11Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 3 January 1785 (Adams Papers)
I am determined not to neglect my pen for so long an interval as I did before your last Letters; for then I always go to it with reluctance. Mr. Appleton came here this Day week; from London, and as he thinks he shall return before Captain Young sails, I am induced to proceed to the fulfilment of my promise, and attempt a Description of the French Theater. I have from time, to time, survey’d...
12Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 8 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
There is a Gentleman by the Name of Blakney a Philadelphian who is with other company to dine here to day and on Monday is going to England. I think to charge him with a Letter or two, tho I know not of any present conveyance unless Young is yet there, who has been going every week, ever since December, and who has, as my Friends will find, Letters on board written in that month, which is very...
13Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 6 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have now before me your two last Letters by my Dear Eliza received by Capt Calliham which I mean to answer before my Brother departs, and this will be in a very few days. You cannot wonder that is an event that I am not at all gratified with. I think of it as little as possible for tis hard to the that he is to be with us by anticipating the lonesomeness of our situation when he Shall be...
14Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 8 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
Yes my dear Neice, it was a Ceremony that one must study Some time to find out either utility or pleasure in it. I own tho I made one in the procession I could not help feeling foolish as I was parading first up one side of a very wide road, for a mile and half and then turning, and following down a vast number of Carriages upon the other as slow as if you was attending a funeral. By this...
15Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 12 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
Did you ever my dear Betsy see a person in real Life such as your imagination form’d of Sir Charles Grandison? The Baron de Stael the Sweedish Ambassador comes nearest to that Character in his Manners and personal appearence of any Gentleman I ever saw. The first time I saw him I was prejudic’d in his favour, for his countanance Commands your good opinion, it is animated intelligent sensible...
16Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 2 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
At the Bath hotel I received my dear Neices Letter of April. I have told your Sister and other Friends why I did not write then, but I should have no excuse to give if I omitted so good an opportunity as now offers by Mr. Storer. This day two months ago we removed here, where I should be much delighted if I could have my Sisters my Cousins and connections round me, but for want of them every...
17Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 14 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Mr Smith informed me last Evening of an opportunity of writing by Way of N York and as I know of no immediate Conveyance to Boston I shall accept it to acknowledge the receipt of your two last letters by Capts Cushing, and Lyde, and to assure you that tho I have been negligent of writing, I have not been unmindfull of my friends. Indeed I have several times attempted writing you and have began...
18John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 23 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
I came yesterday as far as Boston with Sister Lucy, who is employ’d in fixing me off: I came here in the afternoon finally to settle. Your Brother goe to Boston this morning, and I have but a few minutes to write. All at Braintree are well, Mr. Tyler’s Windmill is to be raised this day. There’s another thing, that you would never let me know. I have got a number of articles of impeachment,...
19Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 2 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
I think my dear Betsy that some Letter of yours must have faild, as I have none of a later date, than that which you sent me from Haverhill by mr Wilson, by which I find that you are studying Musick with Miss White. This is an accomplishment much in vogue in this Country, and I know of no other civilized Country which stands in so much need of harmonizing as this. That ancient Hospitality for...
20John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 7 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
My things, are yet pretty much in Confusion, and I do not expect to get well settled till the next Quarter. I find much more, to do here than I expected; it is true that every persons who chooses, may be idle 3 days in the 6; but every one may also, find full sufficient employment if he chooses. Mr: Williams’s Philosophical Lectures, began, Tuesday the 28th: of last month; we have already, had...