Quincy Novbr. 18 1798
My dearest Friend
By the post of yesterday I received your two Letters, one from Brookfeild and one from Suffeild. I rejoiced in your rapid progress as the weather was so fine but I mournd for Mrs. Smith who I knew was following you with all speed, but I fear from your rapid movement did not overtake you untill last night, if then, by a Letter which came yesterday to her from her Sister Clarkson which I ventured to open: I am sure she judged right in going on, tho it leaves me more lonely than I could wish. I could not have enjoyd her company whilst she apprehend any censure could fall upon her; her Struggle was hard between her two duties. I decided for her. I knew for her peace of mind,tho she earnestly desired to remain with me. I shall want to hear when and where she overtook you. I have written you twice, and addrest my Letters to N York to the care of Charles, hoping you would Get them when you reachd that city.
My Health is much as it was the third day. I have the intermitting and a sleepless night but I get two Nights of pretty good Sleep. I must find out something if I can to rid me of so troublesome a companion, for it destroys in one night all I acquire
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of Health and Strength the
preceeding ones, and it cramps and dejects my Spirits in a very great degree. I however strive to throw it of and engage in the Family affairs so as to amuse my mind, yet melancholy thoughts will frequently get the better of me. I hope however to reconcile myself to the Solitary lot of absence better in a few weeks than at present.
Cousin Betsy was married here on Thursday, and went to Boston the next morning to Housekeeping. I did not mention it to you before you went away least you should think I should make some exertion and injure my Health, but I did not. We had only a small Number of the nearest connextions, and I stayd in my chamber untill after Tea and retired to it again soon after they were married. Mr. Foster being one of Dr. [No transcription available -- see page image]parisioners he ventured to marry him, tho out of his own Limits and Sister Peabody was desirious of seeing her married before she returnd home. They both left me on Friday morning, and here sit Louissa and I looking at each other, and now and then wishing for little Caroline to enliven the Scene. Our pleasure was much alloyd by the Sickness of Brother Cranch and the concequent absence both of him and Sister Cranch. Mrs. Tufts was the only lively Spirit with us.
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Mrs. Peabody was at Grenoughs, and he lamented very much that you had gone without his seeing you again as he thought he could have renderd you much easier after trial. He expected you would have call'd again upon him. Say'd that he was not able to do so well as he should have been, if he had not been so afflicted with his Eyes. I am affraid you must have sufferd an inconvenience from the motion of the carriage as you was not sufficiently [No transcription available -- see page image]
Mr. Porter will attend to your orders as soon as possible but the vessel with the Lumber is just arrived and must be attended to directly. I inclose with this, Letters received by the last Mail. You will find one addresst to me and will consider the subject if attended with proper recommendations.
Your ever affectionate
A Adams
Present my Respects to Genll. Washington with thanks for his and Mrs. Washingtons kind wishes as exprest in his Letter to you.
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[Endorsement -- see page image]
