Thirty-five years ago a collection of letters written during the period
of the Revolution and later, by John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams,
came into my hands. They interested me so much that I thought they might
possibly interest others also, especially the growing generations not
familiar with the history of the persons and events connected with the
great struggle. The result was an experiment in publication, first, of a
selection from the letters of Mrs. Adams addressed to her husband; and,
at a later moment, of a selection from his replies. The first series
proved so acceptable to the public that it ran through four large
editions in eight years. The second, though slower of sale, has likewise
been long since exhausted. Applications have been made to me from time
to time for information where copies of either might be had, to which I
could give no satisfactory answer. I purchased one copy, whilst residing
in London several years ago, which I found by chance advertised in a
sale catalogue of old books in that city. I know not now where I could
get another.
Reflecting on these circumstances, in connection with the approaching
celebration of the Centenary year of the national existence, it
occurred to me that a reproduction of some portion of the papers, with
such additions as could be made from letters not then included, might
not prove unacceptable now. To that end I have ventured to embrace, in a
single volume, so much of the correspondence that took place between
these persons as was written during the period of the Revolutionary
struggle, and terminating with the signature of the preliminary articles
of the great Treaty which insured pacification and independence to the
people of the United States.
The chief alteration made in the mode of publication will be perceived
at once. Instead of printing the letters of the respective parties in
separate volumes, it has now been deemed more judicious to collect them
together and arrange them in the precise order of their respective
dates, to the end that the references to events or sentiments constantly
made on the one side or the other may be more readily gathered and
understood. This will show more distinctly the true shape of familiar
letters which properly belongs to them. It is not likely that either
correspondent, in writing them, ever dreamed that they might ultimately
be shown to the world, and perhaps transmitted to the latest posterity.
May I be permitted to add an humble opinion that it is this feature in
them which constitutes their chief attraction?