03/? historical otps ✧ john & abigail adams
John Adams → Paul Giamatti
Abigail Adams → Laura LinneyAlthough she lived at a time when many women were not educated, Abigail Adams learned to read, developing an appreciation of current events. Her intellect attracted her to a young lawyer, John Adams, and they were married in 1764.
It was an intellectual and romantic relationship that would last for more than 50 years. The intimacy of their courtship remained throughout their marriage, as did their copious letters.
The Revolutionary War and other events often forced Adams to be away from home for long periods of time, so they wrote each other over a thousand of long, affectionate letters. He often addressed his letters to his “Miss Adorable” or “My dear Diana” -after the Roman goddess – and Abigail addressed her letters to “My Dearest Friend”.
When she did join her husband, on diplomatic missions to Paris and London, and later in Washington, DC, Abigail was an esteemed partner, entertaining with style and observing people with interest, John valuing her advice above all others. She advocated an expanded role for women in public affairs during the formative days of the United States.
Abigail died of typhoid fever on October 28, 1818. Her last words were, “Do not grieve, my friend, my dearest friend. I am ready to go. And John, it will not be long.”
John and Abigail are buried side by side in a crypt located in Massachusetts.
