Louisa Catherine Adams to Ann Johnson, 27 September 1798
Louisa Catherine Adams to Ann Johnson
Berlin Sept. 27th. 1798
My Dear Nancy
Although I wrote you a long letter last Week I cannot resist the present opportunity though I confess I have nothing to say that will even be worth your reading—1
I ought perhaps to appologise for my last. upon reflection I see the impropriety of having addressed myself to you on a subject which could only prove unpleasant to you and tend to make you a party in my troubles I am sincerely grieved for having done it and I trust you will excuse my want of thought as I really suffered very much at the time of writing both my last letters and scarcely know what I said to either yourself or Mama—
I was last evening at one of the princesses who is extremely kind to me she has seen me but once since my illness and told me last night she was quite surprised to find me look so well and likewise grown quite fat but though I hear this from many people I do not think I have yet recovered my looks sufficiently to sit for my picture but indeed I have looked so ill and ugly ever since I have been married that I have avoided sending the one Mama desired you know I am very proud therefore it would not suit me to have a picture worse than common—2
I told you when I began I had nothing to say I shall therefore only desire you to offer to my cousin and accept yourself the sincere love of your friend and Sister
Louisa C. Adams
RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “To Nancy.”
1. LCA to Johnson, 11 Sept., above,
2. LCA and JQA spent the previous evening at Bellevue, the estate of Prince August Ferdinand and Louise of Brandenberg-Schwedt, Princess Ferdinand, LCA sat for three miniatures in London in 1796 and 1797, but no known later images were created in Europe, Her next known portrait is thought to have been painted by Edward Savage in 1801 after her arrival in the United States (D/JQA/24, 12 June 1798, 26 Sept., APM Reel 27; , p, 31–37, 45–48).