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Abigail Adams
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The Letters of Abigail Adamsby Holly June
24th, 1775
My darling husband,One week ago, when John got back from school, he said there were many men on Bunker Hill and boats in the harbor. We heard a loud BOOM! and knew that a battle was to take place right then... |
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February
13th, 1775 My dearest friend, The boys have been very sick and I have not been able to mend their summer clothing. They will soon need their summer clothes. I have taught Abigail to mend and she is wonderful. Nabby has been a great help in all the extra chores she is needed to do since you have gone to Novanglus. She has learned to cook a marvelous pie and has been doing the cooking while I tend to John, Charles, and Thomas. I do not know what has them so sick but I know the illness will soon be gone for they are feeling quite better. You have not to worry. I am dearly worried about you. How can you be gone from me this long? It is horrible at the house with you away, none of the children are cheerful. Are you missing me as much as I am missing you? I know the children and I wish for you to be home more every day. I must stop writing and see if the boys are yet asleep. Your ever faithful friend, Abigail Adams March 17th, 1775 Dearest John, The boys are much better now and able to help with the chores. Nabby and I don’t need to work as much and it is much easier for us. If only Thomas and Charles were older they could also help John with getting ready for winter. Yes we do have enough money right now, but thank you for sending us more. I am delighted that there will be another ship of things we need coming soon. All of the children and I are happy. We hope so greatly to see you soon. Love forever, Abigail Adams April 21, 1775 My lovely John, Three days ago I heard a pounding on the door. It was very late and raining quite hard. Abigail and John were still awake but Charles and Thomas were long since asleep. Sybil Ludington, Commander Henry Ludington’s daughter, rode past our house. Then William from across the way said “The British are burning Danbury!” He quickly left. John and Abigail were quite scared. Charles awoke when I sent John to bed, but fell back to sleep quickly. Nabby said she saw a light flash two times from the belfry tower. Now we know that it meant the British were coming by sea. Paul Revere rowed to the Charlestown shore to spread the alarm over there while Sybil told all the minutemen to get prepared. The next day we stayed in the house. Every one was as frightened as could possibly be. While many men fought from behind walls and fence, they chased the Redcoats away from our fields and the Lobsterbacks fled! We are now safe and back to our simple life. Oh how I miss you and wish you to be here by my side. With great love, Abigail Adams May 30th, 1775 My dearest friend, It is hard doing all the work that was meant for you and I. Abigail does a lot of the things I should be doing and John does some of yours but they are still young and cannot do it all. There is much work I still must do by myself. Why cannot you be here at my side during this hardship. I do most of the cooking; during mid-day Nabby starts to cook while I clean the house and cut wood for us. John also must bring some firewood to school for it is still quite cold. I do miss you so dearly. I have John Quincy to remind me of you every day and I have almost cried in front of the children. Our little ones, Charles and Thomas, look more like you everyday and wherever I look I see and feel you in my heart. I miss you so much I want to just leave and come to you, but I will wait until you return to me. Your forever love, Abigail Adams June 24th, 1775 My darling husband, One week ago, when John got back from school, he said there were many men on Bunker Hill and boats in the harbor. We heard a loud BOOM! and knew that a battle was to take place right then. Abigail said she did not want to witness a battle and would take care of Charles and Thomas. John and I went outside and saw the British run up Bunker Hill towards our men. Our side did not shoot until they were almost upon them! The only thing we could hear was the first loud shot of the cannon; it was like watching a silent fight. That day we saw a battle and a victory but many men died and that is not what will help us win. There will be many more battles I can see that, but will we win? Are you in danger? Are the children in danger? Oh please come home soon! We all need you. Yours forever, Abigail Adams July 28, 1775 Dearest John, Yes everything is going wonderfully except you being away from me. The children are working and schooling (just as if everything is normal). Nabby is now almost better than I am at sewing. She is having a little trouble mending sleeves. While I cook and help Abigail sew, John is at school. He said it is getting easier but writing is hard. Life is not easy without a man in the house. The women at church think it is barbaric that you left me with four children. I simply said that you will come back quite soon. And you will, will you not? I must get to sleep else I will not be awake when the children awaken. Love sincerely, Abigail Adams Epilogue Abigail Adams became the second President’s wife in 1792. She was also present as her son, John Quincy Adams, became the sixth President of the United Sates in 1825 . She was the first First Lady to live in the White House when it wasn't yet finished. She lived from November 11, 1744 to October 28, 1818. She had a hard life, from being a farmer’s daughter to being alone raising her children during a revolution; but it was wonderful life. |
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