Papers of John Adams, volume 20

To Peter Thacher

From William Tudor

483 To John Adams from William Temple Franklin, 25 February 1791 Franklin, William Temple Adams, John
From William Temple Franklin
Sir, London, 25th: 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.

W. T. Franklin.—

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The honble / J. Adams Esqr. / &c.— &c—”; endorsed by CA: “W T. Franklam / Feb 25th: 1791.”

1.

Of 16 Oct. 1790, above.

2.

The Pigou, Capt. Collet, reached Philadelphia on 23 April 1791 (Philadelphia Federal Gazette, 23 April).