Elizabeth Ellery Dana to Abigail Adams, 6 March 1781
Dana, Elizabeth
Ellery
AA
1781-03-06
Elizabeth Ellery Dana to Abigail Adams, 6 March 1781
Dana, Elizabeth Ellery
Adams, Abigail
Elizabeth Ellery Dana to Abigail Adams
My dear Madam
Cambridge March 6 1781
Your favor of the 5th gave me sensible pain. Had I had the least doubt that you was not so
happy as to have heard from Mr. Adams by the Mars, I should before this communicated part of
the contents of mine from Mr. Dana dated Amsterdam Nov. 7th when all
friends were well. Mr. D was to leave Holland for Paris the next week but whither in company
with Mr. Adams he did not write. He writes that Mr. A——s had recieved a letter from Mr. Smith
Boston in which he tells him he forwards letters from you and me. Mr. A——s
was fortunate enough to recieve yours some time After—as for mine it had not got to Mr. Dana
when he wrote. I cannot but flatter myself that you have a letter. I went into Boston the day
after I recieved mine and enquired particularly whither there was letters for you. Mr. Austin
told me that you had letters and some things come. I will send to him to Morrow and know what
has become of them, and if any forward them immediately. Could persons have but a faint Idea
of what we suffer through their inattention they would never neglect our letters as they do,
but be as impatient to convey them as we are to recieve. It was above 6 months from the date
of my last from Mr. D when I recieved this last welcome one. He mentions writing me in that
time. But they are gone. I wish from my heart there was soon to be an end of this intercours
by letters—and we in exchange might be happily seated down with the objects of our affections.
But to wish and hope is all we can do—and at times I am almost afraid to wish their return
without there should be Peace, for should they fall into the hands of the cruel Britain—I will
not dwell upon the thought it is too, too, painful. Must hope that before you recieve this
that you have been made as happy by letters from Mr. A——s as I was the last week by mine.
The ladies desire their best regards to you Madam and family in which joins them your
affectionate and sympathizing Friend,
Eliza Dana
RC
(Adams Papers).