Abigail Adams

1744–1818 · First Lady of the United States & letter writer

Abigail Adams (born Abigail Smith) was the wife and closest adviser of John Adams, the second U.S. president, and the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth. She wrote a great many letters, often signed with the pen name Portia. They are among the richest records of the Revolutionary era, and the Massachusetts Historical Society publishes them in the Adams Papers.

Traced to source

1 quote we’ve traced

“If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?”

Disputed

Did they really say it?

Thought Abigail Adams said something else?

Type a quote you think Abigail Adams said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.