1Elizabeth Palmer Cranch to Abigail Adams, 30 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
As the vacation draws near—and consequently the time to settle who are to form our family for the winter Term, I wish to know whether you intend Susan shall stay— I am resolved to keep no other so young—but her Abilities are so good and her constitution so firm, that it will be a pleasure to have her with us if you wish it— She will then have a double advantage as she will be with the older...
2Elizabeth Palmer Cranch to Abigail Adams, 2 July 1802 (Adams Papers)
The solicitude you express’d to have your little Susan learn dancing, has induced me to make some inquiries, and has consequently led me to reflect more on the subject than I ever before had done; the result of those inquiries, and these reflexions is, a decided opinion against introducing either music or dancing (as an Art) into this little seminary. My daughter will give you my reasons,...