Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Adams, December 2, 1798

Philadelphia Dec r: 2 d 1798

Dear M rs Adams

Next to the pleasure of seeing you, would have been that of
hearing, of your perfect restoration to health; but ’tho that pleasing account has not
yet reached me, it is a satisfaction to know that you are much better than when I left
you: & I will still hope that “He, who is the health of the countenance,” will in
his infinite mercy establish yours. 1 I
feel a great deduction from my happiness, by your absence, & your house & its
inhabitants, a void which nothing can make up to them. We dined with the President, this
and the last Sunday, according to former custom.—

We had a pleasant journey home, the weather & roads, excepting
the first week, were very fine. Upon our approach to the city, we heard that our house
was ready for us, & perfectly safe to go into, notwithstanding our Negro woman, had
gone ’thro the Fever, she took every precaution in cleansing & airing the house that
was necessary I believe, & had been well herself, a month before we came home, so
that I felt no apprehension. But the city to me, wears a glommy aspect, & the
mourners go about the streets in great abundance. Those who have staid, ’thro the
sickness tell me, they never would do it again. I think there is but too much reason to
fear a return of it another year, & the safest way is to shut up the house, &
let it take its chance for being plundered.—

My neigbour M rs Anthony return’d a few
days ago, her daughter accompanied her, here, but will return immediately, I have not
yet heard wether she stays in the house, this winter.— 2

M r Brecks family come into town
tomorrow their house has been almost a hospital. Miss Willson came to see me, the other
day, she enquired perticularly after you & Miss Smith, she bears her afflictions
with great fortitude & patience Bishop White, has given her an invitation to pass
the winter with him. M rs Wolcot looks better than I ever
expected to see her. The rest of our friends are all well.

Please to give my love to M rs Cranch I
hope M r C— is getting better

M r Otis & Harriet desire their
Affec te: regards to you, with their best wishes for your
speedy restoration to health.— Louisa also will please to accept their love, together
with that of / Your Friend & Cousin

M Otis