Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 20

From Pierce Butler

From Sylvanus Bourne
John Adams to John Trumbull, 13 January 1790 Adams, John Trumbull, John
To John Trumbull
My dear Sir New York January 13. 1790

I am at length determined to omit no longer to write to you.— You read yourself to death. this let me tell you, is a Sin and a crime. Whether it is not of a deeper die, than, intemperate Indulgences of the Bottle or the Girl, is a Case of Casuistry. You know best whether You are guilty of it, or not. if you are I enjoin upon You, Pennance, 215 either of a Walk of five miles a day, all at one time before dinner, or a Seat in some house of Representatives, at your option.

Given under my hand at New York this 13. of Jan. 1790

John Adams.

RC (MiD-B:William Woodbridge Papers); addressed: “John Trumbull Esqr / Counciller at Law / Hartford”; endorsed: “Honl. John Adams / Feby 13. 1790”; notation by JA: “Free / John Adams.”