John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Adams, June 9, 1804

Quincy 9. June 1804.

My dearest friend.

I have now received your favour of the 29 th: of last month, enclosing a letter from your Mamma, for M r: Murdoch, which I shall take care to forward, by the first
vessel that will go from Boston to England.— 1

You had been so long without an attack of the spasms, that I had
flattered my self, they had taken their final leave— I grieve to hear of their return—
Perhaps it may only be in consequence of the change in the whole
nervous system , by weaning your child— As the fine Season is now in its glory, I
hope you will not omit to take frequent exercise, and a change of air as often as you
can—

As for George his age for mischief is now come, and we cannot
expect he should be exempt from it more than others— Is there no such thing as a day
school where he could be sent, and kept quiet?

Tis very unaccountable that the other young Gentleman should be so passionate as you tell me—for you know it
could not come from either of his parents— Perhaps he derives it by transmission from
some former generation— But upon further recollection and calling to mind what has
happened to me this very week, I must confess that I can account for some degree of
irritability in a child of mine, without going more than one step upwards to find its
source.

I went last Tuesday to Dedham, to attend a Court there on the same
old business of a new road in the town of Quincy, which called me there more than once
while we lived in Boston— I dare say you will remember to have heard us talk about it—
Certain persons wish to make a new road through the town, at the expence of the town,
and against the will of the town— They had already been beaten twice of the ground; and
Tuesday we had the question for the third Time— They were beaten off again: but still
will not be quiet— I suppose we shall have another pull for it in September. 2

Our General Court are in Session, but I have not been in Boston
since they met— They are employed as usual with an abundance of Turnpikes, and Bridges,
and Banks, but they have also some other matter to Amuse themselves with. They are to
determine how the Electors of President and Vice-President are to be chosen— Whether By
a general ticket to be elected throughout the Commonwealth— By separate districts, or by
the Legislature themselves— It makes no difference as to the issue of the Election,
which way it is determined, but the parties think it something worth contesting against
each other. 3

We have had hitherto a very fine Season since the Spring opened,
and plenteous rains, which were very much wanted last year— Hitherto there has been no
very warm weather— This is the first day of genuine summer heat.

I enclosed in my last Letter which I hope you have before this
received, a 50 dollar bill. 4

I am my dearest Louisa, ever affectionately yours

John Q. Adams.