George Abbot to his wife Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, 29 June 1838

[From George Abbot in Rotterdam (Netherlands?), on his way from New Orleans to Rio de Janeiro, to his wife Nancy. He talks a little about his trip; talks about letters he received from home, and hopes everyone is over their sickness; and mentions being detained in quarantine.]

Rotterdam June 29th 1838

My Dear Wife,

It affords me much pleasure to inform you of my safe arrival here on the 21st inst. all well after a very unpleasant passage of 33 days from Matanzas1 and was most agreeable surprised in being handed on my first arrival with two letters from your good self and the children, for which you will accept my thanks. I am very sorry to hear you speak so discouragingly of yourself and the little ones. I trust however your fears were groundless, and that the children have all got thro their sickness without any thing serious occurring; and yourself thro most of your troubles. Just think for a moment how exceedingly fortunate you have been in your troubles in the absence of the greatest one. What could you have done, if I had been with you to provide for, and take care of. Think of that and submit to fate with becomingness.

Since my arrival I have been detained in durancevile2 at Quarantine, and only today got my release. Therefore you cannot expect to hear much of Rotterdam, having only been from the ship to the shore and back again. In my next I may be able to say something about it, and moreover I am in great haste, as I have just learnt that the steamboat leaves this afternoon for Liverpool, from wherein you will receive this by the mighty great Steamer to sail from that place on the 5th July. And as I have got two other corrispondents to address, must bid you adieu by subscribing myself as ever truly your

Affectionate Husband

George Abbot

P. S. In my next I shall inform you my futur destination & at what time you may expect me home.

Truly Yours,

G. A.

  1. Capital of the province of Matanzas, on the northern shore of Cuba.
  2. An obsolete term meaning detention, or a long prison sentence.