William Smith to Abigail Adams, June 10, 1797

Boston. 10 th. June. 1797.

Dear Madam.

I was not more fortunate in the weather on my return, than I was
in going to Phila a. 3 days out 5 on the road it constantly
rain’d.— before this you have seen the Speech of our New. Gov. & the answers of
the Senate & House. this Election is as popular as any for some Years. the Answer
from the House pass d. as reported by the Com tee. without any debate or the least alteration. 1 the Printers of the Chronicle expected to have
made interest sufficient to be appointed printer’s. in this they have been
disappointed the Senate appointed the same as the last Year & sent to the House
their appointment one Member mov’d, as usual, to assign a Day for the choice, another
Member, D r Eustis mov’d to concur with the Senate, which
was immediately pass d. without debate. 2 this business for several Years past, has
taken up the House several Days. at present it appears to be the disposition of the
Court, not to enter into any trifling controversy but join & promote the best
interest of the Country— the Answer of the House to the President, we have just rec d. 3 as the
Members have not deliver’d their long Speeches (many of which I presume were wrote
before they left home.) I hope they will now proceed upon business. people differ very
much in their opinion, in this place respecting the arming of Merchantemen I believe
from what I have heard, it is generally against it. it is fear’d that the imprudent
conduct of many, wou’d have a tendency to involve us in, rather than extricate us,
from, a contest with F[rance.] from our last
accounts I think the […] greatest probability that a general peace will soon take
place. in Europe & that the Embassy from this Country will be well rec d.

M rs. S. & our Children are well
she joins me with Betsey in our best regards to you & the President.

I am Affec ly.

W m. Smith.

This will be handed you by M r. Cutts.
brother to our M r Cutts.
Ports o. 4