451Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Writing is not A la mode de Paris, I fancy or sure I should have heard from my son; or have you wrote and have I been so unfortunate as to lose all the Letters which have been written to me for this five months. I have sufferd great anxiety in not hearing from your pappa, or you. I hope you have not been so unlucky in those Letters sent to you. I want to know your situation, what proficiency...
452Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 18 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to you from East Chester, but I believe I have not written to you from hence. I was dissapointed in not receiving a Letter by mr Bartlet from you, tho I was much pleased in learning that he brought Letters from you to mrs smith. Seperated as she is from all her connections except her little Girl, and living in a village where she has not any Society, communications by Letters are the...
453Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
As the vessel by which I have already written to you, did not sail yesterday, I can now inform you that the Bill for the protection of our commerce past yesterday in the House of Rep’s 50 to 40— it impowers our vessels of war to capture, and bring in all French cruizers and Privateers which shall be found hovering upon our Coast.— it will pass into a Law tomorrow. We are still in the dark why...
454Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 26 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received Your Letter by this days mail of 17 th I am mortified at the loss of mr Whitman, tho from what you wrote me I apprehended it would be so. every one has a right to their own opinion, and my conscience suffers as much when I hear mr. & mr & mr deliver sentiments which I cannot assent to & preach doctrines Which I cannot believe, as my Neighbours because a Man does not wear Calvinism...
455Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 December 1803 (Adams Papers)
I did not expect a very frequent correspondence with you when You left me; however interested we each of us feel in the happiness and prosperity of our Country, there is little hope that observation, upon the measures pursued, or anxiety for the event of them: would alter or amend them: The Group Which compose the National Counsels is certainly Such an one, as has not heretofore been collected...
456Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
This evening as I was Setting, with only your sister by my side, who was scribling at the table to some of her correspondents, my Neighbour Feild enterd, with “I have a letter for you Madam”; my immagination was wandering to Paris, ruminating upon the long, long absence of my dear son, and his parent; that I was rather inattentive to what he said, untill he repeated; I have Letters for you...
457To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 19 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Fox a young gentleman from Philadelphia who came recommended by Dr. Rush to Mr. Adams, will have the Honour of delivering you this Letter. We requested him to call upon Mr. Stockdale for your papers &c. Mr. Adams is unwell, and will not be able to write you by this opportunity. I am to acquaint you sir that Dr. Price has transacted the business respecting Mr. Hudon. The Money is paid, but...
458Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
You left directions that Mr Pratt was to cut the Trees upon the plane for Timber to build a Barn this he has Done and our Teams have Drawn it, but upon inquiry I found that there would not be half enough for the Building. I inquired of Dr Tufts what conversation You had with him upon the subject, and of Pratt what You had Said to him. the Dr recollected that You talkd of building an addition...
459Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 4 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
I cannot but lament that the cares and avocations of Your Family should so fully occupy your Time, as to deprive Your Friends of the pleasure of your Epistolarly communications.— a very excellent Letter to Your Son, did but add to my Regreets. that talents So usefull should be encumbered by the daily cares; and obstructed by the numerous calls of Your Family, that the fire of imagination...
460Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 27 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I set myself down to comply with my Friends request, who I think seem’s rather low spiritted. I did write last week, but not meeting with an early conveyance I thought the Letter of But little importance and tos’d it away. I acknowledg my Thanks due to my Friend for the entertainment she so kindly afforded me in the Characters drawn in her Last Letter, and if coveting my Neighbours Goods was...
461Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 12 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter of June 8th gave great pleasure to the President, as well as to your Friend. We were happy to learn so good an arrangement of our Domestick concerns. I then hoped to have come to Quincy for a Month or two. some difficulties arise from the procecution of that plan, tho it is the place of all others which the President seems most desirious of visiting We could not be...
462Abigail Adams to Lucy Cranch, 2 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter my dear Neice was received with much pleasure, these tokens of Love and regard which I know flow from the Heart, always find their way to mine, and give me a satisfaction and pleasure, beyond any thing, which the ceremony and pomp of Courts and kingdoms can afford. The social affections are, and may be made the truest channels for our pleasures and comforts to flow through....
463Abigail Adams to John Adams, 9 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I this day Received yours of the 20 of April accompanied with a Letter upon Goverment. Upon reading it I some how or other felt an uncommon affection for it; I could not help thinking it was a near relation of a very intimate Friend of mine. If I am mistaken in its descent, I know it has a near affinity to the Sentiments of that person, and tho I cannot pretend to be an adept in the art of...
464Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 6 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
Altho I was at a stupid Route at the sweedish ministers last Evening, I got home about 12 and rose early this morning to get a few thinks ready to send out by Lyde. When a Body has attended one of these parties; you know the whole of the entertainment. There were about 2 hundred persons present last evening, three large rooms full of card tables. The moment the ceremony of curtsying is past,...
465Abigail Adams to Susanna Clarke Copley, [after 15 November 1792] (Adams Papers)
I was not a little Surprizd at receiving intelligence through mrs smith soon after her arrival that you had never received the Money for the Silk you was so good as to purchase at my request three years ago— I am extreemly sorry that your delicacy prevented you from giving me this information at an earlier period. most assuredly Madam I would not have askd such a favour for myself nor could I...
466Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 8 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have just received Your Letter, sent by the Gen’ ll Green, Captain Sheldon via RhoadeIsland, dated August 27 th . I believe I have scarcly lost a Letter from You or Your Brother notwithstanding the many hazards and Chances to which they have been liable. accept My thanks for Your last Communications. I rejoice at the return of your Health Strength and spirits, and most sincerely wish that...
467Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 7 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your very polite favour was handed me by Col. Franks. I am much obliged to you for the execution of the several commissions I troubled you with. Be assured sir that I felt myself Honourd by your commands, tho I have only in part executed them, for I could not find at any store table Cloths of the dimensions you directed. The width is as you wisht, but they assure me that four yds and three...
468Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 12 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I was just going to set down to write to you, when I received your Letter of I am sensible I was much in Arrears to you, as well as to some other of my Friend’s Since the Recovery of Thomas we have had Health in our dwelling, for which I have great reason to be thankfull. I have been happy with my three sons round me, but a sigh of anxiety always hung about my Heart, for mrs smith who ought to...
469Saturday 3 July. (Adams Papers)
A fine morning. Rose by six o clock. Went upon deck. None of the Gentlemen up; our Second Mate, a grand son of the Revd. Dr. Chauncy of Boston. He was upon deck and handed me out. A likely young fellow whose countanance is a good Letter of recommendation. We were all prejudiced in his favour as soon as we saw him; he told me to day that he was taken a prisoner during the War, and carried to...
470Abigail Smith to John Adams, 12 September 1763 (Adams Papers)
You was pleas’d to say that the receipt of a letter from your Diana always gave you pleasure. Whether this was designed for a complement, (a commodity I acknowledg that you very seldom deal in) or as a real truth, you best know. Yet if I was to judge of a certain persons Heart, by what upon the like occasion passess through a cabinet of my own, I should be apt to suspect it as a truth. And why...
471Abigail Adams to William Smith Shaw, 6 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday mor’g by Plimouth stage, your Letter of 28th december, together with the Bundle mrs Brisler sent, and two News papers—one by mistake was an old one, the other containd part of the debate upon mr Griswolds Resolution. the old clan keep up their opposition, Brainless as it is. I am glad to see them reduced to so small a Number, and as their Yea , must always be suspicious...
472Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 1 January 1788 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you by the November packet which Letter I hope you have received before now, in that I mentiond what I wished to have done to the House, particularly the painting & papering. Since that date we have received your favour by Captain Barnard desiring to know how mr Adams would have the land improved, but neither he or I are well enough acquainted with the Land to give any other...
473Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 20 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I received, by Dr. W——, your kind letter of February 14th. He was very punctual to his commission. He has been three times to visit us. He came out this afternoon to let me know that he should leave Philadelphia on Tuesday. By him I have to thank my dear sister for three letters, and to confess myself much in arrears. ’Tis in vain to say that I have had a sick family; that I have had a large...
474Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
I last evening received yours of the 12 th and 15. the weather for several Days past has been extreem Hot, and as to the drougth it is much sharper than last year we have not had half an inch of rain for two Months & Scarcly a sprinkle for more than a month. neither corn or potatoes can get up, & the few things in the garden wilt like july. I am most discouraged at Farming. I have however...
475Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter for your Brother should he arrive as we expect in Philadelphia; I am told by mr Welch who was yesterday to see us that you have Letters from Hamburgh from your Brother dated in july— if He & family should arrive in health, as I pray God they may, there first visit will be I presume to Washington, I think as they will be so near, it ought to be—tho I can scarcly give up the...
476Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 9 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you on saturday that I would forward to you the Dispatches as soon as they were out. I accordingly inclose them. they exhibit a picture of National Degradation and unparalled corruption, which presents Burks picture of the French Nation, not as the product of a heated imagination, but as real Life. “out of the Tomb of the Murdered Monarchy in France, has arrisen a vast, tremendous,...
477Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 14 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have lately been reading Mrs Montague’s essays upon the Genious and writings of shakspear, and I am so well pleased with them; that I take the Liberty of presenting them to you. The Lady is still living, a widow, and possessd of an ample fortune, without any children, she has a Nephew who bears the same name and has lately been returnd a member to parliament. I should have wished to have...
478Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 20 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
My Little Charles has been so ill that I have not had leisure to day to thank you for your obliging favour nor for the present which accompanied it, all of which were very acceptable to us. After 3 innoculations he has to be sure taken the distemper in the natural way. He has been exceeding ill, stupid and delirious for 48 hours. An exceeding high fever and most plentifull Eruption has...
479Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
How long is the space since I heard from my dear absent Friends? Most feelingly do I experience that sentiment of Rousseaus’ “that one of the greatest evils of absence, and the only one which reason cannot alleviate, is the inquietude we are under concerning the actual state of those we love, their health, their life, their repose, their affections. Nothing escapes the apprehension of those...
480Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 13 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
I inclose a Letter to cousin Betsy who has been very frank with me upon the subject of her approaching connection. I hope they will live to enjoy mutual happiness— I believe I have been deficient in not mentioning to you that mr Greenleaf was liberated from Prison on saturday week. I have not seen him. mr Malcomb was present at Court and heard the examination. he returnd quite charmed with mr...
481Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 17 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
Not being able to dispose of my oxen as I expected, & to have taken half the money for them, I do not find myself able to pay French without taking less than 50 Dollors with me, 46 of which it will take for my conveyence to Providence & passage on Board the packet. I must therefore request the favour of you sir to pay him for seven months wages at 50 dollers pr year. you will see by the papers...
482Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Gore came out this afternoon to see me; and informd me that Mr Dexter proposed to sit out tomorrow for Washington. by him I embrace the earliest opportunity of informing you of my safe arrival at Quincy on Saturday the last Day of May; in good health tho Something fatigued I got on very well, met with no accident, Horses all in good order. I found our Friends here well. the Hill looks very...
483Abigail Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 4 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
The very quick reply with wish which you honourd my Letter together with the Friendly contents of your polite favour demand my acknowledgement. If you Sir as a patriot and a Friend feel for the injurys offerd to your Country and the disgrace with which those in power are endeavouring to load our Friend, you may easily judge of the anxiety of one whose happiness is so interwoven and blended...
484Abigail Adams to John Adams, 3 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
By a Vessel of my unkles bound to Bilboa I write you a few lines, and commit them to the care of our Friends Gardoqui to whom I have written for a few small Articles, and desired them to draw upon you for pay, but the demand will not amount to more than 20 dollors I think. Tho I have been so unfortunate as to have my Trunk left in France, and the Alliance arrive safe here without it, to the no...
485Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 1 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
Mr Adams receivd yesterday your obliging favour of june 28th by way of Liverpool. His Eyes which I sometimes fear will fail him, have a weakness oweing to too intense application, which is very troublesome to him, and this being now the case, he will not be able to write his Friends as he wishes. I have to thank you for him, the intelligence which your Letter contains ought to make our...
486From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 18 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of 11. will take measures to repay the 20£. The ode is very fine. I shall be happy if the News is confirmed, that your Nephew has Succeeded. But have no News from America. The Pou, I read, nine months ago with Contempt and Disgust. I would not have gone through it, if it had not been merely to know that I had read it, as I think it a Duty to read every Thing which...
487Abigail Adams to George Cabot, 17 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favour of June the 9 with its inclousure, as well as a former Letter, which I felt too much dissapointed to replie to. I have read the sermon with much pleasure and satisfaction. the Paralell drawn between the Jewish Nation, previous to & during the administration of Nehemiah is striking indeed and our own situation at this time as portraid by the ingenious pen of mr...
488Abigail Adams to John Quincy and Charles Adams, 26 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am happy to hear of your safe arrival tho not at the port, I wished to hear you were. You will however have a more extensive opportunity of seeing that part of the world, if you travel by land to France. I wrote you largely by Mr. Austin which I hope you have received. A very soar hand prevents my writing many things which I have in my mind, and which will be committed to paper as soon as I...
489Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of April 5 th an 7 th reachd me last Evening, and they fill me with more apprehensions of a War than any thing I have before hear’d. the body of the people are decidedly against War, and if a War is madly or foolishly precipitated upon us, without the union of the people, we shall neither find Men or Money to prosecute it, and the Government will be Cursed and abused for all the...
490Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 22 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last week your very excellent Letter whatever you write is always precious to me. No one better knows how to touch every feeling of the humane Heart. I can allow for your long silence, tho I wish it were not imposed upon you, by your numerous cares; and unavoidable avocations. the anxiety which you feel for the Health of a Beloved child, whom I pray God to restore to Health, and...
491Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
Seven Months were nearly elapsed, from the Date of Your former Letter, to the receipt of yours on the 22 of this Month Which was of Nov’ br 7 th ; from Helvoetsluice. You from experience can judge, how acceptable it was to me. the very sight of a Letter exilirates my Spirits, and I tread back ten years in an instant. I felt all you described from your Situation, and could trace you into the...
492Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1789 (Adams Papers)
I last wednesday received yours of Dec br 28 and should have answerd by the post of thursday but that the mail for thursday closes on wednesday Evening and does not give time for any replie to Letters which come by that post. I wrote you from this place on sunday last. at that time I was in hopes I should have been on my journey home before this, as we have every thing in readiness to set out...
493Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 24 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
I embrace this opportunity By my Brother to write you a few lines tho it is only to tell you what you would have learnt from him, Namely that we are all well. he is come in persuit of Betsy Crosby. how well the child might have been provided for if the dr had lived, I cannot pretend to say, but two thirds of her property is already consumed, every minutia being charged to her as the account...
494Abigail Adams to John Adams, 27 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have written so largely to you by Mr. Storer who goes in the same vessel, that I should not have taken up my pen again, but in compliance with the request of a Friend whose partner is going abroad, and desires a Letter to you as an introduction. Of Mr. Dexter the Bearer I know nothing but his Name. I have inclosed the Letter which I received from his partner who you know is a valuable...
495Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 13 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
Any agitation of mind, either painfull or pleasureable always drives slumber from my Eyes. Such was my Situation last Night; when I gave my only daughter, and your Neice to the man of her choice , a Gentleman esteemed by all who know him, and equally beloved by his Friends and acquaintance. A Man of strict honour, unblemish’d reputation and Morals, Brave modest and delicate, and whose study...
496Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
Thursday post did not bring me one Single Letter from you; tis true I had no reason to complain on the Score of inattention, as the week before I had four Letters but I suppose that I had Letters, and that the blundering Blockhead of a post, either left them in Town, or has carried them to Barnestable as he Did once before; We have got a new Post, one of your under bidders, who can not read...
497Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 13 October 1766 (Adams Papers)
I heard to Day that the Doctor had a Letter from Mr. Cranch, and that he was still very Ill, poor Man. I am grieved for him, and for you my dear Sister, who I know share with him in all his troubles. It seem s worse to me when I hear you are unwell now than it used to, when I could go and see you. Tis a hard thing to be weaned from any thing we Love, time nor distance has not yet had that...
498Abigail Adams to Mary Middleton Lovell, 12 December 1779 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed Letter I send to your care. The triffel which accompanies it I ask your acceptance of. I only wish that my ability was equal to the desire I have of serving you. But merrit like yours and that with which you are connected must look for its reward beyond this transitory scene where more permanant Blessings await it, than the gratitude of mortals can bestow. I sympathize with you in...
499Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 4 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mrs smith Louissa Mrs Otis Rush Peters & a number of young Ladies are just gone to Congress to hear the Speech which is deliverd at 12 oclock to day; I should have liked well enough to have been of the Party, but it would not have been proper— You will see it, as soon as you will get the Letter I presume some people will not be pleased, I suppose, because it will not disclose enough about the...
500Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
I received by the last post, Your Letters of the 14 th. 16 th 18 th & 19 th . The frequent and repeated fires in the various capitals of Savanna Baltimore and N york are really shocking, but renderd vastly more allarming from the opinion that they are the effect of design, and not accident. I fear America will be the harbour and assilum of the Dissolute and abandoned of the Nations of Europe,...