Adams Papers

John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 July 1785

John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams

July 17th. 1785 1. o’clock in the morning

Dear Madam

We are now sailing up North River; and have met the french packet about 6 leagues from New York: she will sail to morrow morning; and has sent her boat on board, while we are at sail. I profit of the only <minute> instant I have to inform you, that after a tedious passage of 8 weeks, we expect [by] noon to be at New York. I have not even time to seal the Letter I have prepared for my Sister,1 and must request she, and my Father, will excuse me if the peculiarity of the circumstance prevents me from writing to them.

Your ever affectionate Son.

J. Q. Adams

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “Mrs. A. Adams. <to the care of Mr. J. Elworthy, Merchant N. 1 Broad Street.> London”; in another hand after the canceled material: “Corner of Brooke St. Grovesnor Sqr.”; docketed by AA2JQA. July 17th 1785”; marked: “B” and “PP R T”; and stamped: “SE[. . .]” and “[. . .][o]’clock.” Slight damage to the text near the torn seal.

1That of 25 May, above.

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