Adams Family Correspondence, volume 3

John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 17 July 1778 Thaxter, John AA

1778-07-17

John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 17 July 1778 Thaxter, John Adams, Abigail

John Thaxter to Abigail Adams

Madam Philadelphia July 17th. 1778

In my letter of the 11th. inst.1 I mentioned the arrival of the 63French Ambassador at Chester. I am now to inform you that on the 12th. a Committee of Congress, escorted by a party of light dragoons, waited on him at that place to accompany him to this City. About two o Clock the same day he entered the City. The usual military salutes were paid him by two detached parties that were previously drawn up. After his arrival at Head Quarters 15 Canon were discharged—13 for the States, one for the King of France and one for the King of Spain.

Monsr. Gerard, the Ambassador, is a citizen of Strasbourg. He appears to be about fifty years of age. He is a grave Man and well calculated for the Embassy. He is easy and polite in his manners, without the least tincture of affectation; agreeable in his address and dignified in his demeanour. He burdens no one with a multiplicity and parade of Bows and Conges. He will soon have a public reception.2

The frontiers of this State have suffered exceedingly by Indians, the disaffected and British Savages. They have made a considerable Excursion and have marked their progress with depredation and bloodshed. Near 200 of our men have been slain, some murdered and others killed in battle. Detachments have been ordered up to check not only their incursions but to sack their towns and extirpate those blood hounds from the Earth. We must deal with them in their own way—promiscuous destruction is their rule and mode of Warfare.

I hope soon to have some agreeable News from New York. The French Fleet have arrived at Sandy Hook. The first news I will transmit, if authentick.

I beg Madam you will excuse this slovenly Scroll—it is the effects of hurry which will apologize for Your most obedt. Servt., J.T.

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: “july 17.”

10–11 July, above.

For other accounts of Conrad Alexandre Gérard and his arrival, which naturally stirred great interest, see Burnett, ed., Letters of Members , 3:325 ff.

John Quincy Adams to John Thaxter, 22 July 1778 JQA Thaxter, John

1778-07-22

John Quincy Adams to John Thaxter, 22 July 1778 Adams, John Quincy Thaxter, John

John Quincy Adams to John Thaxter

Dear Sir july ye 22 1778

It is with great pleasure That I write to you who have been so good and kind to me for which I fear I Shall never be able to repay you. I wrote to you just before I came from america which you have not answer'd but my Pappa received one from you about a week ago in which you said you was so much hurried that you could not write to me for which I was very Sorry for I Should take a great deal of 64pleasure in having a few lines from you when you have a little leasure time1

I am &c

LbC (Adams Papers); at foot of text: “to Mr. Thaxter.” Text is given here in literal style.

JQA's letter “from america” has not been found, but in a letter to AA of 13 March (Adams Papers) Thaxter mentioned having received it. Thaxter's letter to JA, received at Passy “about a week ago,” was that of 30 April, above.