Town Hall Meeting; Abigail Adams

My name is Abigail Adams. Most of you may know me as John Adams’s wife or the second First Lady of the United States of America. Like many wives and mothers, I am considered a “homemaker” who should have no opinions on social and political matters. However, although I lack formal education, I know what is right and wrong with our policies today. I am aware that I am no saint due to growing up around my family who are slaveowners and my husband John and I having black servants of our own. I stand before you today as an advocate against slavery and believe that we should take matters into our own hands to completely abolish it. 

I spend lots of time with my husband and other politicians hearing about different perspectives on the matter, even though most are afraid to discuss this topic. Over the years John and I have written letters to each other when we are apart. These letters would normally contain information regarding some of my political beliefs. I wrote this to my husband in March of 1776, “I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for Liberty cannot be Eaquelly Strong in the Breasts of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow creatures of theirs. Of this, I am certain that it is not founded upon that generous and christian principle of doing to others as we would that others should do unto us.” 

What truly opened my eyes to the horrors and ungodlyness of slavery was my trip to Europe. I witnessed firsthand the amount of poverty and mistreatment there was towards the poor in Britain. This made me realize that that is exactly how we are treating black people, by enslaving them in America. This treatment is not only disgusting but also inhumane. On September 22nd in one of my letters to John I wrote, “It always appeared a most iniquitous scheme to me - fight ourselves for what we are daily robbing and plundering from those who have as good a right to freedom as we have.” Why are we fighting for our own rights as a country and leaving out a portion of our citizens? I have said that, “We have done evil or our enemies would be at peace with us. The sin of slavery as well as many others is not washed away.” We must move forward as a country with open minds and open hearts. 

I once knew a young boy named James who was a black servant for our family. We loved James and his friendly kind demeanor he showed towards us. One day James came to me asking if he was allowed to attend an evening school, which per his request I approved. To me it was in James’s best interest to go to school and gain an education. However, when James began to attend his classes, I started to receive complaints. To my surprise it was not regarding James’s grades, attendance, or behavior it was about the fact that the other boys “Did not choose to go to school with a black boy.” This was strange since the boys were not offended by James going to church or dances, just by him trying to have the same opportunity to an education like everyone else. I was frustrated by the situation and wrote to John saying “Attacking the principle of liberty and equality upon the only ground upon which it ought to be supported, an equality of Rights.” Nobody no matter the color of their skin should have to endure this hideous behavior. 

I do not judge those based on race, I judge based on your character. I urge everyone in this room to continue advocating for the abolishment of slavery and to stand on the right side of history.