Adams Papers

Abigail Adams to John Adams, 11 December 1794

Abigail Adams to John Adams

Quincy December 11th
Thursday mor 1794

my Dearest Friend

I was most sadly dissapointed last Evening when my Newpapers came from the post office without a Letter. the latest date I have received was Novbr 26, so that two post have arrived without a line. I am not anxious if one, only passes, but you are usually so good in writing me once a week always; and very frequently oftener, that I am really allarmd least you are sick, & very sick otherways you would have written. my only hope rest now that mr Freeman who I hear got in yesterday, may have a letter for me. I shall be in the vapours till Saturday, if I do not hear.

I have read with great eagerness the Debates in Congress, and whilst I am highly gratified at the firmness and independant Spirits discoverd by those who with superior Tallents Support the Laws & Government, I am mortified to find so large a proportion of that House Abbettors of Jacobine clubbs, and favourers of a spirit of insurrection and Rebellion— yet tis best that the world should see and know them, and their principals. these have been pretty fully displayd in the late Debates. Austin I hear is thundering his annathamas against the President & Ecoing Giles in the Chronical.

we have had remarkable fine weather Since December came in. I pray you to send me for a New years Gift, Lady Cravens Journey to constantinople, Bennet’s Strictures on Female Education, & to Louissa Bennets Letters to a young Lady.1 they are to be Sold at Davies Book store No 68 market Street.2

My Creditors call upon me, and I promise to pay them in the course of the Month. I am really in want of a remittance.3 I know I have it in my power to help myself, but I had rather wait a few days longer—

I have only time to add Sincere & fervent wishes for your Health & happiness—without which neither can be the lot of your ever affectionate

A Adams—

I have written to you every week

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: “Mrs A. Decr. 11. / 1794.”

1Elizabeth Craven, Baroness Craven, A Journey through the Crimea to Constantinople, London, 1789; Rev. John Bennett, Strictures on Female Education, London, 1787; and Bennett, Letters to a Young Lady, on a Variety of Useful and Interesting Subjects, Warrington, Eng., 1789.

2Benjamin Davies, a bookseller and stationer, operated a store at 68 Market (High) Street in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Directory, description begins Philadelphia Directory [title varies], issued annually with varying imprints. description ends 1794, Evans, description begins Charles Evans and others, American Bibliography: A Chronological Dictionary of All Books, Pamphlets and Periodical Publications Printed in the United States of America [1639–1800], Chicago and Worcester, 1903–1959; 14 vols. description ends No. 27089).

3On this same date, JA sent AA $600 (Adams Papers).

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