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Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 January 1797


My Dearest Friend

On Tuesday when I waited as usual on Mrs. W. after attending the Levee, She congratulated me very complaisantly and Affectionately are on my Election and went farther and Said more than I expected. She Said it gave them great Pleasure to find that the Votes had turn'd in my favour, &c. I doubted whether their Prudence would have ventured so far. I believe it Sincere.

Yet however the Stewart was very active and busy for Jefferson. This was from Jealousy of Brisler, no doubt. He expected that Jefferson would have taken him, I Suppose, and his Principle was as good as McKeans.

Gerry is Steady, while so many prove as Slippery as Eels.



Dined Yesterday with Major Jackson in Company with General Lincoln who lodges there. Married to Miss Willing who is an agreable Woman and comfortably provided for by an Office, he lives  [illegible in a neat and elegant Taste: but I believe prudently.

Mr. Ames and a few more, made a very Social set and We enjoyed Ourselves without Alloy.

The most unpleasant Part of the Prospect before me, is that of remaining here till June or July. I cant see my grass and Barley grow nor my Wall rise. I have however almost forgotten my Farm. It appears very differently to me. It seems as if I ought not to think about it.

The River is frozen so that nothing can get out. Besides flour is dearer here than at Boston by one third.


It has rained to day like a flood. But the Weather must be very warm and continue so many days before the River can open. There is no probability of it, for some time.

If it opens in Season I shall Send Some grass Seeds.

I will not Suffer the Bushes I have cut down to grow again: but I shall not attend much to my Farm. My whole Time and Thoughts must be devoted to the Public. As long as Trask lives I shall have enough for him to do perhaps.

I hope Billings will come to himself and get your Wood.

I think of you and dream of you and long to be with you. But I Suppose this must not be yet.

My Duty and Love to all.
J.A


[Endorsement -- see page image]



Cite web page as: Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 January 1797 [electronic edition]. Adams Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society. http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/
Original manuscript: Adams, John. Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 January 1797. 4 pages. Original manuscript from the Adams Family Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Source of transcription: Adams Papers Editorial Project. Unverified transcriptions.
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