Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, May 3, 1800

Philadelphia May 3 d 1800

my dear sister

I think You have been exercised in Deeds of Charity
to that poor forlorn Man who would once have said, is thy Servant a Dog,
that he should become a living prey to worms, or what is worse? 1 He is a most striking
instance of Indolence; and having no stimulous to action! none of those
tender endearing ties of wife, child, sister, or Brother.— Indolence
created first an apathy—and apathy crept on untill all that was
estimable and praise worthy in Man, was sunk into torpor—like waters
that stagnate when they cease to flow. , Start deletion, the very , End, it ought to be a warning to every Man, not to
contract habits of Sloth, and inaction, to consider that no Man liveth
for himself mr Wibird is punished in this Life, not for sins of
commission but of omission. talents have been committed to him, which
from the same source of indolence, have not been improved to the best
use and advantage. for the Good he has done, may the Lord reward him, and for what he has
neglected to do, pardon him— We all have much to be forgiven, and as we
hope for mercy, so may we extend it to others— but to quit
moralizing—last Eveng was My Last Drawing Room. both Rooms were So
crowded as to render the Air very oppressive. it was judged that about
200 Gentlemen & Ladies were present; we got through, Some what
fatigued you may easily Suppose, but I got sleep which I did not expect,
and to day feel bright enough to dine between 20 & thirty persons—
on thursday next will be the last dinner of a formal nature Mrs Johnson
& son leave me on Monday— Mr Cranch and family were well this week.
I heard from him— 2 yesterday I sent some Trunks on Board a vessel with my Hearths and Jams.
when they arrive and are to be put up, I will thank mr Cranch to be
present with his advice. I would have the chimneys made to conform to
them I am much affraid of having the chimneys contracted too small which
in a Room so large would look bad— I have Mentiond to the Doctor the
Method in which I am told the Hearths & fronts must be put up— I
will thank you when the Rooms new painted, are quite dry to have the
furniture replaced— I expect to leave here the Week after next. it will
bring it near the last of May before I can get home—so that I hope there
will be time enough for the paint to dry

I will thankfully accept mr Blacks offer for Mr
Adams’s Books.—

Congress persist in saying they shall rise the Week
after next— the weather is fine indeed, as growing and Luxurient a
season as I ever knew. with Love regards &c / affectionatly Your
sister

A Adams

Love to Mrs Norten & thanks for her Letter 3