Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, May 14, 1792

Philadelphia May 14 1792

Dear Mama

I received your kind letter of the 6 th: this Evening, and feel happy that you advanced so far on your Journey, without receiving any injury. 1 I was somewhat anxious for your health, but the favorable account you give, has relieved me in a measure from the apprehension. I hope you may enjoy it much more this Summer than the last. The directions left with me respecting M r: Harrison, are rendered of no consequence, by his declining in a very polite manner the kind offer you made him & lady. 2 He waited on me, and resquested that I would assure you how much he felt himself obliged; but that after reflecting upon the affair, he thought it most prudent to decline, as he expected very shortly to procure a “little Box” for him & M rs. Harrison, and that the time he would be able to stay in the House, would hardly compensate for the trouble of removing. I confess to you, that I was not grieved at this answer—for tho I had rather have had them in the House than any body I know, yet I had found a Bachelors life so little irksome, that I had no inclination to change my situation. How long this will last I can’t say; for my own sake, I hope during your whole absence. I find very little alteration with respect to the sociability of my meals; for you may recollect that we never were remarkably talkative An half dozen of insipid Newspapers, which the Printers still continue to send, generally fill up the intervals at Breakfast; and at dinner a Magazine, Museum, or Bolinbrook, make a substitute for companions.

I had thought of my duty to Madam Washington, and accordingly fulfill’d it on Friday Evening— She was very well, and enquired particularly if I had heared from you and how your health continued. M rs. Dalton too, enquired—besides many others. You will pardon this small talk in me—I have nothing better at present. Miss B Smith had the civility to invite me to her wedding , through the medium of her Father; on thursday Evening; Her Bride maids were Miss A Hamilton, Miss Mead & Miss Keppele. The Bride Grooms attendants were M r. Cutting, M r. J Trumbull and M r. Welsh; I don’t know in what particular capacity I had the honor to Act, but as I was the only Gentleman, out of office, I thought myself highly honored. 3 The Ceremony was conducted with great decency & much propriety;— the Church service performed by Bishop White, was new to me; and except that part of it, in which the Lady says “I take thee Samuel” or whatever the name is, Miss S—— performed extreemely well. 4 She was dressed neat & simply—much frightened at first; but soon composed . Cutting made us very happy at a very handsome supper, and the Evening was spent in mirth and gayety. All formality and restraint seemed to be out of the question, especially as M r. C. appeared perfectly in his element. On Saturday morning they sat out for NE—where you will probably see them in a short time.— M rs: Dalton & M rs. Otis direct me to remember them particularly to you; in doing which I subscribe your Son

Thomas B Adams