1From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 January 1810 (Adams Papers)
I never received a Letter from my dear Mrs. Adams but that an emotion was awakened which is not felt in every epistolary intercourse.—When I saw her signature under date of Decr. 31st: my heart glowed with the same affection which had long been cherished in my bosom, towards one I had loved and placed confidence in, without a suspicion, that the regard was not mutual.— You assure me that there...
2From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 8 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
Though I have felt the complicated affliction that has recently assailed my friends at Quincy, I have been silent;—nor should I now interrupt you from this unexpected Quarter, but from the interest I feel in her happiness, and the desire I have to know the situation of your amiable daughter.— I have never heard a word from her since her Brother was here,—the day after she passed through a...
3From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
Blessed are the Peace-makers!—In that glorious band of righteous do I class my friend Mrs. Adams. Your long silence, my dear Madam, has not been mis-construed.—I concluded you was waiting for the arrangement you proposed, when I received your very agreeable visit.—I think I did not mis-apprehend the message you then delivered from Mr. Adams, which you promised with his love to me, with a...
4From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 October 1812 (Adams Papers)
The with in I prepared with design to forward by your Son on his return from Barnstable Court, but he passed with out calling upon me. Since which I have delayed to send it as Mrs. Otis informed me that you intended writing me soon.—When you put in execution the kind intention, you will let me know whether you have heard from Mrs. Smith since she reached her distant dwelling, as I shall always...
5From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 26 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
A token of Love & Friendship .—What can be more acceptable to a mind of Sensibility?— Your every friendly Letter under date Decr 30th came safely to hand with its inclosure, within a few days after date, and would have been earlier acknowledged, but for intervening circumstances needless to relate.— I shall with pleasure wear the ring, as a valuable expression of your regard;—nor, will it be...
6From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I had for several weeks been anticipating the pleasure I have recently received on the arrival of your Son.—I very well knew he could not come without a Letter for me from his good mother, which is always a cordial to my bosom.— A sublunary being indeed, I yet stand:—with animation sufficient to flatter myself with the enjoyment of again embracing the remnant of a few worthy friends who yet on...
7From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 24 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed was written with design to forward by your Son, who I then presumed would have returned to Quincy the last Saturday the 17th—Judge Adams call’d on me the day he came to Plymouth & delivered your agreeable favor—I have not seen him since—I did not know he was going to Barnstable—is he there still—or has he return’d by the route of N. Bedford or Bridgwater?—Surely, he would not have...
8From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Though I have received no reply to my last, I interrupt Mrs. Adams again on a subject that lays near my heart.—It was reported to me yesterday that my beloved Mrs. Smith was again attacked by a dreadful malady which she has once surmounted:—and that apprehension of its fatal & speedy termination she has sent for her mother. When I receive an answer to the above enquiry I most ardently pray...
9From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 28 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have not received a Letter for a long time that gave me such real heart-felt pleasure, as yours of the 20th. Instt.—I had been led from report to despair of the life of my friend, Mrs Smith.— Think then, how much I must rejoice to see her mother write concerning her in so good spirits, and to express a hope of again embracing her daughter, under the parental roof.—I also rejoice to hear of...
10From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 29 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am myself, my dear Madam, in great trouble—since my date of yesterday, my amiable son the Collector, unaccompanied by any man, was followed on the street by a ruffian neighbour, who after several scurrilous epithets of abuse, lifted his vulgar fist & gave him such a blow in his right eye that it appears doubtful whether he will again have the use of it.—This man, one Joseph Bartlett has been...