Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, October 13, 1797

East Chester october 13 1797

my dear sister

we arrived here on twesday Evening on the 11 th , after a pleasent journey in which we met with but few obstructions the
Weather on one Day prevented our travelling, and we tarried on sunday at Hartford, and
on Monday morning were escorted out of Town by a Troop of light Horse, and the citizens
in carriages and on Horse back as far as Weathersfield. we proceed then for New Haven
about 40 miles from Hartford. Six Miles from the Town a Horsemen met us, to inform us a
Troop cometh. it consisted of near a Hundred Light Horse in a Red uniform very well
mounted, Gentlemen in carriages and on Horse back. they escorted us to our Lodgings,
fired three rounds made their compliments and left us. we Met with no more parade, but
as we past the Inn near col smith we Saw a Horseman in uniform. when we reachd here mrs
smith informd us that he had been waiting two days there, and had orders to stay untill
we arrived. Soon after we got in, he came with Letters from col Morten & from mr
Malcomb to know when the President would go into Town as the citizens
& Military proposed meeting and escorting him in. Monday is the Day assignd. 1

I found mrs smith and her little Girl well. she has not received
any account from the col as yet which makes her not a little anxious. I want to hear
from you, and to learn how cousin Betsy is. We have not any prospect of getting in to
Philadelphia. there has been a Rumour that the same fever prevaild in N york. that Some
Instances of it have occurred is true, taken from Some Irish families who arrived there
about a Month since, and were crowded together in small apartments. the city is full. it
is said more than two thousand of the inhabitants of Philadelphia are now in N york—
Lodgings are very difficult to be procured there. I have made arrangements to remain
here untill the siting of congress, and untill we can go to Philadelphia. mrs smith has
House Room enough, and the weather is so cold that there is no danger of Ague—

Mrs smith desires to be rememberd to all her Friends. so does your
/ affectionate Sister

A Adams