John Adams to Cotton Tufts, September 16, 1789

New Yo[rk Se]pt. 16. 1789

My dear Friend

I have rec d all your Letters, and the
Post Office is very faithful. 1 The Heat
has been excessive and my daily Toil Somewhat exhausting besides a very extensive
Correspondence, without a Clerk. Pray let M r Cranch if he
will be so good look over the Account, as he did formerly.

Have you read Ned Church’s fragment.? What Passion, or what
Principle, could put it into that fellows head? I never injured, or offended him. I
never saw him— He did not call on me. He never asked any Thing of me.— Washington
refused or neglected him: and he fawns on Washington and Spits fire at Adams. poor
Devil! I pitty him.— it is however good Verse and will do me
honour.— so i’l enjoy it.—

The Fellow Su[pp]osed it impossible but the first must always be
jealous of the Second; and on this principle expected to recommend himself at Court by
abusing a Rival: but in this he mistook the Characters both of the first and Second,
between whom there is the most perfect Harmony and good Understanding.

I must soon write again / Yours

John Adams