My dearest Friend

I received yours of Novbr. 9th, 11th [John to Abigail, 11 November 1794] , 12, and l4th [John to Abigail, 14 November 1794] . You are made easy respecting the election of Mr. Ames tho I believe that many of the Electors would not bear a strict scrutiny any more than Jarvis's party. I fear that in one sense evil was done, that good might come of it. There was no other way of parrying the Stroke, but making use of similar weapons and as Hudibrass had it, "to Combat evil, tis Lawfull to employ the devil."

Where is Mr. Strong? If I did not see some good Mens Names amongst the absent I should suppose that it was concerted measure amongst the Antifeds to prevent Congress from proceeding to Business. They testify their Chagrine by their disinclination to attend. Tis said Burr, is Electioneering. I hope the next accounts will bring us News of a Senate and the Presidents Speach, which is impatiently looked for.

Clinton I presume did not marry his daughter to Genett to obtain popularity. I should suppose it would be an injury to him.

Mr. Cranch writes his Mother how highly he was gratified by his visit with you to the President. I am grieved for him. His loss in cloaths is considerable, but his Books were of much more value and concequence to him. Mr. Daltons projects at his time of Life allways appeard wild to me. To be but the first in a village, is, preferable to the second in None and is one of the first maxims in the Catalogue of Ambition.

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This principal mean the Man's Palace, which in Splendor is to out shine the Bingham House, and the Gallery of pretty fashions will find employment for the Ladies. But not till the Two Young Ladies come forth as Models, for to be first, is the Charm.

As your Friend is not endowd with the Means, tho you have sometimes chargd her with the inclination of following a head, she can at least boast that she is contented with what is allotted her, and would rather aim at the Character given by Solomen by rising whilst it is yet Night, and giving meat to her House hold and a portion to her Maidens.

The Business performd since I wrote last, is that of casting 30 load of Manure upon the Hill, getting up some sea weed for Banking houses and finishing splitting Hills upon this place. Thanksgiving Day and a visit to Abington by the two Shaws, has broken the week. 70 load of Sea Weed have been spread upon the clover and orchard. The Meddow shall be attended to if there is time after splitting Hills at the other place.

I have not made any use of the order. The Time draws nigh when you can transmit me what I have occasion for. If Savil calls before I will borrow of the Dr. My Tennants quarters will be up in December. Be so good as to tell Brisler to send me a couple of Baines flower. 9 Dollars is the price here. As to Rye flower, I will wait till Spring. It may fall but I question it. Not a Bushel of Rye has been at market for some weeks I am told by people who want, 7 Shillings pr Bushel

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was the last price. Mr. Cranch says if you will subscribe for Fennos papers for him, as post Master, they shall come to me free of postage.

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