Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, June 17, 1798

Philadelphia June 17 1798

You and I, my dear Madam have trod together, through one Gloomy
scene, of war, havock and desolation; and we have Seen our Country rise superiour to
oppression, and Despotism and take its Rank among the Nations, 1 presenting at this period, the only spectacle , of a Free Republic, which has not been
Revolutionized, by the Gormandizing and insatiable thirst of that power, which like the
Grave—crys Give, Give. Whilst the departed wealth, opulence and Liberty, of Batavia, the
Cruelly oppress’d Geneva, Genoa, all Itally, and the partitiond, and Barterd Venice,
with the Barbarously Sacrificed Switzerland, and Bern, Cry to us with an awefull Warning
voice, to behold their Fate, and secure ourselves, by a direct opposite Conduct to that,
which has proved fatal to them.

I would hope that the destroying Angel may not be commissioned to
visit us in wrath, but that he may visit us on an errant of Love, to warn us against
those contaminating principles and abominations, 2 which have made all Europe one Golgotha—

May the God of our Fathers protect us, and if we must be scourged,
Remember Mercy for Us.

“you observe, That Providence has deposited a high trust in the
Hands of the President, and that it is optional, with him: from the confidence reposed
in him, by the people; to abuse his power, or to Continue the object for which our
Country, has made such costly Sacrifices.” 3

Hastening to that period, which in scripture is termed the Life of
Man, having every thing at stake which can render the Remnant peacefull, or the future
happy, Reputation and honour, Life Liberty, and Property. is it possible to have a wish,
or desire which is not interwoven with the Present and future Prosperity, freedom and
independance of united America? 4 it
depends upon the people to say that they will remain a free & happy Republic.

Permit me to transcribe a Sentance from an answer to an address,
Presented by the inhabitants of the County of Otsego in the State of New York.

“Your reliance on the good sense fortitude, and integrity of your
fellow citizens, I trust will not deceive you. all depends upon these virtues. if these fail us, we are lost. our constitution and administration,
all depend upon them. our Government without these aids has no power at Home, or abroad:
we have no other Principle of union, or capacity of Defence” 5

In an other replie, to the People of Potts Town in (Penn) are these
words.

“Your confidence, that I will not surrender the rights of the
Nation, Shall not be betrayed. If the Nation were capable of such a surrender (which it
is not,) some other Hand must affix the Signature to the ignominous deed” 6

with these Sentiments; will my Friend Live and with these
Sentiments he will like the Brave avoyer, Steigner of Bern, meet death if decreed to
him— 7

The stay of our Envoys in France is protracted to an allarming
degree for their personal safety—and I had almost Said for our National honour. The
decree of the directory respecting Neutrals and the declaration of Talleyrand, that we
could only Buy it off , ought to have been the signal for
the departure of our Envoys The cup of Humiliation was full, what has since happend, are
its overflowings. they have Borne it! but the indignation of their Country spurns
it.

I inclose to you the last dispatch Heaven Grant, that it may be the last 8

The testimonials in Approbation of the measures persued by the
Chief Majestrate of the Union, with respect to France, which as you observe, have poured
in from all quarters of the Union; are indeed an incourageing, and Gratefull reward, for
his Labourious and hazardous exertions in the publick service; whilst the rising
Generation, upon whom the hopes and expectations of all America is fixed, for their
security, and defence are zealous, and sincere, with their profferd Lives, and fortunes.
Their Fathers may be permitted to repose; having performed their Routine of active Duty,
and spend the remnant of their days—in devoute Suplications for the success of their
ospring.

The President directs me to reciprocate the Kind wishes of his
Friend Gen’ ll Warren, and to assure him that he retains a
pleasing remembrance of the past they have acted together in the defence of the
Liberties of their common Country.

Mr and Mrs otis the Elder & jun r are both well, were with us last Evening. I most ardenly long for a visit to Quincy. the
Green feilds, and shady Groves would be a pleasing contrast to the Brick walls, &
crouded streets of Philadelphia, particuliarly so, if I could Shut out all the political
clouds which darken our horizen

with a kind remembrance to every Branch of Your Family,
particuliarly the ittle Marcia / I am my dear / Madam Your Friend and Humble /
servant

Abigail Adams