John Brown Cutting to Abigail Adams, April 25, 1787

Wednesday Evening 25. April 1787. Portsmouth

Dear Madam

It may perhaps afford you satisfaction to learn that M r Adams and his secretary pro tempore 1 arrived at the Crown Inn within the ramparts of this naval arsenal last evening before
eight, after a journey as pleasant as coud be expected considering the unverdant aspect
of far the greater portion of the country through which we travel’d. To speak candidly
(excepting the farm at Cobham) I never beheld so complete a fulfilment of Churchills
prophesy of famine as stares one in the face on each side of the hedge from Kingston to
Portsmouth. 2 M r Adams protests that he will never return by the same road: how chearfully do I
acquiesce!

The culprit Muir was had before us this morning and underwent an examination. His
answers were all contradictory inexplicit and evasive. He seems to be either a subtle
and supereminent practitioner in dissimulation, or a vulgar villain without capability
of mighty mischief or any ingenious system of enormity. I am rather inclin’d to the
latter opinion at present. Perhaps he may be the agent of more crafty contrivers. He
says he is a native of Scotland. I believe him. He has a hollow, hungry hanging look.
The Court of Quarter Sessions, who have conducted with extreme propriety in this
bussiness have just recommitted him for three months. This measure is pleasing to M r Adams since it furnishes time to investigate & detect
whatsoever may or can be investigated or detected in London or elswhere. 3

M r Wren guided us to view Fortune Prison this afternoon—and
tomorrow if the weather shall be favourable M r Adams is
resolute to survey on horseback the rural felicity of the Isle of Wight. He has just
gone to rest in high spirits at the prospect. I believe from circumstances we may
condescend to revisit the smoak of the Metropolis within a fortnight.

Particular compliments to M rs Smith and little Steuben.
from, Dear Madam, Yours respectfully

John B Cutting