Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Mrs. Adams writes to her husband, a swimming party, the Congressman sees something and more

Sunday, July 16, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, Abigail Adams wrote the following letter to her husband, John. The original spellings and punctuation have been preserved.

“Braintree July 16 1775

“Dearest Friend,

“I have this afternoon had the pleasure of receiving your Letter by your Friends Mr. Collins and Kaighn and an English Gentle man his Name I do not remember. It was next to seeing my dearest Friend. Mr. Collins could tell me more perticuliarly about you and your Health than I have been able to hear since you left me. I rejoice in his account of your better Health, and of your spirits, tho he says I must not expect to see you till next spring. I hope he does not speak the truth. I know (I think I do, for am not I your Bosome Friend?) your feelings, your anxieties, your exertions, &c. more than those before whom you are obliged to wear the face of chearfulness.