Papers of John Adams, volume 20
th:Feb. 1791.
In the Letter you did me the honor of writing to me1 previous to my Departure from Philadelphia, you intimated a Wish to be informed of the Progress of French Liberty.— I have not yet been able to go over to the Continent—but shall in a few Weeks, when I will endeavor to comply with your Desire, relative to the Revolution that is effecting in France.—
In the meantime, I have taken the Liberty of sending you (by the Pigou) some important Works, that that Event has given rise to lately; and which indeed interest the Liberties of Mankind in general.—2
From every thing that I have hitherto been able to learn of the
Proceedings in France,—I have no Doubt of the Revolution terminating favorably to
Liberty—& Good-Government.— And notwithstanding the present apparent Prosperity
& Tranquility of this Country, I think the Seeds of a Revolution are sown here, and
the Harvest not far off:—for however the theoretical Part of the Constitution may be
justly admired, the practical Part is replete with
Corruption; which must ere long, produce a violent Fermentation.— Happy!—thrice happy,
America!!
With sentiments of Respect & Esteem, / I am, Sir, Your most
obedient / & very humble Sert.—
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The honble / J.
Adams Esqr. / &c.— &c—”; endorsed by
CA: “W T. Franklam / Feb 25th: 1791.”
Of 16 Oct. 1790, above.
The Pigou, Capt. Collet, reached
Philadelphia on 23 April 1791 (Philadelphia Federal
Gazette, 23 April).