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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Adams, Abigail (1744-1818) to Catherine Smith

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03889 Author/Creator: Adams, Abigail (1744-1818) Place Written: Quincy, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 April 1813 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 23.5 x 20.1 cm Order a Copy

Writes to her granddaughter that parting with the children was "a weight upon my heart." Mourns the death of a sister, who was not able to say goodbye to her husband and children. Thanks Catherine for her letter and says she is longing to see her new great granddaughter Caroline. She passes on the news that Catherine's spouse, Mr. Smith, will have the option of going to England as Secretary of Legation or returning to America. Forwards some letters from friends at Washington, and wishes her well.

Abigail had a sister named Mary Cranch that died in 1811. It is possible she is speaking of her, though she also had another sister Elizabeth.

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818
Smith, Catherine, fl. 1813

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