The reins of government have been so long slackened, that I fear the people will not quietly submit to those restraints which are necessary for the peace and security of the community.
ATTRIBUTION:
Abigail Adams (1744–1818), U.S. matriarch; wife and mother of United States President. Familiar Letters of John Adams and His Wife Abigail Adams, During the Revolution, letter dated November 27, 1775 (1875).
In a letter to her husband John Adams, who was away fighting in the American colonies’ revolution against Britain.
