The vessel which was up for Hamburgh by which I promised to write has changed her Voyage, and the vessel for London is just upon the point of sailing, so that I have only time to inform you that your old Friend William Vans Murray is appointed your successer.1 This will give you pleasure, because he is a sensible Worthy Man, and a firm Friend to his Country. You will now be released, and enabled to fulfill the most pleasing of all your engagements Heaven bless and prosper you.

Since I wrote you on this Month by the last post from Philadelphia, your Father sent me the Letters he had received from you, and your Brother. December 17 No 26. No 25 has not reachd here. Thomas was dated Novbr 25 & Decbr 12.2 both Letters gave us great pleasure. I have Written to Thomas and to you since your of Novbr to me. I do not however recollect whether I mentiond that both mrs Welch and I had received our table Linnen, which proved more satisfactory than the former.3

I Inclose to you the address of the Vice President upon his taking leave of the senate, their answer & his reply.4 all at present seems Harmony and internal Peace.— the Antis many of them say they are gratified by the Elections. We shall soon see how measures opperate. by the papers I see that the President issued notifications to the senate to convene, the day after he was sworn into office. the Vice President arrived and was Sworn at the same time. May peace and Harmony prevail. French influence declines, America is made to feel, and that has cleard the films from her Eyes.

It is impossible for any Man to carry with him into retirement, more fervent, more sincere and gratefull testimony of the Love, respect esteem and veneration; of a whole people; than is the happy portion of the Retireing Patriot.

I do not know when I shall go on to Philadelphia. I wish to defer it untill the Fall, but that will depend upon circumstances. I have not time to write again to Thomas. His Father says he must have him, here. I shall want him very much at Philadelphia. I hope he will not delay his return. I have a Number of cupons to send, but do not know of any Passengers and am fearfull of committing them to the post I shall embrace the first opportunity.6 I Should be glad to have Thomas bring me 20 yds of what is calld faun coulourd Sattin I will send him a Bill for the purpose by an early conveyance perhaps Mrs Johnson will undertake the commission for me

adieu my Dear son. When you arrive in England I hope to hear oftner from you, tho I presume Your stay will not be long there. the consul in Portugal you know when the Dangerous vice was written, the Author little thought of Such circumstances taking place as are now in being.7 it would ill become a King of France said Henry the 4th to avenge the Injuries of the Duke of Navare.8 I always admired the Dignity of that sentiment, but this does not prevent a watchfulness and a Distance.

I know not when to lay asside my pen. it must however be done least I lose the conveyance.

I am with every sentiment / of Love and tender regard / Your affectionate Mother

I inclose to you a pamphlet, The correspondence between the Secretary of state, and the French Minister, for my son J Q Adams. if upon receiving it, you have reason to think he has allready had it; from any other hand, you will retain it, untill his arrival in England.1 William Vans Murray, of the state of Maryland, is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to the Batavian Republick.

This Gentleman I presume, is well known to you, having resided Some years in England and studied in the temple. he is esteemed a Gentleman of abilities, and has acquired much reputation since he became a Member of Congress. he is considerd as a firm Friend to his Country, and a very able Man. Mr Adams will be gratified by this appo[int]ment of an old acquaintance and Friend, as his successor. he will be particularly gratified, in being permitted to return to England, to unite himself to the amiable Young Lady, whom he is desirious of presenting to me as a Daughter. in return Sir, I present You a son, whose value, requires not Maternal affection to estimate. they both receive my blessing and my fervent prayers for their future happiness.

your son was well a few days Since when I heard from him, and I believe, I may assure you, that he conducts himself with prudence and discretion.2

Present my compliments to Mrs Johnson. tell her that I hope it will not be many years, before she will feel an additional inducement to consider America as the permanant Seat of her future residence drawn heither by the double attraction of a son and 31 Daughter. The Letters addrest to your care for my sons be so kind as to forward

For Your Friend and Humble servant