Adams Family Correspondence, volume 12
th1797
Dr Tufts has been consulted by me respecting the leaseing our
places, and we have come to an agreement with the Tennants, who in proportion to the
rise of Labour & produce, Annually expect more & more indulgences. a Farmer
cannot be content with the profits he once made. he will tell you, the Day Labourer
fares better, which is true. I meet with so many difficulties, that I wish Sometimes
that we had not but one Farm. Dr Tufts thinks it would be better for your interest,
under certain restrictions to lease out the places for a sum of Money. but this is for
future consideration. Burrel I have agreed to find him a yoke oxen & cart, he to be
at the expence of keeping them in order French I have agreed to find a mate for his
steer. his Father has one of the same Age, for which he asks 35 Dollors. this being
agreed to, the next thing was wood, to be found all their
Wood. this I absolutely refused, and we came very near parting upon the Subject.
after much conversation, Dr Tufts advised to stipullating a certain Sum, to be allowd
for wood. I can only say I have Done the best I could. Trask wants employ.1 Dr Tufts 23 says that the Bushes
behind Belchers House wants clearing up in the medow and Burrel says those in curtis
Pasture which our people cut two years ago want again to be attended to. The spring is
advancing but the Month of March has been one cold Bluster as yet and greatly impeeds
our advance in buisness, which will occasion a press of Buisness Soon. I have several
matters which I should wish to Do as Soon as it will answer among the number is painting
the House & Fence, and finishing the Chamber in the out House. We shall want it much
When you return for the additional Servants you will bring with you.
I have many more things to Say, but will not at present take up more of your Time.
as ever / yours
RC (Adams
Papers); addressed by Louisa Catharine Smith: “The President of the United /
States / Philadelphia”; endorsed: “Mrs A. March 13 / 1797
/ Ansd 22d.”
Samuel Trask does not appear to have been rehired by the Adamses at this time, although Cotton Tufts would recommend hiring him again in a 2 May 1798 letter to JA (Adams Papers).