Abigail Adams to William Smith Shaw, December 14, 1798

Quincy december 14 th 1798

Dear William

I received this week as many packets by the Mail as a minister of
state. they however containd nothing except the News papers which you have been very
puntual in forwarding. Browns I can dispence with, you need not send it again unless any
thing interesting, in it, which the rest do not contain. Peters I hope will have less of
the Bilingsgate when Congress sit, and Fennos I hope to see in the purity with which his
Father conducted it; Claypool is only interesting during the sitting of congress,
because he gives the debates earlier than the rest. I send you in return my paper as it
contains the Heads of a Charge given by Judge Dana. 1 you will like to read it. I have had but one
Letter from you. I should like to learn from you how you like Philadelphia, its
inhabitants &c, tho you can have seen but few. you may write to me in a confidence
which you know you may not talk in. How did you succeed at the Grand Levee and publick
dinner? the Chronical I am informd assures the publick that Logan has had a long
conference with the President. 2 this I
presume is as authentic as most of its contents— I hope Richard has arrived before this
time, and that he will make good the Character I have received of him. I have not heard
from Atkinson since he came from there. Betsy Palmer went to Boston on saturday in order
to go, but I know not how she will get over the Mountains of snow which have fallen I
never saw it so high and so Bankd as at present. the people here were obliged to turn
out with shovels and oxen to open the Roads, so that any passing could be had, and now I
am as compleatly Blocaded, as if inclosed in walls. no wheel can pass, and if two
Sleighs meet or, a sled the parties must plunge or Back out. the storm was voilent, more
so than the first, and the wind very heavey and severe for one day and night, the cold
so intence as to freeze and break bottles in my cellars in spight of coals burnt in
them, tho Banked up with seaweed. it is now more moderate and we had rain last night,
which has but added to the difficulties of passing. the post did not get on for several
days from Plimouth— my Heart and I had almost said my soul is with you. I traverse your
habitation daily, see your lonely Breakfast & tea in the afternoon, and feel for
you, but cannot help you— the travelling is such, and the season such, that thinking of
being with you is all the effort I shall have courage to make, and the
prospect of a short session the comfort which allays the anxiety of seperation. I hope
your uncle will keep in Health. he will have vexations enough I am sure, but any pilot
may Navigate in smooth water. He who can conducts a ship in a storm, tho he has harder
labour, will feel more satisfaction when he reflects that his Labours have largly
contributed to her safety—

I am lonly here. not a creature from Boston has lookd in upon me
since Mrs Foster went to Boston. I go not out, and your Aunt Cranch is confined with
your Uncle. I am much better than when you left me, but extreems of Heat or cold affect
me; I find myself tender, and impared by my long sickness—

Louissa desires to be affectionatly Rememberd to you. when get any
thing interesting write to mrs Smith. She will be glad to learn from you how I am. be
carefull of all Letters which I forward to you, and send them punctually

Your affectionate

Aunt A Adams