Patriotism in the female sex is the most disinterested of all virtues. Excluded from honors and from offices, we cannot attach ourselves to the State or Government from having held a place of eminence. Even in the freest countries our property is subject to the control and disposal of our partners, to whom the laws have given a sovereign authority. Deprived of a voice in legislation, obliged to submit to those laws which are imposed upon us, is it not sufficient to make us indifferent to the public welfare? Yet all history and every age exhibit instances of patriotic virtue in the female sex; which considering our situation equals the most heroic of yours.

Whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to men, emancipating all nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over wives. But you must remember that arbitrary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken -- and notwithstanding all your wise laws and maxims we have it in our power not only to free ourselves but to subdue our masters, and without violence throw both your natural and legal authority at our feet.

It is really mortifying, sir, when a woman possessed of a common share of understanding considers the difference of education between the male and female sex, even in those families where education is attended to... Nay why should your sex wish for such a disparity in those whom they one day intend for companions and associates.

    How far we have come and how proud Abigail Adams would be to see Hillary Clinton now, a standing U.S. Senator and a woman who was a strong contender for the highest office in the land!  To Mrs. Clinton and to her supporters all women owe a debt of gratitude.  This need not be tied to our positions on the issues; from respectful disagreement frequently grows deeper understanding.  So to all my fellow Obama supporters, I urge you to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous boost that Senator Clinton and her supporters have given to the women of this country, particularly to the generation not yet come of age.  Adding more voices can only add more ideas for renewing our country's strength.

    I do not arrogate to myself much intelligence or education.  My eldest children, 16 and 14, easily surpass me in knowledge of science, history, culture, and the world.  Their generation has amazed me these past 16 months in their perceptions and insights, and in the level of caring at such young ages about what happens to our country's government.  I foresee a new level of enlightenment as that generation steps in, but until then those of us who cannot further change must swallow our pride and step out of the way of those who can.  There are many, many people on this and other blog sites; working in offices small and large, doing all kinds of jobs; reading and passionately lobbying for change, who continue to make this country strong.  We must be proud of them and support them, and I think each of us, however insignificant, has the honor of knowing a few.  We cannot afford to let our personal feelings stand in the way of strengthening our country, whatever path that may take.  I am finally able to forgive Senator Clinton for the words that upset me during her campaign and to forgive some of her ardent supporters for stepping over the line in their enthusiasm for their candidate.  To the rest of her supporters, who supported her with kindness and endeavored to convert others with courteous persistence, I feel a debt of gratitude for the example they set.  This has been, and will continue to be, an extraordinary and unprecedented campaign.  It may prove to be one of the most significant in our country's history.  Thank you, Senator Clinton, and thank you, all who have supported her without animosity or hatred towards the rest of us.