Adams Family Correspondence, volume 11

Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Adams, 8 February 1797 Otis, Mary Smith Gray Adams, Abigail

Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Adams

My dear Mrs Adams Philadelphia Feby: 8th 1797

It gives me peculiar pleasure to hear from the Vice President, that you have enjoyed your health, better, this Winter, than usual; the frost of this season, will I hope entirely eradicate your former complaints, & that you will long enjoy a confirmed state of health, not only for your own sake, but that of your friends.—

Give me leave to congratulate you, on the choice made of a President, as a proof of the confidence & attachment of the (I will say) 551 best part of the community, it must give you pleasure. As you are both Veterans in politicks you are better able to repel the attacks of those, whose chief aim seems to be, to render those unhappy who are placed in the high Offices of Government, but that you may enjoy much satisfaction & pleasure, is my earnest wish.

Your friends here are anxious, to know whether they shall see you this Spring, for myself I anticipate much pleasure, in the prospect of having you for a Neighbour.

If there is any thing to be done, or any little arrangements to be made, previous to your coming, that I can do for you, I will do it with pleasure.

With love to Louisa, I remain, Yours Affecly:

M Otis1

RC (Adams Papers).

Another example of the congratulatory correspondence sent to AA was Susanna Clarke Copley’s letter of 10 Feb. (Adams Papers). Copley sent best wishes from her family to AA “upon the wisdom that our country Men of America have displayed in the choice of their Chief Magistrate” and introduced one of her acquaintances to AA.

Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Gray Otis, [post 8 February] 1797 Adams, Abigail Otis, Mary Smith Gray

Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Gray Otis

My Dear Mrs Otis [post 8 February 1797]

I received last Evening Your kind Letter of Febry 8th. I thank you for your congratulation, and kind wishes

To be the Successor of Mrs Washington and to make good her place will be an arduous task. I can only Say that my Sincerest Wishes will be joined With my best endeavours to give offence to no one & satifaction to all.

I have amidst many gloomy reflections, receivd pleasure from the thought of having So near a relative and valuable a Friend near me, whose tender care & kind Solisitude I had experienced on the Bed of Sickness, and to whom I could communicate my thoughs without that reserve, which my situation will require.

Your kind offers I May have occasion for, but as yet I know what will be necessary. I would not wish to make a journey this Spring to return in the heat of the Season if mr Adams can dispence with my attendance. I had rather go on in Sep’br but I shall consult his wishes and convenience all together. I will thank You if you can inform me what Number of Domesticks the Presidents Household consisted of. how many female Servants? I can carry four from hence. I should then want a good housekeeper

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My Health has been better through the winter than usual I have not been without mementoes of Reumatism Since Feb’ry came in.

My Regards to mr Otis & Love to miss Harriot ~~& Mary~~ from / Your affec

A A1

Dft (Adams Papers); notations by CFA: “Copy. Mrs S. A. Otis.” and “Quincy. 1797.”

On the last page of the Dft, AA wrote, “who that has a private Friend who has served them many Years devoting their time and talents to promote their interest, even to the loss and prejudice of their own private emolument.”