Abigail Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, September 2, 1801

[ post 2 September 1801 ] 1

my Dear Madam

I received your kind and Friendly Letter of the 2d, and beg you to
accept my thanks for your kind invitation to your Hospitable Mansion. I know not any
Visit from which I could promise my self more pleasure “from Friends of more than 20
summers ripening grow not thick on every Bow,” 2 Friends whom no change of political Sentiments
have warped, nor party Spirit deluded—

I have frequently inquired after you Since my return and was sure
You went a Route quite distant from Quincy or we should have seen you here; where you
would have found Your old Friends attending to the buisness of Farming, enjoying a
tranquility undisturbed by the responsibility of Public Life, having neither addresses
or Remonstresse to reply to, nor paying any Homage but to the Great Ruler of the
Universe by whom Kings Reign and Presidents, should decree justice.

I dare not promise you My dear Madam that I shall make you the
visit I so much wish to, yet Should I see two or three days when I can absent my self
from Home with Louissa who is equally desirious of paying you her Respects I really feel
as tho I would strive to. I have been very unwell this very warm weather with a return
of the old fever, but through the Summer I have had better Health than formerly, but
whether I accomplish my wishes or not be assured my dear Madam that it will afford both
to mr Adams and myself the highest gratification to see the good judge and yourself at
Quincy. I heard his old Friend express a wish a few days since, that the judge might
live to the Age of His Father and retain in vigor the office he now sustains, for mo[re]
than ever is it of concequence that no unclean thing be admitted amongst the Sons of
God 3

if the fountain of Justice should become impure, our only Sheet
Anchor is gone—

my Sincere Regards to the judge and affectionate attachment to you
both / I am your Friend

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