John Adams to Charles Adams, October 28, 1798

Quincy Oct 28 th 1798

Dear Charles

I received last night your favor of the 19 th The letters from Mr Desdoity & Mr R B Forbes I shall inclose to the
Secretary of State, the first to be determined according to law and usage and the last
to be considered in its season. 1

The scene of which you have been witness in the city must have been
very solemn. I never could bear a city life in the summer, in the best seasons. Such an
one as you have lived through would have finished me. I could not advise you to repeat
another time so hazardous an experriment.

I am suspicious that the great intercourse with the West Indies has
had a share in producing this calamity in so many of our cities. Relaxations of police
& accumulations of putrefaction with the increase of population may account for much
but I guess not all. Have not large quantities of cottons and other things been imported
which are capable of conveying this plague. We are all well but your Mother, who we hope
is better, but still very feeble. Yours I rejoice to hear are all well.

I am Your affectionate

J. Adams