"Although my memory is not so tenacious as in youth, nor my eye-sight so clear, my hearing is unimpaired, my heart warm and my affections are as fervent to those in whom 'my days renew' as formerly to those from 'whom my days I drew.' I have some troubles in the loss of friends by death, and no small solicitude for the motherless offspring, but my trust and confidence are in that being who 'hears the young ravens when they cry.' I do not know, my dear Caroline, that I ever gave you encouragement to expect me at the valley, although I should rejoice to be able to visit you--but I now look forward with the hope of seeing you here as an attendant upon your mother as soon as the spring opens and the roads will permit. "We have snow by the cargo this winter. Not a bird flits but a hungry crow now and then, in quest of prey. The fruit trees exhibit a mournful picture, broken down by the weight of the snow; whilst the running of sleighs and the jingle of bells assures us that all nature does not slumber. "As if you love me, proverbially, you must love my dog, you will be glad to learn that Juno yet lives, although like her mistress she is gray with age. She appears to enjoy life and to be grateful for the attention paid her. She wags her tail and announces a visitor whenever one appears. "Adieu, my dear child--remember me with affection to your brother and with kind affection to your honored father and also to your uncle whose benevolent qualities I respect and whose cheerful spirits have made 'the wilderness to smile and blossom as the rose.' Most affectionately, "Your Grandmother, "ABIGAIL ADAMS." "Quincy, 19 November, 1812. "MY DEAR CAROLINE: "Your neat, pretty letter, looking small, but containing much, reached me this day. I have a good mind to give you the journal of the day. "Six o'clock. Rose, and, in imitation of his Britannic Majesty, kindled my own fire. Went to the stairs, as usual, to summon George and Charles. Returned to my chamber, dressed myself. No one stirred. Called a second time, with a voice a little raised. "Seven o'clock. Blockheads not out of bed. Girls in motion. Mean, when I hire another manservant, that he shall come for _one call_. "Eight o'clock. Fires made, breakfast prepared. L---- in Boston. Mrs. A. at the tea-board. Forgot the sausages. Susan's recollection brought them upon the table. "_Enter_ Ann. 'Ma'am, the man is come with coals.' "'Go, call George to assist him.' (_Exit_ Ann.) "_Enter_ Charles. 'Mr. B---- is come with cheese, turnips, etc. Where are they to be put?' 'I will attend to him myself.' (_Exit_ Charles.) "Just seated at the table again. "_Enter_ George with, 'Ma'am, here is a man with a drove of pigs.' A consultation is held upon this important subject, the result of which is the purchase of two spotted swine.