First Family_ Abigail And John Adams - Part 5
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Part 5

41. AA to Mercy Otis Warren, 27 April 1776, AA to Mercy Otis Warren, 27 April 1776, AFC AFC 1:39698; AA to JA, 7 May 1776, 1:39698; AA to JA, 7 May 1776, AFC AFC 1:402. 1:402.

42. AA to JA, 14 August 1776, AA to JA, 14 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:94; JA to AA, 25 August 1776, 2:94; JA to AA, 25 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:108. 2:108.

43. JA to James Sullivan, 26 May 1776, JA to James Sullivan, 26 May 1776, PA PA 4:20812. 4:20812.

44. For the style and message of For the style and message of Common Sense Common Sense, see Eric Foner, Tom Paine and Revolutionary America Tom Paine and Revolutionary America (New York, 1776). For Paine as the ultimate advocate for implementing the radical implications of the revolutionary agenda, see Harvey J. Kay, (New York, 1776). For Paine as the ultimate advocate for implementing the radical implications of the revolutionary agenda, see Harvey J. Kay, Thomas Paine and the Promise of America Thomas Paine and the Promise of America (New York, 2005). (New York, 2005).

45. AP AP 4:185; JA to James Warren, 15 May 1776, 4:185; JA to James Warren, 15 May 1776, AP AP 4:186. 4:186.

46. JA to AA, 17 May 1776, JA to AA, 17 May 1776, AFC AFC 1:410. 1:410.

47. AA to JA, 2 March 1776, AA to JA, 2 March 1776, AFC AFC 1:35256; AA to JA, 16 March 1776, 1:35256; AA to JA, 16 March 1776, AFC AFC 1:358. 1:358.

48. JA to AA, 3 July 1776, JA to AA, 3 July 1776, AFC AFC 2:2731. He wrote Abigail two separate letters on this day. 2:2731. He wrote Abigail two separate letters on this day.

49. For a longer exegesis of this point, as well as the primary sources on which it was based, see my For a longer exegesis of this point, as well as the primary sources on which it was based, see my Pa.s.sionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams Pa.s.sionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams (New York, 1991), 64. (New York, 1991), 64.

50. JA to AA, 3 July 1776, JA to AA, 3 July 1776, AFC AFC 2:30. 2:30.

51. For the best synthesis of this crowded moment, see Pauline Maier, For the best synthesis of this crowded moment, see Pauline Maier, American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence (New York, 1997), 97 (New York, 1997), 97_153.

52. JA to Benjamin Rush, 21 June 1811, quoted in Ellis, JA to Benjamin Rush, 21 June 1811, quoted in Ellis, Pa.s.sionate Sage Pa.s.sionate Sage, 64.

53. For John's appointment as chair of the Committee on War and Ordnance and the difficult logistical and strategic problems he faced, see JA to AA, 26 June 1776, For John's appointment as chair of the Committee on War and Ordnance and the difficult logistical and strategic problems he faced, see JA to AA, 26 June 1776, AFC AFC 2:2324. 2:2324.

54. AA to JA, 20 September 1776, AA to JA, 20 September 1776, AFC AFC 2:129. 2:129.

55. JA to AA, 16 July 1776, JA to AA, 16 July 1776, AFC AFC 2:5051. 2:5051.

56. AA to JA, 29 July 1776, AA to JA, 29 July 1776, AFC AFC 2:6567; AA to JA, 14 August 1776, 2:6567; AA to JA, 14 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:93; AA to JA, 17 August 1776, 2:93; AA to JA, 17 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:98. 2:98.

57. AA to JA, 19 August 1776, AA to JA, 19 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:101; JA to AA, 27 July 1776, 2:101; JA to AA, 27 July 1776, AFC AFC 2:63. 2:63.

58. JA to AA, 28 August 1776, JA to AA, 28 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:111. 2:111.

59. AA to JA, 1 August 1776, AA to JA, 1 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:7273; AA to JA, 25 August 1776, 2:7273; AA to JA, 25 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:106. 2:106.

60. JA to AA, 30 August 1776, JA to AA, 30 August 1776, AFC AFC 2:11415; JA to AA, 8 October 1776, 2:11415; JA to AA, 8 October 1776, AFC AFC 2:140. 2:140.

61. AA to JA, 2 September 1776, AA to JA, 2 September 1776, AFC AFC 2:116; AA to JA, 29 September 1776, 2:116; AA to JA, 29 September 1776, AFC AFC 2:13436. 2:13436.

62. JCC JCC 5:72335, for the conference with Howe. See also the editorial note in 5:72335, for the conference with Howe. See also the editorial note in AFC AFC 2:12425. 2:12425.

63. John's latter-day recollection of the episode with Franklin is in John's latter-day recollection of the episode with Franklin is in DA DA 3:41430. 3:41430.

64. PA PA 4:260302, for the Plan of Treaties. 4:260302, for the Plan of Treaties.

65. Ira D. Gruber, Ira D. Gruber, The Howe Brothers and the American Revolution The Howe Brothers and the American Revolution (New York, 1972), 12757, and Kevin Phillips, (New York, 1972), 12757, and Kevin Phillips, The Cousins' Wars: Religion, Politics, and the Triumph of Anglo-America The Cousins' Wars: Religion, Politics, and the Triumph of Anglo-America (New York, 1999), 29199, provide different but compatible interpretations of Howe's fateful decision. (New York, 1999), 29199, provide different but compatible interpretations of Howe's fateful decision.

66. JA to AA, 7 October 1776, JA to AA, 7 October 1776, AFC AFC 2:139; JA to AA, 11 October 1776, 2:139; JA to AA, 11 October 1776, AFC AFC 2:141. 2:141.

67. JA to AA, 10 February 1777, JA to AA, 10 February 1777, AFC AFC 2:159; JA to AA, 3 February 1777, 2:159; JA to AA, 3 February 1777, AFC AFC 2:15253. 2:15253.

68. AA to Mercy Otis Warren, [January?] 1777, AA to Mercy Otis Warren, [January?] 1777, AFC AFC 2:15051; all previous accounts are superceded by David Hackett Fischer's 2:15051; all previous accounts are superceded by David Hackett Fischer's Was.h.i.+ngton's Crossing Was.h.i.+ngton's Crossing (New York, 2004). (New York, 2004).

69. AA to JA, 8 February 1777, AA to JA, 8 February 1777, AFC AFC 2:157; JA to AA, 3 April 1777, 2:157; JA to AA, 3 April 1777, AFC AFC 2:199200. 2:199200.

70. AA to JA, March 1777, AA to JA, March 1777, AFC AFC 2:173. 2:173.

71. JA to AA, 22 May 1777, JA to AA, 22 May 1777, AFC AFC 2:245; JA to AA, 21 February 1777, 2:245; JA to AA, 21 February 1777, AFC AFC 2:166. 2:166.

72. JA to JQA, 16 March 1777, JA to JQA, 16 March 1777, AFC AFC 2:17778; JA to TBA, 16 March 1777, 2:17778; JA to TBA, 16 March 1777, AFC AFC 2:178; JA to AA, 17 March 1777, 2:178; JA to AA, 17 March 1777, AFC AFC 2:17879; JA to CA, 17 March 1777, 2:17879; JA to CA, 17 March 1777, AFC AFC 2:17980. 2:17980.

73. JA to AA, 13 April 1777, JA to AA, 13 April 1777, AFC AFC 2:209. 2:209.

74. JA to AA, 16 March 1777, JA to AA, 16 March 1777, AFC AFC 2:17577. 2:17577.

75. JA to AA, 15 May 1777, JA to AA, 15 May 1777, AFC AFC 2:23839. 2:23839.

76. AA to JA, 1 June 1777, AA to JA, 1 June 1777, AFC AFC 2:25051. 2:25051.

77. AA to JA, 30 July 1777, AA to JA, 30 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:295. 2:295.

78. JA to AA, 6 April 1777, JA to AA, 6 April 1777, AFC AFC 2:201; JA to AA, 10 July 1777, 2:201; JA to AA, 10 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:278. 2:278.

79. AA to JA, 9 July 1777, AA to JA, 9 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:278. 2:278.

80. JA to AA, 18 July 1777, JA to AA, 18 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:28485; JA to AA, 30 July 1777, 2:28485; JA to AA, 30 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:29697. 2:29697.

81. AA to JA, 1011 July 1777, AA to JA, 1011 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:27880; AA to JA, 16 July 1777, 2:27880; AA to JA, 16 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:28283; AA to JA, 23 July 1777, 2:28283; AA to JA, 23 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:287. 2:287.

82. JA to AA, 28 July 1777, JA to AA, 28 July 1777, AFC AFC 2:292. 2:292.

83. AA to JA, 5 August 1777, AA to JA, 5 August 1777, AFC AFC 2:301; JA to AA, 25 October 1777, 2:301; JA to AA, 25 October 1777, AFC AFC 2:360. 2:360.

84. JA to AA, 30 September 1777, JA to AA, 30 September 1777, AFC AFC 2:34950. 2:34950.

85. JA to AA, 14 November 1777, JA to AA, 14 November 1777, AFC AFC 2:366. 2:366.

CHAPTER THREE. 177884.

1. Mercy Otis Warren to AA, 8 January 1778, Mercy Otis Warren to AA, 8 January 1778, AFC AFC 2:379. 2:379.2. AA to James Lovell, 15 December 1777, AA to James Lovell, 15 December 1777, AFC AFC 2:37077. 2:37077.3. AA to John Thaxter, 15 February 1778, AA to John Thaxter, 15 February 1778, AFC AFC 2:390; see also the editorial note on the question of Abigail's thinking prior to John's departure. 2:390; see also the editorial note on the question of Abigail's thinking prior to John's departure.4. DA DA 4:635, for John's diary account of the voyage. 4:635, for John's diary account of the voyage.5. AA to Hannah Quincy Lincoln Storer, 7 March 1778, AA to Hannah Quincy Lincoln Storer, 7 March 1778, AFC AFC 2:39798; AA to JA, 8 March 1778, 2:39798; AA to JA, 8 March 1778, AFC AFC 2:402; AA to JA, 18 May 1778, 2:402; AA to JA, 18 May 1778, AFC AFC 2:2224; AA to JA, 18 June 1778, 2:2224; AA to JA, 18 June 1778, AFC AFC 3:4647. 3:4647.6. AA to JA, 30 June 1778, AA to JA, 30 June 1778, AFC AFC 3:5153. 3:5153.7. This is a very rough guess. More letters were lost during the early stage of their separation than during the latter. This is a very rough guess. More letters were lost during the early stage of their separation than during the latter.8. JA to AA, 2 December 1778, JA to AA, 2 December 1778, AFC AFC 3:12426; AA to JA, 30 June 1778, 3:12426; AA to JA, 30 June 1778, AFC AFC 3:5153; AA to JA, 1223 November, 3:5153; AA to JA, 1223 November, AFC AFC 3:11820. 3:11820.9. AA to JA, 15 July 1778, AA to JA, 15 July 1778, AFC AFC 3:5962; AA to John Thaxter, 19 August 1778, 3:5962; AA to John Thaxter, 19 August 1778, AFC AFC 3:7677; AA to JA, 29 September 1778, 3:7677; AA to JA, 29 September 1778, AFC AFC 3:9496; AA to JA, 21 October 1778, 3:9496; AA to JA, 21 October 1778, AFC AFC 3:1089; AA to JA, 27 December 1778, 3:1089; AA to JA, 27 December 1778, AFC AFC 3:13940. 3:13940.

10. AA to JA, 25 October 1778, AA to JA, 25 October 1778, AFC AFC 3:11011; AA to JA, 2 January 1779, 3:11011; AA to JA, 2 January 1779, AFC AFC 3:14647. 3:14647.

11. DA DA 1:288, for a sketch of Lovell. There is some evidence that Lovell's quarters in Philadelphia were located in a brothel. 1:288, for a sketch of Lovell. There is some evidence that Lovell's quarters in Philadelphia were located in a brothel.

12. On the correspondence between Abigail and Lovell, see the editorial note in On the correspondence between Abigail and Lovell, see the editorial note in AFC AFC 3:x.x.xiv; James Lovell to AA, 13 June 1778, 3:x.x.xiv; James Lovell to AA, 13 June 1778, AFC AFC 3:4344. 3:4344.

13. AA to James Lovell, February-March 1779, AA to James Lovell, February-March 1779, AFC AFC 3:18486. 3:18486.

14. DA DA 4:36, for the Adam and Eve story. 4:36, for the Adam and Eve story.

15. DA DA 4:47. 4:47.

16. JA to AA, 25 April 1778, JA to AA, 25 April 1778, AFC AFC 3:17. 3:17.

17. DA DA 4:6971; for John's a.s.sessment of Arthur Lee and Silas Deane, 4:6971; for John's a.s.sessment of Arthur Lee and Silas Deane, DA DA 4:8687; see the correspondence John generated while performing all the mundane diplomatic duties in 4:8687; see the correspondence John generated while performing all the mundane diplomatic duties in DA DA 4:36172. 4:36172.

18. JA to AA, 9 February 1779, JA to AA, 9 February 1779, DA DA 2:347. 2:347.

19. See Walter Isaacson, See Walter Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (New York, 2003), 33336, (New York, 2003), 33336, for the most for the most recent account of the spy nest in Franklin's household. His doc.u.mentation of Bancroft's inspired duplicity (ibid., 55051) includes an unpublished case study done by the CIA. recent account of the spy nest in Franklin's household. His doc.u.mentation of Bancroft's inspired duplicity (ibid., 55051) includes an unpublished case study done by the CIA.

20. JA to AA, 27 November 1778, JA to AA, 27 November 1778, AFC AFC 3:12223, where John recounts his recommendation to the Continental Congress; for the debate in the congress, see 3:12223, where John recounts his recommendation to the Continental Congress; for the debate in the congress, see JCC JCC 12:908. 12:908.

21. JA to AA, 21 February 1779, JA to AA, 21 February 1779, AFC AFC 3:17678; the "wedged in the Waiste" quotation is from 3:17678; the "wedged in the Waiste" quotation is from AFC AFC 3:229. 3:229.

22. Three recent biographies of Franklin have informed my interpretation: Isaacson, Three recent biographies of Franklin have informed my interpretation: Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin; Benjamin Franklin; Edmund S. Morgan, Edmund S. Morgan, Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin (New Haven, 2002); and Gordon S. Wood, (New Haven, 2002); and Gordon S. Wood, The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin (New York, 2004). (New York, 2004).

23. DA DA 4:69, 77, 118. 4:69, 77, 118.

24. AA to JQA, 10 June 1778, AA to JQA, 10 June 1778, DA DA 4:37. 4:37.

25. JQA to AA, 20 February 1779, JQA to AA, 20 February 1779, DA DA 4:17576. 4:17576.

26. For the voyage home, see the editorial note in For the voyage home, see the editorial note in DA DA 4:183, and JA to AA, 14 May 1779, 4:183, and JA to AA, 14 May 1779, DA DA 4:19596. 4:19596.

27. See the long editorial note on John's role in drafting the Ma.s.sachusetts Const.i.tution in See the long editorial note on John's role in drafting the Ma.s.sachusetts Const.i.tution in DA DA 4:22533. The quotation is in 4:22533. The quotation is in DA DA 4:228. 4:228.

28. Another lengthy editorial note, in Another lengthy editorial note, in PA PA 8:22836, provides more context on the contents of the doc.u.ment, which is reproduced in 8:22836, provides more context on the contents of the doc.u.ment, which is reproduced in PA PA 8:23761. The quotation is in 8:23761. The quotation is in PA PA 8:237. 8:237.

29. JA to Elbridge Gerry, 4 November 1779, JA to Elbridge Gerry, 4 November 1779, PA PA 8:276. 8:276.

30. These are my interpretive conclusions, indebted to the work of earlier scholars, most especially Robert J. Taylor, "Construction of the Ma.s.sachusetts Const.i.tution," American Antiquarian Society These are my interpretive conclusions, indebted to the work of earlier scholars, most especially Robert J. Taylor, "Construction of the Ma.s.sachusetts Const.i.tution," American Antiquarian Society Proceedings Proceedings 90 (1980), 31746. 90 (1980), 31746.

31. JCC JCC 13:487, for the official reprimand of Dean and the absolution of Franklin and John; Henry Laurens to JA, 4 October 1779, 13:487, for the official reprimand of Dean and the absolution of Franklin and John; Henry Laurens to JA, 4 October 1779, PA PA 8:18891. 8:18891.

32. PA PA 8:199201, for letters urging speed from James Lovell and Benjamin Rush. 8:199201, for letters urging speed from James Lovell and Benjamin Rush.

33. JA to Henry Laurens, 4 November 1779, JA to Henry Laurens, 4 November 1779, PA PA 8:279. 8:279.

34. JA to AA, 13 November 1779, JA to AA, 13 November 1779, AFC AFC 3:224. 3:224.

35. AA to JA, 14 November 1779, AA to JA, 14 November 1779, AFC AFC 3:23334. 3:23334.

36. John described the overland journey through Spain and southern France in John described the overland journey through Spain and southern France in DA DA 2:41533 and 4:21838; JA to AA, 11 December 1779, 2:41533 and 4:21838; JA to AA, 11 December 1779, AFC AFC 3:24344. 3:24344.

37. JA to AA, April-May, 1780, JA to AA, April-May, 1780, AFC AFC 3:33233; JA to AA, 12 May 1780, 3:33233; JA to AA, 12 May 1780, AFC AFC 3342. 3342.

38. JA to AA, 6 April 1780, JA to AA, 6 April 1780, AFC AFC 3:319; AA to JA, 13 April 1780, 3:319; AA to JA, 13 April 1780, AFC AFC 3:32021. 3:32021.

39. AA to JA, 23 August 1780, AA to JA, 23 August 1780, AFC AFC 3:4001; AA to Mercy Otis Warren, 1 September 1780, 3:4001; AA to Mercy Otis Warren, 1 September 1780, AFC AFC 3:4023; AA to JA, 25 December 1780, 3:4023; AA to JA, 25 December 1780, AFC AFC 4:40; JA to AA, 2 December 1781, 4:40; JA to AA, 2 December 1781, AFC AFC 4:251. 4:251.

40. AA to JA, 10 April 1782, AA to JA, 10 April 1782, AFC AFC 4:3058. 4:3058.

41. The effort by Vergennes to have John recalled is summarized in two editorial notes, The effort by Vergennes to have John recalled is summarized in two editorial notes, AFC AFC 3:39095 and 4:17476. For John's version, see 3:39095 and 4:17476. For John's version, see DA DA 3:1035. The quotation is in 3:1035. The quotation is in DA DA 2:446. The debate and vote in the Continental Congress is in 2:446. The debate and vote in the Continental Congress is in JCC JCC 20:746. 20:746.

42. Benjamin Franklin to Continental Congress, 9 August 1780, Benjamin Franklin to Continental Congress, 9 August 1780, AFC AFC 3:395; Benjamin Franklin to R. R. Livingston, 23 July 1780, reproduced in 3:395; Benjamin Franklin to R. R. Livingston, 23 July 1780, reproduced in AFC AFC 5:25152. 5:25152.

43. Elbridge Gerry to JA, 30 July 1781, Elbridge Gerry to JA, 30 July 1781, AFC AFC 4:189. 4:189.

44. AA to James Lovell, 30 June 1781, AA to James Lovell, 30 June 1781, AFC AFC 4:165. 4:165.

45. AA to JA, 17 March 1782, AA to JA, 17 March 1782, AFC AFC 4:293. 4:293.

46. AA to JA, 25 May 1781, AA to JA, 25 May 1781, AFC AFC 4:12831; JA to AA, 14 May 1782, 4:12831; JA to AA, 14 May 1782, AFC AFC 4:323. John's Dutch initiative, if recounted fully, would require a separate volume of its own. My account here is, and only intends to be, a brief summary, its brevity necessitated by the need to sustain the focus on the relations.h.i.+p between Abigail and John. The editorial note in 4:323. John's Dutch initiative, if recounted fully, would require a separate volume of its own. My account here is, and only intends to be, a brief summary, its brevity necessitated by the need to sustain the focus on the relations.h.i.+p between Abigail and John. The editorial note in AFC AFC 3:39095 describes John's multiple movements and machinations in the Netherlands during 1780 and 1781. 3:39095 describes John's multiple movements and machinations in the Netherlands during 1780 and 1781.

47. AA to JA, 9 December 1781, AA to JA, 9 December 1781, AFC AFC 4:25561; AA to JA, 5 August 1782, 4:25561; AA to JA, 5 August 1782, AFC AFC 4:35659. 4:35659.

48. AA to JQA, 19 January 1780, AA to JQA, 19 January 1780, AFC AFC 3:26869. 3:26869.

49. JA to AA, 18 December 1780, JA to AA, 18 December 1780, AFC AFC 4:3435. 4:3435.

50. John's rather terrifying injunction to John Quincy dates from a later time, though it represents his consistent paternal posture. Obviously, when he was a young boy, John Quincy was not expected to become president, because no such office existed. But he was expected to lead a life of public service that culminated at the top. See Ellis, John's rather terrifying injunction to John Quincy dates from a later time, though it represents his consistent paternal posture. Obviously, when he was a young boy, John Quincy was not expected to become president, because no such office existed. But he was expected to lead a life of public service that culminated at the top. See Ellis, Pa.s.sionate Sage Pa.s.sionate Sage, 195; AA to JQA, 26 December 1783, AFC AFC 5:284. For a psychiatric interpretation of the pressure placed on John Quincy, see David F. Musto, "The Youth of John Quincy Adams," American Psychological Society 5:284. For a psychiatric interpretation of the pressure placed on John Quincy, see David F. Musto, "The Youth of John Quincy Adams," American Psychological Society Proceedings Proceedings 113 (1969), 26982. 113 (1969), 26982.

51. JA to JQA, 14 May 1781, JA to JQA, 14 May 1781, AFC AFC 4:114. 4:114.

52. JQA to AA, 21 December 1780, JQA to AA, 21 December 1780, AFC AFC 4:3839; JA to JQA, 23 December 1780, 4:3839; JA to JQA, 23 December 1780, AFC AFC 4:47; JA to JQA, 28 December 1780, 4:47; JA to JQA, 28 December 1780, AFC AFC 4:55. 4:55.

53. AA to CA, 26 May 1781, AA to CA, 26 May 1781, AFC AFC 4:135; JA to AA, 16 March 1780, 4:135; JA to AA, 16 March 1780, AFC AFC 3:305; JA to AA, 25 September 1780, 3:305; JA to AA, 25 September 1780, AFC AFC 3:424. 3:424.

54. JA to AA, 2 December 1781, JA to AA, 2 December 1781, AFC AFC 4:249. 4:249.

55. AA to JA, 23 December 1782, AA to JA, 23 December 1782, AFC AFC 5:5459; AA to JA, 30 December 1782, 5:5459; AA to JA, 30 December 1782, AFC AFC 5:6163. 5:6163.

56. JA to AA, 22 January 1783, JA to AA, 22 January 1783, AFC AFC 5:7576; JA to AA, 4 February 1783, 5:7576; JA to AA, 4 February 1783, AFC AFC 5:8889; AA to JA, 7 May 1783, 5:8889; AA to JA, 7 May 1783, AFC AFC 5:15152. 5:15152.

57. Royall Tyler to JA, 13 January 1784, Royall Tyler to JA, 13 January 1784, AFC AFC 5:29798; JA to Royall Tyler, 3 April 1784, 5:29798; JA to Royall Tyler, 3 April 1784, AFC AFC 5:31617. 5:31617.

58. G. Thomas Tanselle, G. Thomas Tanselle, Royall Tyler Royall Tyler (Cambridge, Ma.s.s., 1967). (Cambridge, Ma.s.s., 1967).

59. JA to AA, 22 March 1782, JA to AA, 22 March 1782, AFC AFC 4:300; JA to AA, 29 March 1782, 4:300; JA to AA, 29 March 1782, AFC AFC 4:303. 4:303.