John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, August 16, 1782

Hague 16th. August 1782

Madam

I am to express my Acknowledgments to You for your kind favor of the 17th. June last, with
which I was honoured this day. I expressed my Chagrin in not recieving a Letter by the
Firebrand in mine of the 27th. July, which accompanies this. Little did I think that in that
moment the tender sympathetic Heart of Portia was sharing, and participating in the Cares and
Agonies of her dear Sister, who was waiting in aweful Suspense the Issue of her dear Mr.
Cranch’s Illness. We know not yet the Event, but hope that the Change was favorable. The
Gazette of July 1st. makes no mention of his Death, and We flatter ourselves still with Hopes
of his Recovery. May he who directs righteously all Events graciously grant it, and continue
him still in Existence for the sake of his Family and Mankind. He is indeed an Ornament to
human Nature, and has discharged the Duties of his several Relations in Life with a Fidelity
that will ever distinguish his Character and point him out as an illustrious Pattern and
Example to those, who wish to be great and good. My Heart bled at the pathetic Recital You
gave me of his Sickness; and who is there that knows the Man that can withhold the sympathetic
Tear? I venerate his Character, for he is indeed a venerable Man. I am impatient and tremble
at the Idea of recieving the next Letter from home. May kind Heaven be propitious.