Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, July 17, 1798

Philadelphia July 17 th 1798

My dear sister

I had a Letter yesterday from mrs Johnson of the 12 July, in which
she says mr Cranch had just returnd from the Court to which he went, 1 the Judge being indisposed; that his wounds were
getting well fast, and that he did not suffer any inconvenience except a headack, by his
ride—that he had written to you a full account of the whole buisness.

Congress rose yesterday. the House the Senate are obliged to sit a
few days longer. mr McHenry is not yet returnd from mount vernon— he is expected to day.
I hope we shall be able to leave here next week, but I cannot possitively say. we do not
design that it shall be known here the day we are to sit out. we wish to avoid Military
Parade.

We get no News from abroad, and Mr Gerrys stay is a plausible
pretence for the Jacobins to circulate Lies and falshoods in abundance. Le Tomb has
circulated the report, that mr G— was received and was negotiating & that a French
minister might daily be expected here— if one should come, he will not find America a
resting place—24 hours—but I have not any Idea of such an Event.—

I wrote you in my last that I should want some Stores, a couple
pound Hyson Tea ditto souchong Hundred Brown sugar Several dozens Hard Bread half
Hundred coffe Gallon of Brandy Quarter pd Nutmegs pd cinnamon Mustard Pepper 2 oz Maize
half pd Cloves— I want also for one Bed a Bedtick it is for a common one— Mrs Porter can
tell you— I think I must have a couple of Bedsteads— I shall have 4 Men Servants. I
would have them saking bottoms. 2 would it
not be best to get them of Bedlow. I have Bedsteads enough out in the Grainary chamber,
but they are such lumber that I do not know if any thing could be done with them. if
they could I should not regreet their being cut for the purpose. they put up with screws
which screws are in the store closset some of them & some of them over the Top of
the Granary chamber window— if any of them should be put up—I shall want some straw Beds
to be made to put upon them before the others are laid on I also wish you to purchase me
a peice of Russia sheeting and sit Nabby to make it. I have not half sheeting enough for
these People which is stout— I also want you to get me a peice of the plain Russia
towelling. 3 the sheeting & toweling
take a receipt, for as thus “for the use of the Household of the President of the u
s[”]— I also want some Tea pots & a coffe pot or two—some tea spoons for the
kitchin. any thing which you may think I want beside you will be so good as to provide I
inclose you a Bill of an Hundred dollors— it runs in my mind that I want some yellow
dishes & plates some kitchin knives & forks—half dozen pd spermiciti candles,
flask sweet oil— I have a small field Bedstead in the Garret which might be put either
in the little Chamber or the one mrs Porter used to occupy— it wants a littel mending if
I remember right—

I have put things down just as I have thought of them and without
much order—

Mr McHenry is just returnd and brought with him Ge ll Washingtons acceptance of his appointment, but the printers
wittout any Authority have published that he was expected to come on to
Philadelphia—whereas no such thing is at present intended. 4 the present opperations necssary
can be carried on by communicating with him, and by other and younger officers who will
this day be nominated— as Congress would not proceed to a declaration of war, they must
be answerable for the concequences— with a kind remembrance to all Friends—and in the
hope of seeing you e’er long / I am Sincerely / and affectionatly / your sister

Abigail Adams—