WOMAN IN ART
pointed to draw up a Declaration of the Independence of the thirteen colonies. They were Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson. Everyone knows that Jefferson wrote the Declaration; yet Adams, it was said, stood forth as "the Atlas of Independence, bearing on his shoulders the main burden of the tremendous decision."
The next day this to his wife: "Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or never will be decided among men. A Resolution was passed without a dissenting colony 'that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which other States may rightfully do.' You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty resolution, and the reasons that will justify it in the sight of God and man."
Abigail read this letter to her four children, Abbey, John, Charles, and little Tommy, and we know that she gave all needed explanations to their eager minds.
Her reply to her husband is sober and discreet, like herself. She writes: "By yesterday's post I received two letters dated 3rd and 4th of July, and though your letters never fail to give me pleasure, be the subject what it will, yet it was greatly heightened by the prospect of the future happiness and glory of our country. Nor am I a little gratified when I reflect that a person so nearly connected with me has had the honor of being a principal actor in laying a foundation for its future greatness. May the foundation of our new Constitution be Justice, Truth, Righteousness. Like the wise man's house, may it be founded upon these rocks, and then neither storm nor tempests will overthrow it!"
In the beginning of 1783, anxiety and overwork laid the indefatigable statesman on a bed of fever. For days his life hung in the balance. But his work was not finished. Before full strength returned, he was again on the other side of the Atlantic and finding his stay would be indefinitely prolonged, he summoned his faithful Abigail to England. She remained with him the four years that kept Mr. Adams at the court of King James.
Abigail Adams lived to enjoy with her husband their golden wedding in 1814. They also welcomed their son John Quincy home from Russia where
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