Abigail Adams to John Adams, October 18, 1800

Saturday Quincy October 18 th 1800

my dearest Friend

I have not written to you since you left Me, but as I
know you must feel anxious to hear, I write tho it will but add to your
apprehensions; my own Health has mended, tho the Weather has been so wet and
unpleasent that I have not dared to venture out, not even to See my dear
sister in her sickness and distress. she is very low with the fever confined
to her Bed. Katy Gannet taken down, & George Palmer, added to this Mrs
Norten was thought dyeing all thursday. she is since a little revived, tho
exceeding dangerous from the same cause which carried off poor
Humphries— 1 the fever
spreads. there are 8 new cases since last week Jackson is very sick with it,
& has not left his Bed since you went away the Dr hopes he will not be worse. 2 I have sent to his Father and
Friends to inform them; and prevaild upon mr Porter to have him removed down
to the Farm House—as it was very inconvenient to me, and prevented my making
any progress in getting ready to go away, taking my help to attend him— I
have to seek an other coachman— Mr Black & Mr Smith are upon the
inquiry. I wrote to sole, but his wife was so sick that he could not leave
her— 3 it is very
distressing to me to leave My sister, to whom I owe so Much for her
attention and kindness to Me at all times, but more particuliarly in My long
sickness— when I might be of service to her, all the aid I can afford her
whilst I stay, is by watchers—and My help are very ready to serve me, for
her. the season is growing cold and wet. I shall endeavour to get away next
Week if I am successfull in procuring a driver— I Must commit my Dear
Friends to a kind Providence—and with a heavey heart leave them— I got mr
Shaws Letter from William’s since which I have not heard from you— 4 I pray God preserve you, and give
us a joyfull Meeting

Mrs Brisler had a Letter from Mr Brisler at Washington
last Evening dated the 8th day after he left here. he tells her he fear he
shall be worse off, than Adam was in Paridice, for he had a woman provided
for him but there they tell him no such Being is to be had. he therefore
requests I would send him on a freight— I shall make every exertion in my
power— inclosed you will find some return Letters

with Love to William / I am Your affectionate

A Adams