My Dearest Friend

I have a great deal of News to tell you. Mrs. Washington told me the last time I dined at the Presidents that Betcy Custis is to be married next Month, to Mr. Law the English East India Nabob. The good Lady is as gay as a Girl and tells the story in a very humerous stile. Mr. Law says he is only 35 Years of Age and altho the Climate of India has given him an older look Yet his Constitution is not impaired beyond his Years. He has asked Leave and a Blessing of The President and Mrs. W. He is to finish a House in the Faederal City and live there. He has two Children born in India: but of whom is not explained. I told her I should write this to you and she prayed me to make an affectionate Remembrance of her. Nelly is with her sister Patcy at Georgetown married to Mr. Peters son of a Maryland Nabob. Thus you see that Fortune is the Object in our Country not Family. No that would be Aristocratical.

Yesterday was Birth Day and a Parade there was. At Night a magnificent Ball which you will read in the News Papers. A thousand People in a vast Room a Circle of 80 feet Diameter. I have not your favours of the 9 [Abigail to John, 09 February 1796] and 14th [Abigail to John, 14 February 1796] . Am glad the farms are disposed of.

Mrs A