John Adams to Thomas, Jr Crafts, April 4, 1790

April 4 th , 90

Dear Sir

Your favor of the 31 st of January I
received in its season. I have at two or three several times had conversation with
General Knox upon the subject of M r Martin Brimmer Sohier;
and have the General’s promise to give particular attention to M r Sohier’s merit and pretensions. As the Secretary at War appeared to be well
acquainted with the candidate, and to have the best disposition to serve him I doubt not
you will be satisfied with his decission. 1 How is commerce and business in general at this time in Boston? Is it more or less
brisk than it was a year ago? Is any benign influence felt from the new government or
not? Are the Shipwrights employed? What is the price of bills? 2 Here exchange is altered twenty per Cent as some
say and fifteen as others state it, in favour of the Country in twelve months.

J Adams