Kaylyn Elizabeth Fairchild
Dr. Lee
American Literature
17 February 2017
The Concern of the
Republic and Independence
Abigail
Adams (1744-1818) and her husband John Adams (1735-1826) were separated for a
period of nine years during the time of the revolution. The couple were
faithfully married and loved each other deeply, sending many letters to one
another during this time in order to stay in touch and discuss important events—both
concerning their family and the country. Reading their letters is fascinating,
and gives a window into what was going on at the time in the colonies. Their
correspondence held many themes, such as their love for one another and the
concern of their family. One of the strongest themes displayed throughout the
letters is the concern of the republic and the act of declaring independence.
In a letter
to her husband John in August of 1774, Abigail Adams writes that she fears for
the lives of those involved with the continental congress, and the rest of the
colonies (626). She explains to John that she is worried because she feels that
there will be blood shed when the colonies declare their independence (Abigail
Adams 626). “The great anxiety I feel for my Country, for you and for our
family renders the day tedious, and the night unpleasant” (Abigail Adams 626).
This shows the worry she had about the upcoming struggles the colonies would
face. In a letter written back to Abigail in September of the same year, John
shows that he understands her concern for the upcoming battles, but he has a
stronger faith that declaring independence was going to be for the better of
the country. John encourages Abigail to read the 35th Psalm, for
when he and the rest of the Continental Congress were concerned with the matter
of Independence, that Psalm had been read to them and they felt that it
perfectly represented what they were doing (629). “It has had an excellent
Effect upon every Body here,” he explains (Adams 629). This shows that, like
Abigail, John and the Congress were concerned with the beginnings of the
republic and declaring independence.
In a
letter, just a few days later, from John to Abigail, John speaks of the
Congress and two votes that had been passed the day before. John explains how
emotional people had become at the acts that brought them closer to their goal.
He also explains that they knew they were in a delicate position and needed to
proceed with caution in order to create an assembly that would satisfy the
country’s needs (John Adams). This shows that people are emotional with the
upcoming republic, and that John understands the importance of a strong
government is for this republic. In the next letter from John to Abigail, Mr.
Adams explains that when he left Boston, and then they heard of the Bombardment
of Boston, they country became more resolute to reach their goal. He also says,
“I confess the Kindness, the Affection, the Applause, which has been given to
me and especially, to our Province, have many a Time filled my Bosom, and
streamed from my Eyes,” (John Adams). This shows that he is feeling the mixed
emotions about the upcoming republic and what declaring independence will mean.
In a letter
dated in November 1775, Abigail writes John with more concerns about the
republic; these concerns being the building of an empire. She explains that the
building of said empire will make many difficulties, and that people will not
respond to it quietly or kindly, even if it is necessary for peace (631-2). She
explains that thinking of the way the people not wanting independence will
react has her worry for the upcoming hardships the country will face (Abigail
Adams 632). This shows that she has intense concern for the republic and the
direction it is going. In later writings from John in July of 1776, he
reminisces on the Declaration of Independence. He talks about all of the things
people will look back on and think after this period of time passes (Adams
634). But he concludes with speaking of
how advantageous the declaration will be for the country, how necessary it is;
and he says that while he is glad this event had transpired, he also feels the
weight of the blood and loss they will have to sacrifice (Adams 635). This
letter from John shows the mixed feelings he has with the trials the republic
is about to face.
John and
his wife Abigail Adams, are somewhat known for their strong bong and love for
one another. Letters they wrote to one another are a strong testament to that.
And within that bond of love is a trust that allows the both of them to write
to one another of very important matters they perhaps wouldn’t or couldn’t
share with others. This love and trust is a theme displayed throughout their
correspondence greatly. Another important theme displayed throughout the
nine-year period of letters is the worry they both held for the republic, along
with the fear of the repercussions that would come after declaring
independence. Reading their letters gives you an insight into what the people
in the colonies and on the Continental Congress must have been thinking and
feeling during the period of time that held the Revolution.
Works Cited
Baym, Nina,
Jerome Klinkowitz, and Patricia B. Wallace. The Norton Anthology of
American Literature. Ed. Julia Reidhead. 8th ed. Vol. A. New York: W.W.
Norton, 2007. 626-625.
Letter from John
Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 September 1774 [electronic edition]. Adams Family
Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society.
http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/
Letter from John
Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 September 1774 [electronic edition]. Adams Family
Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society.
http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/
No comments:
Post a Comment