Quincy March 29th. 1797
My Dearest Friend
I received the inclosed Letters to day after having been myself a borrower of Genll. Lincoln of three Hundred Dollors which I expect to pay away tomorrow, having waited untill the last day when I could expect a remittance which would enable me to fulfill my Word.
I also inclose my answers to the Letters. I wish I could have complied with the request. I was going to Weymouth, and met Dr. Briggs on the road who deliverd me the Letters, who told me he had the securities ready [illegible] drawn with him. He intimated that if you would give any incouragement to let him have the money in the course of a month, that it would do. I told him I could not make any engagement, nor could I say a word by way of encouragement. I could only say that I would agreable to request inclose the Letter.
I have felt very anxious about your cold. I wish you to get a portion of Rhubarb and calomel, and take. If you was to repeat it, in the course of 5 or 6 days it would be of service to you at this season of the year, when you usually require some medicine of that kind, and the more so as you will not so early get your annual ride and which tho grevious for the time, was never the less salutary.
My man whom I valued so highly is bid out
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of my Hands both by John Newcomb and William Baxter. They have both bid upon each other, till they have mounted up to 20
Dollors pr. Month for him for 8 months. I
offerd him more than I dare tell, and
risk'd hireing him a Year. They want him to follow the market, of which he is very capable. I could not think of giving him such a price for Farming, and so he goes the first of April from me, and I have again to seek a hand.
Adets visit to the President has reachd Boston and conjectures, and speculations, what might be the purport of it, are Numerous. He could not go in a publick Character, his functions having been suspended. Beside had he communications, they must go through the Secretary of State. As a private Man he cannot transact publick buisness.
What would I give to sit down alone with you, and converse some hours. I want to see you; daily, [illegible] and a beor hear from you. If you were to send your Letters to the post office on post days, as they were written I think I should hear from you oftner than once a week. I do not know where they stop, as I sometimes get the Quincy mail on other days than Thursday, but seldom or ever find it to contain a Letter for your affectionate
Abigail Adams
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[Endorsement -- see page image]
