Docno: ADMS-04-07-02-0019
Author: Adams, Abigail
Recipient: Smith, William Stephens
Date: 1786-02-25
[dateline] Febry 25 [1786]
[salute] Dear sir
Last evening col Forrest sent a servant with a Letter addrest to me, but upon opening
it, I found I was honourd only with the cover. The inclosed I deliverd the Lady who
sat next me but as I could not prevail with her to communicate a word more than “that
the cake was good” I threatned her with opening the next unless I should find something
in the cover to appease me. But I did not keep my word, for I deliverd two others
which came this day.
1 I foretold at Breakfast, every morning since your departure, that you could not cross.
2 I therefore commissirated your situation, and wished you back again; mr Peters arrived
the day you set of. He has spent two evenings with us, and I enterd into the mans
character from one single circumstance. There were several letters here for him, which
when I gave them to him he rose and went to the lights unseald them, then threw them
upon the table, and with an honest bluntness broke out—not one line from my wife.
I have lost two letters from her. The d——l, I had rather have found two lines from
her, than ten folios from any one else, you know the man.
I forgot to desire you to present my compliments to mr Jefferson and desire him to
bring Patty with him and let her tarry with me whilst he is London.
3 I designd to have askd you to have got me a certain article in France. I had the
memorandum, and money in my hand, but first tried you with respect to yourself, and
you lookd so solemn, and hesitated so much to serve yourself, that I put my money
again into my pocket, and threw the memo into the fire. Adieu, yours &c &c
<compliments to all good folks>