My Dearest Friend

Half an hour ago your kind Letters of Febry. 23 [John to Abigail, 23 February 1794] and 25 [John to Abigail, 25 February 1794] were brought to me. I was at my station the Bed of our parent when they were deliverd, who again renewed her blesssings with the Testimony of Your having been always a kind and Dutifull Son, my Duty towards her as your parent, and as excellent woman whom I love respect and revere shall in all points be fulfilld, but the scene is sometimes too much for me, and pains me to the heart, I will not afflict you by the recital, last Night an ulcer upon her lungs broke and discharged to day. She seems rather easier. I have left her just to return home and dine. Mr. Storor brought me your letters, and by his return to Boston I have wrote you a few lines, I deliberated Some time whether I should write you at all till I could say our dear Parent was at rest. I now most sincerely Join with her in hopeing that the hour will speedily arrive for she has finished her course and done the work assigned her, and I doubt not She goes to reap the Reward of a well Spent Life, God Grant You the Suport and comfort You need under a Bereavement which my next letter must to all be Humane appearance inform you of.

Tell Mrs. Otis I will write her when my mind is more at ease.