John Adams to Abigail Adams, October 9, 1781

Amsterdam October 9. 1781

My dearest Friend

This is the first Time, I have been able to write you, since my Sickness.—Soon after my
Return from Paris, I was seized with a Fever, of which, as the Weather was and had long been
uncommonly warm, I took little notice, but it increased very slowly, and regularly, untill it
was found to be a nervous Fever, of a dangerous kind, bordering upon putrid. It seized upon my
head, in such a manner that for five or six days I was lost, and so insensible to the
Operations of the Physicians and surgeons, as to have lost the memory of them. My Friends were
so good as to send me an excellent Physician and Surgeon, whose Skill and faithfull Attention
with the Blessing of Heaven, have saved my Life. The Physicians Name is Osterdike. 1 The surgeon the same, who cured Charles, of his
Wound. 2 I am, however still weak, and whether I
shall be able to recover my Health among the pestilential Vapours from these stagnant Waters,
I know not. 3

I hope Charles is well and happy with you, by this Time. He sailed with Commodore Gillon
seven Weeks ago. We have no News from Mr. Dana and his young Fellow Traveller, since they left
Berlin.

The Pamphlet inclosed, is a Dutch Translation of the Abby Raynals History of the American
Revolution. It is a Curiosity for you to lay up. 4

With Sentiments and Affections that I cannot express, Yours.