Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 23 February 1794
Abigail Adams to William Cranch
Quincy Febry 23. 1794
Dear cousin
I received your kind Letter last evening. I should be glad of two shares if you would part with them.1 I inclose 30 dollors for the first payment, but at the same time will content myself with one rather than be any disadvantage to you yet wish you not to sell to any other person any share you may part with, should you determine to not to keep them. I would however advise you to keep as many as you can and was it not for the purchase of a Farm which your uncle made last fall I would get him to assist you, but he has been obliged to Borrow money himself—
as to the oatmeal I am sorry to have given you so much trouble about it. I will take it and you may take the half dollor from the inclosed. your sister Norten & Baby are just come to dine with me and are very well. Your Father has not been well since his return from Boston. he has been confind with one of his great Colds the rest are well affectionate Regards to your Aunt and Family from your / affectionate Aunt
A A
RC (MaSaPEM:Abigail Adams Papers).
1. A letter from William Cranch to AA dating from this time has not been found, but on 20 Feb. he wrote to his father, Richard, regarding his investments in the Haverhill Toll Bridge, noting, “Mrs Adams wish’d me to reserve, some of them for her, but she had not determined how many—” After explaining the finances of the project, he requested, “If you think proper, you may show this letter to Mrs Adams (I have not time to write to her by this post) and let me know as soon as you can, what she can do and what she will do—” (MHi:Christopher Pearse Cranch Papers, Box 1). The bridge over the Merrimack River opened on 18 November. At the time, the Massachusetts Mercury, 21 Nov., reported, “The strength, elegance, workmanship, and situation of this Bridge, is not equalled in America, and perhaps not excelled in the world: It is 865 feet long, with thre Arches, 182 feet each in length, 34 feet wide, supported by Stone Piers and Abutments.”