Posted on

an insolent Coxcomb, who rarely dined in good Company where there was good wine, without getting silly, and vapouring about his Administration, like a young Girl about her brilliants and trinketts

John Adams on Alexander Hamilton. [source]

This is the cutest fucking thing I have read about Alexander Hamilton today and that is saying a lot.

Adams goes on to say, rather incoherently:

From some Windows in my House I see the Capitol in Boston: not only its Dome and Steeple, but the whole body of the Building: from other Windows the view is obstructed by Trees Houses &c, in other Mens lands and there might be Pallaces and Temples. If I should swear I would cutt down all those Trees and burn all those sacred Temples and gorgious Palaces, in order to clear my View and actually attempt and accomplish some of this destruction, I should be an Emblem of the Bairn of Nevis.

Dude, he’s been dead for two years. You need to fucking chill. I also enjoy this about Washington from this letter (also to Benjamin Rush):

Talents? You will Say, what Talents? I answer. 1. An handsome Face. That this is a Talent, I can prove by the Authority of a thousand Instances in all Ages: and among the rest Madame DuBarry who said Le veritable Royaute est la Beauté 2. A tall Stature, like the Hebrew Sovereign chosen because he was taller by the Head than the other Jews. 3 An elegant Form. 4. graceful Attitudes and Movements. 5. a large imposing Fortune consisting of a great landed Estate left him by his Father and Brother, besides a large Jointure with his Lady, and the Guardianship of the Heirs of the great Custis Estate, and in Addition to all this, immense Tracts of Land of his own Acquisition.

George Washington: people just liked him because he was hot and rich. Okay, fair enough, I guess.

(via roselerner)

Posted on

03/? historical otps ✧ john & abigail adams

John Adams → Paul Giamatti
Abigail Adams → Laura Linney

Although 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.

Posted on

03/? historical otps ✧ john & abigail adams

John Adams → Paul Giamatti
Abigail Adams → Laura Linney

Although 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.