Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, December 14, 1800

Philadelphia 14 th: December
1800

Dear Sir—

The letter from Gen l: Pinckney to Gen l: Marshall apprising him of the
probable result of the South Carolina election, seems to be considered here
as deciding the great political contest, which has excited so much interest,
throughout the Continent, for some months past. 1 The issue is like to be different
from that which the federalists have, of late allowed themselves to
anticipate, and their disappointment is proportionably great. I must
confess, for my own part, that I have never counted with confidence upon the
votes of South Carolina, and from this distrust, as a New England Elector, I
could not have consented to give an equal support to the two Candidates, so that the Rhode Island Electors, who have
been sneered at
& vilified for their preference of yourself, on this occasion, acted in
my judgment, with an honest independence. I had calculated upon some
scattering votes in the other N England States, but from the returns yet
known, there were none.

You are to be relieved from the cares, the high
responsibility & the vexations of guiding the helm of State. Such is the
will of the sovereign people’s representatives— Be it so— You will carry
with you into retirement, the gratitude of many, the regret of some, and I
confidently trust, the veneration of all your
Countrymen, whether friends or foes. This is a reward beyond the reach of
intrigue or caprice, and were it the only inheritance left to your family,
they might esteem themselves rich in possessing this.

I have it in charge from M r: Ingersoll, the District Attorney to acquaint you with his fixed
determination to resign the Office he holds under your appointment, so soon
as it shall be ascertained that you are no longer to continue at the head of
affairs. 2 When he
communicated this intention to me he observed, that having come into office
under one system, he did not think fit to continue when that system was
likely to be changed. I said that in my opinion, M r: Jefferson would not remove him should he be chosen; M r: Ingersoll replied, that he was not in want of
the employment, and another person might be more agreeable, than himself, to
a future President.

The foregoing is the amount of the conversation, which
passed on this occasion; the result of which I was requested to communicate
to you.

I am with great respect & attachment / Your Son

T B Adams