Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, January 25, 1801

Washington Jan ry 25
1801—

Dear Thomas.

I received Yours of the 20th Instant. 1 You will see how matters have gone
in senate respecting the Convention. Dean Swift in verses upon his own
death, Says of those who had predicted his death

“They’d rather that the Dean should dye

than there predictions prove a lie” 2

So the party had rather the whole convention should be
negatived and every thing put again at the mercy of France, than assent to
an accommodation with them; Yet pretend that they are fearfull of Mr
Jeffersons prediliction in favour of France. they see and know now, what is
before them; with the present Government of France they cannot expect to
obtain better terms; for pay they cannot, and to have promised it, would not
have been so sincere as to have waved it— the jealousy of G Britain would be
more excited by a mission to France by the New President, and the Country in
general would have less confidence in obtaining terms favourable to it— Yet
a blind spirit of Party appear willing to risk all. I think they ought to
take the Name, of the Risk alls , for that
desperate Game they have play’d untill they have brought the Country into a
State of Jeopardy; that there are dareing projects on foot I as fully
believe, as the Gentleman who told me so, and with the present views and temper which
prevails. I cannot but think the President will find himself fortunate in
his release; he might have stoped there career a few years longer—but he
would have had the new faction to have contended against; I have inclosed
You a curious conversation, which tho at table, was not heard by any one but
ourselves, as we spoke low— it is a little too much in the Tench Cox Stile
to commit it to writing, but it is only for your amusement; You will draw
this inference from it, that there are certain persons, who carry every
thing they hear, and I dare say many things they make, to the Ear of mr J——n
if only what is said by the Party be told; his prospect is not a summer sea—
If Burr should be Elected, which I do not believe, it will not be from any
superiour confidence either party can place in him— his private Character
will not bear the scrutiny which mr Jeffersons will. I believe he would
become a Buonaparty if he could. he is bold, dareing, nothing to lose of
property or Reputation ambitions, insinuating, a voluptuary in practise, and
as to Religion—I Do not think he feels any restraints from it. I think him a
much more dangerous Man than mr Jefferson; mr J—— will be too lax, too wild
and levelling, the other will draw as tight as he dare;— after all it is a
scylla & Charibdis buisness—

It is laughable to hear the offices which even the
federilist are for placing the President in. one wants to make him
Ambassador, an other chief Justice—and an other Govenour—comforting things
be sure— 3 Farmer Adams—if
Farmer he could be upon his own System, would be enviable to any thing in
the power of the country to give or grant. no more Elective offices for Me—
I think too highly of the Rank and Station in which I have been placed ever
to give my consent to a scondary and Subordinate station; looking upon
myself in this Sense, one and indivissible to degrade ourselves, to descend
voluntarily, and by choice, from the highest to a lower Rank, to quit the
care of a Nation, for that of a state—those who will Submit to it, must
possess more of Humity than falls to my Lot— yet can I in a private and
retired life practise all the oeconomy to which I know I must be called, and
feel no degradation or mortification but for my Country—

Inclosed is a curious Letter. 4 is there any such craizy fellow—
return the Letter— next twesday I propose quitting here. do You know where I
can get more private lodgings than at Francis’is mrs Bradford and Boudinot
request Me to put up with them— I do not propose staying more than a day or
two, but I think I had better have
lodgings— 5 I shall feel
more at My Ease— adieu your ever / affectionate Mother

AA—