William Smith Shaw to Abigail (daughter of JA and AA) Adams, January 14, 1800

Brunswick, January 14th, 1800.

I am, my dear, here at General White’s in company with
Mrs. and Judge Cushing, Mrs., Miss, and Judge Paterson, &c. 1 I thank you for your letter, and
am of course pleased with the dignified majority in the House of
Representatives. 2 Be it
known, we are not building a dancing room; be it known I have not built an
elegant hut. I should not have gratified my feelings relative to you had I
not made it comfortable. The carpenters leave it the day after to-morrrow.
The sooner of course you pay it a visit, the more agreeable to its builder.
You must not permit Mr. Dayton’s description to lead you astray. My hut is
water tight; seven feet and one inch high, with two rooms and a kitchen.
Rain cannot incommode those who are in it, and cold will not effect you.
When you have arranged to move towards me, let me know; I will, of course,
meet you at Brunswick, Kingston, Princeton, or Trenton, in proportion to the
time I receive your letter pointing out the moment of your departure. I
will, on the receipt of it, go to Brunswick; if you are not there, I will
proceed on the road until we meet.

I am my dear, / Your’s affectionately,

W. S. Smith. 3