Quincy May 10th 1794
My Dearest Friend
I received yours of April 27th
[John to Abigail, 27 April 1794]
and 30th
[John to Abigail, 30 April 1794]
together with the pamphlets last Evening. Two of them from the Spirit they breathe denote their origin to be of Southern extract. They are a counter part with the attacks upon the Secretary made last year in the House. I have ever thought with respect to that Man, "beware of that Spair Cassius." This might be done consistant with guidence, and without the illiberal abuse in many respects so plentifully cast upon him. The writers however discover too plainly that envy, pride and malice are the Sources from whence their opposition arises, in stead of the publick good. They are written in the Stile and Spirit of Honestus, a man [illegible] Malice and dispassionate ambition. At bottom you and I know that in two Instances the Letter writes Lies. "Most wicked by and from thence, if he could not be convicted on other instances. Yet we might Safely conclude that many things which he alledges against the Secretary are equally false, and I shall Say of the writer as the Son of battel says of Genet, that the Books which he abuses will outlive his malice and his [illegible] Letters: the North and South appear to be arranged very formidably against each other on politicks and one Judas appears from this quarter too conspicuous for
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for his
honour, or reputation.
Tis Said here that the Southern members have promised him the vice presidency the next Election if the Southern States force us into a War. I hope their Negroes will fight our Battles, and pay these real and haughty Aristocrats all the Service due to them, from the real and true republicans. The pamphlet upon prophesy I shall send to Mr. Cranch who has some time been upon the Subject, and told me not long Since, that he was persuaded we were entering upon the third War Trumpet. He has borrowed the last
volms. of Gebeline lately which he is delighted with. When I have read the
dreadfull Scenes which have past, and are still acting in France, when I behold so numerous and
powerfull an oration overturning all their old established forms both of Government and of Religion opposing and
baffeling so successfully so many powers, and that under no Government, that deserves the name, I have been led to contemplate it, as no common or natural event, arising from the pressure of any
increas'd burdens or any new infringment upon their priveledges, but the overruling hand of providence fulfilling great designs. It is the Lords work and it is marvelous in our Eyes. The
[?]of the cloud will pass over us and
thankfull may we be if justice and righteousness may preserve us from its
Artiliry.
We are very dry, quite as much so as the last Season. I aim at no rivalship.
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I only wish to
fullfill my duty and pursue that which Shall be for our mutual advantage. Yet I fear I shall be deemed an unprofitable Servant and that some things will be left undone; which ought to have been done. I have the satisfaction however of thinking that I am more
usefull here than I could be by residing at Philadelphia.
I have very little hopes to give you respecting our aged parent, who has had a relapse, and a very Severe one, but has Survived it, and is again better,tho mere Skin and bone, and unable to wacke a Step alone. Tis the decline of Nature aided by a long Sickness. Mr. Cranch has accepted the post office. I checke every rising wish and suppress every anxiousrising desire for your return. When I see how necessary you are to the welfare and protection of a Country which I love, and a people who will one day do justice to your memory the reflection however of always having done what you considered as your duty, will out weigh all popular breath and virtue be its own reward.
I am most Tenderly and affectionately Your
A. Adams
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Mr. Jeffry has sent me the english papers to the 6th of March, and I have been reading the parlimentary debates. The president must feel a pleasure & satisfaction at the justice done to his wise and prudent conduct, and the [illegible] paid to his merit, Britain has playd a [knavish?] Game towards us, the extent of which, even those who condemn her conduct towards Neutral powers, do not appear to be fully [apprizd ?]of, I see not but she must humble herself and that with the ruling powers in France, or be overwhelmd herself. Adieu Adieu
