Uncle Quincy's, half after 11 o'clock, 13 February, 1778.

Dearest of Friends,--I had not been twenty minutes in this house before I had the happiness to see Captain Tucker and a midshipman coming for me. We shall be soon on board, and may God prosper our voyage in every stage of it as much as at the beginning, and send to you, my dear children, and all my friends, the choicest of blessings! So wishes and prays, with an ardor that neither absence nor any other event can abate, yours.

JOHN ADAMS.

P. S. Johnny sends his duty to his mamma and his love to his sister and brothers. He behaves like a man.