"You are in possession of a natural good understanding and of spirits unbroken by adversity, and untamed with care. Improve your understanding for acquiring useful knowledge and virtue, such as will render you an ornament to society, an honor to your country, and a blessing to your parents…and remember you are accountable to your Maker for all your words and actions....
From a June 1778 letter Abigail Adams gave to her son John Quincy, 10, on the occasion of his sailing to France with his father John, the future second President.
