Papers of John Adams, volume 21

414 Benjamin Lincoln to John Adams, 14 September 1795 Lincoln, Benjamin Adams, John

From Benjamin Lincoln

My Dear sir Hingham Sept 14th. 1795

I return your letters with my most cordial thanks for the sight of them—1 In the perusal I have been highly gratified and informed and have been confirmed in the idea that if our Jacobins intend to sap the foundation of our present constitution and thereby bring on a serious contest now is the moment for them to attempt their mad pursuit while the powers of Europe have full employ at home and our Citizens are enjoying unimpaired the fruits & blessings of their own government &c—

A few friends will dine with me tomorrow a two oClock Mrs. Lincoln joins me in respectful regards and in the request that you and Mrs. Adams would honour us with your company2

Believe me my dear sir / all that towards you / which the highest / esteem can generate / and confidence / preserve

B Lincoln

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The vice President.”

These letters have not been identified but may have included JQA’s various dispatches.

Mary Cushing (1734–1816), of Pembroke, Mass., wed Lincoln in 1756 (David B. Mattern, Benjamin Lincoln and the American Revolution, Columbia, S.C., 1995, p. 14; Boston Daily Advertiser, 25 July 1816).

John Adams to Oliver Wolcott Jr., 16 September 1795 Adams, John Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

To Oliver Wolcott Jr.

Dear Sir Quincy September 16. 1795

Inclosed is a Letter and Power to Mr Jones who did me the favour last year at the request of my son to receive for me a Quarters salary, which I beg the favour of you to deliver him and at the Same time to give him a Warrant, that he may remit the Money to me by a Post Note.1

The Treaty opperates in Boston like the Hogsheads of Lime which I am putting under Earth and Weeds and Mud and Straw to make manure. It occasions some smoke and some Dust and some hissing but will end in reducing all to one rich mould I hope.

I am Dear sir with great / Esteem and affection yr Friend & / humble servant

John Adams

RC (CtHi:Oliver Wolcott Jr. Papers); internal address: “Oliver Wolcott Secretary of / The Treasury.”

JA intended the enclosure, not found, for Boston merchant Edward Jones, for whom see JQA’s 27 April 1794 letter, and note 1, above. The vice president’s annual salary was $5,000. 415 According to JA’s accounts spanning 28 Oct. 1789 to 22 April 1792 (LbC, APM Reel 114), the U.S. Treasury Department paid him various amounts, often of $500 or $1,000, at irregular intervals (vol. 20:117).