University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS B. ADAMS.

Well, my dear son, South Carolina has behaved as
your father always said she would. The consequence
to us, personally, is, that we retire from
public life. For myself and family, I have few regrets.

At my age, and with my bodily infirmities,
I shall be happier at Quincy. Neither my habits,
nor my education or inclinations, have led me to an
expensive style of living, so that on that score I have
little to mourn over. If I did not rise with dignity,
I can at least fall with ease, which is the more difficult
task. I wish your father's circumstances were
not so limited and circumscribed, as they must be,
because he cannot indulge himself in those improvements
upon his farm, which his inclination
leads him to, and which would serve to amuse him,
and contribute to his health. I feel not any resentment
against those who are coming into power, and
only wish the future administration of the government
may be as productive of the peace, happiness,
and prosperity of the nation, as the two former ones
have been. I leave to time the unfolding of a drama.
I leave to posterity to reflect upon the times
past; and I leave them characters to contemplate.
My own intention is to return to Quincy as soon as
I conveniently can; I presume in the month of January.

Governor Davie arrived yesterday with the treaty.
Judge Ellsworth was landed in England for the
benefit of his health. The public curiosity will be
soon satisfied. Peace with France,—a revenue increased
beyond any former years,—our prospects
brightening upon every side. What must be the
thoughts and the reflections of those, who, calling
themselves Federalists, have placed their country in
a situation full of dangers and perils; who have

wantonly thrown away the blessings Heaven seemed
to have in reserve for them? The defection of
New York has been the source. That defection was
produced by the intrigues of two men. One of
them sowed the seeds of discontent and division
amongst the Federalists, and the other seized the
lucky moment of mounting into power upon the
shoulders of Jefferson. The triumph of the Jacobins
is immoderate, and the Federalists deserve it. It is
an old and a just proverb, "Never halloo until you are
out of the woods." So completely have they gulled
one another by their Southern promises, which have
no more faith, when made to Northern men, than
lovers' vows.

I have not heard from New York since I wrote
you last.