Adams Family Correspondence, volume 15
m
r30
th1802.
As the vacation draws near—and consequently the time to settle who
are to form our family for the winter Term, I wish to know whether you intend Susan
shall stay— I am resolved to keep no other so young—but her Abilities are so good and
her constitution so firm, that it will be a pleasure to have her with us if you wish it—
She will then have a double advantage as she will be with the older Miss’s—and the whole
time under my daughters immediate care in school hours— One little one, will be but
little additional care, but when there are three or four of an age—the attention they
require especially in winter; is more than I will ever again undertake. we mean to keep
from Six to eight thro the winter and the opportunity those will have for instruction is
decidedly in their favor—not only on account of the Smallness of the number, but from
the long winter evenings being devoted to their improvment intirely. we reckon Six as
engaged.— perhaps the young lady Mrs Greenleaf mention’d
would like to come—if she realy wishes to improve, it would be the best time—if she only (like many)
wish for a pretty Summers retreat—she had best not come.—
Mr: Cranch and myself most sincerely
Join in heart, the Festivity of the day—1
I am not in the habit of looking on long life as a blessing—but that Spirit of
Patriotism which I imbibed with my first breath compells me to implore Heaven to
protract to a long period lives so devoted to their country—and so extensively
Useful.
I remain Madm: with perfect respect /
Your Obt: Servt
RC (Adams Papers).
For the Quincy celebration of JA’s birthday, see TBA to JQA, 30 Nov., and note 3, below.