Page 1, Letter from Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, [10] June 1778

In this letter to John Quincy Adams, who recently left with his father John Adams for Europe, Abigail Adams writes how difficult it is for her to be separated from her eldest son during his boyhood. However, she is comforted that during his travels he is under the care of "the Most Excellent parent and Guardian." Abigail goes on to give her son advice on his behavior, and reminds him that "Great Learning and superior abilities, should you ever possess them, will be of little value and small Estimation, unless Virtue, Honour, Truth and integrety are added to them. Adhere to those religious Sentiments and principals which were early instilled into your mind and remember that you are accountable to your Maker for all your words and actions."