From Zabdiel Adams to John Adams, 24 August 1792
From Zabdiel Adams
Lunenburg August 24th 1792.—
Sir—
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 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.
1. 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. (, p. 411).