Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, September 21, 1788

Haverhill September 21 st 1788

My Dear Sister—

Mr Lincoln has been here for several Days past— 1 Tomorrow he intends to return to Hingham,
& has offered to carry a Letter to either of my Sisters— I would not let so good
an Opportunity pass, since I have often experienced how good, & how pleasant it
was to receive a few Lines from a dear Friend, informing me of particular Circumstances which are interesting to them,
whether it be of Joy, or Grief. I can enter into their different feelings, & find
that this sympathy in nature is a source of much pleasure—

Mr Lincoln perhaps may tell you that Mr Adams came here a Saturday, to experience a
little of my maternal Care— That he is unwell &cc—

But least you should hear of it, & be too anxious I will tell you that I hope he
will be better in a few Days— Mamma will say, “why did he not come home to Braintree—”
Because it was too far—& if he can get what he wants, (a little kind attention)
nearer, it would not be worth his while

He has not been well since he left Braintree— What did you do to him? did you give
him too strong Coffee, & Green Tea— Or did you re[ad] to him some woeful Story ?—

He cannot sleep a night, & his nervous system seems much affected— Dr sweet has
given him the Bark to take, & I went & made him a mug of valerian Tea as soon
as he came— 2 He slept quietly last
night, & seemed much refreshed, If I can coax him to sleep to night I shall feel
quite grateful— For he has not rested two nights together for some time— He is the
best man to take his medicine that I ever saw— He hardly makes a wry mouth— As his
reward, I shall take him for a Gallant to his Aunt, & Cousin this week, &
amuse his Mind by riding, & visiting—&cc &cc I am affraid he has applied
himself too closely to his Studies— He is so avaritious in coveting the best Gifts
that I fear such intense application will injure his Health, more than he is aware
of.

Do not worry yourself by think[ing] that he will make trouble for us— I feel cleverly
myself, & Lydia is as well as could be expected—& Cousin Betsy Smith is with
me, & is one of the best good Girls in the world— He will have good care taken of
him & I feel happy to think I can do no more for your Son, than you would do for
mine—

22 d

I have had my wish— Mr Adams slept comfortably last night— Mr Lincoln, & he dined
at Mr Thaxters to day— He thinks he is half Curred because he has got somebody to care
for him—

I wish you could come to see us soon, because Mr Shaw wishes
to go to Bridgwater the first week in October— My best regards to Dr Adams, & love
to my Sister Cranch—& believe me to be your / affectionate Sister

E Shaw—

23 d.

Mr Adams has slept these 3 nights very well— I tell Him there is more of an anidoine
in my bed —than in all the Dr Drugs.