Adams Family Correspondence, volume 12
I have now the happiness of presenting to you another daughter, worthy as I fully believe of adding one to the number of those who already endear that relation to you.— The day before yesterday united us for life.1 My recommendation of her to your kindness and affection I know will be unnecessary. My sentiment of her merit, will not at this moment especially boast its impartiality, but if there be as I believe an inseparable chain of connection which binds together all the domestic virtues, I have the strongest pledge that she, who has in an amiable and respectable family, adorned the characters of a daughter and Sister, will prove an equal ornament to that of a wife.
In renewing to you, the assurances of my unalterable duty and affection, I would now join hers to them, but believe they will be 221 more acceptable to you from her own hand, remaining your ever faithful Son
The day before yesterday by uniting me to your beloved Son, has given me a claim to solicit your parental affection, a claim I already feel will inspire me with veneration to pursue the path of rectitude, and render me worthy as deserving of your esteem and tenderness, as those who stand in the same relation, my pride would be severely wounded to yield the palm in the fulfillment of my duties either as wife or daughter, to be respected in these characters, and to meet the approbation of my Husband, and family, is the greatest wish of my heart— Stimulated by these motives (your affection the reward) will prove a sufficient incitement, never to sully the title of subscribing myself your, / Dutiful Daughter
RC (Adams Papers); endorsed by AA: “J Q Adams / L C Adams. july / 28th 1797.”
JQA described his wedding day: “At nine this morning I went accompanied by my brother to Mr: Johnson’s, and thence to the Church of the Parish of All Hallows, Barking, where I was married to Louisa Catherine Johnson, the second Daughter of Joshua and Catherine Johnson,—by Mr: Hewlett.— Mr: Johnson’s family, Mr: Brooks, my brother and Mr: J. Hall were present. We were married before 11. in the morning: and immediately after, went out to see Tilney House; one of the splendid Country seats for which this Country is distinguished.— We returned at about 4. P. M. The company before mentioned, and Mrs: Court a friend of Mrs: Johnson, dined with us.— The day was a very long one and closed at about 11” (D/JQA/24, APM Reel 27). JQA and LCA’s marriage certificate, along with a copy, are both in the Adams Papers. For LCA’s recollection of the wedding, see LCA, D&A
, 1:50.
g.East Chester 29 July 1797.
We leave this place this morning & hope to reach Home on fryday of the next week. I have written to mr smith to procure sundry articles for me in Boston which will require a Team to bring them to Quincy, & bags for oats will you be so good as to consult with mr Porter, and if mr Belcher can go to Town for them So as to get them up before we arrive I should be very glad. will you be so kind as to have some coffe burnt and ground, some Bread and cake made for me, and to be at our House on fryday when we hope to reach Quincy and if you should hear of any intention of company meeting us on the road, to accompany us to Quincy, I must beg of you to make Such arrangments of punch & wine as may be necessary. I have written to mr smith on the subject and he will inform you. 222 wine you can draw from the casks in the cellar Punch must be made by Gallons. you will procure spirit for the purpose, and in a Box in the North cellar which is naild up is some Jamaca Spirit, that with some Brandy will answer
I believe it would be best to get Mrs Baxter to go to the House and assist in making Beds as she knows where my things are, better than any one else. the Matresses should be put on the Feather Beds, & two Beds put up in the new out Chamber for the Men servants. I have my two Grandson with me, but they can be provided for by some of my Friends if we cannot lodge them at first. we met at N york with so many unexpected things which we were not provided for, that I wish to have Some arrangments made now previous to our getting home particuliarly if we should meet company. you will find glasses &c enough. you will be so good as to have a table set in the dinning parlour, and every thing ready, to receive / Your truly affectionate / sister & Friends
RC (MWA:Abigail Adams Letters); addressed: “Mrs Mary Cranch / Quincy”; endorsed by Richard Cranch: “Letter from Mrs / A: Adams (E: Chester) / July 29. 1797.”