Papers of John Adams, volume 21

From Samuel Latham Mitchill

From Thomas Jefferson

John Adams to Tench Coxe, 20 August 1791 Adams, John Coxe, Tench
To Tench Coxe
Sir Braintree August 20. 1791

I have determined in all Events to remove my family into Philadelphia from Bush hill, on Account of the many Inconveniences We experienced last year in passing and repassing.

I write this to beg the favour of you to give my Steward John Brisler, your Advice and Assistance, in procuring a house in Town. As the time is short, I expect to be obliged to some disadvantage. But any house and any rent is better than what We Suffered last year.1 your kindness so often experienced has brought upon you this new request from sir your most obedient and / humble servant

John Adams

RC (PHi:Coxe Family Papers); addressed: “Tench Coxe Esqr: / Philadelphia”; internal address: “The Hon. Tench Coxe Esq.”; endorsed: “John Adams / Braintree Aug: 20 / 1791.”

1.

In late October, JA and AA moved into a house on the corner of Fourth and Arch Streets. AA described their new home thus: “my House is no way to my mind. the Rooms so small and not able to lay two together, renders it very troublesome to see so much company as we must be obliged to.” The Adamses moved out in late April 1792. When JA returned alone to Philadephia that fall, he boarded with Samuel Allyne and Mary Smith Gray Otis ( AFC , 9:237, 238, 509, 510).