“Man was made for action and for bustle too, I believe.”

— Abigail Adams, Letter to Mary Smith Cranch, 1784

About Abigail Adams

1744 – 1818

American First Lady and prolific letter writer, wife of John Adams.

“How few have souls capable of so noble an undertaking!”

“I wish most sincerely there was not a slave in this province.”

“Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.”

“Let whatever appears to be the best be to you an inviolable law.”

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

“All that glisters is not gold.”

“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”

“And one man in his time plays many parts.”

“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.”