John Adams to Abigail Adams, October 21, 1781

Amsterdam Oct. 21. 1781

My dearest Friend

I have not yet seen the Work from whence the inclosed Extracts were made. A set is on the
Road, a Present from the Friend of Man, to me. Meantime a Friend at a Distance who has a Set
has sent me these Extracts. 1 They are worth
printing in the Gazette, not to gratify the Vanity of an Individual so much as for the noble
Testimony of a Character so much respected as that of Mr. Hollis in favour of our Schools and
System of Education. I think too his sentiments that an Agent should stay but 3 years
applicable to Congress Ministers, according to which Rule, my time is out.

I have great Occasion for a few of the New England shillings. Pray send me, half a dozen if
you can procure them by different Occasions. 2

With never ceasing affection, yours.