ADAMS, Abigail (1477-1818). Autograph letter signed (''A.A.'') to Elizabeth Cranch, Auteuil, 3 January 1785.

ADAMS, Abigail (1477-1818). Autograph letter signed ("A.A.") to Elizabeth Cranch, Auteuil, 3 January 1785.

Four pages, 238 x182mm, bifolium (reinforced along top margin and at top of spine, minor fold separations at margins).

Abigail Adams offers a comprehensive description of the Théâtre-Français du Faubourg Saint-Germain. Written amidst her nine-month stay in Europe to join her husband who was serving as a commissioner negotiating commercial treaties, Adams sends a lengthy letter to Betsy Cranch, describing, in minute detail, the exterior and interior details of the Théâtre-Français, which had been completed recently in 1782. She describes it as a “Monument is open on every side, and is in the form of a parallelogram ... In front of the middle Door; and at the bottom of the Hall, there is a marble statue of Voltaire. The doors which open upon both sides of this statue, serve as an entrance into a large entry, which was designed as a safe retreat in case of fire. Accordingly it communicates with the highest Galleries as well as the pit, the orchestra and the stairs of all the Boxes.” She continues in this manner for several pages, describing each detail of the building’s interior and exterior so her correspondent could form a complete mental picture and adds, “Fancy, my dear Betsy this house filled with 2000 well drest gentlemen and Ladies! The house is large enough to hold double the number. Suppose some tragedy to be represented which requires the grandest scenery, and the most superb habits of kings and Queens, the parts well performed; and the passions all excited, until you imagine yourself living at the very period; and witnessing what you see represented, or, in the Words of Pope, ‘Live o’er the scene, and be what you behold.’”

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY FROM THE ROGER D. JUDD COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL LETTERS, DOCUMENTS AND MANUSCRIPTS