John Adams to Abigail Adams, October 18, 1799

Trenton October 18. 1799

My dearest Friend

I have written you but once Since I bid you farewell. 1 I was Seized in Connecticutt
with one of those direful Colds, which have Sometimes brought my frame into
danger and I was afraid to let you know how ill I was. I am now so much
better as to be able to do Business.

We have no News of you Since the ninth indeed Since the
Note in which you told Us of James’s fever. 2 The Weather has given Us great
Anxiety in your account as well as much inconvenience on our own.— If you
are at East Chester and have a mind to come nearer to Phyladelphia, you may
find comfortable Accommodations at Van Tilsbourgs at Kingston where I can
Visit you every other day. 3 I
pray you to let me know when you intend to sett out from East Chester and
where you propose to put up the first and the second night.— I hope to see
Brisler soon. We have cold nights and white Frosts, but black frosts are
necessary and Severe ones too, Such as freeze half an Inch upon the Ponds,
to cleanse the Atmosphere of those invisible Vermin that pray upon the
Vitals of poor human Creatures. Brisler can have lodgings at Howells at the
Ferry, till he can go to Philadelphia. 4

J. A