14 April 1813

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Catherine Smith

Writes to her granddaughter that parting with the children was "a weight upon my heart." Mourns the death of a sister, who was not able to say goodbye to her husband and children. Thanks Catherine for her letter and says she is longing to see her new great granddaughter Caroline. She passes on the news that Catherine's spouse, Mr. Smith, will have the option of going to England as Secretary of Legation or returning to America. Forwards some letters from friends at Washington, and wishes her well.

GLC03889

February 11, 1786

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Thomas Jefferson]

Regrets that Colonel Humphries will be leaving Monday because her admiration for him and their friendship has grown over his stay. She believes that the two American Secretaries of Legation are worthy of more distinguished stations because "in Europe every being is estimated, and every country valued in proportion to their show & splendor." Expresses her wish to return to America and a private life. "I am really surfeited with Europe, and most heartily long for the rural cottage, the purer & honester manners of my native land." Begins discussing the appointment of a minister and…

GLC05749

circa February 1788

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clement Cotterell

Requests Cotterell inform her whether or not she has an appointment at court that day with King George III and the Queen. She and John Adams were requesting their leave of the court as he had been called back to America. Undated, date inferred from events.

GLC05343

29 November 1814

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Rush

Addressed to Rush as Attorney General in Washington, D.C. Encloses a letter received from her son, John Quincy Adams, to the President, James Madison, and states that he may read the political parts to the President if he desires. States that the letter is John Q. Adams opinions on the "farce" of the peace negotiations with Britain during the War of 1812, and should not be made public. Comments upon the fate of Alexandria, Virginia. Finishes by saying, "I have not a word to say, in vindication of the conduct of my own native State, but much to deplore." Free frank of John Adams.

GLC02291

5 December 1816

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Rush

A friendly letter of introduction, revealing the intimacy between the Adams and Rush families. Adams was introducing Reverend Coleman, who was going to Washington to carry the presidential electoral votes from Massachusetts and to vacation as well. She believes they will get along well. Quotes William Cowper to describe him. Writes that her husband's hands hurt from the cold and from previous letter writing and that he sends his greetings. In GLC02852, John Adams uses "Colman" instead of "Coleman."

GLC02515

October 24, 1816

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dolley Madison

Responds to an earlier letter from Madison and remarks that receiving it was an unexpected pleasure but mentions a mistake (not specified) regarding it. Comments that a friend did not have the power to comply with the circumstances communicated by Mr. Stodert. Remarks that this friend has high personal regard for James Madison. States that Dolley need not have apologized for not replying to her letter because it is sufficient that her request (not specified) was complied with. Mentions that John Quincy Adams is very satisfied with William Steuben Smith, his assistant. Asks to give her regards…

GLC01104

30 August 1815

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Sends two letters from John Quincy Adams (not included). Quotes her husband's comments on the situation in France: "One cannot indulge even a sentiment of compassion for the condition of France, where the Armies of all Europe are ravaging and ransoming the country, of which they proclaim Louis the Legitimate Sovereign." Notes hearing that the Treaty of Commerce had been signed on 3 July 1815. Indicates that the information in the letters may be given to the president at the recipients discretion, but also asks that they be returned to her.

GLC08917.01

February 17, 1812 or 1813

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah Cushing

Comforts Hannah Cushing on the death of her nephew, John Cushing Aylwin, who died aboard the U.S.S. Constitution after its battle with the HMS Java in December 1812. Adams quotes from Cato: "How beautiful is death when earned by virtue / Who would not be that youth? What pity is it / That we can die but once to serve our Country."

GLC09394