Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, July 26, 1788

Haverhill July 26 th. 1788

My Dear Sister—

I got home the Friday-noon after I left you, & had the great satisfaction of
finding all well—my little Daughters humour much abated, & was going of without a
sore forming under her chin, as the Dr feared— But I soon had a bitter ingredient thrown
into my lap, by hearing the complaints of my faithful Servant Lidia, who had every
Symtom of a voilent fever coming upon her— 1 The Dr thinks her fever is come to the height, but she cannot set up more than ten
minutes at a time now—

We ought to prize a good Girl, for we miss & feel the want of them, when taken from
business most terribly— Your Family has been sick, as well as mine, & we know how to
pity each other, for one we are used to, is worth ten new Servants—

I was fearful Ester would give you trouble when I left you— Her Step, & motions
were much too quick for Stability,— I think it was very lucky for Cornish that she was
taken sick just as she was— though I presume you do not think it so for yourself— I am
sorry you have so much trouble, for Sickness throws everything into confusion—&
brings ten thousand wants & cares with it—

I rejoice to hear of your increasing health—may it still keep on, in a happy
progression— Cares if not too great, I have often thought were pleasures— Exercise of
Body is absolutely necessary to our health— But few (my Sister) like you, can figure in
the higher walks of Life, & with so much ease descend to the every concern, &
business of your Family— It is happy when Americans can so do—

Peter was taken sick yesterday, but I hope it is nothing more than eating too much
green fruit— Betsy Smith came home to me, with her Uncle from Commencement— Dear good
Girl she is I am sure I do not know what I should do now without her—

Mr J Q A— went to Newbury a Thursday My Nephews have been rather unfortunate in this
visit, on account of our Sickness— 2 But I
tell them they never found us so before, & they must take us for better, & for
worse—

They do not know half the pleasure, & satisfaction they give their uncle, &
Aunt when they make us those visits— They would never fail of coming if they did— I am
glad to hear of the health & welfare of Mr & Mrs Smith— I hope to have a Letter
from her myself soon—

I hope our Family will soon be well, & yours too—that we may have the pleasure of
seeing, & welcoming to our habitation my Dear Brother & Sister—

adieu most affectionately Your / Sister

E Shaw—