Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, May 26, 1781

May 26 1781

My dear John

I hope this Letter will be more fortunate than yours have been of late. I know you must have
written many times since I had the pleasure of receiving a line from you, for this month
completes a year since the date of your last Letter. 1

Not a line from you or my dear Charles since you arrived in Holland, where I suppose you
still are.

I never was more anxious to hear yet not a single vessel arrives from that port, tho several
are looked for.

I hope my dear Boy that the universal neatness and Cleanliness, of the people where you
reside, will cure you of all your slovenly tricks, and that you will learn from them
industery, oconomy and frugality. 2

I would recommend it to you to become acquainted with the History of their Country; in many
respects it is similar to the Revolution of your own. Tyranny and oppresion were the original
causes of the revoult of both Countries. It is from a wide and extensive view of mankind that
a just and true Estimate can be formed of the powers of Humane Nature. She appears enobled or
deformed, as Religion, Goverment, Laws and custom Guide or direct her.

Firce, rude, and savage in the uncultivated desert, Gloomy, Bigoted and Superstitious where
Truth is veiled in obscurity and mistery. Ductile, pliant, Elegant and refined—you have seen
her in that dress, as well as the active, Bold, hardy and intrepid
Garb of your own Country.

Inquire of the Historick page and let your own observations second the inquiry, whence
arrises this difference? And when compared, learn to cultivate those dispositions and to
practise those Virtues which tend most to the Benifit and happiness of Mankind.

The Great Author of our Religion frequently inculcates universal Benevolence and taught us
both by precept and example when he promulgated peace and good will to Man, a doctrine very
different from that which actuates the Hostile invaders, and the cruel ravagers of mighty
kingdoms and Nations.

I hope you will be very particular when you write, and let me know how you have past your
time in the course of the year past.

Your favourable account of your Brother gave me great pleasure—not only as it convinced me
that he continues to cultivate that agreable disposition of mind and heart, which so greatly
endeared him to his Friends here, but as it was a proof of the Brotherly Love and affection of
a son, not less dear to his Parents.

Your Brother Tommy has been very sick with the Rhumatism, taken by going too early into
water, by which means he lost the use of his Limbs and a fever ensued. He has however happily
recoverd, and learnt wisdom I hope by his sufferings. He hopes soon to write you a Letter. He
has a good school and is attentive to his Books. 3 I shall write to your Brother, so shall only add the sincere wishes for your improvement and
happiness of your ever affectionate Mother,

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