1771From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am indebted to you for several very entertaining Letters, while I have not any thing in return to amuse you with. Some marriages amongst the young folk are taking place, miss E Gerry last week to a Major Townsend. Susan was at the visit party. She is well married it is Said. a daughter of doctor Hoolbrooks to a mr Vincet, Brother to mrs E Everet who was lately in England. miss Hoolbrook is...
1772From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 May 1811 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letter I received a few days Since to forward by the first opportunity. my last Letter was addrest to Mrs Adams, and went by a vessel direct for St Petersburgh belonging to Loring & Curtis, which Saild in April. This will inform you that your sons are both well. your Father and myself as well as old Age can expect to be. neither of us Deaf dumb or blind as yet, trembling and...
1773From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, May 1815 (Adams Papers)
I received your note this morning. mr A forgot to leave it last Evening; I am not much disappointed that there were not any Letters from mr ulating upon the Time when he the Milo left England. I could not Suppose mr A. had received his credentials so as to enable him to go there The Milo must have brought us some later news from Paris than we have yet had, but English papers are little to be...
1774From Abigail Smith Adams to Lucy Cranch Greenleaf, 1811 (Adams Papers)
I Send your Mother a Bottle of Hermitage wine which on Serching the cellar we found. I hope it will prove a cordial to her. it is more mild than port, and excellent for herI pray it may be blest to her restoration MWA : Adams Papers.
1775From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
You have been so good in writing to your Father and Brother that I ought not to complain that you have not particularly addrest a Letter to me, tho I wanted to know how George was grown, and whether he rememberd you and what he had to say to you. John I think you told me was quite different in his temper and disposition, more sturdy and harder to manage. these are subjects much more...
1776From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 3 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
It is with Sincere pleasure that I acknowledge your Letter of Febry 23d this day received, a Letter endeard to me, comeing from the Son, of a Friend whose memory I cherish, whose loss I have not ceased to mourn, and whose frequent, and intelligent correspondence I highly valued To her Children, who must rise up, and call her blessed, her price was far above Rubies. Her only, her beloved, her...
1777From Abigail Smith Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
A long and Severe fit of Sickness must plead my excuse for so long delaying the acknowledment of Mr vander Kemps very polite and flattering Letter, in which he has estimated the little civilitis due shone to him, not as a homage due to his Character and worth, so conspicuous to every intelligent mind, but as acts of Superoragation— the only regret I feel is that I fear I Shall never have an...
you will I know excuse my not haveing written to you more than once; when you learn the additional care and anxiety I have had in my Family by the Sickness of Louisa, who has had two other allarming attacks of pukeing blood, more than half a pint each time, and a much larger quantity passing down. She is much reduced, and for several days unable to leave her Bed—She is now able to sit up...
1779From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 5 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
I hope you have received your mittins, and your Brother his, which Mrs. Foster took a fortnight since and promissed to send to you, but I fear she has not found a conveyance. I am the easier because your Aunt wrote me that she had provided for you. I thank you for your Letter which was so much better written than your Brothers, that I could not keep saying you had learnt more good hand writing...
1780From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I was never more at a loss what to say to you than at the present moment, to accuse you of neglect I cannot, I will not, for I do not believe it possible—yet so unfortunate have I been, that not a line has reachd me from you of a later date than the first of last May, two packets have since been received containing Letters for your Father your Brothers & your children, but not a solatary line...
1781From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 24 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
Truly my dear sister I blush and am asshamed that I have not written to you in replie to your Several kind Letters; I will not hunt for excuses, or pretend the extreem heat of the weather prevented, altho it was so oppressive that I could not do any thing but fan and pant. I have repeatedly said well I must write this day. abbe have you written—No Mam why have you not, you have leisure? “I do...
1782From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 2 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am very Sorry to learn that your Mother is so unwell, as Susan represents her. let me hear from her tomorrow. I have been out all day to meeting, and do not feel the worse for it. I do not expect to hear from utica untill next week I think I shall from Caroline. I have written to her three Letters three weeks going; none of which has She yet acknowledgd. I know She will be anxious to let us...
I am ready to join in the exclamation of Eloissa when she said “Heaven first taught Letters, for some wretches aid” For how very wretched should I be, but for the intercourse which Letters afford, to soften the pains of absence, and mitigate the pangs of seperation from near and dear Friend’s? how large a portion of these joys and sorrows have fallen to my lot, through Life, are known only to...
1784From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 29 August 1808 (Adams Papers)
Do you know how long a time has elapsed since you wrote a single line to your Mother? You did not use to be thus neglectfull of your pen: I am myself frequently tardy, but I believe unless the post has failed: that I have written twice, Since I recieved a Letter from you. Caroline has written once to me: and once to Susan so that my mind has been releived from the apprehension that you were...
1785From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 10 October 1810 (Adams Papers)
We have lost an excellent Neighbour and Friend in the death of Mr Black, for more than a Year he has Sufferd great bodily disease but for the last Month, a fever in concequence of his other complaints Seizd upon him, and put a period to his days—he was patient and resignd, and like a good Man who has better hopes beyond the grave, Cheerfull and pleasant to his last tour . Thus have two of my...
1786From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 17 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I received the Silk and chalk this mor’g on Wednesday. I wrote you and inclosed to you mr Adams Letter of 25 Novbr to me. Charles was just going to the post office with it when mr Shaw drove up, and Stoped him. I opend the Letter to show him and gave it him with my cover upon his promise to perform part of what I had committed to you. he was then to leave the Letter with you. in that you will...
1787From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 24 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your Letter of the 4th April. I was grieved to find by it, that your spirits are so deprest, and your health so infirm. you have had great calls upon your fortitude, and the trial of your virtues, since your seperation from your Friends— we know upon what terms we hold our existance here. the Christian looks beyond this State of trial for the reward promissed to those who...
1788From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 12 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
How have your Lungs borne this severe cold weather? mine have hitherto sustaind it better than the last winter, but we have advanced only a little way yet. The Barn is compleated and the accounts all payed, the amount 920 Dollars. 4ct. there is some timber & stuff amounting to about 15 dollars included in the amount which is thought best to leave for repairs to the old Barn Mr Foster had some...
1789From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 18 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
It looks like a want of those gratefull feelings which I am sure are inmates of my Heart, that three weeks have elapsed since I left my dear sister, and her Hospitable Mansion, and I have not written her a line to tell her that I was highly gratified with my ride and visit; that my Health and that of Louisas was much benifited by it, and that I have wanted to hear directly from my dear Neice,...
1790From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 4 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
When I wrote last to you, I was at a loss What to say to you, to console, and reconcile you to your situation. the thought struck me to say, that some light might spring up, where we did not foresee it, and extricate you from your difficulties. Such a light appears to me to have arrisen in the midst of surrounding darkness, by the appointment of mr Adams an associate judge of the Supreem...
1791From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 15 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
I send the Boys to your and your Fathers kind care. I hope they will not be obliged to stay long before they embark John thinks he must have a black handkerchief. the Ribbon you sent I took for my Bonnet. I want they should have their hair cut. If they do not go immediatly on Board, I would have them call at mr Smiths, at mr Quincys at mr Halls and mrs Otis’s keep them in good order, and make...
1792From Abigail Smith Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 5 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I most sincerely sympathize with you, and the bereved distrest Family at Washington. in the dispensation of heaven which has broken assunder the last paternal ligament; and left you the only Surviveing pillar, of the once numerous Edifice. To us, who in the course of nature expect, and hope to joint the Spirits of the just; are consolations, which to the bereved widow; and Children, are more...
1793From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
I would not come to Town to day because I knew I should only add to yours, and my own agony, my Heart is with you, my prayers and blessing attend you, the dear Children you have left, will be dearer to me for the absence of their parents, and my care whilst, Providence continues to me my faculties, and my Life. If your Father and I Should be removed, they cannot fail of finding Friends and...
1794From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 1 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
The moon shone so bright this morning that I rose, as it seems while it was yet Night, and allotted a portion to my Maidens, & set my whole house hold in motion, for you must know that we have Six Men at this day, three ladies, who love us so dearly that they must stay. a cold winter comeing & no Home, and wish the old Gentleman was but 25—I had a specimin of a compliment this morning from one...
1795From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 6 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
The great quantity of snow upon the Ground has obstructed the travelling So much, that the post did not get in last week, and your Letter which Should have come by that Mail, did not arrive untill yesterday. The Nomination and appointment of mr Adams, had been announced in the public papers, and in Some private Letters, before I received yours— Supposing that his absence would be an...
1796From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 28 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
Think not my Dear Daughter that I have been silent through want of feelings—I have sympathized with you under the repeated Shames you have been called to endure, in the last I have been no common sharer, I have wept with the relatives, over the remains of a Brave, unfortunate Benevolent Man, a kind affectionate & tender companion of her, whom he has gone to join in the World of Spirits,...
1797From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 January 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have already written to you twice by this opportunity. I had not intended to have taken my pen the third time, but having received intelligence from Washington which I wish’d might be communicated to mrs Adams, and her Sister with that prudence and tenderness which so distressing an event calls for I thought it best to communicate to you the Sudden death of Mrs Hellen, who was at Church on...
1798From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
your kind and Friendly Letter found me in great affliction for the loss of my dear, and only daughter, mrs Smith She had been with me only three weeks having undertaken a journey from the state of Nyork, desirious once more to see her parents, and to close her days under the paternal roof she was accompanied by her son and daughter. who made every exertion to get her here, and gratify what...
1799From Abigail Smith Adams to Julia Stockton Rush, 24 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
will you give me leave to introduce to your acquaintance the Rev’d mr Coleman, a gentleman who is setled in a Neighbouring Town my Neighbourhood, and who is travelling for his Health. both the president and myself your Friend have a high Respect and esteem for this Gentleman, who is what every Clergyman ought to be a liberal Christian, a Gentleman of Science taste & literature—and what I know...
1800From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 April 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your Letters are always Common property with the Family to hear from you, and know that you are all well, is a mutual gratification to us all—Your Father is not so punctual in acknowledging Letters, dates and numbers as you are, so that your last Letter to him of Janry 14th No 56 is left for me to notice, and laugh, at your excuse for its brevity. I have received several from you of the like...
1801From Abigail Smith Adams to Julia Stockton Rush, 13 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have been sick almost ever since I had the pleasure of receiving your favour of May, but in sickness or health my mind has been with you. not a day has past that I have not visited your Bereved habitation and sat with you disconsolable and mourning, the recollection of the kind tender and affectionate Physician who has so often releived my pains and sufferings who cheered me by his Smiling...
1802From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 17 May 1811 (Adams Papers)
I rode up to your house this morning to inquire how the Children were and heard that they were both well. dexter Slept there last night. I will Send George in with the chaise tomorrow, if mr Adams returns. George may come out in the Stage. If there Should be any Salmon to be had tomorrow and mr Foster would get me part of one, I will be much obliged to him—I should not like to give more than a...
1803From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams Smith, 11 February 1810 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Letter by your Aunt. altho you have not written to me before, I know you have often thought of me, and you are so constant & regular a correspondent with your Grandfather that I readily exculpate You from all neglect. I read your Letters to him with pleasure. they show a mind desirous of information, & solisitious for the truth. it is knowledge which inspires caution, as...
1804From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 22 May 1811 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of I received by the last mail. I had been in daily expectation of hearing from you, or Seeing you Since the begining of the Month. my own health is better than when I wrote you last and I think I could enjoy my dear Mrs Cushing Society whenever She will favour me with it ; I have not any expectation of leaving home for more than two days which will be in Boston. Since the Short...
1805From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I learn that the vessel in which our ministers are to embark, will not go untill thursday. I will write you a few more lines, in hopes they may be in Time, and that for the pleasure I know it will give you, to learn, that your Father and I have So far recoverd from our late sickness, as to ride the last week to weymouth, to visit our old Friend Dr Tufts, who in his 82d year, still enjoys So...
1806From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 1 October 1817 (Adams Papers)
while I congratulate dear Caroline upon the Birth of a daughter, I am calld to mourn with her Brother, upon the loss of a son. mr Adams writes me, that he found them in great affliction He is with mr & mrs Fry—expecting to get to Housekeeping by the first of this month. He is entering upon the Duties of his office, with fear and trembling. His Eyes and his right Hand threaten to fail him, and...
1807From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
Since my Letter to you of the 23 of August I have only written one Letter! it was to Abbe Shaw congratulating her upon her marriage, which took place upon the 18th of this month, to which I was invited, but many Circumstances prevented my attendance. She is gone with her Husband to reside in Salem. She has the prospect of being happily married. She is a good and amiable girl, possessing many...
1808From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 4 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
Received Quincy March 4th 1814 of Thomas B Adams Esqr Twenty-five Dollars and fifty Cents in full for one quarter’s interest on J Q Adams’s Note $ 25.50 MHi : Adams Papers.
1809From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1809 (Adams Papers)
The Saturday after you left Boston, I went to Town, and brought up George. he went the next week to his uncle Cranch’s, and goes daily to school to mr Whitney. he appears well pleased, and learns to the Satisfaction of mr Whitney as I hear, who has put him into Lattin, which George Says is not so hard as French, in his French Bible his Aunt hears him daily. he is a Good Boy, save now and then,...
1810From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 28 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
Altho’ I have repeatedly written to you Since I received a Letter from you, I am not critical in that respect. judging from my own feelings, I think a Letter from a Friend always acceptable and altho’ they cannot be so interesting to you, as when your sons were with me, yet they may convey the assuriance of the Love and regard of which I bear you; and the interest I take in whatever concerns...
1811From 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...
1812From Abigail Smith Adams to William Smith Shaw, 1 October 1808 (Adams Papers)
Shall we ever have the pleasure of a visit from you at Quincy. I can Scarcly credit that you Should be so intirely weaned from a place, and Friends whom you once loved and esteemed. I know your avocations are numerous—your time fully occupied, but you may have leisure to visit the Atheneum, when your Friends here are to be no more seen. your uncle and Aunt Cranch have both been very sick. your...
1813From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 19 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
my dear Caroline must be informd that her Grand mothers Eyes are so much afflicted as to oblige her to put on the Green Shade which her dear Mother made for her Grandfather, and this prevents her reading or writing for the present, Yet she cannot refrain from addressing a few lines to her to acknowledge her welcome Letter of and to congratulate her upon the Restoration of peace to their...
1814From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 17 December 1805 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of december 6th on the 14th and was very glad to hear of your safe arrival at washington; the journey at this Season when the days are so short must always be fatigueing. It must have been less so to you than it would have been with the children, tho I doubt not you must miss them very much. they are very well. John is as thick as he is long, has out grown his cloaths....
1815From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 24 April 1816 (Adams Papers)
I this morning received your Letter, dated the 10th I sympathize with you, under the repeated Bereavements you have been call’d to Suffer. your graces, and your virtues, are now call’d into action. it is not Stoical indifference, but a christian Submission, and resignation to the all wise dispensations of your heavenly Father, which is required of you. alive to the tenderest sensibilities, you...
1816From Abigail Smith Adams to Lucy Cranch Greenleaf, July 1813 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Smith reachd here yesterday at about ten oclock was like your dear Mother taken out of the carriage in a chair and carried to her chamber—She is indeed a very sick woman, spasms draw her up, cannot take food. every thing oppresses her—any Indian meal and water—her stomack seems to have lost its tone. how she got here is a marvel to me, a constant worry upon her nerves, so that at times she...
1817From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 25 October 1807 (Adams Papers)
I address you jointly and congratulate you upon the fine weather we have had since you commenced your journey I hope e’er this day, you have reached washington in safety , with your dear little Boy; for whose Safety, I was not a little anxious through so long and fatigueing a journey. We had the pleasure to receive a Letter from you, informing us of your arrival at New york— The week after you...
1818From Abigail Smith Adams to Julia Stockton Rush, 6 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter, and one which you forwarded for mrs Cuthbert, which I gave my Friend, who will be punctual to deliver it to the House, who transmit it. I hope for its safety and find a pleasure in being instrumental in bringing together long absent Friends. If your son or daughters should any of them travel this way, I hope they will not fail to visit, the Ancient Friends of their...
1819From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 10 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
It is so long Since I received a Letter from you or any of the Family that I am not a little anxious to hear. I have attributed it to the great fall of Snow which has obstructed prevented the Southern post getting in Regular Succession—and we have learnt that the Northern Roads are still more obstructed—yet I have Sent every Post to the office in hopes to hear. I have written You Several...
1820From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
The intercourse between us is daily more and more obstructed, it may prolong your tranquility that it is so: I know not how to take up my pen, yet painfull as the Duty is, I must perform it, untill the task may devolve upon some other, to tell you that your Parents are also numberd with the dead. I wrote you in Sep’br, an account of my dear Sister Cranchs Sickness, and of the little prospect I...