I return the enclosed letter according to your desire, painfully regretting, that I can not consistently with my sense of my duties, comply with the wish of the writer; and yours in his behalf. The reasons of this I cannot fully explain to you, but I trust you will be assured they are not incompatible with that ardent and sincere affection to which you so forcibly appeal, & the power of which...
After a year’s absence I came yesterday to make a visit to my friends for three days. Our anxiety to hear from you, led me to send to the office this morning for letters; there I found yours of May 31st, containing tidings that my fears had anticipated, as you will find when you receive my last letter. My dear child, you will be again called to severe and afflictive scenes; may you be...
Your Apology for not having written before was accepted by your grandmother. To be attentive to our guests is not only true kindness, but true politeness: for if there is a virtue which is its own reward, hospitality is that virtue. We remember slight attentions, after we have forgotten great benefits; sweetness of temper, easiness of behaviour, and kindness of disposition, are peculiarly...
This year compleats a Century Since my Uncle Boylston introduced the practise of Inoculation into the English dominions; but what improvements have been made, Since 1720 partly by experience, but much more by the Accidental discovery of Dr Jenner? The history of this distemper is enough to humble human pride! enough to demontrate what ignorant Puppets We are! how we grope in the dark! and what...
last Saturday my Dear Children and grandsons viz William your Brother, and little Charles Adams sailed in the Ship Horace Capt Beckford for Saint petersburgh this Seperation from a dear son at the advanced Age both of your Grandfather and me, was like taking our last leave of him, and was felt by us both, with the keenest anguish. our hearts were, “garnerd up in him” perhaps too closely and we...
Your neat, pretty letter, looking small, but containing much, reached me this day. I have a good mind to give you the journal of the day. Six o’clock. Rose, and, in imitation of his Britannic Majesty, kindled my own fire. Went to the stairs, as usual, to summon George and Charles. Returned to my chamber, dressed myself. No one stirred. Called a second time, with voice a little raised. Seven...
I received your letter this day, written from Springfield; this has been a relief to us to hear that you were well, and that your dear mother bore her journey so well. After you left me I felt no restraint upon me, and could give way to all I felt and all I had suppressed; my harp was upon the willow, and my spirits at a very low ebb; I have in some measure recovered them, and follow you daily...
“Delightful praise, like summer rose, That brighter in the dew-drop glows.” They were sweet drops which flowed from the heart to the eyes both of your grandfather and grandmother, when I read to him the two letters you had transcribed to your uncle and to your father, in commendation of your brother. You could not have offered a sweeter incense to your grandfather; and flowing from the pen of...
I was made very happy by the receipt of your letter of the 7th. I have enclosed two papers to your uncle; they contain the proceedings of the last week. I am appointed a member of a committee to inquire whether any, and if any, what, provision ought to be made, for the more effectual protection of the northwestern frontier of the U.S. against the incursions of the savages and other enemies. I...
Yesterday was our Thanksgiving day. In our own way, and with tempers suited to the occasion, we gave thanks for those blessings which we felt had been granted to us in the year past, for the restoration and recovery from dangerous sickness of members of our own family; and, although in one instance we had been called to weep, in many others we had cause of rejoicing. We were in health; we had...