Letters of Mrs. Adams, the wife of John Adams

The Letters of Abigail Adams were first compiled and published in 1840 by her grandson, Charles Francis Adams, several years after her passing. The collection was intended to preserve the intimate and intellectual voice of a woman who played a central role in the founding era of the United States. By sharing her private correspondence, the publication provided the public with a rare, candid window into the personal lives of the Adams family and the challenges faced during the American Revolutionary period.

The design and editorial selection of these letters reflect the Victorian-era desire to elevate Abigail Adams as an exemplar of republican motherhood and political wisdom. Her prose, characterized by its wit, keen political observation, and deeply personal insight, was received with significant acclaim for its historical value and literary quality. The volume effectively cemented her legacy as one of the most articulate and influential correspondents of her time, offering a perspective on American history that remains distinct from the official state papers of her husband.