Hannah Adams to Abigail Adams, May 12, 1798

Medfield May 12 th — 1798.

Madam

My knowledge of your condescension and goodness emboldens me to
address you at present. I have at length prepared my History of New-England for the
press, in which I have mentioned your illustrious partner
as one of the first and most active promoters of the declaration of Independence. I have
given a sketch of his speech on that important occasion from Ramsay. the whole is not
inserted in any of the Histories of the American Revolution. I should be exceedingly
gratified could I publish it entire, this induces me to request that you Madam, would be
so good as to mention my desire to the President, and, if he could find time, amidst a
variety of important avocations, to faver me with the speech for publication, it would
lay me under the highest obligations. 1 I
wish to make the public sensible that the same illustrious character who is now engaged
in supporting the dignity and independence of the United States was the most active
instrument in procuring our emancipation from Britain.

I would also request information respecting the share the President
had in forming the Federal Constitution.

I expect my book will be put to the press on the 16 th of May, this induces me to request the faver of early
entilligence on the above mentioned subjects. 2

Be pleased, Madam to present my profound respects to the President.
My desire of contributing one mite to the just tribute of praise from a grateful country
will, I trust, exculpate me from arrogance in this address.

I have the honer to be with the highest sentiments of admiration
and esteem, / Madam, / Your much obliged, / and very humble servant.

Hannah Adams.