Abigail Smith Adams (11 November 1744 - 28 October 1818) Second "First Lady" of the U.S.; wife of John Adams, mother of John Quincy Adams
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- We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
- 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 particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
- Letter to John Adams (March 31, 1776)
- 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 imitation of the Supreme Being make use of that power for our happiness.
- Letter to John Adams (March 31, 1776)
- Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
- I begin to think, that a calm is not desirable in any situation in life... Man was made for action and for bustle too, I believe.
- Letter to her sister, Mary Smith Cranch (1784)
