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fast declining in health, and requested me, that, in case of his death, which he apprehended not far distant, I would take home his son, then but ten years of age, and bring him up to the printing business. This I accordingly performed, sending him a few years to school before I took him into the office. His mother carried on the business till he was grown up, when I assisted him with an assortment of new types, those of his father being in a manner worn out. Thus it was that I made my brother ample amends for the service I had deprived him of by leaving him so early.

FAMILIAR LETTERS

OF

JOHN AND ABIGAIL ADAMS.

(Published with the permission of Hon. Charles Francis Adams.)

JOHN and ABIGAIL ADAMS were married October 25, 1764. They lived partly in Boston, partly in Braintree, now Quincy. He left home August 10, 1774, as delegate to the Continental Congress, which met at Philadelphia, September 5. He left again April 14, 1775, to attend the second meeting of Congress in Philadelphia, May 10, and there remained, with the exception of two short visits at home, until after the Declaration of Independence. These are a part of his and his wife's letters during their separation.

JOHN AND ABIGAIL ADAMS.

1.

Braintree, 15 August, 1774.

I KNOW not where this will find you, whether upon the road or at Philadelphia, but wherever it is, I hope it will find you in good health and spirits. Your journey, I imagine, must have been very tedious from the extreme heat of the weather and the dustiness of the roads. We are burnt up with the drought, having had no rain since you left us, nor is there the least appearance of any.

I was much gratified upon the return of some of your friends from Watertown, who gave me an account of your social dinner and friendly parting. May your return merit and meet with the grateful acknowledgments of every well-wisher to their country. Your task is difficult and important. Heaven direct and prosper you.

Our little ones send their duty to their papa, and that which at all times and in all places evermore attends you is the most affectionate regard of your ABIGAIL ADAMS.

2.

BRAINTREE, 19 August, 1774.

The great distance between us makes the time appear very long to ine. It seems already a month since

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