Philadelphia Jan. 12. 1796
My Dearest Friend
The inclosed Letter, which I received this morning will give you more Pleasure than any Thing I can write you.
I have received your favour of the 3d. of this month
[Abigail to John, 03 January 1796]
and am much afflicted at the News of your painful Hand and more still with your Rhumatic Affections. Your Account of farming is rather too concise.
The Weather here is as moderate as Spring. A little snow falls and is immediately washed away by plentiful Rains which are soon followed by soft Weather and South westerly Winds.
A Calm in Politicks: but anxious Expectations from Europe.
I dined last Week at the French Ministers with the virtuous ten, the virtuous Mr. Gallatin, Mr. Dallas and others. The Speaker of the House was there.
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Mr. Adet called upon me for a Toast and I gave "An happy Success to the new Government in France" which I wish with all my heart, without much hope of its long duration.
Emulation in the Directory will soon produce Divisions, Jealousies, Envy, hatred and every Evil Word, Thought and Work.
Between ourselves, Every Person I meet believes The P. is determined unequivocally to retire. This is more interesting to Us than to any other Family because it necessitates me to determine whether I shall unequivocally retire too or not.
Think of it and say nothing to any one but your
J. A.
Mrs. A.
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[Endorsement -- see page image]
