Adams, Abigail, First Lady

Autograph letter signed ("A. Abigail") on a half sheet of paper (4 1/2 x 7 1/2; 114 x 191), n.p., June 180?, thanking a woman for a letter and a gift of oranges and referring to a brief separation from her friends; edges a trifled frayed. Grey cloth folding-case, red morocco spine.

The date of the note is unclear, possibly 1800, but Abigail could be referring to a trip to the capital then in Philadelphia. "While my Heart is full with the painfull idea of leaving all you my dear Friends I ... reflect that every duty should be cheerfully submitted to & that I am going not to the "Banished Man, condemned in lonely woods to move," but to one whom his country delighteth to honour. One who has done them good, & not evil all the days of his Life—and to one who is certainly entitled to every domestick Blessing."

Mrs. Adams was the first President's wife to live in the Executive Mansion in Washington, D.C., moving there in November 1800 when it was finally ready for occupancy.  Since Adams's term of office expired 3 March 1801, Mrs. Adams resided at the White House less than four months.