Louisa Catherine Adams was the first lady of the United States from 1825 to 1829 during the presidency of her husband John Quincy Adams. She was born in England and raised in France. Her father was an influential American merchant, and she was regularly introduced to prominent Americans. After her family returned to England, she met John Quincy Adams in 1795, and the two began a tenuous courtship. They married in 1797 after being engaged for a year, beginning a marriage of disagreements and personality conflicts. She joined her husband on his diplomatic mission to Prussia, where she was popular with the Prussian court. When they returned to the United States, her husband became a senator and she gave birth to three sons. John was appointed minister to the Russian Empire in 1809, and they traveled to the Russian Empire without their two older sons, against Louisa's wishes.
Washington 19th October 1823 My Dear Mary The Miss Cottringers have just called on me and inform me that their Mother went to Philadelphia yesterday Morning from whence she is…
Washington 23 Octbr. 1823 I have been so sick my Dear Charles since my arrival at home it has been altogether out of my power to write to you or…
Washington 26. October 1823 I wrote you a few lines to tell you that I have no particular choice in point of colour for a bonnet but want something stylish…
Washington 27 October 1823 My Dear Mary By desire of Mr Cook I write to inform you that there is some business which requires your presence here previous to the…
[ , Start insertion, December 3-11, 1823 , End, ] 3rd: December. My whole morning was occupied with visits and writing cards of invitation—we have had 40 or more Members…
Washington 12 Decbr. 1823 I send you a sheet of journal my Dear George which you can read to your Grandfather if you please or such parts of it as…
13 Decr. 1813 Mrs. Adams requests the Honor of Mrs Gardner’s Company at Tea on Tuesday the 23 of December and every alternate Tuesday, during the Session of Congress, when…
Washington 7 March 1824 I am rejoiced my Dear Charles to learn that your journey was so pleasant and that the little accident you met with was soon repaired so…
Washington 7 March 1824 Although my Dear George I fear that my last Letter was not very palatable to your high spirit being in better health and spirits than I…
Bedford Springs 18 June 1824 Johnson arrived last Eveng. and brought me your very kind Letter my best friend and I am truly grieved to learn that you were so…
[ , Start insertion, 19-22 June 1824 , End, ] 19 June—Although we have no variety to amuse us < , Start deletion, or , End, > nor any striking…
[ 22-23 June 1824 ] 22 Notwithstanding I have just closed a sheet I shall continue to write, as I know however trifling my subject; you will be pleased to…
[ , Start insertion, 24-25 June 1824 , End, ] June 24 I closed a sheet last Eveng. to send you and was quite low spirited at not hearing from…
[ , Start insertion, 25-27 June 1824 , End, ] June 25. Johnson went to Town and on < , Start deletion, mountain , End, > mounting his Horse; the…
[ , Start insertion, 27-30 June 1824 , End, ] 27 I sent to know if Mrs. Morgan would see me but it was so late when I received an…
Be assured my dear Madam that you can ask nothing of me which I should not find great pleasure in immediately complying with were my means adequate to my will—…
Washington 15 August 1824 I received your Letter my Dear Charles yesterday Eveng. and hasten to answer it from the apprehension that some expressions in your Letter indicate a sort…
Washington 15 August 1824 I am very sorry my Dear George that you should have received so much pain from my Letter as it was only intended to remind you…
New York 4 Septbr. 1824 I was so much occupied during my stop at Borden Town I could not answer your Letter therefore busy myself here having nothing to do…
Quincy 8 Septbr. 1824 My Dear Mary I enclose a Letter from Abby and can only say that we arrived at one o’clock on Monday morning after a most boisterous…
Quincy 13 Septbr. 1824 I have not been able my Dear John to keep the promise I made to you at parting of writing in consequence of having omitted to…
Washington 28 Novbr. 1824 My health is so bad that I am obliged to relinquish my correspondence almost in spite of myself for if the inclination to write seizes me…
Washington Decr. 7. 1824 Mrs. Adams requests the Honor of Judge Southard’s Company at Tea on Tuesday the 14 [th] of December and every alternate Tuesday, during the Session of…
Washington 20th. April 1825 The perpetual trouble and occupation we have found in getting into our new residence has prevented my writing to you my dear Charles and even now…