded its character never
could have threatened in that manner.

   Adieu.



246. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 20 February, 1779.

A new commission has arrived by which the Dr.[201] is sole minister. Mr.
Lee continues commissioner for Spain, but I am reduced to the condition
of a private citizen. The Congress have not taken the least notice of
me. On the 11th of September they resolved to have one minister only in
France. On the 14th they chose the Dr. In October they made out his
commission, the _Alliance_ sailed on the 14th January, and in all that
interval they never so much as bid me come home, bid me stay, or told me
I had done well or done ill. Considering the accusation against Mr.
Lee,[202] how unexpected it was and how groundless it is, I should not
be at all surprised if I should see an accusation against me for
something or other, I know not what, but I see that all things are
possible.

Of all the scenes I ever passed through, this is the most extraordinary.
The delirium among Americans here is the most extravagant. All the
infernal arts of stock-jobbers, all the voracious avarice of merchants,
have mingled themselves with American politics here, disturbed their
operations, distracted our counsels, and turned our heads.

The Congress, I presume, expect that I should come home, and I shall
come accordingly. As they have no business for me in Europe, I must
contrive to get some for myself at home. Prepare yourself for removing
to Boston, into the old house, for there you shall go, and there I will
draw writs and deeds, and harangue juries, and be happy.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 201: Franklin.]

[Footnote 202: Made by Silas Deane to Congress.]



247. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 20 February, 1779.

In the margin[203] are the dates of all the letters I have received from
you. I have written you several times that number. They are almost all
lost, I suppose by yours. But you should consider it is a different
thing to have five hundred correspondents and but one. It is a different
thing to be under an absolute restraint and under none. It would be an
easy thing for me to ruin you and your children by an indiscreet letter,
and what is more, it would be easy to throw our country into
convulsions. For God's sake never reproach me again with not writing or
with writing scrips. Your wounds are too deep. You know not, you feel
not, the dangers that surround me nor those that may be brought upon our
country. Millions would not tempt me to write you as I used. I have no
security that every letter I write you will not be broken open, and
copied, and transmitted to Congress and to English newspapers. They
would find no treason nor deceit in them, it is true, but they would
find weakness and indiscretion, which they would make as ill a use of.

There are spies upon every word I utter, and every syllable I write.
Spies planted by the English, spies planted by stock-jobbers, spies
planted by selfish merchants, and spies planted by envious and malicious
politicians. I have been all along aware of this, more or less, but more
so now than ever. My life has been often in danger, but I never
considered my reputation and character so much in danger as now. I can
pass for a fool, but I will not pass for a dishonest or mercenary man.
Be upon your guard, therefore. I must be upon mine, and I will.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 203: 25 March. 18 May. 10, 18 June. 10, 21, 25 October. 2, 15
December, 1778. 2, 4 January, 1779. Many of these are missing.]



248. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 21 February, 1779.

Yours by Mr. Williams I have received. The little bill must be paid, but
I confess it alarms me a little. The expense of my son here is greater
than I ever imagined. Although his company is almost all the pleasure I
have in life, yet I should not have brought him if I had known the
expense. His expenses, together with what you have drawn for, and a
little collection of books I have bought, will amount to more than will
ever be allowed me. My accounts must not be drawn into intricacy or
obscurity. I must not be involved in suspicions of meddling in trade or
anything else but my proper business.

You complain that I don't write often enough; and that when I do, my
letters are too short. If I were to tell you all the tenderness of my
heart, I should do nothing but write to you. I beg of you not to be
uneasy. I write you as often and as much as I ought. If I had a heart at
ease, and leisure enough, I could write you several sheets a day, of the
curiosities of this country. But it is as much impossible for me to
think of such subjects as to work miracles. Let me entreat you to
consider, if some of your letters had by any accident been taken, what a
figure would they have made in a newspaper, to be read by the whole
world? Some of them, it is true, would have done honor to the most
virtuous and most accomplished Roman matron; but others of them would
have made you and me very ridiculous. In one of yours you hint that I am
to go to Holland. But I think you must be misinformed. By all that I can
learn, some gentlemen intend to vote for me to Holland _vs._ Mr. Deane;
others to Spain _vs._ Mr. Lee. Neither, I think, will succeed; and
therefore I think I have but one course to steer, and that is,
homewards. But I can determine nothing absolutely. I must govern myself
according to the intelligence which may hereafter arise, the orders of
Congress, and the best judgment I can form of my own duty and the public
good.

I am advised to take a ride to Geneva, or to Amsterdam; and I have been
so confined from exercise, having never been farther from Paris than
Versailles since my arrival here, that some such excursion seems
necessary for my health; yet I cannot well bear the thought of putting
the public to an expense merely for the sake of my pleasure, health, or
convenience. Yet my situation here is painful. I never was in such a
situation before as I am now, and my present feelings are new to me. If
I should return, and in my absence any orders should arrive here for me
to execute, in that case nobody would be here to execute them, and they
might possibly fail of success for want of somebody with power to
perform them; at least, this may be suspected and said and believed.
However, upon the whole, as Congress have said nothing to me, good or
bad, I have no right to presume that they mean to say anything, and
therefore, on the whole, it is my duty to return by the first
opportunity, unless I should receive counter orders before that occurs.
If ever the time should arrive when I could have a little leisure and a
quiet mind, I could entertain you with accounts of things which would
amuse you and your children. There are an infinity of curiosities here,
but so far from having leisure to describe them, I have found none even
to see them, except a very few.

The climate here is charming. The weather is every day pleasant as the
month of May; soft, mild air; some foggy days, and about ten or twelve
days in January were cold and icy. But we have had scarce three inches
of snow the whole winter. The climate is more favorable to my
constitution than ours. The cookery and manner of living here, which you
know Americans were taught by their former absurd masters to dislike, is
more agreeable to me than you can imagine. The manners of the people
have an affection in them that is very amiable. There is such a choice
of elegant entertainments in the theatric way, of good company, and
excellent books, that nothing would be wanting to me in this country but
my family and peace to my country, to make me one of the happiest of
men. John Bull would growl and bellow at this description. Let him
bellow if he will, for he is but a brute.



249. JOHN ADAMS.


   Passy, 27 February, 1779.

The weather continuing fine, I went to Saint Denis, a little village
about eight miles from this place, where are the tombs of all the kings
and queens. The statues of all lie in state in marble. The church is
called the royal Church of Saint Denis, is magnificent, and there is an
apartment in a chamber, where the crowns and many other curiosities are
preserved. It is curious to see such a collection of gold, ivory, and
precious stones, as there is every species, I suppose, that is mentioned
in the Revelation. The diamonds and rubies glitter. But I confess I have
so much of the savage sachem in me that these things make no great
impression upon me. There are several little crucifixes here, which the
ecclesiastic who showed them told us were made of bits of the true
cross. This may be, for anything that I know.

In my return, I took a circuit round by Montmartre, and dined at home
with the Dr.,[204] who has a fit of the gout, but is getting better.

The situation in which my masters have left me puzzles me very much.
They have said nothing to me. But one set of gentlemen write that I am
to go to Spain, another to Holland, a third to Vienna; upon the whole, I
believe they don't intend to send me to either, but leave me to stay
here in a ridiculous situation, or return home if I can get there. I
shall return unless I should receive, before the time arrives for the
vessel to sail, orders which I can execute with honor and with a
prospect of rendering some service to the public. But of these two last
points I will judge for myself.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 204: Franklin.]



250. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   20 March, 1779.

My dearest Friend,--Your favor of December 9th came to hand this evening
from Philadelphia. By the same post I received a letter from Mr. Lovell,
transcribing some passages from one of the same date to him, and the
only one, he says, which he has received since your absence, and his
pocket-book proves that he has written eighteen different times; yet
possibly you may have received as few from him. The watery world alone
can boast of large packets received,--a discouraging thought when I take
my pen. Yet I will not be discouraged. I will persist in writing, though
but one in ten should reach you. I have been impatient for an
opportunity, none having offered since January, when the _Alliance_
sailed, which, my presaging mind assures me, will arrive safe in France,
and I hope will return as safely.

Accept my thanks for the care you take of me, in so kindly providing for
me the articles you mention. Should they arrive safe, they will be a
great assistance to me. The safest way, you tell me, of supplying my
wants is by drafts; but I cannot get hard money for bills. You had as
good tell me to procure diamonds for them; and, when bills will fetch
but five for one, hard money will exchange ten, which I think is very
provoking; and I must give at the rate of ten, and sometimes twenty, for
one, for every article I purchase. I blush whilst I give you a price
current: all butcher's meat from a dollar to eight shillings per pound;
corn twenty-five dollars, rye thirty, per bushel; flour fifty pounds per
hundred; potatoes ten dollars per bushel; butter twelve shillings a
pound, cheese eight; sugar twelve shillings a pound; molasses twelve
dollars per gallon; labor six and eight dollars a day; a common cow from
sixty to seventy pounds; and all English goods in proportion. This is
our present situation. It is a risk to send me anything across the
water, I know; yet if one in three arrives, I should be a gainer. I have
studied, and do study, every method of economy in my power; otherwise a
mint of money would not support a family. I could not board our two sons
under forty dollars per week apiece at a school. I therefore thought it
most prudent to request Mr. Thaxter to look after them, giving him his
board and the use of the office, which he readily accepted, and, having
passed the winter with me, will continue through the summer, as I see no
probability of the times speedily growing better.

We have had much talk of peace through the mediation of Spain, and great
news from Spain, and a thousand reports, as various as the persons who
tell them. Yet I believe slowly, and rely more upon the information of
my friend than on all the whole legion of stories which rise with the
sun, and set as soon. Respecting Georgia,[205] other friends have
written you. I shall add nothing of my own, but that I believe it will
finally be a fortunate event to us.

Our vessels have been fortunate in making prizes, though many were taken
in the fall of the year. We have been greatly distressed for [want of]
grain. I scarcely know the looks or taste of biscuit or flour for this
four months; yet thousands have been much worse off, having no grain of
any sort.

The great commotion raised here by Mr. Deane has sunk into contempt for
his character; and it would be better for him to leave a country which
is now supposed to have been injured by him. His friends are silent, not
knowing how to extricate him. It would be happy for him if he had the
art himself. He most certainly had art enough, in the beginning, to blow
up a flame, and to set the whole continent in agitation.


   23 April.

More than a month has passed away since writing the above, and no
opportunity has yet offered of conveying you a line; next to the pain of
not receiving is that of not being able to send a token of remembrance
and affection. (You must excuse my not copying, as paper is ten dollars
per quire.) Last week a packet arrived from Brest with dispatches for
Congress, but no private letters. I was disappointed, but did not
complain. You would have written, I know, had you supposed she was
coming to Boston. By her we heard of the safe arrival of the _Alliance_
in France, which gave me much pleasure. May she have as safe a return to
us again. Last week, arrived here the frigate _Warren_, after a
successful cruise. She had been out about six weeks, in company with the
_Queen of France_, and the _Ranger_, Captain Jones. They fell in with
and captured a fleet bound from New York to Georgia, consisting of ship
_Jason_, twenty guns and one hundred and fifty men; ship _Maria_,
sixteen guns, eighty-four men, having on board eighteen hundred barrels
of flour; privateer schooner _Hibernian_, eight guns and forty-five men;
brigs _Patriot_, _Prince Frederick_, _Bachelor John_, and schooner
_Chance_; all of which are safe arrived, to the universal joy and
satisfaction of every well-wisher of his country. The officers who were
captured acknowledge that this loss will be severely felt by the enemy,
and it is hoped that it will give General Lincoln important advantages
over him in Georgia.

Respecting domestic affairs, I shall do tolerably whilst my credit is
well supported abroad; and my demands there shall be as small as
possible, considering the state of things here; but I cannot purchase a
bushel of grain under three hard dollars, though the scarcity of that
article makes it dearer than other things. Our friends here all desire
to be remembered to you. I remind your daughter to write and she
promises to, but she does not love it. Charley is very busy gardening,
sends his duty, and hopes to write soon. My pen is very bad, but you are
so used to the hand you can pick it out, and if it goes into the sea, it
is no matter. I should be very glad of some woolens by the _Alliance_,
for winter gowns; nothing will be amiss, unless it be men's white silk
stockings, which I have no occasion for. I suppose the pair sent among
the letters which came in the _Mifflin_, an accident.

My pen is really so bad that I cannot add any further than that I am
wholly

   Yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 205: This alludes to the movements made under the direction of
General Prevost for the subjection of that colony.]



251. JOHN ADAMS.


   L'Orient, 14 May, 1779.

When I left Paris, the 8th of March, I expected to have been at home
before this day, and have done my utmost to get to sea, but the
embarrassments and disappointments I have met with have been many, very
many. I have, however, in the course of them, had a fine opportunity of
seeing Nantes, L'Orient, and Brest, as well as the intermediate
country.

By the gracious invitation of the King, I am now to take passage in his
frigate, the _Sensible_, with his new Ambassador to America, the
Chevalier de la Luzerne. I hope to see you in six or seven weeks. Never
was any man in such a state of uncertainty and suspense as I have been
from last October, entirely uninformed of the intentions of Congress
concerning me. This would not have been very painful to me if I could
have got home. Your conversation is a compensation to me for all other
things.

My son has had a great opportunity to see this country; but this has
unavoidably retarded his education in some other things. He has enjoyed
perfect health, from first to last, and is respected wherever he goes,
for his vigor and vivacity both of mind and body, for his constant good
humor, and for his rapid progress in French as well as his general
knowledge, which, for his age, is uncommon. I long to see his sister and
brothers. I need not add--



252. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   8 June, 1779.

Six months have already elapsed since I heard a syllable from you or my
dear son, and five since I have had one single opportunity of conveying
a line to you. Letters of various dates have lain months at the Navy
Board, and a packet and frigate, both ready to sail at an hour's
warning, have been months waiting the orders of Congress. They no doubt
have their reasons, or ought to have, for detaining them. I must
patiently wait their motions, however painful it is; and that it is so,
your own feelings will testify. Yet I know not but you are less a
sufferer than you would be to hear from us, to know our distresses, and
yet be unable to relieve them. The universal cry for bread, to a humane
heart, is painful beyond description, and the great price demanded and
given for it verifies that pathetic passage of Sacred Writ, "All that a
man hath will he give for his life." Yet He who miraculously fed a
multitude with five loaves and two fishes has graciously interposed in
our favor, and delivered many of the enemy's supplies into our hands, so
that our distresses have been mitigated. I have been able as yet to
supply my own family, sparingly, but at a price that would astonish you.
Corn is sold at four dollars, hard money, per bushel, which is equal to
eighty at the rate of exchange.

Labor is at eight dollars per day, and in three weeks it will be at
twelve, it is probable, or it will be more stable than anything else.
Goods of all kinds are at such a price that I hardly dare mention it.
Linens are sold at twenty dollars per yard; the most ordinary sort of
calicoes at thirty and forty; broadcloths at forty pounds per yard; West
India goods full as high; molasses at twenty dollars per gallon; sugar
four dollars per pound; bohea tea at forty dollars; and our own produce
in proportion; butcher's meat at six and eight shillings per pound;
board at fifty and sixty dollars per week; rates high. That, I suppose,
you will rejoice at; so would I, did it remedy the evil. I pay five
hundred dollars, and a new Continental rate has just appeared, my
proportion of which will be two hundred more. I have come to this
determination, to sell no more bills, unless I can procure hard money
for them, although I shall be obliged to allow a discount. If I sell for
paper, I throw away more than half, so rapid is the depreciation; nor do
I know that it will be received long. I sold a bill to Blodget at five
for one, which was looked upon as high at that time. The week after I
received it, two emissions were taken out of circulation, and the
greater part of what I had proved to be of that sort; so that those to
whom I was indebted are obliged to wait, and before it becomes due, or
is exchanged, it will be good for--as much as it will fetch, which will
be nothing, if it goes on as it has done for this three months past. I
will not tire your patience any longer. I have not drawn any further
upon you. I mean to wait the return of the _Alliance_, which with
longing eyes I look for. God grant it may bring me comfortable tidings
from my dear, dear friend, whose welfare is so essential to my happiness
that it is entwined around my heart and cannot be impaired or separated
from it without rending it asunder.

In contemplation of my situation, I am sometimes thrown into an agony
of distress. Distance, dangers, and oh, I cannot name all the fears
which sometimes oppress me, and harrow up my soul. Yet must the common
lot of man one day take place, whether we dwell in our own native land
or are far distant from it. That we rest under the shadow of the
Almighty is the consolation to which I resort, and find that comfort
which the world cannot give. If He sees best to give me back my friend,
or to preserve my life to him, it will be so.

Our worthy friend, Dr. Winthrop[206] is numbered with the great
congregation, to the inexpressible loss of Harvard College.

                       "Let no weak drop
   Be shed for him. The virgin, in her bloom
   Cut off, the joyous youth, and darling child,
   These are the tombs that claim the tender tear
   And elegiac song. But Winthrop calls
   For other notes of gratulation high,
   That now he wanders through those endless worlds
   He here so well descried, and wondering talks,
   And hymns their Author with his glad compeers."

The testimony he gave with his dying breath, in favor of revealed
religion, does honor to his memory and will endear it to every lover of
virtue. I know not who will be found worthy to succeed him.

Congress have not yet made any appointment of you to any other Court.
There appears a dilatoriness, an indecision, in their proceedings. I
have in Mr. Lovell an attentive friend, who kindly informs me of
everything which passes relative to you and your situation, and gives me
extracts of your letters both to himself and others. I know you will be
unhappy whenever it is not in your power to serve your country, and wish
yourself at home, where at least you might serve your family. I cannot
say that I think our affairs go very well here. Our currency seems to be
the source of all our evils. We cannot fill up our Continental army by
means of it. No bounty will prevail with them. What can be done with it?
It will sink in less than a year. The advantage the enemy daily gains
over us is owing to this. Most truly did you prophesy, when you said
that they would do all the mischief in their power with the forces they
had here.

Many letters are lying in Boston for you, which have been written
months. My good uncle Smith yesterday let me know that a letter of
marque, bound for Nantes, would sail in a day or two. I eagerly seized
the opportunity, and beg you to give my blessing to my son, to whom I
have not time now to write. I dare not trust myself with the idea, nor
can express how ardently I long to see both parent and son. Our whole
family has enjoyed great health in your absence; daughter and sons, who
delight in talking of papa and brother, present their duty and love. I
shall not write for anything until the _Alliance_ returns, and I find
what success she has had.

My tenderest regards ever attend you. In all places and situations, know
me to be ever, ever yours.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 206: Professor John Winthrop, died on the 3d of May
preceding.]



253. JOHN ADAMS.


   Boston, 13 November, 1779.

My dearest Friend,--I have just sent Mr. Thaxter, Johnny, and Stevens,
with the things, on board. I shall go with Charles at four o'clock. It
is now three. I have seen the captain and the navy board, etc. It is
proposed to sail to-morrow; perhaps, however, it may not be till next
day.[207] Mr. Dana[208] will come on board at nine to-morrow. Mr.
Hancock has sent me a card to invite me to go on board with him in the
castle barge. Don't make many words of this. Your aunt has given me a
barrel of cranberries. I shall make a good use of them, I hope.

Let me entreat you to keep up your spirits and throw off cares as much
as possible. Love to Abby and Tommy. We shall yet be happy, I hope, and
pray, and I don't doubt it. I shall have vexations enough, as usual. You
will have anxiety and tenderness enough, as usual. Pray strive not to
have too much. I will write by every opportunity I can get.

   Yours ever, ever yours,

   JOHN ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 207: Mr. Adams had reached home on the 2d of August, in the
_Sensible_. He was now ordered abroad again under a new commission, in
the same vessel, then on her return to France. He took two sons with
him.]

[Footnote 208: Francis Dana accompanied Mr. Adams as Secretary of
Legation.]



254. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   14 November, 1779.

Dearest of Friends,--My habitation, how disconsolate it looks! my table,
I sit down to it, but cannot swallow my food! Oh, why was I born with so
much sensibility, and why, possessing it, have I so often been called to
struggle with it? I wish to see you again. Were I sure you would not be
gone, I could not withstand the temptation of coming to town, though my
heart would suffer over again the cruel torture of separation.

What a cordial to my dejected spirits were the few lines last night
received! And does your heart forebode that we shall again be happy? My
hopes and fears rise alternately. I cannot resign more than I do, unless
life itself were called for. My dear sons, I cannot think of them
without a tear. Little do they know the feelings of a mother's heart.
May they be good and useful as their father! Then will they in some
measure reward the anxiety of a mother. My tenderest love to them.
Remember me also to Mr. Thaxter, whose civilities and kindness I shall
miss.

God Almighty bless and protect my dearest friend, and, in his own time,
restore him to the affectionate bosom of

   PORTIA.



255. JOHN ADAMS.


     At Sea, not far from the Grand
   Bank of N. F. L., 29 November, 1779.

My dearest Friend,--A brave fellow from Boston, Captain Carr, gives me
an opportunity of writing one line, to let you know that we are all very
well thus far. Charles behaves quite as well as John, and lies in my
room anights. Mr. Dana has been very sick, but is now pretty well. We
are now out of all danger of the _Romulus_ and _Virginia_, and I hope
have little to fear from the enemy. We have had one storm, which made
us all seasick, but brought us on well in our course. I wish I could
write to you these two hours, but time fails. Ships cannot wait for each
other at sea.

My love to Nabby and Tommy. Tell them to mind their studies. Tell Nabby
though she has lost her French master for some time, I hope she will
persevere, and perhaps a French mistress in her mamma may do better.
Duty to your father, my mother, brothers, sister, etc., etc. Don't fail
to let me know how the Constitution[209] goes on.

I write this on my knees, and the ship rolls so that I write worse than
common.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 209: The Constitution of Massachusetts, then in process of
construction.]



256. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   10 December, 1779.

I will not omit any opportunity of writing, though ever so great an
uncertainty whether it will reach your hand. My uncle Smith has a vessel
bound to Calais. He advises me to write, and I most willingly comply,
though my faith in the conveyance is but poor. Indeed, I have lost my
faith with my spirits.

My friends assure me from their observations that you must have had a
good passage. God grant it, I say, but my fears and anxieties are many,
very many. I had a faith and reliance that supported me before, but now
my heart so misgives me that I cannot find that confidence which I wish
for. Your letter from Cape Ann arrived and cheered my drooping spirits.
Could I hear of your safe arrival, I would try to compose my agitated
mind, which has horrors both day and night.

My dear sons! Little do they know how many veins of their mother's heart
bled when she parted from them. My delicate Charles, how has he endured
the fatigue of his voyage? John is a hardy sailor, seasoned before. I do
not feel so much for him. Your fellow-travellers, too, I do not forget
to think of them. I will not wish myself with you, because you say a
lady cannot help being an odious creature at sea; and I will not wish
myself in any situation that should make me so to you.

Nothing new in the political way but the raising the siege of
Savannah[210] and being unfortunate. You will have particulars, no
doubt. Our friends are all well. Mr. Laurens is appointed to
Holland--has not yet given his answer. Adieu. Ever, ever yours,

   PORTIA.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 210: By the joint forces of America and France. Stedman's
_American War_, Vol. II. p. 132.]



257. JOHN ADAMS.


   Ferrol, 11 December, 1779.

My dearest Friend,--We have had an escape again,[211] but are arrived
safely in Spain. As the frigate will probably not get from this place
these two months, I must go by land to Paris, which I suppose is a
journey of between three and four hundred leagues. That part of it which
is in Spain is very mountainous. No post, bad roads, bad taverns, and
very dear. We must ride mules, horses not being to be had. I must get
some kind of carriage for the children, if possible. They are very well.
Charles has sustained the voyage and behaves as well as ever his brother
did. He is much pleased with what he sees. Sammy Cooper, too, is very
well. These young gentlemen give me a vast deal of trouble in this
unexpected journey. I have bought a dictionary and grammar, and they are
learning the Spanish language as fast as possible. What could we do, if
you and all the family were with me?

Ferrol is a magnificent port and harbor. It is fortified by nature by
rows of lofty rocky mountains on each side the narrow entrance of it,
and the public works, the fortifications, barracks, arsenals, etc.,
which are of stone very like Braintree stone, exceed anything I have
seen. I dined the day before yesterday with Don Joseph Saint Vincent,
the Lieutenant-general of the Marine, who is the commandant of this
port, with four-and-twenty French and Spanish officers. The difference
between gravity and gayety was an amusing speculation. Yesterday I
dined on board the _Triomphant_, an eighty-gun French ship, commanded by
the Chef d'Escadre, M. Sade, and have engagements for every day for a
much longer time than I shall stay. The French consul and vice-consul
have been particularly polite and obliging to me. In short, I never was
better pleased with a reception at any place.

There is no news. Nothing has been done in Europe. England is as
insolent in language as ever; but this is only ridiculous, as it is
apparently impotent.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 211: The frigate sprang a leak and was compelled to put into
the first harbor, which proved to be Ferrol in Spain.]



258. JOHN ADAMS.


   Ferrol, 12 December, 1779.

The French consul had agreed to carry me, Mr. Dana, Mr. Allen, and my
three children and our three servants, this day to Corunna, which is
about five leagues from this place, by water, in a barge of fourteen
oars, but the weather proved so boisterous that it was impossible to go.

To give you some idea of the place where we are, Cape Finisterre and
Cape Ortegal are two long arms of land stretched out into the sea, which
embrace a large body of water. Within this bay are two other points of
land, within one of which is Ferrol, where we now are, and within the
other is Corunna, where we intended to have gone this day, if the
weather had permitted; but we hope to go to-morrow. We can get neither
horses nor mules nor carriages, in this place, for ourselves or our
baggage, which I am much surprised at, as it is so grand a port. Living
and conveniences for conveyance are very dear in this place, which will
run my expenses very high. There is nothing remarkable here but the
natural strength of the place and the artificial fortifications,
together with the arsenals, dry docks, barracks, and military matters by
sea and land. The city is small, not very well built nor accommodated.
Very little commerce or manufactures, industry or diversions. There are
two or three elegant Churches, and there is an Italian opera. There is
the appearance of much devotion, and there are many ecclesiastics.

It is dull enough to be in a country, so wholly ignorant of the
language and usages; but we have furnished ourselves with a dictionary
and grammar, and are learning every hour. Charles is much pleased with
what he sees and hears, and behaves very discreetly. John is writing to
you and his sister and brother. I excused myself from dining to-day on
board the _Souverain_ and on board the _Jason_, two French men-of-war.
Yesterday I dined on board the _Triomphant_, and the children on board
the _Jason_. The French officers appear to-day with cockades in honor of
the triple alliance---a large white ribbon for the French, a smaller red
one for the Spaniards, and a black one for the Americans, which makes a
pretty appearance.

Upon looking a little into the Spanish language, I find it so very
nearly like the Latin that I am persuaded we shall learn more of it in a
month than we did of French in half a year. The manners of the Spaniards
and French are as opposite as grave and gay. The dress of the Spanish
officers is much like the French. That of the people a little different.
Men and women, gentlemen and ladies, are very fond of long hair, which
often reaches, braided in a queue or bound round with a black ribbon,
almost to their hams. The ladies wear cloaks, black or white, which come
over their heads and shoulders and reach down to their waists. They have
fine black eyes, and consequently dark but yet lively complexions.

When, oh when shall I see you again, and live in peace?

The Russian ambassador lately appointed to relieve the one lately in
London, passed through France and was a fortnight or three weeks at
Paris, from whence the shrewd politicians have conjectured that peace
was about to be mediated by that power. But it is said that England is
as reluctant to acknowledge the independence of America as to cede
Gibraltar, the last of which is insisted upon as well as the first. But
this is only bruit. Adieu.



259. JOHN ADAMS.


   Corunna, 16 December, 1779.

My dearest Friend,--Last night we all arrived in this place from Ferrol.
The distance is about twenty miles by land, over high mountains and bad
roads. You would have been diverted to have seen us all mounted upon our
mules and marching in train. From the mountains we had all along the
prospect of a rich, fertile country, cultivated up to the tops of the
highest hills and down to the very edge of water, all along the shore.

I made my visit last night to the Governor of the province, who resides
here, and to the Governor of the town, and was politely received by
both. I have a long journey before me of a thousand miles, I suppose, at
least, to Paris. Through this kingdom we shall have bad roads and worse
accommodations. I don't expect to be able to get to Paris in less than
thirty days. I shall have an opportunity of seeing Spain, but it will be
at a great expense. I am advised by everybody to go by land. The
frigate, the _Sensible_, is in so bad condition as to make it probable
she will not be fit to put to sea in less than three or four weeks,
perhaps five or six; and then we should have the storms and enemies of
the Bay of Biscay to escape or encounter. After this wandering way of
life is passed, I hope to return to my best friend and pass the
remainder of our days in quiet.

I cannot learn that Great Britain is yet in temper to listen to
propositions of peace, and I don't expect before another winter to have
much to do in my present capacity. My tenderest affection to our dear
children, and believe me

   Ever yours.



260. JOHN ADAMS.


   Bilbao, 16 January, 1780.

My dearest Friend,--We arrived here last night, all alive, but all very
near sick with violent colds taken on the road for want of comfortable
accommodations. I was advised on all hands to come by land rather than
wait an uncertain time for a passage by sea. But if I had known the
difficulties of travelling in that part of Spain which I have passed
through, I think I should not have ventured upon the journey. It is vain
to attempt a description of our passage. Through the province of
Gallicia, and again when we came to that of Biscay, we had an
uninterrupted succession of mountains; through that of Leon and the old
Castile, constant plains. A country tolerably good by nature, but not
well cultivated. Through the whole of the journey the taverns were
inconvenient to us, because there are no chimneys in their houses, and
we had cold weather. A great part of the way, the wretchedness of our
accommodation exceeds all description.

At Bilbao we fare very well, and have received much civility from
Messrs. Gardoqui and Sons, as we did at Ferrol and Corunna from M. de
Tournelle and M. Lagoanere. I wish I could send you some few things for
the use of the family from hence, but the risk is such that I believe I
had better wait until we get to France. I have undergone the greatest
anxiety for the children through a tedious journey and voyage. I hope
their travels will be of service to them, but those at home are best
off. My love to them. Adieu, adieu.



261. JOHN ADAMS.


   Paris, Hotel de Valois, 16 February, 1780.

My dearest Friend,--I have the honor to be lodged here with no less a
personage than the Prince of Hesse Cassel, who is here upon a visit. We
occupy different apartments in the same house, and have no intercourse
with each other, to be sure; but some wags are of opinion that if I were
authorized to open a negotiation with him, I might obtain from him as
many troops to fight on our side of the question as he has already hired
out to the English against us.

I have found everything agreeable here as yet. The children are happy in
their academy, of which I send you the plan inclosed.

The English bounce a great deal about obtaining seven thousand troops
from the petty German princes and ten thousand from Ireland, to send to
America, but this is only a repetition of their annual gasconade. We are
in pain for Charleston, S. C., being apprehensive that they have made or
will make an effort to obtain that; which will be a terrible misfortune
to that people, and a great loss to the United States, but will be no
lasting advantage to our enemies.

The channel of correspondence you propose, by way of Bilbao and Cadiz,
will bring many letters, no doubt, and I have received one of the 10th
of December, but the postage is so expensive, being obliged to pay
forty-four livres for the packet that came with yours, that I would not
advise you to send anything that way, unless it be a single letter or
anything material in the journals of Congress, or letters from my
friends in Congress or elsewhere, that contain anything particularly
interesting. The house of Joseph Gardoqui and Sons have sent to you, by
Captain Babson, of Newburyport, belonging to Mr. Tracy, some necessaries
for the family, and you may write to Mr. Gardoqui for anything you want
by any vessel belonging to your uncle, to Mr. Jackson, or Mr. Tracy,
provided you don't exceed one hundred dollars by any one vessel. Mr.
Gardoqui will readily send them and draw upon me for the money.

I had a great deal of pleasure in the acquaintance of this family of
Guardoquis, and was treated by them with the magnificence of a prince.
They will be very glad to be useful to you in anything they can do. You
will remember, however, that we have many children, and that our duty to
them requires that we should manage all our affairs with the strictest
economy. My journey through Spain has been infinitely expensive to me,
and exceeded far my income. It is very expensive here, and I fear that I
shall find it difficult to make both ends meet; but I must and will send
you something for necessary use by every opportunity. If Mr. Lovell does
not procure me the resolution of Congress I mentioned to him, that of
drawing on a certain gentleman or his banker, I shall soon be starved
out. Pray mention it to him.

I shall write as often as possible, but conveyances will be very rare, I
fear.

   I am, as I ever was and ever shall be,

   Yours, yours, yours.



262. JOHN ADAMS.


       Paris, Hotel de Valois,
   Rue de Richelieu, 23 February, 1780.

My dearest Friend,--The children made me a visit to-day, and went with
me to dine with my old friends, the two Abbés, whom you have often heard
me mention, Chalut and Arnoux, who desire me to mention them to you in
my letters as devoted friends of America, and particular friends to me
and to you, notwithstanding the difference of religion. The children are
still in good health and spirits, and well pleased with their academy.
Ah! how much pain have these young gentlemen cost me within these three
months! The mountains, the cold, the mules, the houses without chimneys
or windows, the--I will not add. I wish for a painter to draw me and my
company mounted on muleback, or riding in the calèches, or walking, for
we walked one third of the way. Yet by the help of constant care and
expense, I have been able to get them all safe to Paris. The other
moiety of the family is quite as near my heart, and therefore I hope
they will never be ramblers. I am sick of rambling. If I could transport
the other moiety across the Atlantic with a wish, and be sure of
returning them, when it should become necessary, in the same manner, how
happy should I be!

I have been received here with much cordiality, and am daily visited by
characters who do me much honor. Some day or other you will know, I
believe, but I had better not say at present. Your friend the Comte
d'Estaing, however, I ought to mention, because you have been acquainted
with him. I have dined with him, and he has visited me and I him, and I
hope to have many more conversations with him, for public reasons, not
private, for on a private account great men and little are much alike to
me.

Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard are going home in the _Alliance_, and, I hope,
will make you a visit. How many vicissitudes they are to experience, as
well as I and all the rest of our countrymen, I know not. The events of
politics are not less uncertain than those of war. Whatever they may be,
I shall be content. Of one thing I am pretty sure, that if I return
again safe to America, I shall be happy the remainder of my days,
because I shall stay at home, and at home I must be to be happy. There
is no improbability that I may be obliged to come home again soon, for
want of means to stay here. I hope, however, care will be taken that
something may be done to supply us. My tenderest affection to Abby and
Tommy. They are better off than their brothers, after all. I have been
taking measures to send home your things. I hope to succeed by the
_Alliance_. It shall not be my fault, if I do not. If I cannot send by
her, I will wait for another frigate, if it is a year, for I have no
confidence in other vessels.

   Yours, forever yours.



263. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   26 February, 1780.

My dearest Friend,--This day I am happy in the news of your safe arrival
at Corunna by a vessel arrived at Newburyport in sixty days from thence.
I cannot be sufficiently thankful for this agreeable intelligence or for
the short and I hope comfortable passage with which you were favored. I
suppose you will proceed from thence by land, and flatter myself that a
few weeks will bring me the tidings of your arrival in France.

Captain Sampson has at last arrived after a tedious passage of
eighty-nine days. By him came three letters for you, two from Arthur Lee
and one from Mr. Gellée. Both these gentlemen are pleased to make
mention of me. You will therefore return my respectful compliments to
them and tell them that I esteem myself honored by their notice.

I wrote you by Mr. Austin, who I hope is safely arrived. He went from
here in the height of the sublimest winter I ever saw. In the latter
part of December and beginning of January there fell the highest snow
known since the year 1740; and from that time to this day the Bay has
been frozen so hard that people have walked, rode, and sledded over it
to Boston. It was frozen across Nantasket Road so that no vessel could
come in or go out for a month after the storms. We had neither snow,
rain, nor the least thaw. It has been remarkably healthy, and we have
lived along very comfortable, though many people have suffered greatly
for fuel. The winter has been so severe that very little has been
attempted and less performed by our army. The enemy have been more
active and mischievous, but have failed in their grand attempt of
sending large succors to Georgia, by a severe storm which dispersed and
wrecked many of their fleet.

We have hopes that, as the combined fleets are again at sea, they will
facilitate a negotiation for peace,--a task arduous and important, beset
with many dangers.

In one of these letters received by Captain Sampson, Mr. Gellée mentions
a report which was raised and circulated concerning you after you left
France.

The best reply that could possibly be made to so groundless an
accusation is the unsolicited testimony of your country in so speedily
returning you there in a more honorable and important mission than that
which you had before sustained.

Pride, vanity, envy, ambition, and malice are the ungrateful foes that
combat merit and integrity; though for a while they may triumph, to the
injury of the just and good, the steady, unwearied perseverance of
virtue and honor will finally prevail over them. He who can retire from
a public life to a private station with a self-approving conscience,
unambitious of pomp or power, has little to dread from the machinations
of envy, the snares of treachery, the malice of dissimulation, or the
clandestine stabs of calumny. In time they will work their own ruin.

You will be solicitous to know how our Constitution prospers. The
Convention are still sitting. I am not at present able to give you an
accurate account of their proceedings, but shall endeavor to procure a
satisfactory one against a more direct conveyance.

I earnestly long to receive from your own hand an assurance of your
safety and that of my dear sons. I send all the journals and papers I
have received.

Success attend all your endeavors for the public weal; and that
happiness and approbation of your country be the reward of your labors
is the ardent wish of your affectionate

   PORTIA.



264. JOHN ADAMS.


   Without date, 1780.

My dear Portia,--Yesterday we went to see the garden of the King,
_Jardin du Roi_, and his cabinet of natural history, _cabinet d'histoire
naturelle_. The cabinet of natural history is a great collection of
metals, minerals, shells, insects, birds, beasts, fishes, and precious
stones. They are arranged in good order and preserved in good condition,
with the name of everything, beautifully written on a piece of paper,
annexed to it. There is also a collection of woods and marbles. The
garden is large and airy, affording fine walks between rows of trees.
Here is a collection, from all parts of the world, of all the plants,
roots, and vegetables that are used in medicine, and indeed of all the
plants and trees in the world. A fine scene for the studious youths in
physic and philosophy. It was a public day. There was a great deal of
company, and I had opportunity only to take a cursory view. The whole is
very curious. There is a handsome statue of M. Buffon, the great natural
historian, whose works you have, whose labors have given fame to this
cabinet and garden. When shall we have in America such collections? The
collection of American curiosities that I saw in Norwalk, in
Connecticut, made by Mr. Arnold, which he afterwards, to my great
mortification, sold to Governor Tryon, convinces me that our country
affords as ample materials for collections of this nature as any part of
the world.

Five midshipmen of the _Alliance_ came here last night, Marston, Hogan,
Fitzgerald, and two others, from Norway, where they were sent with
prizes, which the court of Denmark were absurd and unjust enough to
restore to the English. They, however, treated the officers and people
well, and defrayed their expenses. They say the Norwegians were very
angry with the court of Copenhagen for delivering up these vessels. It
was the blunder of ignorance, I believe, rather than any ill will.

Every day, when I ride out without any particular business to do or
visit to make, I order my servant to carry me to some place where I
never was before, so that, at last, I believe, I have seen all Paris and
all the fields and scenes about it that are near it. It is very
pleasant. Charles is as well beloved here as at home. Wherever he goes
everybody loves him. Mr. Dana is as fond of him, I think, as I am. He
learns very well.

There is a volume in folio just published here, which I yesterday ran
over at a bookseller's shop. It is a description and a copper-plate of
all the engravings upon precious stones in the collection of the Duke of
Orleans. The stamps are extremely beautiful, and are representations of
the gods and heroes of antiquity, with most of the fables of their
mythology. Such a book would be very useful to the children in studying
the classics, but it is too dear; three guineas, unbound. There is
everything here that can inform the understanding or refine the taste,
and indeed, one would think, that could purify the heart. Yet it must be
remembered there is everything here, too, which can seduce, betray,
deceive, deprave, corrupt, and debauch it. Hercules marches here in full
view of the steeps of virtue on one hand and the flowery paths of
pleasure on the other, and there are few who make the choice of
Hercules. That my children may follow his example is my earnest prayer;
but I sometimes tremble when I hear the siren song of sloth, lest they
should be captivated with her bewitching charms and her soft,
insinuating music.



265. JOHN ADAMS.


   Without date, 1780.

My dear Portia,--The inclosed dialogue in the shades was written by Mr.
Edmund Jennings, now residing at Brussels, a native of Maryland. I will
send you the rest when I can get it. How I lament the loss of my packets
by Austin! There were, I suppose, letters from Congress of great
importance to me. I know not what I shall do without them. I suppose
there was authority to draw, etc. Mr. T.'s letter from his father hints
that Mr. L. is coming here. This will be excellent.

Since my arrival this time, I have driven about Paris more than I did
before. The rural scenes around this town are charming. The public
walks, gardens, etc., are extremely beautiful. The gardens of the Palais
Royal and the gardens of the Tuileries are very fine. The Place de Louis
XV., the Place Vendôme or Place de Louis XIV., the Place Victoire, the
Place Royale, are fine squares, ornamented with very magnificent
statues. I wish I had time to describe these objects to you, in a manner
that I should have done twenty-five years ago; but my head is too full
of schemes, and my heart of anxiety, to use expressions borrowed from
you know whom. To take a walk in the gardens of the palace of the
Tuileries, and describe the statues there, all in marble, in which the
ancient divinities and heroes are represented with exquisite art, would
be a very pleasant amusement and instructive entertainment, improving in
history, mythology, poetry, as well as in statuary. Another walk in the
gardens of Versailles would be useful and agreeable. But to observe
these objects with taste, and describe them so as to be understood,
would require more time and thought than I can possibly spare. It is not
indeed the fine arts which our country requires; the useful, the
mechanic arts are those which we have occasion for in a young country as
yet simple and not far advanced in luxury, although perhaps much too far
for her age and character. I could fill volumes with descriptions of
temples and palaces, paintings, sculptures, tapestry, porcelain, etc.,
etc., etc., if I could have time; but I could not do this without
neglecting my duty. The science of government it is my duty to study,
more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration
and negotiation ought to take place of, indeed to exclude, in a manner,
all other arts. I must study politics and war, that my sons may have
liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study
mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval
architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give
their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture,
statuary, tapestry, and porcelain. Adieu.



266. JOHN ADAMS.


   Paris, 17 June, 1780.

My dear Portia,--I yesterday received a letter of the 26th of April from
brother Cranch, for which I thank him, and will answer as soon as
possible. He tells me you have drawn a little bill upon me. I am sorry
for it, because I have sent and should continue to send you small
presents, by which you would be enabled to do better than by drawing
bills. I would not have you draw any more. I will send you things which
will defray your expenses better. The machine is horribly dear. Mr. C.
desires to know if he may draw on me. I wish it was in my power to
oblige him, but it is not. I have no remittances, nor anything to depend
on. Not a line from Congress, nor any member, since I left you. My
expenses through Spain were beyond all imagination, and my expenses here
are so exorbitant that I can't answer any bill from anybody, not even
from you, excepting the one you have drawn. I must beg you to be as
prudent as possible. Depend upon it, your children will have occasion
for all your economy. Mr. Johonnot must send me some bills. Every
farthing is expended, and more. You can have no idea of my unavoidable
expenses. I know not what to do. Your little affairs and those of all
our friends, Mr. Wibird, etc., are on board the _Alliance_, and have
been so these four months, or ready to be. Pray write me by way of Spain
and Holland, as well as France. We are all well. My duty to your father,
my mother, and affection and respects where due. My affections, I fear,
got the better of my judgment in bringing my boys. They behave very
well, however.

London is in the horrors. Governor Hutchinson fell down dead at the
first appearance of mobs. They have been terrible. A spirit of bigotry
and fanaticism, mixing with the universal discontents of the nation, has
broken out into violences of the most dreadful nature, burned Lord
Mansfield's house, books, manuscripts; burned the King's Bench prison
and all the other prisons, let loose all the debtors and criminals, tore
to pieces Sir George Saville's house, insulted all the lords of
Parliament, etc., etc. Many have been killed, martial law proclaimed,
many hanged. Lord George Gordon committed to the Tower for high treason,
and where it will end, God only knows. The mobs all cried, Peace with
America and war with France. Poor wretches! as if this were possible!

In the English papers they have inserted the death of Mr. Hutchinson
with severity, in these words: "Governor Hutchinson is no more. On
Saturday last he dropped down dead. It is charity to hope that his sins
will be buried with him in the tomb, but they must be recorded in his
epitaph. His misrepresentations have contributed to the continuance of
the war with America. Examples are necessary. It is to be hoped that all
will not escape into the grave without a previous appearance either on a
gibbet or a scaffold."

Governor Bernard, I am told, died last fall. I wish that, with these
primary instruments of the calamities that now distress almost all the
world, the evils themselves may come to an end. For although they will
undoubtedly end in the welfare of mankind, and accomplish the benevolent
designs of Providence towards the two worlds, yet for the present they
are not joyous but grievous. May Heaven permit you and me to enjoy the
cool evening of life in tranquillity, undisturbed by the cares of
politics or war, and above all, with the sweetest of all reflections,
that neither ambition nor vanity nor avarice nor malice nor envy nor
revenge nor fear nor any base motive or sordid passion, through the
whole course of this mighty revolution, and the rapid, impetuous course
of great and terrible events that have attended it, have drawn us aside
from the line of our duty and the dictates of our consciences. Let us
have ambition enough to keep our simplicity or frugality, and our
integrity, and transmit these virtues as the fairest of inheritances to
our children.



267. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   Sunday Evening, 16 July, 1780.

My dearest Friend,--I had just returned to my chamber and taken up my
pen to congratulate you upon the arrival of the fleet of our allies at
Newport, when I was called down to receive the most agreeable of
presents,--letters from my dearest friend. One bearing date March 28th,
by Mr. Izard, and one of May 3d, taken out of the post-office; but to
what port they arrived first I know not. They could not be those by the
fleet, as in these you make mention of letters which I have not yet
received, nor by the _Alliance_, since Mr. Williams sailed twenty-five
days after the fleet, and she was then in France. A pity, I think, that
she should stay there when here we are _almost destitute_. Our navy has
been unfortunate indeed. I am sorry to find that only a few lines have
reached you from me. I have written by way of Spain, Holland, and
Sweden, but not one single direct conveyance have I had to France since
you left me. I determine to open a communication by way of Gardoqui, and
wish you would make use of the same conveyance.

What shall I say of our political affairs? Shall I exclaim at measures
now impossible to remedy? No. I will hope _all_ from the generous aid of
our allies, in concert with our own exertions. I am not suddenly elated
or depressed. I know America capable of anything she undertakes with
spirit and vigor. "Brave in distress, serene in conquest, drowsy when at
rest," is her true characteristic. Yet I deprecate a failure in our
present effort. The efforts are great, and we give, this campaign, more
than half our property to defend the other. He who tarries from the
field cannot possibly earn sufficient at home to reward him who takes
it. Yet, should Heaven bless our endeavors, and crown this year with the
blessings of peace, no exertion will be thought too great, no price of
property too dear. My whole soul is absorbed in the idea. The honor of
my dearest friend, the welfare and happiness of this wide-extended
country, ages yet unborn, depend for their happiness and security upon
the able and skillful, the honest and upright, discharge of the
important trust committed to him. It would not become me to write the
full now of my heart upon this occasion. My constant petition for him is
that he may so discharge the trust reposed in him as to merit the
approving eye of Heaven, and peace, liberty, and safety crown his latest
years in his own native land.

The Marchioness, at the Abbé Raynal's, is not the only lady who joins an
approving voice to that of her country, though at the expense of her
present domestic happiness. It is easier to admire virtue than to
practice it; especially the great virtue of self-denial. I find but few
sympathizing souls. Why should I look for them? since few have any
souls, but of the sensitive kind. That nearest allied to my own they
have taken from me, and tell me honor and fame are a compensation.

   "Fame, wealth, or honor,--what are ye to love?"

But hushed be my pen. Let me cast my eye upon the letters before me.
What is the example? I follow it in silence. I have repeated to you in
former letters that I had received all your letters from Spain, unless
you wrote by Captain Trask, who brought me some articles, but no
letters. My father desires to be remembered to you, but will, I fear,
never again see you. He declines daily; has a slow fever hanging about
him, which wastes his flesh and spirits. These are tender ties, and how
far soever advanced in life, the affectionate child feels loath to part
with the guide of youth, the kind adviser of riper years. Yet the
pillars must moulder with time, and the fabric fall to the dust.

Present my compliments to Mr. Dana. Tell him I have called upon his
lady, and we enjoyed an afternoon of sweet communion. I find she would
not be averse to taking a voyage, should he be continued abroad. She
groans most bitterly, and is irreconcilable to his absence. I am a mere
philosopher to her. I am _inured_, but not hardened, to the painful
portion. Shall I live to see it otherwise?

Your letters are always valuable to me, but more particularly so when
they close with an affectionate assurance of regard, which, though I do
not doubt, is never repeated without exciting the tenderest sentiments;
and never omitted without pain to the affectionate bosom of your

   PORTIA.



268. JOHN ADAMS.


   Amsterdam, 15 September, 1780.

My dear Portia,--I wish you to write me by every opportunity to this
place as well as to France. It seems as if I never should get any more
letters from America. I have sent you some things by Captain Davis, but
he has no arms, and I fear they will be lost by capture. I sent things
by the _Alliance_.

The country where I am is the greatest curiosity in the world. This
nation is not known anywhere, not even by its neighbors. The Dutch
language is spoken by none but themselves. Therefore they converse with
nobody, and nobody converses with them. The English are a great nation,
and they despise the Dutch because they are smaller. The French are a
greater nation still, and therefore they despise the Dutch because they
are still smaller in comparison to them. But I doubt much whether there
is any nation of Europe more estimable than the Dutch in proportion.
Their industry and economy ought to be examples to the world. They have
less ambition, I mean that of conquest and military glory, than their
neighbors, but I don't perceive that they have more avarice. And they
carry learning and arts, I think, to greater extent. The collections of
curiosities, public and private, are innumerable.

I am told that Mr. Searle is arrived at Brest; but I have learned
nothing from him as yet, nor do I know his destination. The French and
Spanish fleets have made a sweep of sixty upon the English East India
and West India fleets. This must have great effects. We are all well.
Don't expect peace. The English have not yet forgotten the acquisition
of Charleston, for which they are making the most childish exultations.
The new Parliament will give ministry a run. Mark my words, you will
have no peace but what you give yourselves by destroying, root and
branch, all the British force in America. The English cannot bear the
thought that France should dictate the terms of peace, as they call it.
They say they must make a dishonorable peace now, a shameful peace, a
degrading peace. This is worse than death to them, and thus they will
go on, until they are forced to sue for a peace still more shameful and
humiliating.



269. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   15 October, 1780.

My dearest Friend,--I closed a long letter to you only two days ago, but
as no opportunity is omitted by me, I embrace this, as Colonel Fleury
was kind enough to write me on purpose, from Newport, to inform me of
it, and to promise a careful attention to it. Yet I feel doubtful of its
safety. The enemy seems to be collecting a prodigious force into these
seas, and is bent upon the destruction of our allies. We are not a
little anxious for them, and cannot but wonder that they are not yet
reinforced. Graves's fleet, Arbuthnot's, and Rodney's, all here; with
such a superiority, can it be matter of surprise if M. de Ternay should
fall a sacrifice? My own mind, I own, is full of apprehension; yet I
trust we shall not be delivered over to the vengeance of a nation more
wicked and perverse than our own. We daily experience the correcting and
the defending arm. The inclosed papers will give you the particulars of
an infernal plot, and the providential discovery of it. For, however the
belief of a particular Providence may be exploded by the modern wits,
and the infidelity of too many of the rising generation deride the idea,
yet the virtuous mind will look up and acknowledge the great First
Cause, without whose notice not even a sparrow falls to the ground.

I am anxious to hear from you. Your last letter, which I have received,
was dated June 17th. I have written you repeatedly, that my trunk was
not put on board the _Alliance_; that poor vessel was the sport of more
than winds and waves. The conduct with regard to her is considered as
very extraordinary. She came to Boston, as you have no doubt heard.
Landais is suspended. The man must be new-made before he can be entitled
to command. I hope Captain Sampson arrived safe. He carried the resolve
of Congress which you wanted.

You tell me to send you prices current. I will aim at it. Corn is now
thirty pounds, rye twenty-seven, per bushel. Flour from a hundred and
forty to a hundred and thirty per hundred. Beef, eight dollars per
pound; mutton, nine; lamb, six, seven, and eight. Butter, twelve dollars
per pound; cheese, ten. Sheep's wool, thirty dollars per pound; flax,
twenty. West India articles: sugar, from a hundred and seventy to two
hundred pounds per hundred; molasses, forty-eight dollars per gallon;
tea, ninety; coffee, twelve; cotton-wool, thirty per pound. Exchange
from seventy to seventy-five for hard money. Bills at fifty. Money
scarce; plenty of goods; _enormous_ taxes. Our State affairs are thus.
Hancock will be Governor, by a _very great_ majority; the Senate will
have to choose the Lieutenant-governor. Our constitution is read with
great admiration in New York, and pronounced by the Royal Governor the
best republican form he ever saw, but with sincere hopes that it might
not be accepted. How will it be administered? is now the important
question.

The report of the day is that three thousand troops are arrived at New
York from England.

   Adieu!

   Most affectionately yours.



270. JOHN ADAMS.


   Amsterdam, 18 December, 1780.

My dearest Portia,--I have this morning sent Mr. Thaxter with my two
sons to Leyden, there to take up their residence for some time, and
there to pursue their studies of Latin and Greek under the excellent
masters, and there to attend lectures of the celebrated professors in
that university. It is much cheaper there than here. The air is
infinitely purer, and the company and conversation are better. It is
perhaps as learned a University as any in Europe.

I should not wish to have children educated in the common schools in
this country, where a littleness of soul is notorious. The masters are
mean-spirited wretches, pinching, kicking, and boxing the children upon
every turn. There is besides a general littleness arising from the
incessant contemplation of stivers and duits, which pervades the whole
people. Frugality and industry are virtues everywhere, but avarice and
stinginess are not frugality. The Dutch say that without a habit of
thinking of every duit before you spend it, no man can be a good
merchant, or conduct trade with success. This I believe is a just maxim
in general, but I would never wish to see a son of mine govern himself
by it. It is the sure and certain way for an industrious man to be rich.
It is the only possible way for a merchant to become the first merchant
or the richest man in the place. But this, is an object that I hope none
of my children will ever aim at. It is indeed true, everywhere, that
those who attend to small expenses are always rich.

I would have my children attend to duits and farthings as devoutly as
the merest Dutchman upon earth, if such attention was necessary to
support their independence. A man who discovers a disposition and a
design to be independent seldom succeeds. A jealousy arises against him.
The tyrants are alarmed on one side lest he should oppose them. The
slaves are alarmed on the other lest he should expose their servility.
The cry from all quarters is, "He is the proudest man in the world. He
cannot bear to be under obligation." I never in my life observed any one
endeavoring to lay me under particular obligations to him, but I
suspected he had a design to make me his dependent, and to have claims
upon my gratitude. This I should have no objection to, because gratitude
is always in one's power. But the danger is that men will expect and
require more of us than honor and innocence and rectitude will permit us
to perform.

In our country, however, any man, with common industry and prudence, may
be independent. But to put an end to this stuff, adieu--most
affectionately adieu.



271. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   28 January, 1781.

My dearest Friend,--Last evening General Lincoln called here,
introducing to me a gentleman by the name of Colonel Laurens, the son,
as I suppose, of your much esteemed friend, the late President of
Congress; who informed me that he expected to sail for France in a few
days, and would take dispatches from me. Although I closed letters to
you, by way of Holland, a few days ago, I would not omit so good an
opportunity as the present. 'T is a long time since the date of your
last letters, the 25th of September. I wait with much anxiety, listening
to the sound of every gun, but none announce the arrival of the _Fame_,
from Holland, which we greatly fear is taken or lost, or the _Mars_,
from France. Colonel Laurens is enabled, I suppose, to give you every
kind of intelligence respecting the army, which you may wish to learn.
Mr. Cranch has written you upon the same subject by way of Holland. Your
friends here complain that you do not write to them. I suppose Davis
threw over half a hundred letters. If you are unfortunate in that way,
it is not to be helped.

I have the pleasure to inform you that a repeal of the obnoxious tender
act has passed the House and Senate. The Governor, as has been
heretofore predicted, when anything not quite popular is in agitation,
has the gout, and is confined to his bed. A false weight and a false
balance are an abomination, and in that light this tender act must be
viewed by every impartial person. Who, but an idiot, would believe that
forty were equal to seventy-five? But the repeal gives us reason to hope
that justice and righteousness will again exalt our nation; that public
faith will be restored; that individuals will lend to the public; and
that the heavy taxes, which now distress all orders, will be lessened.

A late committee, who have been sitting upon ways and means for raising
money, tell us that a tax for two years more, equal to what we have paid
in the last; would clear this State of debt. You may judge of the weight
of them; yet our State taxes are but as a grain of mustard seed, when
compared with our town taxes. Clinton, I hear, has sent out a
proclamation upon Germain's plan, inviting the people to make a separate
peace, which will only be a new proof of the ignorance and folly of our
enemies, without making a single proselyte. Even the revolted
Pennsylvania troops gave up to justice the spies whom Clinton sent to
them, offering them clothing and pay, letting him know that it was
justice from their State, not favors from their enemies, which they
wanted.

It is reported that Arnold, with a body of troops, is gone to Virginia,
where it is hoped he and his Myrmidons will meet their fate. Had Clinton
been a generous enemy, or known human nature, he would, like Aurelian,
upon a like occasion, have given up the traitor to the hands of justice;
knowing that it was in vain to expect fidelity in a man who had betrayed
his own country, which, from his defection, may learn to place a higher
value upon integrity and virtue than upon a savage ferocity, so often
mistaken for courage. He who, as an individual, is cruel, unjust, and
immoral, will not be likely to possess the virtues necessary in a
general or statesman. Yet in our infant country, infidelity and
debauchery are so fashionably prevalent that less attention is paid to
the characters of those who fill important offices, than a love of
virtue and zeal for public liberty can warrant; which, we are told by
wise legislators of old, are the surest preservatives of public
happiness.

You observe in a late letter that your absence from your native State
will deprive you of an opportunity of being a man of importance in it. I
hope you are doing your country more extensive service abroad than you
could have done had you been confined to one State only; and whilst you
continue in the same estimation among your fellow-citizens in which you
are now held, you will not fail of being of importance to them at home
or abroad.

Heaven preserve the life and health of my dear absent friend, and, in
its own time, return him to his country and to the arms of his ever
affectionate

   PORTIA.

P. S. Love to my dear boys. I have sent you a present by Colonel
Laurens.



272. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   25 May, 1781.

In this beautiful month, when nature wears her gayest garb, and animal
and vegetable life is diffused on every side, when the cheerful hand of
industry is laying a foundation for a plentiful harvest, who can forbear
to rejoice in the season, or refrain from looking "through nature up to
nature's God;"

   "To feel the present Deity, and taste
   The joy of God, to see a happy world."

While my heart expands, it, sighing, seeks its associate, and joins its
first parent in that beautiful description of Milton:--

   "Sweet is the breath of Morn, her rising sweet,
   With charm of earliest birds; pleasant the sun,
   When first on this delightful land he spreads
   His orient beams on herb, tree, fruit, and flower,
   Glistering with dew; fragrant the fertile earth
   After soft showers; and sweet the coming on
   Of grateful Evening mild; then silent Night
   With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon,
   And these the gems of heaven, her starry train:
   But neither breath of morn when she ascends
   With charm of earliest birds; nor rising sun
   On this delightful land; nor herb, fruit, flower,
   Glistering with dew; nor fragrance after showers;
   Nor grateful Evening mild; nor silent Night
   With this her solemn bird, nor walk by moon,
   Or glittering starlight, _without thee is sweet_."

This passage has double charms for me, painted by the hand of truth; and
for the same reason that a dear friend of mine, after having viewed a
profusion of beautiful pictures, pronounced that which represented the
parting of Hector and Andromache to be worth them all. The journal in
which this is mentioned does not add any reason why it was so; but
Portia felt its full force, and paid a grateful tear to the
acknowledgment.

This day, my dear friend, completes eight months since the date of your
last letter, and five since it was received. You may judge of my
anxiety. I doubt not but you have written many times since, but Mars,
Bellona, and Old Neptune are in league against me. I think you must
still be in Holland, from whence no vessels have arrived since the
declaration of war. There are some late arrivals from France, but no
private letters. I have had the pleasure of hearing of the safety of
several vessels which went from hence, by which I wrote to you, so that
I have reason to think I have communicated pleasure, though I have not
been a partaker in the same way.

This will be delivered to you by Mr. Storer, who is going first to
Denmark, and who designs to tarry abroad some time. If you had been a
resident in your own country, it would have been needless for me to have
told you that Mr. Storer is a gentleman of fair character, I need not
add, of amiable manners, as these are so discoverable in him upon the
slightest acquaintance.

We are anxiously waiting for intelligence from abroad. We shall have in
the field a more respectable army than has appeared there since the
commencement of the war; and all raised for three years or during the
war, most of them men who have served before. The towns have exerted
themselves upon this occasion with a spirit becoming patriots.

We wish for a naval force, superior to what we have yet had, to act in
concert with our army. We have been flattered from day to day, yet none
has arrived. The enemy exults in the delay, and is improving the time to
ravage Carolina and Virginia.

We hardly know what to expect from the United Provinces, because we are
not fully informed of their disposition. Britain has struck a blow, by
the capture of Eustatia, sufficient to arouse and unite them against
her, if there still exists that spirit of liberty which shone so
conspicuous in their ancestors, and which, under much greater
difficulties, led their hardy forefathers to reject the tyranny of
Philip. I wish your powers may extend to an alliance with them, and that
you may be as successful against the artifices of Britain as a former
ambassador was against those of another nation, when he negotiated a
triple alliance in the course of five days, with an address which has
ever done honor to his memory. If I was not so nearly connected, I
should add that there is no small similarity in the character of my
friend and the gentleman, whose memoirs I have read with great pleasure.

Our State affairs I will write you, if the vessel does not sail till
after election. Our friend Mr. Cranch goes from here representative, by
a unanimous vote. Dr. Tufts, of Weymouth, is chosen senator. Our
Governor and Lieutenant-governor, as at the beginning. Our poor old
currency is breathing its last gasp. It received a most fatal wound from
a collection of near the whole body's entering here from the southward;
having been informed that it was treated here with more respect, and
that it could purchase a solid and durable dress here for seventy-five
paper dollars, but half the expense it must be at there, it travelled
here with its whole train; and, being much debauched in its manners,
communicated the contagion all of a sudden, and is universally rejected.
It has given us a great shock. Mr. Storer can give you more information.

I have by two or three opportunities acquainted you that I received the
calicoes you ordered for me, by Sampson, though many of them were much
injured by being wet. I have not got my things yet from Philadelphia. I
have acquainted you with my misfortune there, owing to the bad package.
I have no invoice or letter from Mr. Moylan, though I have reason to
think many things have been stolen, as all Dr. Tufts's are missing, and
several of mine, according to Mr. Lovell's invoice, who was obliged to
unpack what remained and dry them by a fire, most of them much damaged.

To my dear sons I shall write by this opportunity. I have not received a
line from them for this twelvemonth. I hope they continue to behave
worthy the esteem of everybody, which will never fail to communicate the
greatest pleasure to their affectionate parents. I inclosed an invoice
of a few articles by Captain Brown. I will repeat it here. Everything in
the goods way will be an acceptable remittance to

   Your ever affectionate

   PORTIA.



273. ABIGAIL ADAMS TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.


   Braintree, 28 May, 1781.

My dear John,--I hope this letter will be more fortunate than yours have
been of late. I know you must have written many times since I had the
pleasure of receiving a line from you, for this month completes a year
since the date of your last letter. Not a line from you or my dear
Charles since you arrived in Holland, where I suppose you still are. I
never was more anxious to hear, yet not a single vessel arrives from
that port, though several are looked for.

I would recommend it to you to become acquainted with the history of
that country, as in many respects it is similar to the Revolution of
your own. Tyranny and oppression were the original causes of the revolt
of both countries. It is from a wide and extensive view of mankind that
a just and true estimate can be formed of the powers of human nature.
She appears ennobled or deformed, as religion, government, laws, and
custom guide or direct her. Fierce, rude, and savage in the uncultivated
desert; gloomy, bigoted, and superstitious where truth is veiled in
obscurity and mystery; ductile, pliant, elegant, and refined, you have
seen her in that dress, as well as in the active, bold, hardy, and
intrepid garb of your own country.

Inquire of the historic page, and let your own observations second the
inquiry, Whence arises the difference? and when compared, learn to
cultivate those dispositions, and to practice those virtues, which tend
most to the benefit and happiness of mankind.

The great Author of our religion frequently inculcated universal
benevolence, and taught us both by precept and example, when He
promulgated peace and good-will to man, a doctrine very different from
that which actuates the hostile invaders and the cruel ravagers of
mighty kingdoms and nations.

I hope you will be very particular, when you write, and let me know how
you have passed your time in the course of the year past.

Your favorable account of your brother gave me great pleasure, not only
as it convinced me that he continues to cultivate that agreeable
disposition of mind and heart which so greatly endeared him to his
friends here, but as it was a proof of the brotherly love and affection
of a son not less dear to his parents.

I shall write to your brother, so shall only add the sincere wishes for
your improvement and happiness of

   Your ever affectionate

   MOTHER.



274. JOHN ADAMS.


   Amsterdam, 2 December, 1781.

My dearest Friend,--Your favors of September 29 and October 21 are
before me. I avoided saying anything about Charles to save you the
anxiety which I fear you will now feel in its greatest severity a long
time. I thought he would go directly home in a short passage in the best
opportunity which would probably ever present. But I am disappointed.
Charles is at Bilbao with Major Jackson and Colonel Trumbull, who take
the best care of his education, as well as his health and behavior. They
are to go hence with Captain Hill in a good vessel of twenty guns.
Charles's health was so much affected by this tainted atmosphere, and he
had set his heart so much upon going home with Gillon, that it would
have broken it to have refused him. I desire I may never again have the
weakness to bring a child to Europe. They are infinitely better at home.
We have all been sick here, myself, Mr. Thaxter, Stevens, and another
servant, but are all better. Mr. Thaxter's indisposition has been slight
and short, mine and Stevens's long and severe.

I beg you would not flatter yourself with hopes of peace. There will be
no such thing for several years. Don't distress yourself neither about
any malicious attempts to injure me in the estimation of my countrymen.
Let them take their course and go the length of their tether. They will
never hurt your husband, whose character is fortified with a shield of
innocence and honor ten thousand fold stronger than brass or iron. The
contemptible essays made by you know who will only tend to his own
confusion. My letters have shown them their own ignorance, a sight they
could not bear. Say as little about it as I do. It has already brought
them into the true system, and that system is triumphant. I laugh and
will laugh before all posterity at their impotent rage and envy. They
could not help blushing, themselves, if they were to review their
conduct.

Dear Tom, thy letter does thee much honor. Thy brother Charles shall
teach thee French and Dutch at home. I wish I could get time to
correspond with thee and thy sister more regularly, but I cannot. I must
trust Providence and thine excellent mamma for the education of my
children. Mr. Dana and our son are well at Petersburg. Hayden has some
things for you. I hope he is arrived. I am sorry to learn you have a sum
of paper. How could you be so imprudent? You must be frugal, I assure
you. Your children will be poorly off. I can but barely live in the
manner that is indispensably demanded of me by everybody. Living is dear
indeed here. My children will not be so well left by their father as he
was by his. They will be infected with the examples and habits and
tastes for expensive living without the means. He was not. My children
shall never have the smallest soil of dishonor or disgrace brought upon
them by their father, no, not to please ministers, kings, or nations. At
the expense of a little of this, my children might perhaps ride at their
ease through life, but dearly as I love them, they shall live in the
service of their country, in her navy, her army, or even out of either
in the extremest degree of poverty, before I will depart in the smallest
iota from my sentiments of honor and delicacy; for I, even I, have
sentiments of delicacy as exquisite as the proudest minister that ever
served a monarch. They may not be exactly like those of some ministers.

I beg you would excuse me to my dear friends, to whom I cannot write so
often as I wish. I have indispensable duties which take up all my time,
and require more than I have.

General Washington has done me great honor and much public service by
sending me authentic accounts of his own and General Greene's last great
actions. They are in the way to negotiate peace. It lies wholly with
them. No other ministers but they and their colleagues in the army can
accomplish the great event.

I am keeping house, but I want a housekeeper. What a fine affair it
would be, if we could flit across the Atlantic as they say the angels do
from planet to planet! I would dart to Penn's hill and bring you over on
my wings; but, alas, we must keep house separately for some time. But
one thing I am determined on. If God should please to restore me once
more to your fireside, I will never again leave it without your
ladyship's company--no, not even to go to Congress to Philadelphia, and
there I am determined to go, if I can make interest enough to get
chosen, whenever I return. I would give a million sterling that you were
here; and I could afford it as well as Great Britain can the thirty
millions she must spend, the ensuing year, to complete her own ruin.
Farewell, farewell.



275. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   9 December, 1781.

My dearest Friend,--I hear the _Alliance_ is again going to France, with
the Marquis de la Fayette and the Count de Noailles. I will not envy the
Marquis the pleasure of annually visiting his family, considering the
risk he runs in doing it; besides, he deserves the good wishes of every
American, and a large portion of the honors and applause of his own
country. He returns with the additional merit of laurels won at Yorktown
by the capture of a whole British army. America may boast that she has
accomplished what no power before her ever did, contending with
Britain,--captured two of their celebrated generals, and each with an
army of thousands of veteran troops to support them. This event, whilst
it must fill Britain with despondency, will draw the Union already
framed still closer and give us additional allies; and, if properly
improved, will render a negotiation easier and more advantageous to
America.

But I cannot reflect much upon public affairs until I have unburdened
the load of my own heart. Where shall I begin my list of grievances? Not
by accusations, but lamentations. My first is that I do not hear from
you; a few lines only, dated in April and May, have come to hand for
fifteen months. You do not mention receiving any from me except by
Captain Casneau, though I wrote by Colonel Laurens, by Captain Brown, by
Mr. Storer, Dexter, and many others; to Bilbao by Trask, and several
times by way of France. You will refer me to Gillon, I suppose. Gillon
has acted a base part, of which, no doubt, you are long ere now
apprised. You had great reason to suppose that he would reach America as
soon or sooner than the merchant vessels, and placed much confidence in
him by the treasure you permitted to go on board of him. Ah, how great
has my anxiety been! What have I not suffered since I heard my dear
Charles was on board, and no intelligence to be procured of the vessel
for four months after he sailed. Most people concluded that she was
foundered at sea, as she sailed before a violent storm. Only three weeks
ago did I hear the contrary. My uncle dispatched a messenger, the moment
a vessel from Bilbao arrived with the happy tidings that she was safe at
Corunna; that the passengers had all left the ship in consequence of
Gillon's conduct, and were arrived at Bilbao. The vessel sailed the day
that the passengers arrived at Bilbao, so that no letters came by
Captain Lovett; but a Dr. Sands reports that he saw a child, who they
told him was yours, and that he was well. This was a cordial to my
dejected spirits. I know not what to wish for. Should he attempt to come
at this season upon the coast, it has more horrors than I have
fortitude. I am still distressed; I must resign him to the kind,
protecting hand of that Being who hath hitherto preserved him, and
submit to whatever dispensation is allotted me.

What is the matter with Mr. Thaxter? Has he forgotten all his American
friends, that, out of four vessels which have arrived, not a line is to
be found on board of one of them from him? I could quarrel with the
climate, but surely, if it is subject to the ague, there is a fever fit
as well as a cold one. Mr. Guild tells me he was charged with letters,
but left them, with his other things, on board the frigate. She gave him
the slip and he stepped on board of Captain Brown's ship, and happily
arrived safe. From him I have learned many things respecting my dear
connections; but still I long for that free communication which I see
but little prospect of obtaining. Let me again entreat you to write by
way of Gardoqui. Bilbao is as safe a conveyance as I know of. Ah, my
dear John! where are you? In so remote a part of the globe, that I fear
I shall not hear a syllable from you. Pray write me all the intelligence
you get from him; send me his letters to you. Do you know I have not had
a line from him for a year and a half? Alas! my dear, I am much
afflicted with a disorder called the _heartache_, nor can any remedy be
found in America. It must be collected from Holland, Petersburg, and
Bilbao.

And now, having recited my griefs and complaints, the next in place are
those of my neighbors. I have been applied to by the parents of several
Braintree youth to write to you in their behalf, requesting your aid and
assistance, if it is in your power to afford it. Captain Cathcart, in
the privateer _Essex_, from Salem, went out on a cruise last April in
the Channel of England, and was, on the 10th of June, so unfortunate as
to be taken and carried into Ireland. The officers were confined there,
but the sailors were sent prisoners to Plymouth jail, twelve of whom are
from this town, a list of whom I inclose. The friends of these people
have received intelligence by way of an officer who belonged to the
_Protector_, and who escaped from the jail, that in August last they
were all alive, several of them very destitute of clothing, having taken
but a few with them and those for the summer, particularly Ned Savil and
Job Field. Their request is, that, if you can, you would render them
some assistance; if not by procuring an exchange, that you would get
them supplied with necessary clothing. I have told them that you would
do all in your power for them, but what that would be, I could not say.
Their friends here are all well, many of them greatly distressed for
their children, and in a particular manner the mother of Josiah Bass. I
wish you to be very particular in letting me know, by various
opportunities and ways after the receipt of this, whether you have been
able to do anything for them, that I may relieve the minds of these
distressed parents. The Captain got home about three months ago by
escaping to France, but could give no account of his men after they were
taken.

Two years, my dearest friend, have passed away since you left your
native land. Will you not return ere the close of another year? I will
purchase you a retreat in the woods of Vermont, and retire with you from
the vexations, toils, and hazards of public life. Do you not sometimes
sigh for such a seclusion? Public peace and domestic happiness;--

               "An elegant sufficiency, content,
   Retirement, rural quiet; friendship, books,
   Ease and alternate labor; useful life,
   Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven."

May the time, the happy time, soon arrive when we may realize these
blessings, so elegantly described by Thomson; for, though many of our
countrymen talk in a different style with regard to their intentions,
and express their wishes to see you in a conspicuous point of view in
your own State, I feel no ambition for a share of it. I know the voice
of fame to be a mere weather-cock, unstable as water and fleeting as a
shadow. Yet I have pride; I know I have a large portion of it.

I very fortunately received, by the _Apollo_, by the _Juno_, and by the
_Minerva_, the things you sent me, all in good order. They will enable
me to do, I hope, without drawing upon you, provided I can part with
them; but money is so scarce and taxes so high that few purchasers are
found. Goods will not double, yet they are better than drawing bills, as
these cannot be sold but with a large discount. I could not get more
than ninety for a hundred dollars, should I attempt it.

I shall inclose an invoice to the house of Ingraham and Bromfield, and
one to De Neufville. There is nothing from Bilbao that can be imported
to advantage. Handkerchiefs are sold here at seven dollars and a half
per dozen. There are some articles which would be advantageous from
Holland, but goods there run high, and the retailing vendues, which are
tolerated here, ruin the shopkeepers. The articles put up by the
American house were better in quality for the price than those by the
house of De Neufville. Small articles have the best profit; gauze,
ribbons, feathers, and flowers, to make the ladies gay, have the best
advance. There are some articles, which come from India, I should
suppose would be lower-priced than many others,--Bengals, nankeens,
Persian silk, and bandanna handkerchiefs; but the house of Bromfield
know best what articles will suit here. I have been fortunate and
unfortunate. The things which came with Jones remain at Philadelphia
yet.

Our friends here are all well. Your mother is in rather better health,
and my father is yet sprightly. Believe me, with more affection than
words can express, ever, ever yours,

   PORTIA.



276. JOHN ADAMS.

   Amsterdam, 18 December, 1781.

My dearest Friend,--I have letters from Mr. Dana and his young
attendant[212] at St. Petersburg. Both well and in good spirits. Letters
to Mrs. Dana and to you go by Captain Trowbridge and by Dr. Dexter. I
have no certain news as yet of Charles's sailing from Bilbao, but I
presume he is sailed. You will have suffered great anxiety on his
account, but I pray he may arrive safe. I acted for the best when I
consented he should go with Gillon, little expecting that he would be
landed in Spain again. Keep him to his studies, and send him to college,
where I wish his brother John was.

My health is feeble, but better than it was. I am busy enough, yet not
to much perceptible purpose as yet. There is no prospect at all of
peace. Let our people take care of their trade and privateers next year.
They have not much of a land war to fear. General Washington has struck
the most sublime stroke of all in that article of the capitulation which
reserves the Tories for trial by their peers. This has struck Toryism
dumb and dead. I expect that all the rancor of the refugees will be
poured out upon Cornwallis for it. Our enemies now really stand in a
ridiculous light. They feel it, but cannot take the resolution to be
wise. The Romans never saw but one Caudine Forks in their whole history.
Americans have shown the Britons two in one war. But they must do more.
Remember, you never will have peace while the Britons have a company of
soldiers at liberty within the United States. New York must be taken, or
you will never have peace. All in good time.

The British army estimates are the same as last year. The navy less by
several ships of the line. What can these people hope for? I fancy the
southern States will hold their heads very high. They have a right. They
will scarcely be overrun again, I believe, even in the hasty manner of
Cornwallis. Burgoyne don't seem to be affronted that his nose is out of
joint. He is in good spirits. Experience has convinced him, so I hope it
has Cornwallis, that the American war is impracticable. The flower, the
choice of the British army was with him. The King of England consoles
his people under all their disgraces, disasters, and dismal prospects,
by telling them that they are brave and free. It is a pity for him that
he did not allow the Americans to be so seven years ago. But the great
designs of Providence must be accomplished. Great indeed! The progress
of society will be accelerated by centuries by this Revolution. The
Emperor of Germany is adopting, as fast as he can, American ideas of
toleration and religious liberty, and it will become the fashionable
system of all Europe very soon. Light spreads from the dayspring in the
west, and may it shine more and more until the perfect day! Duty to
parents. Love to brothers, sisters, and children. It is not in the power
of words to express the tenderness with which I bid you farewell.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 212: His son J. Q. Adams.]



277. JOHN ADAMS.


   Hague, 31 August, 1782.

All well; you will send these papers to some printer when you have done
with them.

We have found that the only way of guarding against fevers is to ride.
We accordingly mount our horses every day. But the weather through the
whole spring and most of the summer has been very dull, damp, cold, very
disagreeable and dangerous. But shaking on horseback guards pretty well
against it.

I am going to dinner with a Duke and a Duchess and a number of
Ambassadors and Senators in all the luxury of this luxurious world; but
how much more luxurious it would be to me to dine upon roast beef with
Parson Smith, Dr. Tufts, or Norton Quincy! or upon rusticoat potatoes
with Portia! Ah! Oh! hi, ho, hum, and her daughter and sons!



278. JOHN ADAMS.


   Hague, 17 September, 1782.

My dearest Friend,--I have transmitted money to the young men whom you
mentioned to me, and have expected, every day for a long time, to hear
of their sailing in a cartel for America. They have been better treated
since the change of ministers. My respects to their parents.

It is now five months since my public reception here, but we have not
yet learned that any news of it has arrived in America. The refugees in
England are at their old game again. Andrew Sparhawk has published, in
the "Morning Post," that his brother has received a letter from New
York, that Massachusetts and several other States were upon the point of
overturning the new government, throwing off the authority of Congress,
and returning to the government of Great Britain. Their blood-thirsty
souls are not yet satiated. They are laboring to bring on again an
offensive war. But I think they can't succeed. I suppose the unhappy
affair of the county of Hampshire is the thing that gave occasion to
this representation. Our countrymen must be very unreasonable if they
can't be easy and happy under the government they have. I don't know
where they will find a better, or how they will make one. I dread the
consequences of the differences between chiefs. If Massachusetts gets
into parties, they will worry one another very rudely. But I rely on the
honesty and sobriety as well as good sense of the people. These
qualities will overawe the passions of individuals and preserve a steady
administration of the laws.

My duty to my mother and to your father. I hope to see them again. Love
to the children and all friends. What shall I say of my brother Cranch?
I long, and yet I dread, to hear from him.

I hope to sign the Treaty this week or next, or the week after. All
points are agreed on and nothing remains but to transcribe the copies
fair. This government is so complicated that months are consumed in
doing what might be done in another in an hour.

I don't know what to do with the list of articles you send me. It would
be better for you to write to Ingraham and Bromfield. I will pay.



279. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   25 October, 1782.

My dearest Friend,--The family are all retired to rest; the busy scenes
of the day are over; a day which I wished to have devoted in a
particular manner to my dearest friend; but company falling in prevented
it, nor could I claim a moment until this silent watch of the night.

Look (is there a dearer name than _friend_? Think of it for me), look to
the date of this letter, and tell me what are the thoughts which arise
in your mind. Do you not recollect that eighteen years have run their
circuit since we pledged our mutual faith to each other, and the
hymeneal torch was lighted at the altar of Love? Yet, yet it burns with
unabating fervor. Old Ocean has not quenched it, nor old Time smothered
it in this bosom. It cheers me in the lonely hour; it comforts me even
in the gloom which sometimes possesses my mind.

It is, my friend, from the remembrance of the joys I have lost, that the
arrow of affliction is pointed. I recollect the untitled man to whom I
gave my heart, and in the agony of recollection, when time and distance
present themselves together, wish he had never been any other. Who shall
give me back time? Who shall compensate to me those years I cannot
recall? How dearly have I paid for a titled husband! Should I wish you
less wise, that I might enjoy more happiness? I cannot find that in my
heart. Yet Providence has wisely placed the real blessings of life
within the reach of moderate abilities; and he who is wiser than his
neighbor sees so much more to pity and lament, that I doubt whether the
balance of happiness is in his scale.

I feel a disposition to quarrel with a race of beings who have cut me
off, in the midst of my days, from the only society I delighted in. "Yet
no man liveth for himself," says an authority I will not dispute. Let me
draw satisfaction from this source, and, instead of murmuring and
repining at my lot, consider it in a more pleasing view. Let me suppose
that the same gracious Being who first smiled upon our union, and
blessed us in each other, endowed my friend with powers and talents for
the benefit of mankind, and gave him a willing mind to improve them for
the service of his country. You have obtained honor and reputation at
home and abroad. Oh, may not an inglorious peace wither the laurels you
have won!

I wrote you by Captain Grinnell. The _Firebrand_ is in great haste to
return, and I fear will not give me time to say half I wish. I want you
to say many more things to me than you do; but you write so wise, so
like a minister of state. I know your embarrassments. Thus again I pay
for titles. Life takes its complexion from inferior things. It is little
attentions and assiduities that sweeten the bitter draught and smooth
the rugged road.

I have repeatedly expressed my desire to make a part of your family. But
"Will you come and see me?" cannot be taken in that serious light I
should choose to consider an invitation from those I love. I do not
doubt but that you would be glad to see me, but I know you are
apprehensive of dangers and fatigues. I know your situation may be
unsettled, and it may be more permanent than I wish it. Only think how
the words, "three, four, and five years' absence," sound! They sink into
my heart with a weight I cannot express. Do you look like the miniature
you sent? I cannot think so. But you have a better likeness, I am told.
Is that designed for me? Gracious Heaven! restore to me the original,
and I care not who has the shadow.

We are hoping for the fall of Gibraltar, because we imagine that will
facilitate the peace; and who is not weary of the war? The French fleet
still remain with us, and the British cruisers insult them. More
American vessels have been captured since they have lain here than for a
year before; the _General Greene_ is taken and carried into Halifax, by
which, I suppose, I have lost some small bundles or packages. Beals told
me that you gave him seven small packages, which he delivered Captain
Bacon for me. The prisoners have all arrived, except Savil, who is yet
in France. I mentioned to you before, that some of them had been with
me, and offered to repay the money with which you supplied them. I could
only tell them that I had never received a line from you concerning the
matter, and that I chose first to hear from you. I would not receive a
farthing, unless I had your express direction, and your handwriting to
prove, that what you had done was from your private purse, which I was
confident was the case, or you would have been as ready to have relieved
others, if you had any public funds for that purpose, as those which
belonged to this town. I found a story prevailing that what you had done
was at the public expense. This took its rise either from ignorance or
ingratitude; but it fully determined me to receive your direction. The
persons who have been with me are the two Clarks, the two Beales, and
Job Field.

Adieu, my dear friend.

   Ever, ever yours,

   PORTIA.



280. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   13 November, 1782.

My dearest Friend,--I have lived to see the close of the third year of
our separation. This is a melancholy anniversary to me, and many tender
scenes arise in my mind upon the recollection. I feel unable to sustain
even the idea that it will be half that period ere we meet again. Life
is too short to have the dearest of its enjoyments curtailed; the social
feelings grow callous by disuse, and lose that pliancy of affection
which sweetens the cup of life as we drink it. The rational pleasures of
friendship and society, and the still more refined sensations of which
delicate minds only are susceptible, like the tender blossoms, when the
rude northern blasts assail them, shrink within and collect themselves
together, deprived of the all-cheering and beamy influence of the sun.
The blossom falls and the fruit withers and decays; but here the
similitude fails, for, though lost for the present, the season returns,
the tree vegetates anew, and the blossom again puts forth.

But, alas! with me, those days which are past are gone forever, and time
is hastening on that period when I must fall to rise no more until
mortality shall put on immortality, and we shall meet again, pure and
disembodied spirits. Could we live to the age of the antediluvians, we
might better support this separation; but, when threescore years and ten
circumscribe the life of man, how painful is the idea that, of that
short space, only a few years of social happiness are our allotted
portion.

Perhaps I make you unhappy. No. You will enter with a soothing
tenderness into my feelings. I see in your eyes the emotions of your
heart, and hear the sigh that is wafted across the Atlantic to the bosom
of Portia. But the philosopher and the statesman stifles these emotions,
and regains a firmness which arrests my pen in my hand.


   25 November.

I last evening received a line from Boston to hasten my letter down or I
should again lose an opportunity of conveyance. I was most unfortunate
by the _Firebrand's_ sailing and leaving all my letters behind. A storm
prevented my sending on the day appointed, and she sailed by sunrise the
next morning. Though my letters were in town by nine o'clock, they
missed. I know, if she arrive, how disappointed you will feel.

I received from France by the _Alexander_ yours, bearing no date, but,
by the contents, written about the same time with those I received by
Mr. Guild. Shall I return the compliment, and tell you in a poetical
style,--

   "Should at my feet the world's great master fall,
   Himself, his world, his throne, I'd scorn them all"?

No. Give me the man I love; you are neither of an age or temper to be
allured by the splendor of a Court or the smiles of princesses. I never
suffered an uneasy sensation on that account. I know I have a right to
your whole heart, because my own never knew another lord; and such is my
confidence in you, that if you were not withheld by the strongest of all
obligations, those of a moral nature, your honor would not suffer you to
abuse my confidence.

But whither am I rambling? We have not anything in the political way
worth noticing. The fleet of our allies still remains with us.

Who is there left that will sacrifice as others have done; Portia, I
think, stands alone, alas, in more senses than one. This vessel will
convey to you the packets designed for the _Firebrand_. I hope,
unimportant as they are, they will not be lost.

Shall I close here, without a word of my voyage? I believe it is best to
wait a reply, before I say anything further. Our friends desire me to
remember them to you. Your daughter, your image, your superscription,
desires to be affectionately remembered to you. Oh, how many of the
sweet domestic joys do you lose by this separation from your family. I
have the satisfaction of seeing my children thus far in life behaving
with credit and honor. God grant the pleasing prospect may never meet
with an alloy, and return to me the dear partner of my early years,
rewarded for his past sacrifices by the consciousness of having been
extensively useful, not having lived to himself alone; and may the
approving voice of his country crown his later days in peaceful
retirement, in the affectionate bosom of

   PORTIA.



281. JOHN ADAMS.


   Paris, 4 December, 1782.

My dearest Friend,--Your proposal of coming to Europe has long and
tenderly affected me. The dangers and inconveniences are such, and a
European life would be so disagreeable to you, that I have suffered a
great deal of anxiety in reflecting upon it. And upon the whole, I think
it will be most for the happiness of my family, and most for the honor
of our country, that I should come home. I have, therefore, this day
written to Congress a resignation of all my employments, and as soon as
I shall receive their acceptance of it, I will embark for America, which
will be in the spring or beginning of summer. Our son is now on his
journey from Petersburg, through Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, and if it
please God he come safe, he shall come with me, and I pray we may all
meet once more, you and I never to separate again.

   Yours most tenderly,

   J. ADAMS.



282. ABIGAIL ADAMS.


   23 December, 1782.

My dearest Friend,--I have omitted writing by the last opportunity to
Holland, because I had but small faith in the designs of the owners or
passengers; and I had just written you so largely, by a vessel bound to
France, that I had nothing new to say. There are few occurrences in this
northern climate, at this season of the year, to divert or entertain
you; and, in the domestic way, should I draw you the picture of my
heart, it would be what I hope you still would love, though it contained
nothing new. The early possession you obtained there, and the absolute
power you have ever maintained over it, leave not the smallest space
unoccupied. I look back to the early days of our acquaintance and
friendship, as to the days of love and innocence, and with an
indescribable pleasure I have seen near a score of years roll over our
heads, with an affection heightened and improved by time; nor have the
dreary years of absence in the smallest degree effaced from my mind the
image of the dear, untitled man to whom I gave my heart. I cannot
sometimes refrain considering the honors with which he is invested as
badges of my unhappiness. The unbounded confidence I have in your
attachment to me and the dear pledges of our affection has soothed the
solitary hour, and rendered your absence more supportable; for, had I
loved you with the same affection, it must have been misery to have
doubted. Yet a cruel world too often injures my feelings by wondering
how a person possessed of domestic attachments can sacrifice them by
absenting himself _for years_.

"If you had known," said a person to me the other day, "that Mr. Adams
would have remained so long abroad, would you have consented that he
should have gone?" I recollected myself a moment, and then spoke the
real dictates of my heart: "If I had known, sir, that Mr. Adams could
have effected what he has done, I would not only have submitted to the
absence I have endured, painful as it has been, but I would not have
opposed it, even though three years more should be added to the number
(which Heaven avert!) I feel a pleasure in being able to sacrifice my
selfish passions to the general good, and in imitating the example which
has taught me to consider myself and family but as the small dust of the
balance, when compared with the great community."

It is now, my dear friend, a long, long time since I had a line from
you. The fate of Gibraltar leads me to fear that a peace is far distant,
and that I shall not see you,--God only knows when. I shall say little
about my former request; not that my desire is less, but, before this
can reach you, 't is probable I may receive your opinion; if in favor of
my coming to you, I shall have no occasion to urge it further; if
against it, I would not embarrass you by again requesting it. I will
endeavor to sit down and consider it as the portion allotted me. My dear
sons are well. Their application and improvement go hand in hand. Our
friends all desire to be remembered. The fleet of our allies expects to
sail daily, but where destined we know not. A great harmony has
subsisted between them and the Americans ever since their residence
here. This letter is to go by the _Iris_, which sails with the fleet. I
hope it will reach you in safety.

Adieu, my dear friend. Why is it that I hear so seldom from my dear
John? But one letter have I ever received from him since he arrived in
Petersburg. I wrote him by the last opportunity. Ever remember me, as I
do you, with all the tenderness which it is possible for one object to
feel for another, which no time can obliterate, no distance alter, but
which is always the same in the bosom of

   PORTIA.



283. JOHN ADAMS.


   Paris, 28 December, 1782.

I dare say there is not a lady in America treated with a more curious
dish of politics than is contained in the inclosed papers. You may show
them to discreet friends, but by no means let them go out of your hands
or be copied. Preserve them in safety against accidents.

I am afraid we shall have another campaign; but do not despair, however,
of a peace this winter. America has nothing to do but to be temperate,
patient, and faithful to her ally. This is as clearly her duty as it is
her interest. She could not trust England if her honor was not engaged
to France, which it is most certainly; and when this is said, all is
said. Whether there should be peace or war, I shall come home in the
summer. As soon as I shall receive from Congress their acceptance of the
resignation of all my employments, which I have transmitted many ways, I
shall embark, and you may depend upon a good domestic husband for the
remainder of my life, if it is the will of Heaven that I should once
more meet you. My promises are not lightly made with anybody. I have
never broken one made to you, and I will not begin at this time of
life.

My children, I hope, will once at length discover that they have a
father who is not unmindful of their welfare. They have had too much
reason to think themselves forgotten, although I know that an anxiety
for their happiness has corroded me every day of my life.

With a tenderness which words cannot express, I am theirs and yours
forever.



284. JOHN ADAMS.


   Paris, 18 February, 1783.

My dearest Friend,--The peace,[213] which sets the rest of the world at
ease, increases, I think, my perplexities and anxiety. I have written to
Congress a resignation, but I foresee there will not be a speedy
decision upon it, and I shall be left in a state of suspense that will
be intolerable. Foreseeing this, I am determined not to wait for an
acceptance of my resignation, but to come home without it, provided it
does not arrive in a reasonable time. Don't think, therefore of coming
to Europe. If you do, we shall cross each other, and I shall arrive in
America about the same time that you may arrive in Europe.

I shall certainly return home in the spring. With or without leave,
resignation accepted or not, home I will come, so you have nothing to do
but wait to receive your old friend

   J. ADAMS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 213: The preliminary articles between the three parties, Great
Britain, France, and the United States, were signed at Paris on the 28th
of January, 1783. Hence this may be considered as the close of the great
struggle of the Revolution.]



INDEX.


   Act, limiting prices, 239, 243, 262, 307.

   Act, Tender, repeal of, 390.

   Adams, Abigail.
     Illness of, 1.
     Apprehensions of war, 25, xviii.
     Read Rollin's Ancient History, 25.
     Visit to Colonel Quincy's, 34.
     Visit to her brother, 41.
     Visit to Boston Garrison, 41.
     Opinion of slavery, 41.
     Portia, assumed name of, 53.
     Hospitality to soldiers, 57.
     Her house in Boston deserted, 63.
     Impressions of Generals Washington and Lee, 79.
     Illness of friends, 94.
     Her own illness, 95.
     Death of her mother, 102.
     Loss of relatives, 106.
     Dines at Major Mifflin's with Generals Gates and Lee, Mr. and Mrs.
        Smith, Dr. McHenry, etc., 128.
     Describes events preceding the evacuation of Boston, 137-141.
     Appointed on Ladies' Committee, 163.
     Visits Roxbury, 180.
     Visit to Plymouth, 185.
     Goes on board the brig _Defence_, 186.
     Visits Boston with her family to be inoculated for the small-pox,
        200.
     Reflections on Declaration of Independence, 201.
     Visit to Mrs. Samuel Adams, 225.
     Entertains judges of the Superior Court, 227.
     Brother of, sails in the _Darter_, 269.
     Success in farming, 272.
     Fears another invasion, 274.
     Disapproves retaliatory spirit towards the enemy, 275.
     Removes from Boston, 287.
     Visits Boston on occasion of Burgoyne's surrender, 321.
     Anniversary of her marriage, 322, xxi.
     Letters to her son, John Quincy Adams, 334, 395.
     Entertains French officers, 342.
     Dines on board French frigate, 342.
     Ill health of her father, 384.
     Applied to in behalf of prisoners, 400.
     Receives goods from Paris, 401.
     Joins her husband in Europe, xxiii.
     Life at Court, xxiv.
     Returns to America, xxv.
     Letter on occasion of her husband's election to the Presidency,
        xxvi.
     Declining years, xxviii.
     Death of her daughter, xxix.
     Obsequies, xxix.
     Letters desired for publication, xxxi.

   Adams, John.
     Indisposition of, 1.
     Habits of daily exercise, 1.
     Compares his own success with that of friends, 3.
     Chosen delegate to Philadelphia, 5, xvii.
     Independent of party contest, 7.
     Visit to Wells, 10.
     Arrival at Falmouth, 11.
     Engaged in the case of Richard King, of Scarborough, 19.
     Dines with Mr. Collector Waldo, 20.
     Despondency, 21.
     Starts for Philadelphia, 23, xvi.
     Thoughts of, on the education of his children, 28.
     Attends meeting of Dr. Allison, 46.
     Visits Roman chapel, 46.
     Leaves Philadelphia, 47.
     Leaves home on his second mission to Congress, 50, xvii.
     Reception at New York, 54.
     Accident, 55.
     Ill state of eyes, 58.
     Difficult labors, 61.
     Letters intercepted by the British, 85.
     Appointment as chief justice, 93.
     Arrival in Philadelphia, 99.
     Illness of his family, 100, xix.
     Present crisis foreseen, 105.
     Death of his wife's mother, 108.
     One of committee to collect account of hostilities, etc., 110.
     Visit to Colonel Mifflin's, dines with Indian sachems, 131.
     Starts on third mission to Congress, 131.
     Arrival in Philadelphia, 132.
     Injurious stories concerning, 136.
     Letter written entitled "Thoughts on Government," 158.
     Urges fortification of Boston Harbor, 167, 172.
      Offers resolve in Congress for adoption of independent government,
        174.
     Appointed on committee thereon, 174.
     Desires to move his family to Philadelphia, 175.
     Appointment as President of Board of War and Ordnance, 189.
     Prophecies of the anniversary of American Independence, 193.
     Health affected by attention to business, 200.
     Urges sending troops from Massachusetts, 203.
     Requests leave of absence, 209.
     Suggests Gribelin's Hercules as device for government seal, 211.
     Desires to resign the office of chief justice, 215.
     Report that he is poisoned, 222.
     Chosen on committee to confer with Lord Howe, 223.
     Rumor of his death, 225.
     Returns home, 233.
     Sets out for Baltimore, 233.
     Accepts hospitality of Dr. Sprague, 233.
     Incidents of journey, 234-237.
     Route followed, 234.
     Resigns his office of chief justice, 244.
     Approves of annual election of General officers, 248.
     Observations upon the conduct of Lord Howe and his brother, 258.
     Visits Mrs. Wells's exhibition of wax-work, 271.
     Troubled with severe cold, 272.
     Maintains the duty of forgiveness of enemies, 279.
     His "Thoughts on Government," factious use made of, 280.
     His part in establishing the American navy, 282.
     Letter to John Quincy Adams, 284.
     Exhorts New Englanders to exertion, 289.
     Anticipations of Howe's invasion, 291.
     His admiration of South Carolina, 292.
     His views on the advance of Howe upon Philadelphia, 297-302.
     His meanness of living, 304.
     Impatience for action, 304.
     His views on the result of a battle, 305.
     Precarious state of private affairs, 310.
     Does not mourn the loss of Philadelphia, 315.
     Arrival in Portsmouth, N. H., 325.
     Engaged in admiralty cause, 326.
     Is commissioned to go to France, 326, xxi.
     Departs for France, 326, xxi.
     Arrival at Passy, 329.
     First impressions of France, 329.
     Sends goods to his wife, 333, 344.
     Condemns luxury, 334.
     News of arrival, brought in a prize, 337.
     Letters destroyed by Capt. Welch, 338.
     Good health, 345.
     Witnesses illumination at Paris, 349.
     Complains of neglect of Congress, 356.
     Announces intention of returning to America, 359.
     Visits St. Denis and Montmartre, 360.
     Leaves Paris, 363.
     By invitation of the King takes passage in the _Sensible_, 364.
     Reaches home, 367.
     Again ordered abroad, 367.
     Vessel springs a leak, 370.
     Lands in Spain, 370.
     Travels by land to Paris, 370.
     Dines with Lieutenant-general Don Joseph Saint Vincent, 370.
     With French officers, 371.
     Studies Spanish, 372.
     Arrival at Corunna, 372.
     Visits the governors of the province and town, 373.
     Arrives at Bilbao, 373.
     Hardships of the journey, 374.
     Arrival in Paris, 374.
     The Prince of Hesse Cassel, 374.
     Expenses of journey, etc., 375.
     Visit to Abbés Chalut and Arnoux with his children, 376.
     Visit to the Jardin du Roi, 379.
     Visits the Palais Royal, Tuileries, etc., 381.
     Exorbitant expense of living, 382.
     Arrival in Amsterdam, 386.
     Sends his sons to Leyden, 388.
     Illness, 396.
     Transmits money for release of crew of the _Essex_, 404.
     Sends his resignation to Congress, 410.
     Appointed minister to England, xxiii.
     Is joined by Mrs. Adams, xxiii.
     Return to America, xxv.
     Becomes Vice-President, xxv.
     President of the United States, xxv.

   Adams, John Quincy, placed under tutors, 35.
     Letters of 49, 128.
     Accompanies his father to France, 327.
     Returns home, 364.
     Again visits Europe, 367.
     Enters University of Leyden, 388.
     Residence at St. Petersburg, 397.

   Adams, Charles, son of John Adams, accompanies his father to the
        Hague, 367, 370.
     Enters academy in Paris, 374;
       Leyden University, 388.
     Health of, 396.
     Return to America, 399.

   Adams, Elihu, notice of, 94.

   Adams, Nabby, daughter of John Adams, 27, 40, 100, 128.
     Illness of, 163.

   Adams, Samuel, 5, 28, 208, 315, xv., xviii.

   Adams, Mrs. Samuel, 31, 89, 222, 225.

   Adams, Thomas B., son of John Adams. Illness of, 95, 100, 397.

   Admiralty Cause, 326.

   Allen, Mr. 371.

   Allison, Francis, DD., notice of, 46, 238.

   _Alliance_, Frigate, 340, 356, 362, 376, 379, 387.

   Alliance, Triple, of France, Spain, and America, 372.

   Angier, Oakes, 24, 36, 183.

   Archives, American, 30.

   Arms, and Ordnance, arrival of, at Portsmouth, 268.
     The King's, taken from Boston State House, 204.

   Army, Continental, Committee for continuing, 113.
     At Crown Point, wretched condition of, 195.
     Marches through Philadelphia, 298, 323, 393.

   Army, Howe's, landing of, 299.
     Advance of, 307, 314.
     Occupies Philadelphia, 320.

   Army, regular, plan for forming, 228.

   Arnold, Benedict, General, 276, 294, 391.

   Assembly, Colonial, at Hartford, 50.


   Baltimore, City of, description of, 237.
     Congress assembles in, 238.

   Barrell, William, 77, 217.

   Battery, floating, assault on Boston by, 112.

   Bays, Chesapeake and Delaware, description of, 295.

   Bennington, battle of, 295.

   Bergen, Point, 232.

   Bernard, Governor, 383.

   Bethlehem, Penn., manufactories at, 240.
     Description of town, 240.

   Biddle, Edward, Speaker, illness of, 84.

   Biddle, Nicholas, Captain, Prizes taken by, 315.

   Bilbao, 373.

   Boston, city of, rumored bombardment of, 31.
     Fortifications in, 33.
     Melancholy condition of, 51, 54, 112.
     Fire, 57.
     Martial law established, 80, 112.
     Evacuation of, 141, 149, 156.
     Small-pox, 227.
     Troops dismissed, 254.
     Invasion feared, 287.

   Boston Harbor, fortifications of, 171.

   _Boston_, Frigate, Mr. Adams sails in, 326.
     Reported taken, 336, 338.

   Bounties, 229, 333.

   Bowdoin, James, 5, 204.

   Boylston, Thomas, 286.

   Brackett, Dr. Joshua, 325.

   Bradbury, Theophilus, notice of, 3.

   Braintree, town of, political meeting in, 30, 41, 179.
     Seizure of powder, 34.
     Mortality in, 95, xix.

   Brandywine, battle of, 312.

   Brattle, William, Colonel, plot of, 29.
     His flight, 29.

   Brigantine, French, arrival of, at Philadelphia, 208.

   British, the cruelties of, 266.

   British soldiers, abuses of, 13, 87.

   Bullock, Archibald, Governor of Georgia, 198.

   Bunker's Hill, battle of, 67, 71, 142.

   Burgoyne, John, General, 87, 157, 299, 311.
     Surrender of, 319, 321, 325, xxii.

   Burne, the barber, 164, 264.

   Byles, Mather, Dr., anecdote of, 218.


   Campbell, Colonel, 245.

   Canada, Continental troops in, 189.

   Cannonade, by American troops, on Boston, 137.

   Cannon, destruction of, at Boston, 156.

   Carlisle, Lord, arrival of, in England, 352.

   Carroll, Charles, commissioner to Canada, 135.

   Carroll, John, accompanies committees to Canada, 135.

   Cathcart, Captain of Privateer _Essex_, 400.
     Escape of, 401.

   Chaplains, appointed by Congress, 320.

   Charlestown, seizure of powder at, 33.
     Burning of, 67.
     People of, petition Congress, 273.

   Chelsea, battle at, 62, 69.

   Chesapeake Bay, Howe's fleet enters, 294.

   Church, Benjamin, Dr., 59, 62, 78, 108, 113, 117.

   Church, Dutch, at Easton, 236.

   Clergy, of Massachusetts, their power, ix.

   Clinton, Sir Henry, 87.
     Proclamation of, 391.

   Coffee and sugar secreted by merchants, 286.

   College, Harvard, neglected state of, 212, x.

   College, Nassau Hall, visit of J. A. to, 26.

   Colonies, raising of troops by, 51.
     Separation from Great Britain, 173.
     Independence of declared, 191.

   Colonies, Southern, 132, 198.

   Commissioners to Congress, 143, 154, 158.

   Committee of Congress, to Hartford, 50.
     To Canada, 135, 139.
     Of Safety, 62, 111.
     Of Ladies, 163.

   Committee chosen to wait on Lord Howe, 223.

   "Common Sense," Pamphlet entitled, 134.
     Comments on, 146.
     See Paine.

   Confederation, plan of, 320.

   Congress, assembles at Philadelphia, 31, xvii.
     Opening of, 37, 39.
     Adjourns, 47.
     Members enter the army, 59.
     Appoints George Washington to be Commander-in-Chief, 65.
     Address of, 88.
     Meeting of, 99, xvii.
     Passes resolution of Independence, 173.
     Meets at Baltimore, 239.
     Removes to Philadelphia, 249.
     Instructions to General Washington, 255.
     Prosperity of, 281.
     Financial measures, 293.
     Removal to Yorktown, 314, 320.
     Appoints a day of Thanksgiving, 322.
     Chooses Minister to France, 356, 366.

   Congress, Suffolk County resolves, 33.

   Congress, Provincial, assembled at New York, 51.

   Constitution of Massachusetts, 369, 378.

   Convention, State of Pennsylvania, 231.

   Cooper, Dr. Myles, flight of, notice of, 51.

   Cooper, Dr. Samuel, 37, 151, 348.

   Corn, Enormous price of, 365, 388.

   Cornwallis, Lord, at Brunswick, 236.
     Arrival of, in England, 352.

   Corunna, arrival of Mr. Adams at, 372.

   Councillors nominated by mandamus, 32, 54.

   Courts, people prevent the sitting of, 36.

   Court, assembled In Boston, 227.

   Court, General Committee of, 160.
     Of Sessions, 160.

   Cranch, Richard, 43, 48, 69, 213, 394, xiv.

   Cranch, William, xiv.

   Curiosities, American, sent to English ladies, 272.

   Currency, Continental, counterfeit, 278.
     Depreciation of, 343, 366.
     Rejection of, 394.

   Currency, Hampshire, counterfeit, 269.

   Cushing, Thomas, Speaker, delegate to Congress, 28.

   Cushing, William, Judge, delegate to Congress, 5.
     Visit of, to Mrs. Adams, 171.


   Dana, Francis, 144, 367, 371, 397.

   Danbury, engagement at, 269, 280.

   Deane, Silas, 111.
     Address, 354, 362.

   _Defence_, Brig, 186, 187.

   Delaware River, battle in, 172.

   _Delaware_, Frigate, 257.

   Delegates, reception of, in New York, 54.

   Denis, St., visit of Mr. Adams to, 360.

   Denmark, Court of, prizes restored to England by, 379.

   D'Enville, Duchesse, Mr. Adams dines with, 353.

   D'Enville, Duc, expedition commanded by, 353.

   Derby, Capt. John, 88.

   Deserters, arrival of, 91.

   D'Estaing, Comte, his fleet, 337.
     Arrives in Boston, 342.
     Failure of his expedition against Rhode Island, 345.
     Entertains Mr. Adams, 376.

   Devices for Medal and Seal, 210.

   Dickinson, John, author of "The Farmer," 11, 45, 59, 84, 133, 256.

   Dilly, Edward, notice of, 59.

   Documents, Congressional, removal of, 314.

   Donop, Count, 322.

   Dorchester Heights, American troops get possession of, 138.

   Drafting, for Continental army, 230.

   Duché, Rev. Mr., 37, 320.

   Duffield, Rev. Mr., 65, 90, 298, 320.


   Education, Female, 339, x.

   Elections, favorable to American cause, 45.

   Elk River, Howe's army lands at, 299.

   Enemy, efforts of, to sever communications between colonies, 226,
        229.
     In possession of New York, 229.
     Barbarities, 247.
     Mysterious movements of, 281, 282.
     Advantages gained by, 366.

   England, emissaries of, in France, 346.

   Enlistment, term of, expiration of, 232.

   Essays of J. A. on Canon and Feudal Law, xvi. Novanglus, xvi.

   _Essex_, Privateer, capture of, 400.
     Crew of, sent to Plymouth jail, 400.

   Estimates, British army, 403.

   Exchange of prisoners offered, 245.

   Expedition, private, to Newport, 315, 324.

   Expenses of living in Paris, 382.

   Expresses, stopped by Tories, 269.


   Falmouth, ancient name of Portland, Me., 14.
     The British demand neutrality of, resistance of, cannonade of, 115.

   "Farmer, The," see J. Dickinson.

   Farrington, Colonel, 270.

   Fast, day of, at Philadelphia, 84.
     Government appoints, 238.

   Fell's Point, fortifications at, 243.

   Ferrol, Mr. Adams lands at, 370.
     Description of, 370.

   Fevers, prevalence of, at the Hague, 404.

   Fine, for refusing draft, 230.

   Fleet, enemy's, in Boston harbor, 142, 378.
     Arrival of, at Halifax, distress of, 162.
     Driven out of Boston harbor, 186.
     Arrival of, at New York, 194.
     Seen off Cape Delaware, 289.
     Off Chesapeake Bay, 294.
     Arrives at head of Chesapeake Bay, 295.
     Byron's and D'Estaing's, 337.
     Of allies, arrival of, 384.
     British powerful, collected on American coast, 387, xxi.

   Fleets, French and Spanish, capture sixty vessels, 386.

   Fort Hill, fortifying of, 156.

   France, dispatches from, to Congress, 260.
     Mr. Adams appointed Minister to, 326.
     Treaty with, 337.

   Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, return of, from England, 56.
     Attends Congress, 83.
     Chosen on committee for army, 113.
     On Canada committee, 135.
     Device for government seal, 210, 211.
     Portrait of, 216.
     On committee to confer with Lord Howe, 223.
     Arrival in France, 245.
     Rumor of his assassination, 327, 346, 354, 356.

   Friends, Society of, 306.

   Frigates, French, arrival of, 263.
     Continental, wind-bound, 269.

   Fuel, scarcity of, in Boston, 112.


   Gage, Thomas, General, arrives in Boston, 13th May, 1, 19, 48.
     Offers to send away the poor of Boston, 86, xviii.

   Gardoqui and Sons, Messrs., transmit goods to Mrs. Adams, 374, 375.

   Gates, Horatio, General, sent to New England, 289, 311, 314, 320,
        323.

   Generals, foreign, employment of, 286.
     Removal of, 289.

   George's Island, enemy fortifying, 172.

   Georgia, movements against, 362.

   Germans, their vindictiveness, 267.

   Germany, threatened with war, 337.

   Gerry, Elbridge, 132.
     Returns to Boston, 202.

   Gibraltar, 372.

   Gillon, Alexander, 399.

   Goods, West India, scarcity of, 82.
     Foreign, high prices of, 220.

   Gordon, Dr., 348.

   Gordon, Lord George, committed to the Tower, 383.

   Gorham, Nathaniel, agent to Congress, from Charlestown, 273.

   Grain, scarcity of, in New England, 362.

   Grand Madame, 341.

   Grape Island, attack upon persons engaged at, 56, 69.

   Great Britain, malicious policy of, 345.

   Greene, Nathanael, Colonel, repulses the enemy, 322.
     His bravery, 323.

   Griffin, killed at attack on Lighthouse, 92.
     Death and burial of, 92.

   Guard, Coast, expedition of to Nantasket Light, 86.

   Guild, Mr., 400.

   Gunpowder, seizure of, at Charlestown, 29.
     At Braintree, 34.


   Hamilton, Alexander, 314.

   Hancock, John, President of Congress, 58, 88, 367, xviii.

   Hancock, Mrs. John, presentation of colors to, 121.

   Haskins, imprisonment and escape of, 111-12.

   Hazelwood, John, Commodore, 320.

   Head of Elk, enemy in possession of, 301.

   Hemmenway, Rev. Moses, visit of J. A. to, 8, 10.

   Henley, Thomas, Major, death of, 232.

   Henry, Patrick, 198.

   Hesse Cassel, Prince of, 374.

   Hessians, 283.

   Hewes, Hon. Joseph, 282.

   Hichborn, Benjamin, escape of, 115.

   Hill, Dorchester, American troops gain possession of, 138.

   Hill, Nook's, engagement at, 140.
     Prospect, 92.

   Holland, common schools in, 388.

   Hopkins, Admiral Ezekiel, commands fleet off Rhode Island, 152, 166.

   Hopkinson, Francis, 216.

   Hospital, small-pox, to be established in Boston, 187.

   Hospitals, system of officers for, 257.

   House of J. A. in Boston, occupied by British, 149.

   Houston, John, Georgia delegate, 99.

   Howe, Sir William, supersedes Gage, 107.
     Releases prisoners, 107, 115, 142.
     March through the Jerseys, 234.
     Prepares to attack New York, 294.
     Advances on Philadelphia, 296, 323.

   Howe, Richard, Lord, Letter and proclamation of, 203.
     Desires conference with members of Congress, 223.

   Howes, the two brothers, rise and reputation of, 258.

   Hutchinson, Foster, notice of, 17.

   Hutchinson, Thomas, Governor, on Salem as the seat of government,
        opinion of, 8.
     Departure of, for England, 19.
     Letters of, discovered, 52.
     Death of, 382-83, xv., xvi.

   Huston, Mrs., anecdote of, 18.


   Independence, declaration of, resolution of, passed in Congress, 191,
        202.
     Read from pulpits in New England, 212, xxiv.

   Island, Long, expedition to, successful; cattle captured, 80.

   Island, Staten, inhabitants of, receive the enemy, 199.

   Izard, Ralph, 354.
     Return of, 376.


   Jardin du Roi, visit of Mr. Adams to, 379.
     Description of, 379.

   Jefferson, Thomas, proposes device for government seal, 211.

   Johnson, family of, 292.

   Johnson, Sir John, 294.

   Johnson, Thomas, Governor, 296.

   Joice, Junior, carts tories out of Boston, 262.

   Jurors, refusal of, to serve, 165.

   Justice, Chief, appointment of J. A. to office of, 93.
     Jealousy caused by, 215.


   King, the, prayed for in the Boston church, 230.

   King and Queen of France, popularity of, 350.

   King, Richard, of Scarborough, cause of, notice of, 20.

   King's Bench Prison, burned by mob, 382.

   Knowlton, Colonel, killed in battle, 232.


   Labor, price of, in New England, 365.

   Lafayette, Marquis de, return of, 398.

   Lagoanere, M., 374.

   Landais, Peter, Captain, 387.

   _Languedoc_, French frigate, 342.

   Laurens, Henry, 292.
     Appointment of, 370.

   Laurens, John, Colonel, 390.

   Lee, General, letter of, 87.
     Appointment of, 78, 133.
     Action at Sullivan's Island, 203.
     A prisoner, 245.

   Lee, Arthur, 354, 356, 376.

   Lead, scarcity of, in Boston, 220.

   Lechmere's Point, skirmish at, 124.

   Legation, Secretary of, Francis Dana appointed, 367.

   Leger, St., 304.

   Letters, of J. A. intercepted, 98, 116, 146.
     Caution to be used in transmission of, 103, 108.
     Loss of, 348, 380.

   Letter-writing, as mental exercise, xiii.

   Lighthouse, burning of, at Nantasket, 86.
     Second attack on, 92.

   Lincoln, Benjamin, General, 248, 295, 390.

   Liquors, excise on, recommended, 129.

   London, mobs in, 382.

   Long Island, defeat on, panic caused by, 223.

   Lovell, James, 74, 80, 112, 157, 308, 375.

   Lowell John, splendid house of, in Newburyport.
     Notice of, 4.


   Manly, Captain, capture of English schooner by, 151, 157.

   Mansfield, Lord, house of, burned by mob, 382.

   Maria, Theresa Charlotte, Princess, illumination in honor of, 349.

   Martin, Joseph, Governor of North Carolina, 50.

   Maryland, State of, excellent farms in, 238.
     Passes law for enlistment of servants and apprentices, 257.

   Massachusetts, Province of, terrible sickness prevails throughout,
        95, 102.
     Soldiers of, ill-conduct of, 232.
     Constitution of, 369.

   Men-of-war, lying in Boston Harbor, 180.

   Men-of-war, blown up, 322.

   Merchant vessels, chased by men-of-war, 270.
     Capture of, 347.

   _Mercury_, ship, arrival of, with military stores, from France, 253.

   Mifflin, Fort, defence of, 320, 322.

   Mifflin, Thomas, Major, 45, 59, 70.

   Mifflin, Mrs., 45.

   Miles, Colonel, 283.

   Militia, in arms, 54, 138.
     March to defense of New York, 199, 232.

   Militia, Jersey, 233.
     Of Virginia, Maryland, etc., 296, 300.

   Mission, American, to France, 346.

   Mob, female, seize coffee, and chastise a merchant of Boston, 286.

   Mobs, in Boston and elsewhere, 15, 19.
     The Gordon, in London, 382.

   Molasses, made from cornstalks, 313.

   Molesworth, James, a spy, his execution, 252.

   Money market, state of, 361, 388.

   Montgomery, Richard, General, oration in memory of, 132, 143.

   Montresor's Island, skirmish at, 232.

   Moody, Rev. Samuel, minister of York, Me. Notice of, 5.

   Moravians, settlement of, at Bethlehem, Penn., 236.
     Description of, 241.

   _Morris_, ship, falls into the hands of the British, 260.

   Morton, Joseph, Mr., funeral oration on Gen. Warren, delivered by,
        151.

   Mugford, Captain, captures prize, is killed in naval engagement, 180


   _Nancy_, brig, capture of, 129.

   Nantasket, dismissal of troops at, 254

   Narrows, the, fort at, 243.

   Nash, Francis, General, 299.

   Negroes, conspiracy of in Boston, 41.

   New England, 120, 265.

   New Englanders, 207.
     Inaction of, 245.

   New York, City of, arms and ammunition seized by people of, 50.
     Appoints Provincial Congress, 51.

   New York, ports of, closed, 51.

   New York, troops collecting at, attack on expected, 194, 205, 260.

   Niles, Captain, 344.

   Noailles, Comte de, returns to France, 398.

   Non-consumption agreement, 12.

   Nook's Hill, engagement at, 140.

   Norton, Rev. John, ix.


   Officers, 248, 276, 305.

   Officers, French, visit of to Boston, 342.

   Offices, public, unfaithfulness in, 228.

   Oliver, Andrew, Chief Justice, 24, 29.


   Paine, Eunice, notice of, 36.

   Paine, R. T. delegate to Philadelphia, 5.

   Paine, Thomas, author of "Common Sense" and "The Forester," 167.

   Palmer, Joseph, 43, 81.

   Paper, high price of, 362.

   Parliament, act of, to enable prisoners to be sent to England, 268.

   Party spirit, American, in France, 354.

   Paulus Hook, 232.

   Peabody, Rev. Mr., xiv.

   Peace, no hopes of, 396.

   Peace treaty of, agreed upon, 405.
     Preliminary articles of signed, 413, xxiii.

   Peale, Mr., 215, 216.

   Pennsylvania, divided state of political opinion in, 231.
     Constitution of, opposition to, 280.
     German inhabitants of, their torpor and awkwardness, 323.

   Philadelphia, meeting of Congress at, 5, 39.
     Removal of inhabitants from, 249.
     Rumors of Howe's advance on, 268, 291.
     Lethargic state of, 280.
     Description of country around, 278.

   Pins, scarcity of, 82.

   Plot, a, to conduct the British fleet up the Delaware River, 252.

   Politics, American, extraordinary state of in France, 356.

   Portia, assumed name of A. A., 53.

   Ports, of New York, 51. Of Philadelphia, 153.
     Southern, precautions for defense of, 147.

   Potter's Field, two thousand soldiers buried in, 259.

   Powder, arrival of from South Carolina, etc., 90.

   Precious stones, Duke of Orleans' collection of, 380.

   Press, the, necessity of regulating, 11.

   Prevost, General, 362.

   Prices, high, 182.
     Congress legislates upon, 240, 261.

   Prices current, 301, 387.

   Prisoners, of Brig _Essex_, treatment of, 74.
     Exchange of, 257, 302.

   Privateers, 153, 220.
     Success of, 270.

   Privateering, act of Provincial Congress authorizing, 124.
     Rage for, in Boston, 230.

   Prizes, two taken in Massachusetts Bay, 170, 175.

   Proclamation for Independence read and proclaimed in Boston, 204.

   Produce, West India, High prices of, 130.

   Prospect Hill, 92.

   Provinces, United, Alliance with, 393.

   Provisions, scarcity of in Boston, 79.

   Purviance, Mr., dinner party at house of, 248.

   Putnam, Israel, General, 233.


   Quakers, armed in Philadelphia, 60, 314.

   Quincy, Elizabeth, mother of A. A., ix.

   Quincy, John, ix., xii.

   Quincy, Col. Josiah, 34.

   Quincy, Josiah, Jr., accompanies J. A. to Falmouth, 10.
     Departs for Europe, 49.
     Death of, 50.
     Memoir of, 53.

   Quincy, Mrs. Josiah, visit of A. A., to, 53.

   Quincy, Norton, notice of, 27, 117.

   Quincy, Samuel, notice of, 10, 11, 21, 154.


   Randolph, Peyton, 37, 88.

   Red Bank, engagement at, 322.

   Refugees, in England, mischievous writings of, 404.

   Rents, House, low rates of in Boston, 220.

   Representatives, delay in election of, in Pennsylvania, 231.

   Resolves, Suffolk, by whom passed, 33.

   Revolution, The, memorials of, v.
     Influence of private individuals in forming, vi.
     Female influence, vii.

   Rhode Island, 234, 261, 345.

   Rice, Nathan, 24, 35, 52.

   Richardson, Ebenezer, engaged in a mob in Boston, 15.

   Richmond, Duke of, 332.

   Rivière, Monsieur, 342.

   Roberdeau, General Daniel, 174.
     Mr. Adams lodges at house of, 315.

   Rousseau, J. J., 349.

   Russell, Mr., bearer of petition from Charlestown to Congress, 273.

   Rutledge, John, Governor of South Carolina, 198, 223.


   Sachems, Indian, visit of, to Cambridge, 131.

   Salt, made by women and children, 301.

   Saltpetre, private manufacture of, 150.

   Sapling, Simple, 80.

   Saratoga, Blockade of. Drama written by Burgoyne, 321.

   Sartine, M. de, 347.

   Savannah, Siege of, 370.

   Saville, Sir George, destruction of his house by mob, 382.

   Sayward, Dr., 5, 9.

   Schuyler, General Philip, 295.

   _Sensible_, Frigate, Mr. Adams embarks in, 364, 367.
     Springs aleak, 370.

   Service, Postal, 279.

   Sewall, David, notice of, 3.

   Shaw, Rev. John, xiv.

   Shepard, Rev. Thomas, ix.
     Son of, ix.

   Shipley, Dr. Jonathan, Bishop of St. Asaph, 35.

   Ships, merchant, fleet of, arrival of, from England, 1.

   Ships, merchant, chased by men-of-war, 270.

   Sickness, abatement of, in Braintree, 111.

   Simitiere, M. du, designs for government. Medal and seal, 210.

   Skene, Major Philip, commissioned governor of Ticonderoga,
        imprisonment of, 61.

   Sloops, Eastern, arrival of, in Boston, 152.

   Small-pox, prevalence of, in Canada, 189;
     in Boston, 204.

   Smith, Abigail. (See Abigail Adams.)

   Smith, Elizabeth, sister of A. A., 34, 113, 185, xiv.

   Smith, Dr., oration of, 132, 143, 167.

   Smith, Mary, xiv.

   Smith, Mrs. Elizabeth, mother of A. A., illness and death of, 102,
        114.
     Reflections of J. A. on character, 118.
     (See Elizabeth Quincy.)

   Smith, Rev. William, father of A. A., 102, 113, ix., xiv.

   Snow, capture of, with cargo of West India goods, 152.

   Snow-storm, terrible in Massachusetts, 351.

   Snyder, Christopher, killed in riot in Boston, 15.

   South Carolina, new Constitution, 174, 292.

   Spain, journey of J. A., through, 373-4.

   Spaniards, dress and manners of, 372.

   Specie, scarcity of, 130.

   Speech, King's, 348.

   Spies, 252, 357.

   Sprague, Dr., entertains J. A. on his journey to Congress, 233.

   Stark, General John, 295.

   Staten Island, conference with Lord Howe at, 226.

   Stirling, Alexander, Lord, taken prisoner, 225.

   Storer, Mr., 393.

   Stores, military, capture of, 129.

   Sugar, large quantities of, captured, 208.

   Sullivan, John, General, successful career of, 2, 129, 223.
     Taken prisoner, 225.

   Sussex, county of, Tories numerous in, 237.


   Taxes, high rate of, 365, 388.

   Thanksgiving, day of, appointed by Congress, 322.

   Thaxter, John, 24, 27, 35, 367.

   Thomas, John, General, 89, 184.

   Thornton, Colonel, 246.

   Ticonderoga, evacuation of, 285, 292.

   Tillotson, Dr., 275, 318.

   Tories, five, driven out of Boston, 262, 283.
     To be tried by their peers, 403.

   Transports, arrival of, from York, 80.

   Troops, raising of, in Connecticut and Rhode Island, 51.
     Review of, in Philadelphia, 61, 65.
     Delay in equipment of, 209.
     Retreat to Haerlem, 232.

   Trowbridge, Edmund, Judge, notice of, 22.

   Tucker, Samuel, Captain, 326.

   Tufts, Dr. Cotton, notice of, 56, 77, 93, 394.

   Tupper, Benj., Major, his schemes for setting fire to the enemy's
        fleet, 156.

   Tyng, William, notice of, 22.


   Venality, spirit of, dangerous predominance of, 232.

   Vinton, sheriff, 29, 34.

   Virginia, military preparations of, 154.


   Waldo, Francis, collector, notice of, 20.

   Ward, Samuel, Governor of Rhode Island, death of, 148.

   War and ordnance, board of, established, 189.

   War, articles of, new set of, 228.

   _Warren_, frigate, captures a fleet, 363.

   Warren, Joseph, General, death of, 67.
     Treatment of his remains by British, 91.
     Removal of, to Boston, 151.

   Warren, James, General, of Plymouth, 24, 49, 178.

   Warren, Mercy, notice of, 25.

   _Washington_, frigate, 257.

   Washington, George, 59.
     Appointed general-in-chief, 65.
     Proceeds to Boston, 70, 178.
     Success at Stony Brook, 233, 236.
     Advances to meet General Howe, 296.
     Simplicity of his life, 304.
     Harangues the army, 305, 398.

   Wax-work, exhibition of, description of Mrs. Wells', Dr. Chovet's,
        271.

   Welch, Captain, 338.

   Weymouth, alarm in, flight of inhabitants, 56.

   Whipple, General, 208, 325.

   Wibird, Rev. Anthony, 76, 89.

   Wine, beer, etc., scarcity of, 277.

   Winthrop, Mr. Samuel, 8, 10.

   Winthrop, John, Professor, death of, 366.

   Woedtke, Baron de, made Brigadier-general in American Army, 144.

   Wollaston Mt., 326.

   Wooster, David, General, loss of, 269.

   Wright, Mrs., her efforts in the American cause, 271.

   Writs, to summon juries, 29.

   Writs of Assistants considered to be the commencement of trouble with
        Great Britain, 191, xvi.

   Wrixon, Major, British officer, lawyer, 144.

   Wyer, David, notice of, 17.

   Wythe, George, member of Congress from Virginia, 99. One of committee
        for reporting on damages, etc., 111.


   Yorktown, Congress adjourns to, 314.
     Description of, 320.


   Zedwitz, Herman, scheme of, to poison the waters of New York city,
        225.

   Zubly, Dr. John J., 99.
     Notice of, 101.

       *       *       *       *       *

Transcriber's note


Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. Printer
errors have been changed and are listed below. All other
inconsistencies are as in the original.

Page x: "Waving" changed to "Waiving".

Page 123: "he bickerings" changed to "be bickerings".

Page 151: "uerance" changed to "utterance".

Page 194: "enthusiam" changed to "enthusiasm".

Page 211: "it too complicated" changed to "is too complicated".

Page 227: "neigborhood" changed to "neighborhood".

Page 279: "Christain doctrines" changed to "Christian doctrines".

Page 280: "accquired by this expedition" changed to "acquired by this
expedition".

Page 417: "fleet enter" changed to "fleet enters".

Page 420: "for Engand" changed to "for England".

Page 422: "Riviere" changed to "Rivière".





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