Richard Price to John Adams, February 8, 1787

Newington: Green Feb: 8 th: 1787 1

Dear Sir

When I writ to you last week to return you my thanks for the instruction and pleasure given me by your Defence of the American Constitutions I had no reason to expect that you Should give yourself the trouble of making any reply to it. 2 I am therefore the more obliged to you for your letter; and I cannot make myself easy without Sending you a few lines of acknowledgm t: — The circumstance you mention that your Book was written and the materials for it collected Since Sept r: last makes me think more highly of the ability that produced it; and I cannot be Sorry that I have given occasion for it by the publication of M r Turgot’s letter. At the time of this publication I was entirely ignorant that you had deliver’d any opinion with respect to the Sentiment in the passage to which you have objected. I have lately writ Several letters to America, and in Some of them I have taken occasion to mention your publication, and to Say that you have convinced me of the main point which it is intended to prove, and that I wish I had inserted a Note to Signify the difference of opinion between M r Turgot and me on that point. The Subject of civil governm t: , next to religion, is of the highest importance to mankind. It is now, I believe, better understood than ever it was. Your book will furnish a help towards farther improvem t ; and your country will, I hope, give Such an example of this improvem t as will be useful to the world.

With Sincere wishes that you and M rs Adams may enjoy all that can make you most happy, and under a grateful Sense of her and your kind attention and civility, I am, S r , respectfully and affectionately / Yours

Rich d: Price