Letter, to Mercy Otis Warren, June 12, 1790

Martha Washington

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Greenwood Press

06/12/1790

Joseph E. Fields, editor

Published version of manuscript document

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Feinstone Collection, David Library of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing, PA

My Dear Madam,                                   New York, June the 12th 1790

I ought to apologize for the interval that has passed between a receipt and acknowledgment of your obliging letter written in March last; but I hardly know what apology will be sufficient to excuse the apparent, though unintentional neglect. I believe the truth is always the best ground for an apology on such occasions.- Though I may not have a great deal of business of consequence to do; yet I have a great many avocations of one kind or another which imperceptibly consume my time - and I know not whether one's reluctance to writing much does increase with one's years. The sevear illness with which the President was attacked some weeks ago absorbed every other consideration/ in my care and anxiety for him - These reasons, I trust, will have their due weight in your candid mind.-During the President sickness, the kindness which everybody manifested, and the interest which was universally taken in his fate, were really very affecting to me. He seemed less concerned himself as to te event, than peraps almost any other person in ye united states. Happily he is now perfectly recovered and I am restored to my ordinary state of tranquillity, and usually good flow of spirits. - For my part I continue to be as hapy hear as I could be at any place except Mount Vernon. In truth I should be very ungreatfull if I did not acknowledge that everything has been done, which politness, hospitality or friendship could suggest, to make my situation as satisfactory and agreeable as possible. My grandchildren have likewise good opportunitieas for acquiring a useful and accomplished education. In their happiness, my own is, in a great measure, involved. But for the ties of affection which attract me so strongly to my near connection and worthy friends, I should feel myself indeed much weaned from all enjoyments of this transitory life.

If congress should have a recess this summer (as it is expected will be the case) I hope to go home to Mount Vernon for a few months: an from that expectation I already derive much comfort. Especially a believe, the exercise, relaxation and amusement to be expected fro a journey, will tend vey much to confirm the President's health. This is also the opinion of all his Physicians.

In passing down the vale of time, and in journeying a mutable world as that in which we are placed, we must expect with a great and continual mixture of afflictions and blessings. mingled cup which an overruling providence undoubtedly dispences to us for the wises and best purposes. - and as you justly observe, shortsighted mortals dare to arraign the decrees of eternal wisdo you and yours may always be under the kind protection and guardian of that providence is the sincre wish of

Dear Madam
your affectionate friend
and humble Servant
M Washington

Autograph Letter Signed