Papers of John Adams, volume 21
a.
r.3
d.1791
I have the honor to inform you that I have after many
efforts procured you a house at the corner of 4th & Arch streets now in the Tenure of Judge Bradford late
Attorney Genl. of Pennsa.
1 The rent is
very extravagant and we have to procure a stable and coach house in the
neighbourhood unless you chuse for the six months of the Session to have
your horses at livery. General Knox agreed with me that we would take on us
the responsibility of giving £270 Lawful Money of your state or 900 Drs. per Annum. Possession is to be delivered on
the 1st. Novemr. or
sooner, if Mr. Bradford can get out before.
there are several points which we wished to have been otherwise but we could
not vary them in your favor, and we saw no prospect of doing better—nor any
certainty, if we delayed to take this. I secured a right to have three of
the Apartments painted, if I found on examination that it would be
desirable, and the first fair day I will inspect them in order to determine.
I shall also press Mr. Bradford on the point of
removal earlier of which I have great hopes & some expectations.
I am sensible the rent is very high yet I am sure better
cannot be done, and I rely on your goodness & that of Mrs. Adams to believe that my respectful
Attachment has prompted me to do every thing in my power for your suitable
Accommodation.
Presenting myself very respectfully to Mrs. Adams, I have the honor to be, / Sir / your
most obedient / & most humble Servant
Your Steward’s sickness has prevented my deriving any assistance from him.
RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: “Tench Coxe / 1791.”
Philadelphia lawyer William Bradford (1755–1795),
Princeton 1772, served as attorney general of Pennsylvania from 1780 to
1791, and as U.S. attorney general from 1794 to his death (
DAB
).