My dearest Friend

I received Your kind favour of the 24th of Jan'ry [John to Abigail, 24 January 1793] together with the Newspapers. The Writings of the American Mirabeau, if he is an American and those under the Signature of Cincinnatus are insolent indeed, and are in Unison with a [illegible] Number of papers published in the Boston Chronical calld the Crisis, supposed to be written in Philadelphia and sent here for publication as I was told in Boston that there was a Club, who were in constant correspondence with the S.- y of State. Those papers are leveld at the Government; and particularly against Hamilton, who will however I hope stand his ground. A very virulent peice has appeard in the same paper signd Stephen Colona Threatning the Government with the vengence of a hundred thousand Men if certain Characters formerly Stiled Antifeaderal were not more noticed and appointed to office. This writer says that the Constitution was addopted by Means of Artifice Cagoiling deception and he believes corruption. I read the peice at the time it was published, but had no Idea that the Author could be our former P.-h Friend. A very good answer followd it written; by Mr. Davis, signd Publius with a quotation, as the introduction from the Play called the Ladies of Castille.

---

I received a Letter to day from our daughter dated Novbr. The Col. children &c were all well. She writes that our Minister complains loudly of expences that he had no Idea of them. Mrs. P. complains of the impudence of trades people in that Country. They must be strangly alterd, for I never saw more civility in any country. Nay I have often been surprized at their confidence in strangers. But perhaps these people have been accustomed to Slaves, and expect the same servility. Mr. M. [Morris] renders himself very obnoxtious in France by an active and officious Zeal in favour of the Aristocracy. He has lately been obliged to keep close, for the Jacobines declare that if he was not an American with a commission from Washington they would have had his Head upon Pike long ago. They are astonishd that such a character should he sent them. Short tis said is very voilent in Holland. Humphries is really going to marry a Lady of Ample fortune. His Countrymen who have been in Lisbon speak highly of his polite attention to them, but complain that they are not noticed by others. Mrs. Smith had visited Mrs. Beach who was well and vastly pleased with England. If there is any vessel going from Philadelphia pray write to Mrs. Smith for she complains very much that She does not hear from her Friends. Tis uncertain whether She returns in the Spring.

---

I had a Letter to day from Charles. He writes me that he had been sick with a fever which prevaild very much in N. York, but was quite recoverd. We have had a fortnight of Sad Weather here one day very cold the next a warm rain and thaw. This has convinced me that I am still to suffer from my former complaint. I have been attacked with the old intermitting and am still struggling with it.

We have accomplishd drawing home the remainder of the Timber: and Shaw has been employd with Faxon and two other hands whom I have hired in getting stuff from the Ceadar Swamp, in which they have found four or five pine Trees, old and fit for Boards. These I have had cut and drawn to the Saw Mill, We hope to get 2 thousand of Boards from them. We still have to cut and draw from the Woods Trees for Jistes, but our Snow comes and lies only a day or two, by which means we do not accomplish all we wish.

My affectionate Regards to all inquiring Friends. Tell Benson I do not know what he means by abusing me so. I was always for Equality as my Husband can Witness. Love to Thomas, from your affectionate

---

[Endorsement -- see page image]

[Envelope -- see page image]