Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 8, 1781

Febry. 8 1781

My dear sons

I fear you will think Mamma is unmindfull of you if she does not write you a few lines by so
good an opportunity. I wrote to both of you by Mr. Beals of this Town about a week ago, 1 and my notice by this vessel is very short. I can
only find time to tell you that tis a very long time since I heard from your Pappa, and much
longer since I had a Letter from either of you. I think Dr. Lee brought the last.

I hope you are both well and very good children which is the best News I can possibly hear
from you. I cannot prevail with your Sister to write—I believe she is affraid you will shew
her Letters and she is so proud that she thinks she cannot write well enough. I do not like it that she is not more socible with her Brothers. Thommy would
write if he could. He sends Love, is a very good Boy, and wants to know if you cannot send him
some present from Holland.

Is my Charles grown as fat as his Brother? Can he talk French, Dutch, &c.

Ask Mr. Thaxter to write me word whether he bought Mr. Trottes and Mrs. Welchs things. I
know nothing about them. Tell Pappa I am like to have a fine Neighbour. General
W [arre] n has bought the Farm at Milton, that formerly belonged to
G [overno] r Hutchinson and moves in April. 2

We have had a fine pleasent winter, as mild as the last was severe. How has it been in
Holland, have you learned to skate finely?

Master Samll [’s] Pappa is a going to France. I send this Letter by him. 3 Col. Lawrence has got some for Pappa and Mr.
Thaxter.—Your Grandpappa sends his Love to you, talks about you with much pleasure, so does
your Grandmamma, who is so very infirm I fear you will never see her again. I do not see any
prospect of your speedy return. It wants but a few days of 15 months since you left home. Do
you not want to see the rugged rocks of Braintree again?

Some day or other, I wish it may not be far distant when I shall embrace my dear Sons in
their Native land. Till that period arrives I would have them ever mindfull of writeing to
their affectionate Mother,

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