George Abbot to his wife Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, 8 February 1836

[From George Abbot in Porto Praya (now Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, an island in the Atlantic west of Senegal), on his way from New Orleans to Rio de Janeiro, to his wife Nancy. He talks a little about his trip so far, and the weather there and in Beverly; and mentions people there from Beverly.]

Portapraya Feby 8th 1836

My Dear Wife,

You may be somewhat surprised to receive a letter from this place, altho you possibly might have suspected it was my intention to touch here on my way to Rio. I arrived here on the 1st inst. We had an exceedingly [__?__]terous passage of 34 days from N Orleans but I am glad to say short. I have sold part of my cargo here and may sell more, when I shall proceed on my voyage, and am in hopes to be able to finish it and be with you in all May at farthest.

During my passage I have enjoyed my health as usual, as likewise has all hands on board, and every thing has gone to my wishes, which I hope has been the case with yourself and our dear children. I observe by the papers you have had a severe winter. I hope you have been able to keep yourself warm and cuddled with the little ones. For my own part I have never experienced so much cold disagreeable weather on a passage across the Atlantic in my life.

Our little [____]pe are well and have been, since I last heard [____]. I am anxious to get to Rio, that I may have the satisfaction of hearing from you, as doubtless I shall have letters in waiting for me there, and I hope from all hands.

Ere you receive this, spring will have advanced apace. You must engage Mr. Wallis to put the garden to rights and reengraft the trees as I suppose all the grafts put in last spring failed, at least the greater part of them, and do any little thing about the garden or house you may think needed.

Mr. & Mrs. Merrell1 are here and request their respects to be remembered. Poor Nancy Pinder2 died here about a month since, the 7th January, with the fever of the Islands, after about a week sickness. Poor girl, she was impressed with an Idea she should not get well, got alarmed, and no doubt but it hastened her death. Mrs. Merrell is well but I would not insure her another year if she remains here. I believe she intends to return soon to the United States.

As this letter is to be left here and into whose hands it may fall is uncertain, I shall dispence with any farther communication and subscribe myself as ever your ever faithful & loving

Husband George Abbot

P. S. I shall write you by first conveyance from Rio de Janery. I expect to leave here in two or three days.

G. Abbot

  1. William G. Merrill (abt 1800-), U. S. Consul at Cape Verde from 1828 to 1837, and Louisa (Pindar) Merrill (1811-1836)
  2. Nancy Pindar (1806-1836), Louisa (Pindar) Merrill's sister