Abigail Adams to John Adams, February 21, 1801

[ 21 February 1801 ] 1

My Dear Sir

I write You once More from this city. the Trenton River
is impassable, and has prevented my Sitting out. we hope however that the
Rain may clear it. I sent Townsend of to day; I have heard Some of the
Democratic rejoicing Such as Ringing Bells & fireing cannon; what an
inconsistancy Said a Lady to me to day, the Bells of Christ Church ringing
peals of rejoicing for an Infidel President! the People of this city have
evidently been in terror, least their Swineish Herd should rise in rebellion and
Seize upon their Property & share the plunder amongst them; they have
permitted them really to overawe them; I foresee some day or other that N
England will be obliged to march their Militia to preserve this very state
from Destruction—

There is great uneasiness with the Merchants. they Say
the senate by rejecting the article in the convention to which they have
excepted, have plunged them into great difficultys— that they know not what
to do— that a better convention as it respects Commerce could not have been
made and why it should be hazarded by the senate they cannot conceive the
difference Mr Breck told me it would make to this Country in one year, would
be nine Millions of dollors— the Chamber of commerce meet this Evening, and
send off an express tomorrow to the Senators of this state, hopeing that
Something May yet be done; that the President May be requested to return the
convention to the senate with his reasons, and by Means give the Senate an
other opportunity of accepting it. , Start deletion, the , End, Mr Breck says that he wrote the Sentiments of the Merchants of this city to
mr secretary otis requesting him to communicate them to mr Bingham &
others, Whilst the convention was before the senate; they regreet that they
did not exert themselves more 2

I could not help smiling when Mr Breck told Me he had
conversed with mr Wolcott, but could get no satisfaction, only mr Wolcott
Said that there was no faith to be placed in French promisses treaties or
conventions

I , Start deletion, have , End, shall leave
this city tomorrow I believe there is scarcly a Lady who ever came to the
Drawing Room but has visited me, either old or young—and very many
Gentlemen; as to a return of their visits, they cannot expect it; I believe
they have made a point of it; who publishd my arrival in the papers I know
not, but the next morning by ten oclock rainy as it was, they began to come
and have continued it by throngs ever since— 3 I thank them for their attention
& politeness, tho I shall never see them again—

adieu My dear Friend— I wish You well through the
remainder of Your political journey— I want to see the list of judges— , Start deletion, pray tell all who inquire after me , End,

With Love to William / yours affectionatly

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