Adams Family Correspondence, volume 12
I have now the happiness of presenting to you another daughter,
worthy as I fully believe of adding one to the number of those who already endear that
relation to you.— The day before yesterday united us for life.1 My recommendation of her to your kindness and
affection I know will be unnecessary. My sentiment of her merit, will not at this
moment especially boast its impartiality, but if there be
as I believe an inseparable chain of connection which binds together all the domestic
virtues, I have the strongest pledge that she, who has in an amiable and respectable
family, adorned the characters of a daughter and Sister, will prove an equal ornament
to that of a wife.
In renewing to you, the assurances of my unalterable duty and affection, I would now join hers to them, but believe they will be 221 more acceptable to you from her own hand, remaining your ever faithful Son
The day before yesterday by uniting me to your beloved Son, has
given me a claim to solicit your parental affection, a claim I already feel will
inspire me with veneration to pursue the path of rectitude, and render me worthy as deserving of your esteem and tenderness,
as those who stand in the same relation, my pride would be severely wounded to yield
the palm in the fulfillment of my duties either as wife or daughter, to be respected
in these characters, and to meet the approbation of my Husband, and family, is the
greatest wish of my heart— Stimulated by these motives (your affection the reward)
will prove a sufficient incitement, never to sully the title of subscribing myself
your, / Dutiful Daughter
RC (Adams
Papers); endorsed by AA: “J Q Adams / L C Adams. july / 28th 1797.”
JQA described his wedding day: “At nine this morning
I went accompanied by my brother to Mr: Johnson’s, and
thence to the Church of the Parish of All Hallows, Barking, where I was married to
Louisa Catherine Johnson, the second Daughter of Joshua and Catherine Johnson,—by Mr: Hewlett.— Mr: Johnson’s
family, Mr: Brooks, my brother and Mr: J. Hall were present. We were married before 11. in the morning: and
immediately after, went out to see Tilney House; one of the splendid Country seats for
which this Country is distinguished.— We returned at about 4. P. M. The company before
mentioned, and Mrs: Court a friend of Mrs: Johnson, dined with us.— The day was a very long one and
closed at about 11” (D/JQA/24, APM Reel 27). JQA and LCA’s
marriage certificate, along with a copy, are both in the Adams Papers. For LCA’s recollection of the
wedding, see LCA, D&A
, 1:50.