Abigail Adams to John Adams, December 31, 1798

Quincy Dec br 31 1798

my Dearest Friend

I cannot give you any account of Thomas I have sought for him by
capt Jenkins. the Barbara which saild at the same time was a better vessel, well armd.
mr smith thought it probable he would prefer her, as she was for Boston. I joind him in
the same opinion, and was not a little distresst in the storm on saturday Evening to
hear that she had been cast away on saturday morning near Salem, but at the same time I
was assured no lives were lost. on sunday mor’g I sent to Town to be satisfied whether
he came in the ship, but find that he did not. the vessel run upon the Rocks, but was
soon off, with little damage. I know not how to account for his not comeing, in either
of these vessels, unless he has taken his passage in some one for Philadelphia supposing
it would save him a winters journey by Land, and that he should sooner meet his Parents.
mr Smith writes me that there were several good armd vessels for the southward ready to
sail at the same time, these were there. 1 I cannot help feeling a daily anxiety upon his account

I am greatly pleasd with the address of the Legislature of
Pensilvanna; it received as it deserved a Good answer. the notice taken in it of the
inteference of individuals, in what the constitution alone places with the executive
Authority, was quite unexpected; I thought it belongd to the National Representitives to
have noticed it, and regreeted that they should feel so trameld, as to omit it. their
answer is however calld the best, which any House have deliverd since the first
establishment of the Constitution. 2 the
Jacobins certainly expected a recommendation from the President of a Declaration of War
with France, and a closer union with great Britain, at least I judge so from the tennor
of Chronical pecices— 3 Logans Election in
the Legislature will give the Jacobins a triumph, but I believe Mulingburgh would not
have been a better choice— Logan seems more fool than Knave— it is thought the V P.
stays away from very bad motives. I am told he is considered here as the Head of the
opposition, to Government both in the old dominion and Kentucky. He is certainly acting
a part, that he will find hard to justify; 4

Dr Tufts informd me last week that Mott Vesey had offerd him that
small peice of Land adjoing you, of 4 acres, for the moderate sum of 500 dollors— would
you Chuse to Buy it? it will be put up at Auction if you do not take it. I heard Major
Millar say, that John Newcomb, had offerd Mrs Vesey 400 for it. How rich our Quincy
people are? If it should be sold at Auction, you will please to say whether you would
have it bid for, and to what amount. 5

The weather is fine to day can you get time to walk, or to
Ride?

I am with the / tenderest affection / ever yours

A Adams—