New York. May. 24. 1789
My dearest Friend
I have received your Letter of the 16th
[Abigail to John, 16 May 1789]
. I have taken a large and handsome house, in a beautiful Situation, about two miles out of the City, upon the North River. The Rent is less, than I must have given for a much meaner house in Town, without any such accommodations of Stable Garden, Pasture &c.
I now desire you to come on, as soon as possible. and to send by Tirrell, or some other Vessel, Beds, and Bedding -- all the Linnen for Beds and Table, and bring with you the Plate, Knives Forks, China, Glass, Kitchen Furniture -- in short all the [furniture] of the House in a manner. Some of the Smaller looking Glasses -- but the large ones, not yet. Yet I dont know but it would be best to bring even them. Furniture here is monstrously dear. Ask the Dr., if it is advisable to insure? My Books some of them may come too. The Books I wish for are Hume, Johnson, Priestly, Ainsworth's Dictionary, and such other books as may he most amusing and useful. The great works and Collections I would not bring on. But Blackstone and De Sohne on the English Constitution and the Collection of American Constitutions I would have sent on. I am encouraged to expect that the House will do something that will enable Us to live, tho perhaps not very affluently.
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The Place must be left, as you can. I can form no Judgement about it.Charles must come with you. And Polly -- and Elijah if his Parents are willing.
Mrs. Washington, will be here before you, without doubt. She is expected daily. My Garden is preparing for your Reception, and I wish you were here.
My dearest friend Adieu
J. A.
Livy and Tacitus and Cicero I would have sent, and a Plutarch in french or English &c.
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[Envelope -- see page image]
