Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, May 26, 1800

Monday 26 May 1800 Norwalk State of
Conneticut

my dear sister

detained here by a cold North East rain, I write to
inform You I am thus far on My journey to Quincy 100 44 miles from
Philadelphia which I left this Day week in the afternoon; I tarried one day
in Nyork and have taken Little susan on with me— I went to the incampment
upon scotch plains and lodged one night in the col’s Log House, which I
found quite a comfortable habitation. Mrs smith was there, tho she soon must
quit it, as the Army is disbanded. I should have taken her with Me, but she
was not quite ready I brought Caroline on to her Grandmamma Smiths. she has
taken a House at Newark in the Jersies— the col talks of going up with his
Brother to the Miami. 1 in
that case mrs Smith and caroline will spend the summer with Me. I was
present at the Review of the Troops by Gen’ll Hamilton who had come on for
the purpose. they did great honor to their officers and to themselves. the
Col has been the Principle hand in forming and disciplining them; they need
not be asshamed of appearing before regular troops. the officers & Men
Respect and Love him, and it is with much pain that they seperate; there is a very general feeling
exprest for col smiths situation, and a wish that he might receive some
appointment: this is a very Delicate subject: I hope however that he will
get into some buisness— you may be sure that I have my feelings on this
subject and that they are not of the Most consolatary kind— every soul knows
its own bitterness— I wish I had no other source of sorrow than that which I
have just named— my mind is not in the most cheerfull State. trials of
various kinds Seem to be reserved for our gray Hairs, for our declining
years.— shall I receive good and not evil? I will not forget the blessings
which Sweeten Life one of those is the prospect I have before me of Meeting
my Dear sister soon, I hope in health and spirits— a strong immagination is
said to be a refuge from Sorrow, and a kindly solace for a feeling Heart.
Upon this principle it was that Pope founded his observation, that “hope
springs eternal in the human breast” 2

My intention was to reach Home on fryday next but the
Election Storm as we term it with us, may continue and prevent my making the
progress I hope to. I will request you to have the House open and aired, the
Beds Shook up. if there was time and a fine day I should like to have them
Sun’ d as they have not been slept in for a
long time— I have not heard from Philadelphia but once since I left it. I do
not yet know whether the President has left it. I have heard of so Many lies
and falshoods propagated to answer Electioneering purposes since I left
Philadelphia, and for the last three weeks that I was there, that I am
Disgusted with the world and the chief of its inhabitants do not appear
worth the trouble and pains they cost to save them from Destruction— you see
I am in an ill humour. when the rain subsides and the sun shines, it will
dispell some of the gloom which hangs heavey at my heart. I heard a sermon
yesterday upon the subject of Humility— I believe I do not yet possess
enough of that negative quality to make me believe that I deserve all that
can be inflicted upon me by the tongues of falshood— I must share in what is
Said reproachfull or malicious of my better half— yet I know his measures
are all Meant to promote the best interest of his Country— Sure I have
enough of public and Private anxiety to humble a prouder Heart than mine

adieu my Dear sister / and believe me / ever your
affectionate / sister—