Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, April 4, 1798

Philadelphia April 4 1798

my Dear Son

I embrace this opportunity by mr Thornton Secretary to mr Liston
the British Minister to write too you, and to Send you two Speeches upon the Foreign
intercourse Bill, one by mr Gallatin, and one in reply, by mr Harper. 1

I wrote to you last week by Way of Hamburgh: 2 but we are still without a line from you of a
private Nature; and have only learnt of your arrival at Berlin from your Letters to the
secretary of state of Novbr 10 & 17th.

At this Eventfull period you must be greatly anxious for the welfare of your Country; I wish it was in my power
to remove your solisitude; but the present Rulers of Franc appear determined to drive us
into War, or oblige us to submit to all their unjust and iniquitious depredations upon
our commerce; and to all their evil machinations, against the Peace order and happiness
of our Government.

Our Envoys to France are not yet returnd but they have reported to
the Executive; that they have not any hopes of being received, tho they have waited five
months for the purpose. In concequence of their communications, the President has
thought fit to send the inclosed Message to both Houses. 3 the purport of it, is considered in different
Lights by the different Parties in the House. on one side they call it; an ultimatum,
which is to decide the question, Peace or War. on the other; they contend that the measures recommended
are merely defensive, and such as the safety security and independane of our Country
loudly calls for: these are the subjects now in agitation. after what is past within
your view for these 5 years, you will readily believe that the Government is encompassed
with many dangers, and difficulties. wherever the Breath of French influence has been
blown, Kingdoms and Countries, have more or less been agitated by the centending
Huricane

The projected invasion of England is an attempt which I cannot
permit myself to consider in a Serious light, or rather the success of the undertaking,
for the benifit of Mankind. I believe we ought to wish it might be attempted, with every
hope and wish that it may prove as abortive in reality, as it appears Chimerical in
Idea. The House yesterday past a vote of call, for the Instructions to and dispatches
from our Envoys; and to day they will receive them. they
cannot therefore any longer complain that they are calld upon to Legislate in the
dark. 4

It would be improper for me to make any remarks. I can only add a
hope that we may be induced to act, as a wise free, prudent and united People, and then
with the Blessing of Heaven, we need not fear What Man can do towards us.

we are at present in the enjoyment of Health and of Plenty, but too
supine; too regardless of the future, we hug the blessing we possess; and are loth to
believe them in jeopardy. we want those strong passions roused, which awaken the
faculties, and which suffer not a particle of the Man to be lost. There is says an
admired Author, a courageous wisdom there is also a “false reptile prudence, the result
not of caution but of fear, An abject distrust of ourselves, an extravagant admiration of the Enemy.” 5 this has been too much the case of our Countrymen, nor has it yet been intirely
eradicated, tho a great Change has been wrought within these 2 years past.

I shall write to you by every opportunity, and most ardently long
to hear from you and from yours. Mr Johnson has not received any Letters from you as yet
or I am sure he would have communicated the intelligence as I frequently write to, and
receive Letters from mrs Johnson. I have been dissapointed in her not comeing this
winter here, and have little hope of seeing her untill an other Season; my Love to Mrs
Adams and to Your Brother Thomas. I had Letters fr[om] N york last week. 6 our Friends there were all well. Your [Father]
Send you his Blessing. you know the reason why he does not write more frequently. in
that respect I feel that I have the advantage of him.

I pray Heaven my dear son to preserve your Life, and to increase
and continue your usefullness, for Providence has destined you to the service of your
Country

I am your ever affectionate / Mother

Abigail Adams 7