Papers of John Adams, volume 12
I am Sorry to Acquant you that I am Now Confined in this Prison I was taken the 10th of June Last by the Queen Charlotte Priveteer Belonging to London and was Striped of all my Cloaths And Left Nothing only what I had on. Excuse my Freedom in Writeing to you for alitle Cash to Supply my Pesent Wants as I Reayly Stand in Great Need for it and if it should be my Lot to Come to france I make no Dout but I Shall be able to make you amends for it and if I Should not I am well Assured that my Fathe will Make you ample Satisfaction for it When I Left home your Family was all well Like wise your Father in Law and his Family.
155I have had Lately the Small Post and a heavy fit of Sickness after it but thank god I have got the Great Deal the Better of and hope to be Restored to my former Strength again.
I am Mr Thomas Vinton’s Son Liveing about a Mile and a half of you house my Sitwation wont pemit me to Write at Large So I Must Conclude With Whiching this few Lines may find You in a Perfect State of health So I Remain Your Humble Servant
This leater that you find in hear is to my father and I Shall Bee very much oBlige to you if you would Send it the first Chance that you have.
thomas Vinton
Thomas Vinton was one of several Braintree and Milton natives captured on the Salem privateer Essex. For the most detailed account of JA’s efforts on the prisoners’ behalf, see
Adams Family Correspondence
, 4:255–261.