She got a lot of her ideas from reading Richardson's novels, especially the book Sir Charles Gradison. The book "gave the woman of innocense the sheltered environment necessary .realization of her full potential" (pg 12).
Abigail's father knew John Adams by working with him and she grew rather close to him starting a wedding. This now made her name Abigail Adams. Their wedding was held on October 25, 1764, a month before her twentieth birthday. John was a lawyer and very often was not at home due to court cases he had to attend to. Abigail was alone in raising her children with the help of the servants. This does not make her revolutionary because there are many women that are taking care of their children by themselves for many other reasons (Ch. 1). For instance, .
other politicians" wives during this time were most likely taking care of their kids by themselves .
too. .
The whole Adams family, of course, supported the colonists' cause. John was elected to serve as a delegate to America's first Continental Congress. Unfortunately, this would take John farther away from his family and for a longer time than ever before. This was normal around this time. Most politicians were out away from their family. That's not something new. Abigail, though she hated the prospect of facing her daily life without her partner, made no complaint about his acceptance. She had to respect that decision because she had no say during this time in history. Like any wife would do, she basically supported her husband's decision and not prevent him from reaching his highest potential. That would be selfish and very unexpected from a person during that time.
During their long periods of separation, Abigail and John kept in close contact with a steady flow letters. Beginning in her teens and throughout most of her life, Abigail devoted a significant amount of time and energy to correspondence with friends and family.