October 25, 2023
A people fired … with love of their country and of liberty, a zeal for the public good, and a noble emulation of glory, will not be disheartened or dispirited by a succession of unfortunate events. But … may we learn by defeat the power of becoming invincible.
A letter written by Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams on September 7, 1776. John and Abigail Adams sometimes wrote to each other several times a day, exchanging more than 1,100 letters throughout their 54-year marriage.
On October 25, 1764, Abigail Smith marries John Adams, beginning a union which endured the American Revolution, the nation’s independence, multiple presidencies, and a cross-continental long-distance relationship. A voice for anti-slavery and pro-women rights, Abigail remained not only a key advisor to her husband, the nation’s second president, but a friend of Pres. George Washington, his wife Martha, & Pres. Thomas Jefferson.
Portion of a letter (written by Abigail to John Adams) from which our quote is taken:
“We Have had many Stories concerning engagements upon Long Island this week, of our Lines being forced and of our Troops retreating to New York. Perticuliars we have not yet obtaind. All we can learn is that we have been unsuccessfull there; having Lost Many Men as prisoners among whom is Lord Sterling and General Sullivan. But if we should be defeated I think we shall not be conquered. A people fired like the Romans with Love of their Country and of Liberty, a zeal for the publick Good, and a Noble Emulation of Glory, will not be disheartned or dispirited by a Succession of unfortunate Events. But like them may we learn by Defeat the power of becomeing invincible.”
Abigail Smith Adams from the Library of Congress
Abigail Adams & Thomas Jefferson: CLICK HERE
by Leah Grainery, based in Texas
