“You bid me burn your letters. But I must forget you first.”
John Adams (1735–1826) 2nd President of the United States
Letter to Abigail Adams (28 April 1776)
1770s
Context: Is there no way for two friendly souls to converse together, although the bodies are 400 miles off? Yes, by letter. But I want a better communication. I want to hear your think, or to see your thoughts.
The conclusion of your letter makes my heart throb more than a cannonade would. You bid me burn your letters. But I must forget you first.