Abigail Adams to Abigail (daughter of JA and AA) Adams, March 9, 1800
March 9 th 1800
Philadelphia
My dear Mrs Smith—
James got home safe though covered over with mud and
dirt, horses and carriage up to their very ears. He got home about 4 oclock
on friday. You were led into a sad mistake by Mr Bayard respecting the
roads. I traveled them once in a similar state, and therefore have a greater
dread of them. I told some members of Congress, that as they were not very
usefully employed at present, in order to keep out of mischief they had
better think of mending their ways, and I know not of any that called more
for their attention than those which lie between this City and N. York. We
had a full, rather than a crowded Drawing room on friday. Many inquiries
were made after you. Several ladies said they should certainly have called
upon you previous to your leaving Town if they had known of your going,
amongst the number, were Mrs Read, Mrs Lee, and Mrs Lystone, and I should
add Mrs , Start deletion, Hamilton , End, Harrison. 1 on thursday Mr Bayard made a very
excellent speech upon Livingstones resolutions, and on friday Mr Marshall a
most masterly one, both of which I hope will be published. Yesterday
Congress met to decide upon the resolutions. Nicolas spoke half an hour in
support of the resolutions. Some federal members not expecting the vote to
be taken until a late hour, were out amongst them Dana, Champlin, Huger,
Brace, but the resolutions were negatived by 61. to 35. tomorrow I suppose
we shall have the names in the papers which I will send you. 2 It is said by those who heard Mr
Marshall, that his speech was a full and decided eulogium upon the
administration of the government, and the purity of its measures, that he
also proved himself a great Lawyer in the Discussion. I am at a loss, to
conjecture what the next popular topic will be, the Bankrupt Bill I suppose will be used as one
engine as soon as the Presidents approbation of it sanctions the Law, then
the Taxation and Judiciary Bills will afford food for Faction 3 Last night and this forenoon we
have had the greatest fall of snow which has come this season, not much wind
so that it is level, but I cannot say I am glad to see it. I shall be
anxious until I learn that you got safe to the plains. How does Caroline
bear her confinement for such it must be to her, having been accustomed to a
wide range. You and I think much more than we say. It is the duty of every
one to strive to be content, in whatever state they may be placed, and to be
useful as far as their abilities extend, we see but a little way before us
the curtain is draped between us and the future, “or who could suffer being
here below” 4
Love to the Col / Your truly affectionate / Mother.
A. A