Adams Family Correspondence, volume 13
If you have once more set your foot upon American ground, and are in safety, God be praised I have sufferd great anxiety for you, knowing your intention of comeing this winter. you may well suppose my Heart Leaped for Joy when I found that Captain Jenkins was safely arrived. I for three days, was expecting to see you, but upon writing to mr smith for intelligence I could not get any concerning you. he thought it more probable that you was on Board the Barbara which saild at the same time. judge then of my feelings when I heard last Evening that the Barbara was cast away, within a few hours sail of her destined port. I was at the same time assured that no lives were lost, for which Heaven be praised.
with the expectation that you were on Board of her, I have this day sent a Messenger to town to learn the truth, and the state, you may be in. if able to get to Quincy you will find a Home, and an affectionate mother ardently desirious of seeing her long absent son.
From your Father I heard yesterday he was well, but anxious to hear of your arrival—1
I am with the tenderest affection your Mother
RC (NN:Thomas Addis Emmet Coll., Emmet 5197).
JA to AA, 17 Dec., above.