Adams, Abigail (1744-1818) Autograph letter signed. Washington, [D.C.], Addressed to her daughter-in-law, Sarah Smith Adams. Written on the death of her son, Charles Adams, December 8, 1800

File — Box: 1, Folder: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection consists of letters and supporting documentation, books on the art of letter writing, a small miscellaneous grouping of catalogs and photographs, and issues of The Wolf Magazine of Letters from June-July 1979 to Summer Quarterly 1991. The earliest letter, from the Marquise de Sevigne, dates from 1695; while the most recent was signed by entertainer Mike Douglas in 1980. Most of the letters date from the 19th century. The collection, which now numbers 85 letters, will continue to grow; in conjunction with his gift, Mr. Lang established a gift annuity to be used for the maintenance and augmentation of the collection.

Dates

Creation: December 8, 1800

Creator

Adams, Abigail (Person)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The records are in English

Restrictions on Access

There are no restrictions on access to this collection.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.26 linear feet

Additional Description

Condition

Very good. Moderate chipping at top and right edges, segment cut out of bottom right on 2nd page, original wax seal still attached.

1.25 pages, separate leaves, letter sheet, 10"x 8" (4to)

Transcript

My Dear Daughter

Whilst I feel as a parent, I sympathize with you as a wife, hoping that all the frailties and offenses of my dear departed son may be forgiven and buried with his mortal past.

I besought the Throne of grace that he might find mercy from his God, to the great judge of us all we must leave him, resigning our wills to the sovereign of the universe—

From my own thoughts and reflections I trace the sorrow of your soul, and feel every pang which grieves your Heart. Would to God that I could administer to you; that comfort which I stand in need of myself.

Upon your part, you have the consolation of having performed your Duty, no remembrance of any unkindness has detered your fulfilling it, even to the last distressing scene, may you be rewarded by a self approving conscience; until fatal propensities took intire possession of this poor deluded man; he was kind and affectionate, beloved by all his acquaintance; an enemy to no one, but a favorite where ever her went, in early life no child was more tender and amiable; but neither his mind, or constitution could survive the habits he but too fatally persued, in the midst of his days, his course is stopped, and his years numbered. May I be enabled in silence to bow myself in submission to my maker, whose attributes are Mercy as well as judgments. The children will ever be dear to me, may they be raised up in the way in which they should go I will supply to them as far as is in my power, the parent they have lost —

The president sends his Love to you and mourns with, as he has a long time for you —

I am with a respectfull remembrance to your Mother and Love to Nancy and Abbe —

My Dear Daughter

Your affectionate

Mother

Abigail Adams

Susan is well except a cold — sends her duty —