11From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, September 1810 (Adams Papers)
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...
If I had known the Messenger who left the Letter from your Neice, communicating to me the death of your beloved Husband, would have called upon his return, I should not have delayed. to have assurd you how sincerely I feel your Sorrow, or how pathetically I mourn our own loss. For to your dear departed Friend, we have reason to say, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. To feel and...