Hannah Winthrop to Abigail Adams, July 19, 1782

Cambridge July 19th 1782

Dear Madam

Near the dusk of last Evening, I was Honored with your Favor, by the hand of the amiable
Master Charles Adams, but was unhappy in not having a light ready to know the Contents. The
Young Gentleman Seeming in hast, having Company in waiting, prevented my detaining Him. 1

I regret my not having His Company to lodge and the Young Ladies who were with Him, as it
would have greatly amusd me in my Solitude. And I should have had an opportunity to pay them
the Attention, I should wish to pay any of Your Family and of making particular inquiry, after
a Gentleman and Lady, for whom I always had the highest Esteem, and for whom I have felt the
tenderest Sympathy in their Temporary Seperation, and I make no doubt, I have shard in their
Sensibilities, in my Fatal Seperation, and Dissolution of the most endearing Tie! You Madam
are yet Blessd with that Anchor of the Soul, the pleasing hope of a reunion with the Dear
partner of all Your joys. There is No one I Believe Can enter more fully into the feelings of
a Divided Heart, than myself. It is certainly an unhappy Situation. But Your Consolations in
the Services His Excellency is rendering His Country, the prospect of His return, and the Dear
Pledges You hold, must greatly relieve your Anxieties. Shall I wish him a Speedy return? For
the Happiness of Domestick Life, I will. But my Faith in the Sovereign Disposer of those great
Events, The Arrangements of Nations, and kingdoms, for peace or War, and the Selectment of
proper instruments to Negotiate those Weighty Affairs, would induce me to wish His Excellency
Prosperity Abroad, and to You my Friend, a joyful Acquiescence in the will of the Supreme Till
the happy Period arrive that will Bless you with mutual joy, by the happy Sight of each
other.

I shall think my Self happy in Seeing Mrs. Adams at Braintre or Milton, and will improve
every opportunity. You would give me very great pleasure if you would Visit me in my Solitude
at Cambridge. Pray present my Compliments to your little happy Circle, and accept of the
Sincerest Sentiments of Esteem from Your Humble Servant,

Hannah Winthrop