Adams Papers

Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 24 May 1786

Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren

London May 24 1786

My dear Madam

The affliction under which you are now labouring has been protracted to a much longer period, than I feard when I first left America.1 It was then I Buried the Dear and amiable Youth, for whose loss your Maternal Bosom heaves the sad Sigh, and over whose urn, all who knew him must drop a tear of affectionate remembrance.

“Long at his Couch Death took his patient stand

And menanc’d oft and oft withheld the blow

To give Reflection time with lenient art

Each fond delusion from his soul to steal

Teach him from folly peaceably to part

And wean him from a World, he lov’d so well.”2

Nor were the admonitions given in vain. The last visit which I made him, I saw in his languid countanance, the Smile of complacent resignation to the will of Heaven.

What ever farce the Boastfull Hero plays

Virtue alone has Majesty in death.3

Be this your consolation that tho young in Years, he was Mature in virtue, that he lived beloved and died lamented, and who that lives to riper Years can ensure more to themselves.

Let not the populor torrent which at present Sets against your Worthy Partner distress you, time will convince the World who are their approved and unshaken Friends, whatever mistaken judgments they at present form.4 I foresaw this when I so earnestly pressd the general to accept his last appointment and attend Congress, if only for a few Months.5

All that is well intended is not well received, the consciousness of doing our duty is however a support, but the designing Jack daw will somtimes borrow the plumes of the Jay, and pass himself off to those who judge only by appearences.

You appear to think your Friend at the height of prosperity, and swallowd up by the Gayetyes of Europe, but the estimate is far from the truth. I am much less addicted to them than most of my Fair countrywomen whom I have left behind me. I do not feel myself at all captivated, either with the Manners or politicks of Europe. I think our own Country much the happiest spot upon the Globe, as much as it needs reforming and amending. I should think it still happier, if the inclination was more wanting than the ability, to vie with the Luxeries and extravagance of Europe.

Be so good my dear Madam as to present my best respects to your worthy Partner; and affectionate remembrance to Your Sons, and be assured I am at all times Your Friend

Abigail Adams

RC (MHi: Warren-Adams Papers); endorsed: “Mrs Adams May 24th 1786 No 16.”

1AA was replying to Warren’s letter of 8 April to JA (Adams Papers) announcing the death of Charles Warren. See Mary Smith Cranch to AA, 22 March, note 3, above, and JA to Mercy Otis Warren, 24 May (InU: Signers Coll.)

2William Mason, “Elegy V. On the Death of a Lady,” lines 47–52.

3Young, Night Thoughts description begins Edward Young, The Complaint; or, Night-Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality. description ends , Night II, lines 648–649.

4On 1 April the Massachusetts Centinel published a letter signed Veritas criticizing James Warren’s public spirit and accusing him of accepting or refusing public office based on rank, personal safety, and salary. Warren replied with a public statement defending himself (not found), which Mercy Warren sent to JA in a letter of 8 April (Adams Papers). See also Mary Smith Cranch to AA, 22 March, above.

5For AA’s forthright views on James Warren’s avoidance of public office, see AA to JA, 13 Nov. 1782, vol. 5:36–37, and AA to Mary Smith Cranch, 25 May (1st letter), below.

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