William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, May 25, 1800

Philadelphia May 25 th 1800

My dear Aunt

By Major Toussard, we had the pleasure to hear of
your being at Scotch plains in health, and of your being escorted a few
miles from thence by some of the officers. By a letter from Malcom, […]
heard of your arrival at N York, & of your intention to leave that
city on Saturday Morn. 1 I
presume by the time, this can reach Brookfield, you will be there— I
shall direct it, under cover to Mr. Foster, as you desired

As the president contemplates setting out early in
the Morning on his journey, he anticipated tomorrow’s mail, this
evening, which brought him, your letter from N. York, for which he
thanks you and would answer it, had he a moments time. 2 To be sure, vulgar report
circulated quite currently, that the President had appointed Col Burr
Secretary of War—that both he & the V. Pt. had declined, being
considered candidates for another election &c. &c. &c. I
have reason for suspecting, that the report originated from W. M.
S.— 3 The same mail
brought a letter from Dr. Tufts—he writes, that the house is
covered—windows up—chimneys built—partitions made &c.—that the
garden is put in very good order—that the flour & other articles
which you sent from this city are all arrived— 4 I received a letter from Mr.
Smith, dated Boston 20 th May—they arrived at
[. . . .] day before all very well.—writes nothing new. 5 Mr. T. B. A. has not y[et
retur]ned nor have we heard a word from him since you left us.— Mrs Brisler
has been very unwell but is much better.— Your likness has attracted
much company to Stewarts and has as many admirers as spectators. 6 Stewart says, he wishes
to god, he could have taken Mrs. Adams when she was young, he believes
he should have a perfect Venus—the P——t says, So She would.

With respect I am my dear Aunt, your affectionate
nephew

W S. S.

Love to L.