Mama pressed her cheek against Nabby’s forehead. “Your fever is subsiding. Do you feel up to reading?”
Eleven-year-old Nabby nodded, as her mother refluffed the pillow. “What shall it be? A bit of European history? One of Papa’s theology books? Shakespeare?”
“All three, please! I’m so tired of lying here—again.”
Mama began straightening the bedding. “I know Nabby-Dear. This has been . . .what—your fourth illness this winter?”
Mrs. Quincy tucked the last corner of sheet and blankets. “There! That should make you more comfortable. Now I’ll get your sister to fetch those books from Papa’s library.” And she headed downstairs.
“Thank you, Mama.” Nabby called, grateful she’d soon have something to occupy her mind.
What if Mama hadn’t taught me to read and write? she thought. Many girls in the colonies received no such instruction.
Books provided such delights, and during Nabby’s frequent illnesses, they offered welcome escape from the frustration of confinement. But God’s full purpose of her love for reading and writing had yet to be revealed.
At age nineteen, Nabby (now addressed by her given name Abigail), married her beloved John after a three-year courtship.
Abigail’s father, a Congregationalist minister, did not approve of the young lawyer and feared he offered little promise for the future.
The young couple settled in John’s hometown of Braintree, Massachusetts, south of Boston, about ten miles from Abigail’s parents.
John and Abigail’s home on the right; his parents’ to the left
Within the first year, a daughter was born, followed by a son three years later. Four more children would be added to the family; two would die very young.
Abigail cared for the household and farm (tended by tenant workers), while John’s growing law practice took him throughout Massachusetts. Soon he was spending much of his time in Boston, so the family moved there in 1768.
Colonial Boston
By 1771, they were swept up in the fervor for American independence as the city suffered through British occupation. Abigail and John moved back to Braintree, away from the tension and danger.
John represented Massachusetts at the First Continental Congress in 1774, held in Philadelphia. From that point, through the pre-war years and the Revolution itself, John served the cause away from home.
The couple wrote a flurry of correspondence to one another, with more than 1,100 of their letters preserved to this day. Abigail’s reveal keen intelligence, extensive scripture-knowledge and strong faith.
For example:
In 1775 as danger mounted, she wrote to John:
“‘The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but the God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. Trust in Him at all times . . . God is a refuge for us’ (Ecclesiastes 9:11; Psalm 62:8).
“Charlestown is laid in ashes. The battle began upon our entrenchment upon Bunker’s Hill, Saturday morning about three o’clock, and has not ceased yet, and it is now three o’clock Sabbath afternoon” (1).
In 1776 colonists suffered shortages of food and supplies. She wrote:
“He who fed the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:16), who clothes the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28) and feeds the young ravens when they cry (Job 38:41) will not forsake a people engaged in so righteous a cause, if we remember his loving-kindness” (2).
In 1777-1778, John traveled to France with Benjamin Franklin, to gain support for the war effort. John’s oldest son accompanied them.
Abigail wrote:
“I am sometimes thrown into an agony of distress. Distance, dangers, and oh, I cannot name all the fears which sometimes oppress me . . .
“. . . That we rest under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1) is the consolation to which I resort, and find that comfort which the world cannot give” (John 14:27).
Post-Revolution, John helped draft the Treaty of Paris, served in various diplomatic roles including ambassador to Britain, then as vice president under George Washington, and finally John Adams became the second president of the United States.
The Adams’ home, beginning 1788
On Inauguration Day, 1797, Abigail wrote to her husband:
“You have this day to declare yourself head of a nation. And now O Lord my God thou has made thy servant ruler over the people (1 Kings 3:7), give unto him an understanding heart before this great people, that he may discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge this thy so great a people” (1 Kings 3:9; 2 Chronicles 1:10) (4)?
And John responded: “I never wanted your advice and assistance more in my life” (5).
No doubt Abigail Adams’ faith-filled wisdom, discernment, and encouragement continued to support John well as he served America for another four years.
Upon her death in 1818, Abigail’s son John Quincy Adams and America’s sixth president quoted Proverbs 31:10 to describe his mother, that “her price was indeed above rubies.”
Notes:
1. https://wallbuilders.com/resource/celebrating-abigail-adams/
2, 3, and 4. https://www.americanbible.org/engage/bible-blog/articles/abigail-adams-woman-of-valor/
5. https://www.frc.org/blog/2021/03/abigail-adams-force-womens-rights-and-abolition#gsc.tab=0
Additional source:
https://thehistorymom.com/2023/03/01/booking-it-through-history-first-ladies-abigail-adams/
Image credits: http://www.flicker.com; http://www.picrylcom.; jenikirbyhistory.getarchive.net; http://www.loc.getarchive.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.itoldya420.getarchive.net; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (3).
Do sign up below for the monthly newsletter that includes a THANK YOU GIFT: Thirty ways to stretch and enhance our gratitude to God.
Scroll to the end of the newsletter to find this resource!
Discover more from From the Inside Out
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
From the Inside Out 
I’ve always been aware that Abigail Adams was highly educated and a prolific writer, especially in letters to John, but was unaware of her incomparable knowledge of the Bible, Nancy. I think my next read (after so many books in the queue) will have to be a biography about this amazing First Lady. Thanks for reminding me to do so. Blessings!
I knew very little about Abigail before researching for this post. I too would like to know more about this woman. To read her letters you’d think she’d received an advanced education at some prestigious institution, yet she never went to school!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Abigail Adams and her incredible relationship with John-and the Lord! 🙂
I did too, Nancy, as I researched about them!
🧡
Thanks, Mitch!
Its good to draw from those writers from the past. It opens our minds to us in this day and age. Nothing is new under the sun
So true, W.H. I’ve been amazed that sometimes, something written long ago, can be every bit as relevant for current times as when it was first composed. These snippets of Abigail Adams’ letters offer examples.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much for your visit to my blog. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this bit of history. I really enjoy the history of our country and finding more about the faith of our leaders is a blessing. Thank you for sharing this.
You’re welcome, Mari. I do enjoy researching these “Hero-of-Faith” posts. History was NOT a favorite subject during my schooldays, but I find it fascinating now!
I think there may have been a PBS show about John and Abigail. She did a lot in speaking out for women’s rights. Very intelligent and well read. Thanks for the history lesson 😃
I think you are right. I will look for that documentary and watch it.
You remember well, Kathy–Abigail did indeed advocate for women’s rights. In an effort to keep this post a reasonable length, I didn’t get into that sub-topic. Abigail appealed to John to do what he could to allow women equal opportunity to participate in the new union. She wrote, “Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could.” (See the frc.org link among the “Notes” above.) Abigail was ahead of her time!
It’s sad that it took so long for women to be seen as equals rather than property. One reason I’m glad to be part of the 1900s and 2000s. We’ve came a long way, baby.
Their relationship was unique in that she could support her husband and challenge him at the same time.
Agreed, Linda–Abigail was no shrinking violet!
I am so glad that President John Adams recognized the treasure he had in Abigail as his wife. Truly a union blessed by God! And her children (John Quincy Adams, for sure) benefited from the testimony she had on their entire family as illustrated by his quotation of Proverbs 31:10.
Indeed, the following passage describes her perfectly:
Proverbs 31:28-29:
“Her children arise and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things;
but you surpass them all.”
Abigail Adams did exemplify the Proverbs 31 woman. In my research I read she even bought property while John was absent (v. 16). I wonder how many other couples John and Abigail influenced to operate more as a team rather than “lord and subject,” highlighting as they did the benefits and blessings of such a union.
Nancy, I enjoyed reading your post so much. I guess I knew very little of Abigail’s strong faith, but what an encouragement it is to read of it now. And the Scriptures chosen from her letters are a comfort to me for this day in which we live.
I agree, Dianna. Her words can minister encouragement to us, 250 years later!.As I said to Wise Hearted above, I’ve been amazed that something written long ago can be every bit as relevant for current times as when it was first composed!
Wow! Amazing to learn about her knowledge of scripture and that she was a prolific writer.
I was amazed too as I completed the research for this post, Manu. She’s a heroine of our faith well-worth knowing!
I had read about Abigail Adams many, many years ago but probably had forgotten most of what I read. Thank you for sharing her knowledge of scripture and how her letters to her husband encouraged him. I so enjoyed reading and thank you for sharing, Nancy!
I too was impressed with her knowledge of scripture. You’d think she’d attended seminary! And her gift for written expression surely came from God himself. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading about her–again, Pam!
Then and now, as we rest in the shadow of the Almighty, we are held, blessed, sustained, and nurtured. The love of God spans time and space. And for that I am so very grateful.
Easter week blessings to you, dear friend.
AMEN to that, Linda. The truths and promises that upheld the people of Bible times, upheld John and Abigail, and uphold us today. God’s word IS timeless!
Love the way you tell Abigail’s story, Nancy. She was a remarkable woman!
Wasn’t she though? I’m glad you enjoyed the story, Wynne!
I love the story of John and Abigail Adams, both their relationship to each other and to the founding of this country. As you may know, their correspondence with each other has been collected in a book titled, “My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams”. I think they would be appalled that religion is being ostracized from the public square.
I did come across the name of that book in my research, but have not read it. I agree John and Abigail would be appalled by the the number of people desiring to choke out Judeo-Christian values our country was founded upon.
Oh, Nancy, Abigail’s prayer for her husband is so rich with the hope and grace of the Lord! Would that our government officials had the insight and wisdom to pray daily for an understanding heart and the discernment between good and evil, and not just their own power and prestige. This was wonderfully eye-opening. Thanks for sharing this bit of history.
You’re welcome, Dayle. No doubt there are some in our government who know Christ, have humble hearts before God, and pray for his insight and wisdom. For others, it’s up to us to lift them up to God!
Dear Nancy, I’m so glad you’ve written about Abigail Adams here. My husband and I just finished watching the Ken Burns PBS special on the American Revolution and I was so taken by the content of Abigail Adams letters that were featured. What a great post.
Thank you Jody. Abigail Adams was indeed an eloquent wordsmith!
I find it so powerful that correspondence from 250 years ago includes the very same verses of comfort and consolation we seek in the Bible today. There may not be a more meaningful connection between present and past lives.
And such a phenomenon proves how timeless the Bible is. “The grass withers and the flowers fail, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8)!
I’ve always loved biographies and those that you share have extra meaning because of their faith and how God fulfilled His purpose in their lives. We certainly could use leaders today with such strong faith in God and such knowledge of His Word. And how telling to read how our nation’s founding really was so tied to God and Christianity. Thank you for this blog, Nancy!
I’m so glad you found this post meaningful, Patty. Some try to disavow the Christian principles and values of our founding fathers and their influence on the government they designed. But primary sources prove otherwise, sources like the letters they wrote!