I have no doubt that you retain such an Interest in my happiness as to rejoice with me in the birth of another son.1 The boy appears strong and healthy and the mother seems very well.— The feelings of a Parent will easily account for such an Event being uppermost in my mind at this time.—

When I wrote last to my friends at Quincy, it was my determination to have enter’d again into the Profession of the law in this place, and gradually to have withdrawn myself from the business of Mr. Morris in proportion as my own should increase. For this purpose, Mr. Morris had engaged to send me a law library from Philada. 2—but since that time I have received a letter from my brother Webster in NYork in which he proposes to me to join him in publishing a dayly paper in Boston similar to the Minerva, and a Country Gazette like the Herald—of which it is intended that I shall become the Editor—the proceeds of Mr. Webster’s share of the Stock to be applied to the relief of my father Greenleaf’s family— The facts stated by Mr. Webster are, that his Stock at N York does not exceed 2,000 Dols. the net produce of which is at least 5,000 Dols. per Annum, vizt. 250 per Cent.— This he assures me is the fact, and that he has no doubt but that a similar and equally profitable establishment may be made at Boston in the Course of 18 months or two years.— To this proposal I have given my assent provided I can get clear of the business at Washington and raise my proportion of stock; both which I think I shall be able to accomplish.—3

The principal objection to my becoming an Editor of a Gazette, is, that I am the Nephew of the President—for I could not exercise my own judgement and at the same time prove myself not under influence—and whatever sentiments the Nephew might express would not fail to be attributed to the Uncle.— In fact, we should never hear the last of “Uncle & Nevvy”. But the theme would soon become as threadbare and disgusting as the Epithets and phrases with which Bache every day so fastidiously blots his paper.— I shall 177 178 have little regret in bearing my part of the abuse; but I hesitate when I think what new slanders it may call forth against a Character I so much venerate.—

Nancy joins in respectful remembrance of yourself and Mr. Adams with your truely affectionate and obliged

Your favour of June 19th I duly received1 indisposition has prevented my replying to you before. the President regreets the feeble and infirm state of Health which prevents his old and tried Friend from the acceptance of an Embassy he was personally so well qualified for. it was with great apprehensions from that circumstance only, that he made the nomination and the critical state of the Country required an immediate appointment, which prevented his consulting any Gentleman previous to his Nomination. he has made a second, but not without a similar apprehension— The reasons which have prevaild upon the Judge to decline the appointment are satisfactory to his Friend the abuse and calumny which is thrown out by a party upon every Character, on this side the Potomack, who is appointed to any office of concequence, is a calamity under which the best Friends of the Country are obliged to suffer, and it requires no common share of integrity, and consiousness of pure motives to support a Man under the ordeal. this abuse too originates and is issued forth from the pens of foreigners, who having forfeited the Priviledges of their own Country, abused insulted & conspired against its Government, have fled or been driven to seek an assylum in this, which they are full as Sedulous to embroil and destroy I have been credibly informd that most of the insolent communications in Bache paper are the productions of a Man of this cast. a 179 publication in Greenleafs paper reprinted in the Aurora has roused all my indignation.2 It is as you will see a base attack upon the Character of the Judge in his official Character. I had my doubts for some time whether I ought not to have forwarded it immediatly. I wrote to Charles to see if he could discover the Author. he returnd me for answer that he could not, but thought some Friend ought to send it the Judge, as he conceived it actionable3

I inclose the paper. it contains an other speculation which will not escape the Judges notice. by some persons it is asscribed to Vollney—4

My dear Madam the situation of our Country becomes daily more and more Dangerous, and I fear we shall find ourselves involved in a War wholy unprepaird for it, a War which we have not provoked, but by patient suffering and forbearence shewn a sincere desire to cultivate Harmony & Peace. I hope the negoation may be successfull.

I am grieved to hear that your Health declines. I cannot press you to a journey this way at this season. it is my intention to flee from hence as soon as possible, I hope to my Native state. I shall then promise myself the pleasure of seeing both the Judge & you at Quincy. the President unites with me in wishing both of you a more confirmd state of Health and in assuring you of our attachment and persevering Friendship