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Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 May 1789


My dearest Friend

It has been impossible to get time to write you, Moving, Noon, and Night, has been taken up with Business, or Visits, Yesterday the President was Sworn, amidst the Acclamtions of the people. But I must refer you to Gazettes and Spectators. I write this abed. Mr. Allen delivered me Yesterday your Letter, I like very much your Plan of coming on, with Charles and Thomas, before Commencement. But as yet I have no House, nor Furniture, when you come you must bring, Table and Chamber Linnen and the Plate, and I expect, some beds. But all is uncertain as yet, You may send by a Stage, or a Cart to Providence and there embark, more necessary Things


in the Packett, The House of Representatives will I hope, soon determine something. But my Expectations are not raised, I fear We shall be Straightened, and put to difficulty to live decent by, We must however live in Proportion to our means.

The President has received me with great Cordiality, of affection and Confidence, and [every] Thing has gone very agreably. His Lady is expected this Month.

My Duty to my Mother, Love to Brothers Adams Cranch &c and Sisters and every friendly, grateful Sentimant to our Honourable Dr., our Guardian Protector and Friend, and to Mr. Quincy, whom I had not opportunity to see, before I came away, and to all other friends and acquaintance &c.

I ought to thank Captn. Beal, Mr. Allen Mr. Black &c for their obliging attention in accompanying me, on my Journey.


You will receive by Barnard, some more fruit Trees. The Ladies universally enquire very respectfully after Mrs. Adams, when She will arrive &c.

The last Sunday, I Spent very agreable at Col. Smiths, Nabby and the Children very well, William, had no Knowledge of me, but John knew me at first glance.

I long to take a Glance at my farm but this cannot be, Write me as often as you can. Yours with the tenderest Affection,

John Adams.

I have Sent the Horse. You may sell him to my worthy son John, for his Health, if you think it possible to pay for his Keeping,



[Envelope -- see page image]



Cite web page as: Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 May 1789 [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, 1 May 1789. 4 pages. Original manuscript from the Adams Family Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Source of transcription: Adams Papers Editorial Project. Unverified transcriptions.
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