John Adams to William Cranch

Your kind Letter of the 5th was so long upon the road that it came to my hand only two days ago. I hope the Friends to the Peace and happiness of the United States, who, you say are congratulating each other on my Election, will not be very fatally disappointed: But I feel too many Defects of qualification to be very Sanguine that I shall be able to give them tollerable Satisfaction.

Your Writing needed no Apology: on the contrary I shall be much obliged by a continuance of your Correspondence: especially upon the affairs of your City which are now, in Some Sort under my direction

The Commissioners are all Strangers to me excepting Mr White, whom I believe to be a judicious and upright Man. Is Mr Scott removed into the City or not?

Whether I Shall be able to make a Journey this Year to the City, or not is problematical. Whenever I do, I shall make you a Visit to be Sure.

You mention the Superiour Advantages of the Eastern Branch. Pray what are those Advantages? I think the Commissioners ought all to live in the City,

Pray write me, every Thing which you think can enlighten me, in my duty towards the City and the Publick in general. Of all the Business I have to do, I am probably least acquainted with that which relates to the City. My regards to / Mrs Cranch and believe me to be / your Friend & sert