Abigail Adams to John Adams, June 7, 1789
Braintree June 7th 1789
my dearest Friend
I this day received the Federal Gazzet, tho I got no Letter from you, I was in hopes to
have heard this week in replie to what I wrote on Sunday last. Since that time mr Smith
has been in Treaty for me, with two conneticut sloops one of which demanded 50 pounds
freight for 2 thirds of his vessel. the other 40, each of them were about 70 Tuns he
then applied to Blagett, Barnards owner 1 & has agreed with him for 33 pounds for the whole of the hole of the vessel, and if
I do not fill her a deduction to be made it has already taken me a thousand of Boards
besides the Boxes which were not broken up, to case what furniture I propose bringing.
Brisler has done it all heitherto, I shall be ready for Barnard by the middle of the
week, and his owner has engaged that he shall sail as soon as he is ready tho I shall
not pretend to bring some of my best furniture What I have put up will be fully adequate
to the provision voted, which I think is a thousand dollors less than has been given to
Secretaries which have been sent abroad, but perhaps I see only in part. 2 I enclose you a mem. of expences to which I am
in part knowing. 3 many others you must
already have incurred, & can fill up the Blanks better than I presume they do not
mean that house rent is to be included in this estimate. not one single step do that
House take without discovering the greatest jealousy of the Senate who before ever heard
of putting the two Houses upon a par?
I think Sir I have never petitioned for any office, for any Relation of mine. mr Sam ll Tufts of Newburry port was formerly in an office which he
discharged with fidelity to the publick. mr Dalton can inform you whether, it was Naval
officer or collector of impost & excise; I am not certain which, but his character
as an honest industrous capable man will not be disputed, and perhaps it may not be
thought amiss to bring him forward again. 4
our season is very dry & thee prospect of a good crop very doubtfull.
you have not once told me how your Health is, our Friends are all well as usual— I
shall write you again as soon as I hear from you—Love to mrs Smith & her Boys
believe me / most affectionatly / Yours
A Adams