1. Letters from Colonial Women

2. As you read…
Compare the two letters’ messages about equality in the newly-formed United States. Recall the unalienable rights detailed in the Declaration of Independence. Are these extended to all individuals?
Consider the audience and purpose for each letter
How does each woman convey the message based on these factors?
Tone? Rhetoric?

3. Phillis Wheatley (1753?-1784) Former slave brought to Boston
Emancipated after the death of her master, John Wheatley
Learned English and Latin, studied literature
Taught by her master’s son and daughter
Her book of poetry was published the same year she earned her freedom- 1773
First published African-American female poet
Wrote the letter one year later (1774)
In response to a converted Mohegan minister’s protest against slave-owning ministers
Had corresponded with him since age 11

4. Abigail Adams ( )
Wife of President John Adams (third cousins!)
mother of President John Quincy Adams
close advisor to husband, a delegate to the Continental Congress at this time
No formal education
studied philosophy, theology, Shakespeare, the classics, ancient history, government and law
While her husband was away on business, she raised her four children, managed family matters, and wrote letters to her husband.
some of the earliest known writings calling for women's equal rights (an advocate of married women's property rights, more opportunities for women, particularly in the field of education)
Adams also believed that slavery was evil and a threat to the American democratic experiment.

5. Compare the two letters’ messages about equality in the newly-formed United States. Recall the unalienable rights detailed in the Declaration of Independence. Are these extended to all individuals?