Adams Family Correspondence, volume 3

John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 November 1779 JA AA

1779-11-14

John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 November 1779 Adams, John Adams, Abigail

John Adams to Abigail Adams

My dearest On Board the Sensible Novr. 14. 1779

We got all on Board last night, and began to make our Arrangements. Mr. Thaxter and Johnny, slept in a large Cott in the Council Chamber. Charles and I, in my old Apartment. We all rested well. Charles is much pleased, with the Novelty of the Scaene.

I stole on Board last night as silently as possible but as the Boat passed the Courier de L'Europe,1 all Hands came upon Deck and huzza'd in English, that is cryed Vive le Roi. And as We approached the Frigate, I saw all Hands mounting the shrowds and manning the ship, and 2 at our stepping out of the Boat, We were saluted, with another Vive le Roi.

Mr. Dana comes on Board, with Mr. Hancock in the Castle Barge at Nine or ten.

I had a Letter last night from M. Lovell, who complains that Portia dont write him, and another, kind Letter from R. H. Lee.3

Mr. Laurens and I were nominated for Holland. I suspect Laurens will be chosen and Lovel, go his Secretary.4

It is the Captains present Intention to fall down to Nantaskett Road to day.5 Day Day.6

J. Adams 235

RC (Adams Papers). Tr in CFA's hand (Adams Papers); prepared as printer's copy for CFA's edition of JA-AA, Familiar Letters , since it is designated “No. 253” at head of text and has an identifying note on Dana; but in the end it was not included.

The Courrier de l'Europe, a chasse marée which was, according to Marbois, “one of the best sailers in existence on any of the seas,” had accompanied the Sensible on the outward voyage, but was dismasted and lost in a storm on the return voyage (JA, Diary and Autobiography , 2:381, 404; 4:191–192; Eugene P. Chase, ed., Our Revolutionary Forefathers: The Letters of François, Marquis de Barbé-Marbois . . . 1779–1785, N.Y., 1929, p. 42).

MS: “at.”

James Lovell to JA, 1–2 Nov., accompanied by five pages of extracts from the Journals of Congress recording motions and resolves on the Atlantic fisheries and navigation of the Mississippi, Feb.–June 1779, and on financial arrangements for American ministers in Europe, including the nominations of JA and Henry Laurens to negotiate a loan in the Netherlands, 15–18 Oct. 1779 (Adams Papers). Richard Henry Lee to JA, dated at Chantilly, Va., 8 Oct. (Adams Papers, printed in R. H. Lee, Letters, ed. Ballagh, 2:155–156).

The first prediction was correct, the second mistaken.

The Sensible did not sail until the next day. “Bror. Adams sail'd by the Light-House about ten o Clock Monday Morning 15 Nov.; with a fair Wind. Genl. James Warren spent the Evening with him on Sunday, and left him in good Spirits. Mr. Dana was rather dull on the Occation” (Richard Cranch to Mrs. Cranch, Boston, 17 Nov. 1779, MHi:Cranch Papers).

Thus in MS.

John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 November 1779 JA AA

1779-11-15

John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 November 1779 Adams, John Adams, Abigail

John Adams to Abigail Adams

My dearest Portia Sensible off Cape Ann, Novr. 15th. 1779, two O Clock

We have a fine Wind, and in the Course of this Afternoon and Night expect to be clear of Georges Bank, and out of Danger of meeting the Romulus, and the other Rascal.

John, and Charles, as well as S. C. Johonnot,1 are all a little Seasick, but this will soon be over.

Mr. Dana, Mr. Thaxter and myself are yet pretty well, but expect our Turn soon.

We have strong hopes of escaping the Enemy upon this Coast. We follow the Advice of Knox the Pilot, who is a very good Hand.

My Love to my dear Nabby and Thommy. J. and C. send Duty and Love.

God grant me and my little Family a happy Passage, and you and your little Household, Health, and Comfort in our Absence. I hope this will be the last Seperation, We shall suffer from each other, for any Length of Time.—If I should find an Opportunity at Sea, which is not likely, I will write, but certainly by the first Opportunity and by all occassions from France.

Adieu, Adieu, Adieu. John Adams 236

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “Mrs. John Adams Braintree.” Tr in CFA's hand (Adams Papers); prepared for CFA's edition of JA-AA, Familiar Letters but in the end excluded.

Samuel Cooper Johonnot (1768–1806), son of the Boston merchant Gabriel Johonnot and grandson of JA's Boston pastor, Rev. Samuel Cooper, was being sent under JA's care to France for schooling. For a fuller note on Johonnot see JA, Diary and Autobiography , 2:418.