Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, March 15, 1797
Quincy March 15 1797.
my Dear Son
The vessel which was up for Hamburgh by which I promised to write
has changed her Voyage, and the vessel for London is just upon the point of sailing, so
that I have only time to inform you that your old Friend William Vans Murray is
appointed your successer. 1 This will give
you pleasure, because he is a sensible Worthy Man, and a firm Friend to his Country. You
will now be released, and enabled to fulfill the most pleasing of all your engagements
Heaven bless and prosper you.
Since I wrote you on this Month by the last post from Philadelphia,
your Father sent me the Letters he had received from you, and your Brother. December 17
No 26. No 25 has not reachd here. Thomas was dated Nov br 25
& Dec br 12. 2 both Letters gave us great pleasure. I have
Written to Thomas and to you since your of Nov br to me. I do
not however recollect whether I mentiond that both mrs Welch and I had received our
table Linnen, which proved more satisfactory than the former. 3
I Inclose to you the address of the Vice President upon his taking
leave of the senate, their answer & his reply. 4 all at present seems Harmony and internal
Peace.— the Antis many of them say they are gratified by the Elections. We shall soon
see how measures opperate. by the papers I see that the President issued notifications
to the senate to convene, the day after he was sworn into office. the Vice President
arrived and was Sworn at the same time. May peace and Harmony prevail. French influence
declines, America is made to feel, and that has cleard the films from her Eyes.
It is impossible for any Man to carry with him into retirement,
more fervent, more sincere and gratefull testimony of the Love, respect esteem and
veneration; of a whole people; than is the happy portion of the Retireing Patriot.
O ’tis a joy too exquisite, a thought
Which flatters Nature more than flatt’ry ought!
The best reward which here to Man is given
’Tis more than Earth, and little short of Heav’n; 5
I do not know when I shall go on to Philadelphia. I wish to defer
it untill the Fall, but that will depend upon circumstances. I have not time to write
again to Thomas. His Father says he must have him, here. I shall want him very much at
Philadelphia. I hope he will not delay his return. I have a Number of cupons to send,
but do not know of any Passengers and am fearfull of committing them to the post I shall
embrace the first opportunity. 6 I Should
be glad to have Thomas bring me 20 yds of what is calld faun coulourd Sattin I will send
him a Bill for the purpose by an early conveyance perhaps Mrs Johnson will undertake the
commission for me
adieu my Dear son. When you arrive in England I hope to hear oftner
from you, tho I presume Your stay will not be long there. the consul in Portugal you know when the Dangerous vice was written, the Author little thought of Such circumstances taking place as are now in
being. 7 it would ill become a King of
France said Henry the 4th to avenge the Injuries of the Duke of Navare. 8 I always admired the Dignity of that sentiment,
but this does not prevent a watchfulness and a Distance.
I know not when to lay asside my pen. it must however be done least
I lose the conveyance.
I am with every sentiment / of Love and tender regard / Your
affectionate Mother
Abigail Adams