Library Research Report - Intermediate Foundations Class
Mrs. President
by Victoria V.
April 4, 2012
Only one woman has had or will have the distinction of being called the first Second Lady and the second First Lady and even, at times, Mrs. President. Abigail Adams bore these titles. Abigail descended on both sides from a prominent high- society colonial family. Though she was shy, quiet, intelligent, and determined she was also stubborn and opinionated. She was self-taught and always seemed to be writing letters or bent over a book. Just to her husband alone, she wrote 1,200 letters, which give us insight into colonial life. As First Lady, Abigail loved to entertain and her husband, President John Adams, relied greatly on her political advice. She is known today for influencing policy and contributing to history.
Abigail Smith was an open-minded, erudite and determined young lady. Her family, on both sides, was influential, prosperous and prestigious in colonial Massachusetts. Abigail was self-educated and was one of the best-read women of her time. She had access to her father’s extensive library of which she took advantage to study English, French, and literature. After marrying John Adams, she had six children in ten years, three sons and two daughters. Sadly, the sixth was stillborn. While John traveled the countryside and abroad, Abigail, who took the responsibility to operate the farm and oversee the servants, hated his absences because she could not be with her beloved best friend. Struggling, Abigail and her family had many shortages during the wartime. Though he frequently traveled, John relied on Abigail’s advice and she was his intellectual companion, forming a bond of the heart and mind.
One treasured contribution that Abigail Adams is known for is her abundant letters. Amazingly, letters between John and Abigail totaled more than 1,200. Abigail’s writing started during her early teens as she continually corresponded with friends and family. Although Abigail’s letters contained colorful, challenging, perceptive and witty words, her letters to John showed the candor and intimacy in their relationship. Her letters document their marriage. Trusting her knowledge, John relied greatly on her for political advice. Abigail bore great loneliness because of John’s long absences but they kept their relationship close through their tremendous letter writing, which strengthened their relationship because, as Abigail commented, “My pen is always freer than my tongue. I have wrote many things to you that I suppose I never could have talk’d.” She wrote of her political opinions to Thomas Jefferson and many others. In March 1776 she wrote to John and the Continental Congress requesting that they “…remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors…” Abigail’s letters, which detail life during the revolution, are a cherished prize.
Abigail supported her husband, John, in his rise to political power. During her husband’s vice presidency under George Washington, Abigail, now the Second Lady, became friends with Martha Washington and helped her with entertaining. Hospitably, Abigail enjoyed elegant entertaining. In November 1800 the capital moved to Washington D.C. where John and Abigail Adams, by now, the President and First Lady, were the first couple to preside over the unfinished White House. Although the new place was still primitive, Abigail declared it to be “habitable” and the location “beautiful”. Receiving about sixty visitors per day, Abigail continued her pattern of formal entertaining and frequently hosted large dinners. Abigail was also active in politics and contended for the rights of women, because of which she was known by her opponents as “Mrs. President.” John relied on Abigail as a partner and “fellow laborer.”
Abigail helped shape early U.S. history. Privileged in many ways as a child and an adult, Abigail took every opportunity to learn more and impact the people around her. Her letters leave us rich clues that unlock the mystery of the past. Abigail shared John’s political life and sacrificed her husband through his long absences from the family for the good of the country. She recognized that the new nation needed him. Most importantly, her numerous letters left behind a historical record and fueled John to change the views of other politicians. Known by some as “Mrs. President”, Abigail Adams, our second First Lady, left us with an account of her life and times that still lives on to this day.