Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 January 1777

Janry. 26 1777

Tis a Great Grief to me that I know not how to write nor where to send to you. I know not of any conveyance. I risk this by Major R [ic] e who promisses to take what care he can to get it to you.

I have Received 3 Letters from you since you left me, 2 from H [artfor] d and one from D [edha] m. Tis a satisfaction to hear tho only by a line.

We are told the most dissagreable things by use become less so. I cannot say that I find the truth of the observation verified. I am sure no seperation was ever so painfull to me as the last. Many circumstances concur to make it so–€”the distance and the difficulty of communication, the Hazards which if not real, my immagination represents so, all conspire [to] 1 make me anxious, as well as what I need not [. . .] mention. 2

I wish to Hear often from you and when a conveniant opportunity offers let me know how you like your waiter. Many reports have been circulated since you went away concerning him none of which I regard as I find no proof to support them. One is that he is a deserted Regular, a Spy &c. I find tis all Suspicion or else told with a design to make me uneasy, but it has not that Effect.

The family are all well, and desire Pappa would write to them.–€”I rejoice in our late Successes. Heaven grant us a continuation of them.

Your M [othe] r desires to be rememberd to you.

I long to hear of your arrival and to get one Letter from B [altimor] e. The Situation will be new and afford me entertainment by an account of it. At all times remember in the tenderest manner her whose happiness depends upon your Welfare,

Portia