John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, April 21, 1797

The Hague April 21. 1797. 2 Floréal an 5.

My dear Brother.

For I suppose you must have an explanation to keep you current with
the vieux stile , now-a-days.— I have received your pleasant
account from Brussels of your travels thus far. Continue to write me as often as you
can, and sur tout return as speedily as possible.

I have read something in Adam Smith about the wonders performed by division of labour. I know very well the effects of its multiplication , for the moment you went away, it took me
as usual au depourvu , and I am so overloaded with it, that
I finish by doing little or nothing.

The Decree or arrête against our passports was a new one, as you
will find. M r: Cutting and his friends are prevented by it
from going to Paris, very much to their disappointment. 1

General Pinckney and his family are here. 2 M r: Rutgers was here
too this morning and is gone on to Amsterdam. Capt Mackay gave me no opportunity to
reject the offer you mentioned; he expected to find you here, and will write you.

I have since your departure, received letters from M r: Short and M r: Waldo, at Paris, both of whom I suppose you will see. I
enclose a letter for Waldo. 3

Your friends here enquire after you avec
interêt. We visited the Hansetowns on Tuesday and Sweden according to custom on
Wednesday. 4 This evening, we expect to
see Madam Schimmelpenninck. 5

You know my aversion to long Letters (to writing them I mean) and I suppose will be glad to find mine short ones. None from
America since you went away.

Your’s with the truest affection.