As a break from grading papers, I have been enjoying the wonderful new edition of selected letters of Abigail and John Adams, My Dearest Friend (Belknap Press). Here are two excerpts:John to Abigail from Paris, July 17, 1783, after three years of separation, considering the possibility of Abigail joining him with their daughter, "Nabby:"

The Question is whether it is possible for a Lady, to be once accustomed to the Dress, Shew &c of Europe, without having her head turned by it? This is an awfull Problem. If you cannot be Mistress enough of yourself, and be answerable for your Daughter, that you can put on and put off these Fooleries like real Philosophers, I advise you never to come to Europe, but order your husband home, for this you may depend on, your Residence in Europe will be as uncertain as the Wind. It cannot be depended on for one Year no nor for Six Months. You have Seen two or three very Striking Instances of the Precariousness, of Congress commissions, in my first, second, and third. The Bread that is earned on a farm is simple but sure. That which depends upon Politicks is as uncertain as they.

And Abigail to John , from Braintree, November 11, 1783, speaking of their young sons, Charles and Thomas, who had been sent to board with her sister and brother in law to be tutored for admission to Harvard:

I have a thousand fears for my dear Boys as they rise into Life, the most critical period of which is I conceive at the university; there infidelity abounds, both in example and precepts. There they imbibe the speicious arguments of a Voltaire a Hume a Mandevill if not from the fountain, they receive them at second hand. These are well calculated to intice a youth, not yet capable of investigating their principals, or answering their arguments. Thus is a youth puzzeld in Mazes and perplexed with error, untill he is led to doubt, and from doubting to disbelief. Christianity gives not such a pleasing latitude to the passions. It is too pure, it teaches moderation humility and patience, which are incompatible with the high Glow of Health, and the warm blood which riots in their veins. With them, "to enjoy, is to obey." I hope before either of our children are prepaird for colledge you will be able to return and assist by your example and advise. to direct and counsel them; that with undeviating feet they may keep the path of virtue.

I have also resolved no longer to correct students' misspellings and grammatical infelicities. They might appeal to 18th century precedents.

Robert P. Imbelli, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, is a longtime Commonweal contributor.

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