Back Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams

1744–1818
Abigail Smith Adams by Gilbert Stuart, created 1800–1815. (Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.)

Best known for her correspondence with her husband and the declaration “I desire you would Remember the Ladies,” Abigail Adams served as her husband’s advisor, critic, advocate, and above all, “dearest friend,” from the beginning of their courtship in 1761 until her death in 1818. In between she was both a witness to and an erudite and witty commentator on the American Revolution, French and British society at the end of the eighteenth century, and the presidential administrations of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, as well as the beginning of the political career of her son, John Quincy Adams. “You know my mind is much occupied with the affairs of our Country. if as a Female I may be calld an Idle, I never can be an uninterested Spectator,” she wrote to John Adams in 1793. She wrote over 4,300 letters over the course of her life to over forty correspondents—including Thomas Jefferson, Mercy Otis Warren, James and Dolley Madison, and Martha Washington—covering topics from government, politics, and foreign policy, to women’s rights, abolition, and the latest fashion trends. Editor Edith Gelles says that her “letters provide unusual access to her private life, but they also capture her age—its social conventions, politics, and people—not just in description but in commentary, giving her the status of a domestic—i.e., American—Tocqueville, a writer whose observations and insights shed light on American and Americans of her time.”

Read an excerpt from

To John Adams, March 31, 1776

Abigail Adams

I long to hear that you have declared an independancy—and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute, but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend. Why then, not put it out of the power of the vicious and the Lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your Sex. Regard us then as Beings placed by providence under your protection and in immitation of the Supreem Being make use of that power only for our happiness.

Read a passage from To John Adams, March 31, 1776 by Abigail Adams
Library of America
CURATOR

A champion of America’s great writers and timeless works, Library of America guides readers in finding and exploring the exceptional writing that reflects the nation’s history and culture.

Learn More
PUBLISHER

From poetry, novels, and memoirs to journalism, crime writing, and science fiction, the more than 300 volumes published by Library of America are widely recognized as America’s literary canon.

Benefits of Using Safe Crypto Casinos. One of the most captivating reasons people drift towards Australian casinos online-casino-au com is the promise of anonymity. Safe platforms guarantee that your identity remains a secret. Quick Payouts and Minimal Fees. No one likes waiting, especially for winnings. Safe crypto casinos ensure that payouts are swift and the fees minimal, if not non-existent.

Browse our books Subscribe
NON-PROFIT

With contributions from donors, Library of America preserves and celebrates a vital part of our cultural heritage for generations to come.

Ozwin Casino offers an exciting array of top-notch slots that cater to every player's preferences. From classic fruit machines to cutting-edge video slots, Ozwin Casino Real Money collection has it all. With stunning graphics, immersive themes, and seamless gameplay, these slots deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. Some popular titles include Mega Moolah, Gonzo's Quest, and Starburst, known for their massive jackpots and thrilling bonus features. Ozwin Casino's slots are not just about luck; they offer hours of entertainment and the chance to win big, making it a must-visit for slot enthusiasts.

Support our mission