Adams Family Correspondence, volume 13

Abigail Adams to John Adams

Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 20 January 1799 Adams, Abigail Adams, Thomas Boylston
Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams
my dear Thomas Quincy Jan’ry 20th 1799

I Congratulate you my dear son, upon your safe arrival in your Native Country; and myself that I have the prospect of seeing you again, a prospect which for many Months I had no hopes of realizing, as your Father can inform you, and to the very low state of my Health, it is oweing that I cannot so soon as I wish enjoy the pleasure of Welcomeing you Home; and meeting you at Philadelphia, where otherways I should have been, if my Health would have permitted.

I am however much recoverd since your Father left me. I have been in an anxious state of mind for your Safety ever since I learnt that you would have a winters Voyage, and it was no small releif to me when the paper announced the Arrival of the Alexander Hamilton, and “mr T B Adams, the third son of our Beloved President” the Printer was so obliging as to add.1

I hope in the course of the week to receive a confirmation from your own Hand. your duty and your inclination must carry you first to Philadelphia, and if I can be assured of your safety and of your Health, I shall wait Patiently for your return here, as will best correspond with your views, and your convenience requiring however as early intelligence from you; and from your Brother & Sister, as you can transmit to me.

your Friends here all rejoice with me, and congratulate me upon your arrival.

I am my dear son / your ever affectionate / Mother

A Adams—

RC (InU-Li:Lafayette’s MSS Coll).

1.

AA was likely quoting from the report of TBA’s arrival in the Boston Columbian Centinel, 19 January.