My Dearest Friend

I received yours of the 14th [John to Abigail, 14 March 1788] and ever Since thursday have been in Hourly expectation of seeing you, I hope it is oweing to all the packets being detaind upon this Side, as is reported, and not to any indisposition that your return in delayed. That unpleasing detention is sufficiently mortifying particularly as we wish to proceed to Falmouth as soon as possible, tho I shall fear to go from hence untill the Spin is gone, for from the best information I can get Callihan has as yet scarcely any thing but our Baggage &c. on Board, and even that has been several days delayd by him. I came last monday Evening to this Hotell, that the Beds and remaining furniture might be sent on Board and the House given up. This will be wholy accomplish'd on the morrow if the weather permits, and has been oweing to that, for several days that all has not been accomplished.

The packet arrived this week from Newyork and brings an account that Seven States had accepted the Constitution. The Massachusetts convention consisted of 300 and 40 members. It was carried by a majority of Nineteen.

---

Georgia and South Carolina are the two other states of which we had not before any certain accounts. New Hampshire was sitting. New York are becomeing more National and Mr. Duer writes Mr. Smith, that he may consider the constitution as accepted, and beginning to operate at the commencement of an other year. New York had agreed to call a convention. Thus my dear Friend I think we shall return to our Country at a very important period and with more pleasing prospects opening before her than the turbulent scenes which massachusetts not long since presented. May Wisdom govern her counsels and justice direct her opperations.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith set off this week for Falmouth. She is now confined with a Soar throat, similar to the complaint which afflicted me ten days ago. I write in hopes that the Baron de Lynden will meet you on your return.

I shall be exceedingly anxious if I do not see, or hear from you soon.

---

[Endorsement -- see page image]