Adams Family Correspondence, volume 15
ry
th23: 1802
Yours of the 10th Instant was presented
this morning—1 I am happy you again
experience the Utility of the pen— I began to apprehend you had Imbibed an aversion to
the little Implement—which I own was a source of regret to me for I am one of those
beings who delight in the sweets of participation—and experience a peculiar pleasure in
haveing my friends attached—to whatever I feel a partiallity for—
I wrote you the 5th of december—and
mentioned my Intended visit— but I perceive you are Indepted to Mrs Adams for this Information—2
163 I hope she is in better health then she appeared to
be while in new york— I feel anxious for her— your earsterly winds I fear will not prove
salutary to her constitution— our climate I am convinced is diffirent— If she should
expirience any Ill effects—I hope she will be Induced from the benefit that may arise
from exercise and change of air—to visit the southward— we have had a remarkable mild
winter—not one fall of snow since november—and I am as happily situated as you can
conceive—secluded from the busy world—void of expectation— I am Induced to fix my
contentment on a basis that will not be deranged by the malevolence of unrelenting
fortune— I view it as a duty to enjoy the blessings that are daily bestowed—and they are
bountifully presented to me— their is but one circumstance that Interferes with my
peace—that is—the seperation of my Dear child— I long to see her— I wish them to be with
me— thay will naturally Imbibe each others feelings—and time will cement that affection—
which has been Cherished in their early Infancy— I wish to know your futer Intentions as
it relates to her schooling You will make allowance for my anxiety—when you consider
three months has elapsed without hearing of her— I hope you will not be Induced to let
her pass a week in Boston—the season is a sufficient excuse to keep her at home— I do
not wish her out of your sight while seperate from me— Immagination ever ready to
torment—has presented scenes of sickness and grief— do write if it is only four lines— I
had the pleasure of seeing Thomas last week he looks very well—and promised to visit us
again— I have been here six weeks—daily expecting Elizas confinement—3 she still keeps up and I shall prolong my visit
untill the spring— It is Immeterial where I am while peace prevails— Abby is with me and
blessed with health— I have a room and fire to my self—and in the strict sence of the
word enjoy the sweets of solitude— this is a delightful situation— Eliza is surrounded
with all the comforts—and luxirys of this world—she is domestic and leads the life of a
recluse— her farm is her hobby horse—she sees to—and knows as much as any farmer in the
country— I received a few days since—a letter from Mama—enforming me that John and
William were on a visit to her.—4 I hope
their Parents may not regret the step thay have taken— the scene is diffirent and
alluring to then— I cannot close this without remarking that I had no Idea that you was
the auther of the letter alluded to—neither did I suppose a connection of mine—had a
thought bordering on partiality—5 If I
know myself— my mind is callos on this subgect—and when I lose sight of principle— and
virtue—I lose—what is dearer then life— be assured of this—I 164 respect and love your advice—and I shall never forget the ties of duty and gratitude
that are due to a tender Parent— You will remember me to all enquiring friends—your
domesticks likewise their enquiries are gratifying to me— give my love to my Dear Aunt
cranch—and kiss My Dear susan for me and her sister; who is a very good child— she is
sitting on my lap which must be an excuse for this carless writing— let me My Dear Madam
hear from you—and beleive [me your] affectiona[te] daughter—
RC (private owner, 1957); addressed: “Mrs Abigail Adams / Quincy”; endorsed: “Mrs S Adams / Jan’ry 23 1802.” Some loss of text due to wear at the fold.
Not found.
Not found.
SSA was at the home of her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth Smith Smith and John Smith Jr., in Kenderton, Penn., near Philadelphia. Elizabeth gave birth sometime before 2 Feb. when Margaret Stephens Smith wrote to SSA congratulating Elizabeth on the birth of a daughter (MHi:Adams Papers, All Generations).
Not found.
Not found.