Virtue
John Adams writes, “Let us, therefore, my dear partner from that affection which we feel for our lovely babes. Apply ourselves, by every way we can, to the cultivation of our farm. Let frugality and industry be our virtues, if they are not of any others. And above all cares of this life, let our ardent anxiety be to mold the minds and manners of our children. Let us teach them not only to do virtuously but to excel." Adams' children inspire his endorsement of morality. Moreover, Adams holds that excellence and virtuousness should be conjoined. Adams recommends that he and his wife should set up the idyllic examples to their children by embracing virtues so that their children could emulate them.
“Common Sense”
Abigail Adams notes, "You ask what is thought of "Common Sense." Sensible men think there are some whims, some sophisms, some artful addresses to superstitious notions, some keen attempts upon the passions, in this pamphlet. But all agree there is a great deal of good sense delivered in clear, simple, concise, and nervous style. His sentiments of the abilities of America, and the difficulty of reconciliation with Great Britain are generally approved." According to Abigail Adams, sensibility is imperative for enables people to merge their American Identity and British roots. Basic intelligence would be helpful in the cultivation of American identity. Moreover, common sense aids in making logical resolutions.
Congress
John Adams explains, “But at last it was determined by a majority, “that Congress being the representatives of the free and independent States of America, it was improper to appoint any of their members to confer in their private characters with his lordship (Lord Howe).” Congress is central in Americas’ democracy and governance. Its members are expected to use their officers in promoting governance and representation of people. Congress members are not expected to exploit their positions for personal interests.
'Tories versus Whigs'
Abigail Adams writes, “I am sometimes ready to suspect that there is communication between the Tories of every state; for they seem to know all news that is passing before it is known by the Whigs.” The Tories are more updated than the Whigs due to their networking which ensures that they are ahead of the Whigs in accessing the current news. Abigail Adams portrays the two groups as competitors in the political world.
'Hudson’s Bay'
Abigail Adams reports, “It is said that the efforts of our enemies will be to stop the communication between the Colonies by taking possession of Hudson’s Bay.” The Bay is crucial in linking colonies and facilitating movements among them. Taking over it would imperil the colonies by reducing collaboration among them.
