President and founding father John Adams and his wife Abigail exchanged hundreds of letters over several decades, creating a detailed record of our nation’s history and their relationship. VPR Presents historian Joseph Ellis on the Adams’ letters.

Ellis tells the story behind Abigail’s famous plea for her husband to "remember the ladies" as he helps to craft the laws of a new nation. He also explains how Abigail influenced her husband in his signing of the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Joseph Ellis spoke in Manchester as part of the Vermont Humanities Council's "First Wednesdays Series."