ADAMS PROTECTS HIS FAMILY DURING THE QUASI-WAR Fascinating D.S. 2pp. legal folio, [Washington, ca. June 8, 1798], an invoice submitted by shipwright and carpenter David Evans and headed: "The United States to David Evans". Evans bills the federal government: "...For Sundry Carpenter work at fitting up Boats for the Commander in Chief's family and stores - Also Boats for the Paymaster general and Store Boats - Making Gun Carriages Rammers and Spunges Compleat...smoothing the bottom of the Adams Galley...making [?] in the Commander in Chief's Barge &c....". There follows a list of 16 names (including Evans) with amounts due to each for up to thirty days' labor, with Evans signing twice at conclusion and finally being paid off in Pittsburg. A few marginal archival tape repairs on second page, else very good. Adams was likely preparing for anticipated hostilities against France and the likelihood that the French would attack Washington. Increased depredations by privateers from Revolutionary France required the U.S. Navy to protect the expanding American merchant shipping fleet, leading to the Quasi-War which would commence a month later.