Letters

Lines on Hearing of the Death of Doctor Franklin

  • Opening Lines

    • Reflection on Genius:

    • Poignant observations regarding the sadness felt upon hearing of Franklin's death.

    • Philanthropist's Grief:

    • Expression of sorrow from those who benefited from Franklin’s contributions to society.

    • The community acknowledges loss with weeping and sorrow.

  • Franklin’s Legacy:

    • Genius and Knowledge:

    • Franklin’s intellect characterized as unbounded, capable of exploring vast systems and stars.

    • Scientific Contributions:

    • Mention of his studies in astronomy and electricity, including lightning and electric fluid.

  • Philosophical Reflection:

    • Soul's Growth:

    • Contemplation on the rapid growth of the soul in the afterlife compared to earthly existence.

    • Suggestion that Franklin’s achievements are overshadowed by his further progression in truth and wisdom posthumously.

John Adams and Abigail Adams

  • Historical Context:

    • Correspondence:

    • Examination of letters exchanged between John and Abigail Adams before the Declaration of Independence.

    • Letters reveal personal and political dimensions of their lives during revolutionary tensions.

    • Backgrounds of John and Abigail:

    • Personal Histories:

      • Abigail, daughter of a minister, faced gender inequities in education.

      • John, son of a farmer, pursued law after briefly teaching.

    • Marriage and Family:

      • Their marriage in 1764 and partnership spanning over 50 years.

      • They had 5 children together.

    • John’s Political Career:

    • Early Politics:

      • Outspoken against British policies, particularly following the Stamp Act of 1765.

      • Became Massachusetts delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774.

    • Later Roles:

      • Served as Vice President under George Washington (1788, 1792) and later as President (1796).

    • Correspondence Dynamics:

    • Volume and Importance:

      • Over 300 letters exchanged while John was in public office, reflecting personal and national issues.

    • Influence of Literature:

      • Abigail’s writing style reflects the works of Samuel Richardson, emphasizing eloquence and personal engagement.

      • Measurement of both letters and their overlap with public political discourse.

Selected Letters from Abigail and John Adams

  • Abigail’s Letter, August 19, 1774:

    • Longing and Anxieties:

    • Expresses deep longing as John is away.

    • Reflects on the state of the country and the need for liberty without bloodshed, referencing historical lessons from Sparta.

  • John’s Letter, September 16, 1774:

    • Prayer at Congress:

    • Initial Debate: Discusses the initial debate about opening Congress with a prayer due to the diversity of religious beliefs among the delegates, including Episcopalians, Quakers, Anabaptists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists.

    • Consensus through Unity: Samuel Adams, though a strict Congregationalist, proposed that Mr. Jacob Duché, an Episcopalian clergyman, should lead the prayer to demonstrate a spirit of unity and tolerance.

    • The Thirty-Fifth Psalm: Mr. Duché read the 35^{th} Psalm, which was seen as divinely providential given that news of the British bombardment of Boston had just reached Philadelphia.

    • Impact: The prayer was deeply moving, bringing many delegates to tears and helping to unify the Congress into a single, determined body.

  • John on Dr. Franklin, July 23, 1775:

    • Franklin's Role:

    • Assessment of Franklin’s behavior in Congress, emphasizing his utility and American disposition.

    • Remarks on misinterpretations of his influence during Congress discussions.

  • Abigail’s Letter, October 29, 1775:

    • Prejudice towards New England:

    • An introspective look at human social affections and local attachments, facing risks of being blinded by affection towards New England vs. other colonies.

  • Abigail’s Observations, November 27, 1775:

    • Illness and Political Concerns:

    • Describes her health and preoccupations regarding political progress and stability as government foundations are proposed.

  • Abigail's Directive to Remember Women, March 31, 1776:

    • Call for Women's Representation:

    • Directly asking John to consider women's rights in new laws, warning against male tyranny.

  • John on July 3, 1776 (Independence):

    • Declaration of Independence:

    • Discusses the historic decision declaring colonial independence and its necessity.

  • Abigail on July 21, 1776:

    • Responses to Vaccination:

    • Updates on family health during smallpox inoculation and reflects on political developments.

Historical Themes from Correspondence

  • Integration of Personal and Public Life:

    • The completeness of their correspondence unveils intertwining personal anxieties with the larger revolutionary narrative.

  • Perspectives on Government:

    • The balance of power, freedom, and representation as central themes, hinted through both Abigail’s and John’s reflections on governmental structures.

  • Exploration of Gender Dynamics:

    • Abigail’s insistence on women’s rights marks an important philosophical and ethical stance reflective of the era’s socio-political climate.