Adams Family Correspondence, volume 10
I last Evening received Yours of March the 15 and 17th together with the Money you remitted. it was very fortunate in its arrival, for in half an hour after, I had two fine cows offerd me which I immediatly purchasd tho I gave 40 dollors for them. The sheep Lambd so 130 early, and my cows came in so early that we have expended more english Hay than I could wish, and they Rob’d my Horses to feed the sheep; The oxen upon Faxons place will be very little able to work when he goes of. he has carted so constantly this winter and Spring that he has batterd the Waggon wheels all to peices. but why should I perplex you with Domestick provocations, when you have so much trouble with the Political Machine. you are certainly what they Term the make weight in the Scale—which is a very important part, not so unimportant is your station as you have sometimes represented it. I believe from all I can learn that War is a very undesirable object with the people of the Eastern states. the Mercantile part, tho much opprest, became quiet, and determind to wait patiently the desision of Congress. the News of Yesterday, has given spirits, and a spring to every thing. the prospect of having their vessels liberated, and their trade freed from the late embarressments together with the continuation of peace has defused a general joy.1
I would fain believe that england will be too mindfull of their own interest to continue their abuse & they will be induced to make all reasonable compensation. I hope your constant & severe duty will not prove too hard for you. you may look forward to a charming Recreation and ample employ upon your Farms— I shall however do my best that nothing may essentially suffer before your return, but I look round and feel as tho I could find employ for 20 Hands
Your Mother continues to be gradually Mending. my own Family is getting better— I am too much occupied to have leisure to think myself sick.
mrs Brisler and Family are well. You will direct Brisler to give me Particular information with respect to the furniture
yours Affectionatly &c &c
RC (Adams Papers); addressed by JQA: “The Vice-President of the United States / Philadelphia.”; endorsed: “Mrs A. 28 March / ansd 7 April 1794.”
On 28 March the Massachusetts Mercury printed the news of Britain’s enacting its 8 Jan. Order in Council, for which see
TBA to AA, 23 March, and note 1, above.
I have scarcely a moment to acknowledge the Rect of your favour of 22 this instant put into my hand. I rejoice in the Recovery of my dear Mother and hope to see her, but I cannot say how soon.
We the old Sachems have enough to do to restrain the Ardour of our young Warriors.— We shall Succeed however, I still hope, in preventing any very rash steps from being taken. There is a dishonourable Motion before the House to sequestre or confiscate private Contracts: but it will not pass the House—if it should the senate will stop it.1
Break up as much as you please and sow as much as you think proper. I must leave All to you.— I cannot think of leaving senate yet. I sent you 500 dollars. purchase all the Tools &c that are wanted and stock.2
I am sincerely
I am grieved at the Dotage of the Lt Govr.. He is mad.
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Mrs A.”
On 27 March Rep. Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey proposed resolutions in the House of Representatives to sequester debts owed to British citizens as indemnification for the seizure of vessels by the British Navy and privateers in contravention to U.S. neutrality. Supporters argued that this was an appropriate response to British actions and that the United States had the right to reparations. Opponents, like JA, believed that under the law of nations, private debts should not be subject to reprisals and that such measures would undermine American credit. The resolutions were eventually superseded by other proposals and never formally approved (
Annals of Congress,
3d Cong., 1st sess., p. 535–556).
JA wrote to AA on 27 March sending her this money and “a fresh supply of Grass seeds” (Adams Papers).