John Adams to Abigail Adams, March 22, 1797

Philadelphia March 22 d. 1797

My dearest Friend

Last night for the first time I slept in our new House.— But what a
Scene! The Furniture belonging to the Publick is in the most deplorable Condition— There
is not a Chair fit to sit in. The Beds and Bedding are in a woeful Pickle. This House
has been a scene of the most scandalous Drunkenness and Disorder among the servants,
that ever I heard of. I would not have one of them for any Consideration. There is not a
Carpet nor a Curtain, nor a Glass nor Linnen nor China nor any Thing. 1 Dont expose this Picture.

This morning I rec d your favours of
March 12 and 13 th. — I am highly pleased with your Criticisms
and Observations on my Adieus to the Senate, their Answer and my Reply. Before now you
have a long Speech, which I hope you will descant on as learnedly and ingeniously.

As to the farms I must leave all to you and D r Tufts. Let Trask clear all the Bushes in Curtis’s Pasture. I want to have
clean Work made there. You have not mentioned My Mares nor Colts— Are the Mares in a Way
to breed Us Horses?

I have procured five Horses, which with my little fellow at home,
will be all I shall keep.

As to Public affairs all is Suspence at present— Nothing can be
determined till further and more Authentic Accounts arrive.

I never wanted your Advice & assistance more in my Life.— My
Country will not always oblige her Public Men to make Brick without Straw— As soon as I
shall be out of the Question, their Presidents will go on Swimmingly whoever lives to
See it. But it is wicked to complain.

I have not been able to receive any Company. And the House will not
be fit for some time.

I am with all Affection and / ardent Wishes for your Society

J. A.