Letters of Mrs. Adams, the Wife of John Adams
| Company type | Publication |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Founder | Charles Francis Adams Sr. |
| Products | Compilation of letters by Abigail Adams |
| Parent | Charles C. Little and James Brown |
The Letters of Mrs. Adams, the Wife of John Adams is a compilation published in 1840, presenting a selection of correspondence from Abigail Adams, recognized as the second first lady of the United States. This collection was released by Charles C. Little and James Brown and curated by her grandson, Charles Francis Adams Sr.. It provides valuable perspectives on both the private and political dimensions of the Adams family.
Background and publication
Covering the years 1761 to 1814, the letters are predominantly addressed to her spouse, John, with additional correspondence directed to their son, John Quincy, as well as other relatives residing in New England. The earliest entry dates back to when Abigail was seventeen years old.
The Adams family carefully separated personal letters from official documents. In an effort to correct what he perceived as significant historical inaccuracies, Charles Francis Adams Sr. published these formerly private letters to offer a genuine representation of Abigail’s sentiments and reflections. This volume was part of his larger mission to safeguard the family's historical record with fidelity.
Charles Francis Adams Sr. also contributed the introduction to the book. Following its favorable reception, a related volume titled Letters of John Adams, addressed to his Wife, appeared in 1841. Additional editions of Letters of Mrs. Adams were issued in 1841 and 1848, further establishing its importance within American historical literature.
Reception
The North American Review described the initial volume as "charming specimens of epistolary composition," appreciating it chiefly for revealing Abigail Adams’s candid perspectives on her life. Nevertheless, they expressed a wish for a greater number of letters and encouraged the release of another edition. Both the Christian Examiner and General Review and The Christian Review praised the collection, with the latter emphasizing Charles Francis Adams's introduction as "very interesting."
As one of the earliest publications showcasing writings by a first lady, this book significantly influenced public understanding of Abigail Adams. Historian Charles W. Akers observed in 1980 that it continued to enjoy popularity and served as the main resource on Adams until the release of the Adams Papers.