Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, May 28, 1802

Philadelphia 28 th: May
1802

Dear Mother.

I have your favor of the 23 d: inst:
before me. The Country looks so pleasant and inviting in the vicinity of this City, that
I have no difficulty in conceiving the beauties of Quincy farm, at this moment. I have
lately passed some days, at different intervals, in the Country, and found much benefit,
from the change of air. As to the accident, which befel me, I should scarcely have
thought it worth while to notice it, if I had not apprehended the news might have
reached you from some other quarter, with exagerations. I feel, at present, no ill
effects from it, though the wrist of my left hand is yet somewhat weak. It was no vanity
of horsemanship, that caused my attempt to ride a vicious beast; he carried me out very
quietly, and I had no suspicion of his unfair behavior, until it was too late to think
of any thing, but how I should save my neck. Few people, I think, would have got off better, or with so little injury, as I did. This, you will say, is a
proof of my vanity, but I have suffered so slightly, that I must be indulged in a little
boasting. One of the evils of poverty, which I experience is the want of an horse. I was
compelled to retrench that expence, a twelvemonth ago, and shall not encounter it again,
until I can better afford it.

It gives me pleasure to hear of my brother’s good health. His cares
are much lessened by being relieved from the arduous duties of a foreign Minister, and
finding himself once more in the bosom of his family, among friends & relatives, who
take an interest in his affairs. I believe he will prosper very well, where he is, and
nothing ought to persuade him from remaining there. It is no privilege to be a Senator
in Congress, in these times. Let those who aspire to the honor, take their turn in
laboring for the public.

You will hear of M rs: Washington’s
death before my letter can reach you, and mourn, in common with all, who knew her. 1 She shared largely in the esteem of the
public, both for her own & her husbands merits; and she has left to her descendants
a rich inheritance, in her “spotless reputation.” 2

The death of M r: Johnson is an
overwhelming calamity to his family, and I am utterly at a loss to divine the
consequences, which must attend it. I hear the family intend removing to Frederic, where
the greater number of their relatives live.

I send you herewith the Aurora of the day, just as a specimen of
his baseness & impudence. 3 I do hope
it will fall to this villain’s lot to be hanged.

With love & duty to all friends I am, dear mother / Your
son

Thomas B Adams.