John Adams to Elkanah, Jr Watson, December 16, 1790

Philadelphia Decr 16. 1790

Sir

I have this moment received your favour of Nov. 30, and the Volume
inclosed with it: an acceptable Present for which I thank you. 1

I have not yet had the time to read it, and cannot therefore form
any Opinion of its merits. By a kind of [ Sortes virgiane ] I
Stumbled on the Anecdote of the Child drowning in [the Canal] at the Hague, which
brought strongly to my Recollection the feelings We both experienced in that
disstressing moment, which were abundantly compensated by the Joy at the unexpected
deliverance of the little Urchin.

If upon reading the Book, any remarks should occur to me worthy
your Attention I may at some leisure moment, communic[ate them to you.]

I am obliged to you for informing me where you are situated: and I
hope your Prospects are there agreable, and will answer to your Expectations.

My Rambles abroad appear to me like a Dream: and if your Book had
not recalled the Scene of the drowning Babe I might never have thought of it more. My
Imagination is always refreshed with the Recollection of my Walks and rides about the
Hague which are charming: and with those in the Bois de Boulogne, more than with the
more Splendid Scenes at Courts or in Cities.

I am sir with Sincere regard / Your most obedient sert

John Adams.

P.S. I remember now that you once told me at the Hague “That the
American Tories and refugees [in England] dreaded me more than any other or than all
other men in the World.” These Expressions, although they are very Strong are of
ambiguous Signification.— there were some forged Letters printed in my Name in the
London Newspapers breathing Vengeance against that description of People which was
never in my feelings nor consistent with my Principles. from these Counterfeits they
might be led to expect from me vindictive measures against them, which I never dream’d
of. 2

The Refugees moreover, might entertain hopes, however weak and
visionary, of again Seeing the Domination of Britain reinstated in America, and might
think me their most determined opponent.— in Such a Guess as this they would not have
been much out. however as you Said you knew
their Sentiments from Conversations with them, I wish you would explain the matter
to.

J A.