Abigail Adams’ Lexington and Concord Battles Letter Sells For $107,000

An Abigail Adams letter discussing the Battles of Lexington and Concord sold for $106,998, according to Boston-based RR Auction.

The one-page handwritten letter dated May 2, 1775, to activist poet and playwright Mercy Otis Warren, voices her fervent hope for the American cause in the immediate aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord: "Such a scene as we never before Experienced, and could scarcely form an Idea of. If we look back we are amazed at what is past, if we look forward we must shudder at the view. Our only comfort lies in the justice of our cause; and in the mercy of that being who never said, 'Seek ye me in vain.' These are consolation which the unbeliever knows not of, and which are a comfortable support, under all we feel, and all we fear."

Adams states: "All our worldly comforts are now at stake—our nearest and dearest connections are hazarding their lives and properties.—God give them wisdom and integrity sufficient to the great cause in which they are engaged. Britain, Britain how is thy glory vanished—how are thy Annals stained with the Blood of thy children."

Addressed on the integral leaf in Abigail Adams's hand. This significant letter has been quoted in several works on Adams and the American Revolution.

"It's a remarkable first-person account by Abigail Adams on the terror unleashed by the British Troops upon the citizens of Boston," said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction, "The price paid is reflective of this letters historical significance to understanding the American Revolution.”

Additional highlights from the sale:

• Mary Todd Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy letter sold for $50,000
• Abraham Lincoln Signed Check as President to his valet sold for $36,603
• Charles de Gaulle signed letter on Hitler, and World War II sold for $28,489.
• John Wilkes Booth signed personal copy of the play Lend Me Five Shillings, performed by him in 1858, sold for $28,446.