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My Dearest Friend
I yesterday received your several Letters inclosing those from Thomas. I do most sincerely rejoice in their Safety and Welfare of our sons. I hope I am not unmindfull of the repeated favours of Providence towards my Family, in protecting and preserving them both by Sea and Land. May the same gracious Providence continue to Guard them, and to make them usefull in the various Stations in which they may be called to act.
I had heard by a vessel which arrived at Marblehead, that there was a Letter from Mr. Dickinson, mentioning that the two Mr. Adams's dinned with him on some day in October. The captain says he read in a Gazzet, the Treaty between Great Britain, and America signd sometime in Novbr. but by some accident he came a way without the papers. If so important a matter is expected to come before Congress daily, I cannot urge you against your Duty. I understand that this Captain reports, that a vessel saild several days before him with dispatches from Mr. Jay.
You will see that the News Boy did not escape a comment from me.Honestus's Father meeting Mr. Storer in the Street, stopd him and asked him, if he had seen the Centinal of the Day, to which he replied Yes, well have you read that infamous poetry, that Libel upon the Govenour: Yes. Well is not shamefull that our Printers should publish such rascally scandelous stuff. Russel coppied it from the Hartford paper. No matter replies the old Man. He ought to be punished for printing such a vile thing. Pray Mr. Austin have not other printers taken greater Latitude? Upon which the old Gentleman walkd off.
The third trial, there will be more exertion on both sides.
We last night had a very pentifull southerly Rain which carried of all the Ice and what little Snow there was, but we have not had it upon a level, on a inch deep. When ever our people could sled Stones, they have applied themselves to those in the common and have only got down the first wall. It employ Joy and Shaw more than a Week to sled down the manure from Joys place. He had 8 load of summer manure. We shall be very dilligent, or rather as much so as I can prevail upon them to be. Elisha Shaw want no stimulous. He is all Mrs. Hobart described him. Mr. White her Father died this week very suddenly. He mounted his Horse and road a few steps and fell of Dead.
I have purchased three Tons of Hay. Captain Baxter from the Neck brought me a Tax Bill of a Hundrd and 50 Dollars for the last Year. I told him I could not pay it till March. He was very desirious to have a part of it to prevent an execution being leveld by the State treasurer against him; so I told him I would pay him your proportion of the Hale tax.
Remember me kindly to all Inquiring Friends, and be assured of the sincere affection of your A Adams.
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[Endorsement -- see page image]