William Cranch to John Adams, December 11, 1790
Braintree Dec r. 11. 1790.
Sir,
Having neglected writing to you for so long a time, for which I can
form no possible Apology, except a general aversion to writing, I feel a degree of
diffidence, in again addressing you—and being destitute of political information, I am
ignorant how I shall render a letter acceptable. 1 I have yet to acknowledge the receipt of two
favours from you, of the 14 th , &
31 st of last March , the
latter of which inclosed the Character of an honest Lawyer. I obeyed your commands
respect the printing of it, as far as I could. I regret that the vices of indolence,
drunkeness, captiousness & ignorance should render it inapplicable to so great a
number of the profession in this County. There are however enough left yet, I hope, to
keep up the remembrance of that Character, and to invalidate that popular opinion, that
every lawyer must be a dishonest Man.
I am sorry to hear that the County of Barnstable, have probably
made choice of one of the Profession, for their Representative in Congress, whose
intemperance has already ruined his own Character, and will, I fear bring disgrace upon
the Commonwealth. It is said that the influence of General Freeman, decided the choice.
His utmost Exertions were used, in order to remove Mr Bourne, that the General’s Son,
who has just entered the Profession, may step into Mr Bourne’s business. 2 A selfishness of Principle which, it appears to
me, the good People of the District ought to resent.
All this, Sir, you may possibly have heard before—I am so little
engaged in the political way at present, that I am almost the last person in the County
to whom the News comes. My Sphere of Politics, like the Magician’s Circle, includes only
myself; and my principle object in view at present is to obtain a support. It is
extremely disagreable to me to be obliged to be dependant, even upon the goodness of a
Parent, after having arrived at the Age of Manhood— I am still, however, necessitated to
submit to that Condition. I do not complain that business comes no faster. I know not
what right I have to expect more. For some time at least, it must be accident only that
can bring me Clients—
I find myself, Sir, very ignorant of the Civil law. Where shall I
begin my Course of Study in that branch? I have presumed, Sir, to trouble you with this
request, relying upon that readyness to afford Instruction which I have so often
experienced, and for which I hope I shall always feel Grateful.
Our friends here are all well— We feel extremely [an]xious
concerning my Aunt’s health— We have not yet heard of her Arrival at Philadelphia— We
regret that your distance from us is increased & are waiting with impatience for the
Spring in Expectation of a visit from you & my Aunt, when none of your friends or
Relations will receive you with more sincere Respect, duty or Affection than your
obliged Nephew
William Cranch.