Adams Family Correspondence, volume 12

Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 20 March 1797 Johnson, Louisa Catherine Adams, John Quincy

Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams

London March 20th 1797

I have recieved your letter of the 6 which gave me infinite satisfaction your approbation love and esteem being my greatest ambition and delight—

My father talks of embarking early in July and preparations are making for our removal—1 I almost wish the time was arrived— though I know the advantages resulting from it, to the whole family, I cannot help regreting the necessity, of our renewed seperation however I know it must be, my friend, and though a kind of forced philosophy, I endeavor to be contented—

I presume Mr. Humphrys does not regret his detension at Lisbon, as it certainly must be more agreeable to him, to remain some time with his Lady’s family, after his marriage, than to quit the Country immediately—2

I have lately been reading Lord Chesterfields letters to his Son,3 and think them very good, though he does mention the Ladies with so much severity—I cannot say I admire his sentiments altogether, they were written by a courtier, and addressed to one whom he intended should be the same. therefore I am not able to judge how proper such sentiments may be in such a situation— I dare say you have read them, and I should like to hear your opinion—

All the family desire to be remembered, and my father wishes to know, if you would have any letters, he may recieve for you, forwarded by the Mails, as he says they sometimes remain with him a considerable time, for want of private opportunities—

Present my respects to your brother, and be assured, I shall invariably remain, your tenderly attached,

Louisa. C. Johnson

RC (Adams Papers).

The Johnson family would not depart until 9 Sept.; for details of their travels, see vol. 11:275. Upon their arrival, the Johnson family lived in Georgetown, D.C., for which see William Cranch to AA, 21 Nov., and to JQA, 5 March 1798, both below.

44 2.

For Ann Frances Bulkeley Humphreys, see vol. 9:395.

Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, Letters Written by the Late Right Honourable Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, to His Son, Philip Stanhope, first published in 2 vols., London, 1774.

John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 March 1797 Adams, John Adams, Abigail

John Adams to Abigail Adams

My dearest Friend Philadelphia March 22d. 1797

Last night for the first time I slept in our new House.— But what a Scene! The Furniture belonging to the Publick is in the most deplorable Condition— There is not a Chair fit to sit in. The Beds and Bedding are in a woeful Pickle. This House has been a scene of the most scandalous Drunkenness and Disorder among the servants, that ever I heard of. I would not have one of them for any Consideration. There is not a Carpet nor a Curtain, nor a Glass nor Linnen nor China nor any Thing.1 Dont expose this Picture.

This morning I recd your favours of March 12 and 13th.— I am highly pleased with your Criticisms and Observations on my Adieus to the Senate, their Answer and my Reply. Before now you have a long Speech, which I hope you will descant on as learnedly and ingeniously.

As to the farms I must leave all to you and Dr Tufts. Let Trask clear all the Bushes in Curtis’s Pasture. I want to have clean Work made there. You have not mentioned My Mares nor Colts— Are the Mares in a Way to breed Us Horses?

I have procured five Horses, which with my little fellow at home, will be all I shall keep.

As to Public affairs all is Suspence at present— Nothing can be determined till further and more Authentic Accounts arrive.

I never wanted your Advice & assistance more in my Life.— My Country will not always oblige her Public Men to make Brick without Straw— As soon as I shall be out of the Question, their Presidents will go on Swimmingly whoever lives to See it. But it is wicked to complain.

I have not been able to receive any Company. And the House will not be fit for some time.

I am with all Affection and / ardent Wishes for your Society

J. A.

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Mrs A”; endorsed: “March 22 / 1797.”

In February George Washington made an inventory of goods—both public and private—in the presidential mansion in Philadelphia. About the condition of the furnishings he wrote: “Nothing herein has been said relatively to the Table Linnen, Sheeting, 45 China and Glass-ware which was furnished at the expence of the United States; because they have been worn out, broken, stolen and replaced (at private expence) over & over again.” He also noted that “except a few of the most durable articles” none of the kitchen furnishings remained and that “the Carpets also are entirely worn out.—all on the floors, at present, have been purchased on private account.” In a letter to Washington of 15 March, Tobias Lear described the condition of the house, “now preparing for the President … everything will be in as good order as it can be put.” Lear further described the results of a public auction of some of the furnishings in which “The Lustres—Stoves & other fixtures in the House will be taken by the President at cost or a fair valuation. There is nothing to be sold of the public furniture.” On 20 March Lear further reported to Washington that the house had been vacated on the 18th but that it would be “some days yet before Mr Adams can take up his own residence in it as they are putting new Carpets on the floors and talk of having the Rooms painted,” neither of which appears to have happened (DLC: George Washington Papers, 1741–1799, Series 4, General Correspondence, 1697–1799; Washington, Papers, Retirement Series , 1:37, 38).