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Characters:
Abigail Adams: - Jacquelyn
John Adams:- Luis
Dresser for John Adams:- Rashawn
Dresser for Abigail Adams:- Lena
Camera Recorder: Fredrick
Abigail Adams:
Good Day. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I was born on November
11, 1744 in Weymouth Massachusetts. I was the second child born to Elizabeth
Quincy Smith and Reverend William Smith. My father was a minister at Weymouth's
North Parish Church and taught me several good traits including a belief
in God. My mother, on the other hand, taught me the values of caring for
others.
I learned to read and write at home since I was unable to attend school
because during those years, there were very few schools for girls. At
the age of 15, I first met John Adams who at that time was a lawyer from
Braintree. We corresponded with each other to keep in touch.
Then on October 25, 1764 my father officiated at
the marriage between John and me. After three years of adjusting to a
new house and all, I gave birth to our first child John Quincy Adams on
July 11, 1767. We moved to Boston where John became very much involved
in politics.
By 1774, I was again at home in Braintree while
John was elected first Delegate in the Continental Congress. During those
times I took care of the farm at Penn Hill and was able to house many
Continental soldiers.
For years, I wrote my husband hundreds of letters,. Because I felt women
were left out of education, I once wrote him: "You need not be told
how much female education is neglected, nor how fashionable it has been
to ridicule Female learning."
One time I asked him to "Remember the ladies." He was busy writing
the Declaration of Independence at the time.
When the Declaration of Independence was complete, it neglected to remember
the ladies. My husband soon assumed the job of President of the Board
of War, He often asked me for advice. It was also my privilege to correspond
with several of John's colleagues including Mr. Thomas Jefferson.
Between 1778 and 1787, John was in Paris on a special
mission to make an alliance with France. So I stayed home with the children,
acted as their teacher, and cared for the farm.
I sailed to Europe where I spent four years with my husband in Paris and
London when he became Minister to Great Britain. I tried to adapt to my
surroundings, and was happy to attend many science lectures that I thoroughly
enjoyed.
In 1788, when it was time to come home to Braintree that eventually became
Quincy I was relieved. The following year my husband was elected Vice
President of the United States. During the next 12 years so much happened.
John served as President for four years. We traveled often to Philadelphia
and then to Washington D.C. our new capital where I stayed for three months.
Now , here we are in Quincy. I spend most of my time seeing my children
and grandchildren and keeping myself busy. Oh here comes Mr. Adams now.
John Adams:
I am John Adams, the second president of the United States. I was born
in 1735 in Massachusetts. I was the oldest of three sons born to Deacon
John Adams and Susanna Boylston. I attended Harvard College and after
graduating in 1755, my law career began. I built a well-established firm
with clients as wealthy and famous as John Hancock. I made a huge contribution
to the Declaration of Independence. My wife Abigail Adams is extremely
intelligent and I often go to her for advice.
Now we have retired back here to our farm where we spend most of time
with our children and grandchildren. I have to travel every now and then
to handle business, but everything is laid back now, and we're enjoying
a peaceful life.
Abigail Adams:
Thank you for visiting us. Please come to Penn Hill again. Perhaps next
time you can meet my son John Quincy Adams. I'm sure he has a great career
ahead of him.
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