I have your favor of the 7th: instt: before me; the letter for Mrs: Adams, which came with it, was sent to her the day after, I received it, and the same day, she called in a carriage at my Office, to inform me of its receipt. Her daughter was with her and in good health. I have not been able to visit her so often as I wished, but before she returns to NewYork I will try to see her again.

I know not how far the project, mentioned to you, in my last, will be matured.1 If carried into effect, my object will be, the purchase & cultivaton of a farm in that new & thriving quarter, the frontier of New York, and a total renunciation of professional pursuits. Whether I am sufficiently gifted with the spirit of enterprize, and fortified enough in faith, as to the success of such an undertaking, is a consideration of great importance. I shall do nothing hastily, nor will I finally conclude, without a personal survey of the spot, to which my views are directed.

I entertain much the same opinion with you, respecting the dispositions of the people of this State; but I want no advancement from them, unconnected with my profession. Their politics are so crooked, that nothing rational can be expected from them, while the moon of democracy is at the full; Mr: Dallas assures Governor McKean, that “the momentum of Pennsylvania politics, is 178 irresistible,” and there is some truth in the boast;2 but I shall be disappointed in my expectations, if we witness many more vibrations of the pendulum without a concussion from some quarter of the Union. Notwithstanding the difference between the legislature & the Governor of this Commonwealth on the subject of his appointments, so destitute is the party of a suitable person to put in opposition to him for the Chair, at the next election, that they have been compelled to promise their support to the present incumbent. There is no man to contend with him on the other side; so, he must prevail again.

The debates in Congress on the judiciary, have occupied all my attention The question was ably discussed in Senate, but there has been more eloquence & quite as much logic in the house of Representatives.

The Chevalier Bayard has, on this occasion, surpassed all former efforts, and with a boldness for which his name is almost synonimous, he has bid defiance to Official prerogative, and fixed the stigma of this attack upon the judiciary, on the President.3 But of what avail, is all this waste of breath? The people will not be agitated though their own Constitution should be burnt before their faces. They do not love the Constitution & I dont much wonder at it.

I am grieved at the torpor of the North. Is New England willing to pay homage & tribute too, to the ancient dominion? I wish Connecticutt would recall their Senators & Representatives; this would bring matters to a trial. It is not an happy circumstance that the public mind is so tranquil while the Congress are erecting themselves into a Convention and exercising the attributes of omnipotence.

My father writes that JQA, is in demand as an associate among the literary folks in Boston.4 I want to see some of his efforts in this walk, made public here.

By a vessel which sailed some time since for Boston, I sent three packets of the Port Folio, addressed to the care of my brother; one of them contained the numbers which were wanting in your series; one for Shaw & one for my brother.

I enclose you a copy of some toasts drank at an entertainment made by some of the young men of this town, on the 22d February.5 The day is not yet erased from the calender of youthful memory.

With best love and duty, I am, dear mother / Your Son

Your Father received a Letter from you last Evening; full of political information, and judicious reflection’s; there is a darkness visible; upon all our national prospects; which cast a Gloom upon my declining days.1 What of Life remains to me, I should rejoice to pass in tranquility; but danger takes rapid strides; and faction and party Rage will soon involve us in a civil war: or a Lethargy & Stupor render us fit Subjects for Southern despotism; the rising Generation will have more dangers to encounter than there Fathers have Surmounted; Such are your prospects my Son but be not dismayed; at this, or the little Success you have met with hitherto in Your profession; I know it must require a large portion of Patience, and perseverence to preserve an equal mind through so many Strugles. the reflection will obtrude, Why was I Educated to this Profession? Why am I placed in a situation where I cannot with all my assiduity, frugality, and oeconomy provide me an independance? has my Family made no Sacrifices for the benifit of their Country? have they lived for themselves only? You have the consolation of knowing that no mean, or disgracefull action has placed you or Your Father or Brother tarnishd the public conduct of either Father or Brother, that there Reputation and your own are built upon Solid and durable Material Honor Virtue and integrity they will out live the popular Clamour of the present age, and Shine brighter from the Shades with which future Historians must compose contrast them—

My own reflection upon what has been, and now is—are frequently tinged with a melancholy hue—not on my own account, so much, as for those who are to succeed me. With frugality we have enough for 180 all our wants, because we can circumscribe them within narrow bounds. I once wrote you that I had a small matter saved from expences which I curtaild, and which I have been many Years collecting, expecting a time when I might have occasion for it, as I could I have placed it, in the Hands of our good Friend dr Tufts who has managed it for me in such a manner as to yeald me an interest of 200 dollors pr annum—2 this I call my pin money. as I have not had occasion for any of it, I have yearly added the interest to the principle. I have now happily by me half yearly interest which I calld for a few days since, and as I have not an immediate use for it, and can receive more in April, I inclose it to you, requesting you to accept it as a small token of the Love and affection I bear you, wishing at the same time, that it was ten times the value.— I have but one injunction to make you, it is that You make no mention of it; further than to Say You received my Letter Safe of the 28th of Feb’ry—

We have had Winter enough Since the 22d of Fe’bry Snow in abundance, and cold. We are confined to our house by Banks of Snow, Ice and blocked roads— Your Father has been employd in reading a Work of 14 volms of Le Harps which your Brother has furnishd him with. he has lately read the Studies of nature by St P.3 I am happy to inform You that your uncle Cranch has surmounted his late illness so far as to give us hopes he may be spaired to us a little longer; Your Brother and sister have not been here for three weeks they have had the Measles in their Family, and my domesticks have been sick—4 Remember me to all those who inquire after / Your affectionate Mother