Abigail Smith to John Adams, 16 April 1764

Weymouth April th 16 1764 1

My Friend

I think I write to you every Day. Shall not I make my Letters very cheep; don–€™t you light your pipe with them? I care not if you do, tis a pleasure to me to write, yet I wonder I write to you with so little restraint, for as a critick I fear you more than any other person on Earth, and tis the only character, in which I ever did, or ever will fear you. What say you? Do you approve of that Speach? Dont you think me a Courageous Being? Courage is a laudable, a Glorious Virtue in your Sex, why not in mine? (For my part, I think you ought to applaud me for mine.)–€”Exit Rattle.

And now pray tell me how you do, do you feel any venom working in your veins, did you ever before experience such a feeling?–€”This Letter will be made up with questions I fancy–€”not set in order before you neither.–€”How do you employ yourself? Do you go abroad yet? Is it not cruel to bestow those favours upon others which I should rejoice to receive, yet must be deprived of?

I have lately been thinking whether my Mamma–€”when I write again I will tell you Something. Did not you receive a Letter to Day by Hones?

This is a right Girls Letter, but I will turn to the other side and be sober, if I can–€”but what is bred in the bone will never be out of the flesh, (as Lord M would have said).

As I have a good opportunity to send some Milk, I have not waited for your orders ; least if I should miss this, I should not catch such another. If you want more balm, I can supply you.

Adieu, evermore remember me with the tenderest affection, which is also borne unto you by Your –€”–€”

A Smith