Adams Family Correspondence, volume 8
thJan
ry.1788.
If I have failed in my duty untill now, I will differe no longer from emploring my
pardon for my neglegence, and to shew you at the same time the sentiments of my perfect
remembrance of the many politeness you and your good family have always shown me; and of
the perfect esteem, with which I profess myself. I cannot however differe any longer
having heard that your husband and family quits England for America very soon. I
recieved also the news that my father, and mother thank God are safely arrived in
Virginia which has greatly comforted me and sofetened the sorrow which there departure
caused me being under continual fears and happrehentions for them. I am sure you will
continue us your friendship recommending to you my parents to whom your, and your
husbands influence may be of infinite use to and which I shall ever remember with
gratidude. I flatter myself that it would not be disagreable If I should give you a
short detail of my present situation. I was surprised on arriving at my husbands house,
the manner in which I was recieved by all his relations and friends the number of which
are very great so that my house was a whole month in a continual bustle from the visits
which I did nothing else but recieve morning and evening.1 His palace is magnaficent and furnished
expensively, servants in proportion and horses to the number of 6 for common use.
besides that an oppen table so that with that respect I cannot be more contented I have
only to reproach myself of my not deserving such a fortune. But what is still better is
my husband is of the very first Nobility, he bares also great for the qualities of his
understanding and the goodness of his heart. His attachment to me is always the same,
and you cannot imagin but that my affection for him is very great. I am just on point of
lying in and by the time you recieve this to be safely broght-abed.2 I thank God have passed my pregency perfectly
well. I took the libirty to give you an account of my situation being sure that your
goodness would interess yourself in my wellfare. and haveing perhaps an occation of
seeing my parents you may comfort them by giving them an account of my happy situation.
My Husband joins with me in best compliments to Mr: Adams,
and Mr: and Mrs: Smith,
preserving me your friendship and disposing of me in all occations—
I am. / dear Madam. / Your obliged and / humble servant
RC (Adams Papers).
Lucy Paradise (1771–1800)
married Count Antonio Barziza of Venice in March 1787 in London. John Paradise had
strongly opposed the match—Lucy Paradise was only sixteen and Barziza was of dubious
character and a fortune-hunter—but Lucy Ludwell Paradise supported it and aided the
couple in eloping against her husband's wishes (Archibald Bolling Shepperson, John Paradise and Lucy Ludwell of London and Williamsburg,
Richmond, Va., 1942, p. 251–270, 456).
The Barzizas' first child, Giovanni, was born in 1788 at Venice (same, p. 311, 456).