阿比盖尔亚当斯 致丈夫

　　braintree august19 1774
　　the great distance between us，makes thetime appear very long to me.it seems already amonth since you left me.the great anxiety i feelfor my country，for you and for our family rendersthe day tedious， and the night unpleasant.therocks and quick sands appear upon every side.what course you can or will take is all wrapt in thebosom of futurity.uncertainty and expectationleave the mind great scope.did ever any kingdomor state regain their liberty， when once it wasinvaded without blood shed？i cannot think of itwithout horror.
　　yet we are told that all the misfortunes of sparta were occasioned by their too greatsolicitude for present tranquility，and by anexcessive love of peace they neglected the means ofmaking it sure and lasting.they ought to have reflected says polibius that as there is nothingmore desirable，or advantageous than peace，whenfounded in justice and honour，so there is nothing more shameful and at the same time morepernicious when attained by bad measures，andpurchased at the price of liberty.
　　i have received a most charming letter fromour friend mrs.warren.she desires me to tellyou that her best wishes attend you through yourjourney both as a friend and patriot——hopes youwill have no uncommon difficulties to surmount orhostile movements to impede you——but if thelocrians should interrupt you，she hopes you willbeware that no future annals may say you chose anambitious philip for your leader，who built up amonarchy on the ruins of the happy institution.

　　i have taken a very great fondness for reading rollin's ancient history since you left me.i am determined to go thro with it if possible inthese my days of solitude.i find great pleasure andentertainment from it，and i have persuadedjohnny to read me a page or two every day，andhope he will from his desire to oblige me entertaina fondness for it——we have had a charming rainwhich lasted 12 hours and has greatly revived thedying fruits of the earth.
　　i want much to hear from you.i long impatiently to have you upon the stage of action.the first of september or the month of september，perhaps may be of as much importance to great britain as the ides of march were to caesar.iwish you every public as well，as private blessing，and that wisdom which is profitable both for instruction and edification to conduct you in thisdifficult day.——the little flock remember papa，and kindly wish to see him.so does your most affectionate.
　　abigail adams