Abigail Adams to John Adams, October 20, 1799

East Chester october 20 th 1799

My Dearest Friend

I reachd this place yesterday about 11 oclock and found
the Family all well the col with his Regiment gone to the Jersies— Mrs Smith
and Nancy reachd here on fryday from Baltimore, the fever still so bad in N
york, that it is not adviseable to go in. we had two very frosty nights upon
our Journey, some fogs. I took some cold. mr otis a very Bad one. I left him
& Family at mrs Hortens, about 7 miles from hence; our Journey to
springfield was pleasent, with fine roads there. 1 I was obliged to hire a Horse, as
young Farmer became so very lame that he could proceed no further in a
carriage James led him on untill we got to Webbs, when having a Horse of
Webbs, we thought it best to blead Farmer in his feet take off his shoes
& put him into a good pasture, and let him run a few days. I could not
help feeling angry with Riggins for his obstinacy. the Horse is naturally
lazy and deficient in spirit, which was the reason that he never would drive
him if he could form any excuse. Favorite performd very well, stood the
journey better than he ever did before. old Farmer very well & Ceasar
Brislers purchase I am quite delighted with, steady & spirited as
peacock without his rashness— Fille the Young Horse came on with James very
well—

Brisler will be on this week. he will proceed to Trenton
there to take Your directions as to going into Philadelphia— I do not expect
we shall get in earlier than the 2 d week in
November. I shall be for crosing the N river as early in the season as
possible. I am anxious to learn if you
have got rid of Your cold. I found a Letter from you here; but it containd
more subject for distress of mind, than comfort.— 2

as Your quarters are so small at Trenton, You will not
wish for company. I will come however and Nurse You, and submit to any
inconvenience if You do not soon get better. You must get some oxemal
squills, and take two Teaspoon full in any tea drink of Hysop or sage, or
Balm at [Bed] time. 3 has
william escaped a cold

Mrs Smith & Caroline send / Duty / Yours
affectionatly

A Adams—