[dateline] Coronna, in Spain 15th. Decr. 1779
[salute] Madam
The Reason of our being in Spain, you will, perhaps, be no stranger to, when this
reaches You. I am not sorry We arrived at Ferrol, as a prosecution of our Voyage might
have been attended with hazard. A leaky Ship in a Storm or violent Gale, is not a
Situation for very comfortable Sensations. We had Leaks, Storms and Winds in the passage.
The former were more formidable than the latter, and induced the Captain to determine
to make Ferrol, if possible: where We happily arrived the eighth of this Month. From
Ferrol We journeyed to this place to day upon Mules. It is about one and twenty Miles. We made a Quixotik Appearance. It would have been excellent Diversion for our Friends to have seen Us: For We had
Don Quixots, Sancha Pancas and Squires in Abundance.
The Country is very mountainous; but every Inch of it cultivated. There was a most
agreeable Verdure in every Stage of our Journey, beautifully diversified prospects,
Richness of Soil and Luxuriance to be seen every where. The Eye was not satisfied
with seeing.
Believe Me, when I assure You, that it gave me the highest pleasure, to see Mr.
[Adams]1 treated with every Mark of Attention and Respect at Ferrol by all Ranks and the two
Children also on his and their own Account; and did they know the good Sense, Merits
and Accomplishments of their Mamma, they would experience additional Tokens of both.
This Letter will be sent by a Vessel bound to Newbury Port—whether She will arrive
or not is very uncertain.
2 I will not therefore be more particular, but close with praying You to present My
Duty, Respects, Love and Compliments where due.
{ 252 }
[salute] I have the Honor to be with great Respect and Esteem, your most humble Servant,
[signed] J.T.