Stephen Peabody to Abigail Adams, May 30, 1798

Atkinson May 30 th. 1798

Dear Madam

Your letters of the 18 th. of last
December, and the 4 th. of March following, with the
contents, came safe to my hand. 1 I should
have acknowledged the receipt of them sooner, but I have been “ Cumbered about many things ” 2 and
knowing that your Sister had informed you of their safe arrival, I have neglected to
write answers. Tho’ this is but a poor apology, it is the
best I can make, consistent with truth.—

I send you, accompanying this, your grand-children’s three first
quarter bills. You will see that I have received more money, than to pay their expences.
But this shall be accounted for upon our Settlement. They enjoy very good health, and
appear as contented, as could possibly be expected. They recommend themselves to their
Preceptor, and are quite attentive to the rules of our family.— William is pretty
attentive to his Studies; John has no aversion to study; he had however, rather play,
and is a good, Sensible, generous Soul. We indulge them as
we think proper, and they are not now impatient under
restraints. At first they were not fond of observing the Sabbath, in all respects, as we
do, but they are reconciled; and we think bid very fair to make respectable figures in
life.—

Your Sister, (who I esteem the best
woman in the world) enjoys tolerable health, tho’ she has of late been full of anxiety
for her daughter Betsy Quincy, who really is very unwell—but I think a little better,
and in a way to recover.—

We have no news remarkable here but that which we find in the
Papers. The conduct of the French astonishes every person of Sense, in our quarter; and
the wisdom and firmness of the President of the united States, meet with universal
approbation. You will please to present my best respects to him, and in my name, wish
him Godspeed ; that by perseverance, he may direct our
political Ship over the Present boisterous Sea, that we may in due time be anchored in a
peaceful Haven.—

With Sentiments of high esteem, / I am / dear madam / Your
affectionate friend, / and brother

Stephen Peabody

P S— M rs. Peabody joins me in
presenting our best regards.—

A few days since I received, a number of Pamphlets, with a letter
from you to M rs. Peabody; for which I am much obliged. I
have not had time to read them all, but as far as I have proceeded, I am highly
pleased— 3