John Adams to Abigail Adams, April 14, 1797

Philadelphia April 14. 1797

My Dearest Friend

I have this day rec d , in your favours
of the 5. 6. and 7 th. of the month the first Acknowledgment
of the Receipt of my Invitations to you to come to Philadelphia and share in the
Burthens of your friend. I hope you may have commenced your Journey before this day: but
knowing how many dispositions you have to make, and how difficult it will be to make
them I cannot promise myself the happiness of seeing you so soon.

Your Solicitudes would be less if you were here. The Variety here
would amuse you—and the Spirits of the gay enliven you—the Reasoning of the Wise assure
you.

Your narration of your Agricultural Management delights me and the
picture of Billings’s circular Wall, or oval Wall as he calls it charms me— We shall see
it again I hope in August. But this will depend upon Congress and Intelligence from
Europe. Oh what an enchanting Summer I should have had, if W. had been P. and I, V. P.!—
But never mind that— We will do our Duty as We are, and he could do no more.

On the 4 th. I enclosed you a Post
Note.

I have rec d a Chronicle to day, by
which I perceive that French those who profess so
much Attachment to France, So much devotion to the french Revolution and so much
Enthusiasm for the french Republic are very much afraid that the Voice of the People
will be for War. 1 They need not fear that
War will be sought. If it comes of itself and We cannot avert it, We must make the best
of it, unpleasant as it is.

Poor Ed. Savil would be glad to revenge himself at the hazard and
for ought I know at the Sacrifice of his Life. Jarvis and Austin should see his
back. 2

To day I have rec d the Lt. Governors
Cheese—like a charriot forewheel boxed up in Wood & Iron. it will last till you
come.

I am grieved for Mary smith: but think you ought not to tarry on
her Account. You can do her no good that others cannot do.

My Duty to Mother Love to Brothers and friendship to
Neighbours.

Yours as always

J. A