My Dearest Friend

Since I wrote you by the last post I have received yours of 16 [John to Abigail, 16 February 1797] & 20th [John to Abigail, 20 February 1797] , which answers some of my questions respecting our domestick affairs. I have just written to Brisler, who by what I can find by her, seems to be balancing in his own mind what to do? He is as necessary to our Household as a vice president to the Senate. I do not know what ought to be given him, nor do I know what are the common wages of domesticks there. I presume not higher than they ask here, for they are very extravagant. I cannot say to you any thing with respect to arrangments, as I do not learn what has been done.

This day we have a Hurricane of a wind and as cold as Janry. Boston has sufferd by fire twice within a fortnight. 3 Roap walks and 3 or four dwelling houses were burnt when I was in Town, and on Sunday morning the Barns and stables of Deacon Phillips with a dwelling house, in which Mr. Turner the dancing master lived were consumed.

I received with your last Letters one from Mrs. Washington, and the one to you, from the President which I value very highly as a testimony to the worth and services of our dean Son, and from him whom I cannot suspect of flattery.

When you write to me, or to others omit the word Free and only put J Adams. This was the custom of the President, and do not leave any of my Letters in the way of your

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I have written our Sons by way of England. Are there any Letters from them?

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[Endorsement -- see page image]