Mrs. Adams the last of the ladies of the Revolutionary period—Born
in London—Her father, Mr. Johnson, a Maryland patriot—United
States Commissioner in France until 1782—Consul to London—Mr.
Adams a guest of Mr. Johnson—Meets his future wife—Marriage in
1797—Mr. Adams takes his bride to Berlin—Four years’ residence
there—Returns to America—Settles in Boston—Mr. Adams elected
Senator—Residence in Washington—Pleasant era of Mrs. Adams’
life—With her own family—Summers spent in Boston—Washington a
congenial residence for Mrs. Adams—Eight years spent there—Her
husband appointed Minister to Russia—Mrs. Adams accompanies
him—Two children left behind—Takes the youngest, an infant—Long
voyage—Arrives in St. Petersburg—Prefers exile in Russia to
separation from her husband—In the midst of stirring
scenes—Europe a battle-field—Napoleon spreading terror
everywhere—Shut up in St. Petersburg—Six years in Russia—Death of
an infant—Mr. Adams’ mode of life—Respected for learning and
talent—War between England and America—Mrs. Adams weary of
Russia—Anxious to return home—Mr. Adams a Commissioner to
Ghent—The stepson of President Madison—His position greatly
exaggerated abroad—News from home—Mrs. Adams alone in St.
Petersburg with her son—Travels to Paris to meet her
husband—Dangers encountered—Traces everywhere of war—Passports of
little protection—Fastened in a snow-drift—Dug out by the
peasantry of the neighborhood—Robbed by her own servants—The
symbol of a Polish cap—Hears of Napoleon’s return from Elba—Every
crossroad guarded—Surrounded by soldiers—The presence of mind
exhibited by Mrs. Adams—Meets her husband in Paris—Witnesses the
arrival of Napoleon—Flight of the Bourbons—The reception at the
Tuileries—Ladies of the Imperial Court—Napoleon preparing for
Waterloo—Advantages enjoyed by Mrs. Adams—Events of the hundred
days—Martial music heard on every side—Arrival of her children
from England after six years of separation—Departure for
England—Mr. Adams Minister to the Court of St. James—Charles
King’s eulogy of Mr. Adams—Pleasant life in London—The centre of
a cultivated circle—Return to America—Mr. Adams appointed
Secretary of State—Mr. Adams the recipient of public
attentions—Grand banquet in his honor—Residence in Washington—A
charming home—Multitudes of visitors entertained there—Letter
from Mrs. Adams to John Adams—Her appreciation of her
mother-in-law—Her studies—Does not think highly of the mental
capacity of her sex—Course of reading—How she estimates the
philosophers—Likes nothing so well as the doctrines of
Christianity—Her reading too diffuse to be beneficial—The wicked
theories of French authors—How their venom was destroyed in her
case—Her early ideas of life—Views changed with age—Discusses the
nature of democratic institutions—Her faith in the people—Pride
in her name—“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”—Complaints
of hard times—The morals of the day portrayed—Mrs. Adams’ habits
as a hostess—No exclusions in her invitations—Keenly alive to the
reputation of her husband—Her success in her semi-official
position—Mr. Adams a candidate for the Presidency—Violence of
partisan warfare—Mrs. Adams lives more secluded—Her husband
elected Chief Magistrate—Description of the inaugural of
Adams—Failure of her health—Presided at public receptions—Not
seen on other occasions—Is tired of public life—Entertains
Lafayette—His affecting farewell—The President and Mrs. Adams
start to Quincy—Mrs. Adams ill in Philadelphia—Mr. Adams proceeds
without her—Administration of Mr. Adams—Quietness throughout the
world—Much done to consolidate the Union—Mr. Adams a learned
man—The man who had read one more book than John Quincy
Adams—Mrs. Adams glad to leave the White House—Retires to private
life—Enjoys it but a short time—Letter describing her husband and
home—Mr. Adams elected a member of Congress—Removes again to
Washington—Occasional visits to Quincy—Illness of Mr. Adams—He is
struck with paralysis—Dies in the Speaker’s room in the
Capitol—Mrs. Adams by his side—Funeral at the Capitol—Remains
deposited in the Congressional burying-ground—Letter from Mrs.
Adams to the Speaker of the House of Representatives—Her thanks
to the House for the regard manifested for Mr. Adams—Mrs. Adams
retires to Quincy—Surrounded by her children and relations—A
great writer and translator—Varied accomplishments which gave her
pleasure in her old age—Died in 1852—Her grave beside her
husband’s at Quincy, Mass 238