John Adams to Abigail Adams, December 13, 1798

Phyladelphia Dec. 13. 1798

My Dearest Friend

Your Letters of Nov. 29 Dec. 2. and 3 affect me very tenderly. The
low Spirits, Effects of long and exhausting sickness are apparent: but these are Evils
of a serious nature. I pray you to banish as much as possible all gloomy Thoughts and be
very cautious to avoid every thing which may endanger a return of your old
Disorders.

To reconcile you to your fate I have a great mind to give you a
detail of mine. A Peck of Troubles in a large Bundle of Papers, often in a hand Writing
almost illegible, comes every day from the office of office of offfice
of &c &c &c. Thousands of sea Letters Medeterranean Passes and
Commissions & Patents to sign— No Company— No society— idle unmeaning Ceremony—
Family Vices, Follies, Extravagance, shiftlessness, and Health, sinking for what I knew
under my Troubles & fatigues.

You and I, seem to have arrived prematurely at the Age when there
is no pleasure.—

All this is not the Resignation of Socrates. 1

I cannot encourage the Idea of your coming on to Phyladelphia. The
horrid Roads and cold damp Weather would put an End to you.

I hope our dear Thomas will arrive and chear you up.— I am with /
unalterable affection

J. A 2