Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, June 23, 1797

Philadelphia June 23. 1797

my dear , Start deletion, son , End,

The packet being detaind I write you a few Lines further to
inform you that mr Marshal accepts his appointment, but Judge Dana declines on account
of his Health The President accordingly has Nominated mr Gerry. the senate have not
yet agreed to it. 1 the N Englanders do
not like this Nomination. You are so well acquainted with mr Gerry, and With his
sentiments Principles conduct and services, that I need make no observation to you;
you will at first sight conceive the reason why he is opposed by Essex Men. they all
allow that he is an honest honorable Man, but too stiff and inflexable. for myself I
believe mr Gerry will have the interest of his Country at
Heart, and only that. we all know that he has on some
occasions mantaind his own opinions against the Majority, tho he has peaceably and
quietly submitted to the Government, and firmly supported it, When it was adopted—
this subject of appointments is one of the most difficult and delicat parts of the
Executive department. Lewis the 14, it was I believe who used to say, that when he
made an appointment, he made 99 Enemies, and one ungratefull Man. 2 I hope however, he represented Humane Nature
worse than it really is, but it is extreemly difficult to give satisfaction. I presume
the senate will not negative mr. Gerry. it is not a very desirable embassy under
present circumstances and pains will be taken to defeat it, and from this Country, I
have not a doubt. Congress have been in Session ever since the 15 May, and only two
Acts have yet been past, and those originated in the senate.

In March last I received a very polite Letter from mrs Copley,
desiring leave to introduce to me a Friend of ours. one only expression led me to
suppose it was a portrait. I Sent to the Captain of the vessel. He knew not of any
thing for me. Mr smith went to the custom House, and found a case with D D R upon it.
he inquired of mr Rogers if any thing had been sent him for me. he had not received
any advice of any thing. Mr smith orderd the case to his House. upon opening it, we
were not any of us at a moments hessitation. I recognized the striking resemblance of
my Dear absent son. it is allowd to be as fine a portrait as ever was taken, and what renders it peculiarly valuable to me is the
expression the animation the true Character which gives it so pleasing a likeness—and
I have been not a little flatterd, by strangers saying, they can trace the resemblance
of my features in it. I cannot Do that, myself; but I have those of Thomases, who I
never before thought, look’d like you. Mrs Copleys Letter was designdedly Enigmatical,
and I know not to this Hour Whether the picture was sent me by your direction, or
whether it comes unknown to you, as a present from her. it is most Elegantly Framed,
and is painted in a masterly Manner. no present could have been more acceptable. 3

24

the senate have advised and consented to mr Gerry 21 yeas to 6
Nays. I am sorry to say amongst the six were our two senators. the other , Start deletion, four , End, also are all good Men indeed I must regreet
that they did not give him their Vote as all of them allowd him to be a Man, of
abilities and integrity. there apprehension was, that by a too rigid opinion upon
trivial matters he might obstruct the negotiation; I hope he will not fall into this
Error, as he will be carefully guarded against it. he is certainly a Man as impartial
with Respect to the two Nations France & England, as could have been pointed out,
and will be as much disposed to conciliate our differences. but the successes of that
Nation and their Dominering power, give them such a weight that all Nations appear to
be Sinking under their Weight.

No further Letters from you than those which I mentiond in my
last Letter to the 27 March 4

I believe there is more diversity of Sentiment in Congress than
is to be found in any portion of the union—more party Spirit, , Start deletion, and I hope more […] , End,

I must close however and putt a check upon my pen. if I could
write freely I should say many more things to you— I am as Ever / Your &c &c
&c