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 15. July 1822 My dearest friend I thank you for your affectionate remembrance of my birthday—We passed it as pleasantly as circumstances would admit at Mr Frye’s; but I…
Washington 18. July 1822 My dearest Louisa. On the back of my last Letter, I acknowledged the receipt of yours of the 14th. and yesterday came your delightful Journal of…
Washington 2. August 1822. My dearest Louisa. I continue to receive your journals—that of the 29th. was the last; and they would continue to be most agreeable, if they all…
Washington 5. August 1822 My dearest Louisa Your Journal of 31st. July and 1st. instt. is received. I enclose you another Check for 100 Dollars, that you may be [.…
Washington 6 August 1822 My dearest friend. I enclose you a Letter from Mrs Frye—upon whom I called last Evening—Mr Frye doubts whether he will have it in his power…
Washington 23. Aug. 1822 My dearest Louisa. All your journals have been duly received, and I should not have [failed writing to you ] [. . .] for the exception…
Washington 26. August 1822. My dearest Louisa— Instead of four 5 dollar bills, I enclose you a draft, payable to your order , on a Bank in Philadelphia—I am a…
Washington 28. Augt. 1822 Dearest Louisa. Joseph has arrived safe with the Carriage and horses. Your journal of the 24th. and 25th. was doubly agreeable, after the interval of suspension,…
Washington 23. Septr. 1822— My dearest Louisa. Your journal of the 16th. 17th. and 18th. from Bordentown was doubly grateful, for being unexpected—I am delighted to learn that you have…
Paris ce 25 Septembre 1822 il m’a été bien pénible Madame de partir sans vous revoir et sans scavoir si Je pouvois vous être bonne à quelque chose sûr cet…
Quincy 17th. December. 1822. my Dear Daughter With high spirits I received the hand writing and the journal of the 1st. of this Month. I opened gay hopes before me…
Quincy December 25th. 1822— My Dear Daughter Your Journal beginning the third of the month has given me great pleasure. You are much to be envied and much to be…
Quincy December 29th. 1822 My Dear Daughter. I have received your last Journal and found it entertaining though you seem to think so little of it; I have infinitely less…
Philad: Jany. 1. 1823 My dear Madam— A few days ago there arrived at this port of Philadelphia, in a packet from Alexandria, a certain box, directed to me; which,…
Quincy February 15th. 1823— my dear Daughter Thanks for your Journal of the 26th. There is in human nature, a germe of superstition which has cost mankind very dear; And…
Quincy March 6th. [ , Start insertion, 1823 , End, ] My dear daughter— As I consider y’r ladyship as always imprison’d during a session of Congress I congratulate you…
Quincy 22d. April 1823 My Dear Daughter. Your favor of the 16th. is a reviving cordial in which I have languished for a fortnight—But I have to complain, that it…
Quincy May 10th. 1823— my Dear Daughter Thanks for your favor of the third—With great pleasure I learn that you are all convalescent, and that your Brother is well and…
Boston 10th. December 1823. My dear Mother. Just this moment opening my shutters I find the ground covered with snow and it lays apparently somewhat deep. We have had a…
Washington 17. June 1824. My dearest wife. Since Johnson Hellen departed, last Sunday, I have been moping in Solitude; but the day after he went away, I was made light-hearted…
Washington 27. June 1824. Your journalizing Letters, my dearest friend, from the 18th. to the 23d. have been received—And are most of all welcome, for assuring me of your continued…
Boston 8th. December 1824. My dear Mother. It is really afflicting to hear that you are again subjected to painful illness and to observe in your letters a depression and…
Near Trenton—April 25th. 1825 You will no doubt my dear Mrs. Adams, be much surprised at receiving a letter from one of whom you have seen and known so little…
Boston 6th. May 1825. My beloved Mother. Your letter of the 1st. instant has affected me deeply: it was received this morning and afforded me more real pleasure perhaps than…