Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, December 8, 1801
Atkinson Dec. , Start deletion, 2 d , End, 8 th. 180’1.
I hope my Dear Sister, has had her Cup of happiness filled, by
having an amiable long absent Son, with his wife & little One, sit at her
Thansgiving Table. I have not heard of his return from Washington, but presumed it
would be an object with him, to be with his beloved Parents upon that Day. I thought
of the pleasurable Circle, & sincerely wished myself one of the Affectionate Band,
for I ardently long to see him whom I loved—whose many virtues excited maternal
tenderness—& every wish for his prosperity, & domestic happiness—
I was detained in Boston, a day, or two longer than I intended by
the badness of the weather, but without any disaster got home upon Saturday before
night—& my dear Abby seems much better for her Journey— I have had my hands quite
full since I got home—for I have not had any Girl but Lydia till this week, & I
now hope I have found a good one—if she is not, she must go, & I will try
again—
Dec—10 th.
We have recieved a Letter from Col. Smith wherein he requests his
Children may be Sent to him immediately— I confess it was very unexpected to me— I
fancy he was seized with a fit of parental fondness, upon hearing by you, how well
they performed when you were at Atkinson— 1 He does not intimate any dislike—but
supposes they may imbibe sentiments foreign to his domestic
Circle , & wishes to have them near him— We thought it best to keep the
matter from the Children at present, because I am dissappointed of a Taylor this week,
& cannot possibly get them ready in a day— I had gotten Williams Shirts almost
done before, I received the message—& shall do their things as soon as possible—
If they knew they were sent for, it would derange all their pursuits, & John is so
beautifully engaged, I cannot bear he should be interrupted— It will be with deep
regret we shall see his progress impeded— As to Cousin W.S.S. I really believe he had
better attend to some business of active life rather than be kept at an Academy to
learn language— he dislikes Greek, & will not be flattered to any study like his
Brother John— I wish if he goes, John might be permitted to tarry, I most sincerely
wish it— I send you a letter of his own inditing you may see his opinion— I wish you
to write to me as soon as possible—& if you think best to his Parents— Mr Vose
says John is everything he can wish him —& has
abillities that cultivated, may raise him to the first offices in his Country—
I wish I had time to write to Mrs Smith—please to let me hear
from you very soon—
With every sentiment of love & gratitude for the President
& my dear Sister I subscribe / Your affectionate Sister
Elizabeth Pea[body]
PS— Mr Peabody presents his regards— Please to give my love to
cousin Louisa, my Son, & my Sister— If as I hope, you have received the Bandino
hankercheifs, I ask my Cousin Louisas acceptance of one, & please to give D.
Dexter one of them from me— 2
John has not finished his letter, but says wishes to stay if
William goes— I will send on to you both letters when they are done—in haste—