Adieu my Friend,

TO MRS. ADAMS.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Philade Sept 28 1778

MY DEAR BETSY

Your Letter of the 16th which I just now receivd, is like cool Water to a thirsty Soul.  It gives me inexpressible Pleasure to have it under your own Hand, that you are in the Way of Recovery from a dangerous Disorder.  I earnestly pray God to restore you to perfect Health; and let me intreat you, my Dear, to be very careful of your self.

I exceedingly regret the loss which the Town has sustaind by the Death of Dr Eliot & Dr Greenleafe.  In Times so degenerate as these are, it is much to be lamented that Men of such Exemplary Piety and Virtue are taken away.  I hope the Depravity of Manners is not so great as to exclude all Hopes of Childrens rising up and serving God and their Country in the Room of their Fathers.  May Heaven grant us a Time of Reformation!

I think you have done well in putting your Servant Boy Job an Apprentice to a Sail Maker.  I hope you will injoyn it on him to let you see him often, that you may give him your Advice, and tell him it is my Desire that he would attend to it.  I love the Boy, and am still of opinion, that if he is properly mannagd he will make a good Citizen.

Remember me to my Daughter, Sister Polly and the rest of my Family & Friends, and accept of the best Wishes of

your most affectionate,

Write to me by every opportunity.

TO WILLIAM COOPER.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Philade Sept 30 1778

MY DEAR SIR

I have the pleasure of committing this Letter to the Care of your youngest Son who having been unfortunately taken in the Brig Resistance, was sufferd to come to this City to be exchangd for the Purser of the British Ship Mermaid who is now in N York on his Parole.  This Exchange I effected without Delay; and procured from the Navy Board here an Advance of fifty Dollars, for which he is to account with the Eastern Navy Board in the settlement of his Wages.  I apprehended this Sum would not be sufficient to discharge the Expence of his Board in this very expensive place & carry him through his Journey & therefore I advancd him forty Dollars more, taking his Draft upon you which you will please to repay to Mrs Adams in Boston.