1601From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 24 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Yesterdays post brought us heavey tydings tidings from Philadelphia. our Friend, our Physician, the constant and weekly correspondent of my Husband is no more; the Learned the accomplished, the Benevolent Rush is gone; I cannot describe how heavily this loss falls upon us in our old Age. it is like severing a Limb from the Body. upon the 10th of this Month the president received a Letter full...
1602From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 24 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have not had any opportunity of returning the Letter and paper you Sent me on Saturday. mr C. did not call here on Sunday, but went on to Hingham. he did not return on Sunday Evening with Susan as I expected, nor Stop here on Monday, all of which I dissaprove—the poor Mans mind is much perplexd. we had a conversation, which gave rise to a Letter of a Friendly Nature, and a most tender and...
Altho a reluctance to Letter writing grows daily more, and more upon me, your Mothers Letter to your Grandfather, and the communication she made, has aroused me from my S t upor, and calld forth all my sensibility your Youth alone allarms me. I know you to be a prudent discreet and virtuous Child, from principles well founded: which will be a Seenrity to any Gentleman, whom you may favour with...
1604From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 12 November 1817 (Adams Papers)
A long period has elapsed since I addrest a line to you—I have not taken my pen for three weeks—I have been so constantly occupied with my visitors, and a sick domestic, who has been near dieing with a Billious fever the whole time my Friends were with me, that I could not find a leisure moment. mr & mrs DeWint his Mother their children and servants left us last week, about the time when...
1605From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 27 September 1811 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your Letter, and at the Same time, the President received the one inclosed from dr Rush which I think it my duty, altho a distressing and painfull one, to me, to communicate the contents to you by the earliest opportnty you will See by the Letter, that Mrs Smith wrote her case to dr Rush, which her Father inclosed with a request that he would give his candid opinion. Mrs...
1606From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of Nov’br 23d No 66. came by way of England and reachd me on the 12th of this Month. at the Same time we received the News that a Treaty of peace between America and Great Britain was signed upon the 24th of December. A Blessing I hope. altho ardently desired, was not so soon expected, from the Hostile attitude which Britain had taken, and the nature of her demands, as exhibited in...
1607From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I inclose to you mr Adams’s Letter of Novbr 23. the peace was it seems as unexpected to him a month previous to its taking place, as it has been to us— The passage markd begining “it is mortifying to” &c to the close which is also marked, you may give to the public, as an extract of a Letter from an American gentleman abroad to his Friend in America, and that respecting washington.— you will...
1608From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
I begin my Letter by announcing the Health of your Children, that your mind and that of their Mothers may be at ease & “they cannot speak for themselves it is true,” but there are Mothers who are not less anxious for those who can speak for themselves; and it is with much pain that I learn from your Friends that your Health does not appear to have been mended by your journey, or change of...
1609From Abigail Smith Adams to Katherine Dexter, 12 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
How can I address you, or offer human consolation for a wound which must bleed afresh at every attempt to assuage it? Yet if the tears of friendship, and a nation’s tears can afford any relief, be assured, dear Madam, they flow from all honest hearts, for you, for your children and for a country which mourns one of its brightest luminaries extinguished. A great man, fallen in the zenith of his...
1610From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I write you a few lines in addition to what I have already written, and inclose you the Copy of a Letter from mr Otis to your Father, by which you will learn that your Nomination as Secretary of State, was confirmd, with one only dissenting vote, just sufficient to save you from the war. whose it was I neither know or care for no president since Washington, has been chosen by the people, with...
1611From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I write but seldom to you, least you should feel as tho’ you were obliged to replie, when you must be much occupied with public Business and as I am now engaged to address you in that line, You will feel obliged to listen. My present design is to name to you a Gentleman for office conditionally. It is reported that Major Warren of plymouth is about to resign, or be removed from the office of...
1612From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 1 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your kind invitation would be joyfully accepted by my young Ladies, but at present they have with them Some Ladies Staying with them upon a Visit, whom it would be improper for them to leave—they will however embrace the first opportunity of paying their Respects to you. they will regreet it much if miss Alwin Should be absent, to whom they desire to be kindly rememberd. Mrs Smith and Caroline...
1613From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 16 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
I expected to have heard from you by Mr Beal, but his comeing to dine yesterday with the club I presume prevented, the Snow has left us so far that we went in the carriage to meeting to day. We are all well, and wish to see you Dexter was in Town one day. I directed him to call, but he said the Town was so full, and so crouded that he could not leave his team; does mr Adams intend comeing out...
1614From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 30 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I received the articles this morning cloth Nankeen Ribbon Letter covers &c altho the Gospel declares man & wife to be one, the Law of congress will not allow me that priviledge and my name upon a package or Letter Subjects me to postage—in future by post, let my good mans priviledge cover mine—I Send you my last Letter—what would have been Said in my day if Such Etiquette had been establishd?...
1615From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 17 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have been contemplating writing to you for Several weeks past to inquire after your health & that of your Family through the winter but I have delayd it untill the call of Friendship bids me unite my Sympathy with the bereve’d Sisters and Relatives over the brave youth who has fallen in defence of the honour justice and Rights of his Country. How beautifull is death when earned by virtue....
1616From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 April 1811 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of december No 6—/17 came Safe to hand yesterday, the last No was 8. So that two others must be upon their way. I thank you for your punctuality in writing, and have only to regret, that from july, untill october: I did not write, as there were not any vessels up for the North of Europe, and the impediments were so multiplied as to discourage me, but from that time to the present,...
1617From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams Smith, 26 November 1809 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of the 19th. I had written you a few hasty lines by mr Beals in which I exprest my anxiety at not hearing from your Mother for a long time—the day after I received a Letter from her and found all was well with them. I was about to write to her, when I was Seazd in my Right Eye with a disorder they call an ophtheil ophthalacy, which is thus described, an inflammation in...
1618From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
I am desirious of writing you a few lines just to assure you that I am able to hold a pen, and that I hope my Health is not in a more declining state than when you left me, altho I have not been able to leave my chamber since; except to ride a little way a few times; I think I have gained a little strength the last week tho I have not got the better of the most debilitating of my complaints—a...
1619From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 10 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
pray how did you succeed with your new commission? I heard you was made Commander-in chief of the Regiment of Poultry, on Board ship—with full powers to deal out their Rations, at your pleasure, and I learnt from a Letter of mr Ticknors two days after you sail’d, that you were well, and studied to his satisfaction. While I am writing this I flatter myself that you have made half your voyage,...
1620From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 18 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have been contemplating writing to you for Several weeks past; to inquire after your health, and that of your Family through the winter, but I have delayed it, untill the voice of Friendship bids me sympathy with the bereaved Sisters and Relatives over the Brave Youth, who has fallen in defence of the injured Rights & honour of his Country. How beautifull is death when earned by virtue Who...
1621From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
enclosed is a Letter which you will see contains a request to me; and through me to you. the ploughing with the Hiffer is not yet out of date. were the object an office, I should refuse to medle with it, but as it is only a simple renewal of a midshipman from one ship & station to an other, I would hope no great interest necessary; particularly as his Health has sufferd severely in this...
1622From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 16 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday thursday the 15 received your communications of the 9th. you see it was not possible to forward the Letters inclosed by the mail on Wednesday—I have prepared them for the morrow—I thank you for permission to read C Letter. it did as well as if written to me. I inclose you one from C to you—I had not the same licence from her, but I received a Letter from her of the 8th in which she...
1623From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams Smith, 1808 (Adams Papers)
I always feel most disposed to write when I have just received a Letter. Yet that is not the case now, but what is very similar to it. I have just read one from you to your Grandfather in which you mention Judge Bensons having commenced a course of Law Lectures and express a wonder at what could be his object as he does not receive any pecuniary reward. From the knowledge I have of Judge...
1624From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 15 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
What a Sad time our good Friends have for their journey. I think they will not travel in such weather, tomorrow I expect to learn something from them, I did not look for any thing on thursday. I feel rather more tranquil than when you left us, the not less solitary, and lonely, for Susan is gone to stay with her Aunt. We have been cheered by the accounts shocking as it is to humanity, at the...
1625From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 7 August 1810 (Adams Papers)
Received Quincy August 7th: 1810 of Thomas B Adams the sum of twenty-five Dollars and fifty Cents in full for one Quarter’s interest in J Q Adams’s Note of hand. $25:50 MHi : Adams Papers.
1626From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1806 (Adams Papers)
When Mr. Hall was here your Father told him that he would leave to you the adjustment of the shares in the cannal. the Sale of them was undoubtedly a great Sacrifice of property at their present valueSo was the payment of the assesments. but I hope it will prove for the best. Your Father says that he would have you take as of his Shares in the New England Insurence as will repay you what you...
1627From Abigail Smith Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 1 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
I was so highly gratified with the visit from your Grandaughter that I could not leave her to write, knowing that She had determined to remain with me only two days She brought me your kind and Friendly Letter, which was doubly precious to me; as it gave me the assurance, that you had recoverd from an illness, which made me dread for several posts, to hear from plimouth. With a mind unimpared,...
1628From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 8 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
By your note last Evening I conclude you had not received my Letter by the post of fryday which I expected to have reachd you the Same day—it containd a Letter from me to mr Adams to go by the vessel which is up for London, and which I then expected would Sail on Sunday, I inclosed a dollar requesting a supply of paper, to be sent me last evening, the P. and I are quite exhausted—I want a...
1629From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 April 1818 (Adams Papers)
My correspondence has been much interrupted the last fortnight Susan has been So feeble and weak, that She has required much care and attention She is now but just able to leave her Chamber, and that only for a short time, and we have had ten days of dismal wet weather, in which the Sun has not once Shone,—it has produced much Sickness, of the Quincy and Croup kind, with Children—My Son T B As...
1630From Abigail Smith Adams to Lucy Cranch Greenleaf, 30 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I promised to write you what I considerd the State of Your Dear Mother. She has appeard since you left her to be mending Slowly, has Slept considerable at night. her Sleep has not been altogether quiet, a Groaning which you no doubt observed attended it. She had taken the Bask Several times, but yesterday was obliged to quit it, her mouth and Stomach being very Soar, and her Breast tight. her...
1631From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 22 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of March the 12th in replie to mine, of the 2d ult. the method you took to inform yourself respecting the Character and circumstances of the person in Question was highly judicious and the return you received, very Satisfactory and pleasing. the terms you have exa c ted met my cordial approbation. I should perhaps, had it been left to me have prolonged the time of...
1632From Abigail Smith Adams to Stephen Peabody, 11 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
By the Agony of your own Bosoms you can judge of the affliction of mine, at the Sudden, and unexpected Stroke, which has deprived you, my Brother of the best of wives, and her dear Children of the most tender and affectionate of Parents. Her only Sister, of the last bond of union, of the ancient Stock; the last ligament which bound her to Earth. her Sex are deprived of one of the purest...
1633From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith, 26 January 1805 (Adams Papers)
My mind is so anxiously engaged for you my Dear Friend, and your Family that I cannot think of any thing else; tho I am unacquainted with any details respecting the misfortune which has assaild you, I cannot but think that your family ought not to Suffer for debts which were not your own, and that you have a right to Secure to yourself and children as much property as would have been yours, if...
1634From Abigail Smith Adams to Lucy Cranch Greenleaf, September 1811 (Adams Papers)
in replie to your inquiries I answer mrs Adams had a very bad night. at 2 oclock Nancy came to my Room to request that I would send for the doctor. he got here before day light and bled her, since which she has had some rest, altho much opprest & at times almost exhausted. discharges continue black, but the Soarness abated, and the dr says the pulse better—Mrs Smith by the use of the Mayweed...
1635From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I will write to you again, and untill I learn from you, that you have taken your passage home.—I have now to acknowledge a succession of Letters from you, arriveing nearly all together No 106. No 107 No 108 No 109 No 10010 and No 111 March the 16th which is the late date— I hope you did not think, when I wrote to you pressing your return to America, that my object was the office to which you...
1636From Abigail Smith Adams to William Cranch, 17 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
Your dear Father has joind the Spirits of the Blessed made perfect, on saturday last he was taken sick, appeared as he frequently has upon former days was wandering in his mind,—but a general prostration of strength took place. He was sensible only for a few moments at a time; exhausted Nature sunk to rest, without pain or struggle, and heaven has been pleased to save him the anguish of...
1637From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
The east wind of this day, will prevent the Sailing of the Galen, and it gives me the opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your Letter of May 13th No 87; and the papers containing the Royal Marriage which came to hand last Evening: by the arrival of a vessel at N york; this interesting , and important intelligence, had been partially communicated to the publick a week before—Some...
1638From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 1808 (Adams Papers)
Those of the family who could not attend yesterday at Cambridge yesterday as well as those who did, are very desirious of reading the lecture. if you will be so good as to let William take it, to day, I will return it on Monday. I wish a few of the Reviews if you can spair them. I carried to Town yesterday your Shirt overalls & waistcoat & handkerchiefs which you left here. as mrs Adams was...
1639From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 29 December 1810 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of december 15th. and the pleasure of congratulating you, upon the safe arrival and safety of your son; Who I hope enjoys good health, pray tender him my regards, and assure him of my sincere wishes for his prosperity! and success in buisness. You have a double joy also in the return of Mrs Pope to your city. I hope she has not sufferd any...
1640From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Carter Smith, 14 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
If the sympathy of Friends could alleviate the sorrow of an afflicted Heart, deeply wounded by the loss of a dear child, how readily would I Strive to pour the balm of consolation into yours. your trial has been great, whilst you Sat in Speechless anguish over the languid and decaying Form of your Departed Mary, striveing to obtain that Submission to the divine will, which religion teachs, and...
1641From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 14 April 1810 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to you last week. Our election is over, and Mr. Gerry and Gray undoubtedly elected by a majority of more than two thousand votes. Vermont and New-Hampshire have elected republican Governors. A prodigious revolution in the sentiments and opinions of the people of these States has been effected by the conduct of England and France towards us; but more particularly the shuffling, tricking...
1642From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 29 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
As Dean Swift says, “eyes with writing almost blind,” I commence a letter to you, near ten o’clock at night, after having written seven letters to go abroad by the Milo. I have been wishing to write to you all the week, but last Friday, in a snow storm, who should come to make me a visit, but Mrs. Cushing, who is always a welcome guest; she stayed until Tuesday; I could not leave her to write....
1643From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 6 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of Decbr 30 1811 has Slept in my in my Beaurous untill your prophesys have become dreadfull realities—in which I rejoice that you have no lot or portion, if your experience and counsel had been held in requisition the fate of poor Hull might not have been a disgrace to the Nation—Gasconade ought always to be the exclusive Majesty of the Nation Said to be famous for it—just as I was...
1644From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 20 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have hoped to hear from you by every post, and to learn how your Health is. I have not heard from the valley Since the 22nd of April. William’s account then of his Fathers Health left me anxious for him. he wrote me, that as soon as his Father was able, he designd taking a house, or lodging at Utica. he will then be near to you, and in the midst of a society, which may enable him to recover...
1645From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 23 April 1810 (Adams Papers)
I this day received your kind Letter of the 17th. I know not any thing which would give me more pleasure than accepting your kind invitation. I had anticipated the pleasure of making you a visit this Spring, with the hope of improveing my Health, and invigorating my Spirits by the hospitable greetings of my dear Sister and Friends. I had find upon this month, but have had a Series of Sickness...
1646From Abigail Smith Adams to George Washington Adams, 12 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
This is the House that Jack built And this is the curse that lay in the House &c Now George, I hear you Say, what in the world can Grandmother mean by this? why I am so joyfull, that I must Sport a little with you—but to explain, upon the 29th of June, arrived the Ship pacific at N york, from Liverpool 45 days passage and She brought news of the arrival at that place of the New packet from...
1647From Abigail Smith Adams to Adelaide Johnson, 26 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter with the inclosures and have written and forwarded them by a vessel just going to St Petersburgh—since I wrote to you last I have received two Letters from my son, one dated 2 of october and the other 25th they had just removed from their Country residence into the city, and were all well much improved in their health from the Air of the Country through the hot months....
1648From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 9 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Thursday the 30th of November was our thanksgiving day. I was not able to go to meeting owing to my eye, which I regretted very much, as our good minister is always excellent upon particular occasions, I am told he was upon this At dinner I looked round, I hope with a thankful heart, but alass! how many of my dear children were absent, not one of them to give pleasure to the festive table, for...
1649From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
Before I closed my Letter to you, I received this morning your Letter sent by mr Harris, of october 25th. I rejoiced to See your hand writing altho I read with trembling. I have participated in your greif, and shared your Sorrows. let not gloom and melancholy take root in your mind the wounded heart must have time to recover from the Stroke which has pierced it. there are Duties which you are...
1650From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 21 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty of introducing to you and your good Lady, Leiut Clark, who is on his way to visit his Friends in Maryland. he can give you any information you may wish for, respecting your Friends in Quincy. you will recollect mr Clark is the Gentleman, of whom I asked of you, when he was a Stranger Some information respecting, his Character, and connections— I have not had any cause Since...