Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, December 13, 1800

Washington Nov br [ December ] 13. 1800

Well My dear son S Carolin has behaved as Your Father
always Said She would. the concequence to us personally, is that We retire
from public Life: for myself and family I have few regreets; at My age and with my bodily infirmities I
shall be happier at Quincy. neither my habits, or My Education or
inclinations, have led Me to an expensive stile of living; So on that score
I have little to mourn over; if I did not rise with Dignity, I can at least
fall with ease; which is the more difficult task— I Wish Your Fathers
circumstances were not So limited, and circumscribed as they must be,
because he cannot indulge himself in those improvements upon his Farm which
his inclination leads him too, and which would serve to amuse him, and
contribute to his Health; I feel not any resentment against those who are
comeing into power, and only wish the future administration of the
Government may be as productive of the peace happiness and prosperity of the
Nation as the two former ones have made it— I leave to time the unfolding of
a drama. I leave to posterity to reflect upon the times past—and I leave
them Characters to contemplate upon.— my own intention is to return to
Quincy as soon as I conveniently can; I presume in the Month of Jan’ ry the peice of linnen I orderd, need not be
sent here. the other articles I wish to get, and you will oblige me by
making an inquiry of Bringhurst or any other trusty coachmaker whether they
have any well made new Coachee by them, or could get one ready in a few
weeks. it must be strong well built Such a one as I have now, only they
shape them different. Bringhurst once Made me an excellent one, that was
close all round with a coachmans Box, but this I should not require. 1 I would chuse to have it
open as the one I have with Glass Windows let Me also know the price, with , Start deletion, one , End, Brass harness for a pr
Horses—

You must write Me immediatly upon this subject. You wrote
to William shaw inclosing me Some cotton. You may obtain what you want much
nearer than N England, by giving the sample to mrs Kirkham— she can get it
at a shop very near to her own, where I have often bought it, three threaded
which is the strongest and best will be about 2 dollors pr pound— 2

Gov’ r Davie arrived Yesterday
with the treaty. judge Elsworth was landed in England for the benifit of his
Health 3 the public
curiosity will be soon Satisfied. Peace with France, a Revenue increased
beyond any former Years—our prospects brightning upon every side What must
be the thoughts, and the reflections, of those who calling themselves
federalists, have placed their country in a situation full of dangers and
perils—who have wantonly thrown away the blessing heaven seemd to have in
reserve for them? the Defection of N york has been the Source. that
defection was produced by the intrigues of two Man; one of them Sowed the Seeds of discontent &
division amongst the federilist, and the other Seazd […] lucky Moment of
mounting into power upon the shoulders of Jefferson— the triumphs of the
Jacobins is immoderate, and the federilists deserve it— it is an old and a
just proverb, never hallo untill You are out of the woods So compleatly have
they gulled one an other, by their southern promisses— , Start deletion, they , End, which have no more faith, when made
to nothern Men, than Lovers vows—

I have not heard from N York Since I wrote You last

I am My Dear Thomas Your ever / affectionate Mother

A Adams