Read Online From This Day Forward by Cokie Roberts - Free Book Online

criticism and his political abilities.” They might be remembered now as larger-than-life “Founding Fathers,” but they took forever to do anything. In Abigail’s mind, the mission of the Congress was clear—to declare independence from Britain in short order, but she wondered what would come after that: “If a form of government is to be established here what one will be assumed?…If we separate from Britain what Code of Laws will be established? How shall we be governed so as to retain our liberties?” Months later, in March of 1776, she’s still worrying thequestion: “I long to hear that you have declared an independency—and by the way 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 favorable 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.”
    It was truly a shocking concept, and John rudely rejected it. “As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh…. We know better than to repeal our masculine systems. Although they are in full force, you know they are little more than theory. We dare not exert our power in its full latitude. We are obliged to go fair, and softly, and in practice you know we are the subjects. We have only the name of masters, and rather than give up this, which would completely subject us to the despotism of the petticoat, I hope General Washington and all our brave heroes would fight.” So much for the ladies. But John was not entirely heartless; he missed her and wanted some form of communication other than letters: “I want to hear you think, or to see your thoughts. The conclusion of your letter makes my heart throb, more than a cannonade would.” Abigail tried to suffer her solitude in silence, telling John that “all domestic pleasures and enjoyments are absorbed in the great important duty you owe your country…. Thus do I suppress every wish, and silence every murmur, acquiescing in a painful separation from the companion of my youth, and the friend of my heart.” But she still wanted to have a say in his work: “I can not say that I think you very generous to the ladies, for whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to men, emancipating all nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over wives. But you must remember that arbitrary power is like most other things whichare very hard, very liable to be broken—and not withstanding all your wise laws and maxims we have it in our power not only to free ourselves but to subdue our masters.” Not so much has changed in the “power play” of marriage as we might think.
    John must have decided that silence was the better part of wisdom, because he didn’t address the matter again, but he was willing to give Abigail her due. As the Continental Congress came closer to declaring independence, he took time to congratulate her on her management of the farm: “I begin to be jealous that our neighbors will think affairs more discreetly conducted in my absence than at any other time…. I think you shine as a stateswoman, as well as a farmeress. Pray where do you get your maxims of state, they are very apropos.” Then, after the praise, he told her the disappointing news that he wouldn’t be coming home anytime soon: “The affairs of America, are in so critical a state, such great events are struggling for birth, that I must not quit this station at this time…. I am, with constant wishes and prayers for your health and prosperity, forever yours.” It was indeed a critical time. it was May 27, 1776. Two weeks later the Congress