Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 October 1778

Page 1

Passi Octr. 2. 1778

My dearest Friend

This goes by Captn. McNeil, who is an Adventurous Cruiser. It is not safe to write much by him.

If Expressions of Tenderness, were necessary my Heart is full enough to write a great many. I send some Letters from Johnny, who intended to have written to his Brothers and indeed has written but there is not time to copy them.

I think, that the Distance of Place, and the present perfect security which I enjoy, has by no Means lessened my Anxiety. We have no News from America since the [Comte] D'Estaing left Sandy Hook. We expect News every Moment. -- I have sent you by [Captain] Tucker all the Things you desired me to send, which I wish safe. I sent you ten Guineas worth of Linnen and Woolen by Captn. Barns, who I fear is taken. I have sent you a few Pounds of Tea by Captn. Niles and a few More by Mr. Austin. But the Risque is so great that I will send no more, but by Frigates or under Convoy. -- Draw upon me for an hundred Pounds. This is the safest Way of supplying your Wants.

Yours forever.

Cite web page as: Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 October 1778 [electronic edition]. Adams Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society. http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/

Original manuscript: Adams, John. Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 October 1778. 1 page. Original manuscript from the Adams Family Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.

Source of transcription: Butterfield, L.H., and Marc Friedlaender, eds. Adams Family Correspondence. Vol. 3. Cambridge, Mass. : Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1973.