250 years ago this month, John Adams wrote a letter to Abigail, looking forward to their life together.... Letter from John Adams to Abigail Smith, 30 September 1764 Septr. 30th. 1764 My dear Diana It happens very unfortunately that my Business calls me away at this Juncture for two Weeks together, so that I can take no Care at all about Help or Furniture or any Thing else. But Necessity has no Law. Tomorrow Morning I embark for Plymouth -- with a (fowl) disordered stomach, a pale Face, an Aching Head and an Anxious Heart. And What Company shall I find there? Why a Number of bauling Lawyers, drunken Squires, and impertinent and stingy Clients. …. Oh my dear Girl, I thank Heaven that another Fortnight will restore you to me -- after so long a separation. My soul and Body have both been thrown into Disorder, by your Absence, and a Month of two more would make me the most insufferable Cynick, in the World. I see nothing but Faults, Follies, Frailties and Defects in any Body, lately. People have lost all their good Properties or I my justice, or Discernment. But you who have always softened and warmed my Heart, shall restore my Benevolence as well as my Health and Tranquility of mind. You shall polish and refine my sentiments of Life and Manners, banish all the unsocial and ill natured Particles in my Composition, and form me to that happy Temper, that can reconcile a quick Discernment with a perfect Candour. Believe me, now & ever yr. faithful Lysander P.S. My Duty to my worthy Aunt. Oh! I forget myself. My Prophetick Imagination has rapd me into future Times. I mean, make my Compliments to Mrs. Smith...
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 01:05:26 +0000