Adams Papers

From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, September 1810

[ca. September 1810]

My dear Friend

Altho my Health would not permit me <to> personally to pay the last respect to my Ancient and valuable Friend. by attending his remains to the Tomb, through the whole of the melancholy Scene-and my mind dwelt upon you my much Loved Friend with every Sentiment of tenderness and Sympathy I longd to mingle with you the tears of <affection> bereaved affection and to recapitulate the virtues and amiable qualities of Your departed Friend whose character I cannot better draw than in the following Lines

Not in base Scandal’s arts he dealt

For truth was in his Breats

with grief he saw his Nighbours faults

And thought & hoped the best

what blessings bounteous heaven bestowed

He took with thankfull Heart

with temperence he received his food

And gave the poor a part

To Sect and party his large Soul

disdaind to be confined

The good he loved, of every name

And pray’d for all Mankind

Where shall be found a successor to fill his place I feel solisitiuous that one may be supplied who may Wear the mantle of Elijah—is he to be found with the Republicans? a judge like the wife of ceasar ought not to be Suspected, either of immorality or party animosities—Is he to be found with the Federalists? I have in my Eye—two possesst of great Legal knowledge and fair characters—and who I believe would do honour to the Bench—altho in some respects, they would not be a judge Cushing

but the appointment does not lie with me—I hope the President will deliberate and chuse judiciously unbiased by party

as soon as my health will permit I design to visit my Friend—in the mean time I bear you hourly in my <heart and> mind, and pray that you may be upheld by the consolations of Religion which are neither few nor small—the President / unites with me in Sharing your loss and in assurances / of Regard and Friendship

Abigail Adams

MHi: Adams Papers.

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