Episode 6: Unnecessary War
John Adams, the first president to occupy the White House, arrived in Washington City two weeks before Abigail on 1 November 1800 only to find the newly constructed "President's House" still unfinished. In his letter to Abigail written the following day, he expresses his wish for the new building. Following his bitter defeat for re-election, Adams relinquished the presidency to his political rival, Thomas Jefferson, four short months later.
Letter excerpt from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 November 1800
Before I end my Letter I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof.
Other Adams documents related to the events of Episode 6
- For one example of how Abigail remained John Adams's political advisor until the end, see this letter in which she asks to see his list of judicial appointments just weeks before his long-awaited return to Quincy:
“"I wish you well through the remainder of your political journey. I want to see the list of judges." (from page 2 of a letter from AA to JA, 21 February 1801)