Richard Cranch to John Adams, March 15, 1797

Quincy Mar: 15 th. 1797

My Hon d: and dear Brother

To wish you Joy on your advancement to the high Station you now
hold will perhaps, at present, be premature; I shall therefore rather wish you Patience.
The comprehensive and clear Views that you have acquired from an accurate Examination of
all the ancient Forms of Government and their consequences in actual operation, and your
great Experience in the modern Systems that have been exhibited, will often put your
Patience to the tryal on hearing the many wrong-headed Projects and half-digested
Schemes that will be advanced by Men who really wish the Good of their Country. But the
Prejudices that have been infused into the honest Minds of many, who have been duped by
foreign Influence at bottom, tho’ they do not know it, will require the exercise of much
Patience and a continued course of Alteratives to set them right. Perhaps the most
pernicious effects on the last mentioned Class have originated in an artfull address to
one of the most amiable affections of the human Heart, I mean Gratitude. No arts have
been left untried to make the People believe that they are indebted to France for their
Liberty, Independence, and all the political Blessings that they enjoy as a Nation; and
that therefore they must be subservient to Her in all their national conduct. As this
sentiment is by no means founded in truth, I cannot help thinking that a systematical
course of addressing the People on this Subject from time to time in the publick Papers,
shewing them that their Liberty and Independence are not owing to the exertions of that
or any other Nation in our favour, will have a happy tendency to make them feel their
own Importance, and by degrees to free them from that supposed Dependence which is so
humiliating to our national Character. Perhaps also the exhibiting to our
People at large, at proper times, the true Picture of that Infidelity and Atheism which
have been substituted in France in lieu of the Christian Morals, may have a good effect
on many good People whose zeal for french Politicks will almost tempt them to think that
Christ may have “concord with Beliel.” 1

I sincerely congratulate the People of the United States of America
on their having you to take the Helm on the Resignation of the illustrious Washington;
wishing you all that Success in promoting the general Good which your Experience,
Wisdom, Virtue and Patriotism are so fitted to produce.

I am, with Sentiments of the highest Esteem, your affectionate
Brother

Richard Cranch.

P: S. I wish you to let me know as soon as possible your
Determination about purchasing my Farm, as I shall not offer it to any other Person
until I have your Answer. 2