My dearest life, continue to write to me, as my heart clings with delight only to what comes from you. (Marshall to his wife.)
He is a plain man, very sensible and cautious. (Adams.)
Our poor insulted country has not before it the most flattering prospects. (Marshall at Antwerp.)
"Philadelphia July 2nd 1797.
"My dearest Polly
"I am here after a passage up the bay from Baltimore.... I dined on saturday in private with the President whom I found a sensible plain candid good tempered man & was consequently much pleased with him. I am not certain when I shall sail.... So you ... my dearest life continue to write to me as your letters will follow me should I be gone before their arrival & as my heart clings with real pleasure & delight only to what comes from you. I was on friday evening at the faux hall of Philadelphia.... The amusements were walking, sitting, punch ice cream etc Music & conversation.... Thus my dearest Polly do I when not engaged in the very serious business which employs a large portion of my time endeavor by a-[muse]ments to preserve a mind at ease & [keep] it from brooding too much over my much loved & absent wife. By all that is dear on earth, I entreat you to do the same, for separation will not I trust be long & letters do everything to draw its sting. I am my dearest life your affectionate
"J Marshall."[549]
FIRST PAGE OF A LETTER FROM JOHN MARSHALL TO HIS WIFE
(Facsimile)