Papers of John Adams, volume 21

Zabdiel Adams to John Adams, 24 August 1792 Adams, Zabdiel Adams, John

From Zabdiel Adams

Sir— Lunenburg August 24th 1792.—

Mr: L’Abbé De Mably’s Observations upon the History of France, which you long since loaned to me, I have now returned by my son; & thank you for the use of them. My son has had thoughts of Studying Law, & from an Uncle of his has received an invitation to study with him at Halifax in Nova Scotia.1 Could he continue there 2 years, & then finish his Clerkship in Some office in this part of the world, & be introduced to the practice in this or some other of the united States; it would be pleasing, as it would [. . .]e expence. But of this I am unc[ertai]n. If you are at leisure & would give him your opinion & advice relative to this matter, I shall be much obliged to you. He fluctuates in his mind between the Study of Physick & the 139 Law. To enter either is attended with difficulty. Divinity is more within his reach; but to this he has no inclination, that I can percieve. If you will permit him to consult yourself on this subject it will be gratefully receied by your friend & humble Servant—

Zabdiel Adams—

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “His / Excellency John Adams Esqr. / Quincy—”; internal address: “Dr John Adams.”; endorsed: “Rev Zabdiel Adams / August 24th 1792.” Some loss of text where the seal was removed.

This is the last extant correspondence between JA and his cousin, who died in 1801. Adams’ son, Zabdiel Boylston (1770–1814), Harvard 1791, practiced law in Lunenburg, Mass. (Adams, Geneal. History of Henry Adams , p. 411).

John Bondfield to John Adams, 28 August 1792 Bondfield, John Adams, John

From John Bondfield

Bordeaux 28 August 1792

A Ship for Philadelphia sailing to morrow gives me the oppertunity to transmit you the papers of the Day too interesting not to be acceptable1

The reigning Spirrit appears determin’d on a change in that part of the Constitution that delagated the Executive Power in an Hereditary Cheif, The short space that has Elapst since the existence of his Power has demonstrated the Vice of that establishment tho checkt by a legitif controle too great means remaind to destroy the Harmony that ought to reign and introduce the Abuses that the Revolution tends to destroy2

Monsr Lafayettes political principals appears oposed to the present leading Members he has excerted his influence to check the progress of the reigning popular Spirrit and has drawn on him a General improbation, he is obliged to fly the thunder of the Senat is launcht against him3

Accept my renew assurance of respectful Attatchment

John Bondfield

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The Honble John Adams Vice president In Congress.”

The enclosures have not been found. Bondfield likely sent this letter, his final extant correspondence with JA, via the John, Capt. Buckley. It reached Philadelphia by 12 Nov. (Philadelphia American Daily Advertiser, 12 Nov.; Philadelphia General Advertiser, 14 Nov.).

The French royal family’s flight to Varennes the previous summer stoked public fears of the monarchs’ desire for self-preservation and raised questions about their loyalty to the nation. As Bondfield reported, the political fallout continued at a swift pace. On 10 Aug. Louis XVI’s and Marie Antoinette’s powers were suspended by the French National Convention and awarded to a set of 140 royal ministers meant to function as a provisional executive committee. Then, on 21 Sept., the convention formally abolished the monarchy (Bosher, French Rev. , p. 169, 172, 177, 178).

The Marquis de Lafayette fled France on 17 Aug. and surrendered to Prussian authorities; he was imprisoned in Austria until 1797 (William Doyle, The Oxford History of the French Revolution, Oxford, 1989, p. 190).