Adams Family Correspondence, volume 13

Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 30 December 1798 Adams, Abigail Adams, Thomas Boylston
Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams
my dear son Quincy December 30 1798

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

A Adams

RC (NN:Thomas Addis Emmet Coll., Emmet 5197).

1.

JA to AA, 17 Dec., above.