Adams Family Correspondence, volume 14
th1799
I received last Evening yours of the 25—with a Heart filled with gratitude, for the many Blessings I have enjoyed through the 35 years of our union; I would not look upon a single shade in the picture; for if according to Rousseaus Philosophy, abstinence from what we delight in, is the Epicurism of Reason; I have had my full proportion of enjoyment;1
This day is very fine. I almost regreet to lose it; but as I cannot yet go into the city, I am certainly more comfortably & pleasently situated here than at an Inn. I shall not be any expence to the Family, as I know you would not permit it, yet I had rather the expence should be here, than at an Inn—
Guion will supply me with a Horse to Kinstone for 12 & half Dollors, and a Boy to bring the Horse back. he does not keep any Stage Horses— I think this is high. he calculates2 upon 5 days absence of his Horse. I do not know whether I shall be able to do better. Farmer is so lame that I fear he is ruind for Life, tho he walks better than he did— as to getting any more horses unless you were to part with Some you have, it Seems to me you will not know what to do with 43 them all, and they are a great expence, but you will do as you think best— I am out of conceit of young Horses for journeying, tho this which Brisler bought, is a hardy Hearty eating Horse. I think you will be pleasd with him—
I make no calculation for going further Southard. my inclination will lead me to Quincy if my Health will permit, as Soon as the Roads are fit for travelling.
Caroline Eyes are so bad that she is obliged to be shut up in a dark Chamber— the rest of the Family are all well
I am most affectionatly / Your
RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “President &c / Trenton.”
Jean Jacques Rousseau, Julie;
ou, La nouvelle Héloïse, Part VI, letter v.
The next four words are written at the top of the second page and partially obscured by a large ink blot. The letter resumes halfway down the page, beginning with a repetition of the four words.
th.1799
I have yours of 26 by Brisler and that of the 28th. this Morning.1 Thomas is in Phyladelphia and
Brisler with his Family are going off this morning in the Stage. He will
write me this Evening or tomorrow.— I expect to hear from you when and where you intend to Set out, and
where you intend to be.— The offices of Treasury & State are gone to
Phyladelphia. War, Navy & Law remain here, for particular private
reasons.
I hope Soon to hear that our Envoys have Sailed from
Rhode Island, that there may be no longer room for impertinent Paragraphs
fabricated by busy bodies who are forever meddling with Things they
understand not.— I expect they will Sail by the 1st of November.
I am ever
RC (Adams Papers); internal address:
“Mrs A.”
AA’s letter to JA of 26 Oct. was written in reply to JA’s of 24 Oct., in which he reported that his cold had been cured under the care of Mary and Sarah Barnes: “The kind Family where I am covered me with a bed of down, the finest Thing in the World. It has kept me warm.” In her response of 26 Oct., AA voiced her pleasure at his recovery but chided, “a Wife should never suffer a rival in kindness or attention; and when I return to Quincy I expect to find a covering of the same kind for You.” She wrote to JA again on 28 Oct., updating him on the health of family members, summarizing her travel plans, and seeking news on the return of government offices to Philadelphia (all Adams Papers).