I long to hear that you have declared an independancy—and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors.
Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute, but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend.
Why then, not put it out of the power of the vicious and the Lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your Sex.
Regard us then as Beings placed by providence under your protection and in immitation of the Supreem Being make use of that power only for our happiness.
About This Letter
Historical Context
Written during the Continental Congress while John Adams was in Philadelphia helping to shape the new American government. Abigail was managing the family farm and children alone during wartime.
Significance
This letter contains one of the earliest calls for women's rights in American history. Abigail's request to 'Remember the Ladies' predates organized women's suffrage movements by decades.
About Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams (1744-1818) was the wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. She was one of the most influential women of the Revolutionary era, advocating for women's education and rights.
About John Adams
John Adams (1735-1826) was a Founding Father, diplomat, and second President of the United States. He was serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress when he received this letter.
Additional Resources
- National Archives Founders Online Original letter in the National Archives digital collection
- Massachusetts Historical Society Adams Papers Complete Adams family correspondence archive
- Adams National Historical Park Historic sites related to the Adams family