FFQF: The Humorous John and Abigail
I told Mrs. Mecomber at the beginning of this month that our theme “HUMOR” this month would be more or less a tribute to John Adams and Alexander Hamilton. So I will again turn to John Adams this week for a chuckle.
His wife Abigail, however, was not any less funny, in my humble opinion. Her sharp wit (which her New-England upbringing kept whetted, I’m sure) was manifested on many occasions.
While reading through Wallbuilders’ reprint of the excellent book Wives of the Signers (originally The Pioneer Mothers of America: A Record of the More Notable Women of the Early Days of the Country, and Particularly of the Colonial and Revolutionary Periods, by Harry C. Green and Mary W. Green; volume 3, printed in 1912), I found this footnote on Abigail Adams, which recounts a story of her days right before her marriage to John:
Abigail and Blanche were daughters of Rev. William Smith. They had as suitors, the Rev. Zedediah Chapman and John Adams. The young, handsome, and accomplished clergyman was acceptable to the father; his horse had the best of care and every attention was paid to him. The horse of the young lawyer who came to see Abigail did not fare so well but stood the whole evening, shivering unprotected. When Blanche went to ask her father’s consent to her marriage to the Rev. Mr. Chapman, his reply was: “You have my cordial approval, my child. Mr. Chapman will have a warm welcome in our home circle. Now choose a text, child, and I will preach you a sermon.” “Father,” said Blanche, “this is my text, ‘For Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken from her.’”
Young Abigail approached more timidly, when the time came for her to ask for his approval of her marriage to her lively young suitor. When his reluctant consent was given, he could do no less than preach her a sermon also. “Father,” said Abigail, “I know that you will preach a sermon for me.” The father said he would if she would select the text. “This is my text,” she said, “‘And John came neither eating nor drinking and ye say he hath a devil.” — From anecdotes of Rev. Mr. Chapman
Paul F. Boller adds in his book Presidential Anecdotes, “Abigail was highly amused by the choice of the text; Adams kept his peace about it.”
As history knows, John and Abigail had a happy marriage. It was not, however, without its trials. Perhaps the most trying one was the long separations they were compelled to endure. Often John’s public services took him far away from home for long periods of time. While Abigail supported her husband in his service to their country, she made it clear that she thought extenuated separations improper. She once wrote to him that “no man, even if he is sixty years of age ought to live more than three months at a time from his family.” Adams replied, saying that he missed his family too. “But,” he added, “how dare you hint or lisp a word about ‘sixty years of age.’ If I were near I would soon convince you that I am not above forty.” Presidential Anecdotes, page 32
6 Responses to “FFQF: The Humorous John and Abigail”
January 17th, 2009 at 2:08 am
What a vivid portrayal of life with your father as the reverend. What fun they had choosing texts for his sermons!
Great stories, Herky. Thanks!
January 17th, 2009 at 3:15 am
Great post! I also like learnign something new about the Adams family. And I believe the same about family separation. I think Abigail had such a good head on her shoulders.
January 17th, 2009 at 3:18 am
Dear Mulligan I am here to apologize for not participating this week in the ffqf. Life is going full throttle for me presently. I sincerely apologize.
Your post is, as always, excellent.
January 17th, 2009 at 3:46 am
Thank you all for your comments.
Jean — yes, what fun! I think I caught the first daughter eying Abigail as she gave her wedding text to their father. I also noticed, that in my quote, I accidentally wrote “Now choose a test,” instead of the proper “Now choose a TEXT” but it is fixed now. I hope that didn’t throw you off! Oops!
Mrs. Mecomber — I see you also participated in FFQF; thank you! I better head on over and repay your comment! Yes, Abigail did have a good head on her shoulders. It must have been tough for our forefathers to make such painful decisions between family and country at times. I wish we had better repaid them.
Cato — I fully understand. I hope you will have time to participate next week, though! I think your posts are excellent, too. Thanks for your kind words.
Happy FFQF everyone!
January 18th, 2009 at 1:42 am
Herky,
Your rendition of the Adams’ relationship is nothing shy of brilliant! It is an amazing quality to use so few words and have your readers come away with so very much insight in to and about not only the principle characters but as to their families and personalities as well.
This is truly one of your best! Through your words, and illuminating their words, I was able to see that young Abigail seemed a bit on the spry side! In addition, she also appeared very well-read and educated. Yet in typical ‘manly’ fashion, John’s retorts to her vis-a-vie age certainly show that males have not changed in all these years. Cheers!
jon-paul
January 18th, 2009 at 3:17 am
Thank you Jon-Paul for reading and leaving your comment. Your assessment of my post is very kind. Thank you.
LOL, yes, Abigail was on the spry side.
Their often serious faces could often belie their characteristic wit and vivacity.
I am very satisfied that you are enjoying the content of this blog and that my material brings the Founders more to light. Thank you.
Have a great weekend!
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