My Dearest Friend

I last evening received yours of the 12th [John to Abigail, 12 May 1794] and 15 [John to Abigail, 15 May 1794] . The Weather for Several Days past has been extreem Hot, and as to the drought it is much than last year. We have not had half an inch of rain for two Months and scarcly Sprinkle for more than a month. Neither corn or potatoes can get up, and the few things in the garden wilt like July. I am most discouraged at Farming. I have however succeeded tolerably in keeping of the canker worm, tho some few have eluded all my vigilence. The caterpillars are also very numerous. Every day convinces me of the necessity of an over seer for all the Farms or some other pirates have made sad havock with the fence. We have already been obliged to carry up loads from here and every day new wants arise, and every neighbour is preying upon us. This place I can command but the other peice has been too long for plunder to be easily relinquished. We have attended to the Salt meddows, and been obliged to sit a fence against Jonathans pasture. The embargo is a very popular measure here and there is much anxiety least it should be discontinued. Flouer and Grain have risen in a few days as well as

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Lumber. There will be Speculators whilst there is Commerce. The report respecting the Election of Mr. Adams is I believe wholy unfounded. I never heard such a suggestion. The people were much united on him, and those who did not wish him to be Governor voted for him as Lieut. Governor. The Jacobines have carried their prints so far as to get Several of their Friends chosen representatives for Boston. The meeting was thin, and but little pains taken by the Friends of good order who always rest too Secure of the justice of their cause, yet having had a full view of Southern politicks and Southern Elections, I begin to think we are much the greatest part of the union, Much as [they] hold Britain in disdain and abuse her constitution, they have adopted the most pernicious part in the most corrupted Stage and a packe of Negro drivers, they deserve chains themselves. I think you must be near exhausted by the length of the Sessions and your constant attendance.

I am glad to learn that Thomas is gone into the Country upon a circuit. I hope he will get into Business.

Your Mother remains much as she has been for some time past; Remember me to all inquiring Friends. Mrs. Brisler and Family are well, his Boy half Grown up.

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I hope Congress will soon rise and that without doing any more mischief.

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