John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, June 8, 1799

Quincy June 8. 1799

My Dear Thomas

The daily Duties of my office require so much Writing that my hand
and head are fatigued & exhausted before I have half done: and this must be my
Apology for not writing you till now.

I hope you are now well settled in your office and pursuing your
studies. Practice will come in time, but the most certainly from an incessant Attendance
upon the Courts and taking minutes & making Reports of Tryals.

Yesterday at Eleven Governor sumner departed. I feel the Loss of an
esteemed Relation. His Mother and mine were first Cousins. 1 In this Gentleman were united an Assemblage of
Qualities, which is not to be found again in the State of Massachusetts. His Education,
Fortune Temper, his masterly Understanding extensive Information and Uprightness of
heart: his Attachment to the Union and Fidelity to the national Government: his
Independence of little Circles and partial Combinations: the Candor of his heart and
serenity of his disposition, fitted him for his Station beyond any other Man who can
succeed him;

Write me as often as you can and let me know your health your
progress and prospects. I am, with a tender Affection / and well founded Esteem, your
Father

J. Adams