John Adams to Thomas Welsh, March 7, 1796

Philadelphia March 7. 1796

Dear D r Welsh

After having made all the Enquiries I can, the Result is that Clover seed is so dear at this Place that it will not answer to buy it. Twenty Dollars a Bushell is the lowest Price at which it can be obtained, besides the Risque of buying New England seed instead of Pensilvania seed at this enormous Price. The Second Crop of Clover from which they chiefly thresh the seed, failing in this Neighbourhood the last Season, has occassioned Such a scarcity and such a Price that the Traders have written to New England for a supply and the Price will not diminish till that arrives. I shall not therefore think it prudent to purchase any for you, and M r Dexter till I have further Advice from you. It may be bought cheaper and better at Boston.

I shall write to have my own purchased at home. Two or three shillings a Pound will not be good Œconomy, especially if We should chance to buy New England seed and have it to export to its native Country again.

The Senate have ratified three more unconstitutional Treaties, Unanimously. 1 There has not been a virtuous ten nor even a virtuous one, in either Case: and yet every one of the three contains Articles as questionable by the Constitution, as any in the British Treaty. 2 oh Ye good People! how long will ye be deceived

I am, dear sir as ever your good / Friend

John Adams