«Asylum:1776 \ REVOLUTION / Men=Tyrants» / Stupendous»
Abigail (in Braintreee, Mass.) writes to John (in Philadelphia):
(As always, see below for context & links.)
NEXT: “All men would be tyrants…” »
Here’s the actual text from this section of the letter -- I’ve merely shortened a few phrases here & there, to better fit Abigail’s ideas within my tiny panels:
Braintree March 31 1776
I wish you would ever write me a Letter half as long as I write you; and tell me if you may where your Fleet are gone? What sort of Defence Virginia can make against our common Enemy? Whether it is so situated as to make an able Defence? Are not the Gentery Lords and the common people vassals, are they not like the uncivilized Natives Brittain represents us to be? I hope their Riffel Men who have shewen themselves very savage and even Blood thirsty; are not a specimen of the Generality of the people.
I am willing to allow the Colony great merrit for having produced a Washington but they have been shamefully duped by a Dunmore.
I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for Liberty cannot be Eaquelly Strong in the Breasts of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow Creatures of theirs. Of this I am certain that it is not founded upon that generous and christian principal of doing to others as we would that others should do unto us. ...
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. ...
Some helpful references:
John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore >>
(Royal Governor of Virginia... Who, interestingly enough, proclaimed emancipation for any enslaved people who volunteered to fight for Britain!)Virginian Riflemen >>
Check out this sketch of “A Virginian Rifleman” in action (c.1777) -- Note the inscribed powder horn, & the clothing that to Abigail would’ve looked very “native” (i.e., “Indian” ... & “savage, even blood thirsty” — all terms clearly loaded w/ yet more historical context!):
I tend to draw Abigail surrounded by the Adams kids as she writes, because in some letters she mentions them all being right there beside her, & taking an active interest in mail from John. For example:
“Master Tom [Thomas, age 4] stands by and sends duty—he often recollects How par used to put him to Jail as he calls it. They are all very Healthy this summer, and are in expectation of a Letter every packet that arrives.”
~ Abigail Adams to John Adams: “My dearest Friend” (July 23, 1777)
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